The Gorge

My childhood was filled with wonderful trips to places like Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge, Southern Utah, Redwoods, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon...and many others. If there were science lessons to be learned, beautiful hikes to take, impressive land features to see, adventures to be had, and most of all fish to catch at a particular place we probably traveled there. Looking back on it now, I feel so fortunate to have had those kind of experiences. My parents were kind enough to invite us on a trip to Flaming Gorge a couple of weeks ago. After a long school year, a break was very much needed for Heath and my Dad. My Mom and I got talking during the trip about how refreshing it is to relive childhood experiences. She just got back from Hawaii and body surfing there took her back to the days she spent in the surf while vacationing in France as a little girl. This trip did the same thing for me. I felt the child-like adventurous side of me come back- especially when Heath and I were on top of a 35 ft cliff or while we were wrestling for position on the tube, hanging out on the boat while the fishermen caught fish after fish, or when my Dad quizzed me about some rock formation.

The trip was wonderful. Jack handled camping fairly well. He loved watching the wake the boat made and found out he loves sucking the juice out of grapes. I got much needed sun and time outside, my Mom got Jack-time, and Heath and my Dad caught 50+ fish. It was a great start to summer.

Fish were caught...

 

Cliffs were jumped...

Life jackets were worn... (even though we think his cheeks alone could make him float!)

Tubes were ridden... (just so everyone knows- I knocked Heath off.)

Sun was soaked...

Naps were taken...

Glassy water was skied... (my first time in 2 years!)

Boats were driven...

Mohawks and mullets were styled...

More wonderful memories were made...

Thanks for the fun-filled trip Mom and Dad!

Wrangler Bums

Heath has a pair of wranglers that he usually wears when he works with the cows. If I'm being honest, I would have to say I don't find them attractive, but Heath is convinced I love them on him... Thank goodness he just wears them to work in. Even though I don't love the wrangler look, I couldn't resist posting pictures of this little buck-a-roo. He has a very cute wrangler bum! (sorry husband.)

This handsome cowboy outfit was a DI find from Jack's Aunt Lisa...as are most of his clothes. I must say he is one cute little cowboy. Heath was beaming with pride when he saw Jackster dressed like this. Like father...like son. I love my boys.

24 months. 104 weeks. 730 days. 17,520 hours...

Marriage definitely helps perfect us. This quote often reminds me why a happy marriage takes work. "Our marriage really can be the most satisfying and sanctifying- and most demanding- experience of our lives. It is more than coincidence that the most sanctifying experiences of our spiritual lives should also be the most demanding experiences. Family life, with marriage at its center, is the homeroom of the earth school our Father created to give His children a place to learn and to grow. Our homes are laboratories where we test and develop our religion.
"Once a couple is married in the temple, they are not yet living a celestial life. Rather, they walk out of the temple much the Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden- to enter a sometimes tough and lonely world. Their temple wedding gives them the authority of eternal marriage, but they will spend the rest of their lives working to create a marriage of celestial quality, striving and growing against opposition."
-Bruce C. Hafen

24 months. 104 weeks. 730 days. 17,520 hours...Any way you calculate it 2 years isn't very long in the big picture, especially when compared to veteran couples like my mom and dad and my in-laws. We have a long way to go, but some days it seems like we've always known each other- like we've been married 24 years not 24 months (in a good way of course!). Other days I find out something new about Heath or I realize I have so much to learn about being married. Lucky for me, Heath is very forgiving...or at least forgetful! As the hours, days, weeks, months, and years continue to add up I hope we will keep learning how to be more loving, be more patient, more forgiving, more selfless, more unified, more Christ-like.

I'm so grateful for this Heath and all he does to work toward creating a marriage of celestial quality, especially in the face of adversity.

Heath would agree, I know because he told me last night:), that we are each other's best friend. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Best friends have disagreements about how to pronounce the word syrup.
Best friends give each other back rubs after rough days or head aches.
Best friends can get annoyed of each other when dirty socks end up on the floor right next to the laundry basket! or when the other says she is ready to go but still has 10 more minutes.
Best friends do things just because they know how much the other loves it... ie-walking through a field of cows or competing in triathlons.
Best friends tell each other when they have a booger.

Best friends make important decisions together like building a house.

Best friends argue about who gets to take the Captain to Priesthood/Relief Society. 

Best friends forgive and keep loving. 

Best friends eat graham crackers and milk late at night together and talk.
Best friends are entertained for hours taking photo booth pictures...

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Guap! 

I love you.

To celebrate Heath and I went to the Temple and dinner at the Olive Garden. My sister Bec and Brotha-in-law Jake offered to baby sit. Bec is one of my role models, so I thought Jack was in good hands until I found these pictures on my camera...

The answer is Aunt Bec...

Jack has some pretty cute cousins...

Animal Expert Jed

Super Princess Madilyn

Giggly Emmers

(Emily is 3.5 months older than Jack...they weight the same...)

Thanks Bec and Jake! 

Captain Jack's Log: 4.5 months

Squeals. Thumb Sucking. Eating. Rolling. Giggles. Grabbing Toys. Eating Toys. Smiles. More Thumb Sucking. Naps. Jabbers. Grabbing Mom's Hair. More Eating. Peek-a-Boo. Sticking Tongue Out. More Rolling. Hiccups. More Jabbers. Kicking. More Smiles. And lets not forget explosive poops. . . That sums up Jack's day.

Jack is growing up too fast. I want to pickle him so he stays just like this! But then he starts doing something new and I realize the fun will continue. At his four month check up, Jack weighed 16.7 lbs (82 percentile) and was 26.25 inches long (90 percentile). He is a big boy. His smile matches his height and weight. I can't get enough of it! Jack puts everything in his mouth. He LOVES being on his belly. Bath time is full of kicking and giggles (good sign he is a natural swimmer). Dad's guitar playing and walks in the stroller can keep his attention for hours. We love you little munchkin!

Visit From My Aunties

About a month ago my aunts Julie (from Australia) and Jenny (from England) came to the States for a vacation together. They had some crazy adventures- skydiving in Vegas, four-wheeling in Moab, mountain biking, more skydiving, and getting invites to dinner from old men. I can't speak for them, but I think the most climatic part of their trip had to have been synchronized ice skating in Park City. We had an audience and even a volunteer coach. I'm sure it was quite the sight to see a group of women with an average age of 40 years, not so gracefully dancing on the ice. It was a blast! I have really cool aunties! (I'll get the video posted soon:)

                                       

It was such a treat to spend time with them. It was only about the third or forth time we've been around each other, but it definitely didn't feel that way for me. I felt a wonderful connection with them. I finally understood where my sisters and I inherited our silliness- the Kemp side of the family! Julie and Jenny shared some great stories. Julie's husband raises sheep. I was so glad to have the chance to talk about the joys and stresses of being a farmer's/rancher's wife with her. Jenny had some hilarious stories of her work as a vet- - operations on pet chickens?! One of the best parts of their visit was seeing my mom so happy with her sisters. They had such a good time together! There is something wonderful about sisters. My mom was in heaven. I know how that is too, I love my sisters- they are my best friends. 

Jack with his great-aunt Julie

Jack with his great-aunt Jenny

I'm grateful for such wonderful relatives. Spending a couple of days with Jamie, my mom, Jenny, and Julie reminded me the importance of sisters and family.

Don't be fooled, these are my aunts- not sisters!

Love you Jenny and Julie!

A New Found Hobby

After having surgeries on my knees two years ago I haven't been able to do very many of the things I love...at least not as intensely as I would like. No serious running- just short intervals of "waddling" as my mom calls it. Me riding a bike up a hill is quite the sight to see. Rock climbing would probably be close to impossible. Slalom water skiing or snowboarding are still out of the picture. I've felt like a little kid with 60 year old knees that can't keep up. Its been quite the challenge for me to not be as active as I want.

Before Jack was born I realized I needed to stop having a pity party and find something new I could enjoy  and easily do as a mommy. Finding a new hobby wasn't easy. Heath was hoping I would fall in love with correcting Spanish papers but that didn't happen. One day I walked into a fabric store with my mom last summer and I knew I had found it. Quilting- A hobby that matches the age of my knees! You wouldn't think quilting and running are similar, but they are. Give me a chance to explain...

I loved running because of the solitude I found on a trail, the challenge during a run, and the overwhelming feeling of triumph afterwards. Running up Logan canyon invigorated my senses. I was addicted to the crisp fresh air that filled my lungs. Hearing the rushing water of the river along side my favorite trail and seeing the beauties of nature put life in perspective for me. The rhythmic crunch of my Asics on the rocky trail created all the music a runner could need. My body felt a rush of adrenaline as I thought of the switch backs I would eventually reach. I eagerly anticipated the coming challenge. 

After a few miles the pain would slowly set in. My legs began to feel like they weighed twice as much, little aches would start to surface, and my lungs would burn. Then the mental battle would begin...should I just stop and walk for a bit? It feels as though each mile gets longer. Can I really finish? My form would get sloppy and my mental focus would waiver. Why did I want to run so many miles today? Motivation hit as I remembered the last race I competed in. Step after step the end gets closer. Soon I would feel the exhausted gratification that I couldn't get enough of. That sounds exactly like quilting doesn't it?

Quilting is like a mental retreat, a creative challenge, and another chance to conquer. The bell chimes as I open the door of the Cotton Shop. I am instantly energized by the sights and sounds. I see the clean vibrant colored fabrics line the walls of the store. There are too many prints and designs to choose from and my mind begins to race. Touching the crisp cottons and fuzzy fleece and hearing the humming of a sewing machine in the background sends me into a focused trance. It seems the standard music for any fabric store is the endless chatter of women. As I wander down each isle of fabrics I'm overcome with a giddy excitement as I envision my next project.

The real work begins as I carefully cut and sew each piece together. My fingers are tired of pinning, my foot is cramping from pressing the pedal, and my neck and back are developing knots from sitting in the same position for so long. The inner dispute begins...should I give this up for a few months? It seems like the rows are never-ending. Am I ever going to get this finished? My stitch is far from straight. Why did I decided to make a queen size?? Ambition returns as I admire blankets given to me by a few quilting experts. Piece after piece the quilt begins to come together. Soon I can wrap up in the finished product satisfied. 

Captain Jack's Pirate Blanket

This one is a rag quilt- not quite finished

Back of the Pirate Blanket

I started this quilt over a year ago.
I wanted to make a queen size quilt for
our bed. Eventually I'll get it done!

I had it professionally quilted-
I can't take credit for the swirls.

T-Shirt Quilt from all my HS Sports

House Hunting

A few months ago Heath and I were talking about how ridiculously expensive rent is. We did some researching and found we could have a cheaper house payment for a home than a two bedroom apartment. We are sick of dumping our money into a teeny tiny apartment we don't even like, I am beyond ready to have a second bedroom for the Captain because he is a bit of a noisy sleeper, and we really don't like living in the city...and so the house hunting began. Of course Heath needs to be close to his beloved cows, we both like small towns, but want to be close to Salt Lake for Heath's job so the search started in Stansbury Park.

I'm sure most people will agree searching for a house is stressful. There has been a huge learning curve for us. To keep a long story short- We've seen many houses and dislike nearly all of them. Finding the right house for the right price has been difficult, stressful, and frustrating. Options to build have come up, which have add to the stress.... One night I threw all the house papers we had away in frustration and vowed to give up the hunt. Heath just laughed and called me the next morning to see if I had pulled them out of the garbage yet. I've learned I'm not always a patient person. Thankfully I have a husband who is. Not only is he patient, but thorough. I have learned from him how important it is to make sure you understand it all, even the little things. Sometimes it drives me crazy how much he analyzes and re-analyzes, but I am so glad he does and that he includes the Lord in analyzing.

The hunt is still ongoing, but I'm dealing with it more patiently thanks to Heath. I know things will work out they way they should... after all "home" for me really is just being with my sweet husband and my Jack Jack.

Captain Jack's Log - Chunky Monkey

Our little Jackster is now 2 months old! He seems to be the size of most 4 month old babies. Heath and I always make bets with how much he weighs, but at his last appointment neither of us were even close. After laying him on the scale, I was a bit shocked when it read 13lbs 13oz! Lets just say Jack likes to eat. He is in the 92 percentile for weight. I think a couple of those pounds are in his cheeks alone. Jack is also in the 43 percentile for length and 50 percentile for head circumference. It's amazing how fast they grow!!

Not only does Jack like to eat, but he loves to jabber. Dad says he inherited that from mom...I hardly get anything done all day because I can't help but lay on the floor next to my jabbering little guy and have a little conversation. Its been so fun to see how he is learning the concepts of communicating. I will say something to him and when I'm done talking he will coo and gurgle his response. Then he stops and looks at me as if he's waiting for me to reply.

Jack is full of smiles, even when mom cant get his overalls on. He is really strong too and has rolled over from his belly to back twice. His second favorite thing to eat is his right hand. I've decided it will be easier and less stressful to just accept that he is going to be a thumb sucker! I love watching this little guy grow and learn. Being a mom is the most rewarding responsibility and privilege I've had.