Grass Is Always Greener Than Dirt

Its everywhere. I thought it would be gone by now, but its still here leaving its mark all over our shoes, clothes, and my kitchen floor. I look at all my neighbors' yards (enviously I'll admit) with luscious grass, blossoming flowers, and shady trees and see that it really is greener on the other side. But I realize there is a time and season for all things. Right now its our time for dirt. I can't complain too much because although the yard installer works slow, he does it right. "Measure twice, cut once" he always tells me. Sometimes I think he measures three or four times, but at least I know he is doing it right and that we are going to have a beautiful yard to enjoy...one day.

It has been, and continues to be, a long process to meet our end goal of green grass. It has made me grateful for a husband who is not only willing to work, but gets passionate about it- especially given my physical state and inability to work too much right now. Heath has saved us thousands of dollars by going the do-it-yourself route. I may be biased but I think his work has the same quality as the professionals. We've also had help from family and neighbors so far. I truly appreciate being surrounded by such wonderful people.

Project Green Grass began back in May. Given the concrete, clay-like dirt we are surrounded by, we rented a tiller attachment for the bobcat we borrowed from Heath's dad. Heath and Jack went at it, tilling up our entire yard. Jack LOVES riding in the skid-steer with his dad. He spent hours in it with him. One windy day, after helping dad drive the "ta-chor"for nearly an hour, he came out of it caked in dust and dirt with a huge grin on his face. What a boy.

Next came the landscaping and leveling. Because our front yard has a big slope we made two levels and added some big landscape rocks Heath's Uncle John gave us. Thanks John! Many of our wonderful neighbors helped Heath place the rocks. Even with my father-in-law's bobcat, it took a lot of hands! Thanks Mace, Jake, and Richard!!!

It was clear leveling was Heath's favorite task and the one he was a perfectionist about. He told me several times, "We need a flat lawn to practice grounders on Wife!" Pulling a baseball field grate behind the four wheeler did the trick. It brought most of the rocks to the surface and gave us the flattest dirt yard in all of Stansbury. Heath, Jack, and our nephew Landon (who's really more like a brother to Heath) cleared out, what seemed like, endless piles of rocks.

The last few weeks have been devoted to the sprinkling system. Using an online program, I designed the basics of it.  It felt great to contribute somehow to the Project Green Grass.. After some minor tweaks to the plan, we were ready. Trenching, pipe laying, gluing, valve installing, sprinkler head attaching, pipe burying, etc etc... has filled every spare second. Jack catches on to the work thats going on pretty quick and is eager to help. He often followed Heath around the yard with his shovel, pieces of PVC pipe, or a sprinkler head and he quickly became an expert at filling in trenches.  We can almost smell the green grass! After spreading out the huge pile of top soil we have sitting in front of our house the sod laying will begin. Hopefully I'll get to post pictures of the final results by the end of the summer...

Celebrating 3 Years of Marriage in a Natural Wonder

I was in charge of planning our anniversary this year. I wanted to keep our anniversary simple, but memorable without spending a fortune. I was excited to have a relaxing date with my best friend and eternal companion. As with most things in life, the beginning of our date did not go as expected. As hard as I tried to make an effective plan, things- in this case a motorcycle- just got in the way. Its not what I want to remember about our 3rd Anniversary, but because of Heath's giddiness over the machine I need to share a few details...

I picked Heath up from work. After which he informed me we needed to make a short detour to pick up the Enduro bike (Suzuki DR-Z400 E with Proaction suspension, skid plate, brush beaters, Renthal handle bars, and street legal kit to be exact) that he was buying from someone on KSL. Heath's concept of time isn't always accurate and despite my efforts to make him understand we had an appointment we needed to be on time for, the bike was purchased and we were 30 minutes behind schedule. Luckily we recovered from the stressful situation and were still able to enjoy our anniversary date. We quickly dropped the Captain off at my parents' house and we were on our way.

Heath had no idea what I had planned for us until we reached the Midway area. After seeing our swim suits in the back of the car, he guessed it. Snorkeling in the Crater! The Crater is a geothermal spring located in a 55 ft tall lime stone rock in the shaped like a beehive. The water is always between 90-96 degrees and its about 65 feet deep. Its a unique phenomenon!

(I'm not really sure what Heath's face is doing in this pic, but I think he was excited...)

There is a hole at the top of the rock that lets in light and fresh air. To reach the pool we walked through a short tunnel where they provide changing stalls and lockers. 

We had such relaxing experience. The water was clear and a beautiful blue-green color. I was a bit disappointed they required life jackets, but Heath was definitely relieved. My prego body loved feeling close to weightless! We had fun watching the scuba divers below and swimming through the endless bubbles they made. We snorkeled and soaked in the peaceful natural wonder. 

Happy Anniversary Guap! 

I love and appreciate you more today than I did three years ago. Your strengths have blessed our home, allowed us to become more united, helped us overcome some tough trials, and kept us close to our Savior.  

I'm one lucky lady to have you forever. I love you.

Captain Jack's Log : 16 months

We are the lucky parents of a kid who loves life! Some of the many things that make life so great for Jack is watching 'Little House on the Prairie', throwing his diapers away, getting messy and making messes, trying to put socks and shoes on himself and us, opening and closing doors, "driving" the car, running down the driveway, collecting rocks, sweeping floors, chewing on toothbrushes, and lets not forget- throwing balls.

Jack has been busy growing and learning. At 15 months he weighed 24.63 lbs (50th percentile), was 31.75 in tall (67th percentile). Jack enjoys doing most anything, with an exception of coming inside the house after playing outside. There are however a few things that he seems to be innately passionate about. Heath and I didn't do much coaxing in these areas- its just who he is. Our Captain is an...

Animal Lover

Jack loves animals. He is especially fond of cats, dogs, cows, and birds. He is perfectly comfortable sitting it the corral with the cows literally and pretend. When he hears the neighbor's dog bark, his head pops up, eyes widen, and he excitedly says "dow!". If a cat is in sight, he's instantly on the run trying to catch it, with arms stretched out, and repeatedly saying "mow". Slides and play grounds go on hold when a bird is spotted by Jack "wow! teet teet!"

I feel a bit embarrassed to share these stories because they show how much of chicken I am when it comes to dogs. Its clear my son is much more comfortable around animals than I am (But in my defense I've been chased and nipped at too many times while on runs to really love them). A couple of months ago we were on a walk along Village Blvd. All of the sudden a huge dog on the other side of the fence jumped and lean against the fence barking ferociously at us. He must of been standing on something because I could see his entire head and his massive front paws were on top of the fence. I thought he was going to jump over. Terrified, I started running while pushing Jack in the stroller. Jack the Animal Lover's response was, "Oh wow,  wow dow! Dow!" We also encountered another large dog with his owner at the park one day. I took my eyes off the Captain for a brief moment and next thing I know he is running with out stretched arms toward this dog. By the time I reach him he is standing right next to the dog and gets licked all over. The dog was taller than he was, but that didn't seemed to phase him even though I was freaking out. He was just a little shocked that he got licked. The look on his face seemed to say "I didn't know dogs did that!"

Thumb Sucker with a Blanket Obsession

He wouldn't take a binkie or drink from a bottle as a baby- all this kid needed was his right thumb. I've been grateful he is a thumb sucker because we never lose it, Jack can find it himself in the middle of the night, and it has helped him become a pretty good sleeper. Jack would never admit there is a negative side to favorite hobby of thumb sucking, but there is. Calluses upon calluses upon calluses. And lets not forget that every grimy germ Jack has touched usually ends up in his mouth. He doesn't seem to mind an occasional dirt covered thumb, but I sure do. Lastly, weaning seems like it will be much more difficult than if he was in love with binkies. Hopefully the kid decides to give it up himself. 

Now lets talk about Jack's very best friend in the entire universe. Its blue, yellow, and white, soft and cuddly, usually really dirty, and attached to Jack most of the day and all night. You guessed it- his blanket. I have no idea why this blanket became the lucky friend, but I've learned the hard way not to separate the two. Jack's bff often comes to breakfast, lunch, and dinner with him so you can imagine what it looks like after PB&J's. Washing the beloved blanket is tricky. Jack has a major melt down if he sees me put it in the washing machine or hang it out to dry (our dryer is currently not working and it seems the repair man of the house isn't working either...). I also have to time it just right so Jack's precious friend is ready for nap time when he is. If not, there is no nap taking. Period. 

Nudist

(This may contain PG-13 material and is not suited for young children)

Life is really good for the Captain when I let him run around naked. He loves loves loves it. Getting dressed after all the freedom...he doesn't love so much. The pictures really just say it all... and that he has a cute little bum.

Keeper of the Blocks and Expert Hurdle Inspector

Jack tries to be my helper at track practices, but usually ends up getting in the way of the hurdlers. He loves riding in the cart with the blocks, setting up the blocks, and inspecting each hurdle when we are doing drills. Jack's idea of hurdling is going under not over. Giving the kids Hi5's as they do their warm up laps is also one of his jobs. The Captain's favorite thing at practice is calling the runners to the blocks. He caught on to the starting process very quickly. "Runners to your mark....Set...Go" (with a clap to imitate the gun sound). The clap is Jack's specialty and he often confuses the kids because he claps a little too early. We work on Jack's start at practice too. His reaction is a little delayed because he wanst to do the clap part himself. Once he explodes he is a speedster...but just in the 100 inch dash.

Jack finds most everything in life to be so exciting and fun. It is such a blessing because it helps us find joy in the little things. "Wow!" is Jack's signature saying. If something is really cool it gets a double wow. All I can say is that our Captain Jack is a double wow in my book. 

We love you little bug!

My Bovine-Lovers

I may as well admit that Jack inherited the Bovine-Lover gene in his chemical makeup. It is completely obvious, especially since the cows were moved to the Erda pasture less than 5 minutes from our house. We've been over a few times to check on them and both Heath and Jack are clearly in their element as we wander through the field. I may not love the cows like they do, but I love the tranquility found in the fields on the east bench in Erda. Its the closest thing to Kamas in the sage-brushed filled Tooele Valley. Heath and I have dreams of one day building over there.

Jack doesn't have much fear when it comes to the cows. He would walk right up to them if they'd let him. The calves, who I must admit are pretty cute, were so curious about Jack. Our little rancher in-training would walk toward them with his arms stretched out saying "mooof". I had a great time capturing a few of the peaceful moments we had yesterday. I sure do have some handsome bovine-loving boys! 

Pregnancy The Second Time Around

Being pregnant the second time around is much less exciting. With Jack I knew exactly how many weeks and days I was into the pregnancy. I wrote down my blood pressure, current weight, pregnancy weight gain, belly measurement, and Jack's heart rate after every doctor's appointment. And I could have probably told you how many times I felt him move around throughout the day. My first pregnancy felt like it was never going to end, like Jack was never going to get here, but with good reason because he was a week late. The nine months were full of anticipation, excitement and plenty of nerves.

Everything seems to be quite the opposite this time around. I can't keep track of what week I'm on, I don't remember many, if any, of the stats from my last doctor appointment, and it seems like I just found out I was pregnant, not about to start my third trimester. The last 5 months have been a whirlwind for me and before I know it I'm going to have two little munchkins!

That thought, however, does provoke very similar feelings I had during my first pregnancy. I do get excited and wonder- Is he going to look like his big brother? What are we going to name him? Are he and Jack going to be best buds? What's his personality going to be like? I have been excited for this little guy to come, but there's lots of nerves this time around as well- How am I going to handle TWO?? Two under the age of two?!! What if this little guy has as much energy as Jack?! Will the recovery be as rough with this one?

Everyone says its much easier with two. But even if they are wrong, I know its possible. Its possible because of love. When I get tired of feeling the aches and pains of pregnancy and the frustrations and exhaustions of motherhood, Jack reminds me why its worth it. One glimpse of him finding the cat on each page of his favorite book and saying "meow" or doing his signature dance move when he hears music he likes, then I know I can do it. I can handle the sleepless nights, the meltdowns, the ligament and hip pains, the blow outs, the stretch marks, the picky eating, the labor and delivery, the protests, and the postpartum recovery. Its possible and its worth it because of love. I know I'm going to love this little guy just as much as I love Jack. He'll bring with him his own set of special skills to torment and frustrate me, but also an abundance of moments that melt my heart and fill me with indescribable joy.

For the record, and to help me remember...

I am 24 weeks and 3 days

Approx. 15 weeks and 4 days left.

Watching Jack Grow

Just the other night I came into the kitchen to find 13 month old Jack pushing his high chair (it has wheels on the legs) back and forth, along the our hardwood floors. When I watched him closer I realized he had become an expert high chair scooter-riding man! Jack would push it for a couple of steps and then put one of his feet on the horizontal bar that connects the back legs, then give himself a few more pushes with his other foot and then coast! I kept watching just to see if it was a coincidence, but I'm positive it wasn't. He did it 3 more times. This kid continues to impress me.

I'm sure its partly because I'm his mom and am in love with the kid, but Jack does seem to be really coordinated for his age. The distance he can throw a ball, right or left handed, nearly exceeds what I can do. The crazy bug loves to walk around the house kicking a ball too. And I'm definitely happy with his attempts to blow bubbles, kick his legs, and float on his back at the pool. We've got an athlete on our hands. Of course it thrills both of us and causes arguments about whether he's going to play baseball in the spring or run track or play soccer. Maybe he'll fool us both and play the tuba.

I have a feeling the Captain is going to be like his mamma. At least thats clear with his recent shoe fetish. He carries our shoes around the house all the time. He seems to have good taste because he always goes for our Nikes. I find shoes it places I would never expect. One early morning before leaving for work, Heath couldn't find his favorite shoes to wear. Later that morning I found them in Jack's dirty clothes basket covered with clothes. He has also become very proud of his own shoes and finally keeps them on his feet!

Shoe is one of 12 words Jack says with his own slight variation. Dad, Mom, ball, throw, cow, dog, mooo, meow, hot, no, and don't are the rest. I wish he didn't use the last two as much as he does. Our little bug is also very interested in pens and paper. If he can get a hold of one, he tries to hold it with the tips of his fingers and write with it. Soon I'll be saying good bye to my newly painted walls. Jack knows where other people's nose, eyes, lips, and ears are too. We're working on finding his own nose, but he really seems to like to grab everyone else's nose and bite Heath's for some reason.

I love watching my buddy grow and learn! He is full of curiosity, energy, and laughter. I picture him teaching his little bro all the ropes. If only he would eat potatoes, pasta, rice, chicken, hamburger, eggs, vegetables, beans....he would be just about perfect.

Lessons from the Captain : The Peg-Legged Pirate

A week ago Captain Jack decided he wanted to walk the plank...and oh was I feeling stressed for several days afterward. Jack and stairs seem to have a magnetic reaction with one another and my fearless Captain refuses to go down on his belly feet first. In fact, he finds it exhilarating to go head first belly or back. Head first off our bed and couch, head first out of our arms or off our lap, and yes head first down the stairs.

We were visiting my brother-in-law, Trevor, who just had a hip replacement. They don't have a gate by their stairs so I was prepared to watch Jack very close. I must not have been used to how fast my little stink bug was able to walk because I took my eye off him just long enough to set my coat down and then I heard the awful thud followed by piercing cries. Heart racing, I rushed down the half-flight of stairs and scooped him up in my arms. I checkout his head and eyes to make sure there were no serious injuries. Within a minute tears had stopped and Jack was ready to get back to playing. As exhausting as he can be, I hope we don't discover what will slow this tough kid down.

It didn't take long before I noticed Jack wouldn't walk. He tried to stand up a couple of times but would fall right back down. He wasn't putting weight on his left leg. Once we were home Heath and I examined his legs. There was no swelling, no bruising, and our Captain showed no signs he was in pain. He would try to walk but collapse after his first step. I felt awful for not watching him closer or placing a something to block him from the consequences of gravity. I worried he broke or fractured something and would be in a cast. We waited a couple of days just to see if it was just a minor tweak, but Monday came and my little pirate was still gimp. We went to his doctor that afternoon for x-rays.

Our witty stink bug must have known because he decided it was time to walk. Showing off for the doctor, he walked five feet! Heath and I looked like over-worried parents. I just had to laugh! The doctor must have seen right through his charade because she still wanted x-rays just to be safe. The x-rays did show swelling in his knee, but thankful no fractures or breaks! Since then we have seen gradual improvement in our pirate's gate.

This was my first experience of having a more serious casualty with Jack. I've been worried for him before, but this was much more intense. It was one of those times when I realized just how much I love my little guy. I was texting my older sister, who I admire immensely, about what happened and her comment really sums what I felt.

"I've decided if I make it through motherhood without stomach ulcers, heart attacks, and chronic insomnia it will be a miracle. Kids are great at causing stress, worry, and driving you crazy. But they can melt your heart in an instance and teach you more about life than any college degree could. You cant help but love the little buggers!" -Mamma Bec Hatch

Thanks Captain for making us worry, causing us stress, and teaching us what's most important in life. We love you!

Becoming A Better Me

I usually don't write about my birthday, but I had such a great experience I wanted to record it. The last couple of years I noticed I had felt a little sorry for myself on my birthday. If we're honest- Heath isn't very creative. He will admit it too! Planning something fun for me or surprising me isn't how he thinks to show his love. Silly to have a pity party over- I know. This year I was busy with Jack's birthday, planning an extended family party, my church calling, doctor appointments, etc so I hadn't even thought about my birthday. When Heath asked me what I wanted to do, I didn't know what to tell him. I had plans to go to lunch with my mom and sister Jamie, so I decided we should go to the temple since a baby sitter was already on hand.

I love how I feel at the temple. I never want to leave the Celestial room. Heath and I had a wonderful time there. I also had the opportunity to help a sister in a wheel chair get dressed after our session. Long story short, this sister was told someone working at the temple could help her, but turns out they have a policy against it for legal issues and no one was there to help her. By offering to help, I was able to spend time with a spiritual giant! This sister, who was probably in her mid 40's, had a stroke last August. This was her first time back to the temple since. She radiated with the spirit. After I strolled her out to meet her husband, I felt so much love for her.

While driving home I was uncontrollably happy. I began thinking about the day I had and the contrast from previous birthdays that were good, but nothing special. This birthday was special. I had a greater connection with my Savior and caught a glimpse of who I can be with his help. I was in tune to the spirit and was more aware of others than myself. I was filled with love. I felt pure happiness. All of that was a million times better than having a day all about me, being spoiled, or surprised. I hope to make it to the temple every year on my birthday. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the day I was born than to focus on serving others, strive to become more like my Savior, and ultimately become a better me. That's why we came here in the first place isn't it?