The Winslow Family

The much awaited photos of Hyrum

2012-01-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

So here are some photos of our little boy when he was first born. He was nice and healthy at 9 lbs. He was also very mellow when he was born. He wanted to look at the world around him and did not want to cry for the nurses. Of course that changed after he was manhandled. Of course these are the only pictures from the hospital because we had lost our camera and my phone died shortly after this. We were so grateful he was born healthy and happy. Here are some more recent photos of him.

So he was blessed on his first month birthday and shortly there after began to smile at mommy. He is a little sweetie who loves his big sister and bring a new dimension to our growing family. We are so grateful for you Hyrum and love having you here.
I hope you all will forgive me for the lack of photos this past year. We lost our camera and the cord. We have found the camera and have replaced the cord so I will post more photos soon. Including Mackenzie's first official hair cut. Also Eric has a camcorder now so we might be able to post video too. Like Mackenzie singing her favorite songs to her brother. Happy 2012 everyone!

Year in review

2011-12-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

As I reflect on the craziness of this year I am grateful for all of it. From our newest little member of our family to going to back to school and Eric's new job where he is gone a lot. I have learned so much about what I am capable of doing and accomplishing. See most of my life I have been made to feel that I was never going to be able to accomplish all that I knew I wanted and should do. I gave birth to our beautiful little boy and was sustained by the Lord and my loving and caring eternal companion. I was also able to do extremely well in my first semester of graduate school at the same time. I am so thankful for all the help the lord has given me. I have learned so much this year.

2011 started with me learning how to enjoy every second of life and by doing so joy can be found in every moment from cleaning soap paint and crayon off to wall to every hug and kiss given by my precious little girl. I also learned from her that our Lord and savior are with us always. No matter what we are doing. Now I am beginning to pass that knowledge on to little Hyrum and to my own heart. As the year went on I have learned that when your focus is on the divine you will be able to accomplish all the Lord wants you to do. Even if the house is cluttered and the dishes get a little back up or you never quite get that last load of laundry caught up, the things of eternal importance and purpose will be accomplished. My children will learn the important lessons I am trying to teach them. I will be able to do all my heart righteously desires to do to help my eternal companion. My husband and I will be able to work out our differences and become more of one unit. While in the world's perspective this year has not been great I have learned so much and will always look back on this year as one of great personal growth that has helped me to fully embrace this new chapter in my life as a wife and a mother. May the Lord continue to guide me through this life so that everyday can be lived to the fullest.

30 Years

2011-12-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday, I turned 30 years old. I don't really feel any older but is was a wonderful day. Eric made me sweet rolls and I was able to cuddle with each of our kids individually. Hyrum is a lot easier to cuddle with. At church Eric was so sweet and took care of Mackenzie and her unwillingness to sit still, for fear of falling asleep. I was able to listen to the Gee Family and also spend some quality time with Hyrum. We had dinner with my parents and it was so sweet the way Mackenzie kept singing happy birthday to Mommy. Of course that song was quickly replaced yesterday with twinkle, twinkle. I am just so grateful to be here and to have accomplished all that I have in 30 years. I know that everything I have accomplished is due to the Lord. I am looking forward to at least 30 more years and more children and excitement. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has been apart of my 30 years so far. You all have made it worth it!

Ticking Time Bomb

2011-11-02T00:27:00.000-06:00

So, Hyrum's due date has come and gone and he is still nice and comfortable in mommy's tummy. Needless to say he is the only one. I am so ready for this baby to be born. Mackenzie keeps telling him, along with Eric, it is time to come out. Although I think she will miss the built in seat that is mommy's tummy. We have had to rearrange his clothes a little because there is no way he is going to fit any newborn clothes. Also I have been trying to walk as much as I can. Sunday evening/ Monday morning we went into the hospital with contractions and pelvic pain but I was not dilated enough to stay. I had finally had it and just cried. I felt like such a failure but my nurse was amazing and helped me to see that he will eventually come. He have an eviction date of November 7th. So right now he can come on his terms or on the doctors. They did give me some pain medicine which help me sleep, all day. But is was very much needed. As we were driving back home Eric told me that while my prayer of Hyrum coming has not been answered yet, his of me being able to relax and rest did. So if anything our crazy midnight ride to St. Mark's on all Hallows Eve was worth it.

The joys of Mackenzie

2011-10-23T00:15:00.000-06:00

So we have enter the toddler tantrum phase. Sorry to all of our neighbors who have heard Mackenzie's cries as her daddy tries to put his foot down, when they are outside. She has had a very strong set of lungs since the day she was born. I feel for him. She will get upset with me but because I am home with her more often and she knows that I stick to what I say she knows how far she can go with me before she is in time out or has privileges taken away. Eric however it is a little different. He is so soft hearted and is trying to figure out his style of disciplining. He is doing a great job but I can tell it takes its toll on him.

Even with the tantrum phase she is also starting to love reading and books even more. I know, I know we are in trouble and will probably need to build on to our house for both her books and mine. I love to read with her. She is also very curious, always asking questions about the world around her. We don't have a whole lot of mine problems but she is very much aware of whose stuff is whose. She has also picked up talking about herself in the third person. Once again thanks to me and Eric. Also the other day I was humbled when I accidentally said something I don't usually say in a bout of frustration and right then and there she picked it up. I know that she is teaching me how to be a better person and I am so grateful for that.

Today we decided to finally decorate for Halloween. We out up lights outside and then Mackenzie wanted to play with them. Eric did a great job keeping her from playing with them but she was not happy. However, even with the tantrums and the frustration we are also loving that fact that she is talking more. She has even started to tell her little brother it is time to come out. I think he is listening to her for little by little my contractions are increasing.

I am having a hard time being patient mostly because I want to hold him and have our little family complete again. I know it is all in the Lord's time but I need to learn patience. Right now I am focusing on getting my family ready for Halloween and for Mackenzie's birthday along with working on my midterm due this next week. I know if I don't do this I will become obsessed with Hyrum coming and I know that just liked a watched pot never boils, it will be even more painful if I don't just let the Lord take the lead here.

I just hope that I can have a smooth delivery with a health but not too big of a baby that is not over due. I hope that I will be able to trust whoever watches our little princess and not worry about her well-being during labor. I pray that Eric and I will be able to fully enjoy this birth and be able to work together to bring this little guy into the world. Right now Hyrum is getting ready and also still enjoying kicking mommy from the inside out. I think he might be just as athletic and fearless as his sister. If so Eric and I are in big trouble.

The Lord's Timing

2011-10-16T11:54:00.000-06:00

So as of today we are at 38 weeks. I am so ready to hold my little boy. Even more I am ready to be able to run, play and clean my house the way I like to. I have had to learn a lot of patience in the last few weeks as my mobility has become more and more limited. This would be fine if it were not for the outside worries that I have.

The first big thing is that if Hyrum waits until the 30th to come we will not have our most trust babysitter, my mom. She is the only one that I feel completely comfortable leaving Mackenzie with. While I know that others to a great job, she is my mother and Mackenzie knows it. My greatest desire besides bringing a healthy baby boy into the world is that my daughter will feel safe and loved as we add this new member to our family. I know that I need this because otherwise I will worry the whole time about her. Also I need my father to be with Eric. My father is a strong, meek man who as always been a strength for me. He has become such for my husband as well.

It is hard to have firm faith that the Lord knows the desires of my hearts and my needs. Especially when other family members poke holes or try to in your confidence. I am tired of feeling alone in my worries. I am tired of feeling as though the support I have is only superficial. I know that we are in countdown mode. I know in my heart that I will not be pregnant for ever. However, I am exhausted. I need the help with the last mile or so of this journey. I am a very positive person but even the most positive get down at times.

I struggle is with the fact that there is so much I want to get done for my family and friends. I worry about my visiting teaching sisters. I worry about my neighbors. I continually pray for them. However, by the time I have gone to class, done what housework I can, played with Mackenzie, read with her and helped Eric where he needs me. I am exhausted. I am able to fight through the exhaustion to read my scriptures but then I fall asleep. And every time I do that I cry when I wake up. This is because at least half of my to do list for the day did not get accomplished.

Eric got a new job this week. We are sure exactly when he starts but it will be long hours. I know I will have support from my amazing family but I am worried. He has been such a blessing to have at home over the last few months, even when he drives me nuts! It will be hard to have him gone more. However, I know that even though I will have two children to care for, school to accomplish and a house and yard to take care of, I can do it. Once our son is born I know that many of my limitations will be lifted one by one, week by week as my body heals and returns to its former state.

With all of the discomfort and frustration I am grateful for the opportunity to bring children into this world. For I learn so much about what life is truly about. I have learned more about what I am capable of. It was worth the wait. I am grateful for all that I go through. Lord give me the strength to make to the end of this pregnancy and to accomplish all that may come before me in the next few months.

The time is near

2011-10-09T11:42:00.000-06:00

So as of Thursday my midwife told me that Hyrum could come anytime. He seems to agree for I have begun to have early signs of labor. I am dilated to a two and am just praying that he will come soon. We are all so excited to have him come. We are ready to hold our little boy and for our family to grow.

We are nervous about expanding our family but we know that when the Lord wants something done he will find a way to help you accomplish it. So far Mackenzie is excited. I am nervous about being away from her for even a couple of nights. However, I know that the Lord will comfort her when I can't and Eric is an amazing dad with her.

So please keep us in your prayers. I promise to post pictures of both Mackenzie and Hyrum soon. Have a wonderful Sunday!

The Joy of Sisterhood

2011-09-28T22:46:00.000-06:00

Today, my visiting teachers came by and it was great to have them. I felt a little weird. Mostly because I had just woken up. However, I was so happy to see them. They had some encourage words for me and my family as we enter the final leg of this pregnancy. It was great to have that. It was exactly what I need to hear.

We also took Mackenzie on a tour of St. Mark's hospital. She did really well. It was great to revisit where she was born and to get new information about how things can run with Hyrum's birth this time. Mackenzie is really excited. She is saying baby brother and pointing to my stomach more and more. I don't know who wants him here more, me or her.

We also got her big sister gift in the mail to day. And wouldn't you know it I am dying to give it to her. I really want to see it too. But as Eric said we all need to be patient. I am not sure who is the really two year old, Mackenzie or me. All I know is Eric is right and good things come to those who wait. For us it will be a new little member of our family and to see Mackenzie enjoying being an older sister.

I just hope we don't have to wait too much longer.

My eternal companion

2011-09-24T23:43:00.000-06:00

I feel the need to write a little more about Eric. You see I get the feeling that certain people underestimate him and also judge him because of the fact that right now he is not working a whole lot. It is not that he doesn't want to work, it is that he is trying to finish an internship and also find a more stable job.

Eric Jacobi Winslow is the sweetest, most patient man I have ever met. He is so willing to help me in anyway possible, which can be hard because I am fiercely independent. He loves to play with his daughter and is trying so hard to teach her in a way that is divine. He is willing to go to fabric stores, shoe shopping and a whole slew of other outings with me that most men, including my dad and brothers would not be caught dead doing. He is becoming an amazing cleaner and can actually cook more than just top roman and mac and cheese. Although the way he does those we could live pretty happily if we had to. I know in my heart that everything his does is for the benefit of his whole family.

This past Tuesday we had a Relief Society meeting in our ward. Well once I remember, pregnant blond here, I really wanted to go. There was one minor problem, because of all the doctor's appointments, school and such I have been gone a lot. Mackenzie did not want me to leave, which I understood. So even though Eric could handle it, he saw how it was torturing her and I and offered to come along. He spent two hours in the hall of the church walking around and trying to keep up with Mackenzie so I could try and enjoy my time with other women. This is the man I married. Someone who is so in tune with his family's needs that he is willing to do whatever it takes for all of us to be happy and healthy.

To the nay-sayer, I have to say you have no right to judge him. What you see on the surface is not all that you get. Eric is a very deep man who is the man of my dreams. He is the only person who has been able to fill a gaping hole in my heart. All my life I have felt alone and isolated at times. However, ever since I met him I have learned so much about what it means to be with someone and have someone love you for you. He never puts me down. In fact he is the only man who tells me I am beautiful and I believe it. Even when I am 35 weeks pregnant and feel like a torpedo about ready to launch. It may have taken us three years to get married but it was worth it. Our lives are anything but perfect. We have our differences, partly because we are both the oldest and very stubborn. However, we never let it fester. We try to work through it in such a way as to elevate the other towards the Lord. We never go to bed angry and we also try to forgive. I am so grateful for Eric and would not trade him for the world.

In the world's view there is still a lot he has to learn, but I know because he has the most important lessons down he will learn it. And in doing so become an even more amazing husband and father. He may not know a lot about yard work or home improvement but he is learning and loving it. Well I have poured my heart out enough for one evening. It feels good to finally but this thoughts and feelings to paper though. Especially as we begin the major countdown for the arrival of our new little bundle of joy. I am so excited for Eric to be able to hold a newborn baby again. May the Lord bless you and yours as he has us. And may you find comfort in his loving arms as I know I have through out my life.

34 weeks and counting

2011-09-22T14:46:00.000-06:00

So today I had my doctor's appointment and have been cleared and told I am a perfect candidate for a VBAC. That made my day also I am now working on the birth plan, and wouldn't you know it a miracle has happened. Eric see the joy and need for organization and being prepared! Mackenzie is getting excited too. Especially with her friends becoming big brothers and sisters. Everything is baby, baby, baby at our house right now. Now if we can just finish the last few things before our little boy makes his appearance. I know with the Lord this little family can do anything! Good friends are needed too. So thanks for all of your support.

In Rememberance

2011-09-11T11:11:00.000-06:00

So today is the tenth anniversary of 9/11. We have all heard about on the news all week but I wanted to share a very special moment I had at Granger High on Friday. When I got to Mrs. Reese's classroom she informed me that we were going to be going over the events of 9/11 with her ESL students. Many of these students were not citizens of this country ten years ago and so if they know anything about what happened it is very sketchy. As she began to go over the events I was amazed as how calmly and yet lovely she explained the events of that day. Then as the students were watching a short video, she asked me if I would be willing to tell of my own story of that day ten years ago. As I thought about what I would say. When it was my turn I felt the spirit as I told of when I was doing as a sophomore in college and what I felt. I know that while the events of 9/11 were tragic and we have all been changed forever, I know that there is good that has come out of it as well. For one, I know that it has help me and my family to enjoy our time with each other more. Also I know that it has made me appreciate all the little things in my life more including my husband, my daughter and my unborn son. Tragedy is hard but it can also be a strengthening agent for your faith. I know that 9/11 like when my grandfather passed a way in 95 has deepened my faith in my Heavenly Father and the eternal nature of families. I know that this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is a grove of trees in Palmyra, New York. Also I know that President Monson is our true prophet on the earth today. I know that while the people within this church are not perfect, the doctrine is. For, it is centered in Jesus Christ. May we all remember that there is a higher power in this world that will help and guide us through troubled times, if we allow him to.

Family Bond

2011-09-03T14:23:00.000-06:00

This week Eric has been home. It has been both nice and challenging. Nice because he is a big help but challenging because I am having to learn to let go and allow him to help me. The really nice thing about it is that we have been able to get back into the habit of doing family scripture study. While Mackenzie really just listens to us read aloud it is fun to read with Eric and to have Mackenzie in the room. The other big news is that Mackenzie is finally starting to sleep in her big girl bed. One of us (mainly Eric for now) still needs to lay down with her at first but once she is asleep she stays asleep all night. Of course she is ready to play at 7 or 8 in the morning and Eric would prefer to sleep in but he is starting to see that the earlier you get up the more you accomplish in a day. I hope this next week is just as great as things week, challenges and all. For the good and the bed together are what make life worth, especially when you remember to laugh and not take yourself too seriously.

Hope in a time of turmoil.

2011-08-28T17:38:00.000-06:00

So, I am on the mend with the stomach bug. Thanks to the wonderful care of my husband and my little girl along with the support of my parents. The only down side is the day after I got sick I received a call from my midwife and was told that while my glucose was great I am seriously anemic. They are giving me a prescription for iron but is still really frustrating. Especially when this time around I have tried so hard to increase my iron intake. I know that if this is the only complication that I have I will be eternally grateful. It was just one more thing after almost having to go to the Labor and Delivery room due to my stomach bug.

The only hard part is sometimes I feel really alone. I know that my parents, my husband and my daughter are here for me but sometimes I feel the lack of a connection with women my age. Growing up with no sisters this feeling ebbs and flows. I love learning from others and being in association of other women. However, I do feel like an outsider most of the time. I have not always done things the way society would have me do them. I took my time getting married, mostly because I did not want to settle. I knew what I was looking for and I knew it was out there. This is important to know because I had many a proposal. Of course a lot of them I don't count because it was with a couple of months or even days of starting to date. I also am pursuing more education right now with my children being extremely young. I would prefer to stay home but I know that by doing this I am teaching them about the importance of helping and also of education. It is nice to realize that after three years of hard work and sacrifice I will have degree and a teaching license for my family to fall back on if the need should ever arise. Finally I think the hardest part is when I am having difficulties or challenges I just don't say much.

I know I should tell someone when I am ill or struggling or scared but after being alone for so long, the only person I really turn to is my father in heaven. For example Thursday evening I was having some pretty strong contractions and was feeling completely miserable. As I laid in bed crying because I could hold Mackenzie for fear of getting her sick, I began to pray. I knew that whatever the Lord saw fit to happen would happen. I knew that if Hyrum was meant to come early it would happen and if he is meant to come at term the Lord would help me get through the challenges ahead. I know that he is the only person who truly understands everything that goes on in my heart. I am grateful that he has given me a wonderful husband who is so much like him and can see the true intentions and loves of my heart. I know that there is at least one person on this earth who truly knows me. I am so fortunate that I can be with him for all eternity. For being married to your best friend means that you are never truly alone and never truly can feel misunderstood. The Lord truly knew what he was doing when he commanded us to be married.

A Walk of Faith

2011-08-25T21:54:00.000-06:00

So this week have had a lot of success and also a lot of challenges. Tuesday Eric had a stomach bug that he thought was just something he ate. Turned out it is a really stomach bug and now I have it. All day I have been nauseated, having abominal pain and a really tick little boy (inside me). After three calls to the on-call phone for our midwife we finally got a hold of someone. Luckily my temperature is only at 99.5. However, after talking to the nurse I was ready to cry because all the worse possible thoughts went through my mind. Then I had to remember to have faith.

That was when I asked Eric and my dad to give me a priesthood blessing. It was just what I needed. I am not temporally healed but I do feel much better spiritually and emotionally. I know that I have the most amazing spouse who helps me in just about every way. I also have the sweetest little girl who wants to be my nurse. I know that whatever happens is the Lord's will and he will give me the strength to accomplish all the needs to be done.

I am so grateful for the priesthood in my life.

Family Drama or Just Crazy Relatives

2011-08-23T17:41:00.000-06:00

So after years of working to get my mom's parents' estate my mom and uncle are not done yet. Their crazy and spoiled younger sister has decided to contest the will. The problem with this is that from where we all stand she does not have a leg to stand on.

First her lawyer has been convicted on drug charges. Second she has stolen countless dollars worth of things from the house and actual money from my grandparents when they were alive. Finally she is expecting all the money to go to her even though the will states it was to be divided three ways equally.

Even though this is frustrated I know my mom is right that this is going to be interested. We will keep you posted as this crazy and ridiculous family drama unfolds. I can tell you this I hope that we don't have to go through this will stuff again for a long time!

First Day Back

2011-08-23T08:26:00.000-06:00

So, my first day back in class went pretty well. My professor is really nice, the class seems really interesting. It is all about language awareness and how as teachers we play different roles. My classmates seems to be pretty decent and kind. The only hitch is the walking to and from the parking lot in the heat. I need to remind myself not to take the hardest way possible. By the time I got to the car last night I was out of breath and the muscles in my legs ached. Luckily I have an amazing husband who give great massages. I am grateful that my professor is willing to work with me as my due date comes nearer.

The only minor problem is I need to help Eric figure out how to keep Mackenzie busy. Otherwise he will have another night have Mackenzie exploring the whole house looking for mommy. Of course I should remind him not to watch shows such as "Mars Needs Moms" while I am gone. But other than that all is looking good in the education department.

Dear Friends

2011-08-19T10:57:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, we made the trek up to Evanston to see one of my dearest friends. While the actually trip was hard thanks to Udot and their need to do construction everywhere, the visit was wonderful. Mackenzie got to play with Abby and Joe and thanks to them she was thoroughly worn out. Of course on the way home she was determined to stay awake and have mommy hold her when we got home. However, she was so tired. She finally crashed on route 201. Of course this was after an hour and a half of string at daddy and refusing to let sleep over take her. It was hard not to laugh at her stubbornness. It also broke my heart a little to see how tired she was but how she refused to sleep. Oh, well she comes by her stubbornness honestly.
The visit was great partly because I got to go shopping with Mindy and we got to watch Mackenzie play with their older two kids. The other part was watching Eric interact with their little boy Jake. Jake is not quite a year old. I can tell that Eric is getting more and more excited to have a little boy. I know he adores his little girl but I think he is getting excited for the new challenge and joys of having a boy. I know I am too but it is fun to see the sparkle that comes into Eric's eyes when he thinks about our kids. He is such a great man and wants to be a great father. Little does he know he is on his way there. He was having fun pushing Mackenzie in a swing, reading to all the kids and helping me convince Mackenzie that it was time to eat. I am so grateful that I chose to marry him. For while he has his faults (I do too) his desire and efforts to overcome his past more than make up for everything else. His heart is pure and his desires divine. I just hope I can find more ways to help him see the good within him.

Going back to school

2011-08-17T08:03:00.000-06:00

So, I realized yesterday in a complete panic that school starts again on Monday! While I am excited to go back and get started on my Masters I am also worried. I love school but it has been fun to be a stay at home mom with Mackenzie all day. I do get battle weary but I am grateful that for the most part she will listen to me. Luckily I only have two classes. One Monday night and one Thursday night. The only other problem with going back to school is the flack I am getting about doing it.

I did not enter into this decision lightly. I knew I needed a little more education to be able to one day help my husband care for our family. Unlike my mom who has the education but not the health to help I can help. I grew up watching my dad work his tail off and my mom cry because she could not help out as much as she would have liked. So this is why I have decided to go back to school pregnant and with a sweet little one. I know that in the long run it will be beneficial for my family. I will be able to help Eric and also to teach my children that education is vitial and that no matter what your circumstances you can achieve anything.

I know that education is a huge part of our Heavenly father's plan for all of us. Knowledge is the only thing we can take with us after this life. While we must sift through all the knowledge out there and make decisions about what is truth and what is fiction I love the process of learning. If we enter into education both formal and informal with the right attitude and an open heart we can find answers that will astound and amaze us. I know I have. I must hold on to this belief and remind myself of it often as I work on my school work, prepare for our precious little boy and enjoy our sweet little girl. This is what the Lord wants me to do at this time in my life and I can and will accomplish it only with his unfailing support. This support can be seen in the encouragement and love of my sweet husband and my kind mother who are willing and ready to help.

Funny thing happen while getting ready for bed

2011-08-06T17:50:00.000-06:00

Last night we were working on getting Mackenzie in bed, when she decided to explore. She found the can of air fresher that we have to keep handy due to my extreme sense of smell. Well she picked it up and said "Daddy's" with the best grin ever on her face. Needless o say Eric was not very amused. He took it is stride. I reminded him that she had been finding all of his stuff all day even his his clothes that I was in the process of folding. I love the fact that Mackenzie loves her daddy so much that she talks about him almost the whole time he is gone at work.

This morning she continued with her daddy fest. She instructed daddy to sit down with his head on her bed, which Eric being the good sport he is, did. Next thing he knew she was sitting on his back. Then she slid down it. Then he moved just a little to get more comfortable and he became the horsey of her dreams. Gotta love daddy time.

Things coming together

2011-07-30T10:51:00.000-06:00

So our lives are starting to become better organized, both in terms of the tangible and the intangible. Tangible wise, Mackenzie's room is pretty much done and we are now working on our room. The laundry is getting caught up to where I am finding close I had been wondering what happened to. Dish are caught up! We still do a load a day but it is only dishes from that day or that we find as we are cleaning. Intangible organization includes doing better at family prayer both morning and night along with starting to do scripture study in the morning. We still miss some days but it feels so much better to be working together and praying together more often. I have already seen a change. All of us seem more patient with each other and there seems to be more love in the house. I can't believe that in just about three months there will be four of us. I look forward to getting to know my little man just as I have my little girl. I am even more excited to see Mackenzie and Hyrum interact. Mackenzie is showing more and more signs of becoming a daddy's girl. She love to read with daddy, play tennis with him, snuggle with him before bed and then she has to know where he is when he is not with her. I am still important too but it is great to see that special relationship blossom. I pray that Eric and I can have a special relationship with each of our children and that each one of them will know how loved and treasured they are. I am learning so much as a mother and a wife. I am so grateful for this time in my life. May the Lord continue to guide me in my endeavors to help take care of my family.

Heartaches and love

2011-07-24T20:48:00.000-06:00

So today is pioneer day and as such I feel it is a time of reflections and family. However, family is something that I both love and dread. I love my brothers dearly but I also want to shake them. They have no respect for me, my family or the choices that we have made. I know that we each of free agency to choose. I just wish that the respect and "acceptance" that they expect from me would be given to me and my family. I think what makes me the most angry is that they don't seem to see that the most important thing in this life is not instant pleasure or the next big thing but it is family. My children are amazing, even if I do say so myself. They know the truth and I hope and pray that one day my brothers hearts will be softened and their eyes opened. They have some much to give in this life. I just wish they would see that there is more to life than drinking, criticizing and belittle others beliefs and choices. However, I am grateful for the amazing Son of God who I have married. He is so patient and loving with my brothers and bears all things with them meekly. I have to thank the Lord for this amazing blessing in my life. I hope and pray that our son will be like his father.

Hyrum's time table

2011-07-21T18:53:00.000-06:00

So Tuesday I went for a visit to the ob clinic. I knew there was a possibility that my due date would be moved up, but to October 30th. Two weeks ahead of our schedule. So I am now coming to the reality that some of my goals are not practical. So here is my new baby to do list:
1. Paint Hyrum's room and get it set up
2. Finish getting laundry caught up
3. Get the house organized (a place for everything and everything in its place)
4. Learn how to make a carseat and nursing cover for Hyrum
5. Get Mackenzie ready to be a big sister
6. Clean out my car!
7. Finally help Eric clean out his car ew!
On a more positive note Mackenzie is almost completely moved into her big girl room. She loves her big girl's bed. More later, getting too much help.

What a difference a day makes

2011-07-10T21:22:00.000-06:00

Today has been one of the most successful Sundays in a while. Eric was up and ready for his priesthood meeting. We got to church in a timely fashion. Mackenzie did struggle with Sacrament meeting but she stayed both hours in nursery. All she needed was a momentary diaper change. Our sunbeam class is the best ever! We talked about loving our whole family today and both our little sunbeams had things to say. They also did very well in sharing time. They sang! Of course there was a little fight over who got to site next to Bro. Winslow but with some compromise on my part and shifting of chairs they both were able to sit next to him. I think we are finally getting the hang of this family thing. We still have our ups and downs but I am grateful for all the ups that come along with the downs. Our little girl loves Jesus and church and we do too. I hope it can continue with Hyrum as he becomes apart of this crazy but loving family.

Progress Made

2011-07-09T16:47:00.000-06:00

Well I am starting to make some major head way with getting ready for our second child. I am finally winning the cleaning fight and the laundry is starting to look more manageable. We are planning on painting Mackenzie's big girl room this next week and we have ordered her new bed, which will be delivered next Saturday with our new queen size bed. Eric seems to think that with a bigger bed he will be able to have more room to sleep with Mackenzie and soon Hyrum in bed with us. I have doubts. For he is so kind hearted I know he will give up all that room for them and end on the edge of the bed again. The biggest thing is our upstairs bathroom is clean and organized. I did almost cry when I finally went through all of Mackenzie's burp cloths and bibs. I know it is silly, she hasn't used them in months but it finally hit me that the girly pink will have to put away for now.

I am so grateful for the energy I have had to accomplish what I have so far. I hope and pray I can continue to finish all I need to to prepare this family for the addition of one more member.

Hyrum Eric Winslow: Our little pleasant surprise!

2011-06-27T11:28:00.000-06:00

So Thursday we had our ultrasound. We were pleasantly surprised to find that we are having a little boy. Mackenzie loves her future little brother and is very protective of him already. I am truly grateful for this little miracle the Lord has blessed our family with.

Thursday will not come fast enough

2011-06-22T11:27:00.000-06:00

Ok, so you know how when you were in school you prayed really hard for the week to go by fast and Friday would come that much quicker. Usually that meant the week would go really slow and it felt like the week-end would never come. Well I am stuck in the vortex now. I am not wishing for Friday but for Thursday. It is the day we find out if we are having a girl or a boy. Of course Eric in his infinite wisdom decided to schedule our appointment for 2:30 in the afternoon! Who does that to a pregnant woman who is dying to know if she is going to have another little girl or start on the boy train. I am excited for either one but feel like the appointment will never happen and I will be pregnant with Maclenzie's mystery baby for the rest of my life.

About that, yesterday we took Mackenzie with us to the doctor again. This time just because Eric could not bare having her cry the whole time while I was gone. She did really well as they took my weight (eww) and blood pressure. She was even ok as I laid down for my midwife to begin checking for the heartrate. However as soon as she was touching my tummy she starting pouting and crying. She was not satisfied until I was holding her again and she had a protective hand over my ever growing belly. While I felt bad that she was crying it was hard not smile at how protective of her mom she is. I told Eric later it is kind of nice to have someone love me so much that she screams and cries when people touch me. Eric was not amused. Mostly because constant glares have been coming from Mackenzie towards him lately especially if he kisses me. He then reminded me that it wasn't just me she was protective of but the baby too. I am getting excited for November. Even though I will be huge and tired it will be great to bring this new little life into the world and watch as Mackenzie begins her new role as big sister. I know she is going to be an amazing big sister.

Answer to prayer

2011-06-19T22:30:00.000-06:00

After I posted yesterday I have spent most of this Sunday praying and trying to overcome the feelings of saddens and frustration. Thanks to my loving husband and many friends I can say I am on the mend. I know that the Lord does not give us anything we can't handle even though sometimes things can seem overwhelming. It hit me hardest today in Sunbeams when my husband reminded me and taught our little angels that sometimes difficult things or tasks enter our lives but we are not alone. We have a loving heavenly father and Savior Jesus Christ who are there to help us. Sadly I have forgotten that fact. I am so grateful for Eric and his wonderful spirit and the sweet, loving spirits of our Sunbeams. As I struggled with Mackenzie today to help her understand reverence and to get her to settle down I truly felt the encouragement and love of my heavenly father. I knew that whole the struggle is hard it would be worth it in the end. As have been praying how to deal with some challenges with my calls I have found faith and strength to go forward in my Savior. All of my life the two people I have always been able to count on are my heavenly father and my Savior. They helped me and Eric as our relationship grew and changed. They comforted me as I entered the operating room to have an emergency c-section with Mackenzie and they comfort me every time I have a hard time with life. However, just like everyone else sometimes I forget they are there and do not look towards them. I hope and pray that I can do better for I know that it is with them that all things are possible, even a quiet toddler in sacrament meeting.

From the outside looking in

2011-06-18T20:20:00.000-06:00

For the past few weeks I have felt like an outsider in our neighborhood. Eric has been working a lot as a lifeguard and Mackenzie and I have been working hard on the house. We are just about ready to paint her big girl room and the baby's nursery. The only problem is I feel really alone. There are so many thoughts that go through my head in a day. I use to be able to talk to Eric about it all but now by the time he gets home I forget. Also I am struggling as I gain weight in my belly. I don't want to buy new maternity clothes for summer. You see, last time just wore pioneer clothes all during the summer but this time around I need summer clothes. I just don't want to spend the money. I also have never liked clothes shopping. I know I am a really, really weird girl. I am picky like my dad and practical like my mom. I do get a good work out at little gym with Mackenzie and during the week with doing laundry (we are starting to win that battle) and cleaning and organizing the house. Also Mackenzie loves to give mommy lovies so I am her jungle gym out home. But to be honest the only place I can tell all of this to is here. I miss some very dear friends who I use to be able to confide everything in. I just don't feel like I fit in. I love to cook, clean and I am crafting in my own way. I just don't feel like what things I can do are appreciated or needed in the neighborhood. There are so many other amazing women to do so much more. Oh, well if I am an outsider so be it. I will just keep doing what I do everyday and be grateful for the time that I have with my little growing family. They are truly what matter in this life along with the gospel that makes it to where these sweet relationships don't have to end at death.

Close to Home

2011-05-24T15:04:00.000-06:00

Sunday evening a violent tornado ripped through the southern part of Joplin, Missouri. For me and my family this disaster has hit very close to home. Many of my mothers extended family live and work in Joplin. Also most of my dad's family lives in the surrounding areas. So we have discovered that everyone is safe. My uncle, who lives about a mile away from St. John's Regional Hospital was spared both him and his home. My father's family is dealing with debris. Unfortunately some family members lost their homes and livelihoods. They are alive and as my mom put it is it really all that matters. While I miss the Midwest I do not miss the horror of tornadoes. They are truly the most violent thing nature can produce. From the moment a funnel cloud forms in the sky to the time that a tornado as touched down and done damage all one can do is pray. You learn to respect and read mother nature in a way that never leaves you. Do this day when the sky gets angry here is Utah I still pray that nothing horrific will come from the impending storm. I am thankful for the miracles we had felt in this disaster and hope and pray that others too may feel of the love and compassion of the Lord as they being to rebuild their lives.

Motherhood is...

2011-05-22T12:23:00.000-06:00

All of my life I have wanted to be a wife and mother. Yes, I went to college and received a degree but my greatest desire has always been to be married and raise a family. I am not the conventional mother. I don't adhere to social norms or standards. I follow my heart and am constantly praying. I have the simliar struggles as others. Children not listening, making messes, etc. But I revel in these moments. You see I was older when I had the blessing of getting married almost three years ago. I waited and did everything I could to support my friends who were married and had children. Even so I yearned for it for my own life. When it finally came I made a covenant with the Lord that I would do everything in my power to raise my children as he would have me do. I am anything but perfect. I have a temper that I am learning to control. However, I am trying so hard. Everything I do during a day has my husband and my children in mind. I hope and pray that I can continue to be worthy to listen to the spirit and live my life in such a way as to teach my children eternal truths through word and deed.

Funny Thing Happened At the Doctor's Office

2011-05-17T23:42:00.000-06:00

So I just have to say I have a very sweet little girl.

Yesterday we went to the doctor to make sure she didn't have an ear infection or anything else. While there Eric in his infinite wisdom decided why not have her 18 month check up and shot. The doctor was all for it. Well Mackenzie was not. She clung to me like the stethoscope was a torture device and when the nurse gave her the one shot she needed she glared at her daddy. If looks could kill. Well after a new toy and many hug and kisses and a sucker from the ob clinic secretary she was fine. Until today...

Now you have to understand our family doctor's office is on the same floor and in the same office as my Ob. So we had warned Mackenzie that we were going back to the doctor's but to see mommy's doctor not hers. She seemed OK with it until the nurse began taking my blood pressure and then all bets were off! What was she doing to her mommy! Well after that little drama they turned on a video for her and we waited to see our midwife. Then it was time for mommy to lay on the table so we could hear the baby's heart beat. Well Mackenzie was not going to have. She had to sit (stand) on her daddy's lap and make sure that the doctor did not hurt mommy. She did seem fascinated by the baby's heartbeat and the fact that the baby was kicking the heart monitor (siblings). However, she did not smile again until mommy was safely out of reach of the doctor.

I have to smile at how protective Mackenzie is. She has finally figure out that her little brother or sister is in mommy's tummy. I think this might be part of her need to protect mommy. She won't even let Eric put his arm on my tummy. Only Mackenzie can lay on the tummy and kiss it. She is going to be the best big sister ever! I am so grateful for her.

Life

2011-05-13T10:55:00.000-06:00

So in the past few months things have changed a lot. Eric now officially done with course work, Mackenzie is running everywhere, I am officially in the Master of Education program at the U, oh and we are pregnant again. The last one came a pleasant surprise. We had just started trying but I know it is when the Lord wants it to happen. I am excited for Mackenzie to have a sibling and for Eric and I to add to our family. I don't know how I will get everything done that the Lord wants me to do, but that is where faith steps in.

This past week Eric turned 30 and it made me stop and think about life. He doesn't look thirty and he doesn't act thirty. I know now that my Great Grandpa Baker was right. It is just a number. It matters how you feel and that is all about perspective. For example Mackenzie has had a cold that last couple of days and of course she gave it to mommy. It is not a big deal since that is how family works. I could just walo in self pity but instead I am trying to get well. I also have the best nurses ever. Eric is wonderful in helping me rest and making sure I eat. Mackenzie is just as sweet as ever. She always comes in to check on mommy and make sure I am ok. She has even given me kisses.

One final thing Eric is almost an official life guard for the summer. Just one more week of class. He passed the pre-test and has been loving the things he is learning about helping others. This is his finally internship before he is completely done with his degree. What is really nice is that he will be working at the Magna Pool. He is going to be very close to home. Also it is an excuse to take Mackenzie to her favorite place in the world the pool. Our girl could live in water if we would let her.

I hope everyone has a great week-end and is loving the warmer weather we are getting in Utah. Also those of you around the rest of the country please stay safe!

Fun with Friends

2011-02-25T00:39:00.000-07:00

So Monday of this week we had the opportunity to go up to see our dear friends the Allreds. While there Mackenzie and Joseph got to know each other. Also Mackenzie had a blast playing with Abby. I am so grateful for friends who have kids close to Mackenzie's age. She loves people. Yes, she is a social butterfly like her mom. As you can see from the picture her hair hos gotten long enough for me to do fun styles with it. Well that is all for now. Have a wonderful week-end!

Officially a Toddler

2011-02-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

So yesterday evening when I got home from class Eric stated, "Well, she is officially a toddler." As I pondered that thought and then watch my little girl throughout the rest of the day I knew he was right. No more baby here. She is starting to walk, taking a few more steps every time. She can go up and down the stairs without any help. Although I still get nervous every time. Loves to help mommy in the kitchen and eat. Finally she just loves to play. She is also talking more and more every day. The best part though as to be the kisses. She loves to give little kiss to her mommy and daddy. (I think daddy gets more than I do but that's OK). So in closing I guess I will just say good0bye baby Mackenzie and hello toddler Mackenzie, I hope I can keep up with you!

Monday is here.

2011-01-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting at the University of Utah waiting for my last class to start and I began to think about all the things I am grateful for.
First my family. It has been a crazy past week and week-end. Since I was sick Eric had to take the lead, mostly because I was out of it. Then Mackenzie got sick Saturday and it was fun to watch how loving and gentle he is with her. He is gentle with me too, but I am the worst patient to have because like my dad I do not have time to be sick. Mackenzie is still young enough that all she wants to be held and cuddled. Sunday due to her fever and my cough we stayed home from church. While we missed being with our fellow saints and ward family it was nice to be together. We laid in bed most of the day watching church videos and reading. Mackenzie laid in between Eric and I and would take turns cuddling with each of us. While many people would say why is this a moment to be grateful for and to them I would say because we are together. There were no expectation of anything other that pure love for another.
Second I am grateful for the gospel. Yesterday while watching Mackenzie's videos and reading her books it hit me. The gospel is truly simple and sweet. It is all about Jesus Christ. I am grateful for this simple truth and that my daughter loves Jesus so much that not matter where we are or what we are doing to always finds a picture of Jesus or some other way to remind Eric and I that Christ is the center of life. He is who we are striving to be like and everything we do in the life needs to help us progress towards this goal. With this I am also grateful for the Atonement and the repentance process. I am anything but perfect and this amazing gift everyday. It is because of this gift not only am I able to be forgiven but to also forgive myself of wrongs I have done. Mackenzie is right if our focus is on Jesus our lives will be richer and fuller.
Finally, I am grateful for the things that I am able to do with me family. This is where our sweetest memories are made. For example, we went down to Orem on Saturday for the LDS Film Festival. We love the Liken the Scriptures shows and they were screening Jonah and the Big Fish. So we went and had a great time. This was Mackenzie's first movie so we did have to take turns going out with her due to the fact that she is not use to watching movies in the dark. That was OK, for it was fun to watch her crawl around and try to walk on her own (getting closer everyday). Well that was until she ran over David Osmond. I was mortified. She didn't seem to even noticed that she had crawled right over his feet and just kept going. Luckily he was very kind and just laughed. Also he told me it didn't hurt, which I can believe because Mackenzie is a skinny girl. This is one memory that Eric and I will retell to Mackenzie for years to come and it will always bring a smile to my face when I think about it.

When mom is sick!

2011-01-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

So Sunday evening I began to feel a little sick and by Monday I had a pretty bad head cold. Well it is was only a head cold, right, wrong. As of yesterday I have strep throat. This is so frustrating on so many levels. First, I am contagious so I am isolated from the world. I would feel awful if anyone caught strep from me. It is not a fun sickness. Secondly, I can't kiss my husband. Now I know, so what. Well I din't realize how hard not kissing Eric would be until the doctor told us not to kiss for at least 48 hours. Now we could ignore the caution and go ahead and kiss but then there is a chance that the man that I love with all my heart will catch strep from me. If that happened it would break my heart. So instead we are trying to be strong. But my husband is torturing me! I feel like a cat with a toy that I really want just out of reach. Oh, well all good things come to those that wait. Finally the worst part about being sick is that the house falls into chaos. Eric tries to keep it running and my parents have helped too but things are just not the same when I am out of commission. Oh, well thank goodness for good doctors, advice medicine and the healing powers of rest. I am on the mend and so is the household.

School is in session

2011-01-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

While this statement is true, I have been back at school for three weeks now, I have come to the realization that I am in an even greater school. The last few weeks I have been struggling trying to figure out where I stand with things. You see marriage and family life have happened so fast, it great! But I am still adjusting. I have been learning about trust, patience and humility. All of this from two of the most important people the Lord has placed in my life, my husband and little girl. Eric is such a sweet guy and really is trying to help me but has a difficult time of it because while I explain or think things out in my head they don't always come out of my mouth. He is very talented but I don't think he knows how to read my mind yet and probably wouldn't want to. Especially since it races about 20 million miles a minute. He is teaching me that while it is great to get things accomplished in a timely fashion it is also great to stop and enjoy the task at hand. Life seems so much more rewarding when I look at it through his perspective. I just hope I can do that more often.
Then there is little Mackenzie. She is such a joy even when she is a trial. Her smile is so infectious and her love for life. I have learned that even the simplest thing in life is a joy. Again thanks to Eric teaching me to enjoy the journey, I am finding myself enjoying the late, restless nights and the struggles with listening. I am reviling is all the good. She is talking more and more. A lot of it is baby babble but there are moments of English and yes German words too. Tonight for example I was reading her favorite book to her Llama Llama Red Pajama, (this is a nightly thing) and all of a sudden I asked her to point out the mama llama and she points to the word. I thought it was a fluke so I continued reading and asked her to do it again and she did it. I know it sounds crazy but every time she says a new word, or advices in someway I say a silent prayer of Thanksgiving. I never imaged in a million years that my daughter would be so amazing. Now I know, I am her mom so I think she is the most amazing baby on the earth, and you would be right. She is an amazing gift from my father in heaven and I hope that I never forget that. I know we will have our struggles but I hope to always hold on to the good and let go of the bad.
One final thought, every child deserves to feel loved and treasured. We have the opportunity to team teach the sunbeams (really Eric is the amazing teacher, I am just the music person). Those little ones are so sweet and want so much to be loved and to show how amazing they are to all who will listen. They are in charge of opening exercises for sharing time this coming Sunday and they are all so excited. The Lord truly has some of the most valiant and amazing spirits on the earth today. I just hope I do not disappoint them.

Time for Change

2011-01-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

So today at church was both wonderful and difficult. It was great to see the changes that were made but also hard. You see my dad was released from the bishopric today. He is need elsewhere in the stake but it is still hard. Mostly because he has worked so hard to come out of his shell and he really loves all the members of our ward so much. I am grateful for the service that he rendered the the example that he has been for me. He has never turned down a calling even when it was extremely difficult to fulfill due to his work schedule or lack of support at home. He has always put the Lord first. I know that it is in part because of this attitude that he has been able to accomplish what he has. I hope that I can always have that attitude. For right now I am exhausted. You see our ward is so small that I am doing triple duty. I team teach the sunbeams with my husband, work with the activity day girls as their leader and also do the ward history. While it is fun to be doing so much for the Lord it is also difficult. I feel like sometimes my family loses out. It is hard to give my all for the Sunbeams when Mackenzie is not yet in Nursery. It is also hard to remember all of the changes and activities the ward has done over the year. Thankfully there are wonderful people who help me to be able to accomplish all the Lord asks me to do. I am grateful for my callings and hope that I can continue to magnify them to best of my ability. For I know that while they are not big and not really spotlight callings what little I do does help the ward as a whole. I do have to say that while I love writing the ward history and working with eight to eleven year old girls, my greatest joy is the Sunbeams. They are so much fun and so sweet. I am grateful for all that they and my little daughter are teaching me about the gospel. For it truly is simple and complete. May we all come to feel the pure, simple and sweet love of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ!

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

So I am lying here in bed wishing I didn't feel nauseated every so often and thinking about my little family. I am so grateful for my loving husband who puts up with me even when I am moody. I also feel so blessed to have Mackenzie. She teaches me everyday what is truly important. I love it that whenever Eric comes home she gets all excited to see her Daddy. She also reminds me that the simplest joys in life are the sweetest. Like a homemade ride in a wicker basket in the hotel room is much more fun than all the amazing rides in the park. She made her dad pull her around the room in the laundry basket provided at least ten times in the morning while I was getting ready and then ten more times in the evening before bed. And spinning around in on office chair is the greatest thing in the world to do with your parents. I hope that I can continue to learn and grow from my amazing little family in this coming year. For their lessons are the ones with the most eternal relevance. Happy New Year everybody!

The Spirit of the Season

2010-12-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

This evening was the Relief Society Christmas party and I was so grateful to be able to not only be there but to really focus on the message of Christ. I had the chance to think about all that I have been blessed with in this last year. My wonderful husband and my very cute daughter, along with the opportunity to go back to school and work with the primary at church. I know that all of this is small potatoes to most but for me it is wonderful.

I also began to think about my life. I can not believe that as of this coming Saturday I will have been on the earth for 29 years. I know my parents can't believe it either. The problem for me is I don't feel any older than maybe 25. I am more tired but I chalk that up to Mackenzie keeping me on my toes. In 29 years I have experienced and learned so much. I have make plenty of mistakes but have also learned from them. I hope that the next 29 years are full of just as many memories and growing experiences.

The final thought for this post is that family truly is everything. As I watch Mackenzie grow and begin to talk and express her opinion I am so thankful to be a mom. It is not always easy, the worst time for me is bed time and her crying. But I know that even times get tough and my heart breaks and aches to make all of the pain and sorrow go away that with the Lord I can endure and accomplish so many more things than I can ever image. I have always known this but it has not really sunk in until I became a mother.
I know, I know I am a very slow learning. I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the holiday season.

Not a baby anymore

2010-11-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Mackenzie officially turned a year old. She made it clear that she is not a baby any more. She drink from her sippy cup, had really cow's milk, by herself. She feed herself breakfast, which included a cereal bar, yogurt melts and maple cinnamon puffs. She decided to teach Nana Syndy how to use daddy's play station and to help mommy clean the living room. She then helped daddy put up her nativity set, she moved the pieces where she thought they should be (baby Jesus is still MIA). She then enjoyed a wonderful show put on by Charlie and then the wonderful finale, she got to eat birthday cake! Yes real cake with lots and lots of frosting. The sad part is that I am now Mom and Eric is Dad. It is crystal clear. We only are mommy and daddy at bed time. I promise to post pictures of Halloween and Birthday by tomorrow. Eric has hidden the camera. I think he wants to be here when I post them. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Autumn. I know we are. We are so thankful for our little Mackenzie Maya. Who is now a big girl!

The Joys of Life

2010-11-05T00:49:00.000-06:00

I know it has been a while. We have had a lot that has happened and I am just now finding time to sit down and write it all down. I hope it makes sense.
Life has been busy due to the fact that in August we went and saw my wonderful grandmother in Mount Vernon, Missouri. Mackenzie had so much fun that she decided to start crawling really fast. Now my days are spent trying to keep up with her.
Eric is in his next to last semester of college. He just has one more semester of classes and then a summer internship. He is working so hard and I am so proud of everything he is doing to take care of our little family.
I am enjoying being a stay at home mom and taking night courses to work on my Masters in Education. I have always loved children but it was not until I became a mom that I have begun to truly understand them. I watch Mackenzie as she works hard to walk, and learn about the world around her and I reflect on so much. To think that this world was once new to all of us too. She is loving life and I am so grateful for that.
In just about two weeks she will be a year old and it still feels like yesterday when we brought her home. Granted my body is almost back to pre-pregnancy weight but still she is growing so fast. She say mommy, daddy and Jesus along with her babbles. The newest thing with her is her obsession with Big Bird. I say obsession because we can not go anywhere without him and she has to watch "Follow That Bird" at least once a day. Of course it is more like two or three times a day. Eric and I have the film almost completely memorized. To where the other day when we had it on pause we knew what lines had been said and were about to be said. So we ended up acting out the dialogue without the movie. Of course Mackenzie was not amused. Apparently Big Bird is more fun than her parents. Of course we are usually cleaning or studying.
Well I could continue rambling but I think I will leave with this thought. I know that motherhood is not always easy or a walk in the park but I wouldn't change or give it up for anything. I love all the messes, the smiles, the crying and the struggles for I learn so much about who I am and who I am becoming. Also I truly learn patience and love. I will post pictures soon. Have a wonderful evening with all of your families.

It has been a while.

2010-07-01T08:33:00.000-06:00

I have to ask for all of my dear friends forgiveness. I have not been the best blogger for the past few months. Life has been a little crazy and I have gotten distracted. Mackenzie is growing like a weed and is not say Mama when she is in need of comfort and dada when she wants to play. She loves eating solids and playing with our newest family member Charlie. Eric is getting closer to being finish with his second bachelors and I am in the process of applying for the Master of Education Program at the U. Other than that we are just working on helping Mackenzie crawl, getting our home in order and trying to keep up with our other responsibilities. I promise to be better at keeping you updated. Here are a few pictures of the cutie to start the repentence process.

Daddy and Daughter Time

2010-03-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

So, I know it has been almost a month since I last updated everyone. What a crazy month it has been. Mostly because Eric and Mackenzie have had colds and I have been trying to take care of them along with the house and school. The nice thing is that Eric has a little more time now to spend with Mackenzie and what a pair they are. Even when I am holding her she will do everything possible to get her dada to look at her. Also they can make each others day. Here are a few photos from one of their many play sessions.

Here Eric is trying to help her stand. She has been trying to do this a lot lately.

Mackenzie decided to share her flower with her daddy. Doesn't he look cute.

This was suppose to be a shot where they were both smiling but Mackenzie was really wondering what in the world I was doing.

I hope all of you and yours are doing well. Have a wonderful March, it is the beginning of spring!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

So this is our first Valentine's Day with Mackenzie and it was wonderful. We went to a farewell for one of Eric's friends and then came home and spent time together. So here is our Valentine's Day gift for all of you, cute pictures of Mackenzie and her Dada. Just a side note, she is being to talk more and more.

Here is Mackenzie all ready to go out and see her Aunt Shannon. Isn't she cute.

Here Mackenzie has taken over her daddy's seat on the couch and has decided to have a snack of her giraffe.

She loves her food and bubbles along with her daddy. Here are all three together.

So here are a few more pictures. She is such an amazing part of our lives. She keeps us moving and we are being trained in the way that is pleasing unto her. Most of all she also reminds us of what life is really about.

The Joys of Gymboree

2010-02-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

First I promise that more pictures are coming but I really wanted to share this little story with you all. Mackenzie is only 2 and 1/2 months old but already we are starting to see her determination to do accomplish whatever she puts her mind too.

The last couple of weeks Eric and I have been taking her to a Gymboree Play and Learn Class. It has been great fun for all of us. There is just one little hitch, during tummy time the teacher puts a towel under Mackenzie to help her stay up right. Well Mackenzie wanted no of it. She decided that she was going to get over it. So for two weeks she had worked really hard to push herself over the rolled towel. Well last Monday she accomplished just that. Well after accomplishing it she realized it was not a great as she had thought. So me being the loving mother I am put her back on the towel. This however she decided that she would just use to to help her see farther. So she placed her hands on the towel and held her own head and shoulders up on her hands so she could watch her ball rolling on the mirror.

This whole episode amazed me due to the fact that she worked and worked her little legs until she accomplished her goal. I hope that I can be just like her and work and work until I accomplish my goals. Well more later. I hope you all enjoyed this little story and there is so much more where that came from including some very cute photos. Have a great week and thanks for being such great friends!

Long awaited pictures of Mackenzie

2010-01-23T23:21:00.004-07:00

So I know it has been a while, but I finally have a moment to post a few pictures of Mackenzie. She is doing great. We are still monitoring her heart but otherwise she is just as cute as ever. She has her whole family wrapped around her little finger and yes, that hair is still there. It is getting lighter but it is not falling out as all. I love! I get to put cute bows in her hair made by a dear friend. Enjoy the pictures!

Here is Mackenzie Maya drifting to sleep after a long day of playing with Mama and Dada. Even now she is unwilling to give up her rattle.

Here she is on Christmas day. Daddy is trying to let her open her gift herself but as you can see she just want to play with the ribbon and also to make faces at the camera.

Here is a nice close up of our beautiful Mackenzie Maya. She has a towel under chin just in case she decides to spit up. Here she is really giggling at her silly parents and their camera.

Here is a better look at her hair and how long it is getting. Also her can see her beautiful smile. We have noticed that she has mama's eyes and dada's dimples. Look out world here is the very cute Mackenzie Winslow, you don't stand a chance.

Doesn't just make your heart melt. She is so amazing at two months. I am not prejudice at all, I am being completely objective.

Here she is getting ready to go to the park. She has is dressed and ready. She even has her giraffe ready to go. All that is left to do is to eat and then off to the park!

Well that is all for now but we promise to post more soon. We just love our little princess. She is such a wonderful gift from heaven.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T23:23:00.003-07:00

So we had a great Christmas. It was so great that by mid-afternoon Mackenzie was completely tuckered out. We had a blast with family and we also had a great time playing with her new toys, along with watching her play with some of them. But this picture just expresses it all. Merry Christmas to all of you!

Nap time caught on camera

2009-12-25T23:41:00.004-07:00

So here are some pictures of Mackenzie and her daddy sleeping. I couldn't resist taking these because they looked so cute. Enjoy!

New Milestone!

2009-12-23T22:58:00.002-07:00

So as of yesterday Mackenzie started to pout and smile really big. Now this is really big for us because it is SO cute. It all started when we gave her a much needed bath. Besides pouting and giving me the biggest precious moment eyes she hugged her rubber ducky for dear life. However once I took her out of the bath and dried her off she was fine. Now she did get her revenge right after by peeing on her parents while we were trying to dress her. Then last night while her Nana and Poppa were watching her she started to smile and wouldn't you know it she gave her momma the biggest smile as she walked in the door. Now she does not have Eric's dimples but her smile it cute in its own way, partly because she wrinkles her little nose and she grins from ear to ear. I am going to have to stay strong, for right now both her pout and her smile just melt my heart. Can I just say I love being a mom.

Makenzie is one month old

2009-12-19T13:07:00.002-07:00

So, as of Thursday Mackenzie is officially one month old. What an interesting month it has been. She is doing really well, growing bigger everyday and her hair is really starting to lighten up. She has not lost any of it and it is actually growing longer. She has also decided that she can not live without her parents. She loves to cuddle and also is very social. She is the highlight of our lives. I love how when she is ready to eat she will open her mouth and if we don't put something inside it she will start to eat her hand. Also she has decided that when we give her a bottle, she wants to feed herself already. We are really excited for this Christmas. We know she won't be able to rip the paper or completely understand but we are excited to give her the fun toys we have bought and to play with her with them. (Her parents are just big kids at heart.) Well I better go but I promise to post all the fun pictures we have taken so far this month soon. Happy Holidays!

Another Year Older

2009-12-11T12:15:00.002-07:00

So today is my birthday. While, I woke up to a very unhappy little girl, who was hungry and constipated, it has been a great day already. Mostly because my husband wished me happy birthday and then I got to cuddle with Mackenzie for a while. For years, I thought birthdays were had to be amazing with parties and presents, but this year with everything that has happened I am just grateful everything that I do have. I have a loving husband, who works hard to take care of me and our daughter. I love being a mom. Yes, I love the dirty diapers, the spit-up, the crying and all the laundry. I never thought I would love it all, but I do. Mostly because I am able to express all the love i have for this little one. The best gift I have had today besides the two hour nap is having her smile at me and sleep peacefully. I hope that this next year of my life is as fulfilling as this year has been.

Mackenzie Maya Winslow is here!

2009-11-19T09:05:00.003-07:00

Here is our sweet little daughter in all her glory. More pictures to come.

November is here!

2009-11-02T13:42:00.002-07:00

I know I am pretty much stating the obvious but I am so excited for this month to be here. Mostly because it means that Mackenzie can come anytime. Of course, we are hoping for next week or so since my parents are in Phoenix right now having a wonderful holiday just the two of them. But I also know that while I can hope for a certain day it will happen when the Lord wants it to. She is doing well. She did scare the nurses at Labor and Delivery on Saturday when we went in to make sure her heart rate was good. But after we explained the situation and they talked to my amazing midwife we were able to leave. Of course this is after half a dozen of them wanted to rush me back for an emergency c-section. I have decided this is Mackenzie's Halloween Trick since she got really have any of the treats right now. Mommy is trying to control herself.

Saturday we did the home inspection and while there are a couple of things I would like to see done before we close overall it went really well. I am really excited to move into our own home and to still be in our ward. We love the people and the neighborhood is wonderful. So this is the other reason I am excited for November. The closing date is the 20th. Now if we can just figure out how to do all of this and have a baby we will be set! I know it will all work out. Partly because we have an amazing ward family and also because we have the Lord to help us. Well I will stop rambling but I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy beginning of November.

Already scaring mommy and daddy

2009-10-27T17:28:00.002-06:00

So this morning Eric and I were in a hurry to get to my doctor's appointment. We had thought it was later than it really was, but once we got there and everything got started we were Ok. That is until our midwife tried to measure Mackenzie's heart rate and we found that she had a slight problem. Her heart would beat twice and then pause, then beat twice. So we had to go and have a non-stress test and then another ultra-sound. In the end the hear irregularity just looks to be something that will clear up after she is born and we were sent home. But for a little while it was a little unnerving not knowing what to think or whether or not they would want to deliver her today. But thankfully we can wait for a little while longer. I have to give props to Eric who stayed really calm during all of this and was right by my side the whole time. I am so grateful for sucha loving husband.

We may have a home!

2009-10-26T15:52:00.002-06:00

So, I know it has been a little while and there is a lot to tell. First Eric is feeling much better. He still has a cough but other than that he is doing well. Next Mackenzie and I are doing fine. She is very happy with making her presence known and while it hurts sometimes I am fine with it. Finally the big news we may have our first house! Our offer was accepted today so now the work really beginning with getting the mortage and all the inspections before our closing date, which ironically is the day before my due date. So this is going to be an interesting next few weeks. However, those of you who know me know I would not want it any other way. Well other than those things there is not but more to tell. I will post pictures of the house soon along with other requested pictures. Have a great week!

Fall in all it's glory.

2009-10-13T20:17:00.003-06:00

So things are going well. We have started to seriously look for a house in Magna, Mackenzie is healthy and Eric is doing great in school. We have just had one minor hitch. Eric has Swine Flu! Now it is not as bad as it sounds. He is on the mend and actually looks pretty cute in his mask. The hard part for me is just not being able to kiss him and also watching him wither in pain from his cough. The only other thing is that I had to replace my computer after water got spilled on it, which is partly why it has been so long between posts. But other than that Eric is doing well and so are we. Well that is all for now. I hope all of you are doing well and staying healthy. Have a great fall!

9 weeks and counting

2009-09-17T09:24:00.002-06:00

So things are going well except for the fact that Eric and I both have had dream of Mackenzie coming into this world way to early. So of course Eric has started reminding Mackenzie to stay inside mommy for two more months. What is really funny is that I honestly think she listens to him. For example, Tuesday I had my doctor's appointment and due to Eric's homework load my mom took me. So before we left, Eric said good-bye to me and Mackenzie and told his daughter to give the heart monitor a really big kick for him and wouldn't you know she did it! It made Eric smile when I told him. Other than that things are going well. We are enjoying our childbirth class, except for the whole part of realizing what I will have to go through. Eric is doing well in his classes and my job search continues. Well not a whole lot more to report. Hope all of you are doing well and have a great rest of your week.

CountDown is on

2009-09-08T16:22:00.002-06:00

So, as of yesterday, we are at 30 weeks in this pregnancy. This is exciting for me because the time for Mackenzie to be here is getting closer. Also I am excited because we are starting our childbirth classes tonight. (I know, I know, I am such a nerd, I even take classes for childbirth.) The only other big news right now is that Eric got another job! It is just part time after his classes, but he loves it. He is working with six grade boys at Escalate Elementary school in the Salt Lake School District. It is about 15 hours a week, which is great because it adds to what time we are still getting at the park. I am so happy for him because he is so happy right now. He talk all the time about his job and his classes. Also he is already about a day or two ahead in his classes. I guess all there is left to say is all is well. The baby shower drama has been worked out so that Eric and I can go to the ward BBQ the 19th and then the baby shower is the 25th. I think this is better anyway because it gives us time to get more familiar with Eric's new schedule of work and tutoring. Well not much more to say and hope you are all doing well. Thanks again for all the advice! Please keep it coming, I need all the help I can get.

Choosing the Better Part

2009-09-01T21:07:00.002-06:00

So, usually I try to stay really upbeat with my posted but I just need to vent. As the time comes closer for the baby to come I am starting to have baby showers. This includes one that my mother in-law is throwing for my on September 19th. Now when I first told her this date it worked great but then Sunday we found out that our ward is having their annual chicken burn that same night. Now this would not be a big deal except for the fact that my calling in our ward is ward historian and part of my responsibility is to be at ward activities to take pictures and also document the event as a whole. Along with that Eric is apart of the Ward Mission Leadership and really feels he needs to be there too because they are inviting a lot of the less active members to come and he wants to be there to make them feel welcome. So we decided to ask his mother if we could just postpone the baby shower for a week and do it on the other date that she gave us, so that we could both magnify our callings. Well of course she said absolutely not and even made me feel as though my calling is not important at all. This hurts on more than one level. I have always tried to give my best effort in my callings and also to to all that is asked of me by the Lord. On the other hand I do not like to cause drama or to hurt others. But she is basically making me choose between her and the Lord. How can I choose? On the one hand it is the Lord who has asked me to do this for him. On the other she is apart of my extended family for all eternity. I guess this is just one of those difficult decision we have to make in our lives. It just hurts that she can't she the intents of our hearts. Oh, Lord please do not me become offended but help me find a way to do all that needs to be done. If you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it.

To School Again

2009-08-30T23:33:00.001-06:00

So, as many of you know with the economy the way it is, Eric and I have decided that it is best for him to return to school. He is working on a second bachelor's in Parks and Recreation. And wouldn't you know it he is like a kid in a candy store. He loves his classes! I am loving listening to him talk about everything he has learned and enjoying doing his homework. For me this is an answer to a prayer because I think he has found something that he is really passionate about. I know that because he is passionate about when the time comes he will find a great job that he loves! And that is all I want for my hubby! Well report more later. The only other news is that Mackenzie has now decided that mom needs to get up at 3 am. Well at least I have more time to get stuff done right? Have a great week!

Fall Once Again

2009-08-24T21:39:00.002-06:00

So, I know it has been a while and I am sorry for that. Our late summer schedule has been booked. We have been getting ready for Eric to go back to school and for the baby. The biggest thing has been that Eric's sister, Monique, was married in the Bountiful Temple on August 14th. We had the great opportunity to be there in the temple with her. I have to say that is was very enjoyable to watch someone else has happy has we were a little over a year ago and also to think back to that day.

Now we are just trying to get back into the sing of school along with work and trying to find another place to live. Mackenzie is doing great. She is a very strong young lady already and is starting to kick my computer off my stomach when I type while laying down. Also she getting really excited with certain hymns and also when she hears the voices of certain general authorities. I know this sound weird or surreal but I am not kidding. She was very calm and quiet Sunday until President Monson spoke at the temple dedication. Also I have decided she is either a future gymnast or dancer because she is so busy all the time.

Eric is loving he classes and as luck, or the Lord would have it, our summer job was perfect for his field. I am enjoying looking for another job and taking a couple of institute classes. I am really excited to be a mom but I am also enjoying all the quality time that Eric and I are getting right now. Well that is all for now I hope you all are doing well in your homes.

I will leave with a warning for any of you in the Salt Lake area my mother has a new car. Yes, she finally got ride of the van. It is a little red Toyota corolla. She loves it but we are all worried that her need for speed might come back.

Update

2009-07-20T17:21:00.002-06:00

So, here is what is happening with the Winslow clan. First, the baby's corner of our bedroom and coming together. We are still in our one bedroom apartment and really don't mind. Right now we are looking for a better place along with better paying jobs. Also Eric is getting ready to start school, which I am excited for too. Mostly because he is like a kid at Christmas. I know he will be happy with the classes he is taking and is going to continue working part-time at the park. I have applied to start back at the U in the spring to work on a second BA in Medicine and then will also try to finish my MA, next fall. Other than that is has been pretty quiet, well except for Mackenzie making herself known and trying to get mom to behave. You ask for help when I can't reach something instead of trying to do it by myself. There is one more thing. I got a new calling, I am officially the Lakeridge 6th ward's Historian. Now is that not a perfect calling for me or what? In closing it is time for a funny story.

Friday evening. my parents invited Eric and I to go with them to the Mormon Tabernacle choir concert. It was great and you know what even Mackenzie got into it. The next to last song they sang was the Battle Hymn of The Republic and wouldn't you know it, she got excited she started kicking me in sync with the music. I am not kidding. It was a little uncomfortable but also funny to realize that our daughter already as a liking for good uplifting music. Well all I can say is I can't wait until she get here and we can get to know more about her personality. Hope you are all doing well. More later.

It's a Girl

2009-06-29T14:17:00.004-06:00

So as promised here is the lasted, we are having a little girl! Mackenzie Maya is due November 21st but she might come as early as November 14th. She is very healthy and is actually about 20 weeks in development. She tried to hold on to her

secret until the very end of the ultra sound appointment but in the end gave in. Eric is very happy and excited t

o be a daddy and I am just excited period. I honestly thought we were going to have a little boy but I am just as happy with a little girl! Here are some of the ultra sound pictures that show Mackenzie's growing personality.

Patience is a virtue we have short supply of right now

2009-06-27T11:47:00.003-06:00

So I know it has been a while since I have update everyone. This is mostly due to very busy scheduling at work and just not much to say. But I thought I should at least give an update on our soon to be new addition. This is big news to me just because well I am pregnant. But more than that Eric is now really involved. He came with me to the doctor this last Tuesday and was able to hear the baby's heartbeat. Granted our baby was too busy for our doctor to get a good reading, but other than being difficult everything looks really good including my weight gain. That of course is due to the fact that I walk around the park all the day or at least in my site. The other big news is that the ultra-sound to discover if we are adding a little girl or boy to our family is Monday! This is in part because Eric can not wait any longer. We are nearing 19 weeks and he is ready to start picking up baby thing. Ok, ok I will admit I want to as well. So we will let you all know once we know.

To end I have to admit that my baby bump is starting to show, at least outside of pioneer clothes. For the most part I am able to hide it all under yards of fabric at work which means not unwanted tummy touching. But the weird thing is that it seems every animal at the park is pregnant or having their babies. Granted it is great company for a hormonal pregnant woman but I do feel sorry for all the guys at the livery, including my husband. He just can't get away from crazy women these days! I do have to say holding some of the new little ones in my arms is also not helping me to be patient. I can't not wait to be able to hold my own little one in my arms. I know I have a few more months to wait and more pain to go through to get there but I am so excited for November to come around.

I hope you all are doing well and I promise to do better with updates are the changes in our family. Still no new jobs for Eric but we do feel blessed to have the money coming in that we have. Lord willing something will turn up in his time. Have a great week-end everyone!

Prayers are truly answered.

2009-06-09T19:36:00.002-06:00

So almost four months ago Eric and I found out that we were going to having a baby, and for as happy and wonderfully blessed I felt I still had this nagging feeling. You see I have this dear friend who had been trying to get pregnant for a about two years. She is the sweetest kindest young woman I know, well one of a few. So when we started trying a was praying that she would become pregnant first. And then when we found out we were pregnant I prayed that she would be pregnant too. Well wouldn't you know it, the Lord saw fit to answer my prayer. I just found out that my dear friend is expecting her first child near the end of October. I am so excited and grateful for the Lord's hand in life. For my desire was that my friend could have the desire of her heart just as much as I could have mine. I am so excited for our children to grow up together, Lord willing and to be able to get in touch with her again and see how pregnancy is treating. So if it seems as though your prayers are unanswered, you never know when, where or how that will be answered. But I know that if they are righteous desires and needs the Lord will never leave you hanging. It may take more time than you may think it should but in the end the Lord is always there. So never give up hope!

Life has its ups and downs

2009-06-04T19:49:00.003-06:00

So this week has been interesting so far. First, Eric and I had the opportunity to help with the new temple open house and had a blast. I even had a father offer to give his son to me. But I kindly declined. Then we went to work. Work is great but there are some issues as with every job. The big one at the park is a major lack of communication. There are problems but if people would talk and listen rationally and be proactive the problems would be solved. One nice thing was I got to help put the baby animals away on Wednesday and can I just say I love the feel of a baby anything in my arms. Also one of the horses Appy, has fallen for me. Eric is none too pleased. Then we found out that my great aunt Bonita passed away. I will miss her but I am so happy that she is reunited with her husband after being separated for five years. She lived to 96 and had a full life. I just hope that I can live half that long and be happy. Finally I did have my first big cry with being pregnant. It was just all the little stresses of the last few months coming to the surface. I am doing better now and will be doing even better after a great night's sleep. All in all this week has been good and I know it will continue to be. I just have to focus on the positive and ride through the storms.

New Milestone

2009-05-26T21:10:00.002-06:00

So, today I went to my first midwife appointment and actually had a lot of fun. Partly because my mom went with me and also be we got to hear the baby's heart beat. Also I found out that now that I am entering the second trimester I can do more stuff like exercise and you know out around the house. Now if my body can just find the energy again. Also we are excited because in about five or six weeks we will be about have a 3-d ultra-sound picture done of our baby. Other than that all the other news is that I am officially starting to wear maternity clothes. Mostly because nothing fits! ARG! Oh, I have to say Eric is amazing he has gone clothes shopping with me more than once and seems to actually be forming an opinion of his own on women's clothing. In closing I have to tell you a cute story.

Eric is working at the Park with me this summer, well as of Saturday. This is in part because he was willing to do something that most young men would not be caught dead doing, making sloth dolls with little girls. Now the girls were pretty harsh about my husband's doll making skills. But I have to say the fact he was will to give it a major effort is more than enough. Considering he has never played with a doll let alone made one in his life. Well hope you are all doing well. Keep smiling.

An example of enduring love

2009-05-17T22:02:00.002-06:00

Today my parents celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary and while it was hard for them to do much alone, they still found ways to express their love. I feel so grateful to have wonderful parents who have been through so much together and seem to love each other even more today. Growing up I always knew my parents loved each other. Partly because even when times looked their bleakest they were always right next to each other. I hope and pray that Eric and I can create that loving and enduring of a relationship. Again I am grateful for such a wonderful example of what eternal love really is all about. Happy Anniversary mom and dad!

Happy Birthday Eric!

2009-05-07T18:43:00.002-06:00

So today is Eric's 28th birthday. For him it has been an experience, partly because he is freaking out that he will be 30 in two years. I tried to calm his fears to no avail. But I am so proud and grateful for him. We are back in Utah and loving it, challenges and all. I start work at the park next Saturday and will have some pictures up soon of the park and our cute little apartment. But for now I just has to say happy birthday Eric!

It all comes down to this

2009-04-17T14:02:00.002-06:00

This morning I woke up at 7 sharp starving. So Eric got up and got me a little snack. Well here is the problem he then went to go get us some breakfast and took longer than expected. While he was gone, I was here at the house talking myself out of throwing up. As long as I concentrated really hard I did pretty well. But then he came into the bedroom with breakfast and all of a sudden..... in to the bathroom I ran and out what little I had came.

Now I know most of you are going why are you sharing this. Well because I hate throwing up and when I do I feel miserable. Also Eric say I am now officially pregnant because I have thrown up. I am not so sure about that but the funny part was that after three minutes of calming my stomach down I was able to eat breakfast. Is this normal? I mean when I feel like throwing up I don't want to eat anything. Oh, well as Dad said I guess there is a new norm and I just don't know what it is yet.

only one more week

2009-04-15T13:04:00.003-06:00

So as of today, we only have one week until the movers come to load up our house. Then Thursday April 23rd we head back to Utah! We are both excited, except for the whole packing part. You since we have done this so many times while we were both single you would think we would have it down. But unfortunately it is still the same pain in the butt when you are married. Now you just have someone really cute to help you get it all done. So for now this is all. More updates including pregnancy news once we get back to Utah. Hope everyone is doing well.

A Leap of Faith

2009-04-13T18:10:00.002-06:00

OK, so as many of you know our future right now is not completely clear. We know we are going to have a baby in November and are suppose to be in Utah at least until then. But what is to come after that we do not know. There are endless possibilities. And here is where courage must take hold.

For the past month my wonderfully supportive husband has been encouraging me to look more into John Hopkins' history of medicine program. I kept telling him that I need more biology and medical background. But what he said stuck with me and now as we are getting ready to move and start over I got the very strong impression this morning to take a chance and really look into it. As I did I started to apply for the program for the 2010-2011 school year, and wouldn't you know it I have more than the requirements for admission. Now I am going to do some polishing of my credentials and also add a few more good attributes to my academic record but it is really exciting to see that I have a major chance to do this. I just hope and pray that this is what the Lord's wants for us and that I can get in. It would be a dream come true. Partly because Eric has said he will follow me to Maryland if I get in. I hope that the Lord's will is here and that I will have the courage and confidence to put my best foot forward.

What does a newly wed couple do for Easter

2009-04-12T20:38:00.002-06:00

So since I can't really be in the kitchen very long right now, with get nauseated and throwing up. I wondered what would we do for Easter. In my family there is always a big home cooked meal. Luckily my dad has postponed this for another two Sundays. This means Easter dinner will also celebrate Eric and I being back in Utah. So with that Eric and I still had to figure out something to do for the two of us. So here it is... We decided to help our friends keep their sanity with really hyper kids. Let me explain we are friend with the Perkins family and they are great. There is just one little problem, Dad and all four kids love candy. So poor Sandy is left to fend for herself in a family of hyper active kids and husband. So we decided to help out a little. We always sit with them at church and after church we tried to get the kids to run off the energy before they went home. Sandy did ask that we come by and take all the candy out of the house but we knew that wouldn't work.

Now what about our Easter dinner, well it is something I can eat and have been craving, spaghetti! Poor Eric all I want to spaghetti and meatballs. I know he is going crazy so I have tried to make him sandwiches and have promised to make my famous mashed potatoes once we move. By then I hope to be able to look on food without gagging. It is so frustrating to have morning sickness when you love to cook and also eat what you cook. Oh well, I will just appreciate it more when I can have all again. Happy Easter and hope it was a wonderful day for each of you. I know I have enjoyed the time to remember our savior and the amazing price he paid and the gift he gave.

Clarification

2009-04-10T13:32:00.002-06:00

So I would like to clarify last night's post. I did not mean to demonize New Mexico. I know that there are many great and wonderful people here. I was just trying to point out that it is just not where we are suppose to be. To be honest it is easier for us to find reason to leave right now because there are many wonderful people we are leaving behind. The Lord just knows that if he does not push us, we do not like to make too big of changes once we get comfortable with something. So in the end I have to say for me, New Mexico is a great place to visit but I will leave judgement up to the rest of you. Sorry if I offended anyone. I was venting.

Reasons to leave New Mexico

2009-04-09T22:39:00.002-06:00

So, since Eric lost his job the Lord seems to be giving us more and more reason to leave New Mexico. The first came with the wonderful dust storms of last week and this week. This was compounded by the fact that the New Mexico Public Health officials have done nothing to help people avoid upper respiratory problems created by the dust and the micro-organisms in the dust. The next big one came tonight for me. I have been watching the news just to try and be an informed citizen, but then tonight I heard how a mother got her six year-old son taken to court and order to traffic school because he kept taking his seat belt off in the car.

Now I don't know about all of you but for this soon to be mother this seems a little extreme and irresponsible on the mother part. I mean little kids misbehave but if the parents have a system in place the child will learn to live by it. For example in my home my mother never started the car before we were all buckled up properly. Then if any of us unbuckled while she was driving she would pull over and wait for us to re buckle. Lets just say if we did not do so quickly siblings got upset. Mostly because they were late for practices or other fun activities. This system worked even with the most stubborn of us.

I don't care where live as long as the public health and judicial systems are responsible and our family can grow up in a productive environment. Thanks for listening. Hope you are all well. And just so you know New Mexico is a great place to visit but I wouldn't recommend living here if you have a choice.

Words of Wisdom

2009-04-06T00:08:00.002-06:00

So this week-end was great! My parents came down to see us and for the first time in over a week I was able to get out of bed and actually enjoy their company. It was great to be with them and to have Eric here too. We watch conference Saturday with them and then we watch Sunday conference at the house while they drove back to Utah. But their visit along with conference was the shot in the arm that we need to get started packing. We will be living with a family in my home ward for four months, while I work at the park and Eric looks for a job. We know that even though we have been hit by the economy and some of our dreams will have to wait, it will all work at in the Lord's way and time. Right now I am just grateful that I have a loving husband who has as much faith if not more faith than me. I am also grateful for great parents who are supportive and the best cheerleaders I have ever had. I will tell all of you that my next post may be from Utah. We will see how the next two and a half weeks go! Remember, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

Coming Back to Utah

2009-04-01T15:29:00.002-06:00

So here is the latest. First we got the deposit back and all it took was showing a little legal muscle. So now we are working on getting packed and getting a small apartment in Salt Lake. We are excited because we know this is what we are suppose to do. I personally have been dealing with morning sickness that has be made worse by sense headaches. But little by little I am able to do all that needs to be done so that we can get out of here. Utah here we come back!

Not going down without a fight.

2009-03-27T13:23:00.002-06:00

So major update. We have been trying to get the 10,000 dollars back we put down on the house last week. Legally we should be able to get it but Silver Ridge is avoiding us. So what are we doing? We are getting a lawyer and getting ready to fight. I am not a fighter by nature but when I see injustice of any kind it get my dander up as my mom says. So after we went to the title company and they told us what paperwork they needed we tried to give Silver Ridge the benefit of the doubt but after not getting any start answering or even any answers at all we decided it was time for the gloves to come off. We have all the paper work and have an appoint with a lawyer on Monday. I will tell you all I do not really like lawyers except for the honest ones, my brother Jonah wants to be one of those. But i know that there is a time and a place to fight and it is right now. I will not let all of the hard work that Eric has put into this be for nought just because some greedy builder is unwilling to admit when they are wrong and give us back our money. So keep us in your prayers that we will be able to stand strong in the face of this adversity.

Life is full of surprises

2009-03-25T15:22:00.002-06:00

So this past few days have been chalk full of decision and actions. First last Friday we went up to Utah to spend the week-end with my family. It was wonderful. My parents and my brothers have been so helpful and supportive with everything. Eric was able to make some progress with getting on with Barrick (cross your finger this is what he really wants). I also have been able to get my job back at This is the Place Heritage Park for the summer, which means we also decided that at the end of April we are going back to Utah for at least the summer.

The other big thing is we had our pre-natal ultrasound today. We are about five and half weeks pregnant, which is a lot of fun. Mostly because we say the heartbeat. Also it looks like our first baby will be sharing a birthday day month with my mom and a dear little friend of ours, (you know who you are). Finally I quit my job with the library and am spending all of my time with Eric picking and organizing for the move. We have four weeks but we want to make every minute count since we are moving back to Magna for the summer and putting most of our stuff in storage. We know this is the best way to go for the Lord confirmed it to us while we were in the temple last Friday with my dad.

So in the end while we still don't have all the answers we do have a game plan and are starting to get things in order. We are putting our trust in the Lord and are so grateful for all of the support we have had and know we will continue to have from our friends and family. Don't worry more baby updates will be coming as we get them. Keep smiling and know that no matter what challenges we face we are smiling while facing them too.

When one door closes...

2009-03-19T18:21:00.002-06:00

So this morning Eric and I had a shock. He was called into work on his day off and told that he would be laid off due to the economic woes within the oil and gas field. This has diffently changed our plans. We are looking at moving back to Utah as soon as we can. This is because of the fact that even with the possible new job that I have applied for we will be unable to stay in Farmington. There are no jobs in the area for Eric. The biggest thing for me right now is to take care of him. I know the best thing for me to do is help him to face forward and move. Also I know that if I can get him back to Utah he will have a really good support group. He has not really been around a whole lot. So he does not really have a whole lot of friends here.

So in closing if you all could keep us in your prayers that we will be able to find another job for him and be able to get back our feet would be wonderful. We are grateful that we had not gone too far on the house or other things yet. Now if we can just get moving again that would be wonderful.

There is one piece of good news, we are expecting a baby at the end of the year. There will be more on this as more information is gathered.

The importance of understanding.

2009-03-16T22:09:00.002-06:00

OK, so I am going right up front about this and tell all of you that this post is going to be really sappy. Here is why, all my life I am had this great desire to learn and contemplate the justice or injustice done to people. But I never felt like I could share this desire with any one. I was always call morbid by my brothers and so I just kept it all to myself. But I have found something else with my wonderful husband. My passion to speak and learn the truth. Here how this revelation came about, I had found that a book I had skimmed, The Boy is the Stripped Pajamas, had been made into a movie. Well I had been wanted to see but never got a chance to when it was in the theaters. So I rented it on I-tunes.

I was afraid to tell Eric because I was afraid that he would say the same things my brothers have always said. But when I was honest with him, he just asked to watch it with me. Well it is a heart wrenching movie that really makes you stop and think. After we finished it, instead of just saying what a sad movie and moving on we were able to talk about. And wouldn't you know this was manna to my soul. I have yearned for years to talk to someone who would understand that the reason I study the darkness of the past is to be able to appreciate the goodness of the present and the hope of the future even more.

All my life I have hated injustice but I know that without injustice there can be no justice. I also know that without hatred and evil there can be no love and righteousness. So end the end my advice is don't be afraid to bare your whole soul to someone you love, they might surprise you how much they are like you in the end. Well that is all for now.

I will say this those who deny evil in the world only perpetuate it. For if it is ignored or believed to never be able to happen then it can go unhindered. When recognize it we can stop it before it takes over the things that are important to us. I hope the I can be able to recognize it always in my life.

Thanks for the support

2009-03-12T23:04:00.002-06:00

I wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who has helped with the sorrow me and family have felt. Uncle Leonard was laid to rest today I appreciate all the kind words and notes that were left. It is hard because we will miss him but we are so grateful for all the good time we have had with him and that his is at rest. Also that even in a time of tragedy like this our family becomes stronger and more tight knit. I hope that we all can learn to cherish our families for now and in the eternities. Have a great week-end.

How quickly life changes

2009-03-09T22:58:00.005-06:00

So yesterday, when I posted I said there was not much going on here. How little I knew at that time. First, this morning we got a call from the carpet people and when to pick out our carpet, tile and such for the floor of our new house. We are very happy with our color scheme. But then as I was getting ready to leave to head to work my father called. He sounded really down and I was worried something had happened to one my brothers or he was frustrated with work. But in reality it all this... my great-uncle Leonard had passed on suddenly in the ER in Carthage, Missouri. He had been ill the night before. When he told me a didn't know what to think or say. All day I was in a daze. I know that he had struggled with staying healthy these last few years, but it is hard to loose someone you knew really well and grew up with. Now the funeral is this Friday in Southwestern Missouri so there is no one Eric and I can be there but we are doing all we can to support my dad in making the trip.

I guess all I have to say is that I am grateful for the ordinances of the temple because the relationships that we make here do not end at death. I know that my dad, me and grandmother along with Aunt Nancy Catherine will all be with Uncle Leonard again someday. I also know that he is at rest and has been re-united with the family members that had already passed before him: his mother

and father and his brother and sister. I just hope those of us who are left here on earth can make the most of his memory and also celebrate his life for what it was. A life full of service to his family and friends. We will miss you Uncle Leonard but look forward to a union of our own someday.

Changes, always changes

2009-03-08T18:32:00.002-06:00

So things for us are going pretty well. I am trying to get a better job and Eric is hurrying to finish his PowerPoint presentation before his break session in April. The big news is that he does not have to go to Grand Junction for an extended amount of time. He will just have to go up there for jobs every so often.

Also due to the renovation of one of the ward building here, we now have a very crazy Sunday schedule. Our sacrament starts at noon and then we have thirty meets for Sunday School and Relief Society. So we shall see how it goes with teaching. Eric likes the new schedule because he only has to be away from me for thirty minutes instead of the usual hour. It just melts my heart when he says things like that.

The thing I am most excited about this week is that I will be in Albuquerque Wednesday to meet with a professor, to finalize my thesis topic and I will be able to go to the temple. Then on Saturday, I have the day off so Eric and I are planning on going down to the temple together. I know most of you are thinking so. Well here is the thing the temple is three hours away and our schedules don't always work so that we are both available to go. And as much as I love to go the temple alone I love it even more when Eric is with me. Well that is all from us, sorry it is a little boring this week, but it has just been a normal week for us, school, work, housework, sick missionaries. Same old same old. Have a wonderful week everyone.

Changes in Life

2009-03-02T01:10:00.006-07:00

So things have been pretty quiet here in Farmington. Of course we have had some interesting developments, like the fact that we are officially pre-approved for a mortgage loan and I am trying to get a better more permanent job. This is so we can safe more and also pay off the mortgage faster.

The greatest excitement has been the opportunities that we have had to share the gospel with those around us. Also the fact that we are getting know people in the neighborhood we will be moving into, which is just what we need. Very friendly with a lot of young families. What follows are the few pictures of the house we have so far. Granted it is just the foundation, but hey everything must start with a sure foundation right! Happy March everybody!

My Daring Adventure

2009-02-24T22:53:00.003-07:00

So yesterday I decided that I had enough and I was going to go up to Grand Junction to see Eric. Now this was just as much for him has it was for my sanity. You see when he left on Friday he took only enough close with him to last the number of days he planned on being there, which was three days. Well he was required to stay until today so needless to say he was out of clothes as of Monday. Now this has happened once before, when he was stuck unexpectedly in Price, Utah for FIVE Days with only the clothes on his back. So as any good wife I decided that I would never let him go without clean clothes again. So Sunday after he was needing to stay until Monday I made a decision that if he was not coming home Monday I would go to him. So when he called me at work and told me that he had to stay another day I knew what I had to do.

I came home and within thirty minutes I had enough shits, pants, underclothing and socks to last him three more days. I download my map from map quest, packed a couple changes of clothes for myself and off I went. The trip was pretty uneventful until I hit the rocky mountains. Now our car though little is very mighty and handle a lot. So when it started to snow a little I wasn't worried. But then I started in on the narrow mountain roads. At first I wasn't too concerned I just slowed down and took my time. But then came the warning signs for avalanches and falling rocks and I become more concerned. Now sign don't usually concern me but when the length of road that was within the avalanche area kept increasing with every sign I wasn't so sure what to think. Along with the fact that I could see a few boulders that had been moved off the road.

Then the roads became more icy and snowy. So I slowed down even more. I said a silent pray and even began to sing just to help my nerves. But then came down hill curves. And won't you know it Sir Issac Newton and his law of gravity began to work against me! No matter how hard I tried I kept gaining speed. Even with all of this I was fine until the car skidded a little too close to the edge of a cliff. Then the panic rose in my chest. I had to keep repeating to myself, "Eric is worth this, and the Lord is with me." Finally after a very tense hour I came out of the mountains and was extremely grateful for the divine intervention on my nerves. But then my harrow adventure almost seemed pointless when Eric called and told me that he was coming home Tuesday and that I could just go home!

Well I made it very clear that I was not going back through the mountains and I had come this far and was not turning back! So he admitted that he wanted to see me and so I continued my journey. I finally made to Grand Junction around eight that night and was so grateful to be with my husband again but I was also extremely exhausted.

I have decided that while the mountains are beautiful with snow I will wait until summer to go through them again. Also I think next time I will let Eric drive and I will just enjoy the scenery. So next time you are in a pickle of a driving adventure just remember your destination is worth it, no matter what the destination is!

Separation may be here again

2009-02-20T23:23:00.002-07:00

So, I have a little bit of bad news, Eric may be leaving me for a month. No we are separating by choice. Because the oil companies here in New Mexico have pretty much shut down for the winter, he has to head up to Grand Junction. This is so he can get all the experience he needs before his break out session the first week in April. Now it would not be so bad if it were not for the fact that I have grown really fond of having him around. That and because we are in the process of building our first home (pictures will follow soon). This is a hard prospect partly because we have already dealt with seven weeks apart. I know we can make it through three more weeks if we have to, but I really hope we don't have to.

The old saying that distance makes the heart grow fonder is BULL. All it does is make you yearn for the person and be unable to sleep. All I can wonder is how have so many couples done it in the past. I know we are blessed to have the communication tools we do, but still it is no fun. But just like everyone else we are taking a hit too. SO if you could find the time to add us to your prayers, we would greatly appreciate it. What we need to for the weather to continue to be warm and for the economy to be a little better so the oil companies can hire Eric and his co-workers to come and measure their wells. Otherwise at least pray that I wouldn't go stir-crazy from loneliness. Have a great week-end.

Funny thing happened on the way to the dentist

2009-02-18T15:34:00.003-07:00

So Monday Eric and I had our long waited dentist appointment. It is long awaited because Eric has reschedule it twice. So being the brilliant person I am, I made arrangements with Eric for him to pick me up at the house at 1 o'clock and we would drive over the the dentist. Now usually I try to map-quest our destination but this time Eric claimed that he knew where the dentist office was. So off we went. Now remember we have never been to the dentist here yet and I was so nervous all I could remember was the dentist's last name (that should be enough if we get lost, right?) Wrong. First the dentist office we thought was our dentist was not. Then we found out that there are three dentists in Farmington with the last name of Thompson. So after much instance and badger Eric we went home and picked up the information and use yellow pages.com on Eric's phone to find the dentist office. Well to make a very long but hilarious story a little short, all I will say is that yellow pages LIED! We were so incredibly lost, which is not hard to do here because many streets just end without warning. Well after 45 minutes of being lost I just couldn't take it any more and just started laughing. Eric did not think it was funny at all. He knew where Dustin Avenue was and he was going to find it.

Well I decided that since the direct approach was not working maybe if we just enjoyed the drive and stopped looking for the dentist maybe we would find it. Well it worked! only we were an hour late for our appointment so we had to reschedule. Now here is where I have decided my husband likes the dentist about as much as my mother (who is known to bite her dentist, they not put her to sleep for their own safety). I was ready to take the next available appointment and just get it done. NO! Eric wanted to reschedule it for his next days off, which are not until March 23rd! So we did and took the new patient paperwork home to fill out.

As we were leaving we realized that we had passed the office at least three time while being lost for it was right next to the junior high that we were debating over with it was a junior high or high school. I know, I know. We are nuts. But hey at least we are secure enough to laugh at ourselves. So the next time you get horrible lost just stop trying to get un-lost and you might surprise yourself. I know we did.

Romantic Moments

2009-02-16T09:21:00.002-07:00

So if you all can not tell we are back in New Mexico. I will tell you all that when we arrived home it was cold and there was snow and ice everywhere. At first we thought we were still in Utah but after a couple of days of sunshine, we realized that we were back in New Mexico. So here is the real story of what we have been doing since we got back.

First, we have been putting our finances together so that we can finally....build a house. I know, I know we last told you that we were going to buy but we found that we can get more for our money by building and we can stay in our ward! So we are working on getting started building by the first March so we can move in by August. We are so excited that our big Valentine's day even was choosing the lot that we wanted. Eric is really excited because it a nice lot in a nice neighborhood where a police officer lives down the street. I know to all of you that is not a big deal but for Eric it is wonderful. He worries about me all the time when he has to be gone for 10 hours or more on the job. Personally I think I should be the one who is worrying just because he out in the middle of no where but he says he is fine.

The other big news is that we have brand-new washer and dryer! Now for most of you again not a big deal right but if you have a washer that sounded like a train every time you tried to wash something you would want a new one too. When the guys can to install them they found that the drum of the washer was completely separated from the rest of the machine. So it was only by the grace of our heavenly father that it was still working. The new set is really nice and even play a nice little melody when the load is done. Eric thinks it is just a way to make you want to do laundry more. He may be right. The thing I love the most is that I can wash all his dirty jeans at once! Now if I could just get him to get rid of the jeans with holes. Any suggestion?

Well that is all the changes but now I have to share a really romantic moment (OK it is a romantic moment to me). So yesterday at church Brother Perkins asks Eric and I to help in Primary since the CTR 6 teachers were missing. Well we jumped at the chance. I was just sorry that I could only help for an hour. ( I had to teach Relief Society the last hour) So we went to sharing time and wouldn't you know it Eric seemed even more handsome sitting among a bunch of kids trying to keep order. When I had to leave him with six boys and one girl to teach I was afraid that would be the end of our discussion of kids. He did admit that for about two minutes after I left to go teach it was complete chaos. But he said he really enjoyed himself and still wanted to have as many kids as possible. This was a really sweet moment for me mostly because I have only ever seen him with little Brielle Webb and the Perkins kids. So is closing I just have to say I am really looking forward to the day that Eric is a father because he is going to be great!

So I think I have amble enough. In closing I would just like to wish all of you a wonderful week and hope that you all have sweet moments that make you smile!

Divine Intervention

2009-02-09T10:13:00.005-07:00

So yesterday we finally made the trek up to Logan to see all of our dear friends from college and housing who are still there. Granted we were unable to see everyone. (too little time and too many wonderful people to see) But we had a blast with those we did see.

The real adventure was the drive home. I had promised I would drive all day so I had the joy of driving through the canyon back to South Ogden. Now I know all of you who have driven that stretch are think bad idea. Well you would be right. It was snowing at the mouth of the canyon and it got heavier the further in we went. But I kept calm, thanks to Eric and my heavenly father and slowly but surely we made it through. The amazing thing was we did not slide or skid very much at all.

So then all we had to do was drive 17 miles on I-15 and then about 5 miles on I-84 and we would be back at his parents. For the most part it was rain and sleet (rain mixed with snow) on the freeway. But I still took about 20 mph slower than the speed limit, which turned out to be a good idea. Since almost every car that passed us skidded off the road or lose control for a little while. So we were the tortoise in the infamous race of the tortoise and the hare. And would you know we got home in just about the same amount of time as it usually takes! Talk about divine intervention.

I am just grateful for the Lord's hand in small things like this for we were able to make it through some of the most stressful driving I have ever done without much trauma. I will say I ached all over by the time we got home due to the tension my entire body felt. But as usual I will focus on the positive and not the negative.

Happy winter driving and remember slow and steady will win the race!

Greetings from South Ogden

2009-02-07T21:36:00.005-07:00

OK, so if you can't tell we got to Utah safely. It was an entertaining trip, mostly because we spent a lot of time reading The Tale of Despereaux out loud to one another. Now before you think that we were driving distracted, the passenger was reading it aloud to the driver. I have to say, I am greatly impressed with my husband's ability to do voices. I was actually scared of the villainous rats just because of the voice he supplied. But other than that it was pretty uneventful.

So far we have seen both families (well everyone but my brothers who have extremely busy schedules) and our friends in Wyoming (Mindy and Spencer Allred) along with going through the Draper Temple. We still have friends in Logan to see and brothers to have lunch with and Olive Garden to go to with my parents. But even with this busy schedule it has been a very nice and relaxing trip. We have missed our friends and family.

While New Mexico is now our home we still have friends and family that we really want to keep in touch with. So all of you who we have not seen yet and may not be able to see this time, please let us know and we will make sure we take a trip to where ever in the World you are and see you. For seeing and catching up with friends makes our day!

From these visits we remember why you are all so dear to us and you each help us with difficulties that we are facing or will soon face. Not only that but you just warm our hearts. I do have to say that even with all the warm fuzzy I am really cold and looking forward to going back to sunny Farmington, New Mexico. So in closing please keep in touch all of you, for you each have a special place in our hearts!

Technology: Is it really our friend?

2009-02-03T16:02:00.002-07:00

So Sunday Eric got a call where he had to go out on a job in the middle of the Apache reservation at 1:00pm. This meant that not only was he going to miss the Superbowl but church as well. He was really upset partly because he would not be able to sit with his little buddy Connor Perkins during sacrament. So before I had to take him to the shop we did everything we could to make sure Eric had some Sunday worship and peace. But as we were leaving Eric made a comment that he really didn't want to listen to Alex's music on the way there and back. So me being so intelligent (insert laugh here) thought it would be great for Eric to take the ipod nano with him.

This is significant because I basically use it for work and the really long trips to Albuquerque and Utah (3 and 7 hours respectively). So Eric has not really used it, but I love LDS music and have a very wide selection on the nano. With that Eric agreed to take it. Well yesterday after I got up I saw the nano laying on the table near the door so I picked it up to take a charge it for work the next day. However when I tried to maneuver it all I got was a white screen. At first I thought I did something but it was like that from the moment that I picked it up. I tried everything to make it work charging, hooking it up to my mac, nothing. So after discussing it with Eric we decided we could afford to purchase a new nano from Apple. Eric was kind enough to say that it would be his valentine's present. So I purchased a very nice new, blue ipod nano with 8GB of memory. This one will change songs if you just shake it a bit. I was so excited.

Well then this morning as we were getting ready for work, Eric, being his inquisitive self decided to see if he could get the old nano to work. And would you know it, the silly thing is working again. It had no charge but it was working! Well apple is so effective that the new is already being shipped. Eric asked if we should send the old one back, but I stated that it was already on its way and it had more memory. So now we have to ipods, which I think it is good because then Eric has one to take with him on jobs and I have mine for work. Meaning if one malfunctions it is the technological skill of the owner.

Oh technology is amazing and yet full of headaches at the same time! Have a great day and remember if you are a friend to technology, it might be a friend to you.

My Husband: A chef in the making

2009-01-31T20:34:00.003-07:00

So a while ago I purchased some easy cookbooks for Eric to use. He has not really ever cooked before. Now I know you are all wondering well how did he eat before he met you. Well it was a mixture of on-campus food at the Marketplace and the Junction and frozen delicacies that I will not allow in our home such as frozen burritos. So needless to say when we got married I was doing all the cooking, which is fine because I love to cook. But there are times I just don't feel like cooking. Usually when I am feeling exhausted from work and school or under the weather. It is a rare occurrence. However, when I feel that way I don't want Eric to starve or have to eat frozen meals again. This along with the possibility that I may be out of the country for a week this summer motivated me to teach him how to cook. But when I tried to do it from my cookbooks he looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language. In fact I was, chef or cook speak. You know, words like julienne, fold, separate, etc. Words that for him were new and very difficult. So I decided to help him learn cooking starting with the basics. I was lucky enough to find some cookbooks on the American Girl website. Now these books I got because of the fact they had recipes for things like meatloaf, carrot soup and Cincinnati chili. Things that I know Eric would like and they are books we can use later with our children or with any young children we are watching for friends.

Well tonight Eric decided to start trying to cook from scratch with Cincinnati chili. This is partly because he wants to enter the chili cook off at church. So I helped him find spices and measure things and answers questions as they came up. But overall I let him cook on his own. Well when it came time to eat it, I couldn't stop. He did an amazing job. And he is now excited to try again to make it better for the cook-off. Needless to say I think I will be eating chili a few other times this week. So if any of you are in the area please come and help me eat it, because while it delicious I can only have so much. I am mostly excited to see him enter the chili cook-off. I too will be stretching my culinary skills. I am planning on making an apple pie. So Monday evening we will be having apple pie test run one for dessert. So happy cooking to all of you and if you ever find you way to Farmington, New Mexico, please stop by the Winslow's for we will have some good home-cookin' for y'all!

2009-01-30T16:55:00.008-07:00

So here are some of the wedding photos I have been promising since last august. There will be even more one Eric and I choose our prints from Jaylynn Studios. We have just not gotten around to it yet.

If you can't tell we really don't see anyone around us. This shot was the idea of the photographer after my veil attacked Eric

This is my favorite photo, mostly because we were in the shade and near the water fountain.

This one is Eric's favorite. It was a lot of fun to do even though we both wanted to jump into the water.

We really enjoy this photo because the only person that could see us was Dave, the photographer and we were out of the sun.

Here we are with my new in-laws. Yes I finally have sister. We still need to get a copy of the one with my family.

Smile can do so much!

2009-01-29T22:41:00.004-07:00

So while sitting here in Farmington waiting for Eric to return home from measuring an oil well I started to think about something very interesting that happened to me today. Like every day I got up and went to work. Now for the last couple of days I have been helping to shift books from one shelf to another. Now this is a job that someone with January Webb's amazing ability to organize would excel at. As for me, I am learning and doing better everyday. But the funny thing was that every time I talked to someone I some how was able to make them smile. It wasn't like I was really trying, I was just being myself. I would say something like the fact Sir Issac Newton and his theory of gravity was working against me. Mostly because it seemed like every book I moved just had to fall. Or I would try and laugh at myself when really heavy military history books fell on or squashed my fingers. I guess it all boiled down to my attitude. There are some people that I work with who are real sour pusses. But I don't let them get to me and I have noticed that the more people smile the less sour they seem to be. I guess what all my rambling is about is the amazement that a simple smile or an optimistic word can have so much power over other people's attitude and mood. So to anyone who reads this please try to take sometime in the next few days to pass along a positive word or a sweet smile and watch another person's face lighten up with pleasure and gratitude. You might even surprise yourself.

Funny Dreams make for a Great Day

2009-01-28T23:53:00.004-07:00

Ok, so being newlyweds we don't have any kids yet and since we are renting we can have a dog or a cat, but that doesn't mean that we are boring. Being who I am there is never a dull moment in the Winslow house. Take this morning for example. Wednesdays are the one day I can sleep in because I don't have to get up at 7am for work. I still get up and make breakfast and make sure Eric has clean jeans (granted his favorite ones for work are the ones with the hole in an unmentionable place). But this morning he didn't have to go into work due to the fact that he was waiting to hear about a job. SO we got to snuggle together for a while longer. Well while lying there comfortable and war, it happened. I had the weirdest dream ever. Here it is:

I dreamt that me and ALL of my dear friends from Logan, Salt Lake and This is the Place Heritage Park were in a musical version of Pride and Prejudice. This is all I remember I was Jane Bennett and Eric was Charles Bingley.

Now for the really funny part about an hour later I woke up and was so excited that I remember my dream and that it was so fun I had to tell Eric. Well as you can probably guess he was not amused. First, musicals are not his favorite thing to watch. I will confess that I dragged him to High School Musical 3. He won't admit it but he enjoys musicals. The worst part was that it was Pride and Prejudice. Eric for all his amazing quality is still a manly man and Jane Austen is not his favorite at all. So to say the least he was a little unnerved and worried about his wife. Granted this coming from the man who dreams of playing volleyball and hits me in the chest in the middle of night is not saying much. So in the end we had a good laugh and went on with our day with a slight smile on our faces. I mean how can you fight over laundry or what to eat or how to make the bed (yes we have had newlywed fights, they only last for maybe an hour and then one or both of us apologize) when you are picturing the other singing and dancing in early nineteenth century English clothing. Try it sometime you will find you can't stop smiling or in my case laughing.

Life is good

2009-01-23T23:33:00.002-07:00

So here is the most recent news in the world of Farmington, New Mexico. The Winslow Family is getting ready to... buy their first home. We are really excited, partly because we have done our homework and know what we can afford and have found a townhome we really hope to get. The other big news is that Julia is back in school and loving it. I never thought I would actually miss doing readings or writing a paper but after a semester of not doing it I can honestly say I felt lost. Eric is doing great in his job and is almost done with the 40 plus powerpoint presentations that he has to do to prove he know all he needs to. Then he will be sent to Denver to give a presentation at a conference and then do his first job on his own! We are very excited mostly because it means that he won't have to rely on others to tell him what to do. So this is all for now. We will keep you all updated but for now just know that we are growing up and taking the world by storm!

So we really need that first aid kit

2009-01-05T18:52:00.002-07:00

Ok, so those of you who know me really well know that I am a little accident prone. So back in March when we were deciding on items for our wedding gift registries I thought it would be a good idea to put a first aid kit. Considering I have a tendency to get hurt. Well this evening I was getting our chicken ready to go into the oven. I was using one of my new knives to get the butter and trim the chicken itself. Well I was doing great until Eric tried to talk to me and then the knife slipped and cut my finger. Luckily it was jut one layer of skin and it didn't hurt to bad. But now Eric is telling me that I am not allowed to use my knives! I will admit they are sharp but I am usually very careful and everyone has had an oops moment. The worst part was that I knew I needed to wash the finger and get a bandage on it right away but when I asked Eric to go a get me a band aide he didn't know where any were. So with that result I think it is time for me to break down and buy a first aide kit for the kitchen. As my m,om always says it is better to be safe than sorrow. Stay tuned, you never know what I am going to do next!

Life is funny

2009-01-03T11:57:00.007-07:00

So I am finally back to my normal self and am really enjoying the new year. One of the things I was thinking about today is how life is so funny at times. For me it is whenever I talk to mother. She is one of a kind and seems to really enjoy sharing her joy with those around her. Today she called to first see if we wanted Utah t-shirts. She was so worried that we would be offended because we are true Aggies. I explained that due to the nature of our football team there is always a little room for us to bleed red. Especially since all three of my brothers go to the U and I will be going to UNM, which are Lobos. The other thing was to relate how she is completely embarrassing my brothers.

This one I really enjoy hearing about because my brothers are so uptight. The first thing I learned as a teenager and tried to impart to my brothers was that mom is going to do what mom wants and if you don't like it just don't give her a reaction. However, they never seemed to realize this and are always completely embarrassed by her dress, manners and just mom being mom. One thing she loves to do is on days when she has no where to go or things to do she stays in her pjs. Now I personally like this idea because it means you are comfortable all day long. But my brothers are mortified that their mother is not dressed and ready for the day all the time. I really don't know why because even when mom is dressed it is more for comfort than for style or glamour. I do have to say though my mother is not the only one to torture in that household, My brothers to their fair share back to her.

The best example of this is back in August. Now mom had brain surgery at the beginning of August to take the excess fluid off her brain. Well she and dad knew that it would take time for her to get back on her feet. I mean come on it is brain surgery not getting a tooth filled or anything. But of course my brothers started pestering her almost right after she got home from the hospital. Now mom did not take this laying down, except for when she was not her pain pills. She found ways to get back at them. By taking the bathroom when they wanted it or making them make their own breakfast. I even think she used the cat water bottle on them more than once with disastrous consequences. (She got soaked). But in the end their pushing did nothing but set her back even more. In September she fell down the stairs and broke her foot. Now this is a testament to my mother's pain tolerance because when she went to the foot doctor, he told her that this foot had been broken before. Well as far as mom knows she never felt the pain she had with the foot before. But anyways she had to wear a boot on her foot for another two months. And she took ever chance to use it as a weapon against insuportant sons. (This would mostly be my oldest brother whose life revolves around driving mom crazy).

In the end the moral of this story is that our moms can teach us how to have a ton of fun sometimes and also can remind us what happens if we try to cross them. Or at least that is my mom. She is one of a kind and I would not want it any other way.