MY Loves!

Gum Paste Daisy Cake!!

2011-07-02T20:56:00.001-06:00

Red Velvet Cake with Buttercream Icing and Gum Paste Flowers!!

Mickey Mouse!!

2011-07-02T20:54:00.002-06:00

Such a fun cake!! Who doesn't love Mickey Mouse??!!

Look Alikes...

2010-07-13T15:48:00.003-06:00

Kaze Markus...Approx 1 1/2 years old!

Daisha Lee (Kaze's mommy) approx 1 1/2 years old!

Need I say more!

Family Update...

2010-04-05T19:24:00.018-06:00

Okay...so I know that I haven't blogged in a while (Thanks Skinner family for reminding me of my neglect :) A lot has been going on in our little corner of the world. We have gone to WA for a visit and will be going back for my Sister's wedding in a couple weeks. We are excited to be a part of this happy day!

Tyce and Brie having a campout in Grandma Janet's house.

Kaze's first haircut by Aunt Dani!!! He ended up on my lap but did pretty well!

Reading Brie's new Dr. Seuss book with Grandma Janet with their new Dr. Seuss stuffed characters. Tyce is really attached to his.

Tyce had his scratch test for allergies. It itched a lot because he was allergic to a lot but he was super brave!! We went to Chick-Fil-A after for lunch and some ice cream!! I was so proud of him.

As for here at home...I now have a job. I am working part time as a Caregiver for in home elderly care. I am planning on getting my CNA Certification at some point so this will be great experience for me. Mark is working a bunch again. It looks like the housing market in Utah is making a decent bounce back. Now we are just praying that it sticks! It is certainly an up and down industry and that is where preparation comes in! I have been working on food storage and saving. We will be prepared if the industry tanks again. I am grateful for work. I am grateful for a home to raise my family in. I am grateful for food on our table! I am SO GRATEFUL for my little family!!

Mark and I celebrated our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary on March 31st!! I really cannot believe it has been that long. What an accomplishment!! Really, 19 year olds who get married in the U.S. these days don't usually make it even a few years, let alone 10. And we are in a really good place. We are comfortable and more in love than we were the day we were married!! I am a lucky girl!

Tyce is enjoying preschool and all that entails! He makes friends easily and loves to take part in all the fun projects. This next week...they will be watching the baby chicks in their classroom hatch. I can't wait to see what Tyce says about that experience!! He just had his assesment as well and is testing READY FOR KINDERGARDEN!!! Too bad he is too young and still has one more year of preschool! That's okay...I'm in no hurry to send him off. Most days anyway! He is such a good kid. He is 4...but he is so good!

Kaze is growing so fast. Something has recently clicked in his head and he is finally starting to talk much more now. Although...I think Mark, Tyce and I are the only ones who understand him. He says, mama, dada, Tyce, meow, dog, water, mouth, eye, nose, up, grandpa and I am sure several more things that I can't think of right now. He is cutting his last two eye teeth and is a bit of a bear. Once these two are in...he will be done until the two year molars. Whew! He loves to eat. He loves to play in the dirt and has discovered the trampoline! He is a mama's boy and we love him!

Mark has been busy with the warmer weather! He has started phase 1 of his shop in the backyard. It will take a couple more years to finish it completely but until then...I will enjoy the shade of my "pavilion" this summer! He has been playing in the backyard with a forklift and mini-excavator. Boys and their toys! Tyce and Kaze love the rides!

Mark in one of the 9 4ft holes he dug (by hand...yea I know...my man is a ROCK STAR!!)

Tyce thinks it is really cool to be in the hole!! Kaze...not so much :)

Some Kaze and Daddy time on the forklift!

The finished (for this year) project.

In the back is a dirt pile just for the boys!! They LOVE it! To the left is our HUGE garden we get this year. We will have Alaska Peas, Green Beans, Carrots, Corn, Red Potatoes, Pumpkins, Roma and Cherry Tomatos, Cantelope, Watermelon, Broccoli, Lettuce, Cucumber, Strawberries, Cilantro, Parsley, Basil, Dill and Chives. I am very excited to enjoy all this delish FRESH food!!

Easter was a fun, quiet moment that we shared within our home as our family of four. We colored eggs and the Easter Bunny gave good candy and new digging toys for the dirt pile!

I am busy with the kids, house, cooking, work, etc. All the things I have wanted in my life. They are mine. I am living my dream and I am soooooooooooo grateful!!!

That is us in a nutshell. A quick update. There will be more to come...but I can't promise when :) God Bless!

Tyce's 4th birthday and Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T20:34:00.010-07:00

Well...we have certainly had a wonderful last couple of weeks. What have we been doing you ask? Well...we have had several very busy days but for the most part we have been spending some really awsome time, holed up in our little house, with our little family of four. We have been lazy, watched movies, played hide n' seek and other various games and with some new toys. We have napped, taken baths and read books (I am the only one that did those last two at the same time...and it was AWSOME!!) Mark got the new Mario Brothers for the Wii and the boys are SO into it! Tyce is especially into being Dad's cheerleader and co-competator. Kaze just thinks it is cool and will sit and watch it all.

Tyce is extremely excited to be 4 years old. You would not believe how much he can now do because "I am 4 now and 4 year olds can do this"! I love his confidence and his willingness to try new things. He amazes me. He is brave and smart and I cannot believe that I get to be his mom! How many kids look forward to shots? Tyce does. He gets up on the table and puts out his arm and watches it all and does not even flinch...and then politely asks if he can please have a sucker now! When I think of how much I love him...I am overwhelmed by it! I just love that kid!

Here are some pictures of our last few weeks! We hope you all had a great holiday season!!

Singing Happy Birthday with Chucky!! Tyce dreamed of this moment for MONTHS!!

Tyce's Buzz Lightyear cake...I freehanded that bad boy!

Tyce with McKelle and Jami! We are so happy they spend these special days with us. Without them, we wouldn't have this wonderful birthday to spend with our son!

Tyce with McKelle!

McKelle got these Jammies for Tyce. They are the MAX costume from "Where the Wild Things Are" and they are amazingly comfy and soft!

Decorating cupcakes to celebrate his birthday at School!

Our Christmas before the chaos!

Our family stockings!

The chaotic aftermath!

Tyce and his Loot.

Kaze and his Loot.

You should see the Dog...

2009-12-20T08:57:00.002-07:00

Our wonderful neighbors watched the boys yesterday while Mark and I went to a funeral and when we returned...this is what Kaze's binki looked like...but he WILL NOT give it up! They have two dogs...and one of them is obsessed with plastic :) He looks a mess in this picture but we thought it was funny. Two scars, two scraches, a black eye...and a severely messed up binki (with nipple still intact I mind you). We thought it was funny and looked like he got in a fight with the dog...and WON!!!

I have two more binkis somewhere in this house but after tearing it apart...I simply cannot find them. Oh boy!

The project pictures...

2009-12-03T21:22:00.009-07:00

WOW!!! It has been a really busy month. I feel like every day I am go, go, go. Tyce's school, Church, Church callings, Enrichment activities to put together, programs to put together, Christmas trees to put together, doctors visits for vaccinations, MOMS Club Newsletter and of course, playing with the kids, cleaning, cooking and my hubby of course! It has been a lot of fun! I love being busy. I love being creative! I love making memories with my family!! So...here are some highlights of this last month...

Mark built this bed for Tyce!!! It is a Christmas/Birthday gift from Mark's parents but Mark got to build it. It has six drawers that are painted Tyce's favorite color of blue. Tyce is so excited to have this bed! It was made with love and is so sturdy...my GRANDCHILDREN will sleep in this bed!

This is the tree MOMS Club did for the Christmas Tree Jubilee this year. The theme was the New Moon movie from the Twilight saga. I got to be in charge of the "vision" and shopping for most of the ornaments. It was SO much fun and we brought in $600 for the Weber School District!

I made about 2 dozen of these mini "books" to put on the tree!

Just a closeup of some of the beautiful ornaments!

I will get some pictures up of the boys soon...I just realized that I have slacked on pics this month. I promise to do better!

MUAH...HA...HAAA...

2009-11-02T11:06:00.006-07:00

We had a really fun Halloween. Beautiful weather and happy boys! They loved being outside in their costumes. We did some trunk-or-treating and some trick-or-treating. Rang doorbells, gathered LOTS of candy and just had a great time together as our little family of four. We saw Grandma and Grandpa Jensen and the Nielsen family. It was a great day!

I love these boys...

I am Buzz Lightyear...I come in Peace!

Kaze the spider!

Mark's Pumpkin...

My Pumpkin...HOWL!

Kaze's Birthday Party...

2009-10-18T07:49:00.009-06:00

We had a wonderful time. It was 74 degrees and sunny! The kids played well together! We got to see McKelle (Tyce's Birthmom) and her boyfriend Tyler. Tyce actually talked to her this year...which made her day I think! There were hugs and kisses and stories to read. Of course, I didn't get a picture of the two of them...how is it that I always miss that opportunity? I will NOT forget next time. Kaze got some really good toys and is happily entertained as we speak! Tyce loves the new toys too...he just needs to remember that they are Kaze's toys. OI! The cakes turned out awsome...If I do say so myself! I love this part of my kids' birthdays. It is a tradition I take from my mom. Awsome, unique cakes! So...here are some pictures! I hope you all enjoy. Thanks for everyone who came. We love you all!

The cheeser birthday boy. So cute!

Just some of the "Loot"

Playing with Grandma Janet's gift! He loves this one...but not as much as the Winnie the Pooh card :)

This card played the "Winnie the Pooh" song. It was his FAVORITE present even though it was just a prelude to the actual present!

I made two of these for our guests...chocolate and lemon!

Kaze's very own Cake!

Diggin' in!

The final result!!! I LOVE this part of 1st birthdays.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAZE!!!

2009-10-16T08:01:00.004-06:00

To Kaze:

I can't believe it has been a year since you came into our family. You came into this world a perfect little baby! I was so blessed to have the opportunity to grow you in my very own tummy. It was something I was told I would never be able to do...but you let me do that for you. Those nine months were an amazing experience for me but this last year was even better. You are truly, through and through, a Mama's Boy! We call you my "growth". You have wanted your mama and no one else for 12 wonderful months now! You have now began to walk and you are finding your freedom. You are realizing that following Dad and your big brother around is more fun than hanging out with Mom. I am happy to see you grow wings and open your heart to others that love you so much...but I will always cherish this first year of your life. You are, and have been, a great sleeper. Your first animal sound was in fact...a Monkey! You are so proud of yourself when you do that sound and get this big scrunched up nose smile on your face. It makes us laugh...you make us laugh. You are LOUD! You like to hear your own voice in the loudest way possible...usually a scream. We don't like this so much...please stop! Your brother is your best friend and has always been so excited to have you in our family. He has never (for very long) been jealous of you. He loves you so much...look up to him. He is a good boy and will help guide you in the right path.

Kaze, Heavenly Father loves you very much and he has a plan for you. Follow the council of the leaders of our Church and follow your parents. Take a serious approach to school and get a good education. Prepare to serve a mission...it will help you grow and become the Man you are suppose to be. We love you very much! Have a great birthday and we are excited for the MANY birthdays to come.

Love, Mom

Flashback and Comparison...

2009-10-10T14:50:00.006-06:00

This is me at I would guess, about 3 years old or so and my handsome Dad with a rockin' beard! Look closely to my expression on the second picture...and then look at the picture of Kaze below!

And Kaze...

Pumpkin Man!!!

2009-10-07T10:20:00.005-06:00

Just down the street from our home is a fruit stand/pumpkin patch. They have all kinds of fun "natural" decorations there and at Halloween time...they do the "Pumpkin Man"! This is when the owner dresses up in overalls and a flannel shirt with a hollowed out Jack-O-Lantern on his head! He sits in the corner and the kids talk to him...some are VERY suprised when he TALKS BACK!!! Yes...some kids go running to their mommy's and hide behind their legs but do my boys? Of course not...they are too adventurous and curious for that nonsense!! I think at their age...I would be scared out of my mind but Tyce runs up to him and "helps" him up off the haystack and talks to him. Kaze just looks and looks and does a little talking of his own! The kids even get to put the pumpkin on their head. I missed my picture op this year but yes...Tyce did put the pumpkin head on! After the "show"...the kids pick a pumpkin from the pile of wonderful pumpkins! We will soon have a family home evening and decorate our pumpkins. Tyce want to open his up and feel the goop inside. He says that "this year...I will touch the yucky stuff"! We had nice weather and it was a good day!

The "Pumpkin Man"

Taking off his head...

See...he is just a "real" man!

All That's New...

2009-09-17T20:49:00.008-06:00

I think it is time for an update!!! Our year is just flying by and it is making me a little sad to be honest. Kaze just began his 11th month on this earth and Tyce is dangerously close to 4 years old. I am beginning to realize just how fast their childhood is going to go and I am just trying to soak in the memories of them as my babies. The next few months are bound to be crazy busy with a 1 year old birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, a 4 year old birthday and Christmas...ALL in 3 months! I remember when Tyce turned a year old...I had been planning his party for months! Well...Kaze's has snuck up on me so fast that now I am scrambling! I have two very important things decided though...It will be dinosaur themed and it will be in our backyard!!! I am so excited to have a child with a birthday that will more than likely be outside every year! Poor Tyce...we are stuck inside for his until he has sledding parties! This year...he has decided Chucky Cheeze (smiling on the outside and saying PLEASE NOOOOOOO on the inside). That place is pure craziness. But it is HIS birthday.

Another bit of exciting news...Tyce started preschool a couple weeks ago and is doing so well. He loves it. He is making friends, learning how to write his name (he can already spell it). Yes...I am bragging. He has memorized two books. The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss and Are You My Mother (can't remember the author)...but it is a very long book. He does really well. He has his first Primary Program for church coming up in a little over a week and already has his line memorized. I just hope he remembers it when he gets up there. No worries though...his teacher will be able to help him if need be. He is a good boy and makes me very proud! I love him to bits. I am so lucky to have him!

And Kaze! Well...he is still not walking. He is close but just won't get the nerve to really go for it. I am anxious for him to walk because he is still putting everything in his mouth. Now...I realize this may not be the case with Kaze but when Tyce started walking...the putting stuff in your mouth thing stopped because he wasn't right there on the floor anymore. So...here is hoping because I am pretty sure he ate a part of a dead grasshopper at the park yesterday. I try not to think of it but it is seriously grossing me out...even right now. Yuck! Kaze has 8 teeth and I am sure more are coming. He is starting to copy our sounds like HO HO HO!!! (santa of course) and HOO HOO HAA HAA (a monkey). He is quick to smile and loves the camera. He is just a joy and I love him very much!

Mark and I are really good! Mark is working, which is a blessing in this economy! I have been applying for a part time seasonal job to get us some extra Christmas money but so far...nothing much is happening. I have applied a few places but there are a lot of people out there needing jobs...anything! So...I will be patient. I have already decided that I want to have a "Homemade Christmas" this year. It will be fun! I want to re-do the boys' rooms in an outdoorsie theme and will make their comforters and re-paint their names that are hanging in there. New sheets (I will buy those...I am NOT making fitted sheets). I think it may be a good idea to also do something more geared to the true meaning of Christmas and bring into it the gifts the three wisemen presented to Jesus at his birth. The three gifts represented something needed, something spiritual and something wanted. And of course...Santa will also pay a visit and leave a stocking full of goodies and a gift. I think a stocking and 4 gifts for each child is plenty. They get so much from grandparents, etc. And with Tyce's birthday a couple days before Christmas...it can become a bit overkill as far as gifts are concerned. So...maybe it is time to tone it down on our part. We'll see!

We still LOVE where we live and have the most amazing neighbors who have been teaching me to be an expert Canner and we have put up peaches and spaghetti sauce with pears and grapes to come! We are in a routine that allows for a clean house and family dinners and plenty of time for everything else. I am just happy right now! Life is good and I am blessed!

Day 2 and 3 of the Washington Trip!

2009-08-08T22:36:00.011-06:00

Day 2 was fun! We went to Danielle's house after a relaxing morning at Grandma's house. Danielle did my hair, which turned out way cute and we had a yummy dinner. Then I went to the Pub for my high school reunion. It was really fun to see some people I haven't "talked" to for years. Many of them I have kept in touch with through facebook and myspace. But there is no substitue for one on one...actually talking! It was fun and 1am is quite a change for me and I was definately tired all day on Day 3.

Day 3. We went to the park for some visits with friends and then home for naps. Then it was off to Grandma Gerry's house for a visit with family that I miss very much! My Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Bill were there as well as Aunt Mina Jo and Uncle Dave. My sister and Cousins Amy and Ryanne! The boys loved the attention and Grandma loved seeing the boys play! Tommorow we are going to Church with Grandma Lenk and then some good time with my mom! More pics to come!

Johanna is one of the most stunning women I know...beautiful and sweet to boot!

Me and my best girl Ali! I love her!

Cory Lake and myself...I have known this guy since Kindergarden.

Cory, Me and Nicole!

The Kluse's...one of the cutest couples ever! I can't wait to meet their new baby boy!

1am sister love!

Puppies!!

12:30am...I happened by the first place Mark and I went on a date! Good memories!

Day 1 of the Washington Trip...

2009-08-06T21:52:00.017-06:00

I will be recording our time in Washington mainly to give my hubby a picture show every few day! Today was a great and busy day and we still managed to get everyone napped for ever nap and bathed and fed all throughout the day! So...here is our day in pictures...

After Kaze's morning nap...we went to see Aunt Danielle for a minute because we had some time before our picnic in the park with Jessie, Lindsay and our SIX boys! We went to Howard Amon park and played on their awsome playground and in the splash pool. The boys had a lot of fun and it was so great to see Jessie and Lindsay again...it had been years! Kaze even ate a good chunk of dirt...YUM! Apparently, he didn't want his applesauce :)

After the park...we drove to Ritzville to meet my mom, who is currently working in Spokane, to play at whatever park we could find and have a meal together. We found a cute little park that happened to be next to the community pool. So, of course, we went swimming or should I say we had planned on TYCE and KAZE to swim. All was well until Tyce jumped off of the diving board one time and one of his water wings came off. He was fine and staying above water but couldn't get to the side of the pool himself so since I was holding Kaze...Grandma Janet jumped in FULLY CLOTHED to save the day. Tyce thought that was pretty funny and said that his grandma was silly to go swimming with her clothes on. He was unphased though. He wanted the water wing back on and wanted to do more "tricks" on the diving board...so...away we went. We just checked the water wings more often after that!

It was a good day and the boys were good and exhausted after a good day and a good meal with Grandma Janet and Grandpa Mike!

We'll see what tomorrow brings! The plan is for a quiet day at home until after naptime and then off to Aunt Danielle's house for some dinner...homemade playdough and of course...she is going to cut/color and style my hair! I love that my sister is a cosmotologist!! It should be fun. The boys will stay with her for the night and after I put Kaze to bed...I will go to the first part of my 10 year high school reunion...a night out with friends. Ali will be my date since Mark had to stay home on this trip! Should be fun...or interesting? We'll see!

To all the "Dad's" in my life...

2009-06-21T19:30:00.006-06:00

This is for the men in my life who are such great Dads!

Mark, he is the best Dad I could ever ask for for my boys! He is Tyce's best friend and even though Kaze is a mamma's boy to his core...Mark keeps trying, every day to be that great Dad for him too when others might have just given up by now! He is just as involved in their rearing as I am and is my parenting partner 100% of the time!

My Dad, we haven't always seen eye to eye (which father/daughter have?) but we have built a relationship that I cherish. He loves his grandsons and after having two daughters of his own...I am not suprised! He finally got boys! Although we live 9 hours apart, he has managed to steal Tyce's heart and I am so grateful for that! I look forward to seeing what relationship grows between him and Kaze as well! I am so pleased that he is so involved in our lives! Thanks Dad...I love you!

My Step-Dad, Lonnie...what can I say? I lived with him for about 15 years I think and never once did I feel like anything but his daughter...his own flesh and blood. He never treated me differently than he did his "biological" kids. He will never know what that meant to me! I have called him Dad since before I remember...I am pretty sure it wasn't a consious decision...just something that felt comfortable. We aren't as close anymore since I moved so far away but he will always be my other Dad! That love hasn't deminished a bit!

So...to all the Dad's in my life...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

A tender moment between Mark and Tyce...They are best friends!

Mark meeting Kaze for the first time!

My Dad and his grandsons!

My Step-Dad, Lonnie with his grandsons!

My Kaze!!

2009-06-02T13:59:00.008-06:00

This post is just for and about Kaze!

He is the sweetist baby that ever lived
His favorite person is his Mommy
He loves his snuggle blankets I made him
He loves his binki
He laughes at his brother and smiles really big for everyone (even his Dad!)
He loves being outside!
He loves to eat and is enjoying the exploration of finger food and juice in a sippy cup
He loves to spit his food out after I put it in his mouth (this is very naughty)
He loves his johnny jumper
He loves animals and gets so excited about kittys
He loves a good car ride
He takes three naps a day and sleeps 11-12 hours at night! YES!!!
He was swaddled until he was 7 months old
He can sit up on his own
He is starting to try and stand while holding onto things and is getting up on his hands and knees...he will be moving soon!
Carrying and Giving birth to him was one of the greatest joys of my life!
He has a temper. When he has had enough, he has had enough!
He was expensive! LOL!! And worth MUCH more than that.

Kaze came to our family at just the perfect time. Not the most convenient time, but the perfect time. I look at my boys and thank God for his infinate wisdom in allowing me to be a mom to both my boys. Kaze has been such an easy baby. He has been healthy and I am so grateful for that. I love him so much and am sad to see him grow up but happy and excited to see who he will become!

My Tyce!!!

2009-06-02T13:41:00.008-06:00

This post is just for and about Tyce!

This boy is just plain sweet (when he chooses to be)!! I love him SO very much and I can't imagine starting out this adventure of Motherhood with any other child but him.

He is FULL of energy.
He loves to pick me flowers
He loves hugs and kisses
He loves to make up stories and to read books
He loves "cuddle time" in his bed at bedtime
He loves to play with his friends and shares really well
He is good at taking turns
His daddy is his best friend
He is a wonderful big brother (he loves it so much, he is asking for another baby...a girl this time)!
He loves to box on the Nintendo Wii
He loves our garden and is taking pride in watering and weeding it
He loves cartoons, luckilly, educational ones
He loves to learn how to cook and will do anything in the kitchen that I allow him to do! (Yes Dad and Denise, I have learned enough to teach him...you would be proud!! I am even teaching him to cook from scratch)!
His favorite foods are fruit
He takes pride in buying things with his OWN money that he has earned
He loves bike rides
He LIVES in just his undies!
CANNOT WAIT TO GO TO SCHOOL!!!

Yes, despite all the tantrums that come with being 3...I love this boy!

"Hey...Lets go to Washington!!!"

2009-04-08T17:39:00.021-06:00

Well...we took a last minute trip to Washington to visit our family and we had so much fun! We took lots of pictures and I will apologize now for all the red-eye. I am still figuring out this new camera! We introduced Kaze to lots of people for the first time and Tyce got to see some of his favorite people again! He made some new friends as well. We visited with old friends and ate lots of good food. We were introduced to the wonderful world of the Wii (that is so fun!). We colored easter eggs and had an easter egg hunt. We watched Marley & Me and Seven pounds. We went to the park and played in the sun. We went to the duck pond and prayed we wouldn't get pooped on...some were not so lucky (Tyce and Grandma Lenk)! LOL!! And I cannot believe that I don't have a picture of this but I will soon...Tyce got his very first Big boy bike from his Grandpa Brent and Denise! He loves it. It is still a bit too big but the way Tyce grows...he will be a pro halfway through the summer!

I am sure I am missing lots but it was great. The boys did really well in the car for 9 long hours and Kaze is proving to be ready for road trips just like his brother. I am looking forward to coming back to good old tri-town for my 10 year high school reunion in July (sometime...they haven't chosen a date yet) and will stay for longer so that I can see you all. Have a great day and enjoy the pictures!

My Dad showing Tyce what really goes on under a car!

Grandpa Lonnie and 4 of his grandkids.

Duck Pond...

EEEWWWWW!!!!!!!! Tyce got pooped on...TWICE!

Grandma Janet and her boys.

YUM...Bagel!

YUM...Bread!

Easter Egg hunt

Coloring Eggs with Uncle Mark/Dad is FUN!

The Grandson's in their matching Hawaii outfits from Grandma Janet and Mike!

Chilin' in Uncle Duane's Porche

Meeting Great Grandma for the first time!

YEA!!! A new bunny!

"Carrots are pretty good this way too!"

Grandpa is happy to have his boys!

Cry me a river?! It looks so fake.

Mommy and Kaze!

The whole fam.dam.ily

Ready for his turn on Mike's bike!

1st brother bath together! It didn't last long...Tyce tried to drown his brother. Oh boy!

"I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home..."

2009-03-08T18:09:00.021-06:00

We have been having so much fun lately! We have been getting creative because it is still chilly outside. We are all itching for spring. We so enjoyed a day of cleaning cars, picnics and riding bikes outside one day last week when it topped out at about 68 degrees! I want more of those days!

Tyce's best friend is his daddy and since daddy has been home a lot lately...Tyce has really been taking advantage of this time with him. They have built a fort and had a picnic in it. They have made snowflakes. They have snuggled and read the paper together. We all went to the rodeo. This was a first for the boys. Tyce chased chickens!!! We went to Chuck E Cheese for a birthday party. Tyce was invited by his "girlfriend" so he says! We have gone to Cabela's and spent 3 hours in awe of its amazingness! All in all...we have been spending some great family time together!

Another couple amazing things is our new found diaper independence! Tyce has been doing really well with the potty thing! He is doing the pee thing really well and all those activites listed above...not one accident! BUT...we have some off days every now and then. Some accidents and the pooping is taking a lot more work. Yesterday, Tyce had a poop accident and decided to CLEAN IT UP HIMSELF! Oh...what a mess it was. It was everywhere. Oh the joys!

But today...I had a happy mommy moment when I stood in the primary room with my happy little sunbeam to give his first "talk" in primary! He talked about daddy's and what they mean to the family and what they do for the family! It was wonderful and he was so good and reverent! And today at nap time...he refused to wear a diaper...so, we risked it (with a garbage bag under the sheets) and he woke up DRY!!! So...progress is being made!

Kaze is doing really well! He is growing so big and is just a sweet joy! I love my boys! Enjoy the pictures...this is our last couple weeks. What fun!

The Fort.

Peek-a-Dad!

A picnic for the boys. They watched "Lion King"

Craft time...Snowflakes.

Daddy Loves

Tyce and Kaze's first rodeo...Tyce had fun chasing the Chickens in the big arena!

Sunday mornings...Bonding!

Games at Chuck E Cheese

This is what happens when you don't wear diapers anymore...and when you have a bubble butt! I was laughing so hard!

Some loves for the Chuck!

Peace Chuck E

Tyce growled at this bear!! Cabela's is so cool!

Just some fun with Mark's phone!

Be Funky! So fun!

2009-02-17T16:30:00.018-07:00

This was so fun!! I could do it all day...in fact, I have been!

Daisha Wedding

First meeting with Tyce

Tyce and Leah holding hands! They did this on their own.

Pretty Leah

Tyce in his blessing tux

Tyce and his birth mom McKelle

Tyce and the pumpkins

Tyce and Leah kissing...PRICELESS!

Dad and Tyce playing!

9 Months pregnant...I actually miss that belly!

1st meeting with Kaze

Brotherly love

Kaze in his blessing tux

Tyce! Oh that face!

Kaze! Oh that smile!

Life is not measured by minutes...but by memories

2009-02-16T20:21:00.003-07:00

Mark and I made this clock and I love the saying..."Life is not measured by minutes...but by memories. So...I thought I would list some of my favorite memories!

Growing up on a boat on the Columbia River! I miss those summers.

664 N. Shepard in Kennewick! My childhood home!

The hydroplane races.

Family reunions in Idaho.

Dad and Denise's cabin!

Floating the river at the cabin and running into a tree of tree worms (they were everywhere)

Fighting with my little sister and brother.

Idolizing my older sister (big mistake)!

Being the best Aunt in the world!

Having the best Aunt's in the world!

Cousins!!!!! We had some great times!

My big car accident with my dad and sister.

All my "boyfriends" (you know who you are)!

My party days. Oh...the things I learned.

The first night I met "Elder Jensen" and how it forever changed the course of my life.

The day I realized that the Gospel gave me everything I was missing and hoping for.

The day of my baptism and how a TON of kids my age showed up that I didn't even know...just to support me. They will never know the impact they made on my life that day or the strength they gave me to stay faithful until I truly found my own testimony.

The day I realized that Mark was the man I would marry.

The day Mark asked me to marry him.

The excitement of getting married marred with the realization that I would move away from the only home I have ever known with someone I didn't know nearly as well as all the family and friends I was leaving behind.

Becoming Mrs. Mark (you know the last name)!

Our first apartment...orange shag carpet and an ant problem (humble beginnings) but it was OURS.

Buying our first home.

Having a doctor tell me that I would likely never have children (this was not a great memory) but it had a wonderful result.

BUILDING a home together!

Being told that a brave 15 year old girl had chosen us to raise her son!!!

Meeting Tyce for the first time. The love and awe I had for his first mom.

The last 3 years as Tyce's MOM!

Realizing that Mark and I had proven all the doctors wrong by realizing I was pregnant.

My wonderful pregnancy that I still miss!

Giving birth to my Kaze baby! Every woman should get to do this!

The last 4 months as a mom of two!

All the great times and really hard times in my life that have made me the person I am today. I love that person!

What are your memories in the minutes of your life?

Motorcycle Baby and Super Tyce!!

2009-02-14T12:47:00.005-07:00

My Dad is now in a "motorcycle gang"!! Anyway...he got this outfit for Kaze and it finally fits. How cute! Tyce has a "doo rag" too and I need to get it and take a pic of them together! So cute!

Tyce was a superhero all morning! I made this cape for him!

Could They Get Any Cuter...I Think NOT!

2009-02-11T22:39:00.010-07:00

Well, our camera died so we got a new one! We found it for a STEAL! It is a Kodak Easy Share and it is RED!! The best part is that it has it's own rechargable battery. Finally, no more AA or rechargeable AA batteries. So...happy Valentines day to us! A red camera. Yea! So, we had some fun today and this was what we came up with. Really...I am sorry to all you Mom's out there but there really are no cuter kids than these...there just isn't! Enjoy!

I LOVE that face!

Hey Urkle!!

Brotherly love...goodnight Kaze.

Baby Burrito *He will NOT sleep unless he is wrapped up like this*

Look at those eyes!

Cheese!

Mamas Boy!!!

Lovin' the Bumbo

ACHOO!

Sweet Boy!

Pictures...

2009-02-10T14:51:00.005-07:00

I could just eat that face!

Tyce got stuck and couldn't get up! Doesn't he remind you of the kid from "A Christmas Story" who was so bundled that he couldn't get up?!!

Kaze and Daddy kickin' back and watching some "boob tube"

Look at this wonderful snowman Mark built...

Can you believe that one day we looked outside to see that one of the kids walking to school actually STOLE our snowman's HEAD??!! Who is raising these sadistic children!?

Family Update...

2009-02-10T14:37:00.002-07:00

Well, I just spent a lot of time updating my blog page! Fancy huh? As for our family...I am sorry that I haven't updated in a long time but we have been sick and lazy! Somehow...Kaze has avoided all of our colds. Thank the good Lord! Sick babies are no fun. As for me...I am making some healthy changes in my life. We recently got a treadmill and I spent some birthday money on the "Biggest Loser" DVD's! I have been doing Yoga (that is really hard) and training for a 5K on the treadmill. Some of you may think a 5K is nothing but let me tell you that I have NEVER ran a full mile without stopping in my whole life. This is hard for me. I really just need to build up the strength in my legs because they give out way before my lungs even get a chance to burn. Something is up with my knees. I don't know what it is but I will get through it. Okay...I am going to totally put myself out there for you all to make sure that I am held accountable for myself.

My height is: 5'5"
My weight at marriage: 115 lbs
My weight at getting pregnant: 140 lbs
My weight at delivery: 191 lbs
My current weight: 160 lbs

Okay...so you all know. My minimum goal is to get to pre-pregnancy weight of
140 lbs and anything beyond that is icing on the cake (which I am not eating anymore). So, we will see how it goes. Bottom line is that I want to be more healthy. I want to make better food choices and portion size choices. My dessert now when I have a carb craving is a hostess 100 calorie pack, which gives me my sweets/cakes, etc. without the 500 calories that go along with it.

Mark is running again also. Except that he use to be able to run a 7 minute mile and although he is not as fast as he once was...he can at least still run a couple miles without stopping. He is obviously in much better shape than I am but together we will each meet our goals. He played soccer...he is use to running. His work is slow but it is meeting our needs!

I am looking for a side job to earn spending money that will allow us to do more playing and visit family. Tyce is potty training (still). He simply does NOT want to go in the toilet. He is lazy. But...he does look absolutely adorable in his boxer briefs.

Kaze is growing so big. He will be 4 months old on the 16th. He coos and giggles and smiles at everyone. We went through quite a tragic time with him recently where he didn't want anything to do with Mark and it was horrible. Mark was sad and didn't understand why his baby didn't like him and would just scream. BUT...he loves daddy now and will smile and talk to him and even lets Mark hold him but he still prefers mommy! I'm okay with that!

God be with you and yours and PLEASE pray for spring...I am so done with this winter!

We had a QUIET Merry little Christmas...

2009-01-01T22:35:00.003-07:00

Kaze's first Christmas...doesn't he look thrilled?

Now I can build things just like Dad!

Thanks Aunt Dani for my "house"!!!

Merry Christmas from our little family to yours! We had a wonderful little Christmas. We hunkered down at home to avoid the blizzard outside and enjoyed our little family! Then that afternoon, we went through the snow to Grandma and Grandpa's house (Mark's parents)! We had intentionally NOT put any presents under the tree until Santa came Christmas eve because, well, can you really trust a 3 year old to NOT open the presents? I think not! We hear this little patter of feet Christmas morning and then found Tyce in our bed asking "why are all those presents under our tree?" We then told him that Santa came and he says "are they for me?" "Yes Tyce, they are for you" "Can we go open them now?" So, up we were to enjoy the magic of Christmas morning. We prepared for Christmas as best we could. Tyce and I made sugar cookies for Santa and we shopped for eachother's stockings! It was a meek Christmas this year but I found that it was better that way. There was more time and energy spent reflecting on the Savior and his birth. Tyce now knows that Christmas is Jesus' birthday!

We are excited for this new year and all it has in store for us. Hopefully, the economy will get better and Mark will work lots (so far...we have been very lucky is this aspect)...we just pray it stays that way! Construction is iffy in this economic time. Tyce starts Sunbeams in primary this week and will start pre-school in the fall. We will get to enjoy all the fun firsts with Kaze as he grows through this first year of life. I will stay home and take care of my family and do what I can to make a difference for those around me!

I am blessed. I have everything I need and I am happy! What more can you ask for? Happy New Year and God Bless!

Kaze in his Blessing Tux!!!

2008-12-23T15:26:00.003-07:00

What a handsome little devil! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to have my children blessed by a worthy priesthood holder and even more blessed to have that priesthood holder be their dad! Isn't he just sweet?

Just having a happy moment!

Bragging...

2008-12-22T21:35:00.007-07:00

Tyce's personal cake for his first birthday!!

1st Birthday cakes for guests

Tyce's 2nd birthday cake! This one was very time consuming! I love making cakes. It is a tradition that my mom did every year. She made us the cakes we wanted...no matter how difficult. The torch is now passed to me and it is so much fun!

Happy 3rd Birthday Tyce!!!

2008-12-22T21:27:00.005-07:00

Tyce's soccer ball cake! We looked online at all kinds of cakes and this is the one he wanted...so I made it! Mark helped with the decorating of the soccer ball. Those shapes are hard to get just right!

Make a wish!

I can't even believe that my baby is 3 years old. Where has the time gone? Wasn't he just Kaze's size? It is such a blessing to watch him grow and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him! I love you Tyce!

Our Week In Pictures...

2008-12-16T07:55:00.009-07:00

Here are some fun/cute pictures from this past week or so! This mommy life is so great (as Tyce just got mad at me for ignoring him and hit the keyboard). This being stuck inside sucks though. We have all been getting or have had colds so we are trying to stay put and get over them. That is very hard for a roudy almost 3 year old. Yes...in less than a week, Tyce will be 3. Amazing...where has the time gone? As far as winter goes...I am not the biggest fan, but there is something to be said for cranking up the heat, getting in your comfy sweats and slippers and turning on the Christmas tree/decoration lights and curling up in the oversized recliner with a good book and hot coco!!! Oh, that is wonderful!

Have a great holiday season everyone! I will post again after the craziness wears down. God bless!

Big brother is a big helper!

He loves the Christmas lights!

Doesn't that smile melt your heart? He is laying on a blanket made by a friend of my mom's when I was born!

Big Cheeser!

This Santa was a GIRL...and Tyce picked up on it right away. He says..."Mom...HER hair is funny". Observant huh?

My Boys!

I was impressed...this Santa had a REAL beard! This was at our "Breakfast with Santa" activity we did with the MOMS Club! Jammies were a must!

This is fun!!

2008-11-26T13:55:00.002-07:00

This is me...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

This is my Husband...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
590
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Tyce...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Kaze...

bgcolor="#FFFFFF" cellpadding="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

One Month Old...Already?

2008-11-17T16:49:00.004-07:00

Oh the smiles!!! I had forgotten how exciting all the new stuff is with a baby! The first smile, the first coo, etc. It is crazy how much he has changed in a month. We are doing wonderfully and Tyce STILL loves his brother to pieces! He is such an amazing big brother. He wants to feed him. He gives him a binki when he is fussy. He tells me "mom...Kaze is mad...you need to feed him!" Thanks son, I'll get it done.

I really can't express how in love I am with both of my boys. It really is a love and a feeling that you just won't understand until you have kids. Kaze has decided that he is a mamma's boy. I am really excited about this because Tyce has always preferred his dad and it seems that Kaze prefers me but I am very sad for Mark. I hope as Kaze gets older, he warms to his dad (and other people) more. But for now...I guess I will take pride in knowing that all I have to do most of the time is touch or pick up my baby and he is content once again.

And my husband...oh my husband. He is wonderful. He works so hard for our family and is such a great dad. We are blessed. My heart is full today! So, I am going to go make dinner because Mark will be home soon and will surely be hungry and I will make a treat for my friend who just added another son to her home and I am sure she will appreciate the fat filled goodies she recieves while trying to loose her baby weight (I know I did)! LOL!! Really though...we shouldn't have to worry about "loosing baby weight" until after our 6 week checkup. That is my new rule...so eat on sistas!

Have a great evening everyone! We are going to go root on Daddy in his soccer game tonight!! Go Team!

Crazy Kaze Update...

2008-11-08T15:41:00.004-07:00

Kaze is doing amazing!!! He is growing so fast. He was 7 lbs 13 oz at birth and in 5 days he lost almost a pound and was down to 7 lbs 1 oz because he was exclusively breastfeeding and wasn't getting enough. So, we started supplementing with formula and in just over a week, he was up to 8 lbs 6 oz. Seriously...this kid eats ALL DAY LONG!!! Uh oh...another Tyce. We both better get more jobs to feed these boys. Can you imagine what their teenage years will be like? Time to start buying in bulk! LOL!!

He is sleeping several hours at a time and all together, I get a few hour stretches in the middle of the night adding up to like 7 hours of sleep a night. I am soooooooo happy about that! He is so sweet and cuddly with big beautiful eyes and he is smiling! I LOVE it but can't seem to get a good picture of the smile. In time right? He is sleeping in his own room in his own crib and has been for over a week now. Yes, this took bravery on my part but the baby monitor is by my ear all night.

Tyce is still in love and still very soft and gentle with his brother. He shows Kaze to everyone proudly! I didn't realize how big Tyce was though until Kaze was born. I want Tyce to be little again too. I don't like that he is growing up but at the same time. Two babies sounds like a lot of work and Tyce is a big help! He loves to feed his brother and show him rattles and share his trucks. I find heaps of cars and trucks in Kaze's lap from time to time. Just yesterday Tyce stood in front of Kaze and said..."Uh, he is not getting bigger yet...I need to play with him"! Sweet huh?

Well, that is enough rambling for now. I will stop boring you all with my mommy mumbling but I love my boys and this is good journaling for me. God bless you all!

More Halloween!

2008-11-08T15:33:00.005-07:00

More pictures of Halloween! Aren't they...uh...cute?

Tyce wearing Mark's wig that he was TERRIFIED of for HOURS!!!

Kaze doesn't seem to mind!

Mark and Tyce..."scary monsters"

Updates...

2008-10-31T14:30:00.010-06:00

We finally got internet again!!!!!!!!!!! YEA!! And thanks to my Dad, we also got a cool new webcam that I will be testing out soon enough! Things the last two weeks have really been AMAZING!!! It is amazing how much energy you have when you aren't pregnant anymore (although, I really do miss it) and when your baby sleeps!!! Tyce, mommy still loves you but oh how much more fun it would have been if you had slept! Kaze is a great sleeper. He is only getting up once a night for about an hour or less to eat and then right back to la la land. Which means that mom is getting about 6 hours of sleep a night (sometimes more). Yes, I DO know how blessed I am that this is the case and I pray every night that it doesn't end. I feel GREAT! And this helps me be more patient with my very "helpful" big boy! Tyce is an amazing big brother. He loves Kaze so very much. He is sweet and gentle and I am so proud of him. We have had wonderful weather and have been getting out of the house a lot. Kaze is content as long as his belly is full and Tyce just runs and plays with his friends, which makes for a fun day! I am sad to see winter come again. I wish we had more sun and fun but alas, I do believe it all ends tomorrow. At least Halloween won't be freezing!

For those who are wondering, since I neglected this info on my last entry, Kaze weighed in at 7 lbs 13 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. He is already changing so much and I hate it but what I hate more is when Tyce lies next to him and I realize how big HE is. What happened to my baby? He is big and Kaze will soon follow suit. All I have to say is that Mark better not fight me on having another baby in a couple years because I think that I am just going to need it! It is so exciting to watch them grow and soooooooooooo very sad too.

Well, enough of this rambling. I need to go clean something while BOTH boys are sleeping (yup, that happens everyday at nap time too)! Blessed me! Can you tell I am happy? Enjoy the pictures below! Love you all!

My Little Tiger Cub!!! Kaze is so cute at 2 weeks old!

Tyce decided that for Halloween, he was going to be a "scary man with a green face". Yes, that is a quote! Unfortunately, that is all he wants. No scary clothes...just normal, everyday clothes are fine. As long as his face is green and scary. So, this is it! Don't his eyes just POP though?

This is me 2 weeks BEFORE baby...

And this is me 2 weeks AFTER baby!!! Yes, I must say...I am looking pretty good (with my clothes on that is)...there is still MUCH toning that needs to happen! LOL!!

My sister Danielle came to visit last weekend (awsome time) and I caught her snugglin' in with the new babe! Sweet dreams!

And my Boys!! I am blessed and sooooooooo in love with them all!

He's Here!!!...Introducing Kaze Markus

2008-10-16T15:19:00.008-06:00

Isn't he so handsome? Well, this was a wonderful day for our family!! Here is the story! On Wednesday, October 15th, I was having a lot of contractions after my midwife stripped my membranes. Tyce and I spent the 15th grocery shopping and going to the pumpkin patch! Yes, I was in labor and still rock as a mom/homemaker! At mid afternoon I decided that I needed to be home and laboring. Things were getting kind of intense. I was only dialated to a 1 and 80% effaced. Tyce decided that he wanted to have a sleepover with Grandma Jensen so that is what he did! At about 8:45pm, I was laying in bed, breathing through my contractions when I felt something...dare I say...wet. I jumped up to run to the bathroom so as to not leak water on my newly installed carpet and made it just in time as my water bag burst. Immediately I was in excrusiating pain just 2 minutes apart and not even able to catch my breath between. Things were happening fast. I got to the hospital at 9:30pm and was checked and was at 3 cm and 100% effaced with baby at a +1 station (already). I couldn't get ahold of my contractions and ended up with the epidural. Our doula was at another birth and wasn't even able to get back to us until after I had already given up and had the epidural. Oh well, what can you do.

So, I went from 3 cm to 10 cm in 4 hours. Then I was able to relax and let the contractions bring him down more for a couple hours before I started pushing. I pushed for less than one hour and out he came. Perfect!!! Tyce is of course thrilled to be a big brother and will prove to be very...um..."helpful"! LOL!!

Thank you for all your well wishes. I promise to keep you all up to date (we are still working on getting internet at home so I will try my best)! Hugs and loves to you all!!!

37 Weeks...REALLY!

2008-10-03T10:51:00.003-06:00

My ninth month! At 37 weeks, I am officially "full term" and I am ready to have this baby. My due date is Oct 20th...just over 2 weeks away. I can't believe it is here already but it still seems like it is NEVER going to happen. Here is my complaint. I am ready to meet my new son. I am ready to have him OUT of my body but I will really miss his moving around in me. That has been the greatest joy!

We are all moved into our new (old) house and settled in. Mark is still remodeling the master bedroom but we are settled into one of our other rooms along with each of the boys who have their rooms organized and ready! We don't have internet yet so it is really hard to catch up with everyone more than once a week...which totally SUCKS by the way! I will post some pictures of our random lives later! Hopefully the next update will include a picture of BOTH of my boys!

Update...

2008-09-17T10:56:00.002-06:00

Well...it has been a very busy few days but everything is GREAT!!! The kidney stone passed and I have been great...no contractions and no need for medication. We moved into our house and are busy getting settled. Tyce's room is totally organized and I got all the baby's stuff washed and put away yesterday. The crib is up and just needs made. I am feeling more and more ready. Just some minor organizing to do and we are ready and settled!

Sorry for worrying you...MARLENE! lol!! I officially have 4 1/2 weeks left until my due date and baby is weighing at about 6 lbs already! He has dropped and it is best for me and my pelvis if I sit a lot because he is really heavy down there.

I'll check in soon for more updates but we have no internet right now so it is hit and miss! Love you all!

Five Gratefuls....

2008-09-05T16:43:00.002-06:00

I got this idea from my lovely lindsay's blog...

Five Things I Am Grateful For...

The bright blue eyes of my Tyce and all his hugs and kisses
The feeling of my new little baby moving around in my tummy
The hard work of my husband on EVERYTHING!!!
My new (old) house that we will hopefully be moving into VERY soon
My mother in law for all her help with Tyce while I have not been feeling well...and everything else she does for everyone without complaint

Your turn...
Love, Daisha

And the DIAGNOSIS is...

2008-09-02T14:14:00.001-06:00

A KIDNEY STONE...

Yup...that dang thing has been causing my pain (obviously), fever, contractions, etc. I am relieved to know that everything really is fine with the baby and I am not in pre-term labor, which also means that I don't need to be on doctor ordered bed rest. Mark on the other hand is still making me stay down...which I will for a few days just because I am tired and in pain. I still have to take my meds (as needed) to slow/stop my contractions and that medication makes me feel weak and my heart races so hopefully I will be able to stop that very soon.

Thank you all so much for your comments and prayers and now we will just pray that this stone will pass with no more problems and the rest of this pregnancy will be as wonderful as it has been until this weekend!

ANOTHER trip to the Hospital...ANOTHER update...

2008-09-01T10:29:00.002-06:00

Well, I am completely exhausted so I will make this short and sweet. Last night around 5:30pm I started having horrible pain in my left side. It was into my kidney and radiated into my side and into my groin. Everytime I had a contraction...it was at a level of 8-9 on the pain scale. I got a lot of good practice with my hypnobirthing tools and I have to tell you...my confidence is a little shaken of my abilities to go natural but I am still determined. When I was not contracting...it was still at about a 6. THEN I started running a low grade fever at which point my doc sent me to the hospital AGAIN.

At the hospital they gave me an IV to try and help the contractions slow by adding more fluid to my system. They could not give me more contraction stopping medication because my heart rate was and still is over 120. The doctor insisted on giving pain meds in a shot because she was sure the pain I was feeling was causing my contractions...which is debatable since I am still having lots and the pain is significantly better today.

They did a test to check for kidney stones and another kidney inflammation issue that is common in pregnant women and both were negative. She said that my urine was too hydrated and looked great. Okay so the blood work came back with an elevated white blood count and I had my fever. So, they don't know what is wrong. They gave me a HUGE shot of anti-biotic because there has to be an infection somewhere but they are convinced it is NOT in my uterus or anywhere that will affect the baby...he looks GREAT by the way.

So, I go to the doc tomorrow morning for a followup and hopefully we will get some answers. NOW...I am going back to sleep!

Pregnancy update...

2008-08-31T16:12:00.002-06:00

Hello my friends and family...it has been quite an eventful weekend. I'll give you the lowdown and then ask for your prayers that this baby stay put for at least 4 more weeks. I started having consistant contractions on Friday night and Saturday afternoon they still hadn't slowed so I went into Labor and Delivery. They monitored me for a while and ended up giving me a shot of Trebutaline to stop my contractions. It worked and since my cervix was not dialating, they sent me home. The contractions stopped for a few hours and then picked up a little before bed. At four this morning, I woke up and was having contractions every 8-10 minutes and they were getting more "crampy" so I got worried and we went in again.

AGAIN, my uterus was very active but the cervix was completely closed (thank goodness). So, more medication they gave me and sent me home with some in case it happened again. They did this test that shows if you are likely to give birth in the next 2 weeks and it was negative...which is great. Hopefully, we will be good for at least a couple weeks after that as well!

So, I am on VERY limited activity and have been advised to stay off my feet for the next week or so. I feel bad for Tyce. He tries to understand but he is two and just wants his mommy to play with him (crawl on the floor, etc.) Good thing we can cuddle, read, color, etc. while sitting down. Also, living with my in-laws is a huge blessing right now. We are moving into our house this next week and I am going to be stuck in a chair watching everyone else clean my house and move us in. That sucks but if it better for this baby...I will do it!

I will update often...I am not going to have much else to do!

8 Months Pregnant!!

2008-08-26T15:58:00.002-06:00

Can you even believe it? I just started my 8th month yesterday. 8 weeks left and counting!! I am fat and healthy and loving it...however, it would be nice to be able to bend over again!LOL!! I had a doctors appt. today and I am now at every 2 weeks going in for a check. He weighs 4 lbs 3 oz and seems perfectly healthy! Tyce was amazing today. We got there and my doctor was 45 minutes behind schedule...an HOUR AND A HALF later, I saw her. I am understanding, there are emergencies, etc. that happen but I was concerned about Tyce. He was such a good boy. He was patient and definately earned his TWO suckers!! We got a great picture of the baby with the 3D ultrasound (I wish I had a scanner to show you all) but it is a profile of his face and he looks JUST like Mark...amazing!!! Which means, he will probably look quite a bit like Tyce also! I am so blessed!!

Some fun pics...

2008-07-26T16:23:00.014-06:00

It was a LONG, HOT day!!! Aren't they sweet!

Can you believe that was a "small" scoop?

YUM-O...that was good!

He picked out his own outfit...sylin'

Tyce's 1st fishin' trip. We got him his own "Lightning McQueen" fishing pole!

He caught the first fish! It was sooooooo great!

Daddy and Tyce shooting!

Yes...I am a sexy Charlie's Angel Mamma!

Tyce and Mom enjoying the great outdoors!

Tyce and his cousin Weslee holding the clown's rabbit at the family picnic.

The clown painting faces...Tyce loved her, she was great!

That is a cool ice cream cone!

All About You & Me

2008-07-21T19:24:00.001-06:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

Just some pics!!

2008-07-08T08:28:00.004-06:00

Look at that dirty face!!

I LOVE whipped cream!

Comfy car trip on the way to go camping!

6 1/2 months pregnant!!! Still no belly tan! LOL!!

2008-07-05T14:46:00.004-06:00

Well, I didn't think I had gotten much bigger until I compared 5 months to 6 months...what a difference a month makes! Caze (if that is indeed how we are going to spell it) is growing big and is moving a ton! We love feeling him move and kick. Mark is fascinated with it. My belly isn't getting much sun this summer so it is pretty white...oh well! My belly button is starting to work its way out. I don't think it will be long before it is poking out my shirt!LOL!! I am sad that this pregnancy is going so quickly...I think I am really going to miss it but I am excited to meet my new son! More updates to come!

Baby Bump...literally!!

2008-06-22T22:57:00.002-06:00

I just happen to have my computer sitting on my lap the first time I noticed my baby "moving" and kicking in me. My tummy is bouncing all over...it is almost like this baby is trying to get out. It is crazy. It is amazing. I am mezmerized by this life in me. What a miracle! I start my 6th month tomorrow...so there will be more belly pics to come!

A Much Needed Family Day!!!

2008-05-20T13:36:00.003-06:00

This last weekend was the first Saturday that we had NOTHING that needed to be done in a very long time. We have been so busy with packing, moving, new house and then the building that is to come that our family time has unfortunately been limited. We have no time just the three of us anymore...not even in the evenings because we don't live in our own place right now. I am so grateful for our family (Mark's parents) and the sacrifice they have made to allow us to live here but I would be lying through my teeth if I said that I didn't horribly miss my little family of three and OUR time together. And when we move into our new home...we will be a family of four. It just hit me that our time as a threesome has come to and end and now I am crying...big suprise...hormones! But it is very sad for this momma to realize that and very exciting as well to start our new phase of life.

Anyway...the point of this post was to tell of our wonderful family day. Tyce LOVES airplanes and helicoptors. He can't get enough...so, we took him to the Hill Air Force Museum here in Roy. We drive past nearly every day but in 8 years...we have never been. Tyce loved it. He was totally into it and pointed out everything. When we found a really BIG plane...he would say "woah, that big airplane...that's daddy's airplane"! And a small one was "that's Tyce's airplane!" So sweet!

After our outing to the museum, we went a got a treat...a frazil (like a mister misty that dairy queen has). They are so good and it was a hot day! We loved our time as a family and I hope we can find more time this summer for days like that!

Belly Pics...Get out the sun glasses!!!

2008-05-16T14:06:00.006-06:00

This little boy is just growing and growing! I am entering the beginning of my 5th month and I LOVE my little belly! Some might say big but I think of where I will be in 4-5 more months and this is going to feel very little! I am starting to feel movement but am still looking forward to those distinct kicks and punches. Hopefully they are only a few weeks away...or less!

P.S. Don't make fun of our "room/bedding decor"...I packed away all the cute stuff! Oh yea, and apparantly I can't hold the camera still enough. Next time I will get Mark to take some "clear" pics!

Names...what do you think?

2008-05-03T21:23:00.002-06:00

Okay...so, Mark and I have FINALLY agreed on two possible names for this little boy in my tummy!!! What do you all think?

Korve Jensen or Kayze Jensen

We are thinking no middle name but that may change! So, what do you think? Or if you have any other boy names you love...let us know!

Have a great day!

It's a...

2008-04-30T11:29:00.002-06:00

BOY!!!!!!!!! We are so excited for Tyce to have a little buddy/brother...and Mark will gain one more member of his future construction crew!! I was sooooooooo wrong...I was convinced it was a girl for no particular reason really, just a feeling. Apparently I don't know what I am talking about...just don't tell Mark that!

We are so happy and this is a great time for us! Thanks to all of you for your support and prayers. What a miracle!!

God Bless!

I MADE IT!!!

2008-04-22T21:08:00.002-06:00

To my second trimester!! Statistics now show a 90% chance of carrying this baby to term!!! I would be lying if I didn't feel very nervous and worried about loosing this baby in the first trimester. I am feeling much more comfortable now. The coolest thing happened the other day though...I felt the "quickening" feeling in my lower belly. Like some butterflies were flapping their wings inside me...it was really cool. I have only felt it twice and only when I am PERFECTLY still! Amazing!

Our next appointment is next Tuesday, the 29th and as long as the baby cooperates, we should be able to find out the sex of the baby!! I still really think that it is a girl but I guess we will see won't we? I am so excited to know!

More updates will come next week and we will start debating names!! Oh so much fun!

Belly Pics!! 12 1/2 Weeks Preggo!

2008-04-11T11:08:00.003-06:00

I figured since I have really pooched out this week that I should take some pics! Tyce is in awe of my belly and is always touching it and kissing it so I got some of those on camera! Such an exciting time! Sorry I am in my jammies...but not really! Yea for baby bumps!

My sickie boy...

2008-04-10T09:02:00.002-06:00

Oh...will it ever end? Tyce woke up yesterday with goop dried all over his face from his ear. A few minutes later he came to me and said..."mommy, go to doctor, fix my ear". So sad that he knows this but I am very glad that he can tell me. So, off to the doctor we go. He looked in his ears and listened to his lungs. The diagnosis...swollen inflammed ears and a need for a chest x-ray. Okay. So, off to the x-ray department we go. I couldn't stay in there since I am pregnant so out the door I go while my little baby is on a cold table looking up at a huge machine hovering over him. The tech was very sweet and great with Tyce, still I was expecting a fuss...instead, what did I hear? My brave little man in the room saying "CHEESE" to the x-ray camera! Amazing! I have such an amazing boy. Everyone said so...it's not just my opinion! He is so good for the doctor and never puts up a fuss.

So, we are back in the room waiting on the doctor. And what does he have? A mild case of pneumonia. WHAT...how can he get that? My poor sick boy, who by the was runs around like a totally healthy 2 year old, now has to have his 5th round of antibiotic in 5 months and more ear drops.

Please pray that this is the end! We have moving to do, etc. No time to be sick.

ALL that is new!

2008-04-03T09:27:00.003-06:00

Well, I never did write about our Easter festivities...so, I guess now is a good time! Tyce LOVES easter eggs! We had a MOMS Club easter egg hunt at the park and it just happened to also be the first "warm" day of the year! It was wonderful! Tyce got to hit a pinata and got those cool blue star glasses he is sporting above! Notice the cheesy face...ah, Doritos. He got much candy (That Daddy stole as soon as bed time came around)...don't worry, I hid some for my boy.

We have been struggling lately though...well, Tyce has been struggling. He had surgery a couple weeks ago to put tubes in his ears and to remove his adnoids. Tyce had ear infections once a month for the last three months and they believe that his adnoids were much of his problem since he was always stuffy. The surgery went well and he acted like he felt soooooooo much better. Then a week later, this awful smell started coming from his nose. I wanted to throw up every time he came near me. It stunk up the whole house. So, off to the doctor to find out that he had a post-op infection in his nose. So, we do his 4th round of anti-biotics in 4 months.

So, we are thinking all is well right?? NOPE. He woke up the other morning sounding like a seal when he coughed and it only got worse...so, off to the doctor again and what is it this time...CROUP! So, now he is on a round of steroids and hopefully...this will be it for our sickie time. I am so tired of seeing my baby suffer and he is not a very nice sick person and I am tired of that too. So, please pray for him that he will have a LONG healthy streak.

We have had a lot going on here other than sick babies and pukie mommies. OUR HOUSE SOLD!!! So, as sad as it is (we love our home and our neighborhood) this is definately the smartest move for us. We will own everything we have with no monthly payments from what we will make on our equity. This was the main reason we decided to sell. So, we are preparing to move back in with Mark's parents and Tyce is soooooooo excited about this. He hasn't even asked if Mark and I are coming...he just is ready to live with Grandma and Papa. Then, time to get started on a new house!!! I am really excited about this new house. Mark drew the plans and they are exactly what we want. We wish we could build bigger, but we don't NEED bigger but we do NEED to save money...so, we are being smart for once! It is a one level home which is great! My whole family will be together every night/weekend. It is a better house to entertain in! We are very excited! Everything is really coming together! So, closing is on the 19th and we move out the 26th of this month. It will be crowded with Mark's parents but we are excited to spend more time with them.

As for me and this baby bean in my belly...I think we are nearing the end of our sickie time. It is definately not over but I think it is slowing down. Our appointment yesterday went well. We had another ultrasound and the baby was flipping around and had a strong heartbeat! All looks well and we should be able to tell the baby's sex next visit...the 29th of this month...if we decide to find out!

Keep praying for us...we have a lot to do and a lot going on. We love you all!

Mommy...Baby is DANCING!!!!

2008-03-27T15:36:00.004-06:00

I got a call the other day from McKay Dee Hospital and they wanted to know if I would allow them to screen my cervix for a study they are doing regarding shortened cervix's and preterm labor. I figured...free ultrasound...sure!!! So...that is what we did this afternoon. Mark was at work (he will go to my OB appt. next week with me) but I thought Tyce might like to see his baby on the T.V. He was so excited!

So, we get to the hospital and he is telling everyone in the office that he gets to see the baby in mommy's tummy. We get in the room and he sits so quietly and still just waiting to see his baby on the T.V. The tech made a comment about that if I wanted, she could tell me the baby's gender. I of course responded that I was not far enough along yet to find out. She looked kind of puzzled and asked how far along I was. So I told her that I was 10 1/2 weeks. Turns out that this study is for women who are 15-20 weeks. So, she was going to NOT do the ultrasound.

I looked over at Tyce and he is still just sitting quietly, staring at the T.V. Waiting to see his baby. I looked back at the tech and told her that this is just going to break his heart and he was going to be so sad. She took one look at him and said...okay, I'll take a quick look but don't tell anyone!!!! OKAY!!

So, here comes Tyce's baby on the T.V. and he is sooooooooo excited. We saw the baby, heard the heartbeat...which is 167 bpm by the way!! Then, when she got a good picture, she left the wand there for a minute and this baby was totally DANCING!!! And Tyce noticed it. He says..."baby dancing mommy"!! He/She was waving arms, wiggling hips, moving lets, etc. He/She was all over the place!!! It was amazing. My last ultrasound was 3 1/2 weeks ago and this baby has gone from looking like a little peanut to actually looking like a baby. It is amazing!

I can't wait for Mark to see this baby "move and groove next week"!!!

Ah...Morning Sickness and a Toddler!!

2008-03-14T09:02:00.002-06:00

This morning was a "sickie" morning. I made the mistake of getting out of bed without anything in my tummy to settle it. All because Tyce really wanted to watch a movie! I though...that would be a good time to relax and settle my tummy. Well, I only got down the hall before I turned right around and put my head in the toilet. Tyce, of course, followed. And this is the conversation we had while I was "getting sick"...

"Mommy, what doing?" asked Tyce

"I'm throwing up...sometimes mommies throw up when they have babies in their tummies" I say

"Hurry up...I want to watch a movie" says Tyce!

It's nice to see he is getting his compassion from his daddy! LOL!! Mark got a kick out of this when I called him.

All is well now...and Tyce is happily watching his movie!

I'M PREGGO!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-12T13:44:00.003-06:00

For those who don't already know...after 8 years together we are expecting our first biological child in October 2008!! My official due date is October 20th and we are just thrilled to be blessed with the opportunity to experience all that comes along with growing and delivering a baby!!! This child will be #2 for our family and big brother Tyce is so excited!! He is reading big brother books and helping mommy keep the baby warm by wrapping up my belly in blankets all the time. It is all so sweet and I can't wait until Tyce can feel the baby move.

We feel so blessed that we have had the opportunity to experience Adoption and pregnancy. We truly get the best of both worlds!! I have been feeling pretty good. I have been very tired but as far as sickness goes, it has been pretty easy so far. I get nauseous and throw up sometimes (TMI?)!! LOL!! But all in all...I can function as long and I don't smell something offensive, which is kind of hard living with two boys! LOL!!

Thank you all for the loving support you have given our family and the excitement we feel from you on behalf of this pregnancy! Thank you most of all for the prayers for this baby. Please pray that he/she sticks in there and grows big (not too big) and strong until at least the middle of October!!

We love you all!

Presidential Candidate Matchmaker...

2008-01-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

This is very interesting...but take it at face value and as a fun and interesting exercise because the candidate that it matched me with supported abortion...which is one thing that I STRONGLY oppose. So for me...I would never vote for him simply because of that one issue alone.

Have fun! This is a good way to also look through and see how each individual candidate feels about key topics...

Tyce's 2nd Birthday ~ Christmas ~ Etc.!!

2008-01-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! A lot has happened this past month. I think my December's are going to be very busy for the rest of my life. Tyce's birthday was December 21st and then of course 4 days later is Christmas!! First, I'll start with Tyce's birthday. Okay...I am going to brag for a second. We had a party at our house and has 30+ people here, including Tyce's birth dad, Jami, and a bunch of his family. It was really nice to see them again. They love Tyce so much and I am glad that things have worked out so that they can be involved a tiny bit in his life! So...here is the bragging part. I made Tyce's cake again this year...a train...check it out!!

But one of the best things that happened this holiday season is that my Dad and Step-Mom (Denise) came and spent Christmas with us!! It was so nice for us to have that time to spend with them with no where else that we had to be. There are so many other people to visit while we are in WA that our time with any one family is precious. Tyce and “Papa Brent” definitely bonded. It was so wonderful to see that side of my Dad. Tyce really took to Denise also and they played a lot! Tyce got spoiled rotten with all things “Cars”. Everything was Lightening McQueen and Mater!! And we got a lot of food and some of Denise’s yummy cooking along with some gift cards, comfy socks and hats and a scanner!! They were a Christmas blessing that we really needed and really appreciated!! Here is Tyce and “Papa Brent” painting their faces with frosting…boys will be boys! My hubby treated me really good and got me the Kickboxing bag that I wanted. It is an amazing work out and it is fun! So now, I can get my full work out at home. Tyce even does it with me. But every so often, he gets kicked in the head if he gets in the way. I guess he will learn huh?! It actually only happened once and we are both more careful now as to what we are doing! He laughed when it happened though. Such a tough guy!

Tyce had his 2 year checkup today and he weighed in at 29.6 pounds and 34 inches tall!! He is just growing like a weed. He is in size 3T shirts and 2T pants and size 6-7 shoes. It really blows my mind that he is so big. He is obsessed with his new movies…especially Cars and The Polar Express. Santa brought him a big train table for Christmas and he plays with it all day every day!!

I really can’t believe how much Tyce is talking these days and the things he is saying and doing are cracking me up daily. His new phrase is “I figure it out” and today he put his baby in Time Out. He came up to me and said…”put baby in time out”. I asked why his baby was in time out and he said “he hit mommy”. I said, yup, he probably should be in time out then! Things like that make me realize even more how grown up he is getting.

Now for our adoption plans. We are making in the process of completing our home study and are making some calls to inquire more about the foster to adopt program through the state. Who knows if that will go anywhere but we figure that we can be on that waiting list while we save up money to adopt through LDS family services again. Either way, we will put ourselves out there so that whatever baby is meant to be ours will be able to find us! This time we are even willing to adopt an older child…as long as they are younger than Tyce so that we can keep the current birth order in tact. So, I’ll keep you all up to date on that as things unfold! And pray for us that our next child will find us and that we will be patient until the time is right!

So, that is all for now I guess! I wish you all a happy new year and pray that you will all be blessed with health and happiness this year!

2007-12-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

8 years ago today...This wonderfully goofy man asked me to be his wife!! What a lucky girl I am. The picture above speaks volumes. We are never bored. We have adventures that are usually messy and loads of fun!! WOW!!! What a long way we have come in eight years. I am sure you all look back and think of how naive you were about one another when you got together. It is a good thing huh? I don't know if Mark would have ever asked me to be his forever if he knew the REAL me...but I guess that can go both ways huh?

But we are so much better people having grown together through some of the best and worst times of our lives. The last eight years...

One MAJOR family drama (and several little ones)
One wedding
One cross country move (for me)
One NASTY apartment that was wonderful because is was OURS!!
A few jobs
A few cars/trucks
Three travel trailers (we still have one)
Four 4-wheelers (we still have 2)
One house bought and sold
One house built and for sale
Finding out that having babies was not something we could do ourselves
Finding faith to follow the Lords Plan
Tyce finding us through his AMAZING birth parents
Being parents now for nearly 2 years (the best and hardest years of our lives)

And above all else...

Working through it all together!!

Yes, I am a lucky woman and I have never regretted for one minute that I said YES! I love you Mark...more than anything on this earth. Thank you for making me happy...for making my dreams come true. You are my best friend and the best father I could have ever asked for for our son. Here is to MANY more years as your wife! May our life together be long...and if not...we have ETERNITY!!

Sometimes...All You Need Is A Good Movie To Humble Yourself!

2007-10-30T23:48:00.000-06:00

So...I just got done watching a movie called "States of Grace". It is an LDS film that shows the human side of members, converts, missionaries, etc. It is a movie that will humble you and make you so grateful for the Atonement that your heart will ache. I cannot begin to tell you how inspiring this movie is. It teaches not to judge. It teaches the true love that Christ and Heavenly Father have for us. No matter what we do...he loves us the same now as if we were still babies. He hurts when we hurt. He DIED for us...so that our sins may be forgiven. How grateful I am for that. Without that...Mark and myself would never return to live with Him in the next life. We try to be faithful and we try to be obedient but we are not Gods...we are human and we make mistakes...sometimes, horrible mistakes.

I encourage you all to rent or buy this movie. It is one that I intend to add to my video library. It is a movie that I want my kids to watch when they are teenagers. I want them to know that the Lord will always love them and always forgive them if they just ask it. My heart is full tonight as I go to bed. Because I know that regardless of the mistakes we make. If we truly and fully repent...we will live with Him again.

Powerful movie. It is entirely possible that I just related to this movie because a lot of the things in it remind me of different parts of my life that I am not proud of. People in my family who have also sinned as I have sinned and how much I have worried about them and their eternal salvation. It reminded me that they can be forgiven as much as I can be forgiven...and we can all have eternal progression with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I am so grateful for the Gospel in my life. Times like this remind me of how lonley I was before I accepted what I now know. I am blessed. That is really all there is to it and I need to be reminded every so often. It is good for me.

Sleep well my loves...I will!

This sums it up perfectly!

2007-10-30T10:09:00.000-06:00

I stole this from another blog...It sums up EXACTLY how I feel about Mark and Tyce! Both I love more than my own life...And both bring all the love I feel into my life! I love you Mark and Tyce! Thank you for being mine!

Before we met, I wanted you …

Before I found you, I loved you …

Before I touched your face, I would die for you …

This is the miracle of love.

Okay...I think I need to loose a few pounds!

2007-10-07T22:17:00.001-06:00

So, today I blew up a couple balloons for Tyce! He loves them! Anyway...Mark thought it would be funny to put two in his shirt for boobs and one for a big belly! Well, of course Tyce had to try too. All fun and games right? WRONG!!

A couple hours later, I was laying on the couch and Tyce was sitting on me. He then pulled up my shirt and proceeded to squeeze my tummy and said "BALLOON"!! Then he did the same to my boobs!! OH NO!! I was laughing HYSTERICALLY and so of course, Tyce was too!!

Mark of course got a kick out of this story and I resolved myself to dust off my running shoes...and FAST!!!

Children will always tell you the truth...you don't even have to ask!

"A nation will raise no higher than the strength of it's families" President Hinckley

2007-08-28T16:29:00.000-06:00

About a week and a half ago...Mark and I had an Ah...Ha moment. We have been living two seperate lives. It was a scary and humbling realization. We have not been having any problems, fights, etc. but we just realized that we really have lost touch with each other. Again...SCARY! We both knew that with Mark's business and Tyce coming into our family (all within a couple months of each other) that we would have to pay attention and actually make an effort to stay connected within our marriage. A new business and baby is a lot all at once. Eventually, we just went day to day with the occasional outing, camping trip, etc. But for the most part...Mark went to work and ran the business and I began raising our son. So, on my way to work last Wednesday, I decided that it was high time Mark and I got away!! In 7 1/2 years of marriage (not including our wedding night and stops in Boise on the way to WA) we have never gone away to a bed and breakfast or some fun vacation together. And even moreso...we have NEVER left Tyce overnight to go somewhere just the two of us. Tyce is now 20 months old...this getaway is LONG overdue!!

So, I called Mark while I was at work and said..."Can I have your undivided attention from Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon?" He says..."Sure...will this be the three of us?" I say "Nope...just you and me. I promise to make it worth your while"!! So, he is now totally on board!! LOL!! So, Friday afternoon, Mark and I dropped Tyce off with Grama and Papa for a sleepover!!! I took Mark up Ogden Canyon to the Oaks. This is an enchanting resturaunt with outdoor wood picnic tables and benches under canopys of fabric and trees...right on the Ogden River. Humming birds were flying around getting their treats out of the hummingbird feeders and the food was yummy!!

After dinner...we went down the canyon just a tad and checked into the Alaskan Inn...a cute and cozy bed and breakfast with wonderfully huge breakfast options!! The room was themed as a mine with real wood beams and a large two person jetted tub...complete with sparkling cider and cookies. We had a wonderful evening "reconnecting"! LOL!! I will spare the details!

The next morning, we checked out and spent the day "dating"! We went to the new Solomon Center in Ogden and spent the afternoon wasting money at the Arcade and playing miniature golf...Galactic!! My toe nails even had blacklight polish on! LOL!! That was fun! We played skeeball and deal or no deal and when all was said and done...we had lots of new little treasures from the prize counter to take home to Tyce!!

We then went out to lunch because Tyce had already gone down for his nap. So, Mark and I took advantage of just a little more time to "date". We went to Bajio (Yum)!! When we finally got to Mark's parents to pick up Tyce...we were exhausted. Tyce was still sleeping so we curled up on the couch and took a nap too! When Tyce woke up we were back to the real world...a place that we love more than life itself! We missed our little boy horribly but have decided that he needs a "connected" mommy and daddy more than anything in his life and so...Tyce will be having sleepovers with Grama and Papa a few times a year so mommy and daddy can "date" and strengthen their marriage!! That is the foundation of a strong family! I love the quote from President Hinckley that is in my home..."A nation will raise no higher than the strength of it's families" and I truly take that to heart!

So, this weekend...I spent an amazing weekend with the love of my life. Words cannot describe how much I love my husband...but I can say with certainty that I love him much, much, much, much more today than the day I married him. That is a very good thing!! I cherish my family and I pray for more to be added to it in the coming months/years!

Hug your families and remember the importance of a STRONG marriage! Take time for yourselves...your kids will survive the temporary neglect and won't even notice if they are being neglected to gramma and papa's house!

Which Villan Are You?

2007-08-14T21:45:00.001-06:00

This is fun...post me a comment and let me know which villan you are!!

Your results:
You are Catwoman

Catwoman		50%
Riddler		48%
Apocalypse		47%
Mystique		44%
Lex Luthor		40%
The Joker		39%
Magneto		39%
Poison Ivy		39%
Dark Phoenix		34%
Juggernaut		32%
Dr. Doom		32%
Kingpin		27%
Venom		24%
Mr. Freeze		22%
Green Goblin		16%
Two-Face		12%

With a troubled past and an upbringing on the streets you have learned how to fend for yourself through crime.

Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test

The potty is a scary thing!!

2007-08-08T12:49:00.000-06:00

So…I think potty training is not too far off in the future!! I can’t believe it. I am NOT ready. I know Tyce is getting bigger and he is getting de-babytized but Potty Training? Emotionally, I am just not ready to accept that he is not my “baby” anymore.

He has been interested for quite some time about OUR happenings in the bathroom but lately he has been telling us when he is “pee pee” or “poopy”. But at church on Sunday…he patted his bum and said “poo poo”, so we checked him and nothing…not FIVE minutes later, he was poopy. I couldn’t believe it…he actually told us when he needed to go. He is understanding the sensations. Last week we put him on the toilet and he freaked. It is a big hole to a little bum after all, so I guess we will be getting a toddler toilet seat VERY soon. He was just so lazy with sitting up, crawling, walking, etc. that I really didn’t expect him to be interested in this yet. Such a smart boy!

We are having so much fun lately. Tyce is such a good boy. He expresses himself, acts like a child (gets dirty, makes messes)…all the things that I have looked forward to but at the same time, he is so obedient. I never expected a child of his age to be this obedient. He responds so well to time-outs and only receives a few a week. He stays in the chair the whole time out…even if I leave the room (can you believe it?)

Last night was another first…an amazing first. The only thing is that I regret that Mark wasn’t there. He was at Elder’s Quorum (good reason I guess). Until it hit me last night, I didn’t think Tyce was old enough to help or understand a prayer. So we knelt at his bed and clasped our hands together. I started saying a couple words at a time and he repeated (more the sound than the actual word) but I just know that that short little prayer meant more to our Heavenly Father than any heartfelt prayer I have ever uttered. It was an amazing experience between my little miracle and myself.

This will now be an every night occurrence in our home. Tyce is old enough now (excuse me while I wipe my tears) that he can now learn how to pray. It is precious to actually have him take part in it. There have been many prayers said “around” him in his little life…but not with him being an active prayer in our home. Oh, it was a proud moment for me!

I have more to say but I will save it for another time. We are having some challenges but I would much rather focus on the positive right now. That is what will get me through the day!

Love you all!! Please post comments of any kind…let me know you are there. And any potty training advice would be great!

Advice please!

2007-07-03T16:12:00.000-06:00

I feel like I want to blog but to be honest...I really don't know what to write. My mind is just a jumble of things right now and I think that I really need advice...so please feel free to post a comment and give me some...seriously!

My first dilema...the girl that I wrote about in my last blog post, as I said...she is a student at a local beauty college. Before I went to the Enrichment night, the president of my MOMS club asked me to find out about having the students come do a MOMS night out for us. I would love to do that and host it at my house but will this girl think that I am "stalking her", and I really don't want her to feel that way. So what do I do? Have the MOMS night out at another house and not go myself? That is kind of crazy don't you think? What do I have to loose? She could see where we live, etc. It could be a really good thing! What do you all think?

My second issue is my poor little Tyce and his skin problems. I am trying to find a good dermatologist for him. His eczema is just not really getting any better and depending on what we are doing...it is getting worse. The other day, we took him to the pool and the chemicals in the pool dried out his skin so much that when I gave him a bath, the soap burned him and he screamed...I about died I felt so bad and then lotion did the same but I had to get that stuff off his skin. I don't want that to happen ever again. Next time, I will try washing him really good at the pool before we leave and if that still causes problems then I am afraid that the public pools are just too much for his skin. So I will keep you all updated on what the dermatologist says.

I have much more but I have to get some stuff done before I leave work today...so, I'll write more later! Any advice?

The Craziness Begins!!

2007-07-01T22:15:00.000-06:00

An interesting thing happened the other day! I try to not look too deeply into it and I "try" to not get my hopes up but let's face it...this is what I do best! I am an optimist, sorry, I just can't help it! To me, this just seems like a little more than coincidence?!

I have recently received a new calling as a member of the Enrichment Committee at church and we had an activity last week...the "Flip Flop Fling". Catchy huh?!! Our activity was to have the girls from the local beauty college come and give manicures and pedicures to us. It was a fabulous time and as I was having my nails done, one of the other students was talking about her being 6 months pregnant and not making a big to do about it because the "circumstances were not good". Her words. She never mentioned adoption but I felt prompted to say something to lead into a conversation about adoption.

I made a comment about how McKelle (Tyce's birth mom) had expressed to me at times about not telling people about her pregnancy, etc. This girl then asked more about Tyce's adoption, etc. She then told me that she was in the process of choosing a family for her unborn baby. I asked her which agency she was going through in her search and it is the Ogden LDS Family Services...same as us. She has only been once so far but I told her we were going through them again and would be approved in August (she is due October 9th). She says..."well, maybe I should get your profile then!" I say, "Maybe you should!"

So there it is. I gave her our information, names, e-mail, case worker's name, etc. It has been a few days and we haven't heard anything but she is still in the early stages of looking at families. Who knows, maybe we don't fit what she wants for her baby? Maybe she isn't the one? But I realized something...I really need to get things in order. Last time, I had pass along cards with a picture and our information on me at all times and I didn't have that this time. The Lord is telling me to be prepared and I had better listen!

So, please...for those of you who pray...pray for us to find our baby soon. We so want Tyce to have a sibling close to his age, especially if the number of children in our family will be 2. I am still working on more than that...but right now I am just focused on making Mark comfortable with another mouth to feed and take to the doctor! LOL!! He worries but he is such a good provider! Pray for this girl who I believe is called Megan. She seemed sweet but I didn't want to push too hard and scare her away. I would have brought her home had she given me the opening so I have to keep myself in check!

Good night all my loves! Until next time...I have much more to update later!

Camping Or Bust!!!

2007-05-30T13:46:00.000-06:00

Okay, lets catch up on what has been going on this last week! Well, after the Dunes we were thinking that we would stay home for Memorial Day but on Friday, I woke up and thought… “I really want to go camping” and so halfway through the day Mark called me and said “So, how bad to you really NOT want to go camping” and I just laughed and told him that I was packed and ready to go. So he came home early and off we went!

We went to the Uinta Mountains…Marsh/Bridger Lake area with Jill & Josh and Josh’s family! It was a fun time. There were lots of kids there so Tyce wasn’t bored. At Wal-Mart last week, I found these large size plastic safari animals and dinosaurs for only $.88 a piece! I got a ton! And the kids had so much fun playing with those in the dirt! Tyce got really dirty but had a blast. It wasn’t even too cold like it usually is up there! But it is funny that just the weekend before we were cooking our clothes right off at the Dunes and now we were in 3 layers. Crazy stuff but one thing I love about Utah!

Mark, Tyce and I went fishing and Tyce got to touch his first fish…but really he was more interested in throwing rocks in the water and trying to get IN the water…which had an immediate drop off. No thanks…I’ll hold on to you! Luckily, he didn’t fight me too much!

When we got home, again, I had like 9 loads of laundry to do. Ah, the days of a domestic goddess! Oh yea, want to hear something gross? When Tyce was having his bath after we got home, he pooped in the water and then picked it up and threw it out of the tub. YUCK!! Needless to say…we had to empty the bath, sanitize the tub and start all over again. Nasty! At least I got out of having to change a dirty diaper huh? I am not quite sure what is worse though!

On a much more serious note, I ask that you please pray for my Grandma Lenk. She had to have surgery last night because she fell and shattered one of her lower legs. She will be wheelchair bound for 2 months so after my Aunt leaves…Tyce and I are flying to WA to spend a week taking care of Grandma…the middle of June. My grandma is strong and will make a full recovery (I hope and pray) so hopefully she can reschedule the trip she was leaving on in 2 weeks. Her and her friend Arlene were heading to Africa. They are so upset that the trip is not going to happen…but hopefully it can next summer! Luckily Grandma bought insurance so she will get her money back, but still. I may consider driving if any of you Tri-Town girls want to go on a road trip in a couple weeks? Lindsay...Lacie?

On to better news…We did it!!! We sent in our application for our next adoption. So the ball is rolling! Next, our bishop will send his letter of recommendation and 4 of our friends/family will get their recommendation letters/questionnaires in the mail to fill out and send in. Then we will have an intake interview and then sign up for the next classes, which are in July! I am so ready to start again and hopefully Tyce and the next baby will be close in age! We are already talking to Tyce about it but obviously he just doesn’t care much! LOL!! He just repeats the word...beebee! Cute!

So that is it for now...I will keep you all updated on Grandma and the journey of Adoption #2!

Random Thoughts and Desires...get comfy!

2007-05-23T12:29:00.000-06:00

Okay...so, I WANT ANOTHER BABY!!! I know that Tyce is only 17 months old and that it would be better to wait a little longer to have another baby (which will no doubt happen anyway) but I am dying here. The desire for another baby, so far, is not nearly as desperate and mind numbing/consuming as it was while we were waiting for Tyce but it is getting there. I am soooooo excited to start the adoption process again and for some reason I feel that our next baby is already conceived...or will be very soon. I have days where I know it will be a girl and then the next day I think it may be a boy. So as far as that goes...I really don't care.

Tyce is becoming Daddy's little shadow and when he is home, I am feeling left out. Now, I have no interest in tools, building things and working in the yard but there is really nothing better than watching Mark teach Tyce all the "guy" things that go on around my house. So, with that said...I am excited to bring home a little girl who will be my shadow. Who will want to learn all the things that I enjoy, like sewing quilts, scrapbooking, sitting in cozy comfort and read a good book, shopping till we are beyond broke, etc. Don't get me wrong...my poor Tyce is stuck with me all day and I promise that I will teach him these things too so he is well rounded just like his Dad! Yes, Mark is more domesticated than he lets on.

And then there is the desire for another dirty little boy to love until my heart explodes just like it does every time I look at my son. Even when Tyce is throwing his famous tantrums...I find myself feeling so lucky and happy to HAVE a child in my home that tests my patience and throws toys when he is mad because that means that I have a child...that I am a MOM and that he feels comfortable in our home and with me enough to express himself without fear of corporal punishment. And let's face it...you all know that sometimes those tantrums are so ridiculous that we just have to laugh!

I would love more than anything to have a little brother...a little playmate for Tyce who is no younger than 2 years Tyce's junior. How amazing that would be? They could play in the mud together, fix things (or more like, break things) together. They could go on father/son camp outs with their dad. I can't wait to pack the trailer and backpacks with all kinds of mommy goodies for my guys so they can be full while they are discovering new worlds together. I can't wait for my boy(s) to grow up and "protect" me and their little sister (if I get my way)!! Okay...so I really can wait but when the time comes...I can imagine myself looking up into Tyce's beautiful blue eyes and being as proud as can be.

I know it is a mom's right to make plans for her son...and so that is what I do. I picture Tyce going into the MTC and serving a mission honorably like his Dad. I see him taking a beautiful girl to the Temple and starting his own family. I see him being mine and Mark's best friend when he is all grown up...just like my Mom and I are best friends now that I am an adult. I don't know what Tyce will be when he grows up. He will work for Mark for his first job...that I know. He just enjoys all things his Dad enjoys...so it makes sense to me. But, eventually, I can see Tyce going to college and excelling in whatever he takes interest in. He is so smart and witty and he has a personality that attracts everyone around him. He is the center of attention.

I tend to get ahead of myself, don't you think? I hope that all that wonderful future I wish for takes a long time to get here. I want to enjoy my little family for a long time to come. But if years keep flying by like they have been...it will be here before I know it. I see us as the Nielsen's. For those of you who don't know them, they are the family that "adopted" Mark when he was in High School. Their oldest son, Bryan was Mark's best friend. We are very close to this family and they are my guiding light. They have 4 kids. All wonderfully good people. 2 boys, 2 girls. Both boys served missions, both girls married in the Temple to wonderful men. Bryan married in the Temple to a now dear friend of mine.

I want to sit in the Temple some day with my husband, mom, grandma and all my kids. I want lots of kids. I pray for lots of kids. I have so much love to give and lucky Tyce gets to get more kisses than he can handle. For his sake...I pray for another baby soon. I know that is unreasonable to think that we will ever have several kids. We just can't afford them. I feel very blessed to have Tyce and I know for sure (in my heart) that we have another one coming but I really would like at least 3 and hopefully 4. That will take some convincing though. Mark is good with 2! LOL!! It's all in God's plan right? He knows what and who we need and when they get here...they will be very loved!

Well, this has turned into a long rambling and I am sorry for all who had to read it but these are my random thoughts for the day. Now I am off to Google adoption stuff because from now until our next baby comes home...I will be an obsessed woman!! Hang on, all you readers, for my emotional adoption ride. It will all be blogged!!

Birth Families ROCK!!!!

2007-05-20T17:42:00.001-06:00

Here is a picture of Tyce and his birth Dad, Jami. We just got back from a camping trip with Jami, his mom and dad, sisters, brothers and their families!! We had an amazing time! I am so glad that we have an adoption as open an ours is...it is truly a blessing! We went to the Dunes in central Utah. Tyce had a blast getting dirty and he actually even let Jami hold him twice. If you know my son...you know what a positive thing this is!

It was so HOT. Imagine being in the middle of the desert and 85 degrees. That was about what it was like...except for the extras like water, food, friends...oh yea, and air conditioned trailers! LOL!! And of course the otter pops in our camper freezer!

It must be hard on Tyce's birth families to see him as OUR son. This is just my opinion. They say that it helps them be reassured that adoption was the right choice for Tyce (I completely agree)!! But for me, it would be a very hard thing to see. To each his own right? They recognized us 100% as Tyce's parents and there were no issues there...which can always be a concern. We are truly blessed by this situation and I just pray that our next adoption is as wonderful as this one!! How loved Tyce will feel growing up. They will be able to show him and tell him that he was and is loved and wanted by his Birth Families as well as by HIS family...being us of course!!

I love talking about open adoption! It does my heart good! I love my husband for the amazing father that he is and my son is the light of my life! I never thought I could love so much. I just can't wait to add to our family and in the process...add another branch to our very close family friends, being, another birth family!!

By the way...how cute is my little baby with his cutie patutie baby crack hanging out of his pants?! LOL!! Oh, how fast they turn into little men!

There is no greater love in the world than the love of a mother to her child

2007-05-16T16:55:00.000-06:00

Maybe one of these days I will write more than one blog a month! We'll see. I just felt that I needed to put my emotions on paper in regards to Tyce's birthmom, McKelle on this Mother's Day season. How grateful I am for this woman who gave my son life...and then gave him the life she wanted for him and in the process, she made Mark and I a family. I love my husband so much, even more so now as I see him interact with our son in a way only a father can. I love when Tyce wakes up in the morning and askes for his Daddy!! My heart wants to explode. Mark and I definately have our rolls in Tyce's eyes. Mark is the best buddy and teacher of all things boy and I am the nurturer, disciplinarian who give safe boundries and the feeder of hungry babies! LOL!! I kiss the owies and make them all better...for Mark and Tyce both.

My heart was full to again wake up on Mother's Day and actually be a mom! There is nothing better in this life than having the opportunity to serve one of God's special children. I have such a closeness with McKelle and I love her with all my heart. I will express this love to Tyce so that he has the same kind of love and admiration toward her as Mark and I do. On Mother's Day this year...I got a package from McKelle. It was a willow tree statue of a mother angel holding a sleeping toddler. It reminded me of how big Tyce is getting because the last statue we got from her...the baby was a newborn. Sad.

I am so ready for another baby! We will be submitting our papers again in a couple months when the next classes start. How I hope our next baby is close to coming home to us! Tyce will be such an amazing Big brother.

I have much more I want to write about but I have to go pick up my little man from Grandma's house. Such adventures he had today I am sure and I can't wait for him to tell me all about them in his baby jabber!! Music to my ears!

Oh, we are going camping this weekend with Tyce's birth dad, Jami, and his family. I will write all about it on another post when we get back!! Such fun!! Yea for summer!!!

"I Am Blessed" - Martina McBride

2007-03-20T12:56:00.000-06:00

After spending the day with my girls, Lacie (and her little ray of Hope) and Lindsay (and her little luc luc) I have decided that it is time for me to start a blog! I am feeling very blessed these days. My little guy is growing so big and he makes me so proud. He is happy and loves to laugh at himself...and us!!

This weather has been so Yummy!! I am very much a fan of the 60 and 70 degree days!! This summer is going to be the best summer of my life!! Tyce is running all over and loves to swing and slide and explore! He just loves being outside and loves to get dirty!! The way I look at it...at the end of the day when my house is a mess and my son is dirty and I am tired...it has been a GREAT day!! He is such a boy and he wants to be just like his daddy!! His daddy is his hero, it is already obvious!

Tyce is a miracle. He came after 4 1/2 years of dreaming of a baby, and I can admit now that I was really dreaming of a little boy...a minature Mark and that is exactly what I got! Now I have my love, Mark and my little love, Tyce!

I am blessed!!!