Calling on the Prayers of the Righteous

I was looking forward to this post a few days ago, but after today, it took a whole new turn.



As some of you already know, I am pregnant with our second child. I am 11 weeks along. I went in to the doctor's office today to listen for the heartbeat, unfortunately we couldn't hear it (which is what happened with Isaac as well) so the doctor did an ultrasound. We could hear the heartbeat, but we also discovered a serious complication.



The doctor discovered a cyst on the back of the baby's neck--which is called cystic hygroma. Essentially, the baby didn't circulate it's fluids as it was suppose to. (It's more complex than that, but that's it in a nutshell).



This could take many directions. We will have a test done in the next week to determine if it is a chromosomal abnormality. If it is a chromosomal abnormality, it could be either Turner's syndrome, Tri 18 or Tri 21. If it is Turner's, there is a 99% chance I will miscarry. If I pass 26 weeks without a miscarriage, I am in the 1% group that could make it to delivery but there most likely are issues at that point. If it is Tri 18 it is considered a lethal chromosomal problem, meaning if I make it to delivery and the baby survives it there is a 90% chance the baby won't make it past their first birthday. If they do, it's a matter of months or years. And Tri 21 would be down syndrome.



If the test proves that it is not a chromosomal abnormality, the most likely factor we would be facing is a heart defect. If that is the case, we would learn the extent at the 20 week ultrasound. Some holes could close on their own, and if necessary a surgery could be performed when the baby was 3 months. This wouldn't be the only risk we'd be facing, but most likely the biggest.

Right now there is no risk to me. And this condition is a random "bad luck" type of thing--not hereditary.

To term it, we feel like the rug has been pulled out from underneath us today. It's one thing to know that there are pregnancy complications, it's another to be told it's you having the complications.



With all that has happened today, we feel truly blessed to have the knowledge of the Gospel in our lives. I know that the Lord would not give us anything that we could not handle. And, as Taylor put it, the Lord created this cystic hygroma, and he can also take it away.



I am not looking for your sympathy or your pity with this post, instead I feel a great need to ask for your faith, your hope, and most importantly your prayers. We believe in miracles. We know the Lord is mindful of our hearts right now. And more importantly we are willing to accept whatever happens. So please, keep us in your prayers.

January Birthdays

Yes, we are still alive and yes it is February and I am posting about January birthdays. Jan. 3 birthday's in fact! I've been meaning to post about these for awhile, but.....just haven't. So, without any more delay, here are the two birthday tributes to my nephew Braden and my mother-in-law Suzanne!

Since blogger uploaded Suzanne's pictures first, I will start with her. Phew....where do you start?! When I think of Suzanne a slew of words come to mind and yet none of them seem to do her justice for how incredible and wonderful she is!!
To begin, I think back to the very first time I met her...it was February 2005. For a little background information, Suzanne is sisters with Mary Ann McConkie---and Mary Ann lives in Colorado Springs and I have known the McConkie's my whole life--essentially. And Suzanne and Mary Ann definitely resemble being sisters, so when I first met Suzanne, I think the first words out of my mouth were "Oh yeah, I can see the resemblance between you and Mary Ann!" Not the most brilliant selection of words, but yet the meaning was that as much as I loved Mary Ann I felt an instant love for Suzanne. And that's just what Suzanne does--makes people feel welcomed and loved the instant they are around her!!!

Oh Suzanne is just a wonderful, incredible, beautiful, thoughtful person. She is always thinking of her kids and family. She always wants to do whatever she can for her kids and their families. She is selfless, she is giving, she is spiritual, she listens, she cares, she is fun. I have the utmost respect and love for her.

And I can't not mention what a great Grandma she is! This picture was taken last Easter. She is such a fun Grandma, I know all my nieces and nephews just love her and Isaac definitely goes to her easily. (Which is worth noting because Isaac can be very shy around people he doesn't see often, so it's pretty neat). I just love you Suzanne, I honestly could not have asked for a better mother-in-law! You have taught me so much about love and family and service. You are incredibly patient and understanding and a great cook! :) (Sorry, had to throw that in, too!) I honestly am enlightened and uplifted whenever I am around you!! And I am incredibly grateful for your example because it has and will always influence Taylor, and for that I am eternally grateful. I love you so much Suzanne and want to see you!!! :) Happy (Really late) birthday!!!



Braden. Braden ALSO had a birthday on January 3. I feel very excited to post a tribute to Braden because I have had some really fun and really special times getting to know him even more this past year. In June of last year, Braden and Suzanne drove up to Pocatello to spend a weekend with us. Then, when we were in Utah for Thanksgiving, the brothers and Braden and I went shooting. (And it was really cold so at one point Braden and I sat in the car to stay warm!)

Braden turned 7 this year and it gets me so excited (almost too excited) because I want to book tickets already to go out next year when he turns EIGHT!!!!!!!!!! I can't even believe what a smart, sweet, fun and loving boy Braden is becoming. (In the sense that don't boys become like this when they are 19,20....???? Obviously I have never had a brother). And really, I am SO excited and thrilled that Braden is the oldest boy cousin because I know Isaac will look up to him, which I think is awesome.

Braden is so giving and helpful. When they came in June last year, he was unbelievably sweet to Isaac who was only....8 months old? (aka...not someone old enough to really play with yet). Which goes to show what a great big brother he is! He also brought a book so he could read it to Isaac....cute huh?!?!

Braden is also very funny. When we were sitting in the car talking over Thanksgiving break, he was just cracking me up. For example, his dad Cam was joking about how he was going to shoot the "Y" and Braden goes, "Oh don't worry, he'll never make it" referring to how far in distance we were from the "Y." It was just so funny. He continued to say things that just made me laugh!!

And I can't forget to mention what an incredible athlete Braden is!! I just want to savor these years that he is playing in the little leagues because I know soon enough we'll be at some high school cheering him on and then where has the time gone?! I believe he has a sport for every season....football, then basketball, then baseball, then soccer. (Correct??) And he said he really likes basketball but I believe he said soccer was his ultimate favorite (at least at that time it was). I was just amazed at how much he loves sports, I think it's great because he has a natural ability in each of them!!!

I am soooooo grateful and happy to be an aunt to Braden!!! He is an incredible boy who is talented in so many aspects of his life. His siblings are lucky to have him as a brother!! And I know his parents love him dearly. Braden, if you read this, I love you dearly and am SO excited for the days that you get to teach Isaac and our other kids how to play sports!! I know you'll be great at it! Happy (really late, again) birthday!!!

Well family, I have now successfully paid everyone a birthday tribute. I started with Sydney and my dad in February last year, and have now ended with Braden and Suzanne in January. So, I hope you have enjoyed the birthday tributes because this will be the last one (at least for a while---we have a big family you know! It's hard to keep up with all of them!) So, know that I love you and have enjoyed paying tribute to you over the past year because each and every one of you have impacted mine and my family's life in so many ways!! (And I really need a Housley dose soon!)

I Need Some Nursery Help!

So this last Sunday was Isaac's first Sunday in Nursery. Some of you may be thinking that he is too young, or perhaps some of you are thinking that time flies. Well, both are true. At church, toddlers can attend nursery when they reach 18 months. It's a GREAT monument to reach. Well, yes, Isaac is 15 (and a half) months old. And, no, I didn't cheat the system.

So, lets back up. The first Sunday we attended our new ward, Taylor was called to be in Young Men's as the Priest Quorum advisor. A few weeks after that, I was called to teach Sunday School for the 14 year olds. With my calling, the bishopric member said they received permission from the Primary president to allow Isaac to go to nursery early since both Taylor and I are teaching. I said, "HALLELUJAH" ...silently of course.... and looked forward to this past Sunday.

Knowing that Isaac has been in daycare for the past year, I figured he would LOVE it. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Apparently the entire second hour he was screaming and someone was in the hall trying to calm him down. They brought him to me during the third hour and I thought if I went into the room with him, it would help. It sure didn't. He'd get playing and then all of a sudden stop what he was doing and start to cry until he could see me again. Mothers have told me that this is normal and "give him a few weeks to adjust".... but shouldn't he already be used to it somewhat?? If you have any tricks or tips up your sleeves, please share!!!

(Side note: Only in Colorado is it sunny, blue-skied in the morning and gloomy and snowing a few hours later!!)

What we have been up to...

Well it's time for an update. We've had a pretty exciting week...first, Isaac got his second, much-needed, haircut. Here we go, dun...dun...dun....


If you can't remember, I was dreading cutting his hair again, because if it was anything like his first haircut, it wasn't going to be pleasant....


But, to our surprise, he did much better! No tears, no screams, no squirms! He was enjoying standing on our bathroom counter and watching it all happen in the mirror. See, he was happy at the end!


Next...Isaac loves sitting on us. Case in point:


Next, Isaac and I went to "My Gym" yesterday. Have you ever heard of it? I believe it's a nationwide thing, my sister told me about it. It is a gym specifically for children. So, we checked it out and had a lot of fun! It's one of those "Mommy and Me" things.
Isaac really enjoyed all the fun things to do and thrived on the interaction.

He loves swings!

They have a lot of structured and unstructured periods throughout the hour. This next picture was during their "separation" period--which means, the parents stand back and allow the kids to play together to work on their social interaction. I was impressed with how Isaac went right over to the kids and never once came to me like, "Come on, mom!"

And this last picture was one of Isaac's favorites. It's shaped like a barrel but is hollow in the middle...I put Isaac in it on his belly and then would roll the barrel, thus causing Isaac to tumble on the inside...he loved it!!! And wanted to do it over...and over....and over!

And this last picture is of Isaac and some other kid laughing together, I think they were playing peek-a-boo or something. All in all, it was a lot of fun, and a really good thing, but the cost to do it just doesn't make sense right now.

And then when we got home, Isaac helped me make a cake! :) It was a lot of fun and he loved dumping the ingredients in. I got a craving for yellow cake after seeing an image of it on TV, so as soon as he woke up from his nap we went to the grocery store to get what we needed and then came home--turned the music way up--and danced and made a cake together! It was such a fun afternoon!

And now, we welcome a 3-day weekend with daddy! Wahoo!!!

A moved-in, in routine update

Monday of this week was Taylor's first official day of work which means, we, Isaac and I, are officially into our routine of me being home with him. Speaking of home, here's a picture of the front.


We love it! It will be a very good home for us for the next decade or two! I think what I love most about this house--or better said, the most underlying reason of why I love our home--is that it is perfect as it is right now, but there are many things that we hope to do down the road to better cater to us. So it is great! I debated whether or not to post more pictures, so I compromised and just decided to post pictures of the kitchen because I am so so so so happy with how it turned out!!!


Now, these were not the original cabinets. We originally decided to do oak cabinets in the darkest finish with a glaze. We figured we wouldn't splurge in the kitchen because that was something we could change ourselves down the road. HOWEVER, turned out we were told we could get the glaze on the oak cabinets but a few months before moving in we were told the cabinets didn't come with a glaze--this happened two times--so by the third time, I was annoyed. Long story short, they upgraded us to cherry cabinets in the color we wanted with no additional charge. So it was something we weren't expecting but turned out to be great. I was going for a "tuscany" feel in the kitchen and I loved how it turned out!

Anway, life of being a stay-at-home mom has been great. But I won't lie, it did require a bit of an adjustment. And what was hard about that was that I wasn't expecting it to be an adjustment. Day one was really the hardest day, but since Monday it's been good.

Taylor is enjoying work and getting used to a new office, new job description, etc. I am so proud of him and am definitely doing to brag on him just for a moment....

It seems like for the past six months or so we have been looking forward to this change, and now it is here. You know how when you are in school you look forward to the day that you have your real world job?? (granted our roles have been reversed for the past year and a half but it still wasn't the same as it is now...I knew I wasn't getting a job for a lifetime career) So, this real time job has definitely surpassed so many expectations. For example, he gets a new blackberry phone and laptop, all company paid.

Taylor has reverted back to the early to bed, early to rise routine which I love. We are in bed by 10:30 and he is up by 6:30 even though he doesn't have to be to work until 8:30! I am so impressed with him, and one of these days I am going to get up early (not 6:30 early!) with him!

I think for a just-out-of-college job, Taylor has a very important and weighty role in the company. It's not his ideal job (he wants to eventually be a consultant), but it's definitely not a grunt job either, so we aren't complaining! Better said, while it's not what he ideally imagined, it is probably equally as rewarding.

As for me, well, currently Isaac and I are still in our PJs (however, I have showered and gotten ready for the day....I learned something rather pathetic this morning. Even knowing that I do not have any plans for the day, I can't not shower and get ready for the day, I don't know why, it just bothers me....random, I know). We are about to go have "learning" time together where we learn the alphabet and numbers and then we'll probably have lunch and then Isaac will take a nap and if it is anything like the past three days, he'll be asleep all afternoon. By the time he wakes up and we have our routine "goldfish and watch cartoons until Isaac fully wakes up" it will be time to get dinner planned and ready and then Taylor will be home and we have a night together!

So, life is good, and if you are ever in Colorado, look us up because we would love to host you!

3 years!

December 29 marked our three year wedding anniversary!!! I can't believe it's already been three years. I am married to the most amazing man! Taylor is truly the perfect fit for me and the best father to Isaac. To celebrate, we went to dinner--just the two of us, hallelujah for close, built-in babysitters (thanks Mom and Dad)--and then we went looking for a desk for our house. We also spent a morning at the Temple together. I couldn't ask for more!

Taylor is such a strength and firm support for me and to me. I feel safer when he is around, and happier to be in his presence. He truly is my other half.

He has been incredibly busy with our new home. I am just amazed when I think about all he has done. There are several moments where I think, "if he wasn't here for some reason...could I do this by myself?" And I am always reminded of how much I appreciate and need him. So far, Taylor has completely cleaned out the garage (which was a big task when we first moved in), he installed our surround sound (another big task), "invented" and installed a hanging shelf in our garage, hung every needful thing in our house without complaining, put together his old bunk bed for Isaac's "big boy" room, put the crib together twice (a not-so-fun task at my expense), put together Cougar's soon-to-be insulated dog kennel, hung blinds (what a task!), set up our new desktop, and has still managed to compliment all my decorating and has been a supportive husband and father (i.e. let me go to the movies, sleep in, and take care of Isaac some afternoons). All in all, he has been AMAZING!!!!

I am so happy to be married to Taylor. He has been unbelievably, hands down, the best spouse and best friend a girl could ask for!

You always make me smile....here is to many more years to come! I love you!!!!!!!

The one and only, December birthday!

So, we had our one and only birthday in December, and this time it was my one and only sister! My sister Heather turned 26 on Dec. 8.

To start out, my sister is just amazing. She graduated from BYU in December 2007 with honors, I swear she may have gotten one 'B' in her entire college life! And currently she is getting her Masters in Special Ed at the University of Colorado AND she teaches Pre-School part-time. Talk about a hefty load...and in addition to that, she also teaches the Sunbeams every Sunday. So, my sister is surrounded with pre-school or younger aged children almost every day of the week, and she is so good at it!!

She is the most amazing aunt to Isaac....she loves to play with him (as does her husband Tyson) which is a joy for me to watch! Isaac sure does love them!

Heather also has been blessed to have a great husband to support her in all of her endavors. It just amazes me how busy she is and yet how she manages it all and does so well in all that she undertakes.

Heather is my only sister, or I should say, my only sibling. It is so fun to watch how we have grown up, now live close to one another, and are both married and how close we have gotten over the years! She is one of the most caring, smart, fun, beautiful, loving, and spiritual persons I know! And while we can be so different in many areas, I am so grateful to have her as MY sister, I love her so much. I am so excited to live close to her that we can grow even more close and do all the things we have planned to do. I am so grateful for her willingness to be with us, to play with Isaac, to do anything and everything for us....it's just an example of her selflessness!

She is a true follower of Christ, and I am blessed to have her influence in my life and in the lives of our family! I love you Heather!!

All moved in!

Well, it has been a while since I last posted, but we have been super busy.

For journaling purposes, two weekends ago Taylor went to Utah and Colorado (hence the previous post). He went to Utah for his family's Christmas party and Isaac and I were supposed to go with him, but the weather was too bad for us. After a day in Utah, Taylor drove to Colorado because he started training for his new job on Monday and Tuesday. He was supposed to fly home Tuesday night but his flight was cancelled and he had to stay the night in Denver. Wednesday morning he flew to Salt Lake and rented a car and drove home...man I was happy to have him home!

While he was gone, Isaac and I stayed busy packing and shovelling the driveway. Sunday night we drove to Blackfoot for dinner with the family, Monday night the YW Presidency took me to dinner, and then on Wednesday our good friends had us over for dinner.

So we ran around like crazy on Wednesday and Thursday tying up loose ends and closing on our new house. Thursday we loaded the truck and my good friend helped me clean!

Miracle of the whole moving process: those who have lived or know about living in Idaho and/or Colorado know that storms can hit hard in both places. We had a very strict plan in place for how things would work and if one thing went wrong, our whole plan was messed up. What I mean is, my parents were supposed to fly in Thursday night (at 10:00 p.m or something) and then my dad and Taylor would drive the moving truck with the Camry towing behind it on Friday while my mom and I flew back. Then Saturday morning we were moving in at 8 a.m.

For the record, there have been few flights that Taylor and I have been on that hasn't been delayed...and with his recent cancelled flight earlier in the week, we were worried about my parents getting there.

ANYWAY....there was a big storm that was supposed to hit Idaho on Thursday night and last through Friday afternoon.

MIRACLE: the storm, if that is even what you want to call, never really hit. My parents got in--around 12:30, but they made it! Taylor and my dad were able to stay ahead of the storm on their drive, and my mom and I got out without a hitch. We all were together Friday night....it was definitely a miracle, a miracle that we have not taken for granted.

Saturday morning we had incredible help unloading the moving truck....not to discount the help we had to load it. (Disclaimer: we loaded the truck in the afternoon, so I know a lot of people couldn't be there to help because they had to work). But what took 4 hours to load took less than 40 minutes to unload!! We had more than a dozen people there to help unload, we are truly grateful!!!

So, we spent all day Saturday unpacking...literally. We started at 8 a.m. and we didn't stop until 2 a.m. We were determined to sleep in our new house that night, and we did! I would say by 2 a.m. we were 85 percent unpacked. Now, a few days later, we are definitely unpacked and feeling great!

We love our new house and can't believe this day has come. We love, love, love our new ward and Taylor got a calling already after being in the ward for an hour. Isaac is still getting used to the new house, but he is doing great.

We have felt sincerely blessed and know that our journey to get to Colorado was made possible by the Lord. And while we feel like we have already had our Christmas, we definitely do rejoice in the Lord and in his matchless love and power.

Merry Christmas to all!

Dear Daddy:

We sure miss you, but we know that you need to be where you are right now. But don't you worry about us, because I am helping mom with all the packing! Here are a few pictures mom took (isn't she great?!) that we wanted to share with you.

First, I discovered that I love bubble wrap.



Then, I helped mom clear out the cupboard under the sink! Look how good I am, dad!

I found a cotton ball!

Mom told me to say hi to you, so here I am waving and saying hi! I love you dad!

I helped by making sure the boxes were sturdy....

They were, so I moved on to my next project...

Making sure mom got everything from the nightstand! (And yes, I ripped the paper off the nightstand, mom figured it was a lost battle...it was just so cool to rip it off and throw it on the floor!)

I miss you a lot though dad! I was playing with your dumbbells in the closet and that really made me think of you!

And look at this, a box made for me! (After mom took the photo I fell backwards and ripped the box, apparently it's too small for me! But don't worry, mom will tape the box so we can still use it! )

But all this packing wore me out!

I quickly got my energy back when mom said we were going outside, check out my sweet snow gear!

Snow, here I come!

This is so much fun dad, wish you were here!

But then I touched the snow and it was not so cool. We miss you dad and can't wait for you to come back home. We are working hard to get the house packed before you get back so we can load up and move to Colorado! However, I hear Colorado gets snow like this too, so as long as I don't touch it, I sure like looking at it! Love you dad, and even though mom misses you a lot, I will keep her company!

Love you!

Isaac