Tomorrow, Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the big day! Its our first visit to the doctors office for baby #2. Of course all the tests will be done, but we will be able to find out the due date! I'm guessing around my birthday on July 20th. Justin thinks it will be around the 7th of July. Justin's mom and Jenny think it will be sometime in July, and if it is they're are convinced its a girl. All of the girls on the Gillette side have birthdays in July, so that's their reasoning. I still think it a boy because the Gillette men don't know how to make fast or strong enough X chromo. sperm. ( but it will be a while before we find the sex out)
We are excited to be have our second. We have been trying for a while, and when we got to a certain point, I started to get discouraged. But, then a month later we found out we were pregnant! Patience is a virtue. I guess I still have to learn that.

Im having my family guess the due date of baby 2, so if you would like to participate, just post your guess. I will post everyones guesses and then the official date on Saturday. I figured this would keep things interesting.


So far this pregnancy has been far more intensive, than when I was pregnant with Jack. I have had morning sickness for two and a half weeks and only now is it starting to give me a break. It still comes on randomly throughout the day. Oh, and not to forget my fabulous hormone roller coaster. "I am sorry Justin and Jack!" I get irritated so easily, and for some of the dumbest reasons. Jack has been a trooper in dealing with his cranky mama, and has figured out ways to get around it. I have had no energy lately, which really sucks. I sleep when Jack sleeps. On top of that, the weather on average has been +13 during the day, and -7 at night. We tried going outside a few days ago and had fun for a few minutes, but then got to cold to do anything. That was a stupid idea, because now jack has a nasty cough, and a runny nose. I could go on and on about what has happened the past few weeks, but then it would sound like I'm complaining. :) Al though this first trimester has been somewhat difficult to handle, we are still really excited.

Well talk to you Saturday with the results.

Blast from the past...

This was my dad for halloween in 1967 wearing a

little sprout Costume.

This is Jack wearing that same costume in 2009,

42 years later.

Family Photos... So Far..

This is my most favorite picture ever! I don't know why, but

you have to admit its adorable.

One Sunday afternoon my family decided to get some pictures done before waylon left on his mission. My cousin is trying to put together a portfolio, so my parents decided to let him take the pictures. Two locations, dozens of poses, and a few hours later, he had shot about three hundred pictures. Though all the wiggling, laughing, running around and standing still, he managed to get some pretty good pictures. These are a few of my favorites.
Of course, most of them were of Jack. Who can be to blame when this kid never has the same face twice. I fell in love with him all over again. (As I do every day)



The Leaves were the most fun, and I think he loved it as well.
Just look at the sweet, sweet surprises..

Father and Son...

Daddy and Daughter...

Son, Nephew and Grandson

Mother and Daughter...

This was probably the hardest part of the whole day. Being girls, we were always worried about one thing or another, but somehow seemed to pull out a good shot.

This is my family. My Mom and Dad, I am the oldest of six, along with my handsome boys, Jack and Justin. Then the rest in line of age is Buckley, Nicole, Waylon, Tabitha and Hunter. Hope you can figure out which ones they are, because thats all the info im giving. :)

The words are kind of messed up and all over the place I know, but think of it as life. We are all over the place, scattered like leaves in the wind but somehow through all the commotion, we find our selves in cool places. Each one of us are in our own stages of life. From marriage, to dating, to working, to playing, each all different, but still each equally important. With out one another, there would be a hole. Treasure those you love and freeze those memories when you can.

"A good book has no ending." R.D. Cumming

No matter where we go, he always wants to "read" his books. A few weeks ago we had to ask Grandma if we could borrow some of her books because Jack loves reading his books (even if its the same sequence of books everyday). Mammy started to get sick of reading the same books over and over, so we borrowed from Grandparents till we got some more.

When Jackson reads, he seems very into what ever the book is about. He has a very determined look when he reads some books, in others he is excited to see the pictures and acts out what he sees. There is never a dull moment when he picks up a book.

Books are a source of information and imagination. I am glad that Jack can get it from somewhere other than daddy or I.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

Jack the Builder

Justin came home from work yesterday with a few things we needed from the grocery store. As soon as the food came out of the bags, we sat Jack up on the counter to help us put away the food. Jack had another thing in mind... He immediately jumped to his feet and started stacking up all the cans one after another. After he set a can, he would hold his hands close to the can to make sure it wouldn't fall. It was the cutest thing to watch.

Maybe I Can Help!

This morning Jack and I were outside pulling weeds, drawing pictures and watching lily eat bugs. Unfortunatly we overheard an arguement from one of our neighborhood friends. After the argueing had stopped, I thought to my self, ok I can see how she feels. I have one kid and sometimes its hard to take some time to sit and relax, and take a moment to your self without a child screaming or wanting you to hold him every second he is awake. When Justin returns home from work, he likes to sit and relax from a day of stupid co-workers or upset clients. Like us our "clients" or children aren't always happy with us, so we here about it for the next little while. Plus there is the cleaning and the dishes and the laundry that has to get done. I do get help from Justin, so that is a big plus.
Anyway, back to what I came up with. Some of the ladies in the ward are stay at home moms like myself, and it can get annoying when you feel like you can't just sit and do nothing, or go to the store without twenty kids by your side. Jack and I are at home most of the day, and Jack could always use somemore playtime with other kids. I thought now would be a great time for us to try and help out our ward family if we could. (And the light bulb turns on) What if I was able to take some of their kids for a few hours on days when they need some relaxation.
Now here's where you come in. I haven't quite thought of how to let the moms know that I will take there thier kids for a few hours when they need time to themselves. Because yes, all of you have done it. Someone tells you that they can help you in one way or another, but you never really thought to do so, or really didn't take them seriously. I am serious! What do you think I can say to make them actually believe that im serious?
Im not saying that I am starting my own day care center, but you know, chillin with two more kids that aren't mine for an hour or two.

Some feedback is appreciated. Good or Bad works, then I will know what you think about my idea.

"Lions and Tigers and Bears... Oh My!"

We are off to the Utah Hogle Zoo in the morning. This will be the first time for Jack and I. We will snap some shots for everyone that would like to see our fridays adventure. Be ready for animals of all shapes and sizes.






An Angel Went Home Today..


Sadly after our little family outing, we will be taking another trip that same day to Monroe Utah. Justins Uncle Larry past away from a brain tumor. We will miss him dearly and give our love to all family and friends that knew him. We will be gone for the weekend, but will have more info and pictures for you to see and experiences with us.

"Where there is death, there then comes life."

We will remember you Larry but we know you are in a happier and pain free place. And we will take care of your family as you have with ours.

Like Father Like Son

One day after Justin got home from work, they decided to do a photo shoot of sorts. Jack is very animated with his face and sometimes prefers to tell us what he thinks through his face espressions rather than say it. Daddy caught some of this on his camera phone. Of course Jack loves the camera so he starts showing us what he is capable of. Here are some of the faces we captured.

We don't know what this one is, but it made the final cut.

My goofy guys..

Show us your Grrr face!

They are they light of my life. As you can see they are funny and entertaining as well. Hopefully we can get Justin and Jack on here more often. Most of the time its just Mommy and Jack in all the photos so Its nice to have a change in pace.

Until next time.

This time around... Not as easy

You wouldn't think it would be so hard the second time, when the first time happened.. the first time.

(Picture of me and baby Jack)

On our honeymoon, we were lucky enough to get pregnant with our precious baby boy Jackson. When he turned fifteen months we thought it would be a good time to start trying for another kid. Well, its been five months and still nothing. I've been off the pill for like eight months, and yes I know it takes time for your body to get rid of all the effects. I was hopping that that part would be over by now. Maybe it is.

Well, yes, I guess I'm telling everyone that we are trying to have another baby. Nothing has happened yet, so don't go telling people were pregnant. I wish I was, but that's not the case.

Justin and I decided a while ago that we won't our kids to be about two years apart. Not to close, and not to far apart.

Jack is still our little baby but we aren't able to do the same things with him we used to. Plus we want to make our family bigger.

Well I have just vented again, but this time about a good thing (sort of).

Wish us luck!

Venting... I know its horrible!

Okay.

I know everyone has there moments and just need to rethink things for a minute, but why does it have to happen so fast. I mean yesterday I was fine. There are always set back each day that we all have each day (big or small), and we just have to learn to deal with them or try to overcome it. Well, today is the day where I just need to vent.
With life there are blessings, consequences, trials and happy times. This is what makes the world go round. But there has to be a way of curing the "blues" so to speak. I love being a wife and a mom. There's no buts about it. I guess having a baby this young does take its toll sometimes.
You go from only thinking about yourself and how you look or what your plans are day after day, trying to keep you life as busy and exciting as possible. Then Surprise! Honeymoon baby! I guess i have myself to blame for it because I was so naive about the whole birth control thing, and having my parents tell me to get on birth control like a month after getting married. Seems backwards doesn't it. I'm the first kid, I guess they forgot that little detail. I'm not blaming them though, don't get me wrong. I guess I'm just saying that everything was just a little rushed.
Jack is now nineteen months old and I don't know what I would do without him. I love him so much. I just wish I was ready for him. Sometimes I get so frustrated with the crying for no reason, or hitting and throwing everything just to see if he can get a reaction out of me. Hurting the poor dog to where she doesn't like to go around him any more. Lots of little things I suppose, but it adds up day after day. I just wish i was ready and more able to cope with the things that I'm faced with. I feel so bad when I feel like I'm blaming him for making me crazy that day. Its not his fault, he doesn't know any better.
Okay married women... For another stupid reason, Justin and I had an argument last night about money. Yes, yes I know money is a big issue. Where, how, why? All the questions come up when large amounts of money are planned on being spent. (These issues weren't the kind that you could just return the next day.) Any way, while we were arguing I just figured out why all the arguing happened. Not only with this topic, but with all topics we argued about. I don't quite know how to explain it, but its basically the exact opposite way you think an argument should be made. His way is talking, me not saying ANYTHING, and just listening till he's finished, then I say whatever I want. My way is... He starts talking then I get the gist of what hes saying, try to say a remark or correct something he may have said different than Ithought he said earlier.. yada yada yada... What I'm trying to say is that I just realized that the reason we have the fights in the first place, aren't because of what we are arguing about, its how we are arguing.
So.. next time you have a disagreement with your spouse, try to see if that's the reason it all happens. I figured it out with us, now its only a matter of breaking habits and trying to cope and create new ones. See! sometimes something good comes from something not so good.
I know God doesn't give you something he knows you can't handle. I know that somewhere inside me, I am able to move past this and care and love and teach Jack with all my heart and with compassion and patience.
That may not make any sense, but that's how it came out. My feelings and thoughts have not been able to work together for a while.
I guess the reason why I wrote this is to get some advice or tips or even thoughts about these topics. It helps when you know your not the only one who feels like there a bad mom or wife sometimes.

Thanks again for listening. See you next break down...

Starting A Job... (well sort of)

This is a job, a hobby, and a LIFE SAVER!

I have clipped coupons before and saved a little bit here and there over the years. I thought "Cool! I saved two bucks from coupons."

Well, little did I know about "couponing" and the coupon world.

A few weeks ago, I went to Albertsons with my sister-in-law. I just thought she was shopping for a few things here and there. I thought she had to grab a few things before we headed to a family function. She kept looking from her shopping list to the merchandise on the shelf, back and forth, back and forth. So I asked her, "What are you doing?" she then told me about how she was learning from one of her friends about these amazing coupon deals, and websites and stuff. I was like okay cool, cool. I didn't think much of it... till she got to the cashier.

She handed the cashier some coupons, then was told the total.

"What?!" I said to myself.

She got $30.00 of groceries for like $2.28

Who would pass that up? I know I wouldn't! So I asked her about the websites and how to get started. Luckily Justin and I had bought a daily newspaper cause coupons do come in the papers. Especially on Sunday!

So I decided to start being part of the coupon women of sorts and save some money for our family. I figure I can do this during the day when jack is sleeping or occupied by toys or other sorts, and make "money by saving money."

There is so much to learn though. Oh you wouldn't think so by the sound of it, but man! There are so many techniques its almost bothersome. I haven't got the handle on it quite yet, but I'm saving a little bit at a time until I get how it works.

It may not sound like much, but it works! Don't take my word for it. Try it yourself by going to hip2save.com, http://savvyshopperdeals.com/ or http://grocerysmarts.com/utah/lists/splashg84rcm.php

There are coupons from everything point of the spectrum from clothing, make-up, baby items, household items, food, yard, anything you can think of there are coupons and deals for.

It may take some time to get used to the sites, and the jargon but I think its well worth it for stay at home moms that want to save some $$$ on food and home goods, and spend it else where, or SAVE IT!

Muddy Yard + Baby = ...

Yesterday, we were finally able to get out in the yard and work on the sprinklers a little more. It was an awesome day to work outside. It was warm and sunny, with not a cloud in the sky.

So... One by one we checked each valve, each sprinkler section, and each sprinkler head to make sure everything would work as it should before we put in our grass.

Well its started out nice, then the surprises came.

Water came seeping out of the dirt in some spots, which revealed broken pipes. In one section of the yard, a pipe came bursting from the ground, shooting up water a few feet from the ground. (we still can't find the other end of the pipe it broke off.)

Cracked sprinkler heads pushing dirt forcefully in different directions.

Many holes were made to fix these problems. Which brings us to our curious and helpful son.

Jack was so intent on watching his dad dig these holes, play with pipes and gadgets and tools, that he just had to join in and help in any way he could.

So he ventured out for a hole he could crawl in, and started touching and playing with the pipes he could find inside the holes he would crawl into. Of course there were inches of water inside each hole, which then made mud... well you get it.

Jack would randomly find his father, see what he was up to, then go about doing his own thing again.

This is the cutest part! When ever he would climb out of a hole, his butt would get muddier and muddier. I just couldn't resist letting him climb around.

This was his favorite hole. He kept climbing in and out and in and out of this hole.
Dirty hands, feet, legs, and bum.
These are the times when you need to make sure you have a camera on hand. The cutest pictures come from the dirtiest or wrong things that they do. This act was on the good side, but its others like getting into the bathroom and taking all the toilet paper off the roll, or drawing a picture on the wall for you. Its things like that I think I will one day miss. When the grow older its more extravagant things like driving or dating or fighting that you have to worry about. I" would choose toilet paper and drawing on the wall over those other things any day. I remember those days and am not looking forward to that happening when my kids reach that age. Just take these silly moments with you little ones as they come, because I'm pretty positive there will be worse things to come.
Note to self:
His adventures have only just begun, so let him explore the world and experience all his adventures with them while you still can. Don't take it for granted.

The Adventures continue...

Just a few moments in our happy lives while we have been away from our blog.

We will try to keep everyone posted more frequently.

Jack and mommy playing at home one day after a trip to the park.

Jack decided to play in his toy box with his toys, rather than

get them out to play with them. Kids do the cutest things don't they?

This was his preference of lounging one day.

He wouldn't sit down any other way, so figured... "If he will stay still sitting

like this for a little while, then why not?"

Cheese!



Hanging out at the pool with Uncle Hunter. Its a good thing he likes to swim,
cause now we have an excuse to go to Grandpa and Grammie's.

Our New Home!

This past week we have started putting in plants and flowers in the front yard. As you can see, we don't have grass in yet, but that doesn't seem to stop Jack from playing in his huge yard of dirt, weeds and lots of bugs. He has also on occasion plays with the water hose, which ends up with muddy and messy baby.

Our porch! Its perfect for when it rains! We sit on our chairs under our big porch and watch the weather work its magic.

We are in the process of putting in sprinklers and grass, so every night Justin gets home from work, he marches out to our .26 acre and does all the work he can before it gets dark. It may not sound like a lot of land, but when you start from scratch and do it all your self, it feels like it will never end. We love it though! Having the big yard is a major plus in our eyes.

Our Tree..

A front view of our house. Its in a culdesac, no homes behind us and the room for more babies to complete our family. We plan on staying here for a long time.

Thank you for all the support and the help we got from family and friends during this major change for Justin, Jackson and I.

Finished Floor!

The finished project! The floor is a beautiful mix of rich colors. It makes our home feel so much more cozy. I wasn't able to get the best pictures, but that just means you will have to come over sometime and see it for yourself.

Its almost finished..

Justin finishing up the last part in the kitchen. Only a

little bit longer.

The new floor is being put in, and even though it wasn't finished

you can already see the difference.

Jack, Uncle Waylon and Uncle Sterling taking out the last

of the old floor.

Here are my boys ripping up the floor, getting it prepped to put in the new floor.

Jack always loves to help in any way possible.

The first major project we decided to do to the house was the kitchen/dining room floor. I know this post is a bit backwards but so can tearing a house apart. So join in the fun. This is our dining room before we did anything to it... plain white from floor to ceiling.

At the tip of our fingers!

Justin and I finally closed on our house May 1st! But it doesn't end there. The sellers couldn't close till the next Friday, so the mortgage company had to update some papers about the move in date, since we haven't been able to move in yet. Our most recent update is that the mortgage company needs to fund and record and then we are free to move in and call it our home. With out any more complications, we will be able to move into our house on Wednesday.
Maybe soon I will be able to relax and not have to worry about so many things any more. Buying a house is one of the most stressful things Justin and I have had to go through since we have been married. Its even harder than having a baby, then paying for it! I just wish that soon I will be able to move on from this, and start enjoying other things that life has to offer.
Take Jackson for instance. He is all over the place. Running around, wanting to go outside as much as possible and watching the birds, and the other kids in the neighborhood. He is talking so much more as well, and even if no one can understand all that he is trying to say, and least he is trying. I can understand to gist of what he says but so much of it sounds so alike, that I have to think for a second. We love him so much, and cant wait for what he will do next.
One thing that I can do with the time I have that's not being taken up by the house, is my house. There is so much potential in our home that, we can't wait to start all our our projects. One being the yard. When we bought the house, it hadn't been lived in for almost a year, so the yard does need all the TLC it can get. We are also going to fix up the inside as well. The kitchen is next on the list, but we will talk about that when we get to that project.
Oh... and one more thing I would like to do is rest!! I have been so beat up the past few months since the house hunt began, that I need to rejuvenated and take a breather. Can't forget that!
We will post pictures when we can and let you take part in our grand adventure! Till then.. -------------Take it one at a time.

In Loving Memories of Alexis and Amanda Johnson

(Left to right)

Analise, Joel,Amanda,Nikki,Alyssa,Adam,Abby,Alexis

In Loving Memory Of

Alexis Johnson

&

Amanda Johnson

This Family has been like a second family to me, so to hear the news of these two girls whose spirits are as beautiful as their faces, was a shock my body could not believe.

This morning their family, excluding Abby, the oldest, was on their way to Lake Havasue. When a tragic car accident occurred. Daddy Joel, Alyssa and Analise were not hurt. Adam got a gash in his head and had to get staples. Mommy Nikki broke a vertebrae in her spine, but she is still able to move her legs. That is a very good sign that she will not be paralyzed. But tragically, Alexis and Amanda were ejected, and soon after died. Fortunately they did not feel much pain, and they were able to pass away with little pain.

Thankfully they were able to return back to their Heavenly Father, watching over their family and loved ones. With the promises that they and their family made, they will one day see each other again, and be a whole family once again.

I am thankful for the knowledge I have of the gospel, and of eternal families. Even though I can not express how their family is feeling now, I know that Joel and Nikki will be able to see their daughters again. That Abby, Alyssa, Adam, and Analise will be able to see their sisters again.

By knowing that, I am able to stop from crying every now and then. It is still so painful to realize that Alexis and Amanda will not be here on Earth anymore, and I never got to say goodbye, but it helps me get through this rough time we all have to deal with.

Alexis (left) Amanda (right)

Even if you didn't know them, all you have to do is look at the pictures and you will be able to feel the amazing spirits these two had. Fun, energetic, loving, and crazy.

Amanda

Alexis

Alexis

Amanda

Amanda (right) Alexis (left)


Smart, Talented, Funny, Passionate, Role-Models, Beautiful, Free Spirited,

Loving, Loved, Caring, Full of Light... etc.

There are so many ways to describe them, that my mind is too full to remember all the ways that they have impacted me and my family.

When we were younger, our families would do everything together. Holidays, birthdays, random BBQs, and lots and lots of babysitting. I babysat these girls so many times, that some times I would feel like I'm at their house more than my own. They are like my sisters. So in a way i have lost to important parts of my family. I feel bad, that the past few years got away from us, and we weren't able to see each other as much as I would like. I still have those fond memories of them growing up, and that's why I am able to cry tears of sadness, and tears of joy.

Amanda and Alexis were loved by so many people, family and friends.

Our prayer are with them and the Johnson family. Please pray for them, that might get the support that they deserve and so desperately need at this tragic time in their lives.

We Love You Alexis and Amanda! Whether your here on earth or in heaven.

you have touched our lives in more ways than you know.

Sisterly Love

My baby sister, Tabitha. We were on our way to see a movie. We saw "Push." It was a really good movie if anyone was looking for an opinion. We do a lot of stuff together. I have another sister somewhere. She is in her own little world at the moment but hopefully we can get her on here soon and complete the picture. A sisterly bond is almost impossible to break, which is a wonderful thing to know. You always have someone to lean on. No matter the situation. I love you tabi and Nic. Always remember that... Love your big sis.