I'm done!

I finished Connors quilt tonight! Merry Christmas Son! I love you!

Peter Pan

Connor loves to play with his shadow when it decides to come out and play. The other day he went up to the wall and said "high five" and then "boom!" While saying those phrases he high fived and fist bumped his shadow/the wall.

He sure is curious. I love him!

Excited

I feel like this year I am SO excited for Christmas! I don't know why I felt so Scroogy last year, but this year is completely different. 

Our day usually starts off with Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and then we follow that with The Polar Express. I guess that definitely helps with the mood, but it's always fun hearing Connor saying "Tanta." 

One thing this year I have definitely learned is online shopping is fantastic! Shopping with a toddler that has the attention span of a fly and being pregnant has been quite daunting, however Amazon has saved the day! I signed up for a free trial of their Amazon Prime (in which I just cancelled), and so I received most packages within 2 days of ordering. {cheers!}

I'm just excited to GIVE this year! 

I guess this year has just been so crazy with Brandon's job loss, having to move, being pregnant, etc etc, I feel like this Holiday season is a good way to look over this year and be truly grateful for everything we have. I know I can't help but look around our house with the tree lit up and think how blessed we are! 

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season! We have 6 days till Christmas and I'm stoked!

Merry Christmas!

15 Weeks

I am officially 15 weeks today on this second pregnancy. 

Did you ever think growing up that there are really so many complications with pregnancy? I know I sure didn't. I remember growing up thinking I'd meet a great guy, fall in love get married and we'd start a family. You never really hear about all the scary things that can happen during the pregnancy. 

This pregnancy has been a little bit harder on me than Connor was. With him I didn't really have complications until I went preeclamptic, which caused an early delivery, but everything turned out fine. This baby however has made me bleed twice {sorry if that's TMI}. Once at 9 weeks, and then another time at 14 weeks, on the dot. At 9 weeks we found out everything was fine, no issues...However at 14 weeks we found out that I have a low lying placenta. The doctor was really nice and said the majority of woman that have this issue early on it goes away {as the belly and baby get bigger, the placenta will rise up}. I'm constantly praying that will happen, because if it doesn't, and it does eventually cover my whole cervix I'll have to have a c-section. 

Now the c-section doesn't scare me. Recovery with a rowdy boy does. Connor loves to run, jump and climb on me, and I just worry that it would be really hard for him to understand. But we're having a lot of faith that things will change. I've seen my Heavenly Father's hand throughout this pregnancy already, and I know he'll continue to watch and protect our family. 

Good news is we find out January 17th. Mark your calendars and let me know your guesses! {We do have a regular check up December 26th, to check on heartbeat and things too}

Car Problems

There is nothing ever good about car problems. Ever.

A few weeks ago, Brandon, Connor and I were coming home from a BYU game one of our tires blew out on I-15. Now this had never happened to me before, so I was kind of lets say upset...(ok hysterical). I was so stressed! We were on a part of I-15 where people are driving 80+ mph, two lanes, and lots of big semi's (to paint a small picture for you). Luckily Brandon's parents weren't too far ahead of us so they turned around and my FIL helped Brandon change the tire. We drove home extremely slow, but got home safely.

So we had to get two new front tires this week, and since we did that we knew we needed an alignment. Well we got the tires (which are never cheap), and then went to get the alignment yesterday. The mechanics called Brandon saying they couldn't do the alignment because some parts weren't working on our car, they needed to be replaced on both sides. Awesome, so we had to do that, then our front brakes were practically gone. So new brakes too. YAY (only a hint of sarcasm there). 

In all honesty I kind of had a feeling we were going to be spending more on the car (not necessarily $300+ more), but still. On the way there I had an extremely comforting feeling, and even though we found out we had to spend way more than we wanted I knew everything would be okay. Now the weird thing is Brandon was stressing so much about it (which if you know us, I'm the one that stresses over money). We were able to talk about it later, and thank heavens for the comforting Holy Ghost, we were both able to know we'd be okay. 

During all the car trouble issues, I had a friend post this quote on Facebook (which I later posted as well...so shoot me, I really like it). “The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.” Orsen F. Whitney. Things are really tight (financially, but aren't they always?), but we need to look at the positives. We have been blessed so much this year, and things always turn out for the best, we just need the faith it takes to get through the trials. I know my Heavenly Father won't give me a trial I cannot overcome, because not only he is always with me, but so is my great husband. 

Family History

I get into these moods where I'll search my family history for temple work that needs to get done. It's quite addicting actually! The thing is most of the work that needs to be done is well EVERYTHING. Baptisms/Confirmations/Initiatories/Endowments, even a few sealings once all that work is done. 

The thing is we're going to the temple soon, and I know we'll probably just do an endowment session, but I was hoping to do some family work, I was able to find some male work that can be done, but no female (unless we start from the beginning). Anyway, I'm still excited to go to the temple, it's been WAY too long... 

On a complete side note, as I was looking into my family history I found some royalty! How sweet is that? I got pretty excited. I found a lot of Kings, Queens and Princesses of England. I also found a Princess of Scotland, some Kings and Queens of Norway too. One of the Kings was slain in battle revenging his brother, that's a pretty neat story! The best thing I found was...

Temple work was COMPELTED for the King of Franks, Farabert Metz and his wife Mrs. Farabert Queen of Franks and their daughter. The time frame they're from is 138-230 AD! How cool that that work is completed! I was even able to go back as for as 63 BC before the site started to hiccup.

Anyway, I better get back to real life, playing with Connor and I have some work to do today too! Have a good day!

Planner

I am a planner. I've always wanted to be spontaneous, and be able to drop everything and do whatever. But lets be honest...I'm not like that. I get anxiety, I stress, I'm a mess basically. 

Since we've moved we've had to make a lot of adjustments to our budget. Things have been tighter, but our family has grown so strong. Our Heavenly Father has also blessed us in many ways so that we've been able to make ends meet each month. Some ways have been unexpected, and it's been nice to finally not be so stressed. I feel like we're finally getting into a 'norm' again. 

I'd like to think 'money wise', I'm great with money (who wouldn't want to think that of themselves?). We pay our tithing, and bills on time. We aren't late on anything, however we're still in debt (lovely). This morning I had some thoughts on how we could slightly speed up our debt reduction. It's not elaborate, and it's honestly quite simple after I wrote it down! After I wrote it down I thought, umm, why have I waited so long to think about this, this can be so simple. 

Will things continue to be tight? Sure, but I have a plan! If we can be dedicated to it (which might be hard during the holidays), I think we can really make things work and pay some things off! 

Since I brought up the holidays, I felt like last year I was such a scrooge...But hear me out, I hate how everyone goes crazy over the holidays over presents, and how many they got etc, etc etc. Christmas just isn't about presents, and I didn't want Connor growing up thinking that Christmas is only about getting the coolest new toy. Last year we implemented a new tradition, we each got 4 presents, something we wanted, something we needed, something to wear, and something spiritual. I liked how it was so simple, and we had more thought into the gifts. 

Are you a planner or are you more spontaneous? 

What are some fun traditions that you like to do for the Holidays?

Fears

Some people are afraid of spiders, or heights, others are afraid of snakes or speaking in public . One of my biggest fears since we've had Connor is a second child. Now this doesn't quite makes sense since I want a decent sized family, but hear me out. 

Naps. When you have a second (or third, etc) child you can't take a nap when the first is napping. Nap time is very important to me, or just a little downtime during the day so I don't go crazy. (Call me selfish, but I need me time every day).

Feedings. How do you feed a newborn/toddler at the same time...I'm pretty sure this is when a few more arms could come in handy. 

Keeping everyone happy. Seriously, how do you calm a newborn down and comfort it, when your toddler is wanting attention and to play.

Housework. When there's one munchkin running around like a monster, toys everywhere, a newborn that wants to be constantly held, when can you clean? How does your house stay semi-decent? The easy thing to say is at night, and yes that solves the toddler situation, but what about the newborn, they still need to eat every few hours, and nursing/lack of sleep is exhausting. 

Can you tell I've thought about this a lot. Lets be honest, there are times with Connor when I think he might be an only child. He has such a HUGE personality and an even bigger temper (awesome). On the same note, he is also starting to help out a lot more, he'll pick up things around the house, throw things away, he helps me move clothes from the washer to the dryer, he can even brush his own teeth...well kind of.

About a week or so ago I've had to face this fear. Yes, we secretly moved to Cache Valley so nobody would know about our second child. Haha, kidding. At the end of July my sister in law had her darling baby girl, she has since had to return to work and I've offered to help her by watching baby L. 

To be honest there are good and bad times. This week more so good then bad, but that's the whole process of life isn't it? Connor is getting better at being soft and learning to play little games with her like patty cake. baby L on the other hand is learning to sleep with lots of noise! I am definitely learning patience and time management. I'm doing my best to let Connor feel loved and not ignored as much as possible, while still not forgetting about baby L.

So maybe when it comes down to it, I'll be able to figure out how to manage two children for 24/7 when I need too, but not quite yet. Till then I'll enjoy all the fun games and songs with Connor, and I'll sneak in any snuggle time with baby L too.

What are your fears?

Potty Training 101 - Support System

 **Warning: If the topic of potty training doesn't obviously point out, there may be some TMI stories coming up**

I've been reading up on a lot of potty training ideas. Most of it is the same, but there are a few different points or tips here and there. One of the bigger tips is to be supportive and excited! A toilet can look big and scary to a little tyke, so a lot of love and support can give them the confidence they need. 

Also you should let your toddler watch you (and your spouse), use the potty. Not only do they see the process of using the potty, but they know that they will be a 'big kid' like Mommy and Daddy. 

Well today I had to use the restroom, I let Connor know, it's Potty Time for Mommy, and we head to the bathroom. He gets excited, lifts the toilet lid and starts proclaiming "pee pee potty, poo poo potty." As soon as I sit down Connor looks at me with an excited look says "ready, set, GO GO GO!" I just had to burst out laughing! I'm so glad I have the support of my lil guy! I hope he knows I support him just as much!

Does anyone have any potty training tips?

Over the past month...

Over the past month:

*Brandon started a new job

* Moved to Cache County (We've lived in our new house for 1 week, and are almost  unpacked)
*I get to stay at home and work at nights at home

*Saw Dark Knight Rises (amazing!)

*Got a new niece! (She was actually born on my oldest brother's birthday!) {Also, they were at the movies with us and had to leave early due to contractions/labor. Definitely a fun night!}

*Connor finally had all of his incisor teeth come through! (Dear heavens...they were the worst)

*Connor has moved to a toddler bed (Due to lovely ninja climbing skills) {He is actually doing quite well, as long as he goes to bed tired/asleep}

I'm sure there is more, and if I can think of something, I'll add to the list. Now that we have internet, hopefully I'll get better at keeping you all posted on my super interesting life. Haha, okay, let's not get too far.

Soda...a four letter word?

For me, I have a love/hate relationship with it. There are days when I feel like I have to have my coke (or vanilla coke...depends on the day). But yet, there are times when I feel like I've had enough and it just doesn't taste good anymore. 

Currently Brandon and I are deciding we've been having too much soda. I don't know what it is about summer, but I love me a good coke/vanilla coke come summer time...Unfortunately we've had a lot this summer. Why isn't water as quenching?

Don't get me wrong, this morning water is tasting delicious! I probably just need to flush my body out of all the sugar that is in it. 

So what are your thoughts on soda?

Smarty Pants

Is it smarty pants or smartie pants? Either way, please meet Mr. Good Looking Smarty Pants!

Man oh man I got lucky with this one!

In May Brandon went up to the U of U (I know I heard a few gasps, but it's true) and took a MLA Spanish test. There are three parts to this test (listening, speaking and written), and depending how well he scores he can receive up to 16 credits. This test costs $75. 

We knew he was going to take it but didn't know when he would have the time, and after he lost his job we figured why not? Anyway...So it has been awhile and he has been checking his transcripts to see if any scores have been sent to SLCC. Today he received an email letting him know that something was added to his transcript....

Brandon had an extra 16 credits added to his transcript today! I am so proud of him for getting all of the 16 credits! He is truly such a great example that through hard work, great rewards can happen. Good job sweetheart! I am so proud of you and love you so much!

Adventure is out there!

Our little Holyoak family will be starting a new adventure come July. Brandon has accepted a job offer in Logan, UT! I couldn't be more proud and happy for him. He has relentlessly worked his tail off to find a job, and I know that he will not only be great, but that he will really love it as well! Congratulations sweetheart!

I'll be completely honest, this has been a bittersweet decision for the both of us. We love our family that is close, our neighbors and friends, but we have been praying long and hard and know that this is what we are supposed to be doing at this time.

One of the benefits is that I do not have to work away from home anymore! My last day at MATC is next Thursday, June 28th! I will still keep my at home position, but I will not have to worry about day care anymore for my little man! I have learned so much being a working Mom and I have sooo much respect for Mothers that have to work, it is by far one of the hardest things to leave my son every morning. I am excited to be a stay at home Mom!

Today Brandon and Connor are headed up to Logan to search for a home for us! We will just be renting for the next few years, because we've decided we will not buy another house until Brandon has his degree. We have a few options, and I'm sad I can't look with him.

We are excited, scared, nervous, anxious, and happy! It'll be fun to live so close to Brandon's family and build those relationships more. Thank you all for your love, support, and many prayers said. I know we have felt them in our lives and I am just so grateful that we have the best family and friends that have been there for us!

Blog vs Hand Written Journal

As most of you know I am not the best blogger. I tend to not like to write about the hard times, and then I feel like I don't have enough time during the good times. I'm trying to be better.

What are your thoughts on blogging vs hand written journals?

I don't mind blogging. I like being able to tell fun stories about our family. I love reading others blogs that I'm not the best at keeping in touch with. {P.S. People need to write more! I love reading blogs}. There are somethings in my life that I feel are to personal to put up on a blog. Maybe I'm worried about others judging me, which I'm sure could be a possibility, or maybe I feel they are too personal at this time.

Either way, a few weeks ago I've felt impressed to start writing in my journal for my children, and as a family history to them. Have I done it yet...YES! Just this morning, so...I'm working on it! It was definitely weird, I woke up early {which hasn't happened since Brandon was working}, and I felt this biggest urge to just write down what is going on in our family. Lets just say, I tried to push it off for a bit, however I wasn't able to fall back asleep.

Starting this journal entry was different. Instead of just trying to back track, and catch everyone up to speed, I started out the journal to Connor. For some reason as I was writing, it was so much easier to write to him, then to just come up with what was happening with our life. Even though I can't have these conversations with him now, I feel like I was writing it down, so he could know about it later. I finally felt like this journal finally had a purpose. It's for Connor, and eventually his future siblings. It was a neat experience, I hope I can continue.

On a completely different note, Brandon received a job offer. We're excited, that things are finally starting to move forward, however he asked if he could have a few days to think it over. We both feel that he will have another offer or two by the end of the week, so we'll have to make some pretty big decisions soon. We're both excited, and happy. I'm so proud of Brandon, he is so amazing and he deserves the best! Lets just hope we can get it!

100th post and a baby shower!

This is my 100th post! I should write 100 neat things about me...Just kidding! How boring. Let's talk about the shower for my sister in law (Lauren), that I was able to throw with my other sister in laws, and mother in law. 

Lauren is having a girl, and we are just so excited for her! The shower was this last Saturday, and it was really chill. We ate food with family, and played two games. The guess how long of a string goes around her belly, and the memory candy bar game. I got a really cute necklace/earrings for the prize of the string game, which our Aunt Holly got (she was just cm away from Lauren's size!). Then the candy bar memory game is awesome, we played it at one of the showers for me, and I've played it at a few others and it never gets old. Basically you have a poster board with lots of numbers, you pick two and if they match you get a candy bar that goes along with that word. So 'conception' would be Skor, or 'preemie' was Runts, my favorite, that I found was 'pregnancy' - airhead, definitely true! 

Anyway, Lauren got a TON of cute clothes and gifts, and I was so excited to present her with the quilt I had made. Also as a last minute we found some BYU onesies, so that was considered the gift from Brandon. 

Cute outfit from her sister in law Michelle (Jake's sister).

 Cute outfit from Hilary our sister in law.

 I can't remember who gave her this cute outfit, but the ruffles are the best!

 This is when she started to open our gift and saw the onesies!

 I love how animated and beautiful Lauren is! Her daughter is going to be just the same!

 First sight of the quilt.

 Did you really make this?

 She loved it! Which is good, because I had a blast making it for her!

 At the end of the shower we took a picture of all the beautiful ladies in our family!
(Left to right: {top row} Emmee, Mom (Jean), Chelsey, Me, Hilary, {bottom row} Aubrey, Lauren and Meagan)

I'm so blessed to be part of this BIG beautiful family! It's growing so fast, and becoming more fun!

Sometimes...

Sometimes days just suck. 

I've been trying to stay positive in my postings...but lets be honest, there are just those days when I don't know if we'll be okay. 

Recently I've been having really good high's or really bad lows, and no inbetweeners...not good. I would really like to balance out my emotions, but I don't think that will happen until things turn out a bit better, and I feel more secure. 

At least I made cookies to cheer me up this afternoon.

(Connor is pulling himself up/climbing the dishwasher to see the cookies. He is not that tall yet!)

Planner

Ever since I can remember I have been a planner. I like to be organized, keep lists, and know what plans are so everyone is on the same page. Call me crazy, but I think it's nice.

Recently I've been reminded that we can't always plan out our lives. Trials happen, and you have to prepare and hopefully learn from the trial at hand. I'm not always the best with change since I'm a planner, and I think Heavenly Father is trying to remind me that my life, and my families life is in his hands...Definitely a humbling feeling, to say the least. But it's comforting to know that my Father is watching over me.

I've been reading a lot more Conference talks, and Ensign talks than normal, which again is probably good. As I've been reading the comforting words of our Prophet and Apostles, I've come across a scripture in a new light....again. So basically I've told Brandon that this scripture is our theme, and has been our theme for the past few years.

1 Nephi 3: 7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I ^awill go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no ^bcommandments unto the children of men, save he shall ^cprepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

 Brandon was a little unsure of going back to school last year and how we would pay for it all, but I had come upon that scripture and told him, Heavenly Father wants you to get your education, and if he wants that, he will provide a way for us to accomplish it. At the time I was trying to get a stay at home night position that would be able to help us pay off debt, save and help to pay for Brandon's schooling. I had found out about this great position through a wonderful friend (I'm still in debted to you Jenn!).Through much prayer and the great reference from Jenn, Heavenly Father blessed me with the opportunity of this job. I've never been great at reading scriptures and bringing them into my life's situations, but this was one of these situations.

Now a year later, as Brandon is searching for a job, I have come across this scripture. I have a personal knowledge that Heavenly Father is wanting Brandon and I to go over our priorities and goals, and that truly, him loosing his job will be a blessing in disguise. He has given us commandments, and we need to not set them aside for when we're ready. He has given us our time hear on earth to obey his commandments, and we should not waste that time.

It's definitely hard being patient though, especially since I like to plan... It's scary not knowing how things will be okay. I know through our faith, that he will not forget us.

**On a good note, Brandon has a third interview with a company today via phone this afternoon AND he has a job interview tomorrow afternoon from a lead his cousin found out, so thank you James (and Logan, who told James about the position.**

New Hobby

So one of my resolutions this year was to become a better homemaker. I'm pretty sure that's a life long goal, but I'm still working on it! I've actually discovered a new hobby that I love, and may have become slightly obsessed with.

Quilts.

These are the first two quilts I've done, and I love them. It was kind of hard to give them away, but it makes me so much happier to see them being used by the angels they were made for!

My current project is for my Connor, his blankie already has a hole in it, and we want to semi preserve it for his keeping before it's completely trashed. I've decided his quilt will be the Chevron or zig zag quilt. The zig zag will be colored navy blue, a darker green and grey, and inbetween it will be white. I'm excited and will definitely be posting more as I go!

Brandon has been extremely supportive as I've been working on these quilts. I'm pretty sure the support will only last for so long, because he is already asking me to make one for us. Lets be honest...there's a slight difference in making one for a baby/toddler, than for a queen sized bed...plus we won't mention the price. 

It's weird when I get excited to go look at fabric though, never thought that would happen. Then I even love ironing and cutting the fabric into nice sections for me to sew together. Weird, I know. But I love it still!



Hoping

Recently I've been getting the feeling that I need to do better at keeping a journal...So lets see if I can get this started again, and also my journal at home....Hopefully.

I'll try not to back track to much, but Brandon and I had a life changing event happen at the beginning of April...Brandon unfortunately lost his job. I won't go into too much details, but there has definitely been a lot of crying and scared feelings from me...A weird thing is there have also been calming and comforting feelings. It's hard to feel like everything will be alright, when bills need to be paid...But I know they will.

Since this has happened Brandon has figured out what he wants to get his degree in {wahoo!}. He plans on going into Business Management with a minor in Finance. I'm so proud of him, he is doing so well with school and I know he'll continue to be a great example to Connor and his siblings.

What I want to ask from the few readers who do stumble upon our little blog is to ask for good thoughts and prayers for us. Brandon had a really good interview a few weeks ago that lasted 2 hours...seriously, 2 hours! Who does that? Oh wait, my amazing husband! Anyway, the person he interviewed with was out of town all last week, and so we're hoping to hear something this week. So any prayers or good thoughts about us would be great and much appreciated. Plus here's a bonus, I'll keep you all in my prayers and send good thoughts your way. See it's a win win.

This week will also be our 4th Anniversary, so stay tuned to hear some mushy thoughts I have of Brandon and our marriage!

Bi-Polar

So I just noticed that a few posts ago how happy I was. (Don't get me wrong, I'm still a happy person, just stressed currently). Then I looked at my last post. I've decided I may be bi-polar. Yes? No? Ok..maybe I'm a girl and I let my emotions run the best of me. That, and the fact that life happens.

Mountains to Climb

The past few weeks have definitely been some of the most trying in my life. I was able to read Pres. Henry B. Eyring's talk from this April General Conference called 'Mountains to Climb', and I know that our family may be going through some trials, but Heavenly Father has not forgotten about us. One of the key words that hit me was when Pres. Eyring said "If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing."

He also referenced a comforting scripture, that I know is true. "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Ether 12:6

I am grateful for a living prophet and his disciples. I am grateful for their powerful, comforting words. I am especially grateful for the knowledge that I know my Heavenly Father lives, and his Son, Jesus Christ lives, and died for me, so that I may be able to return to him, and have an eternal family.

I am grateful for my husband, with his strong faith, and knowledge of the gospel. I am also grateful for our son, he is true happiness and light.

Of you!

For awhile we've been trying to teach Connor the phrase "I love you"

Today Brandon, Connor and I went to lunch, which was delicious! We're fans of In & Out and Sweet Tooth Fairy. Who isn't? When I dropped Brandon off at work, Brandon turned around to Connor and said, "Love you Connor." To which Connor replied "of you." Both Brandon and I just looked at each other in surprise! I love how he's learning more things to say and showing his big personality!

This afternoon after his nap I also tested him to see if he'd say "of you" again. Which he did! I love it!

My cup runneth over

I have a sure knowledge that my Heavenly Father knows me and my trials.

He answers my prayers.

Miracles happen

and

dreams come true.

Draining

These past few weeks have been emotionally draining.

My Mom has moved back down to AZ. Now my side of the family is all 12+ hrs away from us (to the North and South)...It sucks. I know she's doing what she needs to do, but...I want Connor to know them.

On a happier note, I'm teaching myself some new things...I'm proud of the fact that I'm stretching myself in ways that I always thought I would never be interested in. I'm actually having a blast! Who would've thought?

No Excuses

This year on Biggest Loser the theme is 'No Excuses'. I've been thinking a lot and I'm going to try and make this the year of no excuses as well.

One of my resolutions this year is to be a better homemaker. I want to become more crafty, prepare more meals, keep the house cleaner, etc. On the craft front I'm thinking if I can bust out one craft a month I'll be set! So far, I completed one for January and honestly, I couldn't be happier! I have a few more ideas of things to do coming up, and I'm really excited and hope they turn out!

Another goal Brandon and I constantly have is to get out of debt. Well, I took on a second job to do that, and unfortunately we've been using that money to help us get by. Honestly, we were getting by before, why do we need the extra for that? So! Hopefully we can start putting those funds to what they were intended...savings, and paying off our debt. This is a New Year, and why keep making excuses. This quote really sums up my feelings.

Sometimes I feel like I worry too much, and that's when I tend to make my excuses. I need to start focusing on the things I can improve, and not the things I cannot control. Yes we may be in debt, but I can't let that overwhelm me...We can conquer it, just not instantly :)

President Gordon B Hinckley said "It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." I need to print this out and put it on my wall. Seriously, I don't know who doesn't need to hear this. Such comforting words from a warm and loving prophet!

Favorite things

Connor loves the heater! Every time it comes on he finds one and either stands on it or sits and plays on it. Who can blame him! He must get it from his parents. :) We both used to get a blanket and put it over the heater and sleep.

Connor is learning so much. He knows where his nose is, and is learning new words, like Grandpa (Bapa). He also has officially put two words together "Hi Dad."

Brandon started school again. This new schedule isn't as bad as last semester, and we're hoping he can get his Associates by the end of the year. I'm so proud of him, he's such a hard worker!

I'm still working. That's my life! Work in the morning and night. Mid-day I get to be with my sweet boy, so he's definitely the best part of my day...other than when Brandon comes home! :)

We do have dreams and goals for this year. I may write a few, but a few are a bit more personal. I tried to make more realistic goals, so hopefully we'll see a few more through!

I hope everyone has had a great holiday season! Here's to 2012! Cheers!