Stress Eating!!

Someone stop me NOW!!!  Why do I do this?  When I am stressed, I eat and eat and eat a whole bunch of crap.  At this rate, by the time we move I 'm going to need a whole new wardrobe.  Is it innate within in me, is it a learned behavior or just an excuse to indulge in what I deny myself most of the time.  The truth is, in the end, I am left much more stressed as I worry and lament my poor choices.  It's almost a robotic reflex, as the carbs are shoved in to feed the "worry wart" inside.  

I think the most frustrating part for me is that I really feel like I have changed my habits so completely.  That I am committed to healthy living through and through and yet, once again I am left with the bitter truth.  I am not wholly reformed, I am but an argument with Jason, one more negative pregnancy test or a building inspection away from a cookie dough feast.  I expose this only because I am truly puzzled by this and I am hoping that by being candid, I will stop this cycle of "gorgery".  (OOOOUUU, I like that new made-up word)  Maybe I'll go to Trader Joe's tomorrow, it always inspires me.

A few more highlights

So much was going on this past weekend that I had to write about a few more memories.

First, poor Elijah had the stomach flu and had to miss some of the fun.  He was so sick and loosing weight, but thanks to some Papa love and a pedia-pop, he was healed.   (In the end little Lydia,  papa Ed and grandma Kathy got the bug as well.---sorry guys)

Also, Jason went above and beyond for Valentine's Day.  A few of the youth are in the "Rising Generation Choir" and they were offering serenades for their fundraiser.  What a treat!!!  They brought a rose for both Madeline and myself singing "Love me Tender" for me and "You are my sunshine" for Madeline.  

Finally, leaving me speechless, I watched as Uncle Dave made us a beautiful meal.  He had the oven pumping, three pots rolling as he sliced and diced like a pro.  (I should mention that papa Ed made a magnificent salad as well)  The ladies just sat back and waited to be served.   Let me just say this.... in our home, this is a very rare occasion.  Thanks Dave! 

The Double Birthday Party

When we found out that Madeline would be a February birthday as well, we swore we would NEVER make them share a birthday party.  Well,.... with the family gathered we just couldn't resist and, since we thought our house was on the market, we opted for a party at the Rec. center.  Thus, it was half the effort for double the fun!

Jaxen's Baptism

We had been in such a whirl wind that I hardly had time to realize what a monumental moment this would be.  With our family all gathered in, it was a true family affair.  Jason baptized him, the grandma's gave the prayers and Papa Ed confirmed him.  As an added bonus Aunt Kendra was the pianist and Uncle Dave sang a solo.   It all just made me feel so grateful for how much support this kids has, and that Jason and I have some amazing people in our corner as we try to raise our family.

The feelings I had that day are so vast and so precious.  From seeing Jason and Jack in their baptismal whites, to watching him return for his confirmation in his spank'n new suit and messy damp hair.  I just kept realizing how much I love this boy and how much I want him to find happiness through the gospel.  I was so proud, so glad that he had a testimony and relieved that he would have the blessings that come from baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I was just HAPPY!!!  Happy, happy mom.

Horray!!!

Just a few hours before our company flew in for Jaxen's baptism, our house went under contract!!!  Despite getting anxious to get it sold, I was also nervous to keep it squeaky clean while we had guests in town.  Then all of a sudden it all fell into place and we are one step closer to our move to Colorado!

Thank goodness!

So many of you have been sending me emails of sympathy over the death of my blog.  It really is a sad thing, as I had hoped to have it bound into a pretty memory book someday.  Still, all is not lost.  THANK GOODNESS, I had been printing off my blog for the last couple of years.  I had slacked off in the past few months, but in the end I am only missing 4 months, so I feel very fortunate.  

Here's what I'm left with... It isn't pretty, but at least I have them saved.  So my advice is to get printing if you haven't been already.

Jaxen turns 8!

I am sitting here feeling very old, and very nastalgic.  Jaxen turned 8 yesterday and I swear he grew an inch last night.  He spent his birthday skiing on our pitiful Missouri  'hill" and he loved every moment of it.  Afterwards we all met at Chilis to celebrate!

Eight things I love about Jack

1.  His tender heart.  He is mindful of everyone around him and has an innate awareness of how they feel.  He struggles to m

ake decisions as he weighs everyone's feelings.  He cares deeply and is very attached to his entire extended family

2.  His humor.  I wondered for a while if he would find his wit.  He seemed stuck on bad knock-knock jokes for a long while, but his sense of irony and side comments have been catching me off guard lately.  

3.  He is the big brother I always wished I had.  He does his fair share of taunting, but when he needs to be, he steps up as the protector and the teacher.  

4.  He loves hanging out with the guys!

  His dad, his grandpa and his uncles are his heroes and nothing can light him up like when he feels like one of the gang.

5.  He loves animals and nature.  Rather than watch blue's clues as a toddler, Jaxen was into the Crocodile Hunter.  He loves to watch Animal planet

 and read about underwater creatures.

6.  He's good to talk to.  The older he gets, the more I realize that he's a cool guy to hang out with.   He's a good listener and friend. 

7.   He's a challenge.  Being Jaxen's parent has stretched my patience and my imagination.  He keeps me hopping and has been the subject of many late night talks with Jason.  I feel like I still have a lot to learn about this kid and that he has many more curve balls to throw.

8.  He's mine.  I sat today at church and looked at all of my kids and thought..."they are all mine"  I get to keep him forever and I 

am so excited to be a part of his life. 

Love you  Jack-man.

 

We've moved!!

Our old account got lost somewhere in the internet, so we are setting up house here at Blogger.    Just one of many changes coming our way.  Welcome to the new blog!