Brett & Sarah

1.30.2010

You're a Good Day, January 30th

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If you were born on January 30th, chances are you're a pretty awesome person.

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In addition to a really great cousin and a few of my most adorable students being born on this day, 2 of my absolute favorite people in this world celebrate a birthday on this day as well.

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Lucy Jane Ross

My adorable little pal turns 9 today.

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9. Really?

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It seems like just yesterday I got to be your aunt-nanny several times a week, and I'd secretly pretend like you were mine because you were so incredibly darling.

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Good news for you is that you're still just as incredibly darling.

Well, beautiful might be the better word.

(she even looks gorgeous in her Halloween costume...as proven above)

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You're good at everything you do and I love watching you do it.

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There will always be a special spot for you in my heart, Luce.

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Happy Birthday, Pal!

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And then there is this amazing lady.

My sweet mother- in- law.

...(I've tried for way to long to get this picture bigger...just pretend it's as big as I intended)

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This is pretty much the only woman in this world who I know could watch 4 small children, prepare an exquisite meal for the masses, and coordinate service efforts for an entire neighborhood all at the same time.

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I know she could do it because I've seen her do it...like a million times.

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This woman is incredible.

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So lucky to have her in our lives as a mom, mother-in-law, and grandma.

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She sets the bar high with her example and I love her for it.

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Happy Birthday, Laurel!

One day hopefully we can all repay you for you service to us as gracefully as you have always served us (and everyone else)!

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Not only am I grateful that these girls were born...I'm particularly glad for the excuse to have a celebration.

After January being the longest most dull month in the history of months...I'm ready for some paaarrrties!

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Thank you, January 30th.

You really delivered.

1.22.2010

Jump Like There's No Tomorrow

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Went to Jump on It with the sister's and our kids on Monday for a little President's Day jump.

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I think the kids had fun.

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I know Annie did.

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Perhaps the funniest part of this photo is the kids in the background.

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Lucy: "I'll act impressed and then maybe Annie will buy me Skittles."

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Isabel: "Cool, Annie. (gulp)"

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Hank: "Oh no she didn't."

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Even the girl in the background can't help but look Too Cool.

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But, I can guarantee you if I were in the photo I'd have a look of sheer and utter amazement.

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Words cannot express how much I love this mug.

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Jump on, Sis.

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Jump on.

1.17.2010

Comprehension

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There are certain things that I find hard to comprehend.

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Time, space, gravity, hot dogs, how babies survive the whole birthing process, etc.

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Lately, I am having a particularly hard time comprehending a life without my grandpa in it.

I always imagined that it wouldn't be easy when this time would come, and I was right.

However, I still find myself grateful throughout it all.

Grateful that he was mine for 25 important years life.

The pain I feel is a direct reflection of the level of a relationship we had.

In a (simple) word, it was great.

As great as it could be.

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This week...

has been a really hard week.

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We had my grandpa's funeral, and despite the absolute devastation of having to have a funeral, it was really nice. So amazing to celebrate his incredible life and see the droves of people surround our family in support and love and adoration for our grandpa.

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* A personal thank you to all of you who sent emails, cards, texts, etc. etc.

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Jack came down with his second ear infection within a month in the midst of it all.

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The weather has been foggy and dark and yucky. Boo for January in Utah.

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Let's just say I've had a rough time this week keeping my resolution of loving every day.

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But, I'm not giving up on my resolution yet. I feel even more determined than ever to keep it.

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Thanks to these little mugs and this hilarious picture, it makes it easy to smile and remember just how good life really is.

THE most perfect picture....ever.

Jack, Lucy, Max, Hank, Isabel

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Here's to a better week!

1.08.2010

A Great Loss

My Grandpa.

My Friend.

My Hero.

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1926-2010

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I will always miss you, always think of you, always aim to be like you, and will never stop loving you.

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You lived the best life.

,,,

Happy Trails, Sweet Grandpa.

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Utah Golf Association:

http://uga.org/news/news.cfm?article=3975

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Daily Herald

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_2f580548-aea8-5b90-be0d-0c984c1c19e7.html

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Deseret News

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705357162/Former-BYU-golf-coach-Tucker-dies.html

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... Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_14151611
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BYU
http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=13269
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ABC News

http://www.abc4.com/sports/story/Legendary-golf-coach-Karl-Tucker-passes-away/3KoJkN7LdEWzg9bemqTCLw.cspx

1.04.2010

Positively 2010

Happy New Year!

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As I had been hearing so many resolutions...man, did I feel lazy. The thought of coming up with a resolution or two seemed daunting. Anyone else still utterly exhausted from the last 2 weeks of holiday-ing?

Brett, Jack, and I all took a 3 hour nap yesterday afternoon.

That definitely needs to happen more.

A tempting resolution.

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The New Year brings with it a desire in me to take apart everything in my house, throw away, clean, and start new.

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I can however be nothing but thankful and happy for what 2009 brought to my life.

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a healthy pregnancy

Jack

another happy year with Brett

health (kind of)

Jack

friendship

Jack

successful surgery for my little sweetie

wrapping up teaching 1st grade full time

part time teaching gig

Jack

finally (sort of) furnishing my house

Jack

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and so much more.

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In fact, I loved so much of this past year, I'd kind of like to rewind.

And that's exactly where my resolution comes in.

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I never did find that magic time remote I've been so desperately looking for.

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But, I don't need it.

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My resolution came to me after a treasured conversation I had with my sweet Grandpa Karl mixed with a conversation I had with Annie about her experience with him.

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You see, my Grandpa is pretty much my hero.

He's played such an important role in my life.

Always one to give amazing words of wisdom and advice.

This grandpa of mine has been ill for a few months now, and is now on Hospice.

Most days he is quiet.

One lucky day last week, I was fortunate enough to catch him on a very clear day.

Back to his old tricks of teaching me the ways of life.

We talked about lots of things.

And we talked about time...

how he wishes he could fast forward it and how depending on the day I wish I could rewind, fast forward, or pause it.

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And then, he said to me,

"You only have today. Live it and love it."

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What a perfect thing for him to say.

It is, after all the way he has always lived.

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And so for me, I am going to make my resolution to love every day.

Live it fully.

and

LOVE it.

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I realize this may not be easy on many-a-day, but what's the point of a resolution that doesn't take work?

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There's a lot of negativity out there.

Takes one to know one, as I will admit to being somewhat of a pessimist (I know...you're shocked)!

But, I think in my effort to love every day and every season of life, life will be seen all the more positively.

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I'm going to try to let go of always expecting perfection from myself and others, and embrace the endearing moments of imperfection.

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More laughter.

Less OCD.

Looking at the bright side.

And a bit of spontaneity.

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Sounds good, right?

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I'm going to start right now....

as Jack tears through my house.

(and I might even sing "Seize the Day" while I'm at it...Newsies anyone?)...

How awesome is this picture? Really?

No shirt, one sock, lounging position.

Awesome.

Or maybe I just convinced myself to keep my nap resolution...

(And for the record...I do dress my child.)

12.27.2009

Merry Merry

Christmas was all sorts of MERRY.

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So merry, in fact, that my picture taking suffered.

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Jack couldn't have been more adorable on his first Christmas...crawling and climbing around, smiling, attempting to eat wrapping paper and ribbon, and making me utterly grateful to have him around this year.

And, while of course Christmas isn't ALL about the presents, it's kind of a lot about presents, so here's a recap:

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Santa definitely thought I was a good girl this year, which was made known by the slew of surprises including a watch, jeans, and utterly fabulous boots and more that were waiting for me under the tree.

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Jack got books, balls, toys that might make us pull our hair out, and an adorable Pottery Barn chair from my mom and dad.

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Brett got his PS3, hats, and a gas powered airplane.

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And, truly the best part of the day was all the amazing family that we had so close to spend time with. We really missed Brett's family, but had a wonderful day that started at my mom's and then lead us to both sets of my grandparents throughout the day.

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These Jones' definitely had a very merry Christmas.

Hope you did too.

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The week before Christmas, we had a adorable photographer by the name of Brooke take some 6 month pictures of Jack.

My mom set it up and outfitted all the grandkiddies to have a cousin shoot as well.

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Jack was rolling everywhere.

Drooling.

Whining.

Reaching for everything.

Eating rocks.

Making silly scrunched up smiles.

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And it was darling.

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Below are a few of the pictures she sent me as part of our preview.

Can't wait to see the rest!

She did a great job with these rascals.

Pure precious.

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This kid's hair is so hard to manage....with sooo much of it and all.

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This hat is sure to never disappoint.

Just like Jack's newest smile.

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Rat. Rat. Rat. Rat. Rat.

In an utterly adorable way, of course.

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Love, love, love these mugs.

12.20.2009

Different

The last couple of weeks, since I last posted, have just been different.

(which is partially the cause of my blog neglect).

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As most of you know, I am a bit of a creature of habit.

I am one who definitely notices when things are different.

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A week ago, Jack came down with a thrilling ear infection.

Eating patterns, different.

Diapers, definitely different.

His sleeping, different.

(as seen in the picture below as he fell asleep in his high chair while I was in the middle of feeding him)

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I went to the dentist to have a cavity filled, only to find it needed a root canal.

The goop now left in my tooth until I go back for a crown is annoyingly different.

I think my crown is supposed to look like this...cowboy hat...belt buckle...

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Jack has become more and more mobile by the day.

Walking out of the room and coming back to find him climbing a chair or stuck under a table have become the norm.

Different from the good old days when he'd just kick it on his back for hours.

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Our basement renters finally moved out this month.

As we have our place posted in a few places, the crowd we've turned up have been all sorts of different.

Last night we were so lucky to show the place to Hugh's future Girl Next Store.

A porn star/lingerie model (as made clear when I googled her name) and

her pimp fiance were quite charming.

Needless to say, our basement is still available....spread the word.

Remember this place?

Find someone (normal) to rent it.

I dare you.

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My grandpa Karl's health has been all sorts of a roller coaster the last couple of weeks. He will have the lowest of low days and then spring back to better days.

It is incredibly different to be in this situation.

Stuff like this doesn't happen to my grandparents.

My grandparents were never supposed to get to this stage.

I've spent a lot of time thinking of him.

Our memories.

His influence on my life.

This is not so different.

But, the thought of a time without him in my life is so different that it's hard to even imagine.

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Obviously, my mom has been spending a lot of time with my grandparents the past couple of weeks.

While we go to work, Annie and I have been trading our babysitting services with each other to relieve my sweet mama.

Watching Hank and Max is actually quite enjoyable.

And, I think Annie finds some enjoyment in watching Jack, too.

We're really lucky we have the option of watching each other's kids.

But, different than the normal routine?

Yes.

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Christmas is approaching and it feels so odd to me.

Usually at this time, I am immersed in my 1st grade Gingerbread Play and all the overly cheesy songs and accompanying actions.

As I walked down the hall at work this week and heard the familiar songs echoing from the gym, the fact that I had nothing to do with it just feels...well, different.

Not bad.

Just different.

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Brett's family usually has several out-of-state siblings visiting for Christmas and the days leading up to it are jam packed with all sorts of family-ing.

This year, everyone is staying at their own home.

Brett's parents are off to North Carolina to spend Christmas with his sister's family.

No in-laws in town for the holidays?

Different.

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I went Christmas shopping a total of one day.

That one is pleasantly different than normal.

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Maybe things don't feel quite the same as usual.

Especially for Christmas being this week.

But, when it comes right down to it,

how can you not like Christmas?

(or this face)

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I'm excited for this week.

Different or same...

I think it'll be a goodie.

(Just like Jack's face in this picture).

Pure joy.

12.06.2009

I remember.

I was wearing these shoes.

Blue yoga pants, a dark pink t-shirt, and a white cardigan, too.

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That's what I was wearing.

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The day Jack was born.

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I still remember.

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That means that it couldn't have possibly been 6 months ago.

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I remember looking down at these shoes as I lay in the hospital bed that morning while I was being observed for my silly stroke-like symptoms.

It was so odd how they disrobed me (with the ER curtain open, might I add) and covered my bursting pregnant body with a gown without ever taking my shoes off.

I remember thinking my ankles didn't ever get swollen.

Probably the only part of me that wasn't swollen that day.

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I remember lying in the MRI, basically in the buff and still wearing my shoes.

I remember counting, constantly.

Playing silly games about the number I'd get to when they'd finally let me out.

I remember wondering if I'd give birth in these shoes.

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I remember the nurses commenting on my shoes.

My delivery nurse even said she noticed these shoes that morning as she was leaving and I was being wheeled into the ER.

Then, when she came back for her night shift (to deliver my Jack), she saw that I was

"the shoe girl," and she knew she'd like me.

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I remember later when the nurse finally took my shoes off and put on some sweet blue, rubber soled socks.

And then. I knew. Jack was coming. They meant business.

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I often find myself grasping to things that will make me believe more and more that Jack is still my tiny baby.

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The truth is, he is my crawling, jumping, teething baby.

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And he's 6 months old today.

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Gulp.

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I know I say this every month, but I think it.

Another month? Really?

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What is it about 6 that puts a little lump in my throat?

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Perhaps it's his clothes that are starting to look giant sized.

Maybe it's the fact that he can turn his own music on in his crib.

Could be that when I leave him for 2 seconds, he manages to come find me, all by himself!

Or that he eats food with a spoon and can uncover his own face when we play peek-a-boo.

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He's getting so big. So smart.

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My green and blue Nikes are definitely not cute enough anymore to get the attention I got that day in June.

They're dirty and worn.

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But, Jack is still my baby.

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He is unpredictable just when I think he's predictable.

He requires multiple outfit changes a day.

Wears shirts with snaps.

Still likes to be held.

Spits up like a fountain.

Sucks his thumb like the day he was born.

Cuddles up to me when he's tired.

Looks to me with complete and total trust.

And depends on me for (let's see....) everything.

Oh, how I love this boy.

My baby.

My Jack.

For lack of a better word, he really is so incredibly awesome.

We are so lucky to have him, and I never want to seem like I don't know it.

Because I do.

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I'm so thankful for his 6 months of life so far.

Incredible.

Miraculous.

I'm trying to savor every moment of this experience we're all having.

As he learns, we learn.

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While I'm sure we'll have other kids, the experience will never be this experience.

First times for all of us.

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And I'll swallow this lump in my throat because of the fact that I have the next 6 months+ to enjoy

just

much.

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Jack,

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I am obsessed with you.

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Can you blame me? Really?

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Happy 6 Months, pal!

(This little impromptu photo shoot happened this morning as Jack was trying on his half-birthday boots. Deeee-lightful!)

12.02.2009

An Amusing Morning

A play by play of our morning today:

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We were in the midst of our morning routine of eating, bathing, and getting dressed.

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8:30

There I was admiring how adorable my little buddy was as he was joyfully splashing in his tub. Suddenly a change in his expression and an abrupt interruption in his splashing told me that Jack was up to no good.

I quickly hoisted him from the tub...and sure enough...

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Poop.

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"Oh, crap," I muttered.

(slightly amused at the irony of my statement)

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Jack was tossed onto his towel like a naughty little puppy to wait until I cleaned up his damage.

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I found him like this...