A Real Trooper

Here we are, at Primary Children's Hospital in Riverton, again. This time it was for surgery to remove Watson's adenoids and tonsils and insert ear tubes. He seemed to get this lingering cough for weeks and weeks at a time every few months. After about two years of Scott's urging, and Watson's decreasing ability to hear well, I took him to an ENT. The doctor recommended the surgery to help with Watson's whole ear, nose, throat situation. Watson was so brave and patient with the whole process. We talked about it for weeks and although he was nervous and a little scared, he bravely endured the whole thing. The recovery was rough, and painful. Watson ate a lot of slushies, Sprite, and Oreo ice cream. After about 11 days, he was feeling more like himself again. It is truly difficult to watch your child be in pain or discomfort. I'm grateful for the Lord's comfort during it all. They are His ultimately anyway.

The Payson Temple-Families Are Forever

The Lord's work continues to move forth at an unprecedented pace. It amazes me. Another temple in Utah was recently finished and dedicated. We went to the open house, it was Watson's first one. This temple is spectacular! More amazing, though, is what we use it for. I love going to the temple to feel the peace and love of our Heavenly Father and Savior. I'm grateful for the chance to do work for and offer the Gospel to those who didn't get it in this life. I was so excited and happy to have a chance to be at this open house with Watson. Aside from our homes, this is the most important place we can be as a family.

A Baby Moon

Since it will be a while before Scott and I can have a little one on one getaway, we planned a brief trip for just the two of us. We decided a little road trip would be perfect and picked out a nice resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The drive was beautiful and a little bit exciting. It rained most of the time, hailed a little bit of the time, and provided very little technological distraction all of the time. It was fantastic to talk about anything and everything without interruption. The lodge we stayed in was beautiful inside and out. The three days we were gone were perfect to connect and enjoy where we are and what big things are happening next. I love Scott. I love when I get him all to myself. It was truly lovely.

Our visit timed with one of the largest antler auctions in the country. It was interesting to see.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was perfect this year. I felt loved and appreciated from the time I woke up until I went to bed. Watson and Scott made me a yummy waffle breakfast. Church meetings were nice, I even got to help out in Primary. That is always a treat. I loved the notes from Watson and Scott surprised me with a sweet charm bracelet. I love being a mother. It truly fulfills me. I know there are lots of things I could do differently or better, but I'm so grateful to have the chance to do my best with my children. We met the rest of my family for a special dinner at Chad's house. I am part of a great group of women who choose to be mothers first. I'm so grateful for that.

Our Little Soccer Star

Watson got to play soccer again this spring. He loves it! I love to watch him play with a giant smile on his face. He seems to be understanding the point of the game more each season. I love his passion and energy. He asked if I could be the coach again. Luckily he understood my hesitancy to run around with a bunch of five and six year olds while pregnant. He is my best.

Spring Break Times 2

We got a double dose of Spring Break this year. Chandler came home during March for his. We just couldn't seem to make it out of town so we did as many fun things as possible close to home.

The boys had a day of "biking and burgers." They worked on bike skills at I Street and the indoor bike park. They were all pretty worn out after that. The great weather really got Scott and Chandler excited for upcoming summer bike adventures.

Another day I planned a little day trip to Provo. Of course we had to stop at Krispy Kreme. Then we made our way to the Bean Science Museum at BYU. Watson was completely fascinated with all the taxidermy animals. It was pretty amazing. They also had a fantastic photography exhibit. We ate lunch at a super yummy Mexican place and headed home.

We also played a super intense, pretty long game of Monopoly. I dethroned champion Chandler and swept the game. Watson loved the wheeling and dealing of it all. He can't wait to play again. I swear, sometimes Watson seems to have the personality of my Grandpa Beesley. It comes out every now and then. Chandler was a little disappointed about his loss, but handled it like a man.

Our last night together we hung out at a hotel close to the airport. We swam and had a great time being in close quarters. 

It was tough to say goodbye to Chandler the next day but we could be excited Summer would be here so soon.

Watson was out of school a couple of weeks later for his Spring Break. He kicked it off by going to a friend's birthday party at Airborne. Another day we spent a day with Challey and her kids in Provo, this time at the BYU Art Museum. There was a cool exhibit about origami. It is always great to be with cousins. The weather was a bit wet and cold the rest of the week so we watched lots of movies and played many card games. It was a nice break from everything.

Easter

Grandma Nettie started a new church assignment recently. She is part of the service missionary group for Temple Square. So, we got to host a few of our Easter traditions this year. Dying eggs was quite the adventure. It was fun to gather around the island and watch everyone be creative.

The Easter Bunny still visited Grandma's house and hid eggs and baskets full of goodies, just a day earlier. Watson loved exploring the gardens to find as many eggs as possible.

The cousins, minus Chandler, are definitely getting bigger every year. There is almost not enough room on the front porch!

General Conference happened on Easter weekend this year. It was so relaxing to be home to watch and ponder and celebrate the miracle of the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection. 

Soon We'll be 5

It seems hardly believable to me. After so many years and heartbreak and hoping, we are having another baby this summer. Early August, end of July, whenever it is best for her. We are cautiously excited about this change for our family but full of gratitude. I went through the IVF process in Fall of 2013 and it didn't work. It took me a while to recover emotionally from the disappointment. Scott and I decided we could handle the process one more time--to prove to our Heavenly Father we would do everything in our power to add to our family and trust Him with the rest. I started the shots and medications in October 2014 and we found out we were pregnant right after Thanksgiving Day. I was relieved and scared and thankful all wrapped up together. My first trimester got really difficult around week 6 and it didn't let up until around week 19. I tried really hard to not complain but to feel gratitude with each wave of sickness. The right hormones were working and it meant the baby was developing properly. We did have two embryos, both started to grow. But by week 8 one didn't make it. Although twins would have been a crazy adventure, we prayed with gratitude for one healthy baby. Around week 18 we found out we are having a girl. Watson is warming up to the idea quickly (he was convinced he only wanted another brother) and Chandler won't believe it until he sees her. Here I am now, resting and preparing for this new baby. It's a process, one I'm grateful to go through one last time. I have felt closer to my Heavenly Father through this. The pain and struggle of it all has brought me to my knees often. I'm grateful for prayer and the chance to speak to Him-- my hearts desires. He listens. He is always there. No matter the outcome or my response to it He always loves me. There is nothing greater than this.

Almost not Lucky

I've been a little off my game lately, with adjusting to pregnancy and all. St. Patrick's day celebrations were very low key this year. Luckily, Watson didn't mind. He was content to find and assemble this green Mixel and be happy the rest of the day. I felt lucky to be with my family and not be pinched.

My Own R & R

Blame it on hormones or cabin fever, I'm not sure, but I knew I needed some time away. So, my sweet husband helped me organize a last minute girls getaway with my friend Liz. He promised to hold down the fort and "party all night long" with Watson so I could get some me time. He and Watson really did maximize Dad time with lots of pizza, movies, and video games. Everybody was happy!

One of the days I was gone Watson got to ski while Scott snowbiked. It tuckered him out sufficiently.

Although a little chilly, San Diego was a great place to visit. The beach was peaceful and we hit every spot we could to take it all in.

Yelp was our go to for finding unique and yummy places to eat. We were never disappointed.

It was the perfect amount of time in a great place with a fun friend. I felt so much more myself by the time I came home. Bring it on regular life!