Our Dairy Free Adventure

A while back a kind reader wondered how our dairy free adventure is going. Here is my update.It is hard to separate from the first few months of this pregnancy. I have to ration my energy so things have changed a bit.

I have found it is much more difficult to eliminate dairy than other animal products or refined sugar. I can make an amazing Chocolate Mousse Pie with no refined sugar, yet it is chock-full of dairy. I also noticed the vast majority of my vegetarian recipes include dairy of some sort.

So I find we have about 6 recipes we rotate through. The Quinoa and Artichoke Skillet, Penne with Mushrooms, Artichoke and Tomatoes, Spicy Black Beans and Rice, Kamut and Black Bean Tacos, Burritos, and Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce. I really desperately need some new recipes.

I realize I haven't posted some of these recipes so I will try to remember each time I make them to take pictures and post.

I find we don't really use almond milk much. The flavor is not my family's favorite. We do use coconut milk which I make the same way as the almond milk. I guess I better post on that one too. Coconut milk is creamy and great in recipes like the corn bread. We also use it on our hot cereal or oatmeal in the mornings.

I use Cashew milk, just blended cashews and water, no straining, as a great thickener in recipes as well. It doesn't have the strong flavor of the coconut milk so can be a great creamy additive. Cashew milk also makes a great orange julius.

But I struggle thinking of other recipes. I need to get some vegan cookbooks to maybe help.

We do still use a small amount of raw unpasteurized milk and cheese. We go through about a 1/2 gallon every two weeks and about 1/4 - 1/2 pound of unpasteurized cheese a week. I use the cheese to add just a touch to a burrito or I give the children a little slice now and again as an extra treat. I feel the amount of dairy is very minimal and keeping within the scope of the word of wisdom.

I have had a little feta once or twice the last couple of weeks on my salads. I couldn't stomach the salad without it!

I never serve meat as a main dish. My children do have tuna probably 1-3x a week. And, like I mentioned previously, I have had smoked salmon about twice a week for the last few weeks. I also had some scrambled eggs.

The Grumble Family: A Great Poem for Kids (And Adults!)

I happen to be teaching my girls a new poem this week called "The Grumble Family." As I was helping them understand the metaphors in the poem I started to realize I was being a bit of a grumbler myself.

That last post was quite grumbly. So I better take a piece of my own advice and "keep my feet from wandering into Grumble street...Lest I be mistaken for a Grumbler too!"

The Grumble Family

There is a family nobody likes to meet,

They live, it is said, on Complaining street

In the city of Never-Are-Satisfied

The River of Discontent beside.

The growl at that, and they growl at this;

Whatever comes, there is something amiss;

And whether their station be high or humble

They are known by the name of Grumble.

The weather is always too hot or too cold,

Summer and winter alike they scold;

Nothing goes right with the folks you meet

Down on the gloomy Complaining Street.

And the worst thing is that is anyone stays

Among them too long, he will learn their ways,

And before he dreams of the terrible jumble

He's adopted into the family of Grumble.

So it is wisest to keep our feet

From wandering into Grumbling Street

And never to growl whatever we do

Lest we be mistaken for Grumblers, too.

I don't know the author of this poem. It was taken (along with 95% of the other poems we learn) from a wonderful little "book" my sister gave me years ago. It was written by her brother-in-laws, wife's, mother. "Homemade Joy from the House of Jacob." This is an amazing mother LeDawn Jacob.

You have to be feeling secure to read it, because if you aren't it is easy to feel like you are living on Failure Street! I love her ideas about memorization, work and music. It is very inspirational.

Anyways...I will try to stop my grumbling. It is a gift to bring a child into the world. One never worthy of grumbling about. Too many people are denied this amazing gift. So please forgive the somewhat insensitive nature of my last post.

Pregnancy Moments

1-Laying on top of my bed, on a giant pile of clothes, sobbing as I have systematically tried on every single Sunday outfit in my closet. Convinced I am fat. My clothes fit but just look horrible and poochy. Think rolls. Its not cute. The maternity clothes hang.

2-Having a ridiculously strong craving for a banana split. A real banana split. As I moan about this to my family, Ellery and Callista become quite confused and giddy at the same time. Is this really their mother speaking? Could she really want to eat that "sugar-filled, junk?" It was me. Or some alien form of me. And yes I wanted one badly. I didn't get one. Not for philosophical reasons. If it was there I would have eaten the entire thing. We couldn't think of anywhere that would have the gourmet type I was craving. I finally lost energy and fell asleep.

3-Sending Brent to Harmons for Wild Smoked Alaskan Salmon at 11 pm. My mostly vegan diet has suffered. I seem to be craving and caving to everything I should probably avoid. Let me qualify that, fish and a little dairy, and occasional sugar. But still I want to be so much more pure. I am not. I have not eaten a steak. For the record. But don't put anything past me.

4-Laying in my bed at 7:30, trying to keep my eyes open to read my scriptures.

5-Arranging my hair in whatever ways I can to hide the horrible breakouts. And ready to fly off the handle if Brent tells me I just need to wash my face better.

6-Staring at my shadow from the street lamps in the morning...it is almost like I can see my hips expanding.

7-Trying extremely hard not to be offended by all my wonderful friends who tell me I look great and can't even tell a difference? So have I always looked fat to you, is what I feel tempted to say.

8-Being awoken by Ellery...uh mom I just finished this math paper...wow how long was I asleep?

9-Staring longingly at my cut-out, unfinished Christmas dresses, wondering when will be the day I can function at a normal energy level past 7 pm.

10-Wondering how long I can make the thanksgiving rolls in my freezer last so that I don't have to make bread. I don't have the energy.

11-Feeling like each run is numbered. Not wanting to resign myself to videos. Praying the cramps and braxton-hicks will start a little later this time.

12-Staring at my children, thinking again, even though I know it happens, how could I love another child as much as I do these? How could I have a baby as sweet and cute as these angels?

13-Watching my dear friends newborn and feeling so complete nuzzling that little one, knowing I can welcome another child with open heart.

First, Finally and Last

Callista gave her First talk on Sunday in primary. She Finally, made it through. Her talk was on the Last Supper, and the sacrament. You may recall her previous attempt in September. You can read about it here. It was an overwhelming experience for her, and spiritually powerful for me.

(Brent is totally responsible for buying them the bright red lip gloss.
He broke down in a moment of shopping exhaustion)

In the months following, we have had two positive experiences. She said her line for the primary program perfect, in front of the entire congregation, and then she gave a beautiful little prayer about a month ago. I felt she was ready for another try.

I firmly believe in little children's ability to memorize and learn and teach true, simple doctrine. So when we write talks we try to keep them clear and pure. By having my children help draw the pictures, I feel it reinforces what we are teaching and learning. Also they intuitively understand their own work. (This is in lieu of using printed pictures or art.

Second Half

I wish this video did her justice. But it doesn't. It is cute. But yesterday was different. Heartfelt. Courageous. Uplifting. Tender.

Her little spirit was so strong. She made it through the whole talk. About half way through, her sweet little voice started to break and she fought back tears. But she made it and bore beautiful testimony of the Last Supper, the first sacrament and its meaning to us. There was hardly a dry eye. Some comments were “That was the most memorable and tender talk I have ever heard. I will remember it my entire life.” “That was just amazing how she spoke with emotion and knew the entire talk.”

It was a mother's moment. I was fighting tears. I was so nervous for her. I didn’t know if she would make it through. But she did. The Lord loves his little ones and looks out for them. There is a special level of devotion and sensitivity to the Lord's Spirit that Callista has been gifted with. It will be priceless to see it develop as she matures.

She is so precious. Personality galore!

Christmas Trees...The Real Smell of Fir

I am proud to say we still have yet to succumb to a fake Christmas Tree. Nothing beats the smell of fresh pine, and the vibrant reminder of life, and spring yet to come.
We don't tromp through the woods, but at least this year we didn't go to Rite Aid (which we did for 2 years in a row, how embarrassing).

The children decorated the tree all by themselves. I love how Ellery scavanged ribbons from all over the house for adornment.
It turned out quite beautiful.

I couldn't resist posting this picture. I am a total failure of a mother in getting my children to keep their fingers out of their noses. We have been battling this gross little habit forever. I'm at a loss. If she is still picking when she is old enough to peruse the blog, maybe the public humiliation will finally foment her habit!

Bargain

I claim to be some things, but I am a horrible shopper. Because I don't like to shop, I am not good at finding deals. But...my cousin's wife let me in on this deal.

Go to www.uddercovers.com and type in "christmas" as the promo code and you get a nursing cover for free. You just pay $8.95 for shipping. It seemed to good to be true, but sure enough it subtracted $32.

I don't know how long the code works, and it just works for one. But take advantage. Thanks Jo Lynn!

Christmas Nativity Pageant for Families (Non-Denominational)

Christmas Nativity Pageant for Families (Non-Denominational)

Cast of Characters (many of these can be played by the same person)
Angel/s
Mary
Joseph
Innkeepers
Shepherds
Lambs (perfect for the littlest ones)
Wise Men
Narrator
Scripture Reader
Stage Director
Star

Props
Costumes
Shepherds Staffs
Gifts for Wise Men
Doll for Baby Jesus
Star
New Testament
Old Testament
Hymnals (if needed)
Piano (if available)
Manger (doll crib or box)
Towel/ball to stuff Mary’s tummy

The Pageant Narrative

Narrator: The Savior’s birth was prophesied around the world. In the Old Testament, Isaiah was one of many prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah.

Scripture Reader: Read Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Sing: “Joy to the World”

Narrator: Mary was a chosen vessel of the Lord. She would be the mother of Jesus. An angel visited Mary and helped her understand her divine mission.

Scripture Reader: Luke 1:26-28, 30-31, 37-38 “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: an blessed art thou among women...And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest..And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord.”

Stage Directions: The angel speaks to Joseph

Narrator: The angel visited also Joseph, her soon to be husband. Comforting and preparing him for the difficult journey ahead.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 1:20-21 “The angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son...for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Stage Directions: Mary is pregnant and she and Joseph knock on innkeeper doors. They are rejected. They move to a manger and hold baby Jesus doll.

Scripture Reader: (read slowly giving children time to enact) Luke 2: 1, 3-7 “And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...And Joseph went up from Galilee...unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child...And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Sing: “Away in a Manger”

Stage Directions: The angel stands on a chair and speaks to the Shepherds and lambs. The shepherds act afraid.

Scripture Reader: Luke 2: 8-14 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Sing : “Far, Far Away on Judea Plains”

Scripture Reader: Luke 12-14 “And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying, Glory to Bod in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Sing: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Stage Directions: Shepherds and lambs come to see the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They kneel down and worship him.

Scripture Reader: Luke 2: 15-16 “And...the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

Narrator: These shepherds visited by the angel watched the most sacred lambs. These were lambs without blemish, to be offered for sacrifice. The Savior, the lamb of God, was the greatest gift ever given. The sacrifice without blemish. In the first few years of Jesus’s life he was visited by certain wise men, bearing gifts.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 2: 1-2 “Behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying Where is he that is born King of the Jews: for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

Sing: “We Three Kings”

Stage Directions: Wise men follow the star to Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. They present him with gifts.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 2: 9-12 “And, lo, the star...went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was....And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Narrator: May each of us remember why we give gifts this night. Whom we celebrate. May we keep the spirit of Jesus Christ and his example with us every day and every night of every year. Amen.

Sing: “Silent Night”

Snowy Memories

It is so fun to watch my children experiencing some of the same memories I have from childhood.
I can just feel the cold, wet, rogue snow finding its way under my scarf and melting quickly onto my neck, dribbling slowly down my back...
And then, attempting acrobatics to remove the body from the angel without spoiling her delicate skirt.

Children's Family Nativity Program

A Children's Family Nativity Program (LDS Specific)

Last year I spent a good amount of time putting together this little Nativity program for our family and my extended family. I posted it on my blog and had a great response. I made a few changes to work out some of the kinks from last year.

It's shortened. The scriptures are now written in the actual script. We found it took quite a bit of time to flip through to get to all the references. Also having the scriptures in the text makes it so you could do the program with just a couple adults. Some of the scriptures I slightly abbreviated. It would still be perfectly fine to read them from the actual text if you prefer.

A couple other suggestions. Make sure you make enough copies for most of the adults, so they can help the children. Just enjoy! It does get a little long once Mary and Joseph are in the stable, if your children are very young. I am thinking of having some baby bottles and actual swaddling rags and diapers, to keep the children occupied.

The Christmas Nativity Story in the New and Old Worlds

Cast of Characters (there can be overlap!)

Samuel the Lamanite

Nephites

Angel/s

Mary

Joseph

Innkeepers

Shepherds

Lambs (perfect for the little crawlers)

Wise Men

Narrator

Scripture Reader

Stage Director (someone to help the children follow the stage directions)

Star

Props

Costumes

Shepherds Staffs

Gifts for Wise Men

Doll for Baby Jesus

Tin foil rocks and arrows

Star

New Testament

Old Testament

Book of Mormon

Hymn Books (if needed)

Piano (if available)

Manger (doll crib or box)

Towel/ball to stuff Mary’s tummy

Introduction

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Christmas Devotional 2008

In our modern world we often think of giving and receiving gifts when we think of Christmas. Although this can be part of a cherished tradition it can also detract from the simple dignity of the season. And distract us from celebrating the birth of our Savior in a meaningful way…The most memorable Christmas’s can be those that are the most humble…It doesn’t take expensive gifts to make Christmas meaningful… The simplicity of that first Christmas foreshadowed the life of the Savior…His life was a model of modest nobility…Though he was a King he cared neither for the honors nor for the riches of men. His life, his words, his daily activities were monuments of simple yet profound dignity. Jesus the Christ, who knew perfectly how to give, set for us the pattern of giving...Through our simple acts of kindness, charity, and compassion, may we fill the world with the light of his love and his healing power.

President Henry B. Eyring Christmas Devotional 2008

[By playing the parts in this pageant may each of us] learn something about the Savior. And why we love him and how we honor him.

The Pageant Narrative

Narrator: The Savior’s birth was prophesied around the world. In the Old Testament, Isaiah was one of many prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah.

Scripture Reader: Read Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Sing: “Joy to the World”

Narrator: Prophets in the Americas also told of the Savior’s birth. Samuel the Lamanite was scorned and rejected by the Nephites. Unafraid, he stood upon the wall and testified with prophetic power to a disbelieving crowd.

Stage Directions: Samuel stands on a chair. Pretends to prophesy, the rest of cast sits on ground and tries to hit him with tinfoil balls. They cannot hit him.

Scripture Reader: Helaman 14:5,8; 16:1-3 “And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld, and whosoever shall believe on the name of the Son of God the same shall have everlasting life...Many who heard the words of Samuel believed...and were baptized...but many did not believe in the words...and were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall; but the Spirit of God was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones neither with their arrows.”

Narrator: Mary was a chosen vessel of the Lord. She would be the mother of Jesus. The prophet Nephi saw Mary in a vision 600 years before she would become the Savior’s mother.

Scripture Reader: 1 Nephi 11:13 “And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth was a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white...

Stage Directions: The angel speaks to Mary.

Narrator: The angel visited Mary and helped her understand her divine mission.

Scripture Reader: Luke 1:26-28, 30-31, 37-38 “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: an blessed art thou among women...And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest..And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord.”

Stage Directions: The angel speaks to Joseph

Narrator: The angel visited also Joseph, her soon to be husband. Comforting and preparing him for the difficult journey ahead.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 1:20-21 “The angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son...for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Stage Directions: Mary is pregnant and she and Joseph knock on innkeeper doors. They are rejected. They move to a manger and hold baby Jesus doll.

Scripture Reader: (read slowly giving children time to enact) Luke 2: 1, 3-7 “And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...And Joseph went up from Galilee...unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child...And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Sing: “Away in a Manger”

Narrator: President Thomas S. Monson said: “No room. No room. No room. Ever has it been. Today lovely homes provide rooms for eating, rooms for sleeping, playrooms, sewing rooms, television rooms, but no room for Christ. Do we experience a pain of conscience, when we recall his own words “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.”…Each of us must make time in our lives and room in our hearts for our Savior.”

Stage Directions: The angel stands on a chair and speaks to the Shepherds and lambs. The shepherds act afraid.

Scripture Reader: Luke 2: 8-14 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Sing : “Far, Far Away on Judea Plains”

Scripture Reader: Luke 12-14 “And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying, Glory to Bod in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Sing: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Stage Directions: Shepherds and lambs come to see the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They kneel down and worship him.

Scripture Reader: Luke 2: 15-16 “And...the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

Narrator: These shepherds visited by the angel watched the most sacred lambs. These were lambs without blemish, to be offered for sacrifice. President Eyring teaches, “The lambs were following the Shepherds to honor the baby Jesus, born to be the infinite sacrifice. The priceless gift of Heavenly Father to all his children…”Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” The Savior, the lamb of God, was the greatest gift ever given. In the first few years of Jesus’s life he was visited by certain wise men, bearing gifts.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 2: 1-2 “Behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying Where is he that is born King of the Jews: for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

Sing: “We Three Kings”

Stage Directions: Wise men follow the star to Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. They present him with gifts.

Scripture Reader: Matthew 2: 9-12 “And, lo, the star...went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was....And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Narrator: President Monson counsels us: “Jesus invites us to give of our selves. Behold the Lord requireth the heart and a wiling mind…As we exchange gifts at Christmas may we remember, appreciate and receive, the greatest of all gifts, the gift of our Savior, and redeemer, that we might have life eternal.”

Sing: “Silent Night”

Thanksgiving Thankful

Thanks for my little girls who love to do "Momschool" with me and sew their own Indian Costumes....

Thanks for beautiful new Christmas dresses from Mimi and Papa and that my girls found my crimper and can't live without it now....

Thanks for Emmett's running nose and constant blissful personality, this morning he lay on top of me for a full 3 minutes snuggling and giving me full open mouth kisses....

Thanks for a fearless uncle Jesse who climbed up this with Ellery, something Dad probably would not have done..

Thanks for Mimi and Christy for a cute, if only partially listened to Thanksgiving play....

Thanks for "Breakfast with Santa" and that Ellery thought the Costco doll was as cute as the one in the American Girl catalogue....

Thanks for letting me borrow your hairpiece everyday mom, so I look like I am 15....

Thanks for this face...

Thanks for cousins and warm footy jammies that go all the way up to size 6X....

Thanks for celebrating early Christmas with trucks and roller skates and puppets...

Thanks for this one...

And this one....

And this one...

Thanks especially for our wonderful Mimi and Papa, we pray for many more holidays together!

11 Years and Still Smooching: Part 2 The Bundles Arrive

This next post chronicles the addition of 3 beautiful children into our marriage and years 5 through 11. Two things I did not understand before I had children. First, the absolute joy and increase in capacity to love that each child brings. We do not have to parcel off our hearts each time we add a child. Instead our ability to love just grows. Second, because of that love, our likelihood of experiencing anxiety, concern, and sincere pain increases in kind....So let the children begin.

2003 brought the birth of our first child, Ellery. I choose these pictures so you see where my sweet husbands heart is. Always first with me. It was our first real trial as we dealt with our new parent emotions, an extremely traumatic birth, and major life changes.

Ellery was born in an emergency C-Section. I was put under a general anesthetic. Ellery was born without a pulse and not breathing. Brent was ushered from the room, with a vision of a blue, lifeless baby, and an unconscious wife.

Chest compression quickly restarted her heart. However they left her with a collapsed lung. She had unrelated breathing issues, requiring oxygen. And excessive congestion (surprised?). The doctors misdiagnosed her with pneumonia and put her on a serious 10 day course of antibiotics.

We spent 8 days in the NICU with more questions than answers. Finally, they concluded she had a collapsed lung and not pneumonia. With no other health concerns except for the oxygen they finally sent us home. Oh yes, and on the way out they happened to mention she failed her hearing screening 3 times, and we probably better have her checked out. (And so began our adventures with Ellery's ears.)

For 4 weeks we carted around Ellery on oxygen. We were pretty much a wreck but making it, with the support of our wonderful families. Brent slept with her every night. Even in his sleep, he was on alert for the horrible pulse oximeter alarm to go off. Finally, the doctors cleared her of the oxygen. But still there was that nagging, terrible cough and congestion. They were certain she would grow out of it in a month or so....and then a year or so...and now several more years or so...hmmmm.

Ellery was an absolutely stunning baby from birth. At this point, 4 months old, we were still unsure about her hearing. You could slam a door a foot from her and she didn't even blink. (I remember the first time I saw the startle reflex on Callista when a loud noise happened, it stunned me. Then I knew, for certain, something was going on with Ellery as a baby.) It was unnerving as parents. However, we believe through prayers and fasting Ellery's hearing came to her. Her ears continue to be a struggle, as does her congestion. But beyond that she is perfect. We can't ask for more.

Another miracle that summer of 2003. I finished teaching in May when Ellery was born, 3 weeks early. My teaching pay checks continued until August. Then the miracle happened. In September Brent's little company born of his amazing ingenuity and determination printed our first paycheck. Not a single month passed without a means for providing for our family. The Lord truly watches and blesses us. From that first paycheck in September of 2003, Brent's paycheck has been steady and sufficient. He would have you believe he is "Just trying to keep the lights on." But for that reason, his humility and desire, he created multiple companies whose products are used world wide. I'm only a little proud. He will never boast so sometimes I have to do it for him.

In 2004 we had a wonderful trip to Hawaii, with Brent's parents and his brother and his wife. Ellery stayed with my mom and dad. The chemistry was alive and Ellery survived. It wasn't too hard for us to leave her because we were dedicated to her so fully every other moment in our lives. The break was well deserved. We had 2 siblings get married this year (and 3 others in the 5 years previous).

We spent some wonderful holiday's and some wild drives, with my family in Colorado and Brent's in California. This year sticks out to me particularly, as we had a family band. We did a cover of Sarah Mcclauglin and Bare Naked Ladies We Three Kings.

In 2005, we had had enough of condo living. After looking for years, not seriously, but looking nonetheless, we found our perfect house. Cul de sac, park, not too big, clean, and lots of trees... They had listed it that week. I walked in and said "This is it." We went under contract that night. I put a for sale sign in the window of my condo and in one week it was under contract. We make over $15k on it. A huge blessing.

At this point we were anticipating the birth of our second baby Callista. Brent was happily designing and building elaborate tree forts in the backyard, and we relished our first summer with fruit trees. And guess who turned 30?

The summer came to a grinding halt when at a doctor appointment my blood pressure was suddenly elevated. The doctors immediately admitted me into the hospital. They were threatening to deliver me at only 31 weeks. I was given shots to develop the babies lungs. We were in panic mode. After our experience with Ellery it just seemed babies weren't going to come into this world easily for us. In the hospital, my blood pressure leveled out. But I spent the next 6 weeks on strict bed rest.

Brent did the laundry, cooked, cleaned and was a perfect nurse. Maybe a bit overprotective, but it is one of the reasons I love him. I have never been a needy or high maintenance person, so his sweet attentions only overflow a cup already full. I am so lucky. He helped me collect all my urine, 2x a week. So gross. That's what you see in those containers below.

Our bi-weekly trips to the hospital included blood draws (wow do I have horror stories) and non-stress tests. Again, our families were indispensable. And a wonderful neighborhood and church, to which we were so new, brought us food and books and attention.

August 31st Callista arrived. A scheduled c-section. They delivered me at 37 weeks, considered full term. Brent and I went to the hospital and both of us began experiencing post traumatic stress. Brent was disoriented and out-of-sorts. I was shaking, bawling, and throwing up. We were so afraid. They strapped my arms down for the operation, which I thought was procedure until I had Emmett, and learned they were afraid I was going to freak out. It was the first birth I was awake for. It was difficult. We both just kept waiting for something to be wrong. Callista came out tiny but was screaming her guts out within seconds. It was a beautiful sound.

It was beautiful for a little while and then she just kept crying and crying and crying....Wow, she was a fireball from birth. She was laughing or crying and NEVER sleeping. Brent and I paced the floor with her in the front pack, hoping she would just go to sleep. Ellery gave her little whacks whenever she had a clear shot, so it was all a bit stressful. But again, we made it through.

Late that year, our wonderful friend Melissa moved into our basement. We had her with us for only 6 short months but we loved those months. So many times I don't think I would have made it in the car without her bouncing the wailing Callista's car seat up and down at a ridiculous pace, whilst shaking a very loud rattle and attempting to hold a pacifier in. It's a good thing she was so darn cute and full of vibrant joy as well.

Melissa you know what I am talking about. I'm sure you are grinning and cringing all at once. It was a treasured time to share our home with a wonderful example. Melissa came into our lives from Brent's mission in NYC. He taught Melissa and her family the gospel.

2006 began with a bit more trauma from our children. This time Callista.

After a nasty bout of pneumonia at 4 months, she started having small seizures. It was so frightening. She had an EEG at Primary Children's Hospital. Everything was normal and eventually the seizures disappeared. We attribute them to an underdeveloped, over stimulated nervous system. Overall she is an amazingly health little thing. I don't think she has ever coughed or had a runny nose a day in her life (well that is an exaggeration but it was a blessing to have a child who didn't battle fluid everyday).

Other highlights include, romantic Valentines day candlelit dinners...

Wonderful family vacations to Canada to visit my grandparents,

And to Lake Tahoe to spend time with Brent's family.

Brent owned a motorcycle for a couple years. He drove it a few times.

Turning 30, caused Brent to do quite a bit of self-reflection. He felt he had accomplished a good amount with a stable and growing company, but he had quite a bit of time on his hands. He was filling it with jet skiing and family things...but he didn't feel fulfilled. It was then he came to me and told me he wanted to get his MBA. I have to admit, I was flabbergasted. It was not something I expected. But the shock lasted only moments and then I knew also, this was what he should do.

In the fall of 2006, he began his MBA program. We decided to make it a "family affair." The commute to class was around an hour. It would be a huge time commitment. Instead of study groups, and him doing homework alone, we decided I would do the program vicariously. (Anyone who knows me, knows I have always been a bit of a school junkie...maybe that is part of the reason I am homeschooling now, I just can never get enough!) Brent would call me each night driving home and rehash his classes with me. I read all the homework assignments and we did the homework, projects, papers...everything together. It was a fabulous experience for both of us. But for 21 months we every spare moment was dedicated to school.

Meanwhile our children were growing as was Brent's facial hair.

The year 2008 was all about school, captrappers, running, an awakening, and Emmett. We continued to study hard. Brent took a great study abroad trip to Cambodia, China, and Hong Kong. It was life changing for him. As part of a school assignment Brent had to write a business plan. I had a little idea called a Cap Trapper. If you don't know what they are, read the first year of my blog, or click on the Savvy May Creations tag on the side bar.

The Cap Trapper and Savvy May Creations gave us a wild ride for a full year. We were filmed by CNBC's "The Big Idea with Donny Deustch," (it never aired)

won $5000 in a business plan competition,

were featured in all the local papers, had promises for massive orders from Office Max and the largest pre-school supply company. But when push came to shove. Nothing panned out. The idea never flew. I had Emmett, the economy tanked, and I told Brent I was throwing in the towel. It is a good thing he is the true entrepreneur in the family and not me. I couldn't take the rejection, it was way to personal for me!

We had a fabulous time working together at night. Strategizing. It was a a gift for me to see the truly amazing way my husband's mind functions. I wouldn't take back the experience for anything. Even though I have a basement full of Cap Trappers. Want some?

Back to the major occurrence of year 10 in our marriage...Emmett: February 22, 2008. What a blessing he has been from the moment he arrived. We had a peaceful, uneventful birth.

My blood pressure did rise at 37 1/2 weeks so I had to undergo the nasty preeclampsia drugs and an unplanned delivery, but Brent and I were calm. My arms weren't strapped down...it was a wonderful experience.

At 13 days, we did have a scare. Emmett was hospitalized with breathing problems. He had an undiagnosed RSV like disease. Hmmm... sound like maybe there is a pattern. He had severe congestion. Hmmm. Brent and I were both panicked. I knew this was related to a genetic condition, the same one Ellery has had. After 4 days in the hospital he pulled through. No pictures. It was too stressful. Besides the chronic hacking, rattly chest, and runny nose, he is perfectly healthy.

I won't go into the last year in much detail as it is chronicled on this blog....

To celebrate 10 years Brent and I took a late (2009) but fabulous trip to NYC and Boston. Where I didn't run the Boston marathon. Sigh...if only I was on the ball and had signed up before it was full.

The little chitlins continue to grow. And I experience a fullness of joy.

I love you Brent. Thank you for the last eleven years. You are the best decision of my life. Everything of value in my life is a direct result of our shared testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this our 12th year of marriage we will welcome a new little one. My cup overflows. I love you.