Reaching New Heights

I have been impressed to share some thoughts and experiences that have occurred in my life recently.  A few weeks after Adriaan was born, Josh and I were called to privately meet with his pediatrician.  She had addressed her concerns over the phone, but wanted to talk to us in person.  Adriaan's newborn screenings and later blood tests showed that Adriaan has Cystic Fibrosis.  We quickly researched what CF is and tried to grasp what this meant for our lives.  The State set up a 'sweat test' at Primary Children's Medical Center the following day.  Since we weren't given much notice, Josh wasn't able to attend.  I showed up holding my sweet baby boy, with fear in my heart.  "Isn't this where sick babies go?  Isn't this where children fight for their lives?" I asked myself.  "I don't want this place to be a part of MY LIFE."  They call the sweat test a 'gold standard test' which doctors use to diagnose if a patient has CF bas...

Courage is the ability to do something that you know is difficult with the mental or moral strength to persevere.  Following along our earthly paths takes courage.  Following and accepting God's Will takes courage.  Having the strength to move on during difficult times takes courage.  I love what Dallin H. Oaks taught a few years back, "The Savior teaches that we will have tribulation in the world, but we should "be of good cheer" because He has "overcome the world".  His Atonement reaches and is powerful enough not only to pay the price for sin but also to heal every mortal affliction ."  It takes courage to have faith and hope in this promising doctrine.  I wouldn't say that these last few months have been easy, but I have faith that my Loving Father has a beautiful plan prepared for me.  How sweet the blessings must be that await our family.  I have the courage to follow and accept His Plan. Life Lately... I have gone back to teac...

I can't believe that it's almost been a month since Adriaan joined our family.  I have enjoyed this sweet boy and I love watching him grow.  He's a little man and he has his dads looks but he displays my mannerisms.  I love snuggling with Adriaan and his random smiles melt my heart.  On the 24th Adriaan got to see his first fireworks.  We walked over to Liberty Park and enjoyed the show together.  Josh had to wake him up so that he could be a part of the event otherwise he would have slept right through the fireworks. My family had a campout this month and we showed up for a few hours each day.  I like to think that Adriaan enjoys the great outdoors and I hope that we can spend more active family time outside.  We went on a hike with my family to see Lake Catherine.  It was a great hike and I enjoyed the scenery.  I definitely felt out of shape and I can't wait to start exercising again.  Josh wore the Baby Bjorn to carry Adriaan ...

Our sweet Adriaan arrived last Tuesday the 2nd of July.  Today was his due date and I am so grateful that he came early.  So here's the short version... I woke up that morning around 3am for a potty break.  When I went back to bed I had a feeling that I should sleep on a towel.  I knew it seemed pretty silly but I did it anyways.  At 5:15am I opened my eyes and about 30 seconds later my water broke.  The towel was just one of the many tender mercies that I experienced that day.  Before we left for the hospital I had Josh give me a Priesthood blessing.  It was a tender moment and the blessing was much needed.  I am SO grateful for my sweetheart and for his goodness.  We officially checked in at Salt Lake Regional at 7:45am.  Josh was a great supporter the entire time.  I was grateful to get an epidural and then I was able to rest for a little while.  The nurse came in and had me push for a while to get a hang of it.  ...

If you were to ask me what I constantly struggle with... it is CHANGE .   I find comfort in schedules, routines and expectations that periods of my life have to offer.  Whenever I turn the page to a new chapter in my life, I am faced with a great sense of insecurity and hesitation.  Now that I am crossing through a new threshold, I've realized that I still haven't grown up. I taught for two years and just finished my last day of school on the 7th.  I am leaving something behind that I am very passionate about... TEACHING .  It is hard for me to let go of the known and step out into the unknown.  I was very prayerful about my decision to become a  mommy and have the time to stay at home.  This is what I have always wanted and I know that it is the right decision for our family.  But it doesn't make the transition easy.  I put so much work and time into teaching and let's be honest... a whole lotta heart.  I spent our last few min...

Here is an update on our life lately.  Joshy Boy has been BUSY with school and work.  The other week I picked him up from the 'U' Engineering Building at 2:30am, because he was finishing up a project.  He has had many projects this semester, and hopefully he will have time to wrap up all of his school work before the beginning of May.  On Thursday, Josh presented his Senior Project.  I was glad to be able to get work off so that I could come support him.  He did a great job with his presentation and I am VERY proud of him.  He only has two more semesters to go and then he will receive his Bachelor's/Master's Degrees next Spring.  I married a smarty pants, and I am grateful that he values education and understands the impact that it will have on our future. I have been keeping up with every day responsibilities at work.  I LOVE my job and the chance that I get to be a teacher.  Seriously, how blessed am I?  This pregnancy...

Josh and I are excited to announce that we are expecting a sweet baby boy in July!  We couldn't be more thrilled!  This little guy is a wiggler and we caught him smiling during our ultrasound.  We can't wait to welcome him into our family. Check out that smile!

Have I ever mentioned how much I love to play basketball?  My parents got passes to the Rec Center years ago, and that's where I spent every afternoon that I could.  I couldn't wait to play pick-up basketball games with anyone that was there.  Jackie Chan (aka. 'coolest friend ever') and I would spend countless hours there in the Summer shooting hoops and hanging out.  I have fond memories of those days.  I love playing basketball against guys, because the competition has really helped me improve on my skills over the years.  Basketball is by far the easiest way for me to workout.  Yes, I still do enjoy running.  But running takes a lot more concentration, motivation and effort.  Basketball is a fun way to exercise and I don't even feel like I'm there to workout. Lately the only opportunity that I have had to play basketball is when my husband's buddies get together.  They try to get together once a week and play... and of course I HAV...