Worth the Wait

Arie turned 6 months this month! Wow - time sure does seem to fly! I remember finding out that I was pregnant with Arie. We had tried for several years to get pregnant after Zach was born, but with no success. The doctors told us point blank that it would more than likely never happen again. I really had to wrap my brain around that, put the want and desire behind me, and be happy with the two, wonderful boys I had been given, and move on. And that's what I did. It took some time, but I did move on. And then, out of nowhere - I am pregnant. I remember sitting on the couch with Aaron and just sobbing - for so many different reasons. But I just couldn't understand why we had to wait for so long. But now I know why! My life is now so full, and really complete. Arie has brought a renewed love and joy and happiness into our home! It was a happy home before, but now it is just a "complete" happy - more like a fullness of joy! She is such a wonder and so much fun! I still don't know why we had to wait for her for so long, but I must say. . .she was worth the wait!

Valentine Baker

This year, Zach has a great teacher: and it shows! Not only is he doing great in school, but he wants to please Ms. McLean to no end. For Valentines Day, he decided he wanted to learn how to make sugar cookies, and then give some to his teacher. Zach loves to cook, and spends almost every night in the kitchen with me cooking some portion of the dinner! So, we pulled out the recipe and set to work! He had so much fun, and the cookies were delicious! Add cooking to Zach's many talents! Happy Valentines Day!

Priesthood Preview

Today was a bittersweet day. Tonight we went back to church for Mason's Priesthood Preview. He will receive the Aaronic priesthood this year, and this was a special night that explains what that responsibility will entail. I didn't really know whether to laugh or cry tonight. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Now, he's almost old enough to be 12 and passing the sacrament. I looked over at those boys on Sunday, and they just look so young! I am so excited for Mason and what these next few years hold for him! BUT, at the verys same time, I am a little sad. My little boy is not so little anymore, and he's slowly growing away from me. While I know this is a good thing, and I should embrace it, I just don't think I am quite ready to do so. They don't write the book "What to expect when your teenager starts growing away from you", and now I know why. No one would really want to read that book anyway. Today, I was constantly reminded of how much I love my children, how much I love being their mom, and how grateful I am to be given this opportunity! This much is sure: it makes the saying "Families Are Forever" such much more poignant! I can't imagine spending eternity without any part of my family! I love you Mason!

Fast Sunday

Every Fast Sunday, for a few years now, our friends the Johnsons, and cousins the Gonzalez families get together to break our fast with Burracos (meatless burritos). We each bring a portion for the meal, and Paula makes chili verde and the spanish rice. I don't know what it is about this particular meal, but on a fast Sunday, it just hits the spot! Yesterday, Mason downed 3 burracos and a quesadilla and some rice! That's a lot of grub, but then again, he is 11! Yesterday was no exception, and we watched the Super Bowl while feasting on the burracos. I personally was rooting for the Colts, since my boy, Austin Collie (a BYU alum) plays for the Colts. BUT, since the Saints have never been to the big game, I was okay with a win in their column!

AAAHHH!

Arie is now 6 months old! She can say "Dada", roll both ways, starting to wave bye-bye, get up on all fours, and hold her own bottle. She began eating rice cereal twice a day this month. When we first began feeding her with a spoon she would barely open her mouth wide enough to get the spoon in. Aaron and I would demonstrate opening our mouths up wide (much to the absolute joy of the boys), but she just wasn't getting it! Then, one day she did! And now, she opens up so wide you can almost see tonsils! It is hilarious. And we thought we'd share the love and let you view her new eating habits!

Open Up & Say AAAHHH

Mason Snowboards

Here's some pics of Mason snowboarding!

Snowboard Dudes

The last full day at the cabin, Aaron decided to take the boys snowboarding. We had received so much snow, and it was such a beautiful day, he couldn't resist. Now, last year, both boys got on a board for the first time. Mason took a full-day lesson, and Zach hung out with Dad, since he was too young for the lesson. I was preggers, so I just watched from afar. Zach took to it like a fish to water! He just loved it! Going boarding is all he's talked about this trip. Mason, on the other hand, has less than a stellar experience. His instructor was Italian, and his English left a lot to be desired! He would yell instructions at the kids in Italian, to which Mason liked none too well. He, to this day, talks about his lunch experience as a prison sentence. And towards the end of the day, Aaron found Mason sitting off to the side of a run, by himself because the instructor left. NICE! Needless to say, Mason wasn't too thrilled about giving it a go again. But, Aaron assured him that HE would be his instructor, and they WOULD have fun! Fast forward to the mountain. Upon getting there, Aaron quickly realized that there was only one of him and two boys needing help. Zach to the rescue! He reassured Aaron that he'd be fine by himself. To which Aaron replied okay, and Zach was off. Next thing Aaron knew, Zach was yelling "HI" from the ski lift! He was off on his own! Aaron explained Zach's strategy to in Zach's words: "When I get off the lift I just fall down, cuz then the guy just stops the lift until I get out of the way. Then I strap on my boot, and go straight down the hill! When I get to the bottom, I just fall so I can stop. Then I get on the lift and do it all over and over! It's awesome!" Well, we all have to have a strategy in life! Aaron eventually taught him how to get off the lift without falling and how to stop at the bottom without falling. Mason took a little more time and patience. But, by the third run, he knew how to control his board and crisscross the run to board more in control! Both boys were pretty whooped by the end of the day (if you don't board, it is a tiring sport!), but both boys said they loved it and couldn't wait to go again!