The House of Jacob

pregnant brain?

2012-02-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

read my post below...about the toilet

then read Hannah's comment

then realize that she was absolutely RIGHT...

I'm really that lame! And yes, the plumber BROKE his snake trying to fix our toilet! Good thing I didn't get billed for anything!

can we please blame it on pregnant brain? tank and toilet bowl seem like the same things sometimes...

okay, okay, I'm that LAME! haha! oh well, it made for an interesting day!

life is predictable

2012-02-01T16:14:00.003-07:00

yesterday was a good housecleaning day for me...

did the laundry - including washing the mats in the bathroom that looked more brown than blue

scrubbed the entire bathroom

kept the sink dish free

vacuumed

dusted...

you get the picture? I worked hard! Our house was sparkling! Especially the bathroom! It looked GREAT! I LOVE a clean bathroom (even though I don't love it enough to clean it WAY more often than I do).

So, when I was cleaning the toilet, I added this little Clorox cleaning tablet (looks like a hockey puck) to the toilet, to supposedly clean and disinfect the toilet bowl.

RIGHT.

BAD IDEA.

What did we end up with?

A clogged toilet that overflowed yucky-ness all over my clean bathroom mats, clean toilet, clean floor, and clean tub!

I laughed.

And I moaned.

And I vowed to clean the mats and scrub the bathroom again today. Which I haven't done yet.

I'm still waiting for maintenance to come and fix my super-plugged by a Clorox tablet (that looks like a hockey puck) that is stuck somewhere in my toilet.

Yeah, and don't even start to think about what I've done all day without a working toilet!

Life. Is. So. Predictable.

spending time with Cathy

2012-01-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

My sister, Cathy, came back for a week (while Devin was gone in Texas & D.C.) in January to hang out with yours truly (well, with the whole fam, but we know she came to see me, right?!). Anyways, we had a lot of fun together with the kiddos, and here are some pics from that blessed week.

Michael loves his cousin Kylie!

Kangaroo Zoo - It took Michael 15 minutes to even want to get on one of these, and then I couldn't stop him!

Cathy holding Karissa's darling girl!

me and adorable girl (I can't remember her name - faith maybe!)

Kylie going down the big slide!

Cathy took Michael down...

and then he was ready to go by himself!

seriously - this thing scared me! I don't know how he did it!

going to the park

pretending to be asleep

Cathy's 2nd daughter, Emmy Claire!

Provo Beach Resort

Macie, Ava (sp?) and Cathy

riding the carousel

the Bean Museum

girl's lunch at Olive Garden - yum! Thanks Mom!

Treasure Family Christmas Party

2012-01-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

So, we seriously did minute-to-win-it games 3 times this break! Crazy, eh? But it was FUN! We had the Treasure Family Christmas Party (Aaron's mom's side) a little late this year, but at least we had it! The highlight of the party is always the white elephant game!

shaking ping pong balls out of a box tired to their booty

trying to get the ball to stick to the vaseline on their noses

observing the fun

Hannah & Dad

cute girls

can she get it with her mouth?

shaking bells in boxes

shaking ping pong balls in boxes

highlight = Treasure Family Who - made by Aaron's mom & sister

isn't it awesome? it definitely was stolen twice!

Dad's excited about his Feature Films for Families find!

and Hannah got some awesome sombreros (sp?)

this cute couple will be married in April!

just loving being together!

romantic getaway

2012-01-21T12:00:00.001-07:00

Thanks to some good friends, Aaron & I stayed up in Midway for 2 days for a romantic getaway!

We stayed here last year as well, but all of our pictures from last year were blurry, so I'm glad we got to go again!

getting ready for bed our first night - and reading The Mansion together!

lovely Swiss-style home

we spent some time at the outlets - and Aaron scored on a nice IZOD sweater, and I got some new earrings at Claire's!

Park City Olympic Park

playing games inside the museum - Aaron got the high score!

see how this baby bump is growing!

we watched a lot of football!

such a gorgeous home

isn't it beautiful?

football and cereal - that's the way we roll (cereal & football not pictured, but you get the idea!)

watching more football!

Such a fun trip! We love getting away together and just relaxing!

3.5 years later and still madly in love!

random Christmas break happenings

2012-01-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

We did SO many fun things over Christmas break that I'll just touch on them briefly and try and move on to January!

Sorry about the quality of the first few pictures, they were taken on our camcorder!

Saying good-bye to Tom & Vonie - the couple I've been taking care of for the past year!

Me & Tom - this guy is a hoot! They moved to Tennessee to live with their daughter, and we miss them!

prego bump at like 22 weeks

Christmas glasses - thanks Mom & Dad Jacob

what Aaron will look like in 25 years (imagine a little gray on the sides like Mitt Romney)

hot husband in glasses

our little basketball, football, soccer pjs/dishwasher with Mom's apron on

he loves washing dishes! haha! or - playing in the water!

Aaron out 4-wheeling with his Dad & Hiram

more basketball

visiting my little brother, Jonathan's grave (he only lived an hour, and was born way early)

Dev & Cat were here for the break!!

playing minute-to-win-it games with my family

my awesome brothers Matt & Jake

can you beat that?!

playing mini croquet with Aaron's family at Provo Beach Resort

hanging out with high school friends

and playing more minute-to-win-it games! (wait, do they actually do THIS on minute-to-win-it?!) check out little Michael...

love these guys!!

100th Post

2012-01-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

I figured my 100th post deserved something good.

Michael didn't fail me.

Check out our little Jimmer...

ps - After this little streak, he did miss a few, but I thought I'd keep you entertained!

For all you young mothers...

2012-01-16T23:11:00.002-07:00

check out

busybliss.blogspot.com

This is my friend's blog, and I LOVE IT! Mindy is such a great mom, and she has some great tips and resources on her blog that I'm sure you will love as well.

highlights

2012-01-11T18:23:00.004-07:00

We have had an incredible Christmas break, and feel like it just ended today when my sister, Cathy, flew home to Tennessee (even though Aaron started school a week ago).

The highlight of our break was Sherry's baptism. We met Sherry in September when she moved here from China. She is our neighbor and dear friend. She was curious about learning about what we believe as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The missionaries taught her in our home, and her faith grew as she received answers to her prayers. She really is an amazing woman, and her example touches so many! Sherry's husband, Yu Hu, has been very supportive and has been a great friend as well.

Sherry was baptized by Aaron on December 27th, 2011. What a special day!

isn't she just beautiful?!

Yu Hu & Sherry

Elder Case & Elder Lewis with Yu Hu & Sherry

the four of us

Bishop & Sister Mower with Sherry & Yu Hu

Aaron's family and tons of our ward friends came to support Sherry!

Yes, this was a very special Christmas for our little family. We have grown so much this past semester, and developed sweet and lasting friendships.

more to come

2012-01-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

i have a lot to blog about...but i can't seem to find time to upload all my pics from my camera...soon - soon, folks!

we found out

2011-12-12T14:02:00.002-07:00

family pictures

2011-11-09T16:20:00.002-07:00

So, back in August my sweet brother, Ben, took some pictures of our family - and they turned out GREAT!!

For your viewing pleasure...

and just because we all look rather...ugly...i included it!

michael is loving this

2011-11-09T15:54:00.000-07:00


(you can't really click to look inside - sorry!)

Pretty much I LOVED this book when I was child.

And Michael is LOVIN it too! I got it from the library last week and I've probably already read it to him 20 times!

He saw me writing this blog and ran and got the book - so he is looking at it as we speak.

this book is timeless!

you should check it out!

life...jump in with faith

2011-11-04T14:55:00.000-06:00

So, Aaron and I go to a lot of events, right? Mostly for accounting, but also for other random business things. For the past two days the NAC (National Advisory Council) for the Marriott School of Business held a conference which was AMAZING. By far, the most inspiring event I've attended thus far.

The NAC is made of up of amazingly successful people in business, who also have amazing spouses! I got to spend most of my time with the spouses, and I really had a great time. Plus, Lizzy Bean, was there too and we got to be together quite a bit, which was so much fun! :)

Anyways, why am I writing about this? Because I was re-inspired in the work I'm doing as a wife, a mother, and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sister Mary Cook, of the Young Women's General Presidency, spoke to us at our luncheon today and helped me remember that as women in God's kingdom, we have a duty to help change and influence the world.

I'm so grateful for the women I've met who have encouraged me to have faith - and to love the journey I'm on. These women have spoken of the importance of staying home with our children, supporting our busy spouses, creating home as a haven, and being the best we can be. Seriously, thank you NAC spouses. You are women of great faith. You are women who have walked side by side with men who are changing the world (perhaps in more outer ways than you are), and yet who look to you and realize that they are nothing without you and that the work you are doing in the home is more powerful and influential than anything else.

Thank you motherly women who encouraged, inspired, and fed me spiritually last night and tonight. Thank you for your examples. Thank you for having faith and great attitudes amidst traveling husbands, and double-digit moves. You are inspiring. Thank you for seeing the big picture and helping me to see it too.

And thank you, Sister Cook, for showing THIS inspiring clip. I'm so grateful for my amazing husband and all that he is accomplishing in his field of study, but also in all the things that matter most in life.

I feel empowered to do great things and I am so excited for what our life holds!

I'm jumping in with faith - here I go! :)

blessing

2011-10-20T00:05:00.001-06:00

I read this beautiful quote from Sister Bednar yesterday. Just what I needed. I feel like I need to follow the counsel in that blessing as well.

"My husband was enrolled in a demanding doctoral program at Purdue University far away from our families and familiar surroundings. We had two small children, very little money, limited time to spend together as a family, and we were having difficulty balancing the rigors of graduate school, family responsibilities, and church assignments. Does this situation sound familiar? Well, this daunting task began to take its toll, and I found myself feeling very overwhelmed with my responsibilities as a wife and a "stay-at-home mother." The feelings I felt were not necessarily unique to me or my circumstances. After considerable contemplation, I remember asking my husband for a priesthood blessing. In this blessing I WAS PROMISED THAT I COULD BEGIN TO BETTER COPE WITH MY DIFFICULTIES IF I WOULD EXERCISE CONSISTENTLY, GET MORE SLEEP, EAT PROPERLY, HAVING MEANINGFUL PRAYER NIGHT AND MORNING, AND ENGAGE IN DAILY SCRIPTURE STUDY. The reason I remember so vividly the instruction I received is because I thought afterwards: "This is going to solve my problems? These are standard 'Sunday School' answers. Besides, I'm already doing some of these things." Does this attitude sound a bit hard-hearted? Maybe if the message had been to take a vacation to the beach, or sign up for an art class, or have my nails done, I would have been more receptive to the counsel. I guess I was searching for different solutions, and I balked at the banality of what I had been counseled to do. I pondered the blessing, and over a period of time I came to know and understand that these inspired admonitions were plain and simple, yet profound. As I moved from casual observance to a more steadfast and heartfelt implementation of these principles in my life, I discovered a sense of emotional peace, a feeling of physical well-being, and a spiritual confidence that brought tremendous blessings to my life. Like those in Moses' day, all I had to do was to "look!"" (Susan Bednar, "To Look," Brigham Young University-Idaho Devotional, September 10, 2002, www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2002_09_10_BednarS.htm.)

Aaron's Loves

2011-10-14T22:05:00.000-06:00

So, I'm sitting here at 10pm, and Aaron has just finished a bowl of cereal. He is quietly thinking, and I teasingly (and seriously) say, "Whatcha thinking about? How much you love me?"

He looks over, smiles, and says,

"Football."

Naturally.

He loves me first, and football is a close second, folks, a close second. :) I love my man!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2011-10-03T23:12:00.000-06:00

This one time, it was 11:00pm.

And Aaron asked me if I wanted to go dance in the rain.

I said "yes!" (of course)

And so, we went outside, in the pouring rain, and danced...

so romantic

so wet

so cold!

2008

it's true

2011-10-03T18:23:00.001-06:00

due April 30th, 2012

Forget Me Not

2011-09-29T12:43:00.000-06:00

hunting

2011-09-24T22:46:00.000-06:00

husband

hot

born to be cowboys...or mountain men...or just awesome

dad jacob and his boys

every year aaron goes hunting with his dad

i almost went with him this year...

but i think i'll wait until next year.

it's male bonding time, right?

anyways, aaron is awesome. and good looking. and amazing.

the end.

Life in Pictures

2011-09-23T11:13:00.002-06:00

happy 3rd anniversary!

how do we celebrate? mini golf, cafe rio, visiting special places that we love

getting ready for family pictures

i'll post ben's family pictures he took of us after i get them from him tonight, this was our camera obviously

we went to swiss days for the first time and LOVED it! moosen anyone? :)

doesn't michael look so cute in this outfit?!

gotta be like dad and golf - with a metal soup ladle!

grandpa treasure's funeral

family home evening on obedience - we built a boat like nephi

michael was cold after i took him on a 5-mile run from wymount to my parents house in orem! longest run i've been on in awhile!

bed? who me? no way!

have you ever tried to DRINK yogurt? yup, it doesn't work!

this cute kid is learning to talk and his favorite phrase is "help please!" love this kid!

loyal cougar fan - and ice cream fan!

go cougs! hopefully they play better than last week!

michael loves byu too - "oo oo oo" he says! nice mug shot

quotes to live by

2011-09-09T23:32:00.000-06:00

In June I decorated a notebook and called it "Quotes to Live By." Since then, I've only written seven or eight quotes in it. Tonight I included this quote - a quote that I tried to live by in my youth and I quote I will always treasure.

"Yes, give me a young woman who loves home and family, who reads and ponders the scriptures daily, who has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. Give me a young woman who faithfully attends her church meetings, who is a seminary graduate, who has earned her Young Womanhood Recognition Award and wears it with pride! Give me a young woman who is virtuous and who has maintained her personal purity, who will not settle for less than a temple marriage, and I will give you a young woman who will perform miracles for the Lord now and throughout eternity."

(President Ezra Taft Benson, November 1986, To the Young Women of the Church.)

I love this talk by President Benson!

Grandpa Treasure

2011-09-03T09:32:00.001-06:00

I think it is beautiful when old people die. Really. Especially when they have lived a good life.

"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come." (Rabindranath Tagore)

Aaron's Grandpa Treasure died yesterday and his funeral is on Tuesday. Last night as we lay in bed, I said to Aaron, "Just think of it, Grandpa is finally with his two boys (who passed on before him)." Aaron said, "I know, I told my mom the same thing this morning." Sweet thought.

Grandpa Treasure certainly is a "Stripling Warrior 'Retired'"!!

Oh Grandpa Treasure with your deep blue eyes, we will miss you! I first met Grandpa Treasure at Aaron's home following his mission "homecoming address." I last saw Grandpa Treasure at the June 26th, 2011 family reunion. :) It's been a good 3.5 years. What I see of Grandpa Treasure's influence on Aaron's mom, and hence, on Aaron and his whole family, is beautiful. Thank you Grandpa Treasure for being the man you are. Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for so many funny stories! Thank you for living such a good life! We'll miss you Grandpa, but someday we'll see you on the other side!

Death is simply a passing. A passing from one state to another. I'm absolutely confident and 100% positive that there is life after death. I know that we will see our family members again. I know that we can be with them forever. This is what God's plan for us is all about.

Families really are forever. I testify that there is life after death. It's a reality. I know it. That is why I'm not so scared of death. Life after death is possible because of Jesus Christ.

Death is an interesting thing. Just as we enter the world at birth, we exit through death. Death literally testifies of the reality of the soul as the body + the spirit. When you attend a viewing, you look at a physical body. A real, actual, physical body lying there. It has shut down and stopped working, but something more is missing. When you attend a funeral, the life that you once knew in that body is gone. The fun-loving, intellectual, kind, funny, and quirky person that you knew and loved isn't there. The personality and brilliancy of life is no longer in view. However, it simply testifies that the living part of us - the personality, the intellect, the heart, the spirit, has moved on to a different sphere. After death, we live on. And some day, because of Jesus Christ, we will have our bodies back.

President Monson said it best of what Jesus Christ did for us,

"To the depths of my very soul, I am grateful to Him.

He taught us how to live.

He taught us how to die.

He secured our salvation."

(April, 2011)

To learn more about what happens when we die, check out this link.

more Nauvoo

2011-09-01T21:01:00.000-06:00

I love the Nauvoo Temple.

We were in Nauvoo for almost a week and spent quite a bit of time in the temple/on the temple grounds. You really can't go anywhere in Nauvoo without seeing the temple. We passed it multiple times a day and it always looked beautiful! I'm so grateful for the blessings of the temple in our lives and that our family can be together forever, even after death.

Sweet memories...

Our first night in Nauvoo

touching the temple

Hannah, Sara & I before doing baptisms for the dead

visiting temple grounds - gorgeous afternoon

families are forever - love these girls

When Aaron got to Nauvoo we went to the temple together as well!

The coolest part was getting a special tour by the temple president, President Condie, to the very top of the tower (because Aaron's great-great-great-great-Grandpa Jacob was the original builder of the tower!). What a view!

We were up in that tower!

Yes, we got to stand on the level right below the Angel Moroni!

Our last night in Nauvoo - looking out over the Mississippi

the men in the family

And thanks to Dad, we departed (Aaron & Hiram flew home and Dan & Annie flew back to Georgia) from the temple!

Darling Little Boy

2011-09-01T20:42:00.000-06:00

lovin his pj's

Michael relaxing - on our bed! this is usually where I find him in the afternoons!

the usual cuts and bruises that come with the territory of a 22-month old

cotton candy + swimming = paradise

Mama and her boy

our lil' family

Michael's collection of cars!

Ben took our family pictures and they turned out great - minus the fact that Michael didn't smile much! More to come!

3 Adventurous Years

2011-08-24T16:24:00.000-06:00

you heard right folks

we have been madly in love for three years

and it has been awesome

and we're so glad we get each other for eternity!!!


married for time and all eternity in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple August 22nd, 2008

BEST LIFE EVER

Our Trip to the City Beautiful

2011-08-19T12:58:00.000-06:00

Nauvoo

how we love thee

our trip...in pictures

we stopped at Winter Quarters

I drove out with these girls (and Mom & Dad) and Aaron and Hiram flew out later because of finals

Dan & Annie (such a cute pregnant woman) flew in from Georgia!

all the gals at the Nauvoo Visitors' Center

LOVE this temple - more posts to come!

you can see why it's called the city beautiful

playing games and eating treats - our favorite late night activity

our lovely cabin

my gorgeous husband


Aaron's ancestors (on both sides) lived in Nauvoo - and this was Patti Session's home (an ancestor!)

the whole family on the mississippi

so, I drove with Aaron's family for 4 days (2 days there and 2 days back)

and Aaron and Hiram flew in after finals, and flew back

lucky ducks

however, I was able to read:

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and His Other Writings
Harry Potter #1
Ella Enchanted

well worth it.

We left Michael with my mom. THANK YOU MOM!!

and we had a blast.

We literally have about 800 pictures (from Aaron's dad and our camera),

so indulge me and look forward to a few more Nauvoo posts!

dancing man

2011-08-06T10:04:00.000-06:00

just so you all know, michael LOVES to dance.

he loves music.

he loves moving.

he is pretty good at entertaining himself in the car.

(this was on our drive home from st. george)

Summer Days

2011-08-02T16:16:00.000-06:00

So, here are lots of pictures from the past few weeks...enjoy!

visiting Bridal Veil Falls

Michael LOVES playing basketball with his uncles

Michael and Kylie watching Cars (we took them to see Cars 2 as well)

Devin & Cathy

cute Kylie

eating at J-dawgs with Mer & Elizabeth

Michael's MASSIVE tower

haha, I opened up cocoa (yes, I had to stand on a chair to reach it) and it popped open and got all over me

I often wonder why I do some things.

Lunch at Cove Fort on our way to Vegas

the four girls

cove fort

me and my brother Aaron

relaxing at Cove Fort

I'll stop there. I'll post more about Vegas later. :)

Polywog Adventure

2011-08-01T09:10:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer: So I accidentally didn't completely upload our pictures to iPhoto before deleting them off the camera, so half of our summer pictures are blurry. So. Lame. Anyways, even though these pictures are blurry (I'll try and keep them small so they are a bit better), they tell a good story.

Every summer we go to Scofield, Aaron's family's ranch. We. Love. It. We went up for the 4th of July and had a blast eating, playing games, four-wheeling, hiding from a thunderstorm, AND (drumroll please)... catching polywogs! This was the first polywog I held, and the pictures tell the story. :)

p.s. - doesn't my hot husband look like the man from snowy river? i. love. aaron.

Seester!

2011-08-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

So my seester (that's how we say it!) Cathy and her husband, Devin, and their two beautiful daughters (Kylie & Emmy) came to visit for a whole week! It was a ton of fun and we spent as much time together as we could. Then we went to Las Vegas for Emmy's baby blessing. So. Much. Fun.

more pics to come soon!

Families Can Be Together Forever

2011-07-31T07:17:00.001-06:00

Prepare to have your heart touched. And to cry. I came upon this (Eternal Families ) story last night, and Aaron and I read it together. Heart wrenching. However, the beauty is that we know that we can be together as forever families, even after death. This story, and this man's faith, will touch your heart. I promise. It will also inspire you to live life to the fullest and to cherish your most prized relationships - those of your family.

ps - the post is long, but it is well worth reading (and you should read it with your husbands, it's very touching)

Life these days...

2011-06-27T16:08:00.001-06:00

we have been having a blast

here are a few of the things that have filled our days the past month

total ladies man

reading on the porch

Hannah's graduation! She's off to BYU in the fall!

lots of playing outside

picnics

parades

Hiatus

2011-05-20T14:44:00.003-06:00

farewell

for a little while.

i've decided to take a break from social media

for a month.

don't worry,

i'll be back.

i'm not a hater.

i simply need a break from

- catching up on your lives,

so i can have more time to live my own

- comparing myself to you,

so i can learn to love myself more

- wasting time,

so i can spend time with those i care about most and serve others more

- screens and people that i can't touch, talk to face to face, or spend time with,

so i can have some real face to face time with each of you

i want to follow some counsel Sister Beck gave in a regional conference back in September. it really made me think. she told the young mothers, (specifically young mothers!) to use their computers like dishwashers. to not be on them while your kids are up. to not ignore your children while you surf the web. yes. i agree. i will use my computer for the things i need - the basics: checking e-mail daily, catching up on some news, looking for how to get giblets out of a chicken, etc. however, i'm taking a break from everything else! i want more Aaron time, more Michael time, more me time, and less everybody else time (at least online). sorry folks!

when i do come back

i hope to have learned a few things

and grown a lot

and not worried as much about how i measure up to everyone else

and begun to live the full and beautiful life i dream of!

Check This Out!

2011-05-16T07:55:00.000-06:00

Go to www.mormon.org

Click on "Our People,"

Under the "Meet Mormons" section choose the following

1. Female

2. 18-24

3. Caucasian or White

4. April

Then look for my picture (it's on the right behind the front pic!)

and you can check out my profile!

FUN

2011-05-09T21:30:00.001-06:00

Here are some of the FUN things we have done the past month!

Aaron's mission reunion - and later in the month, dinner with President & Sister Vincent! Love this family!

Jessica's Bridal Shower and Wedding - Jess is one of my childhood friends, whom I love dearly, and she was a beautiful bride! Kristin (another dear friend) was her wedding planner - and did a superb job! Miss these girls (and Kayla, who makes our foursome complete!).

me & Jess

Jess, Kristin & I

Devri & Adam's Wedding - in Idaho, another beautiful bride. Tons of fun with family!

Outside the Idaho Falls Temple waiting for the bride and groom!

Dan & Annie's Graduation - These two are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! And we miss them! And they are going to have a BABY in November! Dan graduated in Accounting and Annie graduated in English Teaching. They moved to Georgia where Dan is working for Bard, and yes, they are going to do amazing things!

Easter Sunday - Ben & Mer blessed their baby, beautiful blessing. Sad that I don't have any pictures. I'll try and get some. They are awesome parents and their little girl is adorable! Great day. Love Cadbury eggs. Yes, ate a whole bag myself the next week. Up my workouts! :)

I turned 24! Tucanos was delicious and I love being sung to in Portuguese! ha! Aaron made my day perfect - I have the best husband EVER!
P.S. - got a Casio Keyboard for my b-day, and am THRILLED! I want to fill our home with the sound of music! :)

Mother's Day - what a fun day! I love being a mother! Although it is challenging, it is the most rewarding and joyful thing! I wouldn't want to be doing anything else! :)

Our Little Jimmer

2011-05-09T16:28:00.001-06:00

March Madness is long since gone and the NBA Playoffs are in full swing.

We have a little Jimmer on our hands.

Michael has quickly become obsessed with basketball! HE LOVES IT!

Michael will watch basketball on tv or online. He will grunt and point every time we pass a basketball hoop on a walk. He can't watch a live game because he just wants to play. So, my good mother bought Michael a Little Tikes hoop. Pretty much = obsessed. He practices for at least an hour each day. And, he is getting pretty good. At first he couldn't reach the hoop, so I would put our couch cushion down for him to stand on. Now he can shoot from the ground and make, on average, six shots in a row. The other night he made at least ten! My family has a hoop at their home as well, so he can play whenever we are over there!

Another one of Michael's favorite words is "shoot!"

Michael is also pretty good at saying, "Yes," in response to questions we ask him. So, we've become pretty good at only asking yes and no questions! :) Anyways, here are a few funny stories about Michael and basketball.

1. We came home from Idaho and walked into our apartment. Michael saw his basketball hoop and let out a big "YEEEEEEESSSSS!" Also, when we were at Aaron's cousin's reception (in a cultural hall) Michael wigged out because all he wanted to do was play ball. So, I took him to the nursery where, thankfully, they had a basketball hoop that we could play on!

2. We went to church and walked through the cultural hall. Michael saw the basketball hoops and said, "YEEEEEEEEEESSSSSS!"

3. We have a really hard time playing outside at Wymount because Michael doesn't want to play in our park/sandpit area - he only wants to run away to the basketball hoops which are a bit further away! So, I get no socializing with the other moms in the quad - I have to be on the outskirts playing b-ball. :)

4. I don't know if Michael REALLY knows who Jimmer is, but he knows Jimmer has to do with basketball. We ask him, "Michael, do you love Jimmer?" "YEEEEEEEEESSSSS!" "Michael, do you love basketball?" "YESSSSS!" The cutest part is that he lets out a big long yes, and he kind of has a lisp. So cute.

5. We were at Aaron's mission president's home and their neighbors have a really, really, nice basketball court in the backyard. From President Vincent's patio we could see the basketball court, and all Michael wanted to look at was the court. Also, President has a basketball arcade type game in his basement, and that is ALL Michael wants to do when we visit.

6. If I want Michael to be good somewhere, I just have to mention that we'll go home and play basketball and he is happy. :) Love that kid.

Michael often likes to shoot ALL of his balls into the basket at the same time!

But to be honest - we love it! Naturally we're hoping for another Jimmer, right? Today Michael and I had lunch with Aaron on campus. I told Michael that someday he'll go to school here (at BYU). Aaron said, "Michael, do you want to play basketball for BYU?" "YYYYYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!" We like it.

this kid is so stinkin cute!

Good Things Utah

2011-04-18T14:31:00.000-06:00

bucket list: be on tv

check!

We were on TV - it's true! Well, sort of.

We were in the studio audience for Good Things Utah, and they showed us about three times during the segment. Does that count? I think YES!

It was pretty fun to be on the set and see how the show was filmed, AND I'm pretty sure Aaron was the only guy (out of like 20 women) in the studio audience! What a champ!

Meg Johnson (see link here) was a guest on the show and has an amazing story! I want to be more like her!

This amazing girl, Meg Johnson, is an inspiration!

Look at me - Taking Action 4 You!

He's a natural.

It's true, we were destined to be broadcasters.

On the set. Pretty funny that those cups don't have anything in them - except lip gloss!

so much fun

Hiking Ensign Peak

2011-04-08T09:58:00.000-06:00

While we were in Salt Lake, we took Michael to hike Ensign Peak.

It was a gorgeous night.

Michael walked most of the way!

our little family

enjoying a little picnic dinner

on our way down

victory!

[Brigham Young] "had before seen an ensign descend and light upon the mountain peak, which is now called from that circumstance - `Ensign Peak' - which was an indication to him that this was the resting place God designed for His people." (From an address given in the Provo Tabernacle on Dec. 3, 1882.)

Touching the Temple

2011-04-04T23:18:00.000-06:00

“Elder Matthew Cowley [told a story] about a grandfather who took his small granddaughter on a birthday visit to the Salt Lake Temple grounds. With permission of the groundskeeper, they walked to the large doors of the temple. He suggested that she place her hand on the temple wall and then on the door, saying tenderly to her, ‘Remember that this day you touched the temple. One day you will enter this door.’ His special gift to his granddaughter was an appreciation for the House of the Lord."

President Monson has said,

"As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us."

While we were living in Salt Lake we took Michael to touch the temple. It was a beautiful night and we were practically the only ones on the temple grounds. It was such a sweet experience to be there as a family and to help Michael understand how special the temple is. Although he can barely understand us, we talked to him about the temple and how he will go there someday.

(I'll try and add more pictures later, my computer is being SOOOOOOOO slow uploading them!)

something i adore

2011-03-28T17:23:00.000-06:00

just finished watching the Love Comes Softly series...

LOVED IT...

cried a little, but NOT a lot...

pretty much you should see it

(pretty much just found out there are three more movies i haven't seen!!!!!!!!! wahoo! Aaron's aunt only has up until "Love's Unending Legacy," does anyone have the last three? Kristin??? I HAVE to see it!)

okay, so I'm not really obsessed, I promise...

they are just uplifting, and clean, and feel-good, and...yeah.

New Cousins!

2011-03-22T13:51:00.000-06:00

Guess what?

Michael has two new beautiful cousins - both girls! That means he is STILL the only boy cousin in the family! Lucky guy!

Anyways, Cathy & Devin had a beautiful baby girl on Devin's birthday, February 27th. (I stole both of these images off of fb, hence the bluriness!)

Then, just a little less than two weeks later, Ben & Meridith had an adorable baby girl - their first! She was born on March 8th.

We are so excited to have more cousins! New babies are so precious and small - Michael just turned 17-months-old and he is definitely not a baby anymore! My how time flies!

And the hubby comes home...

2011-02-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

When Aaron left I looked like this:

sorry it's a bit blurry - our camera was being funny (yes, ice castles in Midway on our get away in January!)

He comes home tomorrow.

And I look like this:

colored my hair - first.time.ever. love it!

crazy, I think I look way different from the first picture, but perhaps that's because I'm not smiling all squinty in the second.

Anyways I was going to try and surprise Aaron with the hair
- but I couldn't wait to show him, so he knows about it and LOVES it!
who wouldn't want
to be married to me?
don't answer that.

Anyways, February has flown by and Aaron comes home tomorrow night!

We. Can't. Wait.

Having the time of his life...

2011-02-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from the hubby "giving a speech/presentation" in Russia. Do I need to remind you of the fact that he is amazing, and good-looking?

Didn't think so.

So obvious.

Just hanging out in a totally classy/modern office.

The big presentation - did I mention the hubby has MASTERED presenting? he is really. good.

And he is really humble. But I'm not.

The reception area.

Go KPMG!

I. miss. him.

The end.

My Valentine

2011-02-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I officially have the best husband ever. Sorry ladies. On Friday Aaron sent me a dozen roses and c.h.o.c.o.l.a.t.e - he knows me well. :) Made my day!

Tonight I went on a Valentine's Date with Sara & Alaine. We went to see Tangled and then we went to Red Mango - yum! :) Tangled was super cute, but it just made me miss Aaron! We are living our "happily ever after."

Now I'm Skyping my honey. Love him. Miss him.

Here are his latest pictures:

Victory Park

This was a cool World War II monument that Aaron toured all by himself. It was his first excursion alone, and I would say he did quite well. He stayed away from some scary demonstrations going on, and I'm happy to report he is still alive.

Outside Victory Park Monument - it was cold. (Way colder than UTAH!)

This listed the names of all the battalions and groups of soldiers (hundreds of thousands or more) who fought during WWII.

The Hall of Glory - The names of individuals who received the highest metal of honor for military service.

The ceiling dome in the Hall of Glory.

The center of the metro (the metro is on both sides) - it is super nice, it looks like a musuem!

Yes, just 12 more days to go! Wow? Really! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to Russia!

2011-02-09T16:31:00.001-07:00

Aaron has been in Moscow for 10 days now! It really is going by fast! Skyping twice a day helps, and it makes me feel like Aaron isn't so far away. It hasn't been much colder in Moscow than in Utah, and it hasn't snowed all that much. Aaron is staying busy working on a large computer client by day, and his BYU Independent Study class by night. Oh yeah, and he has spent a fare share of time touring as well! of. course.

He made it to church on Sunday (thanks to a sweet sister in the branch) and really enjoyed the international branch. He is loving Moscow, but missing me (and Michael).

He sent me a bunch of pictures, so I'll take you on a little tour of Moscow!

WELCOME TO RUSSIA!

This is Aaron's bedroom (and the desk where he Skypes from!)

The Kitchen

The Living Room


The view from his apartment window - he works in one of those glass buildings!

Aaron's office is in the first TALL building from the left.

The view from his office

Get this - he went to an opera at the famous Bolshoi Theater! It was like 3 hours long with three 15 min. intermissions!


This picture just isn't quite right, it is definitely missing Aaron's gorgeous wife!

Red Square is considered the central square of Moscow, and all of Russia. Notice how Aaron is standing on a gold circle? Well, that is THE CENTER of Moscow - and all the major streets radiate out (in circles) from there! It's crazy to see a map of Moscow because it is all circles!

Aaron in front of The Historical Museum in Red Square

In Red Square - a view of St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin

If you look at the wall on the right - that is the Kremlin. A kremlin "is simply a fortress or a fortification" (about.com).

The tower with the clock (on the right) is the The Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin. It's gate serves as the Kremlin's "main entrance" from Red Square - this was once used for ceremonial processions.

The Kremlin includes four palaces, four cathedrals, the Kremlin wall, and the Kremlin towers. It is also the official residence of the President of Russia. You have to pay to get in, but there seems to be quite a bit to see. "The Grand Kremlin Palace was once the Moscow palace of the Tsars." Enough said.

This is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (like in D.C.), right outside the Kremlin.

"The Tsar Cannon, built at the end of the 16th century, is really just a fancy piece of decoration that seeks to impress." Naturally, we are ALL about impressions. :)

Aaron outside of Christ the Savior Cathedral. (When you go in, it is just on floor all the way to the domes - cool!)

Now, back outside to Red Square.

This gorgeous building above is St. Basil's Cathedral. I can't remember if Aaron went inside or not, but he got to go inside a lot of gorgeous cathedrals. The lame part? He couldn't take any pictures. P.S. - "This cathedral marks the geometric center of the city in Red Square."

Saint Basil's Cathedral at night - gorgeous!

The coolest looking metro ever.

The State Kremlin Palace (where Aaron saw the ballet)

At the ballet in the Kremlin - what a refined husband I have (ballets, operas, etc!)

The ballet was about Aladdin and the Arabian nights - fun!

So yeah, Aaron is pretty much having the time of his life. MINUS all the loneliness that accompanies leaving the country without your wife! However, Aaron has an amazing and very positive wife who is thrilled that her husband gets this wonderful opportunity to network, learn about international business, make money, and have FUN!

Russia is 5548 miles away!

2011-01-31T23:15:00.000-07:00

Aaron left on Saturday morning.

I cried. Just a little. (honest)

Thank you SKYPE!!!!! (What would I do without you?)

Thankfully Aaron and I are able to Skype twice a day. It's funny because Moscow is 10 hours ahead of Utah, and so I talk with him in the morning (his night) and late at night (his morning). It's great. Michael loves it.

I think Michael thinks Aaron is INSIDE of the computer!

Tonight I wanted to cry again.

Do I miss him?

OF COURSE!

Will I be okay without him for another 26.5 days?

I'll have to be.

5,548 miles really isn't that far away.

In honor of his adventure in Russia, our blog background depicts lovely Matryoshka (or babushka) dolls. (They nest inside each other!)

Yes, Aaron is bringing me home some, wahoo! These are the ones I want:

Go cougs!

Oh, and these:

On another note - this handsome young man (my little brother, Jacob) is going to receive his endowment in the Provo Temple tomorrow night! He leaves on his mission to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, (Spanish speaking) on March 2nd!!! He is going to be one FANTASTIC missionary!

I'm pretty sure Jake wants some of those awesome babushka dolls too!

Our Busy, Beautiful Days

2011-01-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been a busy family, but we're loving every minute of it!

In the beginning of January Aaron started his internship with KPMG in Salt Lake. The second week of January Aaron went to Orlando, Florida, for training.

Aaron in his hotel room.

The inside of the hotel!

Touring

Yes, this was made out of Legos!

That same week, Sister Sara Jacob came home from her mission to Richmond, VA! It is SO wonderful to have her home! She was an amazing missionary and will continue to be so! She won't be going back to Rexburg until the Fall, so I'm going to E.N.J.O.Y. her!

I don't have any other pictures on the laptop, so this is old. Yes, Aaron looks young and a tad-bit skinnier.

We moved to Salt Lake for a few weeks while Aaron works (since he works late and wants to see us for two more hours in the day). We are living in Aaron's aunt and uncle's basement. It is great! While Aaron is in Russia, I'll be back home at Wymount and visiting family in Orem, and then in March we'll move back up here while Aaron finishes his internship.

He is enjoying the work with KPMG and we know this is the right place for us. Right now is busy season so I don't see much of him, but I'm keeping busy and staying happy.

We stay busy doing my new Biggest Loser Workout DVD's (killer), dancing, singing, reading, playing, and going on LONG walks. The firm covers dinner (and Aaron goes out to lunch), so I don't really have to cook much. It's kind of nice, but I DO need to stay in the habit of making dinner, even if it is just for Michael and I. So, tonight I made bean burgers. I know, it sounds gross. But they were good! It was my attempt at eating healthier, since I've been eating too much junk food lately. I was pretty impressed and will definitely make them again. I just made some brown rice, opened a can of beans, and added a few ingredients of my own. Then I baked them instead of frying them in oil, and ate them plain with ketchup. Delicious.

Dressing up at Grandma Jacob's!

Ah, cute.

Of course we had to take a walk up a HUNKIN hill to see the famous "East High" from High School Musical

Isn't this area gorgeous? Yes, I love Salt Lake!

The courtyard of the church.

The pond

This old church is like a house away from ours! We love to go there, and the ponds and stream are beautiful!

Anyways, we've taken a few field trips and we spent a few hours on Temple Square. We went to the top of the Church Office Building and also toured the new Church History Musuem.

At the top of the Church Office Building overlooking Capitol Hill & Ensign Peak

So yes, life is wonderful and we're just getting ready for Aaron's big trip to Moscow! I can't believe he leaves on Saturday! It was a bit nerve-wracking to hear about the suicide bomber at the airport in Moscow yesterday, but Aaron's dad gave him a blessing on Sunday, and I feel pretty good about the trip. I know he'll be watched over, and I'll be praying for his safety everyday!

I watched the State of the Union address tonight and really liked it a lot. I also liked the mingling of the different parties. It was nice. I tried to keep Michael up (it's 9:41pm and Aaron still isn't home, but will be soon), but he's getting tired!!!!!!! When Michael goes down I think I'll go do my nails.

A work that "cannot be lightly passed over..."

2011-01-18T12:33:00.001-07:00

Maybe it's all the indexing posters I've made lately (thank you Hansie for helping me!), or maybe it has been the joy of teaching a Temple Preparation class with Aaron, or maybe it's all the studying and thinking I've been doing lately about family history work and temple work - whatever it is, I feel the significance and importance of family history work and temple work more than ever before. And I know it is important for you to get involved too! We all need to be doing something, no matter how small.

I want to hear your thoughts! What do you know about your ancestors? What kinds of records did they keep? Have you actually READ those records? How have their lives influenced you? What specific things are you doing to be involved in family history work, (especially you busy moms)?

I was SO impressed with a girl in my ward who has two small kids. One day I dropped something off at her home and she was working on her family history while the kids were napping! Of all the things to be doing, that is NOT what I would have been doing. But, maybe I can change that a little. I've always thought family history work was something my mom would take care of, but as I've thought about how I ought to be spending my time, this has come up as a priority.

I've been studying out of the Doctrines of the Gospel manual, and this is the principle that caught my eye, and my heart:

"Latter-day Saints have the authority and the responsibility to perform temple ordinances in behalf of the dead."

As I read all of the scriptures and quotes, I kept seeing that word, "responsibility," and it was often coupled with "individual responsibility." Yikes! Sometimes I don't like responsibility. However, I also saw the word, "privilege," and realized that this is a privilege and opportunity! With all of the technology, and all that is going on in the world, I can't help but think we live in the best time e.v.e.r!

What is happening to me?

Elder Nelson said it best.

"When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us...We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple." (Elder Nelson, here)

What should we be doing?

"All men know that they must die. And it is important that we should understand the reasons and causes of our exposure to the vicissitudes of life and of death, and the designs and purposes of God in our coming into the world, our sufferings here, and our departure hence. What is the object of our coming into existence, then dying and falling away, to be here no more? It is but reasonable to suppose that God would reveal something in reference to the matter, and it is a subject we ought to study more than any other. We ought to study it day and night, for the world is ignorant in reference to their true condition and relation. If we have any claim on our Heavenly Father for anything, it is for knowledge on this important subject." (Joseph Smith)

"Some of us have had occasion to wait for someone or something for a minute, an hour, a day, a week, or even a year. Can you imagine how our progenitors must feel, some of whom have perhaps been waiting for decades and even centuries for the temple work to be done for them? I have tried, in my mind's eye, to envision our progenitors who are anxiously waiting for those of us who are their descendants...on the earth to do our duty toward them. I have also thought what a dreadful feeling it would be for us to see them in the hereafter and have to acknowledge that we had not been as faithful as we should have been here on earth in performing these ordinances in their behalf." (Spencer W. Kimball)

"The responsibility [of doing work for our dead] rests with equal force on all, according to our individual ability and opportunities. It matters not what else we have been called to do, or what position we may occupy, or how faithfully in other ways we have labored in the Church, none is exempt from this great obligation. It is required of the apostle as well as the humblest elder. Place, or distinction, or long service in the Church, in the mission field, the stakes of Zion, or where or how else it may have been, will not entitle one to disregard the salvation of one's dead. 

"Some may feel that if they pay their tithing, attend their regular meetings and other duties, give two, or more years preaching in the world, that they are absolved from further duty. But the greatest and grandest duty of all is to labor for the dead." (Joseph Fielding Smith)

"If you don’t know where to start, start with yourself. If you don’t know what records to get, and how to get them, start with what you have."
(Boyd K. Packer, check out this link)

Yes, I guess you could say my heart is being turned to my fathers.

So, since we're living in Salt Lake, Michael and I are going to tour the new Family History Museum!

Utah Food Bank can win ONE MILLION - IF YOU FOLLOW THIS LINK!!

2010-12-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

LISTEN UP ALL YOU UTAHAN'S (IS THAT A WORD?)

Salt Lake City is #2 in a huge contest to win one million dollars from Walmart for the Utah Food Bank. There is only one day left, and we need your votes to win!

All you need to do:

GO TO THIS LINK: http://fightinghunger.walmart.com/city/Salt-Lake-City-U
"Like" it (through your Facebook account)
Leave a comment
TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT IT TO DO THE SAME!

THANK YOU!

WE CAN DO THIS!

IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WON'T GO HUNGRY BECAUSE YOU TOOK ONE MINUTE TO "LIKE" SOMETHING.

YOU KNOW YOU'LL FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF IF YOU DO IT.

SO - DO IT, NOW!

Merry Christmas from the Jacobs

2010-12-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas!!!!

(at the "Lighting of the Riverwoods")

2010 has been such a wonderful year for our family, and we hope you had a great year as well.

Fun Things Our Family Did

hiked the Y
visited Kennecott Copper Mine
went to St. George
went to Zion's National park
went to Cove Fort
went to Las Vegas
went 4-wheeling up Provo Canyon & at Scofield
played tennis
read together - especially in the car
sang at rest-homes
celebrated 2nd anniversary
rode a tandum bike
found out my sisters, Cathy and Meridith, are both expecting girls in March!
April's little brother, Jacob, got his mission call to Fort Lauderdale, FL, Spanish speaking!
went mini-golfing with Aaron's family
went bowling with April's family
met Bronco Mendenhall
met Mayor John Curtis (well, April did :))
took lots of trips to Salt Lake City - Temple Square, Gateway Children's Musuem, Clarke Planetarium, First Presidency Devotional, and MORE!
went to 5-year high school reunion
spent the summer in San Diego - visited a lot of beaches, Wild Animal Park, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, U.S.S. Midway, seeing Devin and Cathy, baseball game at Petco Park, time with Grandma and Rick, AND MORE!
Aaron went to Disneyland AND Club 33 (lucky)
Aaron went to Hollywood for national leadership program with KPMG
Crowder family reunion - Heber, UT
ran a 5k together
went to the temple often

meeting Bronco Mendenhall - go cougars!

Aaron

my gorgeous husband

was the best dad ever
finished the Jr. Core - wahoo!
did an internship for Moss Adams in San Diego
taught classes at BYU for OIT
got into the MAcc program
went to a TON of recruiting events
got an internship with KPMG and a global internship in Russia with KPMG (seriously, he is amazing)
served well in callings
turned 24!!

April

his gorgeous wife

was the very best mom she could be
graduated from byu!
took a self-defense class
worked a few different jobs from home (i'm amazing, i know, haha)
enjoyed all the traveling we did
went to a lot of recruiting events AND a lot of great restaurants
read a lot of stories to Michael
changed a lot of diapers, did a lot of grocery shopping, gave Michael a lot of baths, made a lot of meals, cleaned the house many times, and cut Aaron's hair every month
tried to keep a good journal and keep up on the blog
sang a lot of songs
taught Michael everything he knows how to do (right.)
served well in callings
got an awesome job making meals for the best senior couple ever
was the TA for early morning exercise classes at BYU
read a lot of books
went to the library many times with Michael
got ears pierced
cut my hair and donated it
turned 23!!!

Graduation 2010

Baby Michael

bathtime!

lunchtime!

learned to scoot, crawl, and WALK!!!
ate "big people" food
went to BYU basketball games
learned to clap his hands
learned to wave bye-bye
learned to hug
learned to stomp his feet ("If you're happy and you know it stomp your feet.")
learned to put his toys away
wears shoes
loves the bath
loves going to the library
learned to identify Jesus in pictures
loves playing with "Auntie Em"
loves attention
loves all music - especially primary songs
loves his "raggie" (blankie)
ate a lot of otter pops and jello
had his first few haircuts
turned 1!!

walking with his "happy dinosaur"

Yes, it's true. The Jacobs know how to have fun. We hope you do too!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Oh, and have you seen this AWESOME Christmas website? :) Enjoy!

Gotta Love What We Spent All Night Doing...

2010-11-24T22:53:00.004-07:00

ELF YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check us out!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Aaron is going to...

2010-11-13T22:23:00.013-07:00

MOSCOW, RUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aaron was born under a lucky star.

Actually, Hannah and I learned the other day that the reason Aaron is so lucky is because he has a four-leaf clover. It's true. He carries it with him in his wallet. That is why he has all the luck. Or, maybe he's just blessed because he's so good. :) You decide.

So, how did he get lucky this time?

HE GOT A GLOBAL INTERNSHIP WITH KPMG IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!

It is really difficult to get the global internship, but he did it!!!!!!!

Isn't that SO exciting?

It will be for 4 weeks, and then he'll finish his internship in the Salt Lake City office.

No, I'm not going with him, but I MAY GO VISIT HIM!!!!!! :) I'll keep you posted.

Just thought you wanted to know how amazing my husband is!

Dear Older American

2010-11-08T20:53:00.019-07:00

Every day I drive lunch and dinner to an elderly couple. I know what you're thinking, "Man, she is amazing!" Don't think too fast - I get paid. And I love it!

On the way I often pass the happy, elderly, crossing guard at the school. He wobbles as he walks across the street. He wears the same jumpsuit every day. He waits patiently in his car when he doesn't need to help people across the street. He always wears a hat. He has glasses. He is always smiling. I don't know his name. And I may never know his name.

As I drove past him the other day, I thought of this letter I recently read in a talk Sister Hinckley gave on mothering. She had taken it from a letter written to Ann Landers.

Here is the letter. It describes perfectly what I feel every day when I pass that man.

"Dear Older American,

"I want you to know how much you have improved the quality of my life. Today I was driving down the street. You were sauntering uptown, your white hair shining in the sun, a smile on your face. You waved when I went by, though you had no idea who I was.

"On my first job as a cashier, I was nervous and scared. The line was long and everyone was impatient. You let the others go first because you didn't mind waiting. When your turn came you said, 'Take your time. My, but you have pretty eyes.' I could have kissed you.

"You say, 'Have a nice day,' in the elevator and talk about the weather. I can tell by your gnarled hands that you've done a lot of hard work and I admire that.

"You have an aura of calmness that so many of my generation will never know in their mad rush for money and status.

"Thanks, Older Americans, for being there."

Happy 24th Birthday Aaron!!

2010-10-28T13:24:00.053-06:00

For those of us (aka, me) who are sentimental and view birthdays as more than just ordinary days...

Aaron turned 24 today! Woot! Woot! Happy Birthday hun!

(p.s. Michael's birthday post is coming soon!)

Wasn't he a cute baby?

(I think this picture shows the most resemblance between Aaron & Michael)

Just in case you don't know, my husband is amazing. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

He is so kind, gentle, respectful, loving, funny, good, righteous, confident, and awesome. He knows how to work hard and he always does his very best. And, that pays off. Believe me. He was born under a lucky star. He is the funniest person I know and he can make me laugh almost instantly. He can do anything and everything amazingly well, and he is super-duper talented. Oh, and he never complains. He is optimistic and sees the good in everyone and everything.

This past year he became a father, and he is the best father - EVER. Everyday when he comes home, he plays with Michael until Michael is laughing so hard that I have to save him. He loves his "little buddy Michael" and they are the best of friends. Aaron is so selfless, and he often gets up with Michael during the night. One of my favorite sights is to come into a room late at night or early in the morning and to see Aaron and Michael cuddling in the recliner together.

Aaron has accomplished so much this past year (go 23!) and here are a few notable things:

1. Became a father

2. Survived and ACED the Jr. Core (killer)

3. Did an internship with Moss Adams in San Diego

4. Recently accepted an offer for an internship with KPMG!

5. And maintained his title as "the most wonderful husband - EVER!!!"

He also...

watched a LOT of college football
developed a love for otter pops
worked at BYU OIT as a student manager
went to student leadership conferences
took me to Las Vegas, in all of its glory
toured Zion's National Park
had a blast in Hollywood
got an elk (yup, you heard right)
watched more football
flew to Chicago for an interview
went to a lot of new restaurants
talked himself out of a ticket (who has that luck?)
still hasn't had a cavity
traveled to Idaho (fun!)
served diligently in all of his church callings
rode a tandem bike
maintained his perfect gpa
went running with me...well, sometimes ;)
watched more football

I LOOK FORWARD TO AN AWESOME YEAR WITH AN OLDER AND WISER HUBBY!

I love you Aaron!

And to celebrate we are going to see Scarlet Pimpernel at the Hale, and have cake and ice cream! WAHOO! I love birthdays. :)

A Night with Greg Wrubell & Bronco Mendenhall

2010-10-20T21:01:00.021-06:00

Tonight. Was. Awesome.

Aaron got the two of us, and Dan & Annie (Aaron's sister), seats to the KSL Broadcast of the Bronco Mendenhall Show - and it was so much fun! Not only were we in the President's Loge (yes, Loge), but we got to meet Bronco afterwards!

PLUS - we were practically on the radio, well, at least our clapping was - especially Aaron's. ;)

Oh, and we got really cool gadgets from KSL, AND we got to ride in an awesome elevator! :)

Isn't this a cool elevator?

Now check out this view!

Yes, behind us, and behind those glass windows, is the beautiful football field - what a great view!

I was thoroughly impressed with Bronco's optimism and vision. He really is a great leader, and he cares just as much about building righteous men as he does about building awesome football players. He knows the real purpose behind BYU football.

Right before the 7pm broadcast began.

Notice Greg Wrubell & Bronco in the background? :)

How did Aaron get those seats, you ask? He wrote a beautiful essay about what BYU football means to him. I would post it here, but I'll spare you. :)

General Conference

2010-10-02T09:50:00.007-06:00

Today is General Conference!

I have been waiting for this weekend and it is FINALLY here! There is NO better way to spend our time this weekend than by listening to our prophet.

I love hearing from our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

We are so blessed to be led and guided by living prophets. I know that they see more than we see, and know more than we know. They are led by Jesus Christ. They teach us the things we need to know and do today, in 2010.

During General Conference answers to our personal questions come and if we have holes in our lives, somehow, they seem to be filled.

You can watch it on Channel 5 (KSL) or listen to it on the radio 102.7FM or 1160AM. It's on Saturday at 10 and 2, and again on Sunday at 10 and 2.

Happy listening!

lds.org
mormon.org

The End of San Diego - finally

2010-09-20T07:56:00.055-06:00

Our last week in San Diego was SO MUCH FUN!!! (of course)

Old Town

We had a blast in Old Town, and even went back to the Mormon Battalion Visitors' Center to see Tawny Christensen. How fun! From touring Old Town I learned that my husband loves two things - 1. leather and 2. "jewels" (aka - minerals). As we walked into the leather store he just sniffed the air and said, "Ah, now this is my kind of store."

Adorable Michael

A cool cathedral.

We found this really creepy store. :)

Point Loma

The day before we left we went to see my Grandpa's grave. He was buried at Rosecran's cemetary - it was gorgeous. It was right by Point Loma, so we stopped to see the lighthouse. What a gorgeous sight.

San Diego Temple

We had a wonderful experience going to the San Diego temple - we even had a miracle take place! Oh, how we love the temple!

Padres Game

Aaron's work gave us tickets to a Padres game at Petco Park - so much fun! We had great seats too!

The Beach (of course)

La Jolla was our favorite beach - so we had to go back one final time!

(pardon the blurry pic, but aren't my boys so cute?)

Torrey Pines was the last beach we went to a few nights before leaving for Provo. It was really cold, but we were just glad to be at the beach.

Leaving Grandma's House

Here is my wonderful Grandma with Michael.

This is the park that I took Michael to all the time - uphill both ways (seriously)!

Here is my uncle Rick and his cool car.

And my Grandma's house.

We miss San Diego, but we're happy to be back in Provo!

Guess Who's Expecting???

2010-09-07T08:02:00.009-06:00

My lovely sisters are both expecting babies in March and we are so thrilled for them!

Devin & Cathy are expecting their 2nd child on March 5th.

And Ben & Meridith are expecting their first child on March 17th!!!

Michael will gladly welcome some more cousins! :)

Congrats you guys!! :) We love you!

MormonArtist - Issue 11

2010-08-23T16:57:00.003-06:00

My brother, Ben, has an awesome magazine called MormonArtist. Issue 11 was released today - check it out! He is amazing!

MormonArtist

Featuring:
Interviews with Mark Bennion, Lance Larsen, Whitney Johnson, Corey Strange, April Meservy, and Amy Jensen. Also featuring an article on Mountain Blue and an article on Mormon poetry.

Early Morning Thoughts

2010-08-10T07:16:00.003-06:00

While Aaron was sharing things he had learned in the scriptures last night, my mind caught hold of this verse,

"Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer." (D&C 42:42)

Michael woke me up at 4:45am this morning. Something I read in the scriptures really resonated with me, especially because of last night's verse.

"...Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known." (D&C 60:13)

Sometimes I think God wakes Michael up so that He can talk to me in the quiet of the morning.

It's so easy to idle away our time, especially online. I'm going to really cut back and just spend under five minutes every day checking e-mail, Facebook, blogs and such, and use my day for more productive and important things. :)

It's always fun when the Jacobs come!

2010-08-09T10:41:00.045-06:00

The BIG Race! (5k is big, right? :))

After we got back from Las Vegas (in fact we flew in from Vegas around 10pm on Friday night, and got up early Saturday morning) Aaron and I ran the Stake-sponsored 5k. Our friend, Sara, was so kind to watch Michael, and it was a fun run except for the fact that Aaron beat me by thirty seconds!! I couldn't believe he didn't even wait for me to cross the finish line with him. I guess it's that competitive blood in him! Gotta love it!

Before the Race (Michael looking tired.)

After the Race (Michael still looking tired.)

The Jacobs Come to Town!

The next week Aaron's family came to visit! Wahoo! We had so much fun! Michael loved having Grandma and Grandpa Jacob and two of his beautiful aunts around!

We went to the zoo.

Aunt Emma & Aunt Hannah

Michael & I on the SkyTram

Grandpa & Grandma Jacob

The girls having fun!

This is how Michael responded when he saw the Lion! :)

We went to the beach. (The weather wasn't too grand, was it?)

We also went to Sea World. And I LOVE SEA WORLD!

Atlantis - This ride was SO much fun! And yes, we wore ponchos.

Yes, flamingos just walking down the street.

And of course we went to the Mormon Battalion (which is my favorite historic site thus far - it's incredibly creative and fun!).

Three Generations

MORE BEACH!!!

And then we went to the beach - two more times! (This time - great weather, gorgeous nights!)

Hannah & I trying to make seal sounds (notice the seals on the right)!

Aaron & I

We fed this squirrel. Then we saw a sign that said: Please Don't Feed the Squirrels!

Michael has just about figured out crawling. He scoots and climbs. And he is a good climber. Oh, and he can say, "Duck, duck, goose!" I'm serious. I know, we're good parents (teaching him the most important things). :)

Pretty much we think we have the cutest kid - ever.

Disclaimer

2010-08-05T12:46:00.004-06:00

For those of you who may think my posts are long and full of pictures, it is simply because our blog is a scrapbook of our lives. My friend, Sara, gave me the great idea of creating a Blurb book at the end of every year from our blog. I fully plan on doing it. Thus, long and picture-full posts. :) It will be a great book!

Crowder Family Reunion & Las Vegas

2010-08-05T11:40:00.067-06:00

We have been having such a fun summer, and doing so much, that I can't even keep up with it!

My uncle took us to a cool para-glider port on the cliff over Torrey Pines Beach - so fun! :)

Cathy & Devin came to see us for a few days! We stayed up late EVERY night talking with them and we only wish they all lived closer (Devin is going to Duke Medical School in North Carolina). Michael loved having Kylie there too, except when she wanted to hold him. Anyways, we had a TON of fun taking them all over San Diego.

Kylie loved to hold "Mile" and she always said, "Be happy Mile." CUTE!

Sisters, sisters...

When Aaron went to Hollywood I went to Utah to see my little brother, Dan, who just got home from Hong Kong, where he was serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We also were having our very first "Crowder Family Reunion," with just my immediate family. My parents rented a nice vacation home in Heber, Utah, and we all spent a few days relaxing together. It was so much fun, especially when Aaron got there on Friday night. We played a lot of games, went hot-tubbing, played basketball, ate a lot, and enjoyed spending time together. We also had family pictures taken. :) It was so much fun! Thanks Mom & Dad!

My little brothers, minus Aaron (10 yrs old)

Pictures of the home...it was a lot of fun!

Aaron & Michael

All the men

Daniel spoke in Church that Sunday and gave a wonderful talk on the happiness that living the gospel of Jesus Christ brings into our lives.

Daniel & our cousins, Grace & Alicia

After that Aaron and I were able to drive up to Salt Lake to visit Kristy and the Allens. Aaron baptized Kristy while he was a missionary in Australia, and she just happened to be in the states visiting! It was great to see her. She is an amazing girl and example to our family!

Aaron, me, Kristy, Sister Allen

Then Aaron and I were off to Vegas!!

Aaron had an audit, and Michael and I were lucky enough to come along! We had a wonderful time, and Devin & Cathy were in Vegas visiting Devin's family, so we got to spend time with them too!

The view from our hotel room at Planet Hollywood in the day time.

We prefer the temple... :)

No gambling for the Jacobs!

The Bellagio Fountains

And Bellagio gelato! Yum! Michael loved it!

Aaron worked all day, and I either spent time in our large hotel room with Michael, at the mall, or with Devin & Cathy. At night we had a good time at the Bellagio fountains, having foosball tournaments and shakes with Devin & Cathy, or window shopping.

Unfortunately, the purses ranged from $900 to $22,000 - so I didn't buy one.

Aaron's favorite part of the hotel was the sports room - he was in heaven.

The M&M World Store

Swimming at Devin's Grandma's

Nice hat on Michael, I know. :)

Aaron and Michael scheming at dinner one night...

We come home to Utah in 11 days! We have loved, loved, loved San Diego, but we're excited to be back in our own bed, and in our own apartment.

Michael Having a Good Time!

2010-07-27T18:23:00.001-06:00

The day before our trip, Michael had a laughing fit. Enjoy!

Aaron Goes to Hollywood

2010-07-27T14:10:00.027-06:00

Aaron spent a few days in Hollywood at KMPG's National Leadership Conference.

My handsome husband on the red carpet!

HE HAD A BLAST!

Well, as much of a blast as you can have without your darling wife. :)

(Jonathan just isn't as cute as me, I know.)

There were 110 students there from 60 different schools (3 from BYU). These were all top-notch students and they had a good time networking and conferencing. :)

Aside from all of their conferencing, they were able to have a lot of fun walking around Hollywood, and enjoying their lovely hotel.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame

Aaron got this one for me - since I adored MK&A when I was young. :)

Frank Sinatra

They even toured the Kodak Theatre, which was connected to the hotel they stayed at. Cool. (He couldn't take pictures inside.)

AND Aaron was SO close to winning this KMPG hat signed by Phil Mickelson!

To say I missed him is an UNDERSTATEMENT - however, I'm super proud of him for being invited to the conference and for being such a great leader! :)

the right flight

2010-07-26T10:02:00.009-06:00

Aaron bought my ticket from Las Vegas to Phoenix, and then to San Diego...

He picked the right flight...just the wrong seat.

BECAUSE

THIS

GUY

WAS ON IT!

Amar'e Stoudemire - He played his first eight years for the Phoenix Suns, and just signed with the New York Knicks to a contract estimated to be worth around $99.7 million over five years.

thrilling...i know

Of course Stoudemire was in first class, and I was in coach, but...still!

Aaron only wishes he was with me. The joys of having a non-direct flight. :)