Da Da DADA!!

This past month has been a fun and interesting one with Carter. He got his first tooth (followed by the second a day later), it was he first time being sick, and he said his first word! Yep you probably guessed it from the Title, it was Dada!

David loved that his first word was Dada, and being the turkey he is he decided to ask Carter who his favorite is. Without hesitation Carter replied, "Da Da Da DADA!" (At the top of his lungs)  Both of us just started laughing.

David thought he was soo cleaver, but I have a trick or two up my sleeves as well. A couple of days later I asked Carter who he'd like to have change his poopy diapers, give him a bath, and feed him before bed.  His response, "Da Da Da DADA !!"  Just what I was counting on. :)

David and Carter are two pea's in a pod.  No wonder why he learned his name first. Here's a glimpse of all the fun things they do together.

He takes me to play Frisbee golf.

 He lets me roll/dive off the couch

 He Lets me drive the tractor.

 We swing on the tire swing together.

 He lets me help make his lunch.

 We make funny faces.

 He gives me cookies.

 Lets me ride on his shoulders.

 He gives me horsey rides.

 Hangs me upside down.

And lets me wear his hat ! :)

Righteous Wives & Mothers

Two weeks ago in Young Women's our lesson was on preparing ourselves to become Righteous Wives and Mothers. We talked about different Characteristics Righteous Wives and Mothers have.
One of the women from the scriptures that we talked about was Rebekah. Rebekah was a VERY righteous women who showed great Faith, Charity, Hospitality, Kindness, and Service. No wonder she was sought out hundreds of miles to become Isaac's wife. She was ready and willing to be called upon as a servant of the lord to fulfill her roll as wife and mother.

Another one of my favorites is Emma Smith. There is so much you can say about Emma. To me she is the perfect example of a Righteous, Faithful, Latter-Day-Saint.  She was prepared to accept her role no matter what trial was placed before her.

One of my favorite talks we read was by Julie B. Beck, "Mothers who Know".  If you have not read this talk I would strongly suggest reading it. :) (I've linked the title)

This past week while I've continued to reflect on characteristics of righteous women that I need to develop, I couldn't help but think of some AMAZING women and mothers that I know.

Allison
Allison DenBoer is my cousins wife.  I am so blessed to be able to call her family. She is a remarkable wife and mother.  She has been diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome.  For those who don't know Marfan Syndrome it is a connective tissue disorder that affects many of the body's functions. It is a mutation of a gene that is basically the "glue" that holds things together. Because of this, Allison has been through many challenging trials, some of which include 2 heart surgeries. Throughout this whole process she stayed extremely faithful, hopeful and positive.  She's a women who knows why she's here and where she's going. She knows it, lives it and loves it! Once again I'm so blessed to be able to call her family. If you'd like to read more about her story click on Marfan Syndrome and it will link you to her blog. :)

Megan
Megan is the wife of the late Joshua Lloyd, a dear friend from high school. I've only met Megan on two occasions, sadly one of them was at the funeral of her husband. In Sept. of 2011 Josh was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer. After many treatments, including Kemo, Josh's health went up and down but was looking a little better. During this trial in their lives Megan started a blog. Through out the whole process Megan stayed extremely positive. She reached out to others in need, but was always there for her husband.  She understood the importance of Eternal Marriage and Eternal Families. Sadly Josh took a turn for the worst and passed away Feb. 27th, 2012. Megan is an amazing example of Faith, Hope and Charity. http://lloydfamilylove.blogspot.com/

Cindy
Cindy Walker is a childhood friend from when our family would go back and forth to Boise.  Cindy and I were able to reconnect at Girls State our Jr. year in High School. Since then I have been following her blog. She truly is a mother who knows the importance of bearing children. Her and her husband have been struggling to have kids. After long drawn out adoption process they've finally been able to adopt a little girl.  Through this process they continued with fertility treatments just incase the adoption fell through. Recently they announced that they are pregnant and are having twins.  Their little family of two, quickly turned into three with an adoption and will now be turning into five very shortly. She's an amazing person who recognizes the importance of bring children into her home. Heavenly Father has truly blessed them. Click on here on Cindy if you'd like to know more about her story.

And lastly,
Carissa
Carissa is my wonderful sister. I thought about my sister because throughout my life she has always been an example of a righteous women. She's always been a perfect example of one who knows it, lives it and loves it. She understands the importance of the family, and our purpose here on earth. Even today she continues to teach by example and is always willing to help. I am so grateful for a wonderful sister and example. :)

After a year of not blogging I've decided to start up again. So many things have happened to our family over the past year.  I've been trying to write everything down in my journal but sadly have not succeeded. I often forget to write or I start and get interrupted and don't have the time to finish and quickly forget. Plus I'm such a slow writer.  Hopefully between blogging and still trying attempt to write in my journal I will be able to keep a record of our crazy lives. So here a quick recap of the highlights for the past year. :)

David:
This year David added a new crop, Beans (for seed)! So we grew Beans, Wheat, Corn, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, and Pumpkins. Right now he has been Busy Busy Busy with Harvest. Melons are starting to slow down but Pumpkins and Beans still need harvested. He is constantly looking to expand and grow his business. A few weeks ago he went down to Utah to meet with produce companies and to do some research. From that visit we have some promising contracts for next year. :)  David is always planning ahead.

Laci:
I've been really enjoying being a stay at home mom. This summer s able to go to Boise a lot with my mom and visit my sister. Its been nice to have such a flexible schedule. Also I'm currently trying to get my house organized to perfection :). Its been a lot harder than I thought. One step at a time right :). I've also been able to get lots of scrapbooking done. Lots still to be done.  Another big change is that I've been called to the Young Women's as the Mia Maid advisor. Its been great.  I get to teach the lesson every week, which is okay.  But I've learned a lot.

Carter:
Currently at 7 1/2 months, Carter never stops growing.  He's been eating baby food and love everything we put in his mouth.  And I really mean EVERYTHING from toys, paper,, pens, and anything you can think of. :).  Last Sunday he took a bite out of the program. He is as big as his two other cousins, Katie who's 1 and Kenzie who's 1 1/2.  He is such a curious little boy. He loves outside and can never get enough of it. This past week has been a little challenging but rewarding.  Carter got his First tooth, followed by his Second a day or two later :).  Then he said he first word.  Dadda of course!  David likes to ask him who his favorite is. Knowing the response will be Dadda because its the only thing he can say. And then sadly on top of the misery of teething he got sick. Then we all got sick, so we've pretty much had a pj week :).