BECOME.

I have a very strong belief that we each are responsible for becoming who we want to become and not blaming lives circumstances or problems on others. There is greatness in each of us, there is strength in each of us, we are responsible to take action in our lives, we are to become great individuals! I loved this talk by D. Todd Christofferson and the straightforward way he teaches the importance of God's ways. There is great meaning to this life. It is not to work, earn money, make it through each day, search for temporal wealth and happiness, or become selfish. The great meaning in this life is to BECOME. We are meant to become something greater, to live for something greater and to want something greater. In life we have activities and duties that help us learn, teach us great lessons, and provide for lifes needs, but if the "becoming" is missing from these great parts of life then they are not fulfilling their full purpose. We need to take action that every part of our lives are helping and assisting us to become. Develop the attributes, talents and skills that will help you truly become your best self. Take responsibility to make sure that happens, cause no one else will. You are the master at the helm of your ship, take it where you want! And yes the journey is tough and their are waves and storms you didn't plan on, but you are the captain. You can't blame anyone else if you give up. But God does not leave you helpless, He blesses us with compasses, maps, examples to follow as we journey to becoming!

We have the tools and we have the perfect example to follow. When one KNOWS the purpose of this life it GIVES purpose to their life! You have the power to choose, to make decisions and to make life happen. Just like Pinnochio when he becomes a real boy, we are NOT puppets. God allows us to make daily life decisions and asks us to exert ourselves and take action. He has blessed us with commandments, a living prophet, scriptures, prayer, and so many other tools and blessings to help us in this great life journey, but in the end it is up to YOU. You have the power to become something greater, something out of this world :). "Take responsibility and go to work, so there is something for God to help us with."

I have much to become. And so do you!

GO READ AND WATCH THESE LINKS!!!!!!

Talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/free-forever-to-act-for-themselves?lang=eng

Highlight video from his talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgbOwvIeOGM&index=6&list=PLClOO0BdaFaNmUqc3ItZJgiuQC9AuoGVo

Visual video (i LOVE this!): https://www.facebook.com/lds.d.todd.christofferson

Second Birthdays

We had a second birthday party for miss Jane while the family traveled here for Paige's baby shower. It was fun to have them here to celebrate her life and the the little lady she's becoming. I had made an invite with her birthdate in it...but we just parties for an extra 2 weeks :).

I made little clay wish bones for each person at the party for their place setting. It was so fun having so much family here to enjoy celebrating and being together. We had a delicious brunch and yummy food all day. We also finally did our "branch" tradition with or Christmas Tree boughs. We threw them into our fire pit while saying a sweet memory of Jane from her first year of life. It was really special and fun reminiscing her first year of life!

The birthday girl sure felt special. She got some special gifts from family: James made her a birthday video from birth till now, I made her a tie blanket, Uncle Spencer and Aunt MK gave her a special glass box, and the family from home gave her a sweet puzzle (she LOVES it) a noise machine, a fun turtle and lots of love. She has been showered and surrounded by love from day one, and I think it's rubbed off cause she is one loving young lady.

She gave lots of hugs to Grammy and Andrea during their visit. It was so sweet to see her cuddle up with them! She is a beautiful and wonderful little girl and is going to be a great big Sissie! Thanks to all of my family for making time and effort to make special memories that will last forever!!!!!!!!!!!! Being together is so important to me and having one on one moments. <3

Meet the Mormons

We were finally able to go and see this great film. There are so many good and wonderful people all over the world! Each one of the stories in this film testified to me of the goodness in people. Happiness is found in service, in love, in family, in Christ, in knowing your purpose, in being a faithful person, in strivng to live better lives. There is courage and strength in humanity. I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for the purpose, principles and power it brings into my life, my home, my marriage and my family.

When you wonder why some people are so happy look into their life. What do they focus on? What do they spend time on? What do they talk about? Life is meant to be happy and I truly feel that when you know why you are here and capture the love of serving others you find a deep lifting happiness. Life presents challenges and struggles, some that seem unbearable, but there is someone who can lift them, someone who can love you through them and guide you to a happy path. Jesus Christ IS the Savior of the world. He yearns to lift and bless us in our lives. I know that He lives, I know that He cares and I know that He is the example of a happy, rich and purposeful life. I choose to follow Christ, through thick and thin, through joys and sorrows, through the rough and tough. How grateful I am for others who share their stories and faith in Him!

Baby baby!!!!

Tonight we celebrated a wonderful mother to be!!! My dear sister in law, Paige, is pregnant with her first and we are all in a tissy of excitement! My sweet mom and I threw a Wonderland Tea Party in her honor!

My mom could honestly start her own culinary catering shop, ALL the food was delightful and incredibly tasty!! Driving all the way from Seattle she still managed to bring her China and all the gear to make the dishes of the evening. Yep, she's Wonder Woman! It was so special to have her and my little sister down for the shower! Having a first baby is a big deal!!! And having support and love is so important and special. I sure love and appreciate the willingness and eagerness my mother has to make it to family events and to make a party special. And let's face it "NO one can cook as good as mama!"

We had so much fun playing games; writing funny phrases on diapers and trying some awesome baby foods! It was great to see everyone faces as they tried the mushy foods of the baby world. Yuck yuck!

What a fun time we had enjoying tasty food, laughter, good company, fun games, sharing gifts, being with family and celebrating life. I love new babies and the hope and joy they bring into the world!

The little take homes for all the guests were some Queen of Heart Tarts :). It was a special evening for a special lady and baby gal on the way!

Sweet Dreams

Flying baby! I love bedtime. Not because it's "finally time to put kids to bed" but because of the fun routine and special moments it entails. I love getting Jane into her Jammie's. I love helping her brush her little teeth. I love when she gets into her little sleeping sack. I love reading one last book. I love having her head lay on my shoulder while her sweet hand rubs my back. I love rocking her while singing some dear children's hymns to her. I love feeling her body get heavy with sleep. I love being close to this little lady of mine and feeling the bond between mother and child. She is so dear and precious to me!

Bedtime is so special. It is a loving moment of the day that I treasure. When I leave someone else to help her with her bedtime process I miss it. And yes there are the nights when it is a big "wahooooo I got her to sleep" after some good crying and screaming from teething or who knows what..but that almost makes it even more special and awesome!! Knowing that this little bundle of love takes comfort in the arms of her mama. I hope she can always feel comforted and loved and safe with me. There is so much tenderness in a sleeping babe and I love this little Jane bug and her sweet sleeping ritual.

I love my little flying baby and the dreams that she fulfills! Always live your dreams little Jane cause that's what life's made of; sweet dreams!

A Lovely Family

I love this little family!!! I was lucky enough to get to photograph this darling family of three in downtown Idaho Falls. It was chilly and wintry and so much fun!

They are so classy and adorable! My dear friend, Sarah, had these two little muffins super duper close and is an amazing mother. 

She is a woman of talent, kindness, humor, love, sense of adventure, musical abilities and loyal. Her husband started his own company and always has a project he's working on and she supports him through each venture. She cares a great deal about tradition and family. And holds strong to her faith. Sarah is a true red head; full of spunk, class, energy and great abilities (my dream hair!).

It was such an honor and so fun to get to take some family shots for them. I also got to do some single shots of her kiddos that were a blast to do. Families are lovely. Families are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Oven Baking

We are baking a sweet little bun! Little Muffin #2 is on the way and will be ready in July. We are so thrilled and excited for another little adorable to come into our family and join the rank of cousins :)!

For Janes birthday I painted and made her a little oven. She's enjoyed poking it and playing with it...not so much being inside of it ;). But she'll do anything for bread. That's my girl!

When we heard little ones first heart beat it was really special! Jane did a little dance to the noise on the machine, adorable! She's going to be a great sister! Baby is healthy and a wiggler and crosses those tiny legs just like Jane. We sure are looking forward to meeting him/her!!!!!

Light

"Keep reaching for the light. And be the best you can be."

- Maynard Sorensen

Each year at Thanksgiving my grandpa (mothers father) shares his testimony and thoughts. Two years ago he kept repeating this phrase in his comments and it stuck with me. I have always been a seaker of light! I love finding it in the scriptures, seeing it burst through clouds in bright rays, watching it rise over a dew filled valley, feeling it warm my skin on a winter day, having it switch on like a lightbulb in my mind. Light is so important and we all should be reaching for it daily. 

Sometimes darkness can seem to be overtaking the light...but it never can. We feel alone, jealous, depressed, angry, unsuccessful, not good enough...the list is endless to the dark feelings this world can put into us. But ultimately we are all filled with light. In my faith we believe that all men are born with the light of Christ in them. This is what innately helps us be and desire good. Looking into the innocent, fresh and bright eyes of a new born is a witnessing moment of that light. Sady as we grow we are spotted with the world and darken a bit and can feel like we're lost. But we are only asked to be the best we can be (and in my opinion that means we're all pretty great). There really is greatness and glory in each of us. Finding the courage, the desire, the will and the drive to let it out is up to us. So let your light shine! Fill every dark crevice of your soul with it. And then the world will be blessed by that beautiful light you share!

Some great Light Scriptures:

New Testament;

Matthew 5: 14-15

John 8: 12-13

Romans 13:12

2 Corinthians 4:6

Ephesians 5:8

1 Thessalonians 5: 4-5

Psalms 119:105

Book of Mormon;

Mosiah 16:9

Alma 32:35

Helaman 13:29

3 Nephi 13:22

3 Nephi 18:24

Doctrine & Covenants;

59:24

88: 6-7

115:5

Some Light Hymns;

Lead, Kindly Light

The Lord is my Light

Abide with me Tis eventide

There is Sunshine in my Soul Today

Teach me to walk in the Light

1st Date of the Year

For Christmas Mister James gift to me was a date a month this year. So he hand wrote 12 envelopes dated for each month with s date inside to be enjoyed. Pretty fun! And dating should never end!!!! Even when you're married, with kids, working and in school and busy as can be...it's so important! Our fortunes were perfect! Mine is the top, Misters is below.

We went out to Happy Chinese, a favorite spot. It's an old building in old downtown Idaho Falls and the room has high ceilings with chandeliers hanging down. It always makes me feel like we're supposed to be in an old movie :).

My favorite dish is always the sweet & sour chicken with fried rice. We got the "Happy Platter" as well which has the most amazing fried shrimps ever! Afterwards we went to the temple together. I didn't get a photo cause we ran to the car...it was FREEZING!!! What a wonderful night with my mister (be though we both missed our little lady).

Janes First Year

What a child learns in their first year of life amazes me. Not only the whole breathing, seeing, hearing, eating stuff, but all the many things they learn. They have such curiosity and desire to learn and understand the world around them. How blessed we have been this past year to watch Jane and help her along the way in this journey of life. She is a dear and sweet girl and we are so grateful she's in our family. I want to remember the things she's accomplished and the things she loves at this point in life and so I have composed a list. There is so much more than this list that makes up this last wonderful year, but it's a good list to keep memories alive.

Janes 1st year:

~ 17 lbs

~ 3 full teeth (bottom), 3 top ones coming soon!

~ 26 1/2  inches

~ Loves to eat! Fruit, bread, cheese and Cheerios are among the favorites! But she'll eat just about everything!

~ Books are a hit! She can empty a shelf right quickly! And she's a pro page turner. Peek-a-boo baby books are her favorite.

~ Enjoys crossing her feet.

~ Knows fishy noise, cow and monkey

~ Knows her head, ears, almost nose, clap for happy, waves hello and bye, shakes head and loves the "more" sign.

~ Loves to point, especially to the temple and her baby picture.

~ Loves ripping paper, and "typing" on the computer.

~ She'll give a big grin and giggle when she toots.

~ Her first instrument is the Kazoo and she also enjoys tickling the ivory.

~ A mover and a shaker, LOVES dancing to music!

~ Loves animals, especially Chevy!

~ Has flown once

~ Loves to laugh! Especially when daddy is changing a dirty diaper and when mommy surprises her.

~ Is a great traveler: Seattle flight and then drive to Utah (long car ride), Utah 4 times, Jackson Hole twice, Ashton, Craters of the Moon, The Dunes, Bear Lake

~ Loves to "feed" mom and dad.

~ Already shares!

~ Refuses to crawl, except in army style.

~ LOVES to walk around, holding on to something almost always, but has taken 6-10 steps on her own.

~ Drinks from her own sippy cup.

~ She's a social bug and enjoys meeting new people.

~ Her sock monkey is her favorite stuffed animal.

~ Will fold in half when really tired and frustrated.

~ She is curious and likes to see how things work.

~ Enjoys "singing" at church and turning the pages of the Hymn book.

~ Nicknames (thus far): Jane-dear-reindeer, little muffin, toot sweet.

~ We love you to pieces Jane Elizabeth Spencer!!

Love,

Mama & Dada

Birthday Girl!

Little Lady Jane Elizabeth Spencer had her first birthday today and it was so special! We just spent the whole day together as a family. Eating yummy food, taking lots of pictures, trying cake/sweets for the first time, being the napping house, playing, reading books, opening gifts...it's been so fun!

Her cake was amazing. A dear friend, Debbie Burton, made it with me and it was so fun! 

(Totally forgot to measure jane...but she sure has grown! I'll have to add that in)

We themed the day after "Baby it's Cold Outside!" So I made snowflakes and decorated in that theme.

She was such a lady eating her cake..she was just poking it with a curious little face. James had to rip into the cake to tell her she could make a mess. It was adorable!

Birthday dinner was meatballs and it was a hit!!!! Jane was such a sweet and fun girl all day. She is a true JOY and treasure and fills our lives with such happiness! It's amazing what s little lady can learn in just a year!

"Serious Parenting"

Having Children Enriches Your Life

I have been pondering and thinking over a statement that was made by an old friend. She is in her early 30's and lives a classical world lifestyle of a working woman, married to a working husband, apartment they remodel and decorate, wine and fine food, eating out, parties, living on their own time...you get the picture. This is pretty typical not strange living for millions of people. It's not abnormal to live in this style. So, the statement expressed was, "We take parenting seriously, that's why we don't have kids." 

There was something about this simple quick comment that hooked me and has not let me stop thinking about it. "Seriously." So, what does that exactly mean? Those of us who aren't masters of our careers and living in lavish lifestyles are not serious or responsible when we have children? That those who live their lives freely and pretty much do what they want, when they want and how they want are somehow more "serious" about parenting than a parent? If the so called "serious" individual was really serious about parenting, every penny earned would be being saved to pay for the birth of a child, the child's early years of expense and their growing up, rather than wine, new shoes and whatever other "serious" things that are bought. Every waking hour not at work or doing necessities would be spent reading up on parenting books, volunteering at a day care and forcing yourself to not sleep anymore, rather than partying, and doing what you want. 

But the reality of this statement is that it doesn't work. You can't truly take parenting seriously until becoming a responsible parent. There is no book or class or study, to my knowledge, that teaches you to be a serious parent. There isn't anything you can do to really be a serious individual on parenting until you become one. I am not condoning lifestyles that aren't parenting, and there are some who for unknown reasons have to wait to have children, all of us in this life's journey are on our own paths. However, for one to state they are serious about an occupation they don't care to begin or put the time into is a false understanding of what life is. You have to put time and effort and great thought into what you are serious about. Yes, you shouldn't just have kids and not be prepared for the incredible commitment you just made, but not having them I would not say is responsible, or serious. Putting off children and living a lavish free lifestyle of your own is not serious, bottom line.

I am an individual who had looked forward to becoming a mother my whole life. There are some who this is not a big goal or focus and that is totally fine. But for me, a girl who has dreamt and prepared herself to be a mother was completely floored by what becoming a mother really took. You're life literally changes and your whole being is dedicated to this little person. Being a serous parent requires you to "give up your life." The free time you once spent is now feeding a baby, cleaning up after a baby, reading books to a baby, laughing and teaching a baby, loving a baby and enriching their life. Other parents I'm sure will agree that it is the hardest and most rewarding occupation one can begin. You learn about a state of being tired you never thought existed. You learn how to give up things of less importance for things of greater worth (which most of the time aren't tangible). You learn to keep a budget. You learn how to truly love and give of yourself. You learn life's most important lessons by being in a family and even more so by becoming a parent. It is a serious business and it is not for the faint at heart. It is the greatest life choice you can make. There are times when I look back on being pregnant, quitting my full time Graphic Design job, bringing Jane into the world, the endless sleepless days and nights of her first few months of life, the discussions of a tight budget with my mister James, the time spent on feeding and teaching this little lady, the moments of "can I really do this", and the laughter and joy she brings into our lives...and I think, "I'm sure glad we chose to become parents!" There is no more serious decision in life than to raise a child with your spouse. A husband and wife becoming parents is the most serious step that they can make.

There are moments when I think about the glamour and fun time it would be to have all my time back and to be a top in my field. I'm sure there are many a mother who have thoughts of what they "gave up" to become a mother. And many who think they are not making much of a difference and that their lives are not worth much cause they are "just a mom"...but you're changing the world. You're learning the beauty of this life. You are amazing!! You are serious about the little people you are raising and you are awesome! And you dads, wow! You give up tons of your hard earned pay check to raising and caring for a family! Instead of getting a new toy or better toys you buy diapers and food for the table. Yep, dads rock! Becoming a mother and father is a serious step and a wonderful stage!

There is a beautiful message given by parents who put their life on "hold" to begin a family. But in reality it's the beginning of life, because children really and truly do "enrich life." They bring more purpose into your work, they bring more love into your life, they strengthen marriages, make communities grow and have hope, they are he greatest investment and joy you can ask for. So take parenting seriously and become one!

Watch the message here:

http://www.lds.org/video/mormon-messages/having-children-enriches-your-life

New Beginnings

Our first day of 2015 was delicious. Paige made crepes in the morning, and there was every delectable topping you could think of. There's something about a good crepe that just makes one happy!

Janes new fun thing is blowing into her Kazoo and so she enjoyed kazooing all night and morning. It's adorable hearing the little toot she can get out of it. Her Bop (Grandpa Cahoon) would be so proud, cause he's a long time kazooer!

All morning Mister James wrestled with Chevy boy and this photo captures my favorite moment of that fun play. Jane was just sitting in her Uncle Matts lap smiling away. She loves Chevy and has no fear that he's like quadruple the size of her.

New Years bring new beginnings and I am excited for what 2015 holds in store. I hope to reach many important goals and become a better stronger person this year! One big goal and opportunity I'm starting is being a food writer for a company called Cook'n. Each month I'll write four articles about food, the kitchen, tips, etc. It's going to be a fun learning experience and hopefully make me cook better meals :). Stay tuned for the details on how to read my articles, I'd love to hear your thoughts on them. Happy new beginnings to you!!

Ring in the New Years!

2014 has been a wonderful year for our family!!!! Jane came into our home, James got a great new job and we have been so happy!

Tonight, Matt, Paige and Chevy came to join in the celebrations!!! We had Paninis for dinner with lemon rimmed sparkling cider. And a chocolate and wishing candle to get excited for 2015! 

I love having family close by to celebrate with. Matt and Paige are so fun and Chevy is just a giddy happy ball of fun!

Stayed up till the bitter late hours of the night! And enjoyed every minute of it!!!!

Check out those party faces and Matt's gun spark! Hurray for a New Year!!