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!!