Tender Mercies... and some random pictures

I know, I know, it's been a while... these past few weeks have definitely been busy, but also really good. I feel like we're finally starting to settle down with life a little, and boy has it felt good. We were lucky enough to have John home all last weekend and finally got to get things a little more organized with our new place as well as spend some quality family time together. Can I just say how much the boys love having their Dad around?? They think he is the coolest person ever... I am not kidding. When he's home, they just want to spend every second playing with him or copying/participating in everything he does. I love it. We took them swimming Saturday at an indoor swimming pool that has in Jackson's words, "a twisty slide" and they had SO much fun! Jackson was big enough to go down the slide all by himself and have one of us wait for him to emerge out of the water at the bottom. He was so proud and always came up with a huge smile saying, "I wanna go again!" Swim lessons have really gotten him comfortable and in love with the water. It has been a lot of fun, and he is getting to be a pretty good little swimmer! He has just the right body too for a swimmer.... long and lean with super long, narrow feet :).

Did everyone else just absolutely LOVE all the general conference talks?? They couldn't have come at a better time... it was just what I needed! I think the two themes I got from all of it were the importance of motherhood and having the right attitude in tough times. These past almost 2 years since we've moved up to Portland have been the hardest most trying times for us, and I know that I have really needed an attitude make-over lately from it all. I find myself often being too negative and discouraged with everything thats been going on when really, that is just what makes it worse. I loved all the talks about finding hope and strength in tough times and the attitude to keep moving forward, stop being selfish and get lost in service to others. The more I've tried to apply that attitude and the act of serving in the past few weeks to my own life, the more hopeful and happier I've felt. It really makes a big difference.

Another thing I have been thinking about this week is the "tender mercies," as Elder Bednar phrased them a few years ago, in my life. This past Sunday we got a new Relief Society and Primary Presidency. The released Relief Society president spoke in sacrament meeting and she talked about how she was able to carry out her calling thanks to all the little tender mercies she was provided. This is a woman who had her 4th and 5th kids during her calling as RS President. She is one of my heroes, and I have just known her for a few months! Anyways, she really got me thinking about the tender mercies in my life. I think sometimes it's easier to think of the huge blessings we've received that have been life savers, but it is really those little daily tender mercies that come that get us through each and everyday. The more I've had this on my mind, the more I've recognize them and how often they come, for which I am truly grateful for. They are things like:

*Living half a mile away from a pool so Jackson can still go to swim lessons with my new managing job- nothing like seeing that kid's smile and knowing he is feeling special.

*A friend who volunteers to watch my boys for 9 hours without a single complaint so I can go to a very important, mandatory training for my new managing job.

*Baron being almost completely opposite from his brother- easy to please and happy wherever as long as he is fed. With my knee surgery, physical therapy, back problems and trainings, this has been a lifesaver knowing my kids were fine while I was gone. Jackson was extremely attached to me, never took a bottle, doesn't really eat anything and is super stubborn and would scream the entire time anyone just tried to hold him or watch him... up until he was about 1 1/2. Now he loves going to play at other people's homes. It would have gone much worse had he been born 2nd. I think Heavenly Father knew when I needed to have each of my 2 boys based on what the circumstance would be like.

*Baron's arm getting caught underneath him causing him to only fall down 2 stairs instead of the entire stairway outside in what was one of the scariest moments of my life. Freak accident that ending with only a few cuts and bruises when it could have been much worse.

*A new friend suggesting a chiropractor when my back went out really bad and muscle relaxer meds weren't making any difference... that chiropractor has saved my back and been such a blessing. I would have never thought to go

*While looking on amazon for a new blender since our's broke, I discovered that instead of having to buy a new one costing over $100, (money we did not plan on spending right now), we just needed a new coupler part that costs us a total of $6.95. The blender is now up and running perfectly!

Those are just a few I'd thought I'd share... and I challenge anyone who hasn't given up on me and still reads this blog to take time to think of their tender mercies given throughout the week!

Ok, ok, now on to some pictures:

Here are a bunch of pictures I found on the camera.... this is the result of a few early mornings of Daddy time while I was away at some very early chiropractor appointments getting a deep tissue massage:

John's attempt at getting some good pictures of the boys at 7 in the morning:

Here they are sporting their Duke colors on the night that Duke won the championship!

This is Bear while I am trying to get some work done in my office

And this is what he does when he gets kicked out and the baby gate goes up:

Lastly, here is just a picture of Bear's first hair cut! He was a little nervous about the clippers, but all in all he did great! John sure is good at cutting the boy's hair... including his own!

Actually, here is one more.... this one is for Uncle Colby.... Jackson wanted to show you how big the octopus you gave him grew! He loves it!