I went to the temple this morning... I didn't take this photo while I was there today. It is from back in May when the wee ones and I went on a Sunday drive on a perfect cloudy day. We ended up at the temple and I took this photo with my phone. It is probably one of my most favourite pictures I've ever taken. I love this building so much!

As I was at the temple this morning, I was thinking about how just a year ago right now, both Bruce and I were busy working the open house every spare moment we had. I was newly pregnant and starting to battle nausea but I felt such a pull to be at the temple, working the open house, as much as absolutely possible. I was so excited to be getting a temple so close to home, and I am still just as excited today.

Having a temple that is literally running distance from my house (when I'm in training mode of course, not just for a regular, every day run Ü) has been such a blessing. In the past, attending the temple after having a baby has been extremely difficult.  Driving across the valley and back was too much time away from a nursing baby, never mind the actual time spent in the temple. But Shark Bait has been so much different from my other babies. My others were all cluster eaters, but Shark Bait has put himself on a very regular schedule when it comes to nursing... he typically goes about 3 hours between meals during the day. Pair that with a temple so close to home and I have been able to continue to attend the temple regularly since he arrived. I always feel a little bit guilty when I walk in and tell the workers that I only have about 45 minutes to give them before I need to run back to my baby, but they always tell me that they are happy to see me and the feeling is mutual. I love being there. I feel so calm and peaceful when I am inside this beautiful building and I walk out the doors to go home feeling refreshed and ready to tackle life.

I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed us with this beautiful building so close to home. When it was built, I made a promise to Him and myself that I would take advantage of it being here and use it as often as possible and I am doing my best to make good on that promise.

I truly do love to see the temple.

Go Green!

Today we went to my father in law's house so Bruce could watch the Michigan State vs Michigan football game. Typically, that is a game I would be interested in watching as well since I love love love State (it's where Bruce and I met!) and I hate hate hate U of M (I grew up in Ann Arbor. I know, people tell me how backwards it is all the time)  Today, I did't have any interest in watching the game as I am getting over a massive head cold and was exhausted. Instead I headed to the spare room at my father in laws and took a three hour nap.

When I woke up, Bruce told me he was ready to leave, that U of M had won the game. I took Shark Bait to the living room to buckle him in his carseat and noticed there were about 10 seconds on the clock. Michigan was up by 2 points and they had the ball. I thought to myself "man, it would be great if U of M fumbled right now and State got the ball and scored a winning touch down." Never in a million years did I think it would actually happen. Turns out, U of M was getting ready to punt and the punter fumbled. Michigan State grabbed the ball and ran it into the end zone, scoring the winning touch down. It was the most incredible 10 seconds of football ever but I can't help but wonder if I wasted a wish. Maybe I should've asked for a million dollars in my half dazed, sleepy state. Ü

The National Championship game will be held here in the valley in January and we are all hoping that State will make it to the championship game so we can go watch them play. Today's game got them one step closer to pulling it off. Here's to hoping! 

Shark Bait | Three Months

As of today Shark Bait is three months old, and I just cannot believe it. He can roll over, control his hands and puts pretty much anything he can grab onto into his mouth. He is super smiley almost all the time and he is still sleeping like a champ. He has the most beautiful sparkly blue eyes, much like his sister Beebs and peach fuzz hair that has the slightest tint of red to it.

Shark Bait is long and skinny and just recently started wearing 3-6 month size clothes and size 2 diapers. They don't fit him in the waist, but smaller sizes are too short for his long body. He is absolutely precious and we just cannot get enough of his grins and giggles. We are so incredibly happy he is ours.

Long One

Shark Bait and Man Cub recently went to the pediatrician for a joint well visit. Man Cub because he had just turned 3, Shark Bait because two weeks earlier, he had turned 2 months old. Our pediatrician's office is a bit of a drive, so I like to double up on visits when I can, even if it means putting off one of Shark Bait's visits for a week. Or two.

The appointment went really well for both boys. Man Cub is right on track for his growth. He is the perfect weight for his height and he's still a little on the tall side for his age. Especially for our family. Shark Bait on the other hand is extremely tall. Of course, at his age they call it "long". He is not gaining weight very quickly, which I have to admit has me a little bit worried, but he is certainly growing in length at a rapid rate. Dr. M is not at all worried about Shark Bait's lack of weight gain which made me feel so much better. Shark Bait is reaching his milestones, he is happy and healthy.

Man Cub's official 3 year stats- he weighed in at 32 lbs 2 ounces and is 37.75 inches tall. He had to get one shot which he handled like a champ. He didn't even make a peep. His jaw just dropped when the nurse poked him, then he returned to playing on my phone. It was the perfect distraction.

Shark Bait's official 2 (and a half Ü) month stats- he weighed in at 12 pounds even and he is 24.5 inches long. He has grown 4.5 inches since he was born. He may not be chunking up, but he is super long, to the point where he can't wear any of his one piece 0-3 month clothes. They just don't snap anymore! It is looking like both he and Man Cub have a chance at being tall.

Shark Bait had several vaccinations coming his way at the appointment. The oral vaccination didn't bother him one bit, but the shots did not go over well. We really thought we'd broken our baby. For several days after the visit, our happy, laid back, never cries or fusses baby was miserable and, at times, inconsolable. His eyes were teary and his lips were so pouty. Luckily, after a few days he was back to his happy self, but the first few days following his appointment were rough. Beebs was such a big help during that time. She held him and comforted him so I could make dinner or get other things done around the house. He loved being held by her and was so peaceful when in her arms.

Five Years

It's been five years since my sweet mother in law passed away. I know I sound like a broken record, but I can't believe that much time has passed already. The events of this day, five years ago, are still crystal clear in my mind. Yet here we are. Five years have passed. We live in a new home. We have two sweet little boys that Becky has never met in this life. Bruce has promoted at work. I've been involved in at least a half dozen crazy endeavors. Sunshine and Beebs have both started school. And in an earthly sense, Becky has missed it all. Bruce and I cried together tonight as we talked about how much she would have loved to sit with Man Cub as he takes hour long baths and turns into a prune. And how she would have sat on the couch for hours on end, snuggling sweet Shark Bait. She would have loved going on field trips with the girls and watching Sunshine swim and Beebs do gymnastics. Despite our lives coming to a screeching halt five years ago, they have also continued on and I can't always wrap my brain around that.

I take such comfort in my knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan. I am grateful for the sacrifice He made in sending His son to die for us so that each of us can return to live with Him again. I am grateful for my Saviour, Jesus Christ. For His willingness to suffer, bleed and die. Not only so my sins can be forgiven, but also so that I can one day be reunited with loved ones who have passed on. I said it five years ago, and I say it again. "We are better people because we knew her. And now we want to be the best people we can be to ensure that we can be with her forever. Our broken hearts are filled with gratitude for the time we were given with her."

We truly are grateful for the time we had with Becky. Our memories of her are some of our most treasured possessions. She was such a blessing in our lives and we try each day to live in a way that will allow us to one day be reunited with her. There is a little saying that I've seen floating around- "Because someone we love is in heaven, we have a little piece of heaven in our home". It is so true. Just as she was when she was alive, Becky continues to be the glue that holds our family together. Her absence is a constant reminder of what we are working towards in this life.