pweesh

As cute as she is, John and I are pretty fed up with the way Ruby screams (and sometimes throws small tantrums), whenever she wants something (particularly food). It's embarrassing, especially when we're out with friends at restaurants, or in other public settings. As young as she is, I didn't think she would understand if I tried to discipline her. (Although I'm sure she realizes, and comprehends, much more than I give her credit for.) Yesterday, John and I, trying to enjoy our delicious Sunday meal, were interrupted by Ruby's continuous conniptions, (in an attempt to insure the satisfaction of her insatiate appetite). Needless to say, I had had enough! It occurred to me, in that very moment, to teach her, rather than to scream when she wants more, to simply ask "please". When she would start to scream, I would say (firmly) "no", and withheld her food from her until she would say "please". To my utter astonishment...it worked, on the 1st try! We continued practicing with her through dinner; and, this morning, during breakfast, she did great! She was pretty proud of herself for her new accomplishment (as were we)...as evidenced in the video.

the great outdoors...

I'll be honest...I'm not big on camping. We used to go when we (my siblings and I) were little, and then, I loved it! I think now that I've gotten older though, I just appreciate my nice comfortable bed, my warm house, my shower...plus, camping is a lot of work. All the planning, packing, setting up, cooking, taking down...for a single night of sleeping in a tent, on the hard ground, freezing and dirty. It's weird.
We went camping last night. We were coerced into going by a group of friends in the ward (including Rob and Brooke). No, not really. We willingly agreed to go, (but admittedly, not without some reluctance on my part). Needless to say, I'm really glad we did it. We had a great time, and got to know some of the families in our ward, even better than before. Plus, I love the way I feel when I'm surrounded by the Lord's creations. The outdoors and nature. The mountains. The trees. The smell of rain mixed with pine...
I seriously can't help but feel closer to my Heavenly Father in this type of setting.


Ella, Bennett, and Ruby...gathered around the campfire.


The Garn's, Kevin (dad), Tara (mom), Tyler and Ashley (twins), and little Nicole(y)


Ruby in her Bebe Pod...that chair literally saved us (from having to hold her the entire time)!


My grimy girl...
okay, so even though she was completely stuck in her chair, she maybe could still reach a few handfuls of dirt...and maybe the handfuls turned into mouthfuls.


Rob and Brooke...The glamour couple.


The Brothers...packing up camp.


I thought this picture was so cute...Lindsay and Ben Merkley, and Tawnya and Jason Hansen, just laxin' in their tent.

jewelry jackpot...

My friend Amber wanted to take me out today for my birthday (which isn't even until next Friday). We ended up at one of my very favorite places, Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall! There, we shopped, and ate, and let the kids play. The highlight, we both agreed, was the $1.99 jewelry display at Urban! We were seriously acting like a couple of kids in the candy store. It was so fun! Amber insisted on buying my stuff (as a birthday present), and even after my endless protesting, she wouldn't budge...so there you have it, my jewelry jackpot ($320 dollars worth of Jewelry, for a mere $30 bucks!) Yippee...and Happy (early) Birthday to me! Thanks sweet Amber, love you.

new words...

It seems every time I go to Utah, Ruby always learns something new, or has a new development of some sort. When I was in town around Halloween, she rolled over for the very first time. Over Christmas, she cut her first two teeth (believe it or not, now she has 12). This last trip (at the beginning of this month), she learned how to blow kisses, which grandpa Pitts taught her, to play peek a boo with grandma Judy (both of which she has remembered, and still does), and last, but certainly not least, she began saying "thank you". Thanks to my brother-in-law, Christian, I have proof of the latter...

PLease, I know I'm totally annoying in this video, (and so is Ruby's whining), but just look beyond the petulance, and take it for what it is...an 11 month old baby (to the day), practicing her manners...well, sort of.

It's kind of long, but just be patient. My favorite is about one minute into it (has me rolling every time)...

welcome, baby simon!

Little Simon with his Daddy (my brother) Matt

I'm happy, and proud to announce, that I have become an aunt...again! Little baby Simon was born on Saturday, May 12, 2007 to Matt and Jaime Pitts! He was born at 6:45 AM, weighed 7 lb 1 oz, and was 20 inches long! I talked to Matt a couple of hours after the birth, and he told me that Simon had lots of dark hair, super long eye lashes, and huge eyes! Wow! I can't even believe how much I love that little guy already, and I haven't even met him. Maybe it's because I love his parents so much...I'm so happy for them! Becoming a parent is the most glorious, and life changing event...I'm so happy that these two have joined the ranks of parenthood. Congratulations, Matt and Jaims...he's amazing!


Cousins! Simon Pitts (left) born May 12th '07, and Lincoln Barney (right) born April 26th '07

my mothers...

I can't celebrate mother's day without thinking about my dear sweet mother, nor without feeling a pang of sorrow because she's not here...

The other day, I found a treasure. Ruby completely ransacked one of my bookshelves, and before I could stop her, there were dozens of books scattered all over the floor. I picked each book up, and one by one, began placing them back on the shelf where they belonged. I found one - a small book, that had fallen out of it's sleeve. As I began to return it to it's cover, I noticed some writing on the front, inside page of the book. Out of curiosity, I again opened the book and noticed immediately...the writing inside, was that of my mother. My eyes welled with tears as I read her beautiful words, written to congratulate me for accomplishing one of my dreams...

The book is called A time for Love, and here is what she wrote:

Nicole,
You did it - You're a Student Body Officer! We're so proud of you. You hung in there through a lot of disappointments. That makes this victory taste all the sweeter. Life can be hard, but life can also be glorious - Shoot for the stars in all that you do. We've chosen this little book about love, because that's what will get you through the hard times...and it's also what will make the sweet times, even sweeter. As your parents, our advice to you is - to love passionately. Love your Heavenly Father and your Savior - Love your family and your friends - Love the stranger on the street - Love the world - The birds - The flowers - The oceans...Love it all, with all the passion of your soul...and you will have a rich and glorious life.
Love,
Mom and Dad
April 27, 2004

I'm so grateful that my mom taught me (through word and deed), not only the importance of love, but also how to love. She loved passionately...and with a pure, Christ like love, thus having a "rich and glorious life". I have tried to follow her example, to love, and to love passionately...

I am truly passionate about my role as a wife and mother, and am so grateful to be honored this day among some of the very greatest Mothers of all time...



Here's to you Mom, and Judy, and Lynell...I love you all! Happy Mother's Day!

happy birthday paul david hewson...

otherwise known to the world as, Bono!



Click to hear music file

My man Bono is 47 today, and still as hot as ever! In honor of him, Ruby and I got all rigged out in our (product) red tees, and John took a picture for us. I'm a big supporter of (product) red, as well as Bono's one campaign. I've always been impressed with him as a person, not only for his inspiring music (which will always be my favorite), but also for his activism, and his humanitarian work. I love his philosophy, that one person really can make a difference...he's inspired me in more ways than one...love that man!


Bono was recently on American Idol, when they did the Idol Gives Back (which I thought was super cool). Here's what he had to say in regards to the One Campaign...



I love what he says here ..."that's what it's all about (the one campaign)...people who you wouldn't expect to normally hang out together, hip hop people and soccer moms, punk rockers and church people...Irish Rock Stars on American Idol."


Happy Birthday Bono...We love you!

celebrating three years...

After reading Brooke's "anniversary" post, I felt inspired to put a wedding picture on my blog as well...and, it's especially fitting now, as John and I just celebrated our anniversary last night! (I just realized, however, that the scan is pretty much, well...crappy...and grainy. Oh well, you get the idea.) So, since I was in Utah over our Anniversary, John took me out to celebrate last night. We went to my favorite place, Bajio (which, I'm not even sure why I love it so much. I've only ever tried one menu item, the chicken green chili salad. It is pretty tasty though, and especially delightful with a coke. I don't know what it is about that dish, but I seriously always crave it)! Okay, so anyway, after we "fine dined" at Bajo, we went to Nordstrom (another one of my very favorite places)! We were invited to their Rewards Night, an exclusive shopping event for their most loyal customers. It was actually really fun to go, for once, as a customer, and not an employee. The atmosphere was fun (live band, hors d'oeuvres), a delightful ambiance... I felt bad for John though, because while I shopped the night away, he battled a very tired little Ruby. Not only that, but I know that shopping is not his favorite activity, and the fact that he sacrificed his softball games for a night at Nordstrom, says a lot about the kind of spouse that he is. Now that, to me, is what love is all about...making sacrifices for each other, looking out for one another's needs, being aware of each other's interests, always putting your spouse above yourself. John has it all figured out, and actually, has since the day we married...a realization that, for some, takes an entire life time.




So here are some images that represent our night of fun. You may be wondering why the fruit? Well, it's because that was actually the highlight of the night. We came home, put Ruby down, and enjoyed one of the most exquisite little treats I've ever tasted. They're called Island Way Sorbet ... a creamy (but low fat) sorbet, inside real fruit shells. If you've never tried one, I highly recommend you do. I promise, they will not disappoint...the presentation alone, makes it totally worth it. (side note: we found them at Costco)


Here we are...me, with my Pineapple... and John, with his Coconut!

home

The only bad thing about taking a vacation (or in my case, going home), is knowing that sooner or later, it will come to an end...and then it's just back to the same ol' stuff. The gym. Cleaning the house. Grocery shopping. However, one good thing about having to go back to Arizona, was knowing that I'd be seeing John...I missed him like crazy. If it weren't for that, though, I honestly think I could have stayed in Utah another week, or two! This trip was seriously the best! Not only did I get to meet Kim's darling little Lincoln, but I was also able to meet (finally) Charlie (born Feb. 6th) and Brienna (Jan 3rd). Both of them are just so cute (they look a lot alike), and so sweet...! I was privileged to attend their baby blessings yesterday, and, felt the spirit in both. It was really good for me to be able to spend some time with John's family while I was there. The girls (Leigh, Amy, Karen, and I) were able to get together for Lunch over at Leigh's on Friday, and then on Saturday night, everyone went out to dinner. I feel so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family, and I can honestly say that I love them like my own.

Of course, I loved every minute spent with my own family, too! It was such a treat for me to have seen so much of Kim. She has grown up so much, and it was special for me to see her in action (as a mother)! Now that we both have children, I feel like we have an extra special relationship. We understand each other on a different level now. I think it will be so awesome when all my siblings have children, and we can have great family get togethers, and all the cousins can play...and be best friends.

Families are just the best! I love mine so much, and will be forever grateful to my dear husband John, for giving me the opportunity of spending the best week ever... with my family(s)!

Love you guys... and I really do miss you already!


me holding little Lincoln Barney


Ruby holding her very first Madame Alexander doll (a birthday gift from Grandma Judy)


Ruby with her cousin, Alisa


Aahh, now that, is adorable!

i'm so grateful for...

my family.

Today marks the third anniversary of the most special event of my entire life...the day John took my hand, and together we knelt across the alter (in the Temple of the Lord). To each other, (and to the Lord), we made special covenants, and then, by one of God's anointed, and through His power, we were sealed together...for time and eternity. I love John. I love that he is my husband. I love that the last three years (with him), have been the best of my life...and I love to think and dream about what the future has in store for us. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart. (I miss you like crazy...see you in 3 days! PS. maybe we can hit Celtic Woman next year, eh?)

I musn't forget to make mention that our little Ruby is 11 months today! She is our joy, and our life, and our little Sunshine...
Happy 11 months, my special little one!

movie heaven...

I had the funnest time with my sister today. Lincoln (because of his jaundice), has been required to stay under the lights, which has confined Kim to the house for the last couple of days. She's been feeling great (physically), and has a ton of energy, and just wanted to "get out" for a little bit. Her sweet mother-in-law, offered to come over and sit with the babe so that we could spend some time (on the town) together. We took a little trip to Provo and ended up with some juicy finds...edited movies! If there's one thing that we (The Pitts') all have in common, it's our love for movies. However, if there's one thing we almost never agree upon, it's deciding which movie to watch! One particular movie night jumps out at me as being pretty comical. After what seemed an eternity of going back and forth between movie titles and drawing numbers, and arguing, and battling it out...we finally agreed on a movie (not everyone was thrilled, however, about the selection, but for the sake of time, we just had to get going). We popped it in, and before the actual film even began, we saw a preview for another movie, I think it was Beverly Hills Ninja, and everyone (in unison) said "Hey, let's watch that one instead!" It was hilarious!
We also love going to movies in the theater (but, really, I don't know many people who don't enjoy that). To me, there's almost nothing more exciting than going to a movie, and getting a large coke to sip throughout the showing. In fact, does anyone remember the Coca-Cola C2 commercial from a couple of years ago?...(it's the one to Queen's I've got to break free, where all the people are going crazy and dancing all over the place.) Well, anyway, one time I was at the movies, and that coke ad came on, and I really don't know what caused this, but I started to cry. It was one of those great, happy, feel good, motivational kind of cries, where you feel like you need to rise from your seat, and run, and jump, and dance, and scream, and laugh. I think I was just happy about my circumstances, and surroundings. There I was, on a date with John, at the movies...soda in hand. Seriously, is there anything more fun than that?

Here's a sneek peek of the commercial, (in case you have no idea what I'm taking about)...




and, here are my treasures from today...





Kim, today was the best...love you!

you have to see this...

Okay, it's not that late, but I'm tired nonetheless. My day would have been incomplete, however, had I failed to post this picture...



Kim and I were laughing so hard...my daughter seriously looks like an "ogre" compared to Kim's little "bean". Man, they grow up so fast! ...and seriously, why in the world is Ruby still in an infant carrier? After seeing this, I promised myself that as soon as I return to Arizona, she is getting a new carseat! (Doesn't Lincoln look like he could be Ruby's toy baby doll?)

my 100th post...

Brooke gave the best Young Women’s lesson in the Beehive class today. She taught about the importance of keeping a journal, and we had a group discussion (more like Brooke and I had a discussion, because the girls were too shy to say anything!) about different ways to chronicle our thoughts, and our day to day dealings. I have always felt and known the importance of keeping records, but haven’t ever been very consistent. (I was really good during my mission though…didn’t skip a day. I think that was mainly because my schedule as a missionary was so structured, and I had a set time, right before going to bed, to record my thoughts and feelings of the day. Plus, missionaries in general, tend to keep every commandment. Big or small.)
After my mom passed away, I remember finding tons of random scraps of paper, or loose pages from a notebook, which contained her thoughts, her feelings. They were her journal entries (more or less). I remember just wishing and hoping more of them would turn up; because, as I read them, I discovered so many things about her that I had never known. Reading them helped me to feel closer to her. They helped me to understand her on a different level.
It’s for that reason (and really many others), that I love blogging so much. Not only has it been a fun, easy, (and very addicting) way to keep a commandment, but I feel it also provides us the opportunity of really knowing people on a way different level. Discovering things we never knew, gaining a better understanding for, and appreciation of that particular person. Well, enough rambling…in honor of my 100th post (this is huge…for me anyway), I thought I’d list 100 things that make me, well…me. Enjoy.

1. I was born on May 25, 1977 to Christine Ann Coombs and Brian Dean.
2. My middle name is Christine, after my mom.
3. I was sealed to my parents on June 17, 1977.
4. I am the oldest of seven children - two boys and five girls.
5. I married John Michael on May 4th, 2004.
6. My husband is my hero and my role model .
7. Together, we have two children - Isaac Joshua (still born June 29, 2005), and Ruby Christine (June 4, 2006).
8. I hated being pregnant, but I loved the actual labor and delivery part (4 hours, from start to finish, isn't too bad...especially with an epidural).
9. I am a very sentimental person. I have a really hard time getting rid of anything (even a little note) that someone else gave me.
10. I have no problem, however, getting rid of clothes and shoes. John and I have had some pretty successful yard sales from my clothes (sales) alone.
11. Sometimes I jump the gun by getting rid of things too soon, and then I end up kicking myself a month or so later.
12. I love to travel...been on four cruises.
13. I love doing laundry, and I put like six dryer sheets in every load to make everything smell yummy.
14. I can't stand ironing! Poor John, I have a laundry basket full of his wrinkled shirts.
15. I'm not a very good cook. It's so intimidating to me.
16. I love to eat out, and I always order a coke with my meal.
17. I can't share dairy products (milk, ice cream, etc.) with anyone...Okay, maybe with John.
18. It bugs me when people say "I could care less" rather than "I couldn't care less". (Doesn't I could care less imply that there is some degree of care?)
19. I have a birthmark (when I was little, mom and dad called it my beauty mark) on my right thigh, shaped like a crescent moon.
20. Growing up, my biggest fear was of somehow losing my mom or my dad.
21. I miss her every single day.
22. I hated 2nd grade. (A different class mate threw up, it seemed, on a weekly basis. I just couldn't handle it.)
23. I can't (and never have been able to) do a cartwheel.
24. I would like to be more eloquent in speaking. (I can't ever express, in words, how I feel, and I fumble over my words a lot.)
25. I am in charge of paying the bills at our house, and I actually love having that responsibility.
26. If it lived in the sea, I cannot eat it!
27. I served a mission in Argentina (Buenos Aires South). I've been home six years (this month).
28. I think I'm slightly OCD. (I count stairs, sidewalk squares, every time my right foot hits the tread mill when I run, etc.).
29. I worked for Nordstrom for 10 years before becoming a full-time mom.
30. I thought I might, but I don't miss it. (I do, however, miss all of my Nordstrom Friends...and our daily lunch breaks.)
31. If I borrow something, I will return it.
32. I am an honest person, I cannot tell a lie.
33. I need to lose 15 pounds of fat. I'm in the poor zone for percent body fat. Yikes!
34. I love going to the gym each day. It's my release.
35. I am trying to compliment more, and complain less.
36. I love Sunsets. I've never seen prettier ones than those in Buenos Aires...simply breathtaking. (The sunsets in Arizona aren't too shabby either.)
37. I love the soft serve vanilla cones from McDonald's...and their little cheeseburgers (with the tiny dehydrated onions).
38. I love to dance...Latin dancing, to me, is especially enjoyable.
39. I love to clean my house.
40. I do not enjoy grocery shopping, but love going (shopping) for pretty much anything else.
41. I love jewelry. (Just the inexpensive, fun to dress up any outfit kind.)
42. I'm afraid of heights.
43. I don't like taking risks.
44. I once went an entire year without shaving my legs. (It was when I lived in Argentina, and wore long skirts, and thick tights everyday.)
45. I inherited my dad's funny toes that curl under. Ruby inherited them from me. We call them her "macaroni toes".
46. I'm not a flexible person (my body is not flexible).
47. I am a flexible person (I go with the flow, and am pretty relaxed).
48. I enjoy a good cry. I especially love it when a movie or book can trigger that emotion in me.
49. I need to work on my posture.
50. I have a really deep belly button. In high school, my girl friends called it the "black hole".
51. I am, what some may consider, a home body. I lived at home pretty much until I was 26. And during my teenage years, my mom had to pretty much force me to go out with friends on the weekends.
52. I have super dry skin...except for my face. My face is really oily.
53. I think a lot of things are funny, but it's a rare moment when I actually laugh out loud.
54. I experience a lot of anxiety in hospitals. I think it's because I had to say goodbye to my mom, and to my son...in a hospital.
55. I have a really weak stomach.
56. I'm super ticklish behind my thighs.
57. I love watching the birthing shows on TLC (although, I have to admit, they pretty much freaked me out while I was pregnant with Ruby. But still, I couldn't stop).
58. I've seen Les Miserables six times, (and read the book, 1 1/2). It's the most touching story, and makes me think of my mom...such fond memories.
59. I have a tendency to feel sorry for people...even for dumb reasons.
60. I have a collection of over 200 movies (VHS), that I can't bring myself to get rid of (even though I haven't watched a single one in years), because my grandma and I started the collection together - it reminds me of her. (I told you, I'm really sentimental.)
61. John and I read together in the Book of Mormon every night. I know that's why we have such a close relationship, and a wonderful marriage.
62. I love a good book recommendation. (I haven't had the best of luck picking my own reads.)
63. I love steak! I like it cooked medium well.
64. I bite the inside of my cheek when I get nervous.
65. I really like to mow the lawn.
66. I don't like my outfits to be too matchy-matchy.
67. I love the Beach Boys. They were my first concert (My brother Matt slept though it...hahaha!)
68. Little children always put me at ease.
69. My hand-eye coordination is horrible...in other words, I am not an athlete.
70. I love sleeping with the ceiling fan on, even in the winter.
71. I get really nervous while instant messaging, I type slow.
72. I suck at video games.
73. I took an oil painting class when I was 8...I was actually pretty good. My mom had my paintings framed, and hung them in the house.
74. I hate blowing my hair dry.
75. I love music...all types. It brings out so many different emotions in me.
76. Special needs people used to scare me, now I have such a sweet and tender love for them.
77. Summer is my favorite season, then Spring, then Fall, then Winter.
78. I love for things to be neat, and clean, and organized.
79. I went to my 10 year high school reunion, and surprisingly, had a great time.
80. I always have this strange sensation that someone is watching me.
81. I am constantly doing math in my head. (Is that an OCD thing?)
82. One of the coolest things I've ever seen was the Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico. If you've never seen it, it is a definite must!
83. I love a relaxing bath, but rarely make the time for one.
84. I love learning about the Second Coming of Christ.
85. I love the gospel, and hate to think of what I might be doing, where I could be, or what my life might be like without it.
86. I enjoy speaking in Church. Lessons scare me.
87. I can't fall asleep if it's too quiet. (That's one reason I like having the ceiling fan on.)
88. I gained 15 pounds my junior year of high school. (went from 95-115)
89. I don't drink enough water. Did I mention that I have an obsession with Coke?
90. I love getting pedicures. My own are always crap.
91. I love coffee table books.
92. I love learning something new.
93. I've never been to Boston. I need to get out to Boston.
94. I love picnics, and BBQ's, and the pool, and pretty much anything that represents summer time...and the outdoors (in the summer time).
95. I want to learn to sew, and crochet.
96. I love grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup.
97. I would love to get a nice camera, and learn to take pictures like Brooke.
98. I want to be more Christ-like.
99. I am passionate about my family.
100. I love life.
     

hot! hot! hot!

It hit 99 degrees today! Yep, it was a hot one! John and I decided to take Ruby to the pool, right here in our little community. It's not heated, so it felt pretty icy at first, but, after getting over the initial shock, it turned out to be rather refreshing. Even Ruby loved it. We had the place to ourselves, and enjoyed the afternoon blaring tunes from the ipod, and sipping gatorades...I love Arizona!






Ruby with her very own Gatorade...

my joy...

I walked into Ruby's room yesterday, to check on her during her nap, and to my surprise, she was sound asleep...standing up!


Here she is getting ready for her bath...I couldn't resist (those little buns).


Can you see the tiny black specks around her mouth?...she's been chowing on her crib again. (Man, I really need to invest in some plastic rail guards!)


...And here she is exploring the magazine drawer!

Oh, and I guess it would be safe to say, I got a bit carried away in PSE (photoshop elements) tonight...oh well, it was fun nonetheless!

as promised...

here are some pictures of my perfect little nephew, Lincoln Christian Barney...


Little Lincoln 6 lbs. 5 oz. 18 1/2 inches



With proud parents Kim (top) Christian (bottom)





Doesn't he look so angelic?

Kim called yesterday to tell me that she and Christian thought Lincoln's profile resembled that of Isaac. They didn't send any profile shots, but the very bottom picture definitely reminded me of my little son. I just can't wait to meet Lincoln in person, and, thanks to my wonderful husband, I'll be able to do so in two days! John surprised me with a plane ticket to Salt Lake! I was supposed to hop on the 1:30 PM flight yesterday, but then I remembered (and panicked when I did) that we were asked to speak in our ward on Sunday. (Last time we were supposed to speak, back in February, we had to call the Bishop the morning of, and tell him that we wouldn't be able to - because of my ER visit the day before, and doctor's orders to stay down. I was totally embarrassed, and would be completely mortified if I cancelled again.) So, needless to say, John was able to call and arrange for a different flight, in the which I'll be leaving Sunday evening. I'll probably be staying a week or so. I'm super excited to be able to hold Lincoln, to help Kim in any way, and of course, to see my family...it's been way too long, and I'm rather missing them!

he's here!

Kim and Crit on Ruby's Blessing Day (August 2006)

It's about 9:30 AM. My cell phone rings. Who could it be? My phone's in the bedroom. Should I just let it go to voicemail? My curiosity gets the best of me. I wander to the room. Look at the caller ID. Oh, it's Kim! Did she have a doctor's appointment today? Last week she was dilated to a 3, but she's not due until May 13th. I answer "hello"... and then, to my utter astonishment, Kim informs me that I have a new nephew!

Lincoln Christian Barney was born today, April 26th, at somewhere around 8:00 AM. He weighs 6 lbs 5 oz and is 18 (or 18 1/2?) inches long ..(such a tiny little guy)! Kim says he's just beautiful, and flawless, and has black curly hair all over his head...and a perfect little nose, and huge feet (it must run in the family)...oh, and she said that he's got his cousin Isaac's hands (super long, thin fingers)!

I want Kim to know that I'm so proud of her...you did it Kim! She's been so nervous the past couple of weeks, just feeling inadequate and inexperienced. (Don't we all feel that way at times?) But I know that she'll be a wonderful little mother. Wow! I'm an aunt! I'm an aunt?
I haven't left cloud nine since I heard the news, in fact I have done pretty much, well, nothing, since I got off the phone...like 4 hours ago! (I'm just too dang giddy!) I'm an aunt!

Kim and Christian, I want you to know that I am ecstatic for you both, and for your new little addition. You're a real family now...(not that you weren't before, but you know what I mean)! I love you guys. I'm proud of you both. I'm so happy that you got to witness the miracle of birth and of new life! There's really nothing quite like it! Congratulations!


Kim holding Ruby ( In the photo, Ruby is actually wearing Kim's blessing dress that our mom made for her when she was a baby.)


Kim and Christian promised to email pictures, so, as soon as they do, you know what I'll be posting!

"president eagleston"

...has a nice ring to it, don't you think?


John as a Missionary, in front of the beautiful Oakland Temple


John has just been called as the Elder's Quorum President of our ward...which, by the way, does not surprise me in the least. Ever since the day I met John, I've known that there was something special about him. And then, as we started courting, and I became even closer acquainted with him, those initial feelings were reiterated...again and again. Now, we're married, and I thank Heavenly Father every day for allowing our paths to cross (over 5 years ago), and for blessing me with such an amazing companion. Have you ever met an individual who almost seems too perfect for this mortal existence? An Angel on Earth? Well, to me, that's my John. He is the essence of love and the epitome of goodness. He can light up an entire room with his smile. He has a special gift of helping people see and recognize their self worth. He puts people at ease. He has a happy disposition. He has a testimony of the Gospel, and a love for the Savior. He loves his family.
If I am ever in doubt about how to react or respond in questionable situations or circumstances, I simply look to him; or when not in his presence, I think, what would John do? He is a true Christian, in word and in deed. He is my exemplar, my friend, my eternal companion. I promise to sustain him, and to fully support him in this most important call, and in all others...(as I know he will serve in many many capacities). I know the Lord trusts him, and needs him at this time as an instrument, in doing much good. In building the Kingdom.
I love you John...and, couldn't be more proud.

happy day...judy

Judy holding John May '79


Today is my mother-in-law's birthday, and I wish we were there to celebrate with her. I'm sad, because we were supposed to be in Utah this weekend because of my 1/2 marathon, but, (despite the countless, agonizing hours at the gym), I'm just not going to be ready to run it. So, because I won't be there in person to tell her Happy Birthday, I'm going to pay her a little tribute... right here on my blog.
I was reflecting today, back to the very first time I met Judy. John and I had just begun to date, casually; and he was in Sandy one night, staying over at his mom's. I happen to be living at home(in West Jordan), so John asked me if I'd like to come over and hang out. He gave me directions to the house, and when I got there, I was greeted by one of the most beautiful, softhearted, and pleasant people I had ever met...John's mom. I just remember that her kind smile was so welcoming, and put me right at ease. You know what she did that night, that so impressed me? Well, John's foot (the one with the pin in it) was really bothering him, and so Judy (who can't stand to see her children in any kind of pain), grabbed some lotion, and began massaging his afflicting extremity. You probably won't believe me when I tell you that she offered to rub mine too! It's true, she really did. That whole experience made me think of the Savior, when he washed the feet of his twelve apostles. Said he unto them:

"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto
you. Verily, Verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than
his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye
know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

Judy (throughout her entire life), has striven to know these things (the Lord's teachings), and this I believe, is why she is such a happy individual. I know that she loves the Lord, because she had truly patterned her life after His. She lives as He taught us to live...through her kind words, her charitable service, her unconditional love toward her family, and others.

Judy has a way of putting people at ease, and showing interest in them. She loves to laugh, and we love to laugh together. She speaks ill of no one, and focuses on the good qualities, rather than dwelling on the flaws. If you've ever seen Gone with the Wind, you'll understand what I mean when I say that Judy is a Melanie. (I know my Dad knows what I'm talking about, he's the one that recommended I go watch the film, and closely observe the character Melanie. I am not quite there yet...but my mother-in-law is.)

Judy has especially been kind to me. She told me one time - and I will never forget this - "If I had passed away, and couldn't be there for my daughters, I would need to know that someone was there to take care of them...and love them, just as I would, if I were there." Well, Judy has done just that. She has loved me like her own daughter, and cared for me, and lifted my spirits, and given me words of encouragement, and supported me...all the things that mothers do with, and to, and for their daughters. Thank you Judy, I know my mom couldn't be more pleased.

I love you, and wish you a very Happy Birthday!



Ruby's Blessing Day August '06



Judy and Vaughn with Isaac June 29 '05



UVSC Parent Appreciation Night April '04



John and Scott's Graduation Day April 30 '04