Houston

Things I had forgotten/didn't realize in the rush of leaving...
1. The feeling of sudden humidity rushing into your lungs.
2. I only brought shoes to wear with no socks. Humidity makes your feet sweaty. Ew.
3. The lack of need for moisturizer.
4. How much I would miss my children. I haven't been away from them this long. Ever.

We went to the hospital to see her last night. We talked, she's still there - still herself - underneath this body that's attacking her. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers.

*Bobbie Jo's Miracle

It was our anniversary yesterday. We spent it traveling. :(

Our Anniversary Date ♥

Aaron and I will be married for 9 whole years as of this Thursday. Because our anniversary is close to Valentine's Day, and often ends up on a weekday, we have made it a habit to go out for a special night the weekend between Valentine's and our anniversary. So Friday night, we went out and had a great night!

We went to Koze Teppan Grill for a dinner with sushi, steak, scallops (for me) and shrimp (for him). If you've never been to a Teppanyaki grill - you are in for a treat! Koze has only been open for 5 months, but the place was hoppin! It was delicious and entertaining all at the same time.

After an amazing dinner, we went to the movies - for the first time since we took Ben to see Star Wars: Clone Wars in August. Oy. We saw "He's Just Not That Into You." Seriously, about an hour too long, and not a fun anniversary movie - one character destroys his marriage by lying and having an affair. Ridiculous. It would have been a good movie without that storyline.

We had a great time spending time together. It's been 9 years of ups and downs, but it's wonderful being married to your best friend.

Faith

Last night we had Family Home Evening. We referred to a story from the Friend, as we usually do. Our lesson was on faith, and we learned the story of Elijah Fordham.

When the Latter-day Saints first moved to the place that would become Nauvoo, it was swampy and full of mosquitoes. Many members became sick and died. Joseph and Emma took sick people into their log home and even gave up their bed. They slept outside in a tent. There was one day that Wilford Woodruff later called “a day of God’s power.” After a morning prayer, Joseph blessed the sick. (Speaking to Brigham Young)
"Brigham, do you have faith enough to be healed?"
"Yes, Joseph, I do."
Joseph and Brigham went to see Elijah Fordham, who was about to die. Each minute was expected to be his last. Joseph took Elijah by the hand. Elijah did not answer at first, but everyone in the room could see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him.
"Brother Fordham, do you know me? ... Elijah, do you not know me?"
"Yes!"
"Have you faith to be healed?"
"I’m afraid it is too late. If you had come sooner …"
"Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ?"
"I do, Brother Joseph."
"Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!"
The words Joseph spoke were like the voice of God. They seemed to shake the house, and they caused Elijah to leap from his bed. Healthy color came to Elijah’s face, and he was full of life. He called for his clothes, ate a bowl of bread and milk, and put on his hat. Then he went with Joseph to bless the other sick members.

We discussed with our children that neither Mom nor Dad had ever seen Jesus Christ. But that we know that He is real. We asked if they have ever seen Heavenly Father. And, of course, they replied that they had not. "But do you know that He hears and answers your prayers?"

Alex piped up with, "Sometimes when I have a bad dream I say a prayer and He makes me feel better!" We taught that because Elijah Fordham had faith in Jesus Christ, that he was able to be healed by the priesthood power. It was a good lesson about faith.

I got to thinking. Aaron's sister, Bobbie Jo was diagnosed with an agressive form of Lymphoma over New Year's. She has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy - and it's not making progress. It's an amazingly difficult situation, and in those difficult situations - our faith waivers. However, if we hold to that faith in Our Savior, in the Plan of Salvation, in the power of the priesthood; we will be at peace. It's a misnomer that we are taught "Choose the Right way, and be happy!", because sometimes choosing the right way is hard. But in choosing the right we will find peace. And if we have the courage to seek and have faith in the Will of God, we will be at peace. Bobbie Jo has been given a blessing that she will live. Getting through this difficult situation will not be easy, and we keep her in our prayers. We have faith that that promise will be upheld. :)

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”
Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:20

*Bobbie Jo's Miracle

Babies, Birthdays, Snow, and Escape!

When we arrived in El Paso last July, we were surprised to find that several of the other interns had 5-6 mth old babies, too! So, on Jan 31, we had a group b-day party for 4 one-year olds - (left to right) Alana, Audrey, Aubrey, and Blake. When it was cake time, we stripped them down to enjoy their own cupcake. Of course, post-cupcake, they were all in need of a bath. They loved it, and all smelled lovely after. Does anyone else love Baby Magic lotion?
On Feb. 6th, we had Ben's birthday party. Remember how I was complaining about no liscensed merchandise? Well, I happened to be looking for a cheaper pinata, and found a FANTASTIC party store. They had lots of Ben 10 stuff! I got balloons in black and lime green, a birthday banner, and some toy wristbands for goodie bags. But I needed a game... how about pin the "Omnitrix" on Ben's arm? I gridded Ben out onto posterboard, and here he is. Post-party, Ben is now hanging in Ben's room.

Pinatas are cool, and we've never done one before. (Ok - we've hit, but never hosted with one!) I wasn't prepared for the level of excitement at the falling candy. It was already dark, but not too cold, so I gave the kids glo-stick bracelets while they were outside. They instantly were a hit as they magically transformed into light sabers. Cool. Check out Luke's face. :)

Ben with his cake and friends. Pretty fun. He's seven.

Even Blake got some candy. Silly baby boy with a blue tongue.

On Tuesday, it snowed! During preschool! There were big fluffy snowflakes falling that melted as soon as they hit the ground. I took the kids outside for them to see the snow for a minute. By the time their mommies came, the snow was long gone and it warmed up later that day. It was a magical moment!

This weekend, we were invited to the WBAMC Intern retreat. We got a free night in a hotel in Las Cruces, NM - about 35 minutes from our house - fed 3 meals, and got childcare for a portion of the time. It was fun to hang out with our friends, and the kids had a blast. It got done a little early on Sunday, so we headed a little bit north to Elephant Butte Lake. Aaron has read about it for a while and is excited to go fishing there sometime when he is not so busy. (As if...) It was a fun little detour.

Of course, Audrey wanted to touch. Aaron was accommodating.

On this Sunday, I am giving a shout out to my dear 7 year old. We were at Elephant Butte Lake around noon, and the kids were getting hungry. It was an hour drive home. Ben instantly piped up with, "We should go home so we can make some food, dad. We don't go to restuarants on Sunday. I can wait until we get home." I'm glad that he realizes that keeping the Sabbath day holy is important - even if we aren't at church.

Happy Birthday Ben!

As I sit and write this - at 1:12 am (Aaron's on call again), exactly 7 years ago, I was being sewn up, irritated that I didn't get a good look at my son before they put him into the bassinet and cleaned him up. Aaron was a mess - terrified that I had to have surgery, and thrilled to see his beautiful new boy. He got a C in Calculus that semester (which he got questioned about in med school interviews) because he stayed with me all week. We watched the Opening Ceremonies of the SLC Winter Olympics as we were leaving the hospital. I digress.

Ben is 7 today!

I have made the cake for his birthday party later tonight, and the cupcakes for his class today.

We are having a "Ben 10: Alien Force" party - and of course, there is no licenced party supplies for a Ben 10 party. So I am forced to be creative. Oy. All for the love of an amazingly talented, creative, a little spacey, bright kid who brings me joy every day since that day 7 years ago.

Happy Birthday Budda! Your mom loves you!

As I'm typing this, "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney is playing. *tears*

Conspiracy!

I think there's a conspiracy at work...

First, John McCain (R- Arizona) makes his second attempt at the presidency. And loses.


Then, the Suns play the Spurs - again. The Spurs play dirty. The Suns lose.

Now the Cards get to the biggest football game - they are penalized 106 yards !- and lose the game in the final seconds without a review of the final play?!
Someone out there doesn't like Arizona....

In case you were wondering, my mom is here!

Aaron is out of town for the week. He is playing Army games in San Antonio. (Really, he is doing training about combat trauma and advanced trauma life support, freezing his butt off, and having to eat MRE's - but I like to think that he's enjoying his vacation. I'm mean that way.)

When I found out about this training, I did what every self-respecting girl does - I called my mom to complain that I had to be a parent all alone FOR A WHOLE WEEK. I am just so blessed to have a mom that has a job that really doesn't need her right now, and allows her to fly for free. Yeah! So mom is here. Yeah!

We went to the outlet mall and spent lots of money - getting fantastic deals the whole time! We found darling shirts and jeans at Gymboree - $1.99!!! I think I spent $16 for 6 items - and if you've ever gone into a Gymboree - you know why that is super exciting. We went into the Crocs store adn I got Alex 2 pair of alice crocs for $15. I found a Coach purse for $100 - smokin' - and I have my anniversary/birthday present. (Actually, I told Aaron that I earned the purse for him being gone. He said, "Heaven help us if I ever get deployed!") Mom found cute clothes for nieces. It's exciting to find something dramatically marked down! If you happen to visit El Paso, stop by the outlet mall here. Give me a call, I'll go too!

Seriously, my amiga Emily and I joined the gym to avoid the outlet mall. It's great deals, but after a while - you are still spending too much money. Mom's favorite hobby is finding a good deal; so when mom comes to visit, it's the place to go.

Ramblings on a late night. I miss Aaron. :)