Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone had a great Christmas!!

This year was pretty hectic with all the families we visited, but it was a lot of fun. On Christmas eve we went to Sean's parents house and then to my Grandma Reed's. Luckily we planned on staying in Bountiful at my dad's house because by the time we left my grandma's house it was dumping snow. It was a lot of fun to spend some time with my dad, and in the morning my mom and brother and sister came over to open presents. Taylor got a friggin' HAUL and I'm still trying to figure out where to put all his new toys. He was really good at opening his gifts, but was more interested in eating the wrapping paper than in the toys he got. After we left my dad's house we went to my Grandma Jacobs' house and saw all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was an absolute madhouse, but it was nice to visit with everyone. By the time we got home last night we were all exhausted and VERY happy to be home.

Having a baby brings back the magic of Christmas for me in a way that I don't think anything else could. I have loved seeing his face light up at the sight of snow and Christmas trees. I feel so blessed every day I get to watch him learn and grow. I'm so thankful for him and for all the joy he brings to our lives.

I am blessed

Last week a large fruit basket was delivered to our house from Sean's work with a card wishing him well. Friday my mom took the whole day off work to help me with Taylor after I had my wisdom teeth pulled. Saturday my sister came over to let us know that she's thinking about us. Yesterday afternoon Sean got a text message from our home teacher saying that everyone is praying for us and hopes he feels better soon. That night Sean's home teaching companion came over to see how we were and bring us some cookies his wife had baked. Our ward wants to bring us meals and have a fast for Sean while he's going through his cancer treatments at the beginning of the year. And on top of all of that, our families are going to absolutely spoil Taylor for Christmas this year because we have too many medical expenses to pay for presents.

A couple nights ago I was feeling really down about everything that Sean and I are going through right now, and then I thought of all the people that give us so much love and support and my heart just overflowed with gratitude. We are absolutely surrounded by people who care about us and for that I am so thankful. This has been a difficult holiday season for Sean and I, and at times I feel like I just want it all to be over. I get so depressed thinking about everything I want to buy my family for Christmas, and I get so busy throwing myself a pity party, that I forget what this time of year is about. And when I think about how much people love and care for us and how much they've helped us this year, I think this is probably the best Christmas I've ever had.

I know it's not much and I know I can never make it up to all of you who've sacrificed so much to help us, but THANK YOU. I don't know what we'd do without babysitters, warm meals, and shoulders to cry on. We love you all and hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.

A Mother's Heart

I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
Our life together has just begun,
You're part of me my little one.
As mother with child, each day I grew,
My mind was filled with thoughts of you.
I'd daydream of the things we'd share,
Like late-night bottles and teddy bears.
Like first steps and skinned knees,
Like bedtime stories and ABC's.
I thought of things you'd want to know,
Like how birds fly and flowers grow.
I thought of lessons I'd need to share,
Like standing tall and playing fair.
When I first saw your precious face,
I prayed your life be touched with grace.
I thanked the angels from above,
And promised you unending love.
Each night I lay you down to sleep,
I gently kiss your head and cheek.
I count your little fingers and toes,
I memorize your eyes and nose.
I linger at your nursery door,
Awed each day I love you more.
Through misty eyes, I dim the light,
I whisper "I love you" every night.
I loved you from the very start,
You stole my breath, embraced my heart.
As mother and child our journey's begun,
My heart's yours forever my little one.

Flashback Friday

Okay, I'm trying to get better at doing this, and since I'm recovering from having my wisdom teeth pulled (not fun) I thought I'd do a flashback post.

In January of 2006 I flew with my parents to San Antonio, Texas to see my brother graduate from Air Force basic training at Lackland Airforce Base. I had never been to Texas before and I absolutely LOVE that city and I really want to take Sean there some day.

Here are some pictures from our trip -

My handsome brother and my mom and dad:


In the gardens at the Alamo:


My mom found her favorite store:


The Riverwalk mall:


"There's no basement in the Alamo!"


A pretty shot of the riverwalk:

The peas and carrots of babyhood

We started Taylor on solids Thanksgiving day and so far he's had squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and green beans. I love watching his funny facial expressions when he tries new foods. He also makes lots of "yummy" sounds while he eats and it cracks me up.

I know a lot of people aren't big fans of the messy baby pictures, but I LOVE them. Here are some of my favorites - Tay eating carrots and peas. Yummy yummy!!










Also, I just want to thank our friends and family members who have been so supportive and so loving through all of the stress we're dealing with right now. Sean is doing well and we found out today that he'll meet with the Oncologist and start treatment at the beginning of January. We'll keep everyone updated on what's happening and we hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

Picture overload!

Sean and I went up to Salt Lake today to visit my grandparents and his grandparents. My grandpa just got a new freakin' NICE camera and I had to take it for a test drive. If only I had money for a camera like this.. I'd be taking pictures non-stop!

Tay sitting up on Grandma's new sofa:


My two favorite people in the whole wide world:


Laughing with daddy:


My sweet baby boy:


The grin I fall in love with every single day:


And last but not least, Taylor with mommy:

My little jumper

Last night Sean and I put Taylor in his jumperoo so he could get some wiggles out before bed. Well Sean got him really excited and he started jumping like CRAZY. It was so funny and Sean and I couldn't stop laughing.

Here's a video of part of his jumping. Sorry it's so dark - our camera isn't the best.



Man I love this kid...