Back from California

Well, we just spent the past week on vacation and it was so much fun and much needed. We first drove down to St. George to celebrate my grandparents 80Th Birthday Party Hawaiian style. Pretty much all the relatives on my dad's side were there and we played games, ate yummy food, watched a video of their life, and just visited. It was great! And somehow the Easter Bunny was able to find us and left the boys Easter Baskets. We had an Easter egg hunt for the kids and their cousins which was fun. Then we drove to Victorville, CA and stayed with one of Aaron's friends and his family. We woke up Monday morning and the weather was overcast and raining. When we arrived at Disneyland, the lines weren't too bad, but as the afternoon arrived and the sun came out, so did everyone else and their dog. IT WAS CROWDED! I haven't been since I was a kid and I don't remember the lines being so long. But Tuesday proved to be even worse when it came to the lines. We still had fun and the boys were really good about all the standing and walking we had to do. We were up really late both nights and as soon as we entered our hotel room they were ready to go to bed without any arguments. One cool thing is that Kaden was just barely tall enough to go on the big rides. He went on the big roller coaster at California Adventure with Aaron and loved it! He's our fearless one. Jonas did pretty well but a few of the rides scared him just a tad. He still had fun though. I can't get over how expensive the food is there. We looked forward to the times when we could eat somewhere cheap off of the park property. McDonald's never looked so good. On Wednesday we slept in and then drove to San Diego to my Aunt and Uncle's house in La Jolla. They were so hospitable and had everything we needed to go to the beach waiting there for us. We changed into our swim suits and made our way out to Pacific Beach. I laid on the beach trying to get some color while the boys played in the water, collected sea shells, and built sand castles. We couldn't stay to long because we had a limited parking time but it was good. We had a BBQ that night and the next day we took the boys to Sea World. They loved it. I was disappointed because the dolphin show was closed and we only stayed for part of the day because we ran out of things to do. It's not like at Disneyland where you almost feel like there isn't enough time. We saw all of the shows and exhibits and ate lunch (which was also outrageously priced) and let the kids pick out a souvenir. Then we went down to this children's beach where they had it roped off. Every year the mother sea lions come and give birth to their babies and stay for awhile to keep the pups safe. It was cool to see up close. It was amazing that they didn't seem bothered by everyone looking at them only feet away from their babies. I guess they just get used to it. We went out to dinner with my Aunt and Uncle and had awesome fish and chips. Friday morning we went back to St. George and stayed at my grandparents overnight to break up the drive. We had to make it back for Church on Sunday because our ward split the week before and Aaron is now in the Bishopric. I'm so excited for him and I'm excited about our new ward. It's much smaller and I think it will be easier to get to know people better. However, I'm going to miss a lot of the members in our old ward. I've been called to play the piano in Relief Society which should be interesting. I haven't played in over 15 years and never learned any hymns so I'll just have to do the best I can. I guess the Lord wants me to learn this talent again. I used to be a pretty decent player when I was a kid but it's true what they say..."If you don't use it, you lose it." I'm way out of practice. Life is good and I enjoyed the driving part of our trip just as much because Aaron and I were able to have some good conversations. I love my husband with all my heart and couldn't imagine being married to anyone else. He is truly the perfect mate for me. I'm so grateful for all of my blessings and for the opportunity we had to create these precious memories.

Busy, busy, busy!!!

Well, life has been crazy lately. A little over a month ago I accepted a calling to be the meeting counselor in the Relief Society Presidency which has been a lot of work but sooooo rewarding and fun. Aaron went to Arizona for a conference for work and we are glad to have him home. We were able to make it to the temple last night for a session and it was much needed. We hadn't been together since the day we received Lucas' diagnosis and so we were both very emotional. But it was great and the spirit was very strong. Kaden and Jonas are enjoying the warm weather we've been having and after spending all winter cooped up in the house with cabin fever, it's been nice to get outside in the fresh air. Jonas is signed up to play T-Ball in May and he is really excited. Kaden wants to play soccer which starts in August. There are a bunch of mom's in our neighborhood who have signed up their kids as well so it will be a lot of fun to visit and watch the kids play at the same time. I love our neighborhood. I'm not attached to our house but when the day comes that we decide to move it will be difficult to leave our friends. Well, that's pretty much all I have for now. I wish I would do a better job of remembering the little things that happen. I guess that's why I should be recording more often when things are fresh. We are greatly blessed and although we have gone through some difficult times, I'm grateful for all that we have been given and for the growth that has been a direct result of our trials.

Where does the time go?

I can't believe it has been over a month since our last post. I guess life has been pretty uneventful so I just haven't felt the need to post an update. We are doing well and enjoying the small things in life. Yesterday marked 5 months since our sweet Lucas returned home and although it's still difficult, the cry sessions are getting fewer and farther between. I think it's because we've just accepted that this is the way it is until we meet again and the pain is getting easier to bear with time. I've been trying to stay busy which helps also. I did make it to his grave last week and it was the first time I had been by myself. Usually we go on Sunday's as a family so it was nice to just sit and talk to him alone. I started exercising with some of the girls at the church and it has been so much fun. Jonas and I go to play group once a week and I have the opportunity to volunteer in Kaden's class once a week. I am so lucky to have them in my life. I am also blessed to have the most awesome husband to walk the earth. He is sooooo good to me even though I can be a stinker sometimes. We recently got called to be a Maw and Paw for Trek this summer. We are so excited for this opportunity and I know that it will be such a spiritual experience. (Trek is held in Wyoming for 4 days. The youth and some of the adults in our church cross the plains where our early pioneer ancestors walked to reach Salk Lake City. We will be dressed like pioneers and pull handcarts with our belongings all the while getting a taste of the sacrifices and blessing that came with this journey.) We have decided to take the kids to Disneyland the last week in February which is coming up. I haven't been since I was a child so I am very excited. I think the boys will LOVE IT!!! We haven't been on a vacation like this since Kaden was 5 months old and we went on a cruise. We figure why not go now? We could use a little get away and the timing couldn't be better. Hopefully the weather is nice and it isn't too crowded. And now that we have a minivan with a DVD player, the drive shouldn't be too bad. It will be fun. Well, that's all for now. It's time to get the kiddo's ready for bed.

Shannon

Merry Christmas...

Well, it's the day after but I wanted to take a moment to say how thankful I am for our many blessings. I'm so grateful that Aaron has a good job and works hard so that we can have stability during these difficult economic times. Our family is in good health and we have the most wonderful family and friends. We spent Christmas eve with friends and Christmas day we just relaxed at home. My parents came over to watch the boys open a couple of gift they had brought for them and then we went to see Lucas to wish him a Merry Christmas. We then went over to Aaron's parents to take them a gift. I made photo albums of the kids for both of our parents this year and they turned out really cute. It's really sad that most of the pictures we have of Lucas is when he was sick and he had a feeding tube taped to the side of his nose. It's not that we didn't take any pictures of him as an infant, but most babies don't start smiling and laughing until they are about 4-5 months old and these make the best pictures. I've learned my lesson though. Never put off pictures and video because you just never know. I was even waiting to get our family pictures done until Lucas could sit up. Well, he got sick and I was having some major regrets. Then, our sweet friends arranged to have our pictures done in between his surgery and his first round of chemo. It was such a blessing and I'm so grateful to Melissa for taking pictures of our family with such short notice. There are so many good people in the world and so many acts of kindness have been extended to our family. This Christmas was very emotional as every time I heard a song about the baby Jesus or saw a picture it would remind me of Lucas. Yesterday I was telling the boys that Lucas is so lucky because he gets to be with Jesus on His birthday. Then Kaden asked me if he would be eating birthday cake. "I sure hope so. Heaven just wouldn't be heaven without cake." Aaron then replied that they probably have better stuff than cake in heaven. Well, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We love all of you and thank you again for your love and support.

Shannon

We're finally ready...

We just finished our Christmas shopping yesterday and now we are ready to relax through the holiday. Aaron is off work until after Christmas and it has been nice having him home. Wednesday night was Kaden's school program and it was so cute and entertaining. Unfortunately Kaden was on the floor and we couldn't see him the entire program. Oh well, I guess the important thing is that he knew we were there to support him. Friday night we went out with our friends Jeff and Leigh. We went to dinner and saw the movie "Avatar" which was sooooooo good!! Yesterday we went and put some decorations up on Lucas' stone and it looks so cute. The boys each picked a Christmas song and we all sang to him. It was sweet. I'm so glad that we now have something to look at when we go visit his burial site. I had an emotional day today because I was going through all of our pictures on the computer and even some video. It was flashback after flashback and even though I know there is a reason for all of this, I found myself asking the question,"Why him? Why us? It's just not fair!!!" Then I had to remind myself of all that has transpired from this. How many lives he has touched because he was willing to come down to earth and suffer so that others could learn. I truly believe this was a decision he made in the preexistence and he signed up to go through this in order to help others. I am so proud to be his mother and I'm grateful for the things our family has learned. This is my favorite time of year and we are so blessed to have a Savior who was willing to come to earth to suffer and die for us all for a greater purpose. So that we could return and live with Him again someday. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We might go sledding tomorrow with the boys since we received a bunch of snow today. I love snow for the Holidays!!!

Cabin Fever...

Jonas has been a little under the weather for the past few days and so we've been cooped up inside trying to get him better. I've been making the best of it doing a lot of Christmas baking which those of you who know me are aware that I get a little crazy this time of year. What can I say, I love to bake! And there are certain things I only make during the holidays. One of the purposes of this blog is to record the funny things the kids say. Aaron has been telling me for years that I need to write these things down because it's crazy how fast you forget them. We know that the boys make us laugh all the time but then a few days later we try to think of what is was they said and whoops...we forget. So, I must share this. Carrie Brown who is in the Primary presidency at church said that Jonas got up to say the opening prayer and during his prayer he said multiple times," Jesus, thank you for Old McDonald's. I'm grateful for Old McDonald's with playgrounds and I'm grateful for Old McDonald's without playgrounds." How funny is that. We have 2 McDonald's near us and only one of them has a play land. It's so cute to me how sincere children are when they pray. They really are grateful for every little thing. It's no wonder we are supposed to be like them and our boys remind us every day that we need thank Heavenly Father for the little things in life as well as the big things. I love listening to them pray. Well, Aaron only has to work through Wednesday and then he's off until after Christmas. I'm so grateful that he has a job that allows him to spend so much time with us for Christmas. We are going to attempt to get all of our shopping done next week. Now that the basement is done I'm not sure where we are going to hide the boys gifts since this was our hiding place in the past. I might just have to wrap them as we get them. That might be a good idea anyway so that we aren't up until 2:00am Christmas Eve wrapping presents. It will be a hard Christmas without Lucas. He was only 2 weeks old last Christmas and as I was reflecting with Aaron the other night, I was saying how crazy and unpredictable this past year has been. Last Christmas we were holding our infant son having no idea the trials our whole family would be facing in the near future. We were just so lucky and blessed to have a beautiful healthy baby boy. Life can change in an instant. Cherish every moment because you just never know what storm might be coming your way. The storm has calmed down for us and there are still days when it rains. But, occasionally we are blessed to see a rainbow.

Happy Birthday Lucas!!!

Today is Lucas' birthday and we are happy to celebrate it. This day reminds us of the day that he came into our lives and began his short stay with us here on earth. We feel so blessed to have had him for the time that we did. Above are a couple of pictures of his recently completed headstone. Thanks to those who so thoughtfully left flowers and cards and for other kind gestures in memory of Lucas and this special day.

Happy Birthday Lucas!!! We love you!

Aaron