Blessings and Miracles

While the last few weeks of our lives have been some of the hardest of our married lives, they have also been a few of the most spiritual. I've been on my knee's praying for a lot of things lately. Everything from Josh's speedy recovery to patience and love for my family. It's hard when your all trapped in a house together with nowhere to go!!

We went to the specialist on Tuesday and he is amazing. If you live in Southern Utah and ever need a spine doctor, go see Ryan Church, he is amazing! He wanted to run a CT scan to get a better look at Josh's back. He told us that this was such an unusual injury for a healthy, 29-year-old, that he wanted to look a little deeper into things. He asked us a huge variety of questions, and told us that an injury of this manner in a healthy guy could indicate a variety of other problems, worse case scenario being bone cancer. Well, we came home and we weren't intending for him to get the testing, because we weren't sure how we were going to afford it. But Thursday morning, I woke up and told him that I wanted him to schedule it and that somehow, I knew Heavenly Father would let us be okay financially.

So we had the test and all this time Josh has been improving a little bit every day. Wednesday was the first day I could tell he was feeling much better. He got up and moved around a bit. Austin came down and I think that was like balm to the soul. He's not a guy who sits much and I could tell he was starting to have a bit of depression. He was outside and drove us into town. Thursday, he had his tests and then ran errands with me. We got the tests back on Friday, but the doctor still hasn't seen them. It says there is no fracture visible. I told Josh that it is amazing, that one week ago on an x-ray, a fracture was visible and now there is no indication of a fracture? Prayers and Priesthood blessings work, of that I have no doubt.

It also looks as though, for now we are going to be financially stable too. Heavenly Father answered our prayers in that way too. I am so grateful for those who are in tune with the spirit and have been an answer to our prayers. A million thank you and hugs are going your direction.

This has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Josh and I have helped others on different occasions. We know what it's like to be on the giving end of things, and we've had times that we have been on the receiving end, but never to this extent. It's a humbling thing, but also one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had. I've had people walk into my life, some who were completely unexpected, and be answers to my own personal prayers. Walking, talking, breathing angels helping to bring a miracle into our lives. It's been an amazing experience.

And yet, I do realize, that we aren't finished with this experience. Josh has a way's to go, before he will be back to his active and crazy life. I may or may not end up going back to work. That is looming in front of me and it scares me. But I have been offered a job and that makes that decision, when it comes a little easier.

I've learned that you never take for granted the blessings you do have, and there are many. I think that sometimes we just get to busy and involved in our lives, that sometimes we forget to do the things we should. Life is a gift!! We need to make the most of it and do amazing things with it. I pray that I can always be in tune with the spirit and that I will be able to do amazing things for me and for my family. We are so blessed, so we need to share those blessings with others. I am truly grateful for all that I have been blessed with.

Thank you to those who have helped in any way. By bringing food, by lending a listening ear, for the many prayers in our behalf. For being friends, for being in tune and being an answer to a prayer. For those who have helped us stay afloat amidst the medical bills and medical costs, to those who have called and stopped by and to anyone who has blessed us in any way, I want to say THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. We love you all!!!

Roller Coaster of Emotions

I am an emotional mess. I've cried, laughed, felt discouraged, been annoyed, hopeful, happy, sad and so much more in the past 5 day's. Poor Josh is in to much pain to care. We did go to the doctor yesterday and they want to send us to specialist. But atleast they were able to give him some medication to help with the pain. It's silly really that I have so much on my mind, other than Josh getting well.

I know he will get well. I have faith that he will. He had a blessing that said he will. He is strong and healthy and so many other things let me know that he will be okay. But what do we do in the meantime?? The thought of sitting at our house constantly for the next 4 to 6 weeks, makes me want cry! None of us are really homebodies, so it shall be interesting. What do we do about finances, what do we do about lot's of things???

I do have faith that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. Heavenly Father loves us and knows what our family needs. We have already been blessed with an abundance of love and concern from friends and family. Oh and lot's if yummy food :). So much for the HCG I just finished!!

I have really been an emotional wreck. You know how you can just hear a voice on the phone, calling with concern and you can't control it? Yeah, it's been that way every time I talk to my mom, sometimes my sister, Mandee, my mother-in-law and a few others. I had to pull the car over yesterday and cry myself out on the side of Lava Flow Drive. It's just been extremely emotional for me. I want Josh to hold me and tell me it will all be okay, but I can't even sit next to him or hug him, or do anything. That's hard. It hurts me to see him hurt and know that only time will heal and there is not much I can do.

Mandee and Maggie kidnapped me last night and took me to dinner. They got Meagan to watch my kids and we went to Pancho and Lefty's. It was just what I needed. Just to be able to breathe for the first time in day's.

But all is well. God is good. He loves us and so do so many others. We will survive this. We have our family and that is all that matters right now.

Happy Birthday Josh

Happy Birthday to my sweetie!!

Only 1 more year until the big 30!!

Some of the reasons I love you are:

We can be silly together.

Kym and Aaron introduced us! Aaron knew we liked each other

long before we knew it.

He loves his kids.

Piper and Josh have a special bond.

She is his Trollie.

He makes me laugh!

New Year's Eve

Today me and my honey are the same age. At least for the next 2 months. I'm a cradle robber. I married a younger guy! And what a guy he is! I AM THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD! I am seriously blessed, because he is such an awesome guy!

Here are some of the reason's he's my #1 guy.

Josh is Josh and he's not afraid to be himself. Our first date was going rabbit hunting with Aaron. Not by ourselves, but with Aaron, his joined at the hip best-friend. It was awesome! That is one of those things that only Josh could do and get away with. He's bluntly honest, sometimes to honest and he says things before he thinks. I don't know if that is just Josh or a just a guy thing!

He is my best-friend. He loves me unconditionally and puts up with all my many ideas and allows me to be myself. He is a good dad. He loves his kids and would do anything for them. He works so hard to provide for our family and does everything possible to allow me to stay home with our kids. He knows that is important. He is one of the hardest working guys I know. He is one of the most caring guys I know too. He is always gone and if he's not at work, he is usually out helping someone. Whether it is working on a neighbors car, helping someone do yard work or just helping them with a project, he is always giving service to others. He likes to have a good time and for him that means being on the mountain, hunting, shooting, or playing in the mud. He has some great friends in his Carter's family and loves to spend time with the guys. He has a great relationship with his sisters and his parents. Especially his dad and that means a lot to him.

He is all around, just an awesome guy! I am so blessed and I want him to know that I love him!! 5 lbs, babe! Forever and for always!

5 lbs.

When Josh and I were dating, my cute niece Tyler, was about 3 year-old. When I would ask her how much she loved me, she would always tell me that she loved me 5 lbs. Josh and I still use this phrase today. We text each other, 5 lbs, leave notes that say 5 lbs, and to us it means. I love you more than words can say.

Tonight Josh and I had the chance to go to a 10-year anniversary party for two of our very best friends. Aaron is Josh's best-friend. Josh was his best-man and Aaron was his. Aaron knew that Josh and I were perfect for each other and he introduced us. Tyson's middle name is Aaron. We kinda like him, if you can't tell. Anyway, we had the chance to go and watch him and Kym renew their wedding vows.

What a neat experience! It was so neat to see the way that they still look at each other and to hear them tell each other why they are so grateful for each other. What an amazing couple!

It got me thinking about Josh and I. I LOVE him. He is perfect for me. We compliment each other so completely. Today I called him at work and I knew right off that something wasn't right. I could hear it in his voice. He was having a bad day. I love that I know him that well, that I don't need to be told somethings wrong. I love that he's seen me at my WORST (it's not pretty) and he still loves me unconditionally. I love that he works so hard for our family. He works hard so that I can stay home with our kids and that means so much to me. I love that we have fun together. We don't even have to leave the house to have fun together. I love that he gets exasperated at me and my forgetfulness and that he supports me in all of my endeavors, though sometimes he does grumble under his breathe, all the while :)...

I love this guy! You are amazing Josh and I love you 5 lbs!

Daddy's Little Princess

Oh my gosh!! She's pretty cute. And he's pretty good-lookin' too!!

8 Years Ago Today........

I married my best-friend!

Josh carved our initials in this tree the day after our wedding. I went looking for it on Sunday and was so glad that it was still there! It was a little nostalgic to go to Kolob this weekend, as that was where we spent the first week of our married lives.

The time flies by so fast. 8 years!! 3 kids!!! Lot's of memories and lot's of first in those years. It's not alway's been smooth sailing, but we get by with lot's of love and lot's of prayer. It's been an amazing experience, being married to my best-friend.

I love you Josh! Thank you so much for all you do. I know you work so hard for our family, so that I can stay home and I appreciate that. Thanks for loving me and for putting up with me!!
Happy Anniversary!

Tender Moments

There is no sweeter sight in the world than a daddy and his little girl!

Happy Birthday to Josh

Yesterday was Josh's birthday. I kept meaning to post a little something about it, but the day got away from me. Am I a horrible wife or what? But I sure do love him!!! It wasn't much of a birthday. We went on a little date last night and went to Texas Roadhouse. He got on the saddle and they made a big deal out of it. Our waitress is a sweet girl who lives in our ward. Josh has been her family's hometeacher for 4 years or so. It was fun to get out together.

So I want to do something fun! I'm going to tell you 28 fun facts about Josh. He's gonna love this.

1. He is a wonderful husband and a father.

2. He is a a great big kid at heart.

3. He loves to camp, hunt and fish

4. He has a secret nickname, that was whispered in my ear on our wedding day, by one of his dad's oldest friends. That's all I can say about that.

5. He grew up across the street from the Carter's and they are still his best-friends.

6. Once Josh and Ammon layed in wheelbarrows full of water and got sunburned. I have pictures, but don't ask me why???

7. Josh loves to paintball and is really good at it because he has no fear.

8. Josh walked my sister down the aisle when she and Austin eloped to Las Vegas, just 4 weeks before we got married.

9. Josh had a dog named Gib, that was the COOLEST dog ever. He had to be put to sleep right before we were married.

10. The first person Josh told that I was his girlfriend, was his grandpa Marvin.

11. The longest girl that Josh ever dated, besides me was Sophia.

12. Josh has 3 sisters, Kris, Heather and Maggie.

13. Josh wants to shoot a bear and stuff it and put it in my living room. KEEP DREAMING, BABE!

14. Josh hates minivans with a passion.

15. If our house was on fire the first thing he would run for would be his guns.

16. Josh hates spaghetti.

17. Josh took a detour on the way to the hospital when I was in labor with J.D., so that he could go to Sconecutter. I was so mad at him!!

18. Josh told me he loved me when we were sitting on the couch at his parents home.

19. Josh loves Marysvale, more than I think I do. He keeps trying to get me to move there.

20. Josh has nicknamed all of our kids. Chubba, Tootie and Troll.

21. Josh carried my engagement ring in his pocket for 2 weeks and showed everyone it, before I even saw it. He was waiting for the right moment.

22. Josh is one of the hardest working guys I know. He goes out of his way to help anyone and everyone, even after putting in a 10+ hour day.

23. Josh is way self-conscious of his gray hair.

24. Josh is happiest when he is in the mountains.

25. Josh loves to eat chips and salsa.

26. Josh loves to hang out with his kids.

27. Josh loves to make fun at me, but it's all in fun and I know he loves me.

28. Josh is the sweetest and greatest guy I know. I love him so much!

Thanks for loving me all these years babe! I hope you had a great birthday and know how much you mean to me and to the kids. Thanks for all you do! 5 lbs. babe!

Valentine Tag

Answer the questions about your sweetheart…

*What is your husband’s name? Joshua

*How long have you been married? Almost 8 years

*How long did you date? Just over a year

*How old is he? 27 almost 28

*Who eats more sweets? Defiently ME!

"*Who said I love you first? I did, it took him a month after I said it, to say it!

*Who is taller? Josh

*Who can sing best? Neither of us!

*Who is smarter? Both of us are smart in our own way.

*Who does laundry? I wash, he folds and I put away.

*Who pays bills? Me, but Josh really, he makes the money.

*Who sleeps on the right hand side? Josh, always.

*Who mows the lawn? Josh

*Who cooks dinner? Me

*Who drives? We both do, but mostly Josh.

*Who is first to admit they are wrong? ?????????

*Who kissed who first? Josh kissed me.

*Who asked who out first? We just kind of fell into dating, but Josh did ask me to hang out? Does that count?

*Who wears the pants? We both do :)!

I tag anyone who has a Sweet heart.

Our Story, part 1

One of my New Years resolutions every year is to be better at keeping a journal. And frankly, I'm just not very good at it. I prefer blogging for some strange reason. But this is my journal and I do plan on putting it into a book one day. I have the worse memory, and I am quite forgetful. There are things that I want to remember and never forget. I want to leave my children something, so that they will know who I was and what I stood for. Therefore, I also want them to know how I felt about being a daughter of God, a wife and a mother. I want them to know how I felt about each of them and others who are important to me in my life.

Some of these posts will go on for several weeks. Like my husbands, I want to write down our little story. So let's get started.
Josh is my best-friend. We were friends for about a year before we started dating. I met him at Hurst. This is one of those stories for us, where I know the spirit was guiding me. One day I was driving down the road and I drove past Hurst, and thought, "I wonder if they are hiring?" I had a great job, that I loved and was making quite a bit of money doing, but I pulled in the parking lot, went inside and applied for a job and was hired on the spot. The cashier manager's name was Andie and she also had a sister who worked there, named Trina. Kym was another one of the cashiers that also worked there. At the time I had no idea how these 3 girls would become some of my best-friends and change my life in more way's that one. But that's a bunch of different posts!!!

So shortly after I started, Kym got married to Aaron. Aaron and Josh grew up across the street from one another and are best-friends. So Aaron says to me one day, "I have this friend I want to hook you up with." Whatever, I thought. I was running around with a certain Richfield boy at the time. Aaron brought Josh into the store with him one afternoon. "Cute, " I thought, and I really liked him right off, but we were both had other things happening. And as a side note, Josh thought I was a bit on the obnoxious side the day we met. I was a little to hyper for him! I still remember that I was filling the pop machine when they came it. Crazy! We all started to hang out in a big group. There was Trina, Andie, Kym and I. Then we had Aaron, Josh, Adam, and Ammon. Also mixing in this group were my little group of Piute friends, Colby and Ryan, sometimes Tom, and then there was Cowboy, Triscuit, for a minute there was Shauna and lot's of other people int he mix, but that was the majority of us. Now the funny thing, is that we all dated within the group. Which, made it a little awkward at times. Can't even get into it, because that would take me a week of just typing!!!!

So Josh and I got to be pretty good friends. We spent that first year all hanging out and we watched each other as we dated other people. We both liked each other, but it always seemed like one of us was dating someone, when the other wasn't and so we just never got together.

Kym and Aaron's home was our hang out spot. They had a town home over in Dixie Downs where we all practically lived. There are a lot of great stories from that house. It's the place where Josh first kissed me and where Trina and Ammon started dating. It's where we played pool in the garage every night and spent countless hours sitting out on the lawn just talking.

To be continued.......