April

April turned out to be quite the busy month with visits from both of our parents and lots of family time and activities going on.

Highlights: 

-playing with Grammie and Papa before they left

 -Running the South Jordan "Earth Day 10k" together. And when I say together I mean that Jordan smoked us all and finished 5th overall and then came Paul and Stewart who also did really well. Rebekah ran the whole thing in her leopard onesie (it was drizzling for almost the whole run) and did awesome, finished 4th in her age group and then Lorraine and I finished in just over an hour. I definitely could have benefitted from a training run beforehand but we all completed and did well. It was fun to get into a race again and made us excited to set some goals for this summer.


-Bailey's baby blessing. There was a dessert party the night before and then Mike gave her a beautiful blessing during their church service on Sunday. I actually got sick after the run on Saturday (aggravated allergies) and I will blame this on my lack of pictures of this special day. But Bailey was adorable and so quiet and agreeable for the whole thing.  (This picture was from a few days before)

(here are a few from Jenna!)

-I won't go into too much detail about this one so as not to spoil the surprise but the kids and I did some very special shopping with Lorraine and Rebekah and Caitlin loved looking at the "princess dresses" and admiring herself in the mirror. I thought this picture was so cute so i had to include it.

-BYU and UVU graduation. Jenna graduated from UVU and Mike from BYU. We attended both of their individual graduation ceremonies and saw them receive their diplomas. We are very proud of both of them and we will miss them dearly when they head to College Station to go to Texas A&M Med school this fall. The kids were surprisingly well behaved during the ceremonies but it was a long day and they both conked out in the car before dinner.

Cortney: 26 years old

I felt pretty lame about my birthday this year. Honestly I still feel pretty lame about being 26... I'm now in my "late twenties" I've never been one to think I'm getting older or really dwell on that but I found 3 gray hairs the other day and that pretty much sent me over the edge.
Regardless. I actually had a really fun birthday. Paul was coming back from a business trip so the morning was spent with my kiddos and Stewart and Lorraine and Rebekah. We went to Caitlin's dance class and then to Thanksgiving Point for lunch and to see the farm animals and a treat. The weather was beautiful.

After that I brought the kids home and Paul got back to take me on my birthday date. He had planned such a fun date for me. I had told him I wanted to go shopping a little so he took me shopping for all of my birthday gifts (sometimes it's just better when I get to pick them out on my own). He had 5 boxes for me all wrapped with the name of a store on the front. Then I got to unwrap each box and inside were little papers telling me what the gift was to be. We went all over opening my boxes and shopping for different things. (When my husband gives me the green light on a shopping spree I don't waste any time). I got a lot of fun things but the best part by far was just getting to spend all evening with Paul and have such a long and fun date.



We ate dinner at Brio and then went home and met up with the rest of the family for a few more gifts and hanging out. I also received lots of texts, calls, messages from friends and family throughout the day that I really appreciated.

Turns out turning 26 wasn't so bad. So as long as the gray hairs stop I should be able to get through the next year ok.

wordy wednesday

I haven't done one of these posts forever, but...

The past couple weeks have held an abnormally large amount of trials for our family and extended family. Sometimes you feel like it's just one thing after another. Work, health, spiritual, temporal, financial, and more. Some have been documented on here, others have not. I came across this quote from this past General Conference and it really helped me:

It put things into persepective for me, and at a time when I thought "what am i supposed to do to handle this or help others around me bear their burdens?" it answered my question. There has been increased prayer and fasting in this household and we are all the better because of it. And because I probably don't say it enough, I want to say that I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. For so many reasons. First and foremost I love it because of the where it comes from. I know without a doubt that I am a daughter of God and that He is my loving Heavenly Father. My knowledge of this gives the strength, courage and most of all confidence that throughout my everyday life I can turn to him and that he will guide me in all that I do. I know that when I pray I am talking to Heavenly Father and that he is listening. I know that he will answer all of my prayers. I know that Jesus Christ is his Son. I know that Jesus is a real and living person who walked on this Earth and led a perfect life that ended in his crucifixion… a death that he chose to save each one of us. I know that Jesus Christ sacrificed his life, and perhaps even more importantly, that he was resurrected after 3 days so that I have the opportunity to return to heaven to live with them again. I know that I am by no means perfect but that If I try my best everyday I do have the chance to return to heaven. Another reason why I love the gospel is because of who I can achieve these things with. I am so thankful for my family. I know that the family is the most important unit on the earth and that if we are sealed in the temple we have the opportunity to be with our families throughout all eternity. I think that is a beautiful and inspiring goal. I love this gospel because of its teachings: I believe that the words in the Bible and the Book of Mormon are true. I know that Joseph Smith really did see God and Jesus in the sacred grove and that he restored Christ's church to the earth. I know that the people in the Book of Mormon are not merely stories. I know that if we study the scriptures we will gain knowledge and understanding in ways that only the spirit can teach us. I also am thankful that we have a living prophet. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet. He is the Lord's mouthpiece on the earth today and is was chosen to lead and guide our church. I strive to live my life everyday in a way that is pleasing to God because I know that I would have such a different life if not for this wonderful gospel that leads and guides me each day. I am thankful for it and I love it and I know that these things are true.

Grandma Joanne Watson Pelton

My paternal Grandma Joanne passed away on Tuesday, April 9th. She had severe Alzheimer's and had been declining for about 6 years. My parents let me know the night before that she had been put on a morphine drip and most likely would pass away within the next 12 hours. The next morning she slowly took her last breaths in peace with family around her.

It is always hard to say goodbye, even if it is not sudden but my Grandpa Pelton died in 1997 and I'm glad that they are finally reunited. I learned a lot about my Grandma at her funeral and I am proud to be her granddaughter.

Joanne Watson Pelton was always a wonderful mix of determination, diligence and tender caring and love. Some of my favorite things about her:
-She worked as a nurse and when she was 22 she cared for a woman dieing of cancer. This woman was leaving behind her husband, and three children. Grandma cared for her through this whole trial and got to know her family until her death.... when that family that later became hers when at the encouragement of both the patient and her mother she married my Grandpa (who was about 20 years older than her!!) and she became an instant mother to a 15 year old, a 12 year old and an 18 month old.  I really admire her for being willing and able to step into that and be an instant mom. It was because she truly loved her children (including those 3 that she didn't technically birth herself) and her own later two children (my dad being her youngest).  She truly loved all of her grandchildren too. She was always very happy and sweet and her and my Grandpa always had a big smile and were excited to see us.
-She was very determined in everything she did, whether it was growing up working on her family's ranch or the fact that she would sent my parents the house for sale clippings for years after they were married to get them to move back to Utah! She always worked hard to get what she wanted (although in that case we never did moved to Utah, sorry Grandma).
-She is the reason why my name is spelled differently. When I was born, "Courtney" was still a popular name for boys so she was there and convinced my my dad to spell it "without the U so it looks a little more feminine" so off they went to sign the birth certificate and that's why my name is spelled the way it is.
-My Grandpa didn't join the church until much later in his life, but my grandma was always strong in the church and encouraged her children to be also. She wasn't judgmental and was supportive of whatever choices they made but kept her testimony throughout her whole life.
-She lived a good life. One of my cousins spoke and said that her funeral was a time to congratulate her on a life well spent. And it truly was. The flowers were beautiful and people were generally happy because she was now back with my Grandpa and could be back doing things she loves and being able to talk to people and remember things.

Her funeral was April 13 at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery and then she was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery. My Dad dedicated her grave, each pallbearer put his boutonniere on her casket and then they invited each daughter/granddaughter to place a rose on the casket as well. I was glad for the opportunity to pay my respect in that way.

second row

Paul and I got to go to the Jazz vs. Oklahoma City game. We sat on the floor on the second row and it was a really cool experience. I couldn't believe how big those guys are! I literally would have reached the hip bone of a few of them. Unfortunately the Jazz lost, and I'm starting to feel a little bit responsible because they have lost every time I've been to a game but luckily I don't go too often so they can still have a good season. And it was a really fun date.

 

the life of Clover

Clover the Bunny

3.31.13- 4.9.13

Umm yes, our bunny lived for 10 days. I feel like a horrible person but I want to first start with a disclaimer that when Paul picked out the bunny he specifically asked the people about the cold weather and how to care for them and the people said that they are used to it from living here and they just burrow into their hay beds and are fine. We had some rainy and I usually brought him inside during the day but one night we actually got some snow and even though he was under the covered part of the porch, it was too much for him. I went out to bring him inside in the morning and... well he didn't move. At first we didn't know how to handle it with Caitlin and we thought maybe we could get a replacement Clover. But Paul called and all the bunnies had been sold! And to be honest I was a little shell shocked at its frailty and was afraid to sign up for another one right away. So when Caitlin asked about him I told her he went to his other house. She was fine with that answer for awhile and said "ok maybe he can come back a different day." But then she kept pressing me and finally asked "What's it called? What's his other house called" to which I meekly responded "umm.. heaven." She doesn't really know what getting to heaven entails but we haven't talked about it since so I guess that worked.  

Just thought I would mention that Clover's namesake is this little guy:

He is the animated bunny from the new Disney Channel show "Sofia the First" and Caitlin LOVES it. So when she saw him we said "Caitlin what's the bunny's name?" and she immediately responded "Clover!" She usually called him "baby Clover" to be precise.

Who knows what the future holds as far as our pets, but I do know that Clover lived a very full 10 day life. I don't know what kind of goals bunnies have but i feel that his life was very fulfilling and filled with happiness. He had lots of: playing outside, snuggling, eating kale, watching shows, being carried everywhere and in some probably very uncomfortable positions, wild rides, picnics and being given lots of "loves" from the kids.

 We had some good times. We will miss the little guy. 

Nolan: 10 months old

Nolan has turned into a wiggly active little boy. Still mostly happy and always cute. After all of the diaper changes and clothes dressings I've done I really think I could be a promising wrestler. I've always said "I just want him to be a chill baby and then when he's one he can turn into the crazy boy I know he will be"... as his first birthday is nearing I'm seeing my words come to life! Just trying to keep up as he grows bigger and better everyday! Whenever I come in to see him and he smiles at me you can't help but just smile and love him to pieces.

Eats: he still drinks his 3 bottles a day and generally LOVES his baba. He is still eating baby food because he doesn't mind it and he eats healthy that way. He usually eats about two containers at each meal. We did move him to the chair seat this month since he outgrew the bumbo (like months ago).

Sleeps: He still likes his two naps a day, although he usually naps better in the morning than the afternoon so I'm trying to fix that right now (rather have him napping longer in the afternoon so he can sleep at the same time as Caitlin and eventually that will be his only nap) he sleeps for about 1.5-2 hours each nap and about 12 hours at night. On March 30th he pulled himself up in his crib for the first time and I came in to him standing there. So adorable! I love coming in to see him standing there.

Play: he still army crawls but gets up on his hands and knees sometimes. and he is fast! also, he loves to stand! He pulls himself up on anything he can. He will turn and pivot but isn't trying to take steps and cruise yet.

Likes: he loves being outside. This warmer weather has been amazing. He comes out on the blanket and also likes to swing in the baby swing. He also loves to wrestle and laugh and get tickled.

Dislikes: he hates having his face wiped and his nose cleaned out. He also dislikes getting things taken away from him (i.e: small toys or nasty crumbs that he finds on the floor or things that he shouldn't have that he finds)

Also: Firsts: pulling himself up on things, and he also celebrated his frist Easter. We also discovered his love for horses and swinging. He reaches to be held. He started saying "ma ma" and also will say "da da" "ba ba" and his favorite is "la la la"... None of them are intentional but he says them, mingled with lots of loud yelling and grunts and groans. We also moved him to a "big boy" carseat! Technically he should still be rear-facing but it just didn't seem safe at all once we installed it so I turned him around and it's so cray to see two big kids looking at me from the back seat! He also got another tooth, making 5 total.

GC weekend review

Our General Conference weekend consisted of: 

Friday night mission reunion. We opted for a smaller gathering again this year and had about 8 couples from Pauls mission and his Mission President and his wife, Elder and Sister Gay. We ate and talked and mostly listened to President Gay as he imparted stories and wisdom from his time that he has now spent in the first quorum of the 70 and also gave us an update on the people and members and progress in Ghana. Crazy to think that the original mission all these men served in was the Ghana, Acca mission (actually Ivory Coast for Paul, but he was later moved to the ghana mission because of the war) and that mission has now been divided many times and is now currently 6 different missions throughout Ghana and Sierra Leone and Liberia! The people and members there are amazing and so faithful and embrace the gospel so beautifully. They are progressing and growing and it's exciting to see. It was a special and spiritual night.     

Saturday scones for breakfast, being with family, playing outside, girl's night with the kids and Bekah (shopping and dinner at the mall), dessert pizzas from Papa Murphy's and an epic game of speed Monopoly in which i won for I think the first time ever.

Sunday was relaxing, pajamas all day, seeing Pack's new house in the works and delicious dinner at Chelsea and Tyler's.

All intermixed with this of course was the 4 sessions of General Conference. I will admit that with kids and friends and family and food around, I don't always get to listen as closely as I would like. But I think it's important that we make an effort and just having it on and listening to it as much as possible brings a special spirit into our home for the weekend. And I'm definitely grateful that all the talks are posted online so I can start reading them on my own time and remembering what was said.  

one of my favorite quotes was:

neither here nor there

our life according to instagram in March:

joys of motherhood: March

Joys of motherhood:

My kids are fun and definitely have their own little personalities. Caitlin says some really funny stuff, it's hard to even remember all of them or write them down. Nolan is also starting to develop his own personality and preferences more and they both keep up smiling... most the time!

-(this has happened a few times) Caitlin wants something and I say no and she gets a really serious expression on her face and says: "Sweetie, sweetie heart... It's ok if I have it. It's ok."

Or if she wants to go somewhere (like the backyard) and I say no she does the same thing and says "It's ok ill just hold your hand and walk with you and come show you."

-The ipad= the "Hi pad" don't know why. But we have been putting the iPad on our chaise in our room and now whenever she wakes up she comes to our room and goes to sit on the "little bed" with her blankie and plays games or watches shows on the iPad until we fully wake up. (She usually comes in around 7:30 and we get up around 8) It's amazing.. And probably sounds extremely lazy of us but again, it's amazing.

-Granola bar = GraNolan bar

-Whenever Caitlin swings on the swing she likes to go on her stomach and twist around and kick her lags and run them and usually while doing this she yells "its a Wonderful day! yay mommy! yay daddy! yay caitlin! yay nolan! its a wonderful day today" or some combination of the above.

-Caitlin has started saying "I don't know" as an answer for things but when she says it she sounds like "I own know" and she says it when she's being naughty (i.e. "Caitlin what are you doing?" "I own no...")

-We encountered one high chair seat belt this month that wouldn't buckle around Nolan's tummy!

-Caitlin's current obsessions are: Sophia the first (Disney show), carousels (still), suckers (still), Cinderella and being in tutus 24/7

-Nolan's current obsessions are: balls, standing up, music and dancing

-Nolan got his first sucker the other day and loved it

-Caitlin pronounces "crab" = crap ...she had a little toy crab and I made this discovery. We probably took it a little too far by making her say things like "dad I won't take your ___" and "where's my ___?" "Let me see my ___" it made for some good laughs.

-the place I work out is next to Provo Beach Resort where they have a flow rider so there are guys there a lot surfing and whenever we go by Caitlin says "oh mommy they are so nakey!" (Nakey =naked... apparently swimsuits aren't enough)

-top 5 responses upon seeing Nolan: 1) "he's a big boy" 2) "what a chunky monkey" 3) "I bet you get a workout carrying him" 4) "wow look at those teeth" 5) "I just want to pinch his cheeks"...  if I had a dollar every time I heard one of those responses I'd have enough money to buy him the new wardrobe he's grown out of every 2 months.