Sitting Man

He's bent over pretty good but he's still sitting and he stayed that way for like a minute before falling over!! Big deal in baby world. Can't roll over but can sit up a bit. Goofy kid.

He also had his cardiology appointment yesterday. Everything went fine. He weighs 14.3 lbs. and is 25.25 inches long!!! Big boy. His murmur is an innocent murmur. They did a chest xray and an EKG and everything was just fine, so no more visits to Primary Children's Hospital for us.

Deployment

Joe left Utah today. Now it's 12 long months until he's home for good again. We tried to take alot of pictures and make it as light as possible for most of the day. We had to go to a big farewell this morning. The govenor spoke. Then half of the guys left in the morning. Joe didn't have to leave until this afternoon, so after all that hoopla, we left and went out to eat with Joe's brother and his wife and son. Then we went and spent a little bit at Joe's parents' house. Then of course back to the airport. We all cried, but Hyrum had the hardest time. He was absolutely distraught which only made me more upset. Now, I'm just so tired. I miss Joe so very much. I love him so much. I am so very proud of him. He's an amazing man and everything that he does for his family and his country is truly extraordinary. God be with him til we are together again. God be with us.

Emma's Party

Cousins are so much fun. Dan and Little Reid decide to romp on the floor. It was so cute.
Joe and his nephew. Joe tends to confuse Reidster, because Reid thinks he's his daddy. Other than height, Joe and Rod do look alot alike.
Emma in her birthday crown with Hyrum and her Uncle Nate. Nate is married to Naomi, Joe's sister. It was a special treat having them there because they live in St. George. Uncle Nate's birthday is today. It's his magic birthday. 24 on the 24th. So Happy Birthday Uncle Nate.

So here is Aunt Naomi, Emma, Grandma, and Great Grandma Merkley.

All cute in her princess crown. Along with some freshly cut hair and some prettied up nails. She even got to go to the salon for it all.

A new bandana from Aunt Naomi.

A fairy cake that Emma picked out herself.
Blowing out her candle.

All in all this was a blast. Probably more for us adults but the kids did have a lot of fun with their cousin. This was our last family gathering before Joe deploys. It really was a lot of fun. Joe leaves on Tuesday. It's kind of scary. I know we've been gearing up for this for a while and he's been gone most of the last couple of months, but now he won't be a couple of hours away anymore. I couldn't see him then, but proximity does make a difference. Now I have to say goodbye and their are going to be so many people around and the media. It's weird to be caught up in all of that. Oh well. We sure are trying to have the best few days together as a family and so far we are doing pretty good. Here's a wave to all the soldiers and especially to their families who sacrifice so much for their country.

Too Big for His Britches

My big baby boy!!! He's not quite 3 months old and he has advanced into 6 month clothes. Isn't he too cute though? I had to go and buy him a couple of new outfits because although I have a ton of 6 month clothes from my other two boys, they are mainly summer clothes, due to the fact that it was warm by the time my other two got into them. This one is growing so fact I can't keep him in anything. I thought Hyrum was a big baby but I sware that Dan is even bigger!!! Porter was always a little baby, at least until he hit 2 years old, now he's sprouting, but it sure was easier to keep him in clothes. Oh well. Dan is still too cute for words!!

Too Cute Not to Share

Little baby blue eyes is all smiles. So cute.

Yes, she dressed herself. This pose is so Emma. She is so lady like all the time. :)

Tag Your It-About your husband

What's his name? Joseph.


How long have you been married? 6 years 9 months 2 weeks and 4 days and I can't wait for eternity to come!!!


How long did you date? We didn't really (we were friends, then emailpals, then engaged)

How old is he? 28, he'll be 29 in May.

Who eats more? Depends on what we are eating and what time of day it is.

Who said I love you first? I did.

Who is smarter? Neither, I think we are both equal as a general statement. He's smarter in some things, and I am in others.

Who does laundry? I do mainly. I always fold though, no one else does it right!!! He does his BDU's every now and then when he's around.

Who does the dishes? I load the dishwasher and he unloads, at least when he's around.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does.

Who pays the bills? I do.

Who mows the lawn? The HOA.

Who cooks dinner? We both do when he's home.

Who drives when you are together? Mainly me. I find the driver's seat more comfortable, and plus I get nervous when he drives. Not because he can't drive, I just have control issues.

Who is more stubborn? That's a toss up.

Who kissed who first? He kissed me.

Who asked out who first? Again, we didn't date. He was my temple buddie, so I guess, if you want to know who asked who to the temple first, I did.

Who proposed? He did.

Who has more siblings? He does, 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

Who wears the pants in the family? Our four kids.

I pass the fun on to you now!

Happy Valentine's Day

Well this year I probably won't get to be with my sweetheart of Valentine's Day. Not that we need a special day to say "I love you." That we make sure to do everyday and every moment we can of that day. But I saw on another friends blog that she put the 14 things she loves about her husband for Valentine's Day and I thought, 'that's a really great idea.' Now, I'm sure there are a whole lot more than just 14 things that I love about Joe but here are 14 nonetheless.

14 Things that I Love About Joe:

1. That he has always been willing to sacrifice so much of his own time in order to provide for our family.

2. What an amazing father he is and how much he loves his children.

3. How much he loves me, and that even after seven years together he loves me even more than when we first got married.

4. The fact that he finds me far more attractive than I think I am.

5. That he works to make our country and our world a better place every single day.

6. His courage.

7. His strength.

8. His integrity.

9. His faith.

10. His passion.

11. His curiousity.

12. The fact that he is my best friend.

13. His love of books and learning and that he makes that a priority in his own life and the lives of our children.

14. His understanding of the need for "me" and also time for "we."

***I encourage all my friends who are either married or who have a sweetheart this Valentine's Day to take the time to name at least 14 things that they love about the other person. I also wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day.

A Good Night's Sleep

Last night Dan slept for 8 hours straight. It was great. Now if he went to bed at the same time as Mom, I wouldn't have woken up at all but he goes to bed at 8:30 and I enjoy some Mom time before I go to sleep. Anyway. He only woke up once!!! Then right back to sleep until 7:45. I was so proud. He's only 2 1/2 months old too!!! Now if I could just get his 4 year old sister to sleep at night, my life would be even better. But even with her waking up all night, last night was the best night sleep I've gotten since I was about five months pregnant. Thanks little Danny for a great night and finally a morning where Mom is not the biggest grumpus in the whole world.

Happy Birthday Nonny

Here's a Happy Birthday wish for our little Emma. Emma is four years old today!!!! I can't believe it. What a big crazy little girl. She is such a goof and has taken to making funny faces for the camara. We wish her a happy day and many more to come. We love her so much even when she is driving us mad. Here's to my little nonny, I really do love her. (The story behind her nickname: Anyone seen "Much Ado About Nothing?" Well the poem at the beginning, "Hey Nonny, Nonny." That's where it's from. Emma when she was born was my breath of fresh air-she was born while Joe was stationed at Fort Huachucha in Arizona, he wasn't there for her birth-and so she was a special gift, especially since my she was suppose to be a he; therefore,"And be you blithe and bonny;Converting all your sounds of woe Into, Hey nonny, nonny.")

My Cup Runneth Over

I just needed to take the time to thank the Lord for my multiplicity of blessings. My greatest blessing is my family. I have had on my mind my dear friends who have or are currently struggling to have a family. Sometimes I feel so guilty because I have not experienced the same difficulty. But then my heart swells in the knowledge that no matter how long we must wait, someday all those who desire children, will have them. And also, having children doesn't make one a "mother" and not having them doesn't exclude anyone from that great title.

As members of the church many don't read the Apocrypha, but one day I was reading it and came upon the most beautiful passage: "For the first mother of your nation Sarah, was she not barren even till her eightieth year: And yet even in the end of her old age brought forth Isaac, in whom the promis was made a blessing to all nations.
Rachel also, so much in favour with God, and beloved so much by holy Jacob, continued barren for a long time, yet afterwards was the mother of Joseph, who was not only governor of Egypt, but delivered many nations from perishing with hunger.
Who among the judges was more valiant than Samson, or more holy than Samuel? And yet both their mothers were barren." (Mary 2:6-8)

I don't know if anyone can find comfort in that passage, but it soothed my heart to know that no matter the reason, no matter the time, God is aware of the struggles of every dear sister, every dear daughter on this earth. He knows and understands the yearnings of our hearts. Not many people know this, but when we were trying to conceive Emma, I had a miscarriage. I was so thankful to have a dear friend with me at my appointment, Joe couldn't be there, because nothing ripped at my heart like hearing that my child had died. Unlike so many others, I was able to conceive again only after a few months, but I will never forget that little one. I am so thankful for my children. The bless and enrich my life. I am so thankful for a wonderful husband who has brought so much love into my life, not just through our children, but through himself as well. My family is my inspiration, they make me want to be a better person, a better wife, a much better mother. To all women this day, and especially to those whom I love, I want you to know that motherhood is a mantle for us all, with our without actual children in our home. I love you for your inspiration to me. I love you for your strength, and I pray for you each and every day.

God bless us all, women, sisters, mothers, whatever you may be. Today my cup truly runneth over with gratitude for the blessings that I have and also for the wonderful examples of love and sacrifice that I have all about me. Thank you for your inspiration, I hope that I can always return the favor.

Leaving

I'm not entirely sure why but today it's really started hitting me that Joe is in fact leaving for a year. I've known about it for so long but it's really starting to hit me as I tell people when to meet us at the airport. Only three more weeks and I won't have the luxury of seeing him every now and then like I do with him down at Camp Williams. I can't quite imagine not seeing my husband for a whole year. I mean, we got the webcam, so I guess technically I can see him, but not being able to be around him and give him a hug and just knowing that he's here for a whole year is so daunting. I miss him already. He's my best friend. It really is such a blessing to be married to my best friend, but I have to admit, at times like this when he's deploying it makes the separation harder. I know that we will be alright. I know that God will be with us. I know that at the end of the year, we will think about how fast it's gone but while I'm going through it, I don't know. Anyway. . . I should stop rambling. I just wanted to say that I know how blessed I am to have this amazing man in my life. I thank the Lord every minute of every day for him and our family. My cup is indeed full.

A New Prophet is Called

This is just a short little note to say that this is truly an exciting day for me. The calling of a new prophet is such an amazing thing for me. I remember still when Pres. Hinckley was called and it is true that the next prophet was no surprise, but finding out the new Presidency is truly exciting. I have to say that I knew in my heart who would be called before they even were announced, and I provide my testimony that I know these men are truly called of God. I pledge my support of them. I love these men. They truly are special men of God. We truly are blessed to have the gospel in our lives as a family. I can't thank the Lord enough for his gospel and the knowledge I have of it and of it's truthfulness. For those of you who are my nonmember friends, my faith does not alienate you from me. I want you to know that my faith is my own and although I love to share it with all I love, your faith is your own as well and I love you all no matter what you believe. God bless us all.

Seriously Snowed In

Okay I don't know about you all, but us up here in Ogden are seriously sick of the snow. In the last couple of months, this is the second Sunday where I've been snowed in. Couldn't get out of my driveway. By noon we had almost a foot and then we had about a half hour break and then snow again since. It's insanity. Our little playground in the back is about buried. That would be the slide and the climbing cube (which is taller than Emma). That doesn't say much but it's still alot of snow. And it's still snowing. It's total insanity I tell you!!!!!

That would be the roof. That was only this afternoon. I swear, anymore falls and they are going to cave in. Not to mention I don't know how anyone is going to go anywhere on Monday if it doesn't stop. I hope and pray that if it's this bad Hyrum's school grows some sense and actually cancels school. They never do around here, no matter how dangerous it is to drive. It really irritates me. Not to mention that they don't even plow the roads right around the elementary school. I mean, what kind of retard thought that was smart. I don't get it. I know we need the snow and we want to avoid a draught and all that jazz but seriously, I think we've had enough for a while. I'm tired of being stuck in my house!!!!