Our wedding day

Our wedding day

Thursday, May 10, 2012

We're in Kansas!

Steven is selling Pest Control again! Whew-hoo! Which brings our little family to Kansas City. It is green and beautiful here! So far the weather has been awesome and we've seen some incredible rain storms!


Before we left- Steven graduated with his Bachelors degree in Construction Management from UVU. I'm so proud of him- and happy he is done!




It's amazing how coming to Kansas has felt like such a beautiful new start for me. I've been exercising everyday. Meriden and I go on bike rides with my bike trailer, we go on walks and I go jogging- the trailer converts into a jogging stroller too- and we do P90X- I'm sooo sore! I'm also exploring healthier meal options and trying them out. We've been eating a lot of beans and love them! I've been better about reading my scriptures and reading in general. I feel closer to the spirit with my fulfilling these important goals.
Sunday was a really special experience watching the temple dedication. President Monson dedicated the cornerstone and lay the mortar around the stone. He wanted help from the audience and so he called up some children- one of which being Isaac Boswell and later he said, can we have the young lady with the gray hair- and Grandma Fern Anderson went up. She's living with the Boswells for the summer. I felt almost like I really knew PResident Monson from standing so close to him and hearing him interact so joyfully with the children and people around him. I wonder if he ever gets tired of having people flock to wherever he goes. Knowing what I know about him, he probably just feels special. He seems so positive and kind. I know that he really is God's prophet on the earth. I could feel as he spoke at the dedication that he truly knows Heavenly Father. I really am so grateful that Heavenly Father loves us so much that he would give us a prophet. When I think about President Monson and the important things he teaches us- especially by example, it is, to be kinder, to love, forgive, serve and be happy. I love his stories and the calmness of his voice. We went INSIDE the temple for third session of the dedication- thanks to Margie Boswell who made friends with the security guard. Grandma, Hyrum and Margie and I went in while Josh and the other children watched our little Meriden.
3 minutes into the video, you can see Steven, Meriden and I
http://ldsmag.com/photography/category/96- watch for Grandma and the prophet!


Today I went shopping with Kiersten Carver. I'm glad to have a friend to talk to and be with. Our husbands work so much that it is nice to have someone else to talk to- especially someone I already knew. We went shopping at thrift stores- Goodwill and Rocket Consignment. I bought Steven some new church pants since he left his at home (he also left a checked out library book!). And I bought myself 2 pairs of capris.

My husband works so hard. He works close to 80 hours a week. He's making a lot of good money- but boy, does it take a toll on his time. When he comes home he is so tired. I'm so grateful to have him. He provides so well for our little family and wants so badly for me not to worry about money. He wants to always stay out of debt and that helps me feel so calm and at peace. He recruited a team of 12 people and they are doing well too and he is a great leader. He trains and helps them all. I feel that he is preparing for future times when he will lead again. I miss him because he's gone so much.
Meriden turned 5 months on Saturday. She is rolling from her back to her tummy and is becoming more and more aware of the world- and ME! She loves me and her Daddy so much and we love her. We sometimes just hold her real close and giggle with happiness because she brings so much joy to our lives. We're so grateful to have her!



Here is a more specific update on her from what I wrote in her journal this week.
You are 5 months old! It's crazy to think all that has happened in your little short life.
You have:
1. Visited Arizona twice, California, Nevada, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri- 9 states!
2. Flown on an airplane from SLC to Atlanta and back.
3. Moved from Santaquin Utah to Overland Park Kansas.
4. Saw the prophet- President Monson, at the Kansas City Missouri temple dedication.
5. Been sick once- terrible cough and an ear infection and had an antibiotic.
6. Been through a honda Civic and Accord, sold the Civic and now have a Honda Odyssey.
7. Been swimming twice- In Arizona outside and the Orem Rec Center inside.
8. Hiked in Zion National Park- to the top of "Look Out Point".
9. Hiked through Goblin Valley National Park.
10. Been camping in the forest past SLC.
11. Been boating twice- once Mom and Dad water skied and the other time to try out Dad's new fishing boat.
12. Been fishing 2 times. Utah lake and the other one past SLC when we were camping.
13. Watched Mom and Dad snow sled.
14. Met all kinds of new farm animals- chicks, piglets, calves, and seen goats, horses, all thanks to Grandpa Cooper and of course, bunnies -thanks to your Dad.
15. Been to 2 movies- The Avengers 11:30pm showing and The Hunger Games. You were very good in both.


Now for your own little accomplishments:
1. You have a death grip. If it gets a hold of something, there is no letting go. I have already lost some hair and am feeling that dangly earrings are no longer a good idea.
2. You roll! If you want something you can manage to shift your weight and arms enough to get on your tummy. Then once on your tummy you play with the thing until you back and neck get tired and then you cry because you're stuck. You haven't figured out how to roll back on to your back yet.
3. You love puppets. When I put the parrot puppet on my hand you look at it with amazement and try and grab it. You love to put it in your mouth and hold it tight in your arms and I think you're a little disappointed that once you get it- it stops moving.
4. You are not as happy as you used to be to take your naps. I used to just put you down and you'd contently look around the room until you dozed off. Now you cry and cry. Unfortunately, I have rescued you a few times which makes me think you'll only learn to go to sleep with help.
5. When I kiss your cheek and blow on it you hold still like you never want it to end. Then you open your mouth in an O and put it against my cheek and make little squeaky noises trying to copy me. It's soooo cute!
6. When Dad comes home you get so excited and just stare and smile at him like he's your favorite person (except for Mom of course).


I love my sweet baby. LIfe would be so lone-ly in this new Kansas home with no friends or responsibilities if it weren't for you in my life You keep me busy, entertained and so loved. You mean so much to me.