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December 31, 2011

My BIG Surprise and Christmas Day

On Christmas Eve while in the car, I managed to explain quite well to my Mr. that in years past, I always knew what he was getting me for Christmas. Seriously.I always know. 
To his credit, I HATE not being able to guess what I'm getting.I get that from my dad. 
This year...completely different story. My socks were completely knocked off.

Here's what happened.

I thought I was getting a kindle. It was #1 on my list, and I had only mentioned, left little notes, and made him write it down a hundred times. That's what I was getting. I even "over heard" my brother in law talking about what I was getting. Well, we came home from all of our Christmas Eve festivities noticing that our Christmas lights had been turned off. I was sure they were on. "Oh well, I'll just turn them back on." No biggie. I got inside. "Hm. Our Christmas tree lights aren't on in the front window." So I go into our front room to turn them on.
"OH MY GOSH! ARE YOU SERIOUS?" 

Isn't she beautiful? You should hear her play. Literally sounds like a baby grand.
Of course when I walked in the red bow was in the front, and there wasn't any music on it, but you get the picture. I am still in shock over it all. I have always wanted my own, but didn't figure that I would have one for quite some time. My Mom's first piano was going to do...
I am one lucky girl!!! I didn't guess this one at all. However, I did find it on Christmas Eve instead of waiting until Christmas morning. But, I couldn't ruin tradition and not know what I was getting before hand!

As for Christmas day. It was glorious. So nice to be home and start our own little traditions.
Opening P.J.'s at night
Opening our stockings first
Tearing through presents
Having a nice breakfast
And to top it off, go to church. I loved going to church on Christmas! 




Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: Bristol, christmas, family, holidays, Tytan

December 30, 2011

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a little hectic. With unpacking from our trip to Utah, a sick puppy, laundry, neighbor gifts, etc., we were just a little short on time. We got everything done though, and had a great day!
Our house with lights. (Pic for Ashley)

Playing some Christmas tunes with Chrissy.


Bristol, the perfect little Angel. 


A family DVD and Santa time.

Big T getting ready to dig in.

Bristol's very anticipate "Tangled."

Playing with Tangled.

Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 12:00 PM No comments:
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Labels: Bristol, christmas, family, music, Tytan

Pre-Christmas Celebration

We were so excited to be in our first home this year, that we couldn't resist spending Christmas at HOME. OUR HOME. For all five years of our marriage, Ty and I have never spent Christmas at our home. We have always been fortunate to spend it at one of our parent's homes, but never in our own bed, in our own family room with our own tree, and eating Christmas breakfast in our own kitchen.
I know...ya get the point.
With all that said, we spent Christmas this year in our home in Middleton. We had an uncontrollable blast. As it was supposed to be our year in Utah with Ty's parents, we decided to head down there the week before Christmas and do a little Pre-Christmas celebrating. Complete with a Christmas Eve feast, opening presents, and looking at Christmas lights at Temple Square. (One of my favorite things.) I even learned  tried to learn to crochet. 
More on that later.
But here are a few of my favorite Pre- Christmas celebration photos. 
Enjoy!
Opening presents
Bristol's baby


Big T's very exciting and noisy present
A John Deer already


Matching aprons for mom and Bris
A cold family pic. Love the background!

Getting ready to see some lights!


A run in with Buddy the Elf and Santa!



Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: activities, Bristol, christmas, family, holidays, Tytan, Utah

December 29, 2011

Celebration

Ty's grandma Peggy and Her twin brother Pink turned 80!
A surprise birthday party was thrown for them the day before their actual birthday (Dec. 18th). 
We made the trek to Oakley, Ut for the big event.





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Labels: birthdays, Bristol, Oakley, Tytan, Utah

It's a Date

Grandpa, Bristol, and Nana

Grandpa and Nana took Bristol on a date to the Build A Bear Workshop.
She. Ate. It. Up.
She picked out her own kitty, her dress, underwear, shoes, purse, and stroller.
She helped stuff it, kissed it's heart, and named her Rapunzel. 
And then pushed her through the entire mall, past Santa.
She waved hello, but wouldn't get too close!
On their way back to our house, Bristol said to Grandpa, "Grandpa. Remember to take my DVD out."
Ha! Can't forget her "Alice" movie in Grandpa's car! 
What a smarty. 
sorry for the red eye ;)



Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: activities, Bristol

December 28, 2011

Play Time

Bris and Big T

These two are such a joy. 
While I vacuumed, they played in the crib.
And then they played in the crib a little longer...
It is AMAZING what a little change up can do in the play time routine! 
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 12:00 PM No comments:
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Labels: Bristol, Tytan

FIVE YEARS!

December 28, 2006

We have made it 5 years strong today. 
It wasn't hard.
We love each other more today than we did 5 years ago,
which didn't seem possible then.
Happy Anniversary "Babe"!
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM 1 comment:
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Labels: anniversary, TyRell, Wedding

December 27, 2011

Why I Have Fallen Behind...Ugh

AM
6:00 "Ty, the dog is barking"
6:10 back asleep
7:00 shower
7:15 get Big T out of bed
7:16 change diaper
7:17 feed Big T breakfast
7:25 get Big T more breakfast
7:30 Dog needs breakfast
7:31 watch dog eat
7:36 take dog out
7:45 Bristol wakes up
7:46 Bristol goes potty
7:48 get Bristol breakfast
7:53 I eat breakfast
7:57 dog is barking again
8:00  change diaper
8:03 get ready
8:25 change poopy diaper
8:27  dog barking, actually has to go out
8:30 Bristol needs more milk
8:33 receive phone call
8:37 make Tytan bottle
8:43 put Big T down for nap

Well...you get my point eh? It's been a bit busy around here. Nothing new, it's always busy. But the added stress of the holidays, going out of town for six days, and having a sick puppy have just added to it. However, you are about to get a complete update on the last couple of weeks. I won't be falling any more behind!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas!! And check back tomorrow!

Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 10:00 PM No comments:
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Labels: activities, Bristol, christmas, family, holidays, homemaking, Parenting, random, Ruby, Tytan

December 20, 2011

The House of The Lord

This place is coming soon!
I can't believe how close it will be to our new home. 
The excitement is beyond description.
The location is about 12 minutes from our house.
I can't wait!!!




Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 3:37 PM No comments:
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December 16, 2011

Technology and Independence

Put the two together and this is what you get:


Oh, and add Mom's clothes to the mix.
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: Briistol

December 15, 2011

Merry Christmas!

One day I might be able to send a Christmas card to everyone.
But until then, here is what you may have missed.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Bristol and Tytan
Christmas 2011
2011 was a busy and exciting year for the Stevens family. Big T. joined the family on February 24, weighing in at 9lbs 15 oz. Then our little Bristol turned two! TyRell graduated with his master's degree, followed by accepting a job and moving to Middleton, Id. We hope that your holidays are filled with much joy and love!
Love, TyRell, Stephanie, Bristol and Tytan
Bristol 2011
Tytan 2011

Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: Bristol, christmas, family, holidays, Tytan

December 14, 2011

 DINGLEHOPPER
aka
FORK

Sweet little Bristol got this wonderful idea from "The Little Mermaid."
SO, if you expect to eat with a fork at our house you might have to wait.


This whole episode of brushing her with a fork has really gotten me thinking about the influence that what our kids watch on TV really has an impact on what they do and how they act. This kid loved her princess movies. Not too bad, especially in limited doses. What do your kids watch on TV? Hope its good!
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 12:16 PM 1 comment:
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Labels: Bristol, movies, Parenting, thoughts

December 9, 2011

Caught Reading

I couldn't help but snap this photo of my Mr. reading to Bristol.
She had to read in her princess tent.
I'm glad they fit in there together...almost.



I don't care how or where ya do it, but reading to your kids is so important. 
Bristol could be watching her most favorite movie, and she will always stop if I pull out a book.
I hope that my kids' love for books continues. 

On our reading list this month are Christmas books!
What are your kids favorites?
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 1:33 PM 1 comment:
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Labels: activities, Bristol, homemaking, thoughts, TyRell

December 8, 2011


I found this a bit interesting. What I would have given to be on that subway. 
Perhaps he would get an amazingly huge turn out if he did a free concert
that was publicized first? 
WOW.
By Wedding Live Band- The Raw Note (Albums) 


"In Washington DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After about four minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About four minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At ten minutes, a three-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

At forty-five minutes: The musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About twenty gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After one hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:

In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?"

Video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myq8upzJDJ
c
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: music, thoughts, violin

December 7, 2011

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

So, the blogging has taken a back seat lately. 
Sorry.
The picture taking hasn't however!
We are all excited for Christmas around here.
The Christmas Tree is up and decorated, house lights are on,
and presents are secretly being stashed around the house.
The stockings are hung, and the village is up! We are ready!
And this little man couldn't be any cuter.

My only flaw this month already...
I completely forgot to celebrate St. Nick's Day. Ya, that was supposed to be last night and this morning. 
Ugh. What a failure! Maybe I'll remember next year!
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: christmas, holidays, Tytan, winter

December 4, 2011

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

Earlier this week I was asked to help out with a Young Women's activity for our church.
It was on "Choice and Accountability."
I had all of these thoughts prepared, and when I got up there to say it all...
It came out a little jumbled. 
SO, here is a little bit of what I meant to say!

Excerpt from Alice In Wonderland:
Alice: "Which path shall I follow?"
Cheshire Cat: "That depends where you want to go. If you do not know where you want
to go, it doesn't matter which path you take."

I believe that it is first important to decide where you want to go and who you want to be before you make decisions. Even those small little decisions every day can be important in determining this.

Second, it is important to prepare yourself for those decisions that will arise in life.
President Monson said, "When the moment for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past."

How do we prepare?

President Monson again suggests that we:
Fill our minds with truth.
Fill our hearts with love.
Fill our lives with service.

Will the decision you make move you closer to your end goal, or pull you farther away?

For me, I would like to live in the eternities with my Heavenly Father, holding my husband and children close by. This is my goal. It's a big one, it takes effort, work, diligence and patience. My Heavenly Father will help me along the way. And my Savior Jesus Christ has made it possible. 

Sometimes you might make the wrong decision. 
It's ok. There are too many people to help you along the way to give up.
Never give up. 
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 8:32 AM No comments:
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Labels: religious, spiritual, thoughts, trials

December 3, 2011

Aha!

A few "Aha" moments of late:

Tytan has never adjusted to the time change. He is up at 6:30. Oops! Never knew!
Puppies are just like newborns. They pee, poop, and sleep.
Bristol's sippy cups aren't working because the holes in the top have melted together in the dish washer. 
(Thanks Dad. Never would have thought of that myself!)
And my favorite: Nobody is perfect. Even those who I think have perfect lives/children don't.

I love "Aha" moments. They seem to ground me. It's like that really cold coke that you finally get your thirsty fingers wrapped around on a really hot hot day. Completely refreshing. They make me feel human again. Not that I don't often think or feel like Superwoman some days, but it's nice not to have the pressure of it all. 
For instance: Me and the kids were in our P.J.'s until 2PM today. 
Ya.
I know.
Terrible.
Hold on hold on....I wasn't feeling too great. So we had a sick party for mom. 
Bristol actually brushed my hair off of my forehead. 
Completely reminded me of her patting my back as I threw up with morning sickness when Tytan was just a peanut. She is so sweet. I think that I see a little mother personality blooming in her already.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. Take a break for yourself today!
xoxoxoxo
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM 1 comment:
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Labels: Bristol, Parenting, Ruby, thoughts

November 29, 2011

Fear and Faith

It's funny how fear of things changes over the years. When I was younger I had this poster that my Aunt Jenny gave me for my Birthday hanging in my room. I loved the poster. It had ballet slippers laying on top of piano keys, with roses all around. It was awesome. However, in the dark the laces to the ballet shoes made it look like there was this really dark face. It scared me if I ever woke up in the middle of the night disoriented.

Fast forward...

Now I have a family.

One of my biggest fears is my house blowing up with my family inside. I know that it sounds crazy, but it scares me so bad. What are the chances right? Well, lets just say that I know someone, who knows someone, who knew someone that this exact thing happened to.

In a round about way I faced this fear the other day. Here at our house we have a large propane tank in our back yard. It allows us to have heat, and hot water, and a stove that works. Great right? Of course! Well, we had a little change a roo go on in the back yard. I paced the whole time. (Lets just say that I can often be a 'worse case scenario' person). I would have left the house to run errands, but I had to be here. Fortunately the guy calmed my fears and showed me the safety precautions he takes before switching everything out.

Here is what it looked like.


More with facing my fears later...
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: thoughts, trials

November 26, 2011

Our Newest Addition

Meet Ruby

She is our new yellow lab!

And if you will notice, she isn't quite exactly yellow. Hence the name Ruby.
We are thinking "Ruby Red" but are still a bit undecided. 
We got her today, Santa came just a little bit early.
Ruby is my Mr.'s puppy, but let me just tell you:

I picked her out, and I picked her name. I think that I did really well if I don't say so myself! ;) She is pretty cute, and a very good dog (so far)! Here is how I know.

She is "birdie" which is good for bird hunting. (She has actually attacked a pheasant...yes it was already dead, but she went crazy on it!)
When she goes outside from being inside, she goes right to the grass and does her business.
She LOVES Bristol. Literally loves her.
And best of all, when it was bed time we put Ruby in the garage until we had gotten the kids down.
Before we could get out there and make her a comfy little bed, she had done this:

She pulled a blanket down from a bench all by herself and snuggled right in. She is so smart!
When we found her she was fast asleep. She did wake up, but she didn't move! Poor girl is tired!

The kids love her. And I think that Ruby has found her "Mommy." When she is whining, she stands at my feet and wants to be held. I think I've got another baby on my hands. Hopefully she is still a good dog tomorrow!
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM 5 comments:
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Labels: Bristol, christmas, family, Ruby, TyRell, Tytan

November 24, 2011

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I love Thanksgiving. Big feasts, tearing up when you hear what others are thankful for, PIE, and being with family. It is so great! I hope that you are having a great time with your family, and if you need a place to come for a good dinner, come on over. My mom won't mind!

This year I have really noticed now rushed Thanksgiving is. It only takes a couple days or so to prepare Thanksgiving Dinner, and then it's over. The world also starts with Christmas preparations before Thanksgiving is even here. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas, but Thanksgiving deserves a little bit of recognition. I'll admit, I like to have the majority of my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving, but I do love to kick back and enjoy November. I am truly grateful for the holiday.

I start the morning off by having a BIG breakfast. Followed by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is so much fun! A light snack before the turkey, and then I chow down! My mom each year buys little chocolate turkeys for each place setting from Lee's Candies. They are so good! Dinner is followed by visiting, and pie. And then a little nap or two with some football going on in the background. My cousins go to a good kids movie each year, and we might just take Lil' Bris this year. I think she would love it.

A little twist on Thanksgiving this year is that my Grandpa is in the hospital. He had a bit of a surgery, but will be just fine! He will be there for a few more days. What a bummer. I've caught rumor that some of my cousins will be taking him some dinner, I hope so! I love that man!

Have a wonderful feast today! I hope that you are surrounded by those that you love!
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: family, holidays, Thanksgiving

November 23, 2011

Confessions, at last

The other night I was calming my sister's 2 month old baby down. She is TINY. Smaller than Big T ever was. I was looking into her little eyes and it hit me HARD that I want another one so bad. I started doing "the blink." They weren't tears of joy either. Why?

Bristol was born 5 weeks early. I was pre-eclamptic, and because Bristol was completely breached I had an emergency c-section. She was in the NICU for one week. read more here
Then Tytan came along. I was determined on having him naturally. Then after 11+ hours of "contractions", 3 epidurals, and an immense amount of pain (to keep it short) Dr. O. demanded another c-section...my uterus was rupturing. Dr. O. was right, 4 of the 5 layers of uterus was gone and Big T was 10 lbs, not 8. Oops! read more here


So, getting my kids here isn't that easy. I can do it right? Well...this is where my denial issues start to come in.

See, if it isn't bad enough having tough delivery and recoveries, I have "Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease" on top of it all. This is rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc. all squished into one thing. So basically my joints            
hurt.
There, I said it for the world to hear.

Let me explain. I was diagnosed at age 18 during my second semester of college. I was so mad, yet relieved that I could get relief from the pain. Arthritis runs in my family, so I wasn't too surprised. (On a side note...to all of you who witnessed a complete change physically, emotionally, and in my personality while a Freshman in college...SO SORRY. My meds required a lot of sleep which was hard to get, and they made me lose my hair, get sick when I ate, develop sores in my mouth and nose, and get tired really fast. Had I known they would do that to me...I may have just gone home until I adjusted. I really am sorry!) But,little did I know what the future held.

Dr.s have told me that a large family just isn't in my future. Ha! What do they know? Not much...I'm going to have 6 or 7. Heavenly Father will help me along the way.

So here are the issues:

1. Two c-sections means all c-sections from here on out. That's major surgery folks, and a little frame like mine can only handle so much of it.
2. A ruptured uterus means a long recovery, and careful examination after giving birth
3.UCTD means going off of my "heavenly" meds in order to have safe pregnancies
4. No meds means pain
5. Pain means joint deterioration
6. Joint deterioration means...well lets just stop there.

My goal is now 4. Just pray I get there k?

I'm not opposed to adoption. To be honest, I haven't given it that much thought. We will see what the future holds!

Now...don't think that I am in the depths of despair over this. I am content with who I am and the trials I'll go through in order to make it back upstairs. An even bigger blessing is that I have two healthy, and adorable children. I would go through it all over and over again to have them here with me. My Heavenly Father has a plan for me...it may not be my idea of a plan, but is it ever? And in this Season of Thanksgiving, I am so grateful to be here with the body that I have. What a blessing motherhood is, no matter how our children become ours. I love them more than anything!

Thanks for listening. If you read that all...you deserve a prize!
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM 3 comments:
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Labels: Baby, Bristol, family, Parenting, pregnancy, trials, Tytan

November 22, 2011

Music Fixed, Almost

I play the violin, or the fiddle. 
Whichever I feel like calling it at the moment.

My violin in Carthage, Illinois. *
When I was a Sophomore in High School, I received the best Christmas present EVER.
My violin. It is beautiful. 
I was taking lessons at Hartz music shop in Meridian. 
I walked into the room, and my teacher wanted me to play a new violin they had in,
just for fun.
I fell absolutely in love with it, and fortunately Santa figured it out.

Well, years have passed and this poor fiddle has been through a battle.
It has lived in Utah, California, Canada, Illinois, and Idaho.
This may be cool if you are a person, but not a very fragile piece of wood.

I took her to the shop.
Sigh.
It is going to be a long haul. Some compare it to going in for major surgery.
A crack in the wood that was once sealed, is now completely laid open.
Yuh oh. Because it costs a pretty penny, it will have to stay open.
I'm sorry. But! It has new strings, new pegs, and a new bridge. 
That will do for now! Hopefully we can still make some great music together.

And spread the word. I am taking students!
Both classical and fiddle. 
So excited!

*Yes, you just might recognize that window.
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM 1 comment:
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Labels: music, Nauvoo, violin

November 20, 2011

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

The unthankful heart discovers not mercies.
Let the thankful heart sweep through the day,
and as the magnet finds the iron,
so it will find in all, in every hour some heavenly blessings.

This week has been truly crazy. 
An emotional roller coaster.
And in the midst of it all, my heart is full of gratitude.
Gratitude for a Heavenly Father that loves me,
knows who I am, what my heart desires,
and who has watched over me and those who mean the most to me.
My cup overfloweth with the tender mercies from Heaven.

My sister walked away completely uninjured from a very severe car accident
The first on the scene was a first aid and CPR certified gentlemen.
He stayed with her until the police arrived.
Thank You.

My son choked at a restaurant. 
I'm grateful that I'm good at the finger swipe,
even when everyone is staring at me.
It was a close one.

My daughter was a champ at a difficult Dr.'s appointment.
She is going to be great!


Someone very near and dear to my heart was found cancer free.
CANCER FREE!
I could say the words over and over.


Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 9:06 AM No comments:
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Labels: Bristol, family, gospel, religious, spiritual, thoughts, trials, Tytan

November 14, 2011

Your Questions, My Answers #1

Hey Steph! Love your idea and I'd love to ask a question that has been on my mind lately.  What I want to know is what factored into your decision to have your first child, what were your factors that you and Tyrell considered and prayed about? What stability do you think a relationship needs and what lifestyle do you think a couple needs to be ready for, for that huge jump? I know the timing different for everyone, but could you give me a little bit of commentary on what timing was like for you and what felt right and what didn't? You are en educated woman who lives the gospel and I'm really just needing some advice/commentary/discussion about this topic lately!


This is such a loaded question, and so many factors go in to deciding to become parents. With that said, I'll share with you my thoughts, which don't necessarily make them right for you. 


Why we waited 2 years: 
My Mr. and I knew that we wanted to be married for a little while before having children. We wanted to know how each other "worked." How we thought about things, handled hard situations, celebrated, how we expressed different parenting ideas etc. We thought that this was important before bringing a baby into our lives. I also knew that it would be too hard on me to have a baby while still in school. (We did cut it close, Bristol was born 3 months after I graduated college.) A lot of moms do have babies while in school, it is possible, but not for me!


When I (we) got baby hungry:
I think every couple does it. We are out in public and see a baby. The wife cries, and the husband wants to play with it. It started happening to us. We wanted one. This meant we wanted the one screaming her lungs out too. We wanted to scoop her up and make her feel better. Babies aren't all roses. But they sure are worth every second of it! We prayed and asked for guidance, we also went to the Temple. Since we believe that it is a commandment to "multiply and replenish" it was easy from there. We had the go ahead from our Heavenly Father. We were so excited. However, in giving advice, deciding when and how many children to have are very private decisions between husband and wife, and hopefully the Lord. These decisions should be prayed about, and when you receive your answer, act upon them with faith. 


Having kids is a huge jump in marriage. You can read every book, ask everyone for advice, but you still can't get completely prepared. You just don't quite know what it is like to have a baby until you do. You have to jump into it with both feet and have the faith that you will know what to do when challenges arise (a baby that hasn't pooped in 3 days) or know how to find out what to do. This is when moms, friends, and sisters advice come in handy!


TyRell and I also prepared our home. We wanted a home filled with love without bias. We wanted a clean home where the Spirit could dwell. And we wanted funds sufficient enough to pay for our children. We weren't rich by any means, but we were comfortable. Our children were expensive to get here, and we had an inkling that that they would be before they were born.


You also won't know quite what unconditional love is until you have a baby. Oh my the love that just makes your heart explode when that little bundle of joy is placed in your arms. You also won't know what being selfless is until you have a baby. A woman gives her body to the growth of a baby, and afterward gives every minute. This is not meant to sound demeaning. When I think of mothering, I think of Christ. It is such a Christlike act. It is beautiful and will make you grow so much! I can't quite think of the right words to describe it!


My heart goes out to those women who are or want to be mothers. It is such a divine calling. My prayers are with those who are preparing for parenthood. 


If you would like more insight on becoming parents, read this and this.


Bristol born March 16, 2009

Tytan born February 24, 2011









Please feel free to add more insight to mine...I could go on and on and on...but you don't want just my opinion! :)





Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM No comments:
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Labels: Baby, homemaking, Parenting, spiritual, thoughts

November 13, 2011

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough and more.
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home,
a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past and brings peace for today,
and creates vision for tomorrow.
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:56 AM 1 comment:
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Labels: religious, spiritual, thoughts

November 11, 2011

Whoa!

Did you ever have to make a wish at 11:11 o'clock when you were younger?
I always did.
How cool is today's date? I LOVE it!
I'll be wishing all day for these things:
(in no particular order)

good health for my kids
success in business for my Mr.
a happy home always
safety for me and mine
safety for my Sister Missionary, Ashley
happiness for all of our Veterans and those currently serving
a Happy Holiday Season (13 days 'til Thanksgiving!)
a grateful heart
health, safety, and happiness for all of YOU!

Enjoy today's date. It'll never happen again in your lifetime!
(Okay, so we could say that about every day, so just enjoy the journey every day!)

Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 12:22 PM No comments:
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Labels: random, thoughts

November 10, 2011

We are Ready!

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Ok ok. It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I do love my Christmas songs.
We are gearing up our cold wear, and my oh my this little lady looks pretty dang cute!


We usually try and buy neutral colored clothing to be passed down, but I just can't help with the pink. 
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM 2 comments:
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Labels: Bristol, winter

November 9, 2011

Hidden Treasures

Lately Bristol has been "hiding" her toys in random places. Last Sunday she came into the house looking for one in particular. We ransacked the house, and found it in the kitchen cupboard. They are all over the house "sleeping."

Shhhhh.....

We don't want to wake them up. (This goes on all day.)



And oh the surprise when we find one that had been forgotten about!

I love this new habit. I feel like I'm in the kitchen all day either cleaning or fixing meals. It can be monotonous at times. So this has brought a whole new element of humor into the routine. How often do you find a play horse taking a nap under a blankie in your pie dish? I get a kick out of it!

Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM 1 comment:
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Labels: Bristol

November 8, 2011

Trusting Mail Carriers

Did you know that mail carriers used to deliver children for 56 cents?

That's a story opener isn't it? Here is what I know...

Last week my mom went to her local USPS office to deliver two packages to my sister Ashley in Cambodia. This was a long process. When delivering large packages over seas you must list each item separately on special forms. There were so many different items in the packages that it took 5 forms. THEN the USPS employee must enter each item into the computer along with the address, weight, etc. This process was going to take a long while, so this employee handed my mom an article to read while he processed all of the information.

My mom first noticed the black and white picture of a mailman with his mail carrying bag slung over his shoulder. In the bag was a toddler. Yup, a toddler. The article explained that "back in the day"(not sure of the time) mail carriers were so trusted that people would send their children in the mail. All for a cost of 56 cents. If it was an overnight trip, the child would stay at the mail carrier's house. Isn't that bazaar?!

It got my mind whirling around a bit. If I decided to send my kid to Grandma's house, I could just ship her off for a lovely little price.

YA RIGHT! Like that would ever happen these days. My Grandpa thought..."There's a new way to take my Grand kids to Guatemala fishing!"

This just cracked me up. And, it doesn't stop here. I plan to pay a visit to this post office and read this article for myself. (Hopefully make a copy too!)
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:00 AM 3 comments:
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Labels: random, thoughts

November 7, 2011

I've been "Featured!"

You have probably seen this post,
but it was recently featured here!

Check it out! 
I'm pretty excited.
Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 9:54 AM 2 comments:
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Labels: activities, Bristol, family, featured, homemaking, Parenting, Tytan

November 6, 2011

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift

For the Beauty of the Earth
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flow'r, Sun and moon, and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent,child,
Friends on earth, and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild,
Lord of all, to thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
Hymn #92 LDS Hymn book

Owyhee River

Posted by Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T at 6:49 AM No comments:
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Labels: music, religeous, spiritual
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About US

  • Ty
  • Ty, Steph, Bris, Big T

Ty

Ty
Ty loves to fly fish! He is always wanting to be out doors, whether its fishing, hunting, backpacking, camping, hiking, etc. He also loves to white water raft, play with Hank (the coolest chocolate lab ever), and tickle Steph! (And if you know Steph, she loves it...not!) Ty loves to spend time with family and friends, and Steph! Ty served a 2 year mission in Tijuana, graduated from USU with a MaAc, and currently working a ton to support the fam.Ty is a tremendous dad to Bristol and Tytan, and loves them like crazy!

Steph

Steph
I love to waterski! LOVE IT! I also fiddle still quite a bit, and love to snowboard, go white water rafting, spend time with my family, and of course spend time with TY! I've gotten into a little bit of sewing, and still keep up with my scrap booking! I spent a semester at BYU-Nauvoo, and graduated in December '08. I love my Bristol to pieces, and love being a full time mom.

Bristol

Bristol
We are so excited to add Bristol to our family! She was born on March 16, 2009 weighing 6lb. 5oz. and 18 in. long! We love her!

Tytan

Tytan
Tytan aka "Big T" joined the family on February 24, 2011 weighing in at 9lbs 15 oz and 21 1/2 inches. He is such a delight!

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Stephanie's bookshelf

River ThunderThe Secret GardenHoly Bible: King James VersionLove You ForeverWhere Have All the Flowers Gone?: The Diary of Molly MacKenzie Flaherty, Boston, Massachusetts, 1968Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady, R.M.S. Titanic, 1912

More of Stephanie's books »
Stephanie's  book recommendations, reviews, favorite quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists

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