So many firsts

1/1/11 has brought many firsts to our family. Here are few fun firsts we've experienced this last month:

Amelia had her FIRST feast. See photos below. She's so dang cute I just cant get over it.

I have lost my FIRST eight pounds. Only 32 to go!

Ella has scheduled her FIRST dentist appointment in March. We'll get those pearly whites looked at and knowing Ella it will be an adventure. It always is with her. I love that kid.

Shaun's still waiting to hear about his FIRST contracting job any day now... In the mean time, he's enjoying his time with the girls at home. Yes, that's him showing them a game on his I-phone. Ella can already navigate the phone's features better than I.

On Character

The following is a quote from Elder Scott, speaking at this last General Conference regarding character and faith:

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day."

Basically, our consistent actions on a daily basis define and mold our character. He goes on to say, " You cannot be passive in life, or in time the natural man will undermine your efforts to live worthily."

So I pose this question to myself but I'll go ahead and throw it out there to any who might happen to read this too: what are my actions saying about me, about my character? Elder Scott says character is grown from humility with integrity as it's bedrock. Do I live a humble life of integrity? What will my life say about me besides I enjoy on-line shopping, Target, and cleaning? Will it reveal that I'm patient, that I am hard-working, fun-loving, giving, service-oriented, and obedient? Will my character be one of faith in my Savior as evidenced by my attitude and perspective every day? I have to admit I've had much more peace over the course of the last month as I've counted my blessings. As I start to really think about all I've been blessed with I find the list goes on and on and on. Last night I fell asleep thanking Heavenly Father for the seemingly small but nice little things and this morning I've woken up happy and refreshed. I don't think it's a coincidence. I'm grateful for the opportunity this earth experience affords me to build my character. I only hope I can become what He would have me be. Elder Scott ends with this which brought me comfort.

"You are making better progress than you realize. Your struggles are defining character, discipline, and confidence in the promises of your Father in Heaven and the Savior as you consistently obey their commandments."

Winter Update

January, as always, has proven to be rather uneventful. That's never a bad thing. After a whirlwind of holiday festivities it's nice to get back into the ol' routine. Now by late February/early March I'm way over the winter routine but for now it's not too bad. Here's a little bit of the goings on in our home this past month.

* Shaun continues to wait for his clearance to come through. In the mean time, he has been enjoying working at a fabulous little Italian grill just down the road. He's well liked by the owners and getting worked most nights which has been good (mostly... I'm just getting ready for the evenings alone a little early I guess as his other job will most likely also be nights).

* I've lost five pounds so far this month. We'll hope to continue the downward trend on my 1500 calories/day plan.

* Ella is maturing and I'm able to reason with her more and more which is very helpful. Today during Sacrament we were telling her about Jesus and showing her pictures of Him with the children. She looked at Shaun and in a very concerned tone asked, "Where did Jesus go?" She then proceeded to call for him more loudly than we would have liked in the middle of the bread being passed. I thought how simple the perspective a child has, yet shouldn't we all be calling out for him like that. It was a very tender though slightly embarrassing moment.

* Amelia's little personality continues to develop. She is mellow and fun loving but not afraid to let you know what she needs. Her smile is infectious and her giggles and coos are about the cutest thing I've ever seen. I've been calling her my "Gerber Girl" as I think she rivals the baby on all the Gerber products. She had her four month check up and is hearty, happy and healthy!

* Shaun and I feel at peace about being here in the basement for one more year after Shaun starts his new job (any day now we hope). Taking on a perspective of gratitude has helped me appreciate what we have and realize we don't need to rush, not now that the girls are comfortably in their own little room and everything has a place. I was worried we'd feel cramped and crowded but really it's quite nice. Sure I look forward to a home of our own, but I think it's wise to wait and save as much as we can prior to buying. I don't think the market will be going up too soon (sorry for all of you homeowners, I know that doesn't work in your favor). And if Shaun will continue to work evenings it's nice to have the help of my parents occasionally so I'm not doing bedtime duty alone. I think Ella brings a lot of joy to my dad too. He has been struggling with some health problems and I think she takes his mind off of all things serious. Those two are two peas in a pod.

* An added bonus of staying put for one more year is that we can afford to take a couple of family vacations such as a trip to the beach or a trip out west to see family. Details are up in the air but it's exciting to think about and plan. You know me, give me something to plan and I'm a happy girl!

So that about sums it up. We hope everyone else is enjoying their 2011 and look forward to catching up with many of you in the near future.

A new year, a new perspective

In addition to the New Year's resolutions I feel like I make every year, I want to make a special effort in 2011 to focus on gratitude. I feel like for the past couple of years I've been very caught up in what I don't have yet... when am I going to get that home, that job, those material things? And the funny thing about all of that is even when you do get whatever it is you've longed for, it doesn't leave you satiated. Instead I find myself just longing for more. So this year I'd like to focus on my blessings and what I already have. Sure I still hope 2011 does bring a home and job to our family, but even if it doesn't we are already abundantly blessed and it's time I start focusing on that instead. Here's just a few things that make me smile and bring joy to me every day (in no particular order):

1. Amelia's smile and dimple in her left cheek

2. Ella's laugh and vivid imagination

3. Shaun's funny voices and sense of humor

4. our new rug

5. friendships

6. two wonderful sisters and four wonderful sister-in-laws

7. Virginia

8. a job with benefits

9. Health

10. music

11. my swagger wagon

12. Spring time

13. Fall

14. Christmas

15. Memories

16. My bed and wonderful pillowtop mattress

17. My parents- they're so giving and generous

18. Talents and interests

19. Birthdays

20. Food

21. Feeling loved

22. Giving Love

23. A knowledge of Christ as my personal Savior and Redeemer

24. A comfortable home that's nicely decorated

25. Windex

26. Target

27. Laundry machines

28. Loving and generous in-laws

29. my gym membership

30. Dancing