HO, HO, HO!

"Thana...Thana...Ho, ho, ho..."

"Where's Thana?"

"Thana thays..ho, ho, ho!"

"Thana in there...wath Thana!"
~Dax

Are you kidding me? Is that not the cutest thing you have ever heard? I mean read? Daxton is really getting into Christmas. We just re-introduced Santa Claus. Daxton has a little lisp. (He is tongue tied.) It is the cutest thing! We have enjoyed reading stories about Santa, and watching our favorite Christmas movies together. He crinkles up his little nose and shouts out, "Thana! Thana!" every time we see a picture of him. THIS IS SO FUN! He knows what's happening this year! Don't you just love Christmas? Hope all of your holidays are bright!

I MISS MY BOYS

GOOD MORNING! It is about 1:39 a.m. in Colorado Sunday morning the 16Th of November. I have been in Colorado for a week doing business. (I am usually NEVER gone this long.) This is the longest I have ever been away from Daxton, and I am really missing my family. I have been really busy...which is FANTASTIC! BUT, there is "no place like home." I miss my boys.

Without getting all sappy...I looked through our blog. I watched old slide shows. Went through all of our family pictures downloaded to our laptop, and just wanted to share how much I love my family.

My husband is such a wonderful man. He is a giving, understanding, loving, and generous man. He puts others before himself, and freely gives. He is an incredible father...Daxton is completely in love with him, and he is a caring husband.

Daxton is the true love of my life (sorry honey...you are the love of my life too...babies just have an extra special place). He is smart, has great sense of humor, is happy, beautiful, energetic, inquisitive, and completely precious. He brings more joy into my life than I could have possibly imagined. He turned two recently, and I will do belated birthday post, and post halloween/pumpkin pictures.

I still have several more days out here in "Colorful Colorado", and each day I am here I am more thankful for the family I have at home. It is more than perfect timing to celebrate Thanksgiving in just over a week. I will be home just in time to do some laundry, and tidy the house for Thanksgiving. I don't know if I have ever been more thankful for my family, for the gospel, for inspiration, and for the blessings I have been given. I am so thankful Heavenly Father has a plan for me and my family.

Tonight as I type my little post...I just want to send a message to my boys...I miss you, and I love you so much. Keep up the good work at home. I will be back before you know it. Thanks for the video messages, and for playing games over the phone with me. I don't know what I would do if I didn't get to see you, and talk every day I have been here. BIG KISSES & LOVES!

XOXOX
Mommy

Got Cheerios?

Today is a day of celebration....let me explain. Daxton has had the long road to potty training. Here and there, not completely consistent, but comfortable with his friend Elmo....who awaits his arrival all day everyday. (We have an Elmo potty training seat.) His #2's have been rewarded daily for awhile but #1's (aka-"pee pee")have been struggling to achieve the same success. I was questioning whether or not he was completely ready...until TODAY! My mom reminded me of the infamous "Cheerios" trick. We throw a few cheerios in the potty, and then he shoots them like a squirt gun with his...you know what. I held my breath, unsure of what to expect... when he completely fell into my potty training trick! We have a winner!! He has gone like 12 times this morning and I couldn't be happier. Each successful trip is rewarded with "candy corn." He is lovin' life. No more diapers!!! We might be married to the house for a few more days, but it's worth it. The goal has always been to finish by the time he turns two. Next Friday the 24Th is the deadline, and guess what...we are going to beat it by a week! Thank heavens for "Cheerios"...all mom's who haven't tried this trick yet, "Got Cheerios?"-use them, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised!

The Best Gift

I vote "Yes" on Proposition 8. Most of us know, their is a major decision left in our hands. Watching "The Best Gift" touched me. My sweet baby will turn two in a couple weeks. He was created in the bonds of marriage, and is sealed to a loving father and mother. The gift of a child is eternal. I believe each child deserves the right to be created in the bonds of marriage. It is Heavenly Father's plan for each child.
1 Corinthians 11:11: "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord."
Each of us were created to be with a partner, that in the bonds of marriage can use the power of creation. We have been designed by God to bring forth children to this earth. As we make this decision to preserve marriage, it is really about preserving the life of each child. Please watch this video, and share it with everyone you know. Send them to our site or to your own. Post it on your blog, and let's make a difference.

HAPPY 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Happy Anniversary Honey! Can you believe we have been married four years?!? I love you so much. XOXOXO

WE MOVED!

OK---We moved! YIPEE! We just moved into a beautiful little home...three bedroom, 2 1/2 bath....dark wood floors...not white walls...I'm so happy I don't know what to do with myself. Seriously. Life is great! Sorry no pictures lately, I lost our camera. I'm trying not to be too upset. We will just need to get a new one. Until then, you will just have to deal with pictures from my cell phone...and my little anecdotes.

Daxton and I shopped this week for "big boy pants" (sweet Disney underpants) and we are one step closer to being completely out of diapers (except for bedtime & naps.) I've been grateful for the wood floors..."accidents" are a lot easier to clean up on this floor than it would be with carpet. :) He is doing such a good job. He is turning into such a little man. It is really blowing my mind. He will be turning two in just a few weeks.

Matt and I have recently had a complete para dime-shift. Our life is heading in a much different direction than expected, and it is so AWESOME! I feel happier than I have in a long time. We count our blessings, and I feel like the heavens have been opening up and showering gifts from above. Lately, we have met a lot of wonderful people, and I feel wrapped in Heavenly Father's hands. He is truly taking care of us, and it makes me feel emotional...even just typing about it right now. There are times in life where you know that it is not JUST YOU. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me personally. He knows and loves my family. AND---he knows what our family needs, and has given us a path to take to make all of it happen. Life's blessings don't always come without a little sacrifice. We have been a little busier than usual (hence the not writing as frequently on our blog), and I have had a few more nights away from our baby....but all in all I can't believe what is happening. It's a miracle.

Amidst all the turmoil our economy is in right now, amidst the serious decisions we have to make with congress, and the BIG vote out here in California...the gloom and the doom...there has been light. I know that if we keep our life in line with Heavenly Father's plan we will be taken care of.

Have an amazing weekend...so much love headed your way this evening. Good night. From my family to yours. XOXOX

"Vroom Vroom"

Dax and Grandma Lindsay walked down the stairs at great Grandma's house the other day and surprising...Dax tooted. He said, "Bum, vroom vroom..." and proceeded to laugh. Grandma started laughing so he shared his story a couple more times.
Who would have known a toot and "vroom vroom" go together? Daxton did! He makes that sound to watch his favorite movie, when he plays with cars...and apparently now when he passes gas! You gotta love it!

NEWS FLASH: "The Explorers"

Recently, the Van Duren Family has been through Utah, stayed in Colorado...played in airports, random McDonald's, parks, and is preparing for another trip to Michigan tomorrow. If you don't look fast........you might miss them all together! There life has been rockin' and rollin'! Many updates to come. :) They continue exploring all possibilities of life on this planet. They found--life is good. AND---and is getting better every day.

Hey everybody...sorry for the not so updated blog lately. We have been running from one place to the next, and I have made little time to up date you on our life. We are doing great....making things happen, and learning a lot! I will post some pictures from our recent trip to Colorado. Although it might not be for a week...Matt and I are flying out tomorrow to Michigan! I've never been there so it should be a lot of fun. We are excited. Our sweet baby Dax is being watched by Grandma. Thank you MOM! "You're the simply the best!"

Inspired

Inspired: outstanding or brilliant in a way or to a degree suggestive of divine inspiration

I feel inspired. I see the world around me right now in a whole new light. I have recently been inspired by life. My life. I have been inspired by the lives of those around me. I am amazed by the miracles I've witnessed, and the life that is unfolding before my eyes. I recognize the significant role each of us plays in each others lives. The picture above was apart of our family photo shoot. Alyson caught us in a moment that wasn't planned. She called my name I looked over, and that photo was the result. I think Alyson was inspired, and this photo is so symbolic to me in many ways. I believe much of the time we spend oblivious to those around us. (Daxton didn't even acknowledge my presence in that photo:) As a mother or wife, our lives are completely intertwined with our children, and family. Each action we take to love, and care is not always recognized....but, the presence I believe is felt. I don't think most of us fully understand the impact we have on the people around us. I don't believe I understand. But, I am beginning to realize how important it is to make each moment positive. I feel a sense of responsibility to influence, more than ever, each person I meet for good. I think the more we realize we are not alone, and choose to be happy, we will make a HUGE impact. Recognize your position, and how you change the lives around you. As I have thought about that specifically, I can see how much I affect my loved ones. I want to be a force of powerful positive energy. I believe it is a choice. And, I have made a choice to love more freely, listen more deeply to my family and friends needs, and give of my time and resources to make our lives better. If there is anything I can do for any of you, please let me know. I really mean it! Much love to all...and I will leave a post soon with a lot of cute pics! XOXOXOXO

Mr. Clean

Hello! We are alive. We have just had a lot of exciting things happening in our world, and haven't made the time to share them all with you yet. ANYWAY, I wanted to share a quick little anecdote: A couple days ago my mom, Dax, and I were in Target. I needed to pick up some cleaning supplies. While I looked carefully at carpet cleaners my mom said,"Look!" When I looked Dax was staring at the bottle of Mr. Clean. He carefully folded his arms together. My mom and I exchanged glances and laughed and laughed. Now, Daxton does fold his arms during prayers, and maybe that's what he thought the man on the bottle was doing. Either way, he was inspired by the bald man on the bottle....and we got a real kick out of him mimicking his pose. Kids are the best!

My Little Song Bird

Lately, Dax has been singing along to every song he hears. On the way to the zoo yesterday he serenaded us in the car. If I am warming up or singing to something on the radio he joins right in. His technique, although young, is just outstanding! J/K :) I know he will be a star! We play the piano and sing together practically everyday. It's so fun to be able to share something I love so much with him. He makes me laugh! I love being a mother. He is so precious and brings us such joy!

Family Trip to the Zoo!

We went to the zoo yesterday. It was officially Daxton's first visit. We had such a great time, and Grandma Lindsay enjoyed it with us! That can't be beat!! He loved the giraffes and all the BIG animals. He especially enjoyed the reptile house at the very beginning. He saw a little boy with cotton candy right away, and about had a conniption. Needless to say, after a little talk...he was a good boy and was rewarded with that delicious treat. He pushed the stroller, ran around and had a fantastic time!

Camp Nauvoo

Friday evening our ward had a camp out at Camp Nauvoo. We enjoyed a chili cook off, cookie competition, and played with the members of our ward. Unfortunately, I only pulled out the camera for the swing and a little baseball. Some of the pictures were just too dark. We had a great time. Matt played baseball with the Ramirez family, and everyone joined in for the water balloon launch. He looked like a little kid playing, and it was really cute. Grandma, Dax and I played on the swings! There was a little program and I sang, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." It is so special to sing that song up in the woods. I can just imagine the prophet praying and having sermons in the groves near his home in NY and in Nauvoo.

The Amber House

Matt surprised me Friday evening with a little one on one romantic time. We ate dinner our in Rocklin at this yummy Japanese restaurant. (They cook right in front of you!) It was delicious! Then, he had made reservations at this sweet Bed and Breakfast in Sacramento for the night. "The Amber House," was so much more than I could have anticipated. I have never stayed at a B&B, but it was amazing. We stayed in the "Dickinson" room. The bed in the picture of above was where we slept Friday evening. The room was beautiful! The innkeepers were awesome, and we even had delicious home made cookies waiting for us upon arrival in our room! (If you know me at all...that's all I need to be sold......baked goods!) Matt and I enjoyed each others company in probably the most romantic place I have ever been. Thank you so much honey for making such a memorable get away and for loving me so much!
I don't know about you, but every couple needs a little time away. If you need a little pick me up in your relationship, take my word for it, this will do more for your relationship than you can imagine. There was a journal in our room, and it was filled with the guests experiences who enjoyed an evening in the Dickinson room. We read several journal entries together, and there is a little magic in the Dickinson room. Many couples spent anniversaries, wedding nights, or special get aways. We all have one thing in common...we are all looking to strengthen our relationships. More than ever I have felt the adversary working on each marriage and family. When we take time for each other, we take time to create happy eternal families. Thank you mom for watching Dax. We can't thank you enough.

Sunny Monday!

Happy Sunny Monday! Yeah! The Sacramento valley has a perfectly blue sky this morning. (the first time in more than a week...b/c of all of the fires)
What a perfect way to start a wonderful week!

*The sky is blue today!
*My mom is in town...AND....might be moving here!
*Our lease ends in Aug! We will only be in an apartment for another month or so!!!
*Matt and I had an incredible get away this past weekend! (I'll create a separate post.)
*I feel like I have never been so full of hope for the future. Awesome things are happening right now for our family,and I can't wait to share them with all of you. :)

Quote of the week:
"Activity and sadness are incompatible."
- Christian Bovee

Keep active and make this the BEST WEEK EVER!

The Bachelorette Finale

OK....was everyone else as shocked as I was? I loved Jason and Jesse, but I thought for sure she would have chosen Jason!! Matt was thrilled! He was going for Jesse all along. (Suprise, my husband watches it with me...we only have one TV. He didn't have any other options.:) After almost every finale of The Bachelor or Bachelorette show I am disappointed. AND yet, I continue to watch this rubbish! They never seem to choose the one I wish they would. Still, there is something sweet and magical about watching them fall in love...sometimes it's lust....BUT seeing how those relationships change their lives is so intriguing. Tell me I'm not crazy...and who did you want DeAnna to end up with if you were watching?!?

4Th of July slideshow

Side note: Daxton swam alone with floaties for the first time on the 4Th of July! YEAH! I hope everyone had a very special day. I'm so proud to be an American!

Happy Monday!

Highlights:

• The 4Th of July was spectacular! I am so proud to be an American! We played in the pool, had a picnic with friends, and set off some sweet fireworks! (AND ATE REALLY DELICIOUS FOOD...ALL DAY!)
• I am the new Primary pianist (I play songs during music time for the children at church). We had a terrific first Sunday. Nicole, thanks for making my first week so enjoyable!
• I made my first steps recording Thursday night. We are still in progress, but one step closer to recording my song : "Reach Out"
• Saturday we had a BBQ at my brother Boyd's up in EDH. We swam and had a wonderful day!
• We enjoyed the great company of Amy and Josh Summerhays Sunday evening. Thanks for a yummy dinner! We can't wait to hang out again soon.
• Dax and I just finished a snuggle session and read about five or six books. He says when we finish, "Mo Boo." (more books! He loves to read with Mommy and Daddy!)
• We are having FHE with our friends Marc, Stacy, and Tana tonight!! FUN FUN!
• We continue to reach for our dreams and are making each day count! Have a wonderful week.

Quote of the week:

"Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them."
- John Updike

Forgot One...The Happy Couple

This is one of my favorites of us. I forgot to post it with the other pictures.

Family Photos!! Yeah!

I was so excited to see these today on Alyson's site! What a fun evening. I know the boys were dying of heat...it was like 99 degrees outside and I had them all dressed up! Thank you Daddy and Dax for being such good sports! Love you!

Check out Alyson's site...she is so talented!

www.alysonkayphotography.blogspot.com

Wizards and Potions

We went to a super fun birthday celebration last Saturday. Bella threw a wizards and potions party. It was a blast. Dax and I made his little wizard hat and Daddy made his wand. Then, our potion master (aka Bryan) helped each wizard make potions. They chose between the gift of dance, or to sing like Ariel. They ate it up! Great party guys! Thanks for inviting us. :)

Bowling 101 Slideshow

Bowling 101

Matt and I went on a double date last Friday night with our friends Bryan and Melanie. We ate dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, delicious, and enjoyed a sweet night of bowling. We found that it truly is a game of luck. The first game Matt and Melanie had a resounding lead over Bryan and me. The second game, on the other hand, tables turned and Bryan won. His score trumped mine by only one pin, and Matt and Melanie weren't even close to us. We all played very differently and had our little querks. Matt: puts and "English" curve on the ball. Melanie: straight and center. Bryan: threw down on bended knee (like he was being knighted:). Jessica (me): I always slide my right leg under my left, and after my release-leave without watching my ball go down the lane! (Bad Luck!?!?) The slide show gives you the flavor of our evening. We had a great time! Thanks guys!

Happy Monday...a few hours late!

Happy Monday/Tuesday. Woo...I need to get better at this. I've only just begun.

• We are all healthy!
• We are all happy!
• Daxton has been telling me regularly "I poo poo/I went poo poo" (YIPPEE!)
• Sunday was beautiful!
• Matt and I went on a date Friday with our friends! Bowling pictures to come soon!
• The dishes are done. (right now)
• The 4Th of July is Friday (Matt's favorite holiday)

Hope you all have a wonderful week. Here is a quote for the week:

"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."
- John Wooden

Handsome Little Man

We had a family photo shoot a little over a week ago. I just checked Alyson's sight and this precious picture was there. Isn't is beautiful? He is so handsome, and she has a gift. Thank you Alyson...I can't wait to see all of them. More to come soon!

I love it!

Smiley

Daxton's smile brightens every day!

I love my smiley little man. I am the luckiest Mom in the world! He makes me laugh and keeps me on my toes. Dax is growing so fast, and I never want to forget the simple sweet moments we share. Every day & every smile counts. Kiss your babies and enjoy a simple gift given to you today...their innocent and precious smiles.

Need I say more?

Need I say more?
Don't we all have days where we feel like this? I am just grateful that most days I wake up and this isn't the look on my face. (It's usually not on Daxton's face either...it just made me laugh the other morning.) For all of you who have experienced a day like this week...hang in there! I too have had a similar one and bounced back. Take care of yourself. Enjoy a yummy treat. (It works for me!) It's OK not to be perfectly happy and energized every second of every day. We just have to choose to recover quickly. (Whatever quickly means to you:) Life is too short to feel this way too long. Just remember, you are not alone! Sunny days await you.

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday everybody! Mondays should start out positive so the rest of the week runs smoothly. Ya know!?! I will be starting a new edition to our blog...entitled "Happy Monday." It will consist of positive reflections of the past week and exciting news for the coming week!

• My Birthday was AMAZING! I was pampered and loved by my husband (breakfast & books & a gift card. WOW) and my friends: (Jenn-sweet package and a call, Kim-text, Mel-warm cookies (there is nothing better to me than a warm cookie), gift card, lunch, pedicures (sheesh!...I know...way too much), Kalli-an awesome card and yummy body wash, Stacy-lunch with the ladies, a thoughtful card and music staff paper and lyrics book, Court-a sweet card, My YW-a card and cookies, other friends-AND lot's of other sweet notes on the blog! thank you :) I went to the salon and had my hair done. (Isn't that the best. Read magazines...have your hair played with and messaged when washed!) I recieved a card from Preston, Terri, & Kellen--LOVED IT! I talked to my mom, and my brother Cameron called to wish me a happy birthday, and a call from my TWIN Ross. Am I blessed or what? Am I bragging???...maybe a little...I just want you to know that my family and friends are so wonderful. Thank you for all you do for me. I couldn't feel any more special. I love you so much! (Sorry for that laundry list...there was a lot to say!)
• I went shopping Saturday with my family (as part of my b-day), and had dinner with our friends.
• Sunday, I sang in church "I Stand All Amazed." I love singing in church. The spirit envelopes me and it is such a gift. I'm grateful I have something to share.
• Today, I showered and was dressed and ready by 11:00 a.m.! (Sounds silly, but it's a difficult task in my house. :)
• Bella's birthday is today. (Bella G.) Happy Birthday! We played at McDonald's play place and ate delicious sundaes.
• Tuesday, I have a call with my buddies from "Advanced!" I miss you all. Keep reaching for your goals! You're all doing great!
• We have a birthday party Saturday.
• The temp is only 84 degrees right now in Folsom. SO NICE!
• My songs are about ready to record and my goals will be closer to completion. Hooray!
• Pool Days----there will be many this week! Dax and I love swimming together.

I hope each of you have a very "Happy Monday" and a wonderful week! Please feel free to add this tradition to your blog. If you need a weekly positive kick, I encourage you to join in. I can't wait to read your "Happy Monday" blog entries too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "ROSSICA!"

Happy Birthday Ross!

My twin brother and I turn 25 today! Can't you tell we're twins from our pictures? Our family, at times, referred to us as "Rossica." The obvious merge of Ross and Jessica! :)

Ross, can you believe we are officially 25 years old! WOW! I have said for many years, "I was too afraid to come to earth alone so you volunteered to come with me." I am so grateful that you did! You have always been a strength and a support to me. I miss our birthday mornings. I woke up early and played my "Happy Birthday to Jessica" tape (rap version...go 90's!), and then we would each open our presents one at a time. (Except for the year mom let you open yours ten minutes early...because you were born ten minutes before me!) We would eat our yummy hot breakfast and then both have our own cakes to share with the family. You always had mint chocolate chip ice cream cake and I always had angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Delicious! My mouth waters when I think of it! We have so many wonderful memories and I look forward to making our next 25 years even better than the first 25! Thank you for being who you are, and for being my longest running best friend. (I don't think anyone will ever top it....they can't.......we've always been together!) Rossy Possy....we have officially grown up! I love you so much! I hope you have an amazing birthday. Just know you are with me today. I am thinking of you and wishing we were playing together!

"Ni-How" (pronounced: knee-how)

Daxton has been saying, "Ni-How" for at least a couple months now. We could not figure out what it meant. We would copy him regularly and pretend like he knew Chinese. We asked friends and family members if they could translate it, but we all just laughed it off. My sister in law told me "Ni-How" means "Hello" in Chinese. Impressive...he speaks a second language.:) J/K

While Matt and I were gone my mom watched Dax a couple of weeks ago. Amazingly, she broke the code. Drum roll please.........."Need Help." She said as soon as we were gone and he used it (because he does regularly) she knew exactly what it meant.

When we returned home, one morning he was sitting on the potty he looked up at Grandma and said, "I Ni-Yo-How." (aka "I need your help.") I wasn't helping him get off the potty because I knew he wasn't done. He knew Grandma spoke his language and called for some assistance. He is putting words together frequently and it is incredible. He picks up new words so quickly now. They may not be recognizable at first, but he is talking to us and it is so fun.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Matt!

We love you very much. You are such an amazing Dad. We will be eternally grateful for you. Your sincerity, love, humility, and humor have made you an incredible companion and an outstanding father. Thank for setting a great example for both of us.

Hugs 'n Kisses... XOXOXOXOXO

Love You~Sugga Momma and Dax

P.S. Happy Father's Day to our Dads(Aaron Van Duren, and Rick Lindsay)/Opa and Grandpa Hardy. We love you! Thank you for teaching us so much. We celebrate you today too!

Summer Lovin'

I love the warmth of the summer. We enjoy playing outside and taking dips in the pool. Today "pool day," with our ward, for the first time this summer was at our apartment. Daxton loved playing with all the kids....stealing their food (as scene in the picture below), and kissing Gracie.

There is nothing better than a little summer lovin'!

I hope everyone enjoyed the day. We sure did. Mommies, keep your eyes open. You will never know if Daxton has found your food or is stealing a kiss from one of your little girls! :)