Reminiscing 2008

This Christmas has been different for our family. We stayed in Houston and were not near family or the cold weather. However, it did snow earlier this month:), and we did have some close friends to celebrate with. This season is always nice because it seems like our hearts can turn to our Savior, and in turn we can serve one another.
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is to see the joy on the faces of friends and family. Another favorite is to hear spiritual talks and testimonies of Jesus Christ. The Christmas music can also bring the spirit. It seemed to be a little more of an emotional holiday for me this year, and I have been spiritually touched several times throughout the last month. Several testimonies and stories have left me pondering this last year, and the events that took place in our family. We truly have been so blessed this year. It is great to know we have been blessed with hope, comfort, and the opportunity to share it with others.

These are some pictures from Christmas morning being posted mainly because our families want to see since we are so far from them. Hope you enjoy.

Summer enjoyed finding that Santa came to visit and ate her cookies and chocolate.

This Quilt I made for Summer and have been busy at it for who knows how long. This was a huge task to take on, and I don't know if I will do it again. It was worth it though. She has been asking for a quilt since I made a little tiny one for Scott when I was pregnant.

Summer loves to dress up, and now she has even more lovely jewelry. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Harvey.
Philip could not wait to eat. I guess his stomach is not as small as you might think:).

Philip checking out his new jeans.

Summer showing me the casserole dishes she gave me and the Lego set she gave her dad.

We had a wonderful turkey dinner with our friends, and then relaxed and called family. I am a bit sad it is all over, but lets face it in Houston our tree is ready to be thrown out. Maybe it was just our care for the tree? I did water it everyday. Who knows.

Since Christmas is over I will wish you all a safe and Happy New Year.

My Dear Scott

Today marks the 6 month point since we shared our time with Scott. I honestly can't believe that it has been 6 months. I often think of the milestones he would be reaching, and what he would be like. I have to admit that I have been thinking of him quite a bit lately, and a bit more emotional too. Oh well, I can't help it. I try to fight the feelings and emotions as I listen to beautiful talks, and music but it only makes me more emotional. It is good to let the tears roll every now and then.

I was reading my friends blog, and she had posted a beautiful poem she had received. She too lost her son a week before Scott. I would like to post the poem here as well, as I think it brings so much comfort and hope.

It is called "The White Rose"
All the earth's mothers were gathered together at God's garden of flowers. Those beautiful budding spirits, who would someday come to earth, were nurtured and tended in the garden. A loving Father spoke to the mother: "See the works of My hands, someday you will be the mothers to these radiant spirits."

The garden glowed with the mixture of all kinds and colors. "Choose ye," He said. Now in the east corner of the garden pure white roses stood as sentinels. They were not as colorful as the rest, but glowed with a kind of purity which set them apart. One by one the mothers stepped forward. "I want the blue-eyed, brown haired boy, full of life and love who would someday be a prince in a grand country."

The garden buzzed with excitement as the others chose their own special spirits, those whom they would soon welcome into the warmth and love of earthly home.

Once again the loving Father spoke, "But who will take the white roses, the ones in the east corner of the garden? These will return to me in purity and goodness, they will not stay long in your home, for I must bring them back to my Garden for they belong to me, but they will gain bodies as was planned. you will miss them and long for them, but I will personally care for them."

"No, not I," many said in unison. "I could not bear to give one back so soon." "Nor I," said the others, "We will take those who will remain and grow to maturity and live long lives."
The loving Father looked out across the multitude of mothers with a longing in His eyes for someone to step forward. Silence. Then He said, "See the most pure and perfect of all the white ones? I chose Him.

He will go down and be a sacrifice for all mankind. He will be scorned, mocked and crucified. He is mine own. Will not anyone choose like unto Him?"A few mothers stepped forward. "Yes, Lord, I will." Then another, " I as well," "Yes, Lord we will." Soon all the pure white roses were taken and they rejoiced in the choices of the mothers. The Father spoke again, "Oh, how blessed are you who chose the white roses, for your pain will be a heavy cross to bear, but your joy will be exceeding beyond anything you can understand at this time."

The white ones embraced their mothers, and so full was their purity and love that it filled their souls with such endearment. Each mother knew they could endure the task. And the greatest of all the white ones, gathered them as a hen gathers her chicks, and the outpouring of love surrounded each mother and child, consuming all the white ones as He prepared them for their task. And each Mother who bore the weight of the 'White Rose,' would feel the overwhelming love of God, as they all shouted, "Thy will be done."

When imagining how your life is going to be I don't think any mother or father thinks to themselves that they are going to have a child die so soon. Most of us would rather imagine a happy ever after ending with no trials and no difficulty. Realistically none of us will have a life without trials. We have been given the opportunity to choose. Philip and I chose our children and the blessings and hardships that come with each. We will have a happy ever after ending, and I can't wait. It will be so nice to once again hold my son, and just enjoy his presence.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas and Gingerbread Houses

You will never believe what Christmas prayer was answered last night. IT SNOWED IN HOUSON. That's right, it snowed.

It has not really felt like Christmas as much this year because we had no plans for vacationing with family, and no really cold weather, etc. Then yesterday morning it was freezing out. When I got in the car last night to go to the Relief Society Christmas it was snowing. I was in heaven because it made be feel like I was back in Idaho when the first snow hits. Unfortunately I think it is the last snow unless we are lucky enough to get it one more time before Christmas. I will not count on it. The funny thing about it is that the day before it warmed up and was humid enough that we turned our A/C back on. I am just happy that Summer got to see the snow. She kept saying that it was going to be Christmas and then it would snow in Houston. I would tell her that it was not likely to happen as it is too warm in Houston for snow. I guess she was right, and her little prayer was answered.

WARNING: to those of you in snow covered areas this may seem silly that I took pictures of not even an inch of snow, but it is a rare sight in Houston.


We decided to let Summer make a gingerbread house this year. She had a blast and wondered when she could eat the candy.

Isn't it cute. It was fun to make and great family time too.

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

She is practicing.

Summer's Adventures

Ever since Laurel Philip's sister got married in July Summer has been obsessed with weddings. This is a recent wedding she attended. The bride Summer of course, and the groom was Prince. She found these clothes in her dress up box, and made up her own wedding dress. Very creative.

Can you guess what is inside the box? Well if you look closely you will see a bunch of braids sticking out. Summer may as well become a contortionist. She mashed her body inside this small basket.

HI from Summer
More contorting.

Summer being crafty with mommy. We made this Christmas paper globe to hang from her fan.

Very cute and fun.

5 Months

Today Scott would have turned 5 months old. When I think of the time that has passed, it seems like forever since I was holding my sweet boy, but I still can't believe it was five months already. Not a day goes by that we do not think of him, and think of him.

I was reading a talk from conference by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf titled The Infinite Power of Hope. As I was reading this talk I kept thinking of my experience with Scott. I came across this paragraph, "The things we hope in sustain us during our daily walk. They uphold us through trials, temptations, and sorrow. Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed, there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light."

What amazing counsel this is to me. It gives so much hope that through the gospel, and the things we stand for and believe in, the darkness, or in my case sorrow will be a lighter. I know that living the gospel does sustain me during my daily walk in all my experiences, but especially at this time giving me hope that I will see Scott again. To live a little better each day and closer to my Savior so that one day I can be with my family again. What joy the Lord promises us if we but live the gospel giving a small piece of ourselves, and our time to Him.

I Have much to be thankful for.

Grosgrain: Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

ARRRGGH!!!

Ok, so I have been spending countless hours trying to make a darn quilt for Summer. When I was pregnant with Scott I made a small one for him to use in the hospital, and while making it Summer would ask several times if I was making it for her. Since then she asks quite frequently when I am sewing if I am making her quilt.

Well finally I have cut all the pieces out and have begun to sew the appliques on. Now that I can finally sew my machine decides to give me havoc. I am so annoyed by this because I am ready to sew like crazy to get this quilt done. Maybe I just need to let the machine rest for the night. Who knows, I should finish it in this century if my sewing machine decides to start working.

It really has been fun though.

Summer's Beauty Salon

Summer and I playing beauty salon. She loves to play with my hair when I wear it down which recently has not been often.


It was fun to just spend some time with each other. As she was doing my hair she would say all of the things like I say to her when I do her hair. My favorite was when she started saying it is going to be sooo cute. This is the hairdo she came up with. I love her so much.

8 Miles

So yesterday was the 8 mile mark. It was so hard, and I about died but I made it to the end. After seeing Rishelle I thought I should not be complaining. She did 16 and that is a ton. Still, my 8 was hard enough for me, but the day was nice and I was enjoying the cool air in the morning. It is a great feeling to accomplish a large goal that seems unreachable, even if it means a sore tired body at the end of it. It will be interesting to see how I do on race day.

I officially signed up for the Surfside half marathon on February 14, 2009. It is the only marathon and half marathon run entirely on the beach. It is packed sand, so it should not slow us down too much.

This year has been a very different chapter in my life, and a race can only keep my adrenaline going and add to the interesting year I have had.

Halloween

So, I am finally getting around to posting our less than ok photos from Halloween. I really wish I had a family photo. Maybe I will get us all dressed up one more time just for a picture. Philip and I just forget to take pictures when we really want them.

Pocahontas sitting on John Smith's lap. Sorry for the blurry picture. It is the only one I took.

Rishelle made the perfect Sara Palin.

Myles and Ellie sporting the Ronald McDonald and the Hamburgler look. I especially loved that Myles took the time to get McDonalds nuggets boxes to give candy out in.

Our ward Trunk or Treat filled Summer's bag way to full. On top of it we stopped off in Phil's coworker's neighborhood for some real trick or treating. Summer kept asking me to hold her bag for her because it was to heavy. Scary, how did we get into this tradition of allowing our kids to stalk up on as much candy as they possibly can. Oh well, it is fun for them.

Sweet 7

So, today was a long run in preparation for the half marathon I am training for. I made the 7 mile mark today. I still can't believe that I ran that far.

The race is February 14, 2009. It is the Surf side marathon/half marathon. My friend Rishelle convinced me to go for it. She will be running the full marathon and I will be doing the half. Thank you so much Rishelle for pushing me every week, and running with me for so long before we go our different directions.

It feels so good to have accomplished 7 miles something I never thought I was capable of. This has also been a great outlet for me and a way to let my emotions subside. Now I am tired and need a nap.

Halloween Festivities

So, we have been scrambling the last week and especially the last couple of days to get costumes ready for Halloween. Finally the first festivities were kicked off this morning at a little party for the kiddos. It was fun to build haunted houses, and for Summer to eat the haunted house. We always love getting together with our friends, and this is even more fun to see them all dressed up.

This is Summer's Haunted House that she ate immediately after the picture.


If you can't tell Summer is Pocahontas, and I am her friend.

Just a few of the costumes.

Having fun.

Anything For a Nap!!

So, in desperation and also just for fun Summer and I built a tent out of her toys and blankets. She needed a nap so badly, but I had to be creative. It still took her a while, but she finally fell asleep in her blanket tent.

It was fun to build with her and of course fun to relax while she slept. Now I just need to keep thinking of these creative things to keep her entertained.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

This is Summer singing to Scott's picture on my cell phone. It seems like an American Idol tryout. She loves to sing as we can tell.

Hospital Room

So lately I have been keeping myself very busy making crafts. I have allowed myself to get so busy with them that I can go a several days before I take step back and give myself a break.

We decided to clean the carpets on Saturday, and I was forced to put all my junk away for the weekend. Now that I have had a few days break from crafting my thoughts have turned again to my life. I know most of my post include my family and especially experiences with my son. I just can't help it, so please bare with me.

Since our experience with Scott back in June I have had this weird desire. On several occasions I have wanted to go back and sit in room 365 of the Texas Women's Hospital. It is an interesting desire, but every time I think of it I get a little emotional and think it would help. Maybe someday I will actually go and sit there to ponder or something.

For me it is interesting that I can be so busy that I keep from really getting emotional, and then as soon as I stop for a couple of days it is back. I suppose this is the roller coaster that I am told I will probably have. I am grateful for it though, because it helps me not to forget those special moments and feelings I had with Scott and my family during that time.

It is nice to have Summer around to keep me entertained and happy with her sweet spirit. I love both of my children so much. What a blessing.

A Tribute to Scott

Yesterday was the three month mark since we had Scott with us. It seems like time goes fast yet at the same time it is still so long before I get to hold him and see him again. I often wonder what he would be like and look like.
Since I am always making random items for my etsy shop I find that every now and then I need a baby to pose for the pictures. Sometimes it is frustrating that I can't have my own baby to try my creations out for me. Then I think he probably would be really chubby and big and may not fit them.
It is very interesting to wonder what he would be like or what milestones he would be achieving. I think he would be a good calm baby. At least that is what most moms wish for. I also know he would probably have to defend himself from Summer as she would think his eyes are buttons to poke at.
This is a picture that Philip's mom gave to me when Scott died. Since it was three months yesterday I thought I would post pictures of them both wearing the same outfit. Philip was blessed in it, and Scott wore it when he was born for a bit as well as for his burial. It is very special that we still even had it.
We all love him and think of him all the time. Time can only heal a broken heart, but still the feelings of loss remain deep within. It is the comfort of family and friends, and of course the gospel that keeps us feeling more upbeat.

Hurricane Ike Part 2: After

So, we prepared as much as we could for Hurricane Ike to come. We lost power at 12:20am Saturday morning. The night was long and loud. When we woke up after a bad nights sleep, there was only a little water from the windows and doors downstairs to mop up, and a loss of one screen. The power of course did not come on again through the night.

Saturday morning we headed outside to see the damage around the complex. Mostly debris all over the place. We made our way over to the neighbor's to check on them. All the kiddos ended up playing in the rain and small pieces of roof that had blown off.
Conner, Jace, and Ellie loving the water and no power.

Summer in her rain clothes. Ready to play in Hurricane Ike aftermath.

A stop light hanging a few feet from the ground. I thought it was an interesting picture.

This is Highway 288 just below our townhouse complex. We are just to the right up the green grassy hill.

The other side of the bridge looking at Highway 288 headed downtown.

Our complex to the right.Ward efforts to help people near the church clean up their yards.
The roots of the huge tree our bishop is cutting down above. I think there were five trees like this just in one yard.The missionaries admiring the cut tree. This is as much as it could be cut by us. We did not have a chainsaw large enough for the rest.
Apparently Philip loves to climb trees.
Just a bit of the debris we cleaned up and placed along the side of the road.

We are so lucky to have little damage and to have only lost power and water for a few days. Our power finally turned on Monday night around 10:00pm. We are super thankful for power and air conditioning. Many others have sustained far more damage, and it will take the effort of so many of us to get things back together. I really can't complain because losing power for a few days is nothing compared to the devastation that others are facing. I am very blessed.