New Words--Date Night--District VB--Primary Programs

Kason’s Updates: This week he has said tons of new words, including ears, “neigh”, walk, night night, Nay Nay (for Nathan), what’s this, bum, thank you, and ball. He is always saying “please” in sign language for anything and everything. He loves to use a spoon at meal times.  We always sing to him when we rock him to sleep at nights. His favorite songs are I am a Child of God, I Love to See the Temple, Families Can Be Together Forever, and I Hope They Call Me on a Mission.  He is active as always and hard to keep up with. His favorite thing to do is go for his evening walks with Grandpa & Grandma Lindley.  He also likes to brush his teeth in the bathtub.  Kason also grabbed an apple to feed Kate, like we have been teaching him. Poor kid forgot to hold his hand flat and got his finger bit this week.  He just loves to do anything with horses.  Kason’s rash got much worse this week. It spread to most every spot on his body, and the one on his belly was pretty itchy.  We took him in and did some tests at the doctor on Monday.  He didn’t have any infection, so they decided it was an allergic reaction to something. We got some intense medication to give him for a week, and it’s all, but gone now. We are super excited about that.

Baby girl is doing great. She is so active. I keep thinking she has been more active than Kason was, but Kolt doesn’t think so.  She feels like she is always moving.  I have had several contractions over the past couple weeks, but nothing a little rest doesn’t solve. We are getting excited to meet her and decide what her name will be.

Monday we had doctor’s appointments in the morning.  My mom and I also did our Relief Society night Tile Craft. They turned out awesome! In the afternoon, Kolt took Kason out to work on his experiment for school while I was at work. In the evening, we decided to cash in our babysitting coupon from the Iona 10^th Ward Service Auction this summer.  Andrew Hufford watched Kason while Kolt and I went to Meet the Mormons.  Kason did great with Andrew—thank you so much! We loved Meet the Mormons.  It was a great movie with a great Spirit. It was nice to spend some time with Kolt as well.

Tuesday evening my mom and I went to district volleyball at Idaho Falls High School.  Kason and Kolt went to get some things ready for hunting and met us there later. Kolt went hunting on Wednesday morning.  He left around 4 a.m. and went by himself, no thinking he would have much luck. I wasn’t too sure about him being alone, but he convinced me he would be careful.  To my surprise, he shot an elk which he was pretty excited about! He has been living the life of a hunter this past week. I think he has really enjoyed it.

Thursday evening my mom, Kolt, Natalie, and Lacey went to the last night of district volleyball.  Kason was at Grandma Piquet’s for Grandma’s Day. He had a great time playing! I think all 3 of us have missed Grandma’s Day! Kason isn’t so fun to wrestle at the games, so it was a great evening for us! We were sad to see Bonneville lose and not go to state. It will be an odd weekend without state volleyball.

Friday Lacey was a great help in the morning for Kason. She and Kason played dress up in the Halloween costumes. I think she was more excited than he was! I gave her a piano lesson as well. She has been practicing a lot and did awesome! Kason went with Grandma Lindley, Natalie, Nathan, Brooke, Saydie, Lacey and Easton on a hike to Cress Creek.  Both Kolt and I worked in the afternoon. Kolt helped his Grandpa Piquet for a little while in the afternoon before work.

Saturday we attend the ISU Halloween Carnival with Natalie, Brady, Nathan & Brooke. It was a great time. Kason loved the basketball shooting game and the cake walk.  Kason was a horse and Kolt and I were the cowboy and cowgirl to go with him.  Kolt even wore this awesome horse costume. He was a good sport!

Sunday we hit 3 Primary Programs, our ward, Evan & Saydie’s, and Nathan’s.  All of the kids did great. We sure love our nieces and nephews. It is always fun to watch them say their part and sing the songs.  It was a big day of church and Kason did great. He was entertained by the kids and always paid attention when they sang one of his favorite songs.  Kolt worked in the afternoon, and Kason and I went to choir practice.

Dear Baby Girl...Love, Mom

Dear Baby Girl,

You are almost 31weeks grown! I can't believe how fast it has gone.  This week you are about 3 1/2 pounds and 17 inches long.  I think you are probably a little bigger than that already.  Dad and I are so excited to meet you.  We have been waiting to hold our first baby girl for a very long time!  We talk about you every night and dream about what it will be like to have you in our home.  Dad loves talking to you, and you love listening to him. (I think you already have him wrapped around your finger! Don't tell him that, though!!)  You are going to love your daddy. He is a great Dad!

You are already such an active little girl. I have no doubt you will be able to keep up with your brother from Day 1.  I feel you kick and wiggle around all day long.  You are especially good at kicking Kason any time he kicks you.  I can't wait for you to meet your brother.  He has such a sweet personality and a big heart.  He loves to play all day long. I'm sure he will expect you to play with him from the moment you are born, so you better learn quick!  He already loves your pictures and thinks he knows what your name will be. You two are going to be great siblings.  There's already a chemistry!

Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a mom. In my dreams, I always envisioned being a mom to a sweet little girl. I'm sure it was you! I'm still quite nervous to be your mom though. I am trying to learn how to raise girls. I promise you I will try my best. I may not be great at first, but don't give up on me, I will get better. I have tried to think of the most important thing I could teach you. Although there are many important things, I tried to narrow it down to one. I hope you will always remember your divine nature.  You are a special daughter of God. He loves you.  No matter what happens to you in your life, He will love you and be there for you. You can always count on that. 

I also hope you realize how much I love you already. I feel you around me throughout the day.  I haven't even met you, but I know who you are and love you more than I could even explain.  I can't wait to see your beautiful eyes and perfect skin.  I am planning on snuggling with you all through the winter!

Life is great here! I'm so excited for you to come here and find out for yourself. I'll see you in a few short months!

Love,

Mom

Freshman Conference Volleyball Tournament--Family Pics

Kason’s Updates: Kason is 15 1/2 months old.  He loves bananas and is always running to the kitchen yelling “Nana” and pointing to the banana basket.  In Kason’s case, I hope the phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” also applies to bananas.  He loves to run more and more. He is officially off the bottle and drinking all from sippy cups, even at bedtime.  He is also going without the binky for most of the day now, except naps, bedtime, and sometimes in the evenings when he is tired. He is determined to use a spoon/fork when eating. It’s now the only way to get him to eat for more than a minute.  He also wants to use a pen and loves to try to draw.  His favorite toys this week are the cards in my wallet and my planner.

Baby girl is doing great! Unfortunately, this week I have learned about a few more of the symptoms of pregnancy that I didn’t have with Kason.  It must be a trade for the morning sickness not being so severe this time around.  My favorite foods are cereal and hashbrowns/tater tots.  There isn’t much I can’t stomach which is a blessing!

Monday Kolt went to class in the morning, and I worked for a bit in the afternoon. We also watched Paisley for the afternoon while Shauna went to a doctor’s appointment. Kason and Paisley had a great time playing together and entertaining each other.  They especially loved having Saydie follow their every move.  Before volleyball practice, we had a quick team picture to get one with all the girls in it. Last time, one of the girls couldn’t make it, so we rescheduled with Bell. 

Tuesday I played for the choir, and Kolt had class.  Kason and I met Rope at our usual spot. He knows when I walk out of the choir room and say “Let’s go see Rope!” He comes running and yelling “Rope”.  Tuesday evening we played Hillcrest and Rigby for our volleyball matches.  We beat them both. The girls played great against Hillcrest—really turning over another leaf. 

Wednesday I worked in the morning at the office and Kolt went to class.  Kason played with Brooke at the church while Natalie and Grandma did some quilting.  At noon, I met Kason and Kolt at ISU for an Oktober Fest lunch.  Kason was the life of the party. Kolt won a big bag of candy in the raffle. 

Thursday I played for the choir, and Kolt went to class.  In the afternoon, I rode the bus to Highland with the team, and Kason and Kolt met us at the gym.  We had an interesting night of volleyball. The girls were not ready to play, and we lost in 3 sets.  It was a good loss for the girls because it put a little fire under their bellies. They came to practice Friday a lot more focused.

On Friday, Kason and I played at the park while Kolt was getting out of class.  He played on the playground for about 5 minutes, and then we spent the rest of the time wandering all over Freeman Park. It was all I could do just to keep up with him. Friday’s practice was great. The girls were focused, and we went over a lot of really important things.  They were definitely ready for Saturday’s conference tournament.  It is crazy to think Friday was our last practice. 

Saturday morning I got on the bus at 6:45 with the girls, and Kason and Kolt came up to Madison later.  We beat Idaho Falls in 3 sets right at 8. They played great, definitely the best they have ever played this season.  We also beat Rigby and Blackfoot in our pool.  We went into the tournament seeded first from our pool.  We beat Pocatello first, then beat Hillcrest in a tough 3 set match to put us in the championship.  We beat Skyline in 2 in our championship match. The girls had a great weekend! I can’t think of a better finish, not only winning, but playing their best.  They were really excited about that. I am sure going to miss these girls. They were a good group of nice girls with big hearts.

Sunday morning I played the organ, and Kolt taught the Sunday school lesson. Kason spent almost all of church in nursery. I sat with him during the first hour.  He doesn’t care much that I’m in the room until one of the older girls wants to play with me. Then the jealousy bug comes out! He does a great job playing.  We stayed for treat time this week. He learned a lot just by watching the other kids.  We did have an apple juice spill, but it was a huge leap for him.  Kason came and switched me for the second hour.  About 30 minutes before class ended, he went to the door and laid down. Nursery wore him out! We had a great nap after church! We had a great dinner on the patio with the Lindley’s.  We celebrated Brooke’s birthday with cake and ice cream and presents.  We gave Brooke a nursery rhyme book and puzzle set.  Grandma & Grandpa Staker also made a visit and brought some beautiful burp cloths for our new baby and a gorgeous quilt for Kason.  They are so great! We love them so much and can’t believe they leave for Arizona in 2 weeks! We also took some spontaneous family pictures. Kason is very disinterested in the camera, but at least we captured his 15-month stage.  It was a great Sunday evening with family.

RMUoPH Interview--Doctor Visits--General Conference

Wow! Where does the time go? I can’t believe it’s already been 3 weeks since our last family letter. Here are the highlights of the past few weeks:

Kason is 15 months old already! We often hear the comment that he looks older than that. He is active and always on-the-go.  He loves to be outside, no matter the weather.  He got his 3^rd haircut a couple weeks ago.  He is trying to use a spoon and pen to write.  He is saying lots of new words, including “go” and “Who’s this”, but mostly has a language of his own now. He can talk and talk like he is making a deal with you, but doesn’t say anything we can understand yet.  He learned how to blow on his hot food.  He loves playing with his cousins; he and Brooke have become good friends lately. They are learning how to share and play together. Mostly, Kason just likes to follow Brooke around and copy her every move. It’s amazing how much he can learn from just a morning together. Some of Kason’s favorite things to do are: unload the kitchen cabinets, somehow reaching the cereal boxes and other things on the kitchen counter, play in the sugar bucket, throw things in the garbage cans (usually things we are looking for later), trying to open the dishwasher soap packets, pulling out the outlet plugs, opening the oven door, climbing on the table, turning on the bathtub, escaping outside anytime the door opens, and playing in the toilet. Just kidding—these are not really his favorite things to do, but he is pretty relentless in trying to do them each day. He loves to get into things he’s not supposed to.  He is getting into a better sleep routine, with one 2-hour nap around noon and bedtime from 9 to 7 pretty consistently. 

Kason has been to the doctor a couple times in the past few weeks.  Two Sundays ago Kason tipped over a kitchen chair. He was holding on to the back of the chair that landed on the tips of his fingers and bruised them up pretty good. His paranoid mother decided on Thursday that the ring finger on his right hand was pretty swollen still and looked pretty big still.  I told Kolt he should try to tip over the chair like Kason did and see if his fingers broke. He didn’t think that was such a good idea.  We met Kolt at the doctor’s office after his night shift and got an x-ray.  The doctor explained that the chances of his finger being broken are actually pretty small, but let us get an x-ray just to be safe.  Kolt helped Kason get his x-ray which was a challenge to get him to hold his hand still.  He was right—no broken finger, just a nice little bruise! He is one tough boy!   Kason also had his wellness checkup last week.  He weighed 26 lbs. 1 oz. (89%) and measured 35 inches long (99%).   He is still big and tall! He got 3 shots this time, including the flu shot.  Kolt and I also got the flu shot; I’m pretty sure Kason was tougher than me! He also started a funny little rash on his face. It moved to his knee next and then his belly. We got a prescription cream to try for a week, but it hasn’t helped.  We are keeping a close eye on it to see if it progresses.  It doesn’t seem to bother him at all though which is good.  The doctor told mom and dad it was time to get rid of the bottle, make sure he was sleeping in his own bed, and start decreasing his dependence on the binky.  So far, his bottle has been gone for 3 days, and we have made significant progress on the binky and sleep routine.  Kason is pretty good at handling change!

Baby girl is doing great! I passed my glucose test with flying colors last week at my appointment.  My blood sugar and iron levels were right where they were supposed to be. The hardest part was keeping down that sugary drink! We love listening to her heartbeat! Kason is even attentive when we listen. It is great! So far, I am on the same track for weight gain as I was with Kason which I am excited about.   I have been feeling really well lately.  I am nauseous, but having thrown up for months.  My biggest complaints at this point are being tired all the time, sciatic nerve pain, heart burn, and my increase in pressure on my joints from the extra weight.  Nothing bad at all! I have even been able to keep down tums which have helped the heart burn tons! We have had a couple names picked out since we got married but are waiting to meet her to decide what her name will be. We can’t wait!

Kolt has finished up his toughest work schedule so far. He tried out a month of working several nights a week and trying to go to classes in the day. He did a lot better than I could, but it was definitely more than we were looking for.  He didn’t mind working nights at the beginning because it gives him a chance to study, but it is hard to function in the day and get enough rest.  He did do well on the 3 tests he took the past few weeks which is a great thing! On Saturday evening, Kolt worked his last night shift at the BHC.  The next few months are just going to be two 3 pm – 11 pm shifts a week and any other shifts that he wants to pick up.  With baby coming in December, he will really slow down working and take some time to be home until we get situated. 

On Sept. 23^rd, we invited the Seward family from our ward to come out to the arena and ride horses.  They won the horseback ride at the Iona 10^th Ward Service Auction in July. We have had lots of scheduling conflicts with our busy schedules, but finally got it in before winter hit.  They had a great time. It was fun to hear about our connections with some of Kolt’s cousins.  What a small world!

On the 23^rd, I also started playing piano for the Rocky Mountain Choir on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are 2 classes in the mornings. Kolt drops off Kason after the 1^st class when he leaves for school.  Kason is getting much better about sitting there. He is learning not to pound on the piano and is turning into quite the social butterfly as of today’s class.  There are a couple girls from our ward in the classes that are good to help me with him when he wanders off.  I have really enjoyed learning new music.  It is great for me to have to practice something and improve my skills.  I can still hear my music teacher, Ellen Knapp, counting in my ear.  I have lots of work to do in that area! Kason enjoys the music too. It is fun to see him stop and listen when they sing.  I’m very grateful for music!

We have had an exciting volleyball season! The team is full of the nicest girls, and they are fun to coach and be around.  In September, we played really well in the Idaho Falls Freshman Invitational.  We were in a tough pool on Friday night. We finished second to Shelley, but won our crossover on Saturday morning to put us in the gold.  We played Shelley right off in the tournament and beat them in a tough 3-set match.  The girls really got over the hump in that game and learned how to buckle down and play.  I think it really took it out of them.  After that match, we lost to Highland and then Shelley again to take 3^rd in the tournament.  It was a good finish, maybe not where we wanted, but we learned a lot at the tournament.  The next Monday at practice, one of the girls sprained her ankle.  We now have 6 which is great for the girls. It requires all of them to step up and fill new roles.  They have definitely learned a lot the past couple weeks, although it has been tough. We have won several games and lost a tough one to Madison a couple weeks ago.  The girls played really well this last week beating Skyline in 3 and Idaho Falls in a hot 5-set match.  We lost the 3^rd game 32-34. It was a battle every step of the way, but we did it! Tonight is our last home match. We finish the season going to Highland on Thursday and with our conference tournament on Saturday at Madison. Kason is really pretty good at volleyball.  He has no court-awareness and loves to walk right on the court, but the girls are great to pick him up and move him in between plays.  Bentley and he play together when we scrimmage the JV downstairs.  Natalie has been awesome to come help us at practices.  She definitely adds to the intensity and helps keep the girls focused.  My mom has even come a few times to help with our numbers.  The girls like it when they come and get a kick of the “family reunion” we have at the gym sometimes!

While at our freshman tourney at Idaho Falls on the 27^th, the Staker Family had their Annual Get-Together. Kolt and Kason were able to attend.  They had a great time and even brought me back some food! Kason stayed with Grandpa Piquet for the evening, and Brand came to the volleyball tournament with Kolt.  Grandpa Piquet sent an awesome picture of Kason on the rocking horse. He had a great time! He has certainly missed Grandma’s Day out at the Piquet’s.

On the evening of the 27^th, my mom and I attended the General Womens Conference.  It was a great session.  While at the meeting, I really felt the desire to attend the temple regularly.  With another baby on the way, I know that will get more and more difficult, but I remember a quote from one of the sessions of conference that said something like “Set a goal to attend the temple regularly. Don’t let anything or anyone keep you from going there.” I have pondered that through all the sessions of conference and hope that we can get better on setting a regular time each week to attend the temple. I also reflected a lot on a poem my parents had framed for me called My Three White Dresses.  I decided to find pictures of me in my 3 white dresses and share them.  We also learned about using Facebook in a positive way to share the gospel.  I have enjoyed the memories I have in each of my 3 white dresses.  Our new baby girl is also going to be blessed in my own blessing dress which made it even more special as I pulled it out and got it ready for her blessing day in a few months.

On the 29^th, Kolt and I celebrated our 2^nd anniversary by sending Kolt to work a night shift.  He did surprise me by getting me a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  He is always so good to remember the important holidays which I am grateful for.

Work has been going really well at the Post Register.  I am still working 3 afternoons a week which has been a good balance for me.  Kolt is able to watch Kason most times I am at work except when he works the night shifts and needs to sleep.  My mom is great to take him when Kason wakes up, so Kolt can keep sleeping.  I really enjoy what I do at work. I am very blessed to have my job! They treat me so well. I have enjoyed being home more. If you can believe it, I am actually working on organizing Christmas right now. Something tells me I won’t be able to do much in December 

We had a great conference weekend. I felt like some of the themes of the conference that Kolt and I noticed were following the prophets, attending the temple, making sure our conduct and trajectory matches our goals, and following Christ’s example.  It was neat to see how Kason responded to conference. While he was still a one-year old, he did pay particular attention when the choir sang and when President Monson spoke.  We watched Saturdays sessions at home and then sent Kolt and my dad off to the Priesthood session.  Kolt came home anxious to tell me about President Uchtdorf’s talk. I was excited the next day when I saw a video on Facebook of his talk.  During the Priesthood session, my mom, Kason and I went grocery shopping. My mom treated us to ice cream cones on the way home. Kason was in heaven!

On Sunday we watched the morning session on TV, had dinner with the Lindley family at noon, and then listened to the afternoon session on the drive to Provo.  Kolt had his interview at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions on Monday morning at 9.  Kolt got pretty sick going down, so the drive wasn’t too fun.  We decided to drive by the Jordan River Temple which we had never seen before.  We stayed the night on Sunday at Corey & Janis’ home.  We had a great evening visiting with them.  There is always a great Spirit in their home. On Monday morning, we had scripture study with the Lindley’s before everyone headed off for the day.  Kason and I got to walk with Alysa to school in the morning. We dropped off Kolt at his interview in Provo, and then Kason and I drove to Hogle Zoo to meet my friend Candace Ross.  There was an accident on the way, so traffic was slow. I was grateful Kason fell asleep watching all the cars and trucks around us. He would only eat so many graham crackers I kept handing back to entertain him! We had a great time at Hogle Zoo. Kason loved the elephants and the water park, and especially the big wet black round ball at the front of the park.  I’m not sure what you call that, but he giggled and played by it for a long time. Candace and I had a great time visiting. She was a great help with Kason the whole day. I couldn’t have done it without her! We ate at Zupas for lunch and then visited in the parking lot while Kason slept until he was time to pick up Kason.

Kolt had a great interview.  He was interviewed by 3 different people, one who was from Idaho.  He loves the new campus. This fall will be their first year.  He also loved that all the professors were LDS and shared his beliefs.  Most of the other students that interviewed with him also had families which made it feel really comfortable and like home.  He got a call the following day that he had been accepted! We are so happy about that! We would love to live there.  Kolt still has 2 more interviews in Arizona in December. We are hoping to get an interview offer from Idaho State soon, and then we will make a decision about where to move. Rocky Mountain’s program starts May 4^th, so it is right around the corner! We are excited for the new adventure and are very grateful that Kolt has been doing well so far with his interviews.

We had a good Sunday this past week.  Kason is learning how to whisper in Sacrament Meeting. He likes playing in nursery for the first hour.  He is definitely in his own world, only worried about finding a basketball and staying by the basketball hoop.  Kolt taught the Sunday school lesson while I stayed in nursery with Kason, although he doesn’t need me at all, he is still 3 months away from being 18-months.  We had a great Relief Society lesson on the temple again, another reminder for me to go to the temple! Sunday evening we had dinner with the Lindley’s and then set off to visit Great Grandpa & Grandma Staker.  Kason was so cute with Grandpa Staker. He talked gibberish to him for probably 5 minutes straight.  They had a great time. We enjoyed some pumpkin pie as well.  After our visit, we stopped by Great Grandpa & Grandma Piquet’s house.  Kason was pretty wound up and put on a good show for them. Kolt and I worked hard to protect anything that could break. It was fun to visit with them.  On our way home, we stopped by Kolt’s parents’ house and Shauna & Landon’s home.  Shane made a great dinner and yummy dessert.  Paisley was glad to see Kason when we stopped by their house to congratulate them on the way home! Kason slept great that night—I think he was worn out.

Another 12 Months of Marriage

Well, Kolt and I decided to keep up the tradition we started last year.  We had a hard time narrowing down our year to 12 things, but these are definitely some of the highlights.  

Here is our 12 Months of Marriage: 2nd Edition! Hope you enjoy! :)

12--Twelve-hour shifts at EIRMC's Behavioral Health Center. Kolt started this job in May and has stayed busy.

11--Eleven hours of fun watching Kason open his presents on Christmas. He was so fun! We all had a great Christmas and were spoiled rotten!

10--Ten great minutes of Skype with Elder Lindley on Christmas & Mother's Day--Well, at least 10 minutes anyways! Kason got to meet Uncle Tyler for the first time!!!

9--Nine "crashes" and "kisses" a day! Kason has been such an active baby, since he was born, so he has several "falls" every day! He makes it tough to keep up, but he gives the best kisses that makes it all worth it!

8--Eight girls on our Freshman Volleyball Team at Bonneville High School--Quickly changed to seven after a few weeks of the season!

7--Seven applications sent in July to Physician Assistant schools across the country!! 

6--Six awesome co-workers at the Post Register! They definitely make going to the office every week fun and exciting. I reached my 2-year mark in December.

5--Five hours of sleep each night---Kason finally started sleeping consistently around his 1st birthday. 

4--Four hours of Susan's Graduation Ceremony! Wahoo! Mom finally finished with her Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting!!

3--Three hours a day of riding horses! Not only did Kolt work with both JJ and Pedro a lot this summer, but Kason loves riding horses and always wants to ride whenever he sees a horse whether in the backyard or out at Grandpa & Grandma Piquet's arena!

2-Two 1st birthday parties for Kason--Who gets 2 birthday parties?? Yup, this boy :) Can't believe he is already one!

1--One special little girl to join our family in a few short months!!!