Our Last Goodbye

Saturday, July 12th was Craig's funeral. It was a beautiful session, one truly fit for a person like Craig. We learned what truly happened that time on the lake...
Craig did jump in to Utah Lake without a life jacket on to retrieve an ore. There was a storm coming in which created 3-4 foot waves which were pushing the boat farther away from him as well as pounding down on him. His mom threw a rope to him while his dad jumped in after him. Unfortunately he didn't make it to him in time and was only a couple feet away when Craig went under. With the lake being so murky it was difficult to see anything and it was safer for his dad to go back to the boat and call for help. Fortunately it didn't take his parents long to feel the peace from our loving Heavenly Father. Craig was an amazing person with an amazing attitude and outlook on life. He will be missed here but is needed elsewhere and will continue to do amazing things.

Thought I'd share this with you, it's from Craig's blog.

7 Things I learned from a Firework!

I haven’t always been left handed. In fact, I still get weirded out when I look down at the stub where my right hand used to be! Christmas vacation this year took me on a road trip to Mexico. Question: Where can you buy better quality fireworks than in Mexico? (Answer: anywhere.) On New Year’s Eve I lit a harmless looking firework at midnight, and a moment later I looked down and realized that my hand took the early bus back to heaven!

All joking aside, I have learned some powerful lessons through that experience. (Surprisingly, most of them have very little to do with firework safety!) Although what occurred was tragic, I believe what I have learned has made me a better person and will continue to bless the lives of many individuals.

1. Don’t buy fireworks in Mexico!

2. There are some things in life that we simply cannot control. (If I hadn’t blown off my hand, some other poor person would have.) It’s okay. As we let go of those things quickly and completely, we become free.

3. “Men are that they might have joy”! Life is good. Laughter heals. Life is funny. There are funny things that happen every day even in the worst of situations. Bad days make good stories. There is a time to laugh and a time to cry. It’s funny that laughter and tears come together so easily.

4. The atonement of Christ brings peace and healing “that surpass all understanding”. We come to know ourselves and we come to know God through our trials. We are surrounded by miracles. When we trade self pity for humility, our eyes are opened to see them.

5. There is so much life to live! Why waste time worrying and stressing about inconsequential things? Spend time doing what matters most—the things that bring the most light and joy to life. Enjoy the ride.

6. Challenges make us stronger and better. With creativity and patience, we are capable of much more than we ever imagined. Our perspective determines our reality. (There is nothing that quite compares with the feeling of accomplishment gained from flossing with one hand for the first time!)

7. We can always lift others, no matter how bad of a situation we are in. It is a divine gift. The only true and lasting joy comes from forgetting ourselves and lifting those around us through love and service.

I would never wish another person to lose their hand. But I hope my experiences and lessons make a difference in your life. Wahoo for the resurrection!!

From the mind and mouth of Reid

I saw this on my sister's blog (her kid's comments are way cute too if you want to check them out, Celeste Hughes)

Reid is 3 years old

1. What is something Mom/Dad always says to you?
Mom: Prayer (he folds his arms)
Dad: Play video game fights

2. What makes Mom/Dad happy?
Mom: Family Home Evening!
Dad: Play with me

3. What makes Mom/Dad sad?
Mom: Rude...and mean too.
Dad: Being mean...to peoples but daddy already put me in timeout.

4. How does Mom/Dad make you laugh?
Mom: Dropping toys (Reid does it and William cracks up)
Dad: tickle him

5. What was Mom/Dad like as a child?
Mom: No answer
Dad: No answer (i don't think he understood it-i've learned that most preschoolers don't realize that we were once kids!)

6. How old is your Mom/Dad?
Mom: 1
Dad: 3, like me!

7. How tall is your mom/dad?
Mom: Like this (reaches both arms up high and stands on his tiptoes-better than saying a giant like he used to!)
Dad: biggest (stands on chair to make himself tall).

8. What is her/his favorite thing to do?
Mom: Paint (HE likes to do that)
Dad: Play with me about the mean peoples dead. and daddy will fight them and they will be dead!

9. What does your mom/dad do when you're not around?
Mom: Wakes me up (NOO, i let him sleep as long as he needs to!)
Dad: No answer

10. If your mom/dad becomes famous, what will it be for?
Mom: Shooting
Dad: Mad

11. What is your mom/dad really good at?
Mom: Playing with me
Dad: Playing with me

12. What is your mom/dad not very good at?
Mom: Saying naughty words
Dad: Not playing with me

13. What does your mom/dad do for work?
Mom: No (either meaning, no i don't want to answer that or no she doesn't have a job)
Dad: Go to school (so true, so true)

14. What is your mom's/dad's favorite food?
Mom: Cheetos (not really, we rarely eat chips other than tortilla from costco, but i do like them)
Dad: Eat at restaurant

15. What makes you proud of your mom/dad?
Mom: Me!
Dad: No answer

16. If your mom/dad were a cartoon character, who would she/he be?
Mom: A job for super heroes
Dad: A Superhero!

17. What do you and your mom/dad do together?
Mom: Play with superheroes and capes
Dad: Play in toy room

18. How are you and your mom/dad the same
Mom: Superheroes (he is way into superheroes right now if you can't tell!)
Dad: Same big

19. How are you and your mom/dad different?
Mom: I'm cool (thanx, and i'm not?)
Dad: No answer

20. How do you know your mom/Dad loves you?
Mom: Give me hugs
Dad:Play

I am soo glad he thinks we play with him a lot because sometimes I feel like we don't! I love this boy and the interesting things he comes up with everyday. His latest is his superhero thing and his super powers he has. I'll post a video on that one later, it's a definite must see!

Deceptively Delicious

On Oprah the other day, Jessica Seinfeld was on. She is the author of Deceptively Delicious. This book is full of recipes with hidden veggies in it! So for those with kids like mine, this book may come in handy. There are 9 recipes on Oprah's website that you can copy and paste and try it out. She also emphasizes the importance of putting veggies on the dinner plate so the kids still get used to eating them!
(From Oprah's site, click on 'Get them to eat without whining'. The the recipes link).

Closure

They recovered Craig's body this morning. It's a heavy blow, knowing that his death is real, but it's nice to have some peace and closure. He's the kind of person that wouldn't want anyone to mourn over his death, rather rejoice in the memories we all have made with him. His family has set up a blog specifically for those who knew him to share their memories. There are some pretty neat ones if anyone is interested in it. Check it out at http://www.craig-decker.com/blog

Craig Decker, our prayers go out to his family

For those of you who do not live in Utah, you may not know of the search going on at Utah Lake. Craig Decker was boating with his family on Saturday. He jumped in the lake to retrieve an ore without a life jacket. The waves were really rough (a storm was coming in) and kept push the boat farther away and him down more into the water. Unfortunately it was too much for him and he went under and never resurfaced. The search was called off Sunday due to bad weather but luckily was called back on today. Unfortunately his body is yet to be found.

Craig is a good friend of Jed's from his Organic Chemistry class at BYU. I was lucky enough to meet him once. He came camping with us (saved me from getting on the boat every time Jed wanted to). He is an amazing person. About a year and a half ago he blew up his hand when a roman candle went off while he was holding it. His story is amazing with the transition he had to face. To read it and see a gory (and I mean gory picture-not for the weak stomachs). Check out his blog http://cddoj.blogspot.com/ (scroll down a bit to find the story). He also has some youtube videos he put up demonstrating how to do things one handed (like tying a shoe).

Craig repelling.

Craig and William walking around. My boys loved hanging out with him. Reid especially enjoyed checking out Craig's hook and looking for his hand! Craig was so easy going about what happened to him. He especially loved when kids would talk to him about it because they were so honest and innocent. (he talks about it also in his blog).


Craig holding the 'catch' (trout) after he gutted it by himself. It amazed me with what he was able to do. Actually, I don't think there is anything he can't do. He is truly an inspiration for us who go through any kind of trials. To just take it in and make the best of it. Like Craig says, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you a hook, become a pirate enthusiast!"

Jed says
Craig was an awesome person I only knew him a short time but in that time we became really good friends. We would spend time cat fishing at night and studying o chem. Craig always had a positive attitude and I will really miss him. I know he will be OK, but the world will be a much sadder place without him.

Organic Chemistry 1...CHECK!

One big class down...so many more to go. But we're getting there! Jed just finished his Organic Chemistry 1 class, and passed with a B! (9 pts. shy from a B+). This being his first time taking the class (most of the students there -200 of them- have taken it once or twice before). I'd say he did a GREAT job!
Congratulations Babe! We are so proud of the hard work you are doing for us!

Hughes' Visit

Celeste and her kids were up awhile ago (took me long enough to post i know). We visited the Bean Museum...




Then my Aunt Rachel gave them swim lessons. They had such a good time. We swam EVERY day! Thank you to Jenny for letting us use your pool so many times! And thank you to Rachel for teaching our kids to swim!

All three learned how to swim with their eyes down and to roll over onto their backs and breathe. Cassidy can do it by herself...Jace and Reid still need some help, but do such a good job at it. Here are a few pictures to show how great they are. I have some video too but that'll come later (once i get it off my camera).

The are our crazy cousins (and a friend). they love to be silly!


Cassidy Swimming. She did so well! She didn't enjoy starting something new but by the end of the week, she was a GREAT swimmer!

Jace did a good job also. He recently learned how to ride his bike so while he swam...he was pretty much riding a bike under water! His face was down, but his legs were down also going in circles!

This is my little swimmer. He always loved it when I would watch him! He did so well and loved it! A little skeptical at first but relaxed and got very comfortable.

Reid and Jace had such a good time playing together. Hard to believe they are only 8 months apart!

Walking William

This was taken awhile ago. We were hoping he'd be walking soon...but he's still not very confident. It's a cute video anyway. In the beginning William would ONLY walk to Reid. What cute little buddies!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Brian Reagan

We got tickets to Brian Reagan (the best and cleanest comedian nowadays) in August and are totally excited! I was going to wait until then to tell Jed about it (more of a surprise) but i couldn't wait 2 whole months, so i told him for Father's Day! (So Em and Steve you can talk to him now about it!)

Thank you to Emily and Steve for getting the tickets for us!

We LOVE You Daddy!

(Sorry, you may have to maximize the poem to read it)

I just wanted to make a special post for my wonderful and amazing husband. He does so much for our little family and misses out on a lot because of the things he needs to do for school. He works so hard so that I can be with my two boys and does so well with his classes (though he will disagree...he's so critical about himself). He loves our boys and enjoys every minute he is able to be with them. They always miss him when he leaves for school or is gone all day studying, but are so excited when he comes home. We love you Jed, your are a great Husband and Daddy!

Mommy: Do you love your Daddy?
Reid: Uh huh.
Mommy: What do you love about your Daddy?
Reid: But I miss him (he's sleeping in right now)
Mommy: What do you do with your Daddy?
Reid: Work...Fishing...Camping

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Reid and I sing just before he goes to bed (part of his routine). One night he asked for a Daddy song and I thought of this one. Ever since then he always wants to sing it. He does better when he's not being recorded. (sorry about it being dark. if it's too dark i'll try with the other camera).

Swimming Lessons!

My Sister, Celeste, and her kids are in town for the week and we have started the swim lessons! Our Aunt Rachel is so wonderful and is teaching our kids to swim. Here's the run down of the first day...
Jace was first and did pretty well, he only cried and fussed for maybe 5 min (1/2 hour lessons). He did pretty good, although it looks like he is riding a bike under water! hopefully he will soon learn to keep his legs straight and kick!

Cassidy was next and is definitely the stubborn one! She could do things but didn't really want to. She swims well and just needs some practice at it.

Reid was last and was ok. He cried and fussed for about 10 minutes, but got used to it and did pretty well for his first lesson. I didn't even have to leave, i was able to stay and watch him! (This way a i can know what to do to keep working with him). He's quite apprehensive about his lesson today but wants to be able to swim in the ocean with his daddy when he's older so he wants to learn how to swim!
We'll see how today's lesson goes!

My Helpful Little Boy!

I just have to brag about my cute boy right now....

We were in Walmart the other day checking out. There was a little girl in the cart in front of us holding a box of fruit snacks. The box was opened and she accidentally dropped all of the packets on the floor. Reid (without being told) quickly ran over and started picking them up for her! That made me proud!

That night we went to pick Alta up at a Dairy Queen (Michael had guard so she stayed with us for the weekend!) We decided to eat there since it was dinner time. We were all sitting and Reid turns around and says, "I need to help him!" He jumps off his bench and walks to the next table and grabs the boy's chocolate milk. The other mom and I start to say no, it's not yours. But reid ignores, pulls off the lid, place it and the chocolate milk next to the boy and say "There you go!"

I told i'm how happy i was that he wanted to help. We then had a little talk on helping someone when they 'really' need help! He is so cute and is learning sooo much! (Side note: FHE really does work! We had a lesson on Good Manners Bugs and one was a Helpful Bug...he likes being the love bugs- though he isn't ALWAYS them!)

Happy 5th Birthday Sara!

The girl I babysit had a birthday in May and I was able to plan her party! I was soo excited, it was my first girl party to plan, I had so much fun. I enjoyed just taking Sara to get all the stuff for her party (i can't wait until I have a girl of my own!)



We had the 'big girls' from our ward come and do makeovers for the little girls. they did their hair and makeup and nail polish. They all ended up curly and were so cute!



Next the walked down the runway and did a pose at the end!



We had cake and ice cream next. Sara wanted a picture of her on her cake and a mermaid so i made her into a mermaid (yes it's SUPPOSED to be her!)



She then opened her presents.



And then they had a pinata! They had so much fun!

How to Make the Cake

I started this project on Thursday (the party was on Saturday).



1. Make the cake and frost it all one color. (You can leave the cake in the pan, i'm a weirdo and add more work for me to do by taking it out).



2. Tape the picture you want to a cookie sheet, then tape wax paper over the top of it.



3. Outline everything with black icing. (Buy chocolate icing and black food coloring, or you can use white icing, it just takes more food coloring)



4. Fill in everything else with the color you want it to be. I don't have frosting bags with the tips, i just used plastic baggies and cut the corner. The tips would work way better! Use the star tip to fill in the other coloring.
(Keep refreezing everything. It's easier to work with when the black frosting is frozen. I always stuck it back in the freezer when i was getting new frosting).



5. Once everything is filled in, put it in the freezer and wait until ALL of the frosting is completely frozen. Then take the wax paper off of the cookie sheet and set it on the cake where you want it. Press firmly then slowly and carefully peel it off. The picture will be backwards and may need some touch-ups (mine definitely did!)

This is the first time i did this and now know to do BIGGER pictures. It seriously took me 10 times to do her face and even then it doesn't look good! So if you are going to do it do big pictures, face shots.

We love the Water!

Saturday we went to a barbecue at my uncle and aunt's house (John and Jenny). It was their annual opening the pool party plus to congratulate Whitney (cousin) for graduating from High School! It was full of visiting, swimming, eating yummy food, swimming, playing and more swimming!

Reid loved every minute in the pool. In fact he pretty much spent every minute in the pool. I had to make him get out for at least 5 minutes to eat his dinner. And even that he didn't eat much of. And why should he when he could be swimming?! Luckily he learned from last time and knows NOT to pass the line. He did well too. Hopefully i'll be able to teach him some swimming skills this summer.

William loved the water also. Though he didn't stay in as long as Reid did. However, once there were willing arms to take him in he was ready! (And there were plenty on willing arms-I love it when the cousins come...I get to relax!)

Of course Reid ended up in Time-Out. He has to at least once!

One of our willing set of arms (thanx Ashley!)

And also Maddie!

The boys also enjoyed the 'warm water bath' (the hot tub). And surprisingly transferred well between the two without any problem.