Busy times

1. Garrett, Racheal and Charlie came to visit! They came for conference weekend- sort of. Racheal had a mission companion from South Africa who was going to be in town, and so they came to see her, us, and some other friends. It was so nice to visit with them! I guess that's the nice thing about being far away from family- you appreciate the time you DO get with them even more.

2. Yard excavation. We had our front yard excavated. The dug out the front yard and put in rock steps and a new rock wall. It opens up our yard SO much! We were all kinda mesmerized by the backhoe too- pretty cool to see all that rock and dirt moved around. Now we have to put in our spickets off of the secondary water source so we can plant grass and other stuff. Lots of work, but it's great to see much more potential.

3. Titus' blessing and Easter. We had both of Jake's sets of parents here. I was a little nervous- but it worked out well. The blessing was beautiful! Dot, Brea and I went shopping up at the outlets while the boys went fishing. Dot offered to buy me something new to wear for the blessing. I was SO happy when I actually found something at Banana Republic that fits my current body, that I can nurse in, that I'll be wear even after losing the rest of the baby weight, and that is flattering now! We did a BBQ and made taquitos Saturday night, and our traditional leg of lamb dinner on Sunday. Tio & Bryn, Brea and Tom, and Trish all came for the blessing too. It was a great weekend.

4. General Conference was amazing. A bit out of order- but really- I LOVED so many of the talks I heard, and the spirit I felt. I need to start going back and listening/reading them again, cause there was just SO MUCH that I felt was just for me!

5. TJ's smiles! I got nervous when Titus didn't seem to be making eye contact a lot- but then he started getting better. Then I was nervous because he hadn't smiled yet- but now he is doing that too. I'd read that you need to adjust milestone expectations for premature babies, but I was still nervous. I even got Jake nervous about the possibility of autism. I guess you never really can know this early- but it's been such a relief to have TJ locking eyes with us and smiling more each day.

6. Time with Minnie. Before TJ was born I tried to treasure moments with my baby girl. She can be a handful though- and it wasn't always easy. However, we started a habit of her taking showers with me. It was much easier than worrying about what she might get into while I was showering! At first she would just sit on the bench mostly out of the water and wait for me. Then she started copying me and wanting the wash cloth or pumas stone and stepping into the spray a bit. Then one day she reached up and wanted me to hold her. Something about that skin to skin time is just precious. Lately she doesn't get in the shower with me as regularly as she used to- but when she does she still reaches up to me for some snuggle time. She lays her head on my shoulder and I just treasure it. Oh how I love my little girl!

Our Family of 6!

1. Titus is born! It was quite the adventure, the way TJ came- but we are so happy he is here, healthy and so SO sweet!

2. "Minnie". This is what Naomi calls herself since she can't really say "Naomi". I think it's so cute, that now I've even started calling her that sometimes!

3. A sweet big brother. Dekker LOVES Titus. It's really sweet to see him adore the baby. He's also been better about playing with and being kind to Naomi lately.

4. Mr. Independent. Josh is so grown up. Sometimes he's a little too confident in his independence (he thinks he knows everything!). But he does a lot more for himself and is a great helper!

5. My sweet hubby. Jake has been SO GOOD to me lately. Even more attentive and sensitive to me and our family's needs. I'm so thankful for my partner and friend.

6. I can do it! Having four kids is busy, but we've been managing thanks to the great teamwork of this family, as well as the help and support of extended family and friends. I'm thankful for my body, mind, and spirit that keep me going each day. Even though life is busy, I find myself happy and content more often than not, and for that I am VERY thankful.

Heber Life

1. Elementary fundraiser. This week was "teachers at the Train". Tue-Thur teachers from the JR Smith worked evening shifts at Dairy Keen ("home of the Train"), and all the profits go to the teacher's classroom budgets. It worked out great that both Dekker's preschool teacher, and Josh's 1st grade teacher were working the same night. So tonight we all went to "the train" for dinner. It was seriously fun! The principal was there blowing up balloons for all the kids, Josh and Dekker got to see their teachers, as well as lots of friends from their classes. We entered a raffel for a bike, and ate our meal while watching the train do circles around the restaurant. It was fun too to see a lot of people from our neighborhood and ward. We seriously said hello to at least 5 other families we know. I can't believe how cute and "small town" the fundraiser was!

2. Bald eagles in the back yard. This was a while ago, but we had bald eagles hanging out in the trees behind our house. I saw one sitting there early one morning, but it was gone by the time I grabbed the camera. The boys saw it with me, but I could tell Jake was skeptical. Then a couple days later, during lunch Dekker came and grabbed me and said it was there again. When I went to look we actually saw TWO, and a hawk circling overhead. Later we found out there was a dead dear in one of the nearby vacant lots, and so that's why they were all there that day. The largest of the two bald eagles sat in the trees at almost eye level the whole time we sat eating lunch though. I swear it was staring me down. It was pretty darn cool!

3. Ski lessons for Josh. We got Josh into the "Start Now" program up at Park City Mountain Resort. It's for Utah residents, and only $200 for 5 lessons- which includes day passes and rentals for each day of lessons. Since the Park City is just a hop skip and a jump away, it hasn't been too hard at all to get him up there- and so far he LOVES it. Better yet, the schools here have an after school ski program that starts in second grade, so if we can get him comfortable enough this year, maybe he can do that next year!

Dekker turns 5!

1. Oh how I love my Dekkerman!
I can't believe he is 5 years old. Okay, I kinda can, because he started counting down to his Birthday back in November when we were celebrating Naomi's. Five really is a big and exciting one though, and I think it turned out pretty perfect. It started out with a pancake in the shape of a #5, then he got to take Oreo-pops to his preschool class as a treat. When I picked him up I told him I'd take him to lunch wherever he chose (McDonald's- with the play space of course). Then he got to play Dance Central on the X-Box, and when Josh got home we loaded up, picked up his friend Trevor and headed to Chuck E Cheese for the real party! We had lots of other friends meet us there. Jake put together the requested Batman cake- and he LOVED meeting Chuck E Cheese and the Ticket Blaster and everything else that made up the party. He was all smiles the whole day. I was exhausted by the end of it, but it was worth it to see this guy who's been counting down for so long, so happy! (Not that 'happy' comes from such worldly things, but when you're a kid, certain moments can be truly magical. Your fifth Birthday is one of them).

2. Facebook notes to Dekker:

Brian Snowone Bybee likes this.

Natalie Bush Dekker, you are such a sweet boy! You are always so happy to see friends, it makes them feel very welcome and special! Happy 5th!!
Yesterday at 9:23am · Like

Becca Farwell Happy Birthday Dex! Always love your smilles and hugs! Hope you have a fun day. See you soon. Love, Aunt Trish.
Yesterday at 9:34am · Like

Christine Jackson Dekkerman you are such a happy, handsome, awesome guy!We love you so so much!! Have a super fun birthday. Our gift to you is in the mail...
Yesterday at 9:34am · Like

Christine Jackson Love, GrammaChris and Papa Denny (your fellow car-lover)
Yesterday at 9:35am · Like

Jackie DeCocq Pedersen Dekker! Happy birthday! You always make me grin when I see you at preschool and you're full of smiley hellos!
Yesterday at 10:04am · Like

Jackie DeCocq Pedersen ‎(oh. My. Gosh... He is ridiculously cute.)
Yesterday at 10:04am · Like

Angela Ritchie Happy Birthday from Logan! We need to play soon! - Logan
Yesterday at 4:31pm · Like

Leah Runyan McQuigg Happy Birthday Dekker James! We love you SSSSOOOOO much. Love Kylie, Dallin, Chloe, Auntie Leah (the awesome one), and Uncle Cliff.
Yesterday at 5:17pm · Like

Jenny Runyan Dear dekker,
Happy birthday! You turned 5 so fast-you are lucky! I miss you! I wish I could stay at your house longer next time. What did you get for your birthday? You are my best cousin. I love you.
From mckyla
Yesterday at 8:20pm · Like

Marcia Koseki Barrand Dear Dekker,
15 hours ago · Like

Marcia Koseki Barrand Happy Birthday! Lucas says: I hope you have a good present! You can come to our house. from your friend Lucas

3. "I love you, Mom". "You do?! Wow, I am one lucky Mama!"
I've mentioned before that I'm thankful the words "I love you" are spoken so frequently and openly in our home. I guess the fear with that is that then they become just words, or not greatly appreciated. Well, one of the ways we avoid that is in how we respond when we hear it- by not always just saying "I love you too". When one of the boys tells me they love me I sometimes respond by acting really surprised. "You DO?!!" I say, and when they nod or say "yes" I say "WOW! I am one lucky Mama to have such a (and I add in something I love about them)___ boy love me!" Well, I guess Dekker really likes it when I do that- cause a few times now when he's told me he loves me and I've replied with a simple "I love you too Dekker" he's said, "No Mom- don't say that, say 'You DO??!" and so then we start over and I make sure to tell him how lucky I feel to have such a sweet little guy like him choose to love me!

2012!

I wasn't so good at keeping this blog up to date in 2011. Here's to hoping I can do better in 2012!

1. New Years Eve. We were invited to an adults only party just down the road. I'd watched Bucky for Megan earlier in the day, and she offered to take my kids for a sleep over that night so we could go out. It ended up being 11 couples that went to the party. They had fondue, played some simple games and wrang in the new year. I think that's more than I've done to celebrate the New Year for a long time. We had a lot of fun.

2. Another fun date. Jake and I were able to go to a Jazz game together. One of the insurance carriers had seats that they gave to Magellan. They have two sets of seats, so we shared them with Lou and his wife, and Scott and his wife- the first half we sat in row 14 (I think?), and the second half we were on the floor underneath the hoop! We also got to go back to a buffet room for snacks at half time. The Jazz haven't done as well this year- but the game was against the Hornetts, and they won!

3. My Joshers. I posted this on my Facebook page on Josh's Birthday: "7 years ago today Jake and I welcomed our first child into this world. I can't imagine life without this guy around. I'm so thankful for the great leader and example he is to his younger siblings. For the smiles he knows how to so easily provoke, for his tenderness, for his inquisitive mind, and for his laugh. We love you Joshua Daniel!" And I wanted to not the responses:

People who like this

Angela Stratton Jones
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Christine Jackson Who doesn't absolutely love this guy?!!!
December 18, 2011 at 5:18pm · Like

Christine Jackson Happy birthday Josh!!!!
December 18, 2011 at 5:20pm · Like

Jenny Runyan Yay! Happy birthday Josh! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!
December 18, 2011 at 5:42pm · Like

Karen Knight HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Josh!
December 18, 2011 at 5:45pm · Like

Bri Phillips Hoopes Nope, that's impossible!
December 18, 2011 at 6:52pm · Like

Cherolyn Hill Rowland I don't know him very well but one morning I was backing out of my driveway with my kids in the back on our way to school. Josh was on his way to the bus stop and he motioned for us to drive out while he patiently waited. Then he gave us all a couple really big wink winks. It was awesome.
December 18, 2011 at 9:12pm · Like

Roxi Moncur Oh how i miss Josh in Primary. He would say the funniest cleverest things!
December 18, 2011 at 10:07pm · Like

Becca Farwell Happy birthday Joshers!!!! Definitely one of the sweetest boys I know. I am blessed to know him :).
December 18, 2011 at 10:28pm · Like

Rachael Hortin Happy Birthday Josh!!!
December 18, 2011 at 10:32pm · Like

1. Two year warrantee. The ban paid for the warrantee when we bought this house. Well, we've had a leaky pipe and our upstair furnace is now on the fritz. The warrantee doesn't cover secondary damage (so we had to pay for the drywall repair that the leaky pipe caused), and there is a $100 deductible for each claim- but it's still saved us a little bit of money.

2. Pinterest. I feel kinda lame listing Pinterest here, but I really am thankful for it. It's been a great way to organize and store good ideas, recipes and things I find online- and fun to see what others are posting as well. I've already done a few craft and decorating ideas that I've found there, and have found and tried some great recipes too!

3. Lotion and my husbands big hands. I have sensitive skin, and a water softener for this house is still a few items down our want list right now- so I've been itchy and scratchy in this cold dry weather. Luckily its a great excuse to get nightly back rubs with lotion from Jake!

November Thanks

1. Making friends. I'm really thankful that we have felt so welcome into our new neighborhood and ward. We've been invited to play Wallyball (Raquetball/volleyball combined) with a group of couples, to an adult Halloween party, over for dessert, and just people reaching out to get to know us in general. It's really been nice.

2. A handy husband. Since we've started working on the basement... He can't do everything, and things aren't always perfect, but having worked construction many a school breaks, and helped his dad build an entire mortuary/apartment- he's not afraid to take on a project. I think it's fun memories, good for our kids to see some sweat and work, and it saves us some money.

3. Sunday dinners with McLeans. McLeans have been life long family friends. I was roommates with Megan for the first semester I got home from my mission. Since they live here in Heber I've been able to reconnect with them. They even have us over for Sunday dinners 2 or more times a month! We sure love those guys!