I am truly blessed

Well I tried to update my blog now and get things going again. I made several entries and then realized because I changed the post dates they are posted on older posts, because my original post had a more recent date. I will try to stay up to date now and not have the same problem occur in the future.

I was reading some friends blogs and realized that I too, wanted to write about something that happened the other day, that made me reflect where I am in my life right now. Well as you know I am pregnant and have been on bed rest for some time. I am still able to do things without harming the baby, but I am supposed to take it easy for my own health. The time I have spent indoors has given me a lot of time to think and I was thinking about how I use to go to work each day and rub shoulders with general authorities, apostles, and the prophet on a few occasions. I planned big events for important people, conversed with people all over the world, ran difficult computer programs, just to name a few. I would like to think I was respected and that I worked hard at my occupation. I had in depth conversations about the mysteries of the gospel, politics, and just about any conversations that could keep people thinking. I enjoyed my work very much and I loved the growth I had during my 9 years at the Church Office Building. I wanted to leave when it was time for Ethan to come, because I had always planned on being a stay at home mother. My mother was a stay at home mom and all of my sisters as well as most of my aunts and cousins. Everyone told me it would never work and that I should continue to work for the benefits and because Matt was in school and I made a good living and could financially support us during his final years in the Engineering program. Well we put our faith in the Lord and lived extremely small. We bought a small house when we got married so I could eventually stay home, we had no debt, and lived very simply during his schooling. He just graduated and some how during those 3 years, we never went without, we never once fought about money, and it never felt like we were living small. I have never really missed my work. I have missed the people and the conversations, but I have been completed and totally fulfilled at home being a mother to my sweet son Ethan. Everything I supposedly gave up to be with him was totally worth it and I know I am a better person because of it.

I am now coming to a new crossroads with baby number two on the way and realizing that life will change yet again with the addition of a second child. I realize that sleep won't be the same as well as it will be harder just worrying about two rather than one. Ethan has been easy in every respect and I also realize that may or may not be the case with a second child. Regardless of everything I couldn't feel more blessed or excited for our little girl. I can't wait to see Ethan with her. I can't wait to see Matt hold her for the first time and never want to put her down. I can't wait to smell that new baby smell and look into her eyes and know that her eyes have just recently gazed upon the being who created us all, our loving Heavenly Father. I can't wait to feel her soft skin and know that our family is growing and more memories are yet to feel our home and hearts. I am grateful everyday for the blessing of being a wife and mother. It may not bring me millions of dollars and fancy cars and houses, but I feel like the richest woman alive. Thank goodness for the gospel and thank goodness for moments of reflections that help you to realize that little giggles from your child and hearing the words thank you mommy, are more stimulating than all the conversations in the world.

Lastly, yesterday when Ethan and I were in the car waiting for Matt to come out of the store buying diapers I was telling Ethan he needed to give up his diapers so the new baby could have them. We talked about all the people who don't were diapers and then he reminded me that his cousin Hallie still wears them. So I told him well maybe if he stared wearing big boy underwear than Hallie would want to start wearing big girl underwear. He looked at me for a minute and then said, "Well mommy, that sounds just perfect, (but then he paused for a moment and said) but a little ridiculous." I just sat there staring at him and couldn't help but laugh out loud and tell him I loved him. It is moments like these that make mothering the greatest job in the world and I wouldn't change a thing in my life.

I hope I always appreciate the little things and remember that I am working for spiritual exaltation and not worldly exaltation. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings us closer to loved ones and our Savior and it is the plan of salvation that brings hope and understanding to all mankind. I know my Redeemer lives and it is through Him that I find fulfillment and the ultimate happiness. Isn't it a blessing to know what you are working for and why. I am truly grateful and excited for the weeks ahead. Thanks to everyone who has helped me these past few months. Life is wonderful and I hope that the sound of my husband and children's voices always lighten my load and lift my spirits as they do now. I am fulfilled.

Amy's Family Reunion July 11-13

The cabin, the beautiful cabin! Wow, when Lisa and Dan reserved us a cabin in Oakley, Utah, none of us expected the beautiful place we drove up to. It was beyond gorgeous. We had a blast. Everyone had their own space and it was so clean and up to date that not a sole could complain. We arrived on Friday, July 11th and stayed until Sunday morning July 13th. It was perfect. The view was unbelievable, the deck was huge so the kids could run and play and we didn't have to worry about them. We made meals together, laughed until we cried, and made great memories... thanks Dan and Lisa. I forgot to take pictures of the cabin or in the cabin, but here are some pictures at Jordanelle. Here is Ethan with his life vest on deciding what he thinks about this cold water.

Here is Matt slowly easing Ethan into the water. It only took a few minutes and then Ethan was hooked. He never got out the rest of the day. He had so much fun!

Matt and Ethan swimming in the deep water. What a great dad!

Ethan digging in the sand. The life vest kept making him fall forward in the lake so we tried floaties for awhile, regardless of what he had on...he was in love.

He is going for it, baby steps to the deep water! I love that he enjoys the water so much.

We also went on my dad's canoe, but we forget to take pictures of us. Matt was a little nervous the whole time, with the whole bed rest thing, but I was fine and it was very fun. Well we were at the lake for several hours and then decided to go back to the cabin for taco night. Everyone brought different ingredients and we had a great dinner. I had to include this picture because as soon as Ethan was out of his shower he got his cars and he was in his own little world. I love to watch him play with his cars. Ever car has their own voice and they have great conversations with one another and they are his dear friends. Never stop pretending buddy.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July! On the morning of the 4th I heard a funny sound in the kitchen and when I went to go check it out, there sat Ethan with a big bag of fruit loops eating away. He was pretty proud of himself and that he got his snack all by himself. I think he was pretty delighted that Dad had bought a sugar cereal and was quite enjoying it.

Grandma and Grandpa McCormack's house for the 4th of July day party. The kids all swam and we had a barbecue with fireworks later on that night.

Ethan is a total water baby and kept laying down with his head like this on the swimming pool and then would talk in funny voices. Everyone was laughing pretty hard so it kept him going for some time. That is one cute face!

Ethan and I in front of my mom's house getting ready for the Beck boys to do fireworks. I love that he still loves to cuddle, even with the big pregnant belly.

Matt and Ethan having some cuddle time as well.

I just had to put this one in, because Ethan just looks like an All-American boy. Isn't he too cute!

Here is Daddy helping Ethan with the sparklers. He thought these were pretty great.

All the kids enjoying the fireworks show the Beck boys put on. Thanks guys!

Okay, I had to put this picture in because my sweetheart cannot smile for a picture if his life depended on it. So try as I will to get a picture with those pearly whites I have to settle for the no teeth grin. I will say, I did like this picture because Matt's eyes are simply breathtaking. From the first time I met him I was taking with those beautiful blue eyes! You still got it baby!

For the last picture of the evening, here is Ethan and his sweet cousin Hallie. Hallie is 2 and Ethan is 3 and they have become inseparable lately. They just follow each other around and talk so sweet to one another, it is adorable. So here they are sitting in the neighbors yard watching the Layton City fireworks and being as cute as ever. It was a great 4th of July and we loved spending so much time with the Beck Family. We will miss you guys! Thanks for a great fireworks show!!