All About Us

Child-like

2011-03-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

We were heading in to the grocery store and Luke and Noah, not unusual, started saying "hi" to everyone they were seeing. One gentleman looked like he had seen much better times smiled at Luke and Noah's greeting. He stopped us and wanting to talk to the boys. He asked Luke and Noah what their names were. He was happy to see some little people and said he had a couple of grandkids himself. I was tickled to see how friendly Luke and Noah are. He told Luke and Noah what nice boys they were and started talking to me a little about his life. He said that he had been divorced but that was dating a lady who he was in love with. He told me that he was missing her because she had been doing training to be a medical assistant. It made me happy to know that this man was having some happiness in his life. He thanked me for the kindness we showed to him and said that we were the "real deal." I really think the "real deal" are Luke and Noah because to be honest, I wouldn't have given this man a second look. He looked like he had been really down on his luck and possibly homeless. But, Luke and Noah as children were able to look past all that to see the human and son of God that he is. I'm always amazed at the things my children teach me about life and being good people. I think that's what Christ means when he admonishes us to be as little children.

A Volume From My Parents' "Library of Kindness"

2010-09-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

I think that Washington, DC which is replete with monuments, should be a model for me individually to memorialize what is elevating and ennobling in my life. In my case, I won't manage to build such inspired physical shrines to commemorate my influential people and events, but I would like to make some comparisons.

Certainly, in your case, Mom and Dad, you deserve a "thank you" of arching grandeur since your service to my family during our recent move to Virginia has been grand. However, I know that you're not expecting anything. As with those memorialized in DC's monuments, you didn't give service with any intentions of being thanked.

Using Abraham Lincoln as an example, he was self effacing in the Gettysburg Address: "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." It is interesting to note, however, that history actually has long remembered what he said and remembers less what the soldiers did there at Gettysburg.

This point illustrates that memory has a great deal to do with how well chronicles are written, what is celebrated, and what is erected to remain behind. Personally, any of my monuments to-date are largely internal, but I need to make these more tangible, especially to write them down. While I lack skills carving in marble, my words here are not any less vital to my individual remembrance than DC's monuments are to national values and memory.

Therefore, I will call my internal monuments not the National Archives or Library of Congress, but instead, my "Personal Archives," that house a "Library of Kindness" which has been shown to my family and to me.

Volumes can and should be written about all that you have done for me, Mom and Dad. As with Jefferson, Lincoln, and others with monuments in DC, some of whose greatest phrases have been carved in stone, I'd like you to know what a lasting impression your kindness has inscribed in my soul.

As the pediment to cap off my thoughts here, I'll make a comparison to how, like ancient exemplars, you serve as worthy models to emulate. The builders of the Washington, DC monuments used excellent Greek, Roman, Egyptian and other models from antiquity. However, these ancient peoples did have some false doctrine, building to pagan gods and goddesses like Athena. Notwithstanding, the virtuous and noble structural foundations that these cultures produced endured and, in my opinion, were improved upon, if not architecturally, than probably idealogically in the Washington, DC monuments.

Mortal men like Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Lincoln, and Washington, were real, not fictitious, and, no doubt, mortals, not gods, but their greatest deeds have been made into memorials of lofty design and purpose that raise visitors' vision far above the present-day DC skyline. These memorials inspire me, similarly, to want to be a more upright, stalwart, articulate defender of freedom.

On a more personal level, Mom and Dad, you motivate me to want to follow your example and be a better husband, father, son, and citizen.

The photo below reminds me that Luke and Noah look up to their grandparents, and I will do my best to instill that uplifting, enduring regard in them:

The picture that follows may have been taken around Mount Vernon, but for me, the trail shown below represents family togetherness. Jessica, the children, and I love you, Mom and Dad, or, as Luke would call both of you, "Grandpa." Thanks for what you've done all along our family's path!

A Monumental Day

2010-09-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Walking around Washington, DC is truly a breathtaking experience. So many things inspire and uplift you. Jared had Monday off work so we decided to go see some of the sights of the big city.
We were most excited to see the Jefferson memorial because neither of us remember seeing it before. After walking through the lower portion of the memorial and coming to the portico by way of the elevator we walked into the rotunda. The statue of Jefferson is over 15 feet high and is impressive. He is gazing out toward the Washington Monument across the river. The building is open and through the columns you have amazing, scenic views. On the walls are written excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and other writings from Jefferson including this quote, "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."

Next came the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. We didn't know this memorial even existed and we only stumbled on it taking the cherry-tree trail toward the Lincoln Memorial.
I think the memorials are all impressive and beautiful in their own way, but this memorial has a really special spirit. It's nestled among the trees and is made up of a series of water features.

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith." -Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The Memorial's design concept of four outdoor "rooms" and gardens is animated by water, stone, and sculpture. Tour guides describe the symbolism of the five main water areas as:

A single large drop - The crash of the economy that led to the Great Depression
Multiple stairstep drops - TheTennessee Valley Authority dam-building project
Chaotic falls at varying angles
A still pool - Roosevelt's death
A wide array combining the earlier waterfalls - A retrospective of Roosevelt's presidency

I think about President Roosevelt and his wife and how they were so influential but also experienced many personal struggles (not to mention political struggles). I felt a tender peace and renewed respect for this man and woman.

Sculptures include a depiction of the 32nd president alongside his dog Fala and scenes from the Great Depression, such as listening to radio and waiting in a bread line (recognize that 6th man?). A bronze statue of First Lady Eleanore Roosevelt standing before the United Nations emblem honors her dedication to to that organization. It is the only presidential memorial to depict a first lady.

Next we walked up to the Lincoln Memorial. Despite what you may think, this was the most deserted monument. Nobody to be seen for miles, *wink*wink.*

The Lincoln Memorial was somewhat difficult to appreciate because there are so many people that come to admire the memorial and the view up the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument.

This time, I did notice something I didn't know existed at the Lincoln Memorial. I was so intrigued with two murals high above on south and north chambers (above the Gettysburg address and Lincoln's second inaugural address). These murals were painted by Jules Guerin graphically portraying governing principles evident in Lincoln's life. On the south wall mural, Freedom, Liberty, Immortality, Justice, and the Law are pictured, while the north wall portrays Unity, Fraternity, and Charity. Both scenes contain a background of cypress trees, the emblem of eternity.

Overall, a very awe-inspiring monument and a great end to a beautiful day exploring and appreciating these dear presidents that helped shape our nation.

We didn't get up to the Washington Monument, but it's beauty is hard to miss from the monuments we did visit.

Thoughts From Luke: "Jesus is My Friend"

2010-09-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

When we read from The Book of Mormon as a family, which we try to do most evenings, Luke always wants to see this illustration of Christ in the Americas. Tonight, thinking I would teach him, I told him how this picture shows Jesus coming to the temple and teaching the little children.

Well, I just found out that he may know more about what actually happened than I do.

He agreed with what I was saying and informed me, "Look at the picture. There's Luke!"

I asked him, "Were you there?"

He told me that, yes, he was and that, "Jesus is my friend."

Jessica then asked him, "Was I there?" and Luke answered that she was. He also said, "Jesus is so cute and funny!"

Now, was Luke just using his imagination seeing this image? Perhaps, but he may very well have been present during his premortal state when Christ came to the Nephites. I think it is almost certain that he knows our Savior well, especially since he has only been away from His presence for a few years.

Out of the mouth of a babe, tonight I learned something new about the Lord. Since Christ possesses all worthy traits fully as part of His divine character, he certainly could be cute and funny. In my case, "cute and funny" would not have been terms that I would have considered on my own to describe our Redeemer.

However, as I imagined Luke being there in the Americas when Christ came, I thought of Christ ministering to the children. No doubt, all the children laughed and rejoiced because Jesus loved and endearingly entertained them.

"Eye hath not seen nor ear heard" are descriptions for the wonderful prayers that Jesus offered among the Nephites. In addition, Luke taught me that, no doubt, those in attendance, particularly the children, had never imagined anything so enjoyable as spending time with their greatest friend, Jesus.

I like to think that Luke knows Christ on a personal level now and that, as I become more like a little child, I can come to know the Lord's true nature better as well.

Arlington, Virginia

2010-09-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

We've been living here in Virginia now for 2 and a half weeks. So far, we are liking the opportunities for culture, arts, and history. We didn't know if we would fit into this little, old house, but we were surprised at how roomy the attic is. What we don't need daily is stored in the attic or shed. Happily, our family has felt quite at home here.
Over labor day weekend, Jared and I took the boys to see the Corcoran Art Museum, to hear a concert, and we also went to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Just that one museum is 3 levels of wonder. The museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions serve to educate, enlighten and entertain millions of visitors each year. The main building on the National Mall contains 1.5 million square feet of space overall and 325,000 square feet of exhibition and public space; altogether the Museum is the size of 18 football fields, and houses over 1000 employees. With all that square footage to cover (and the exciting dinosaurs) we will be visiting that museum more and more!

Oh, and the kids and I were able to ride the metro for the first time-fun fun. Noah was saying "choo choo" the whole time.

Next weekend we have planned to attend a guided walking tour of the national monuments. The guides claim to be part professor and part performer. We are looking forward to learning about and seeing these wonderful structures.

New changes

2010-05-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

Luke is starting pre-school tomorrow. We haven't discussed it too much with him, but he seems really excited to start "school." The other day, he said "I want to go to preschool.com, okay guys?"
He's such a big boy and we're so happy he is growing and learning.

First Steps November 2009

2010-01-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

Luke and Noah...

2009-07-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Spitting Image of...

2009-07-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Britax Carseat Giveaway

2009-07-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a great chance to win a Britax carseat. Check it out!
CLICK HERE to enter.

Carseat Giveaway

2009-07-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

I've been a huge fan of Britax carseats since Luke was born and we bought our first one for him. We have since bought on for Noah as well. They are always highly rated in tests for safety and it makes you feel good about putting your precious child in something that will keep them safe from harm in an accident.
Emi is giving away a beautiful new Britax Marathon CS carseat valued at $299. Don't miss out on this opportunity.

CLICK HERE to enter.

Ready or not

2009-07-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks Luke has been really funny about diapers. He would cry sometimes when I changed him and sometimes he would start pulling on them trying to remove it. I thought that he was just trying to itch a few little bug bites that he had on his lower abdomen, but I talked with a friend and she said that maybe I should take it as a sign that he's about ready to start potty-training. We've had a little potty for about 5 months now. Before or after baths I would let Luke sit on it. Sometimes he would and sometimes he wouldn't, and usually it was just a little sit for a second then off he went onto better things.
Two days ago, we set Luke onto the potty and he stayed! Then the miracle happened. Of course, he got lots of loves, claps, and a cookie. Yesterday, he peed in it 5 different times-getting a reward at each time. Okay, here's the dilemma, last night he was able to use the potty, but when it came time to put a diaper on he had a fit! He was wanting potty and candy! Oh dear. I want to reinforce using the potty. I know many of you have been through this process. Do you have any advice?
Thanks.

Blogs

2009-07-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited my sisters have started (or updated) blogs. It's so awesome to read about the activities and thoughts of my friends and family. It makes me feel like I'm not so isolated. And, there are things that go into blogs that you really can't get from a phone call or anything else. I love to read blogs!
Keeping my own blog updated is a different story all together. I'm bad. REALLY bad. Elizabeth is amazing! She gets a little something into her blog everyday. It's so cute. If you're not a crazy, check it out because she's a super-blogger.
Yes, that vacation, birthday(S), and super-exciting-ness has yet to be written about. But, whoever you are thanks for hanging in with me. I know you get tired of checking and... nothing. But, you are a true friend.

Modest is hottest!

2009-06-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

Touches of Retouching

2009-03-21T10:34:00.001-07:00

I wish that Jessica and I were professional enough photographers to take picture-perfect photos right from the camera, but until then, photo editors work wonders. After refinements in Photoshop, images that once looked ready for scrapping become worthy of scrapbooking:

Do you want some cards?

2009-03-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

My cute neighbor from back in the day is having a contest on her blog. Check it out. You could be the winner of some gorgeous handmade cards. Here's the link...
http://craftynat.blogspot.com

"The Horsies"

2009-03-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

The view from the back of our house. Living in the country has its advantages. Lots of love from the backwoods of Missouri!

Good Stuff From Japan

2009-03-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

When I was a little I loved looking at a photo we had taken at Disneyland. I must have been about Luke's age. It was one of those old-time photos where you dress up in the vintage costumes and this great picture come out all sepia and old looking and you imagine you just stepped out of the 1800s or something. I ran across this cool program from another blog. You upload your own photo and by the magic power of computers it turns all faded, wrinkled and old. Check it out!
(IF YOU CANNOT READ IT-Click English on the upper-right area of the site.)
Emi-This probably won't be a problem for you.

Pictures Only

2009-03-09T15:11:00.001-07:00

Do you have what it takes to WIN?

2009-03-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

The first 5 people to respond to this post will receive something made by either Jessica or Jared. What we make will be our choice, but it will be made just for you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. We make no guarantees that you will like what we make!
2. What we create will be a Jessica or Jared original and it will be made just for you.
3. It'll be done this year (might be December 31st, but you WILL get something) and we will post all of our original creations as they are completed.
4- You will get no clues what it's going to be. Heck, we don't even know what it will be. We might paint or draw something. We might compose a jingle or short song. We might even write a short play just for you. Who knows? Whatever it is, it will be a surprise!
5- We reserve the right to do something extremely strange :)

The catch? The catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog.

Happy commenting (AND posting!)

There are Few Sounds Hungrier Than a Vacuum

2009-02-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

In case any of you are still doubting my literacy from reading my last post, I'd like to share a poem from a couple nights ago. After vacuuming in preparation for a baby shower that Jessica was hosting, listening to a grating excerpt of Schnittke viola music on public radio, and trying to feed an uncooperative baby, I wrote:

There are few sounds hungrier than a vacuum,
Its gaping maw muffled just slightly by carpet,
Except maybe a baby, who also sucks but is very soon satiated,
Subsiding to sleep in arms
Lulled softly from anxious to tranquil.
But some voids will never be plugged
Or vacated, except perhaps by a flip of the switch or power outage.
Funny how in space
You can’t even hear a vacuum scream.

Ever A Helpful Boy

2009-02-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

So this morning I, Jared, am here tending the young 'uns. Sorry if I lapsed into Hick for a second there. Sometimes that can happen, living as I do, in semi-backwoods Missouri.

Anyway, I was feeding Noah, who was ravenous. Luke, ever a helpful boy, brings me Jessica's milk pumper. He was even holding it up to his own chest like he has seen Mommy doing.

I tried to explain to him that only moms can produce milk. Daddy doesn't have that capacity and neither will he when he's older.

A little later, he tried to feed the baby trail mix. Next, he had found some glucose tablets that I keep by the bed in case of low blood sugars, dumped them all out, and was eating those.

That'll teach me to take my eyes off him, even if my attentions had been focused on getting an agitated Noah to sleep.

I really do think that Luke means to be helpful. Jessica and I will just have to train him to channel his eagerness towards activities that everyone agrees are helpful.

Speaking of helpful things, I just got the baby to sleep. What a relief! Before that, I was one-handing-it trying to type. Of course, Luke has now joined me at the keyboard . . . asdfj35533

No, I haven't regressed from Missouri Hick into illiteracy. Luke was just helping me with my blog post!

Jared's Parent's Mission and Other News

2009-02-08T18:58:00.001-08:00

This is Jared writing. My parents have left on their mission to Winnipeg, Canada. They've been called not only as missionaries, but as mission mental health advisers. They're in the MTC now, but in another week they will leave for the mission field. En route, they're going to stop by and visit us. While this isn't exactly their most direct or scenic route, we're sure glad that they can come to visit. Luke and Noah especially are going to miss Grandpa and Grandma during the year and a half that they're away. Still, we know that, as missionaries, they'll bless the people greatly in Winnipeg. Love you, Mom and Dad!

Anyway, the other day, I was sitting in our La-Z-Boy rocking chair burping Noah after feeding him. Luke comes up, babbling away in his own language, and starts hitting me on the leg. At first, I told him, "No, Luke, don't hit. Do you remember that book we read called Hands Are Not for Hitting?"

Luke says some words, but he understands quite a bit more than he can verbalize. He certainly knows what it means not to hit. However, when I started rubbing the baby's back instead of patting, Luke stopped hitting and imitated my motions. I realized that this wasn't naughtiness. Luke was burping my leg!

In other momentous news from life's fleeting moments, this past week I turned 33. Hard to believe, I know. Unfortunately, in spite of Jessica's loving efforts, my birthday itself was rather awful. My insulin pump had stopped delivering insulin due to some faulty supplies. Minimed, the manufacturer, agreed, after a long night battling with alarms, conversations with technicians over the phone, and out-of-whack blood sugars, to send me a new loaner pump. That didn't fix the problem, but a different set of supplies that they have sent me since did fix things. What an ordeal!

Thankfully, I'm in better shape now, and we were able to celebrate my birthday in a more festive, healthy manner this weekend. Ok, so cheesecake isn't exactly healthy, but at least I was feeling better. Most of all, I feel blessed and grateful to have my beautiful, sweet wife and bright, energetic boys.

Sister Oberholtzer, who has been tending the children as Jessica has started working a few days a week as a dental hygienist, explains our boys' energy well. She likes to say that "Luke has been very busy." He moves chairs to enable him to climb on things and is able to reach many items, things that I was just sure he couldn't possibly get his hands on. Luke never ceases to surprise and amaze me!

Noah is quite possibly the smileyest baby ever. Whenever you look at him, he's so happy to see you. Unlike Luke, he loves to have his diaper changed as he lays there, kicks with delight, makes little cooing noises, and smiles and smiles.

Well, thanks for enduring to the end of my lengthy post. Hope that I've left you smiling because I'm feeling happy now.

Hello world, I'm alive.

2009-02-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

By now the readers of this blog have ZZz. Oh, I guess YOU didn't notice. Everyone else has stopped checking this blog only to find well, nothing. Sorry about that. Yes I know there is a lot to catch up on. That's why I've been in such a major blogging funk. Then I go..WHOA...There's Noah growing, Luke talking, CHRISTMAS!!
For now, however, just know that we are alive and well. Thanks for checking.

Anyway, I just ran across this on as a friend calls it "the good site." Check it out...

If you are looking for a simple way to watch and share brief, gospel-centered videos, visit Mormon Messages, a Church-sponsored YouTube channel that is updated each week with teachings of our basic beliefs, stories of hope and inspiration, and more. The website is www.youtube.com/MormonMessages.

The Gift of Joy

2008-12-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

PLEASE go to this website and enjoy this amazing video. It's produced by The College of Fine Arts and Communications at BYU. The song, “Joy to Everyone This Christmas,” was written and produced by Stephen Jones, dean of the college, in collaboration with Emmy-award winning composer and producer Sam Cardon and vocalists Jenny Jordan Frogley and David Osmond. The music video features images from university photographer Mark Philbrick.

Spread the word of JOY this season!

To all Pet Owners

2008-12-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, the people who need to hear this aren't the ones reading my blog. Most people, I have to say are very responsible pet owners. But here's the rant anyway.

When you are doing a good deed and just want to be happily doing your VT duty, you don't want to be attacked by the pet of your good-deed-recipient. But that is what happened to me last night.

Please understand that your guests may be less fond of your pet than you are. Some may even be allergic or very afraid of pets. Pet owners, please be aware that your pet may lash out at one of your guests for some reason or another even if it has never happened before. They may have just worn the wrong perfume (eau-de-doggie).

There is a very easy solution. Put your pet away until you understand that your guest approves of having the pet around them. That puts the responsibility on your guest. But, if your pet does do something awful, mean, or... embarrassing. There is no excuse for you not apologizing for your pet. You would apologize for a child's misbehavior. Why then, would a pet's inappropriateness be any different?

I have a terrible bite on my leg and will possibly have to go to the doctor to have it checked out. It hurts and it's ugly. It may leave a scar. This is NOT OKAY!

Also, you can be held liable for your pet injuring someone. I don't think anybody wants these things to happen, but they do. Just do the right thing!

Busy Mom=Bad at Expressing Gratitude

2008-11-23T20:00:00.001-08:00

Speaking of being a bad blogger... I have been remiss in expressing gratitude to all who helped me since Noah's birth. My Mom, Kim, and Jared's Mom came out and were wonderful. They cooked, cleaned, got up during the night, bought gifts, and, in general, made me feel pampered, easing the transition to having a new little one.

My children have the best grandparents, aunts, and uncles. We wish we were closer so our little ones could see them more often, but we are thankful for the visits and the generosity from so many family members. We especially look forward to visiting over Christmas.

This is Kim and my mom showing off their gourmet, restaurant-ready meals. All of the food was awesome! Not going to be losing the baby pounds any too soon.

I had a list going of people who bought gifts, food, etc. Regrettably, somehow, that list has been misplaced in all the hectic chaos of new baby and toddler demanding every ounce of energy and attention. There are so many people whom I'm afraid I haven't thanked properly. I just want to take this chance to say, "THANK YOU," from the bottom of my heart for everything. I've felt so much love and support, and my little boys and husband have also benefited from the kindnesses shown to us.

Here's to leaving the photography to the pros.

2008-11-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

Who's that baby?

2008-11-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

busy mom=bad blogger

2008-11-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes I just have these kind of days...

I know much busier moms who also happen to be awesome bloggers as well. I think when other kids are napping their moms get updating their blogs. When my kids nap, I just want to crash as well. Sometimes I do and sometimes I have to catch up with more pressing things.

Grandma Bernotski was able to help so much when she was here. I couldn't have made it without her great help. She is wonderful and I don't know who misses her more, the kids or me.

Halloween was perfect. The YW were in charge of the ward trunk-or-treat and chili cookoff. I was in charge of doing the table decorations. We made fun pumpkins out of paper. They turned out cute. By the end of the night, people were wearing them as hats.

Luke loved dressing up as a Gorilla. Noah was a sleepy pumpkin (thanks Aunt Kimmy for the cute punkin' costume). He didn't stir the whole night. Jared's costume was thrown together, but I must say he was a really cute Ratatouille. All the kiddos in the ward kept saying "HI Ratatouille!" We had fun eating chili and other yummy things. I made some chili that I like and some focaccia. Yummo!

Grandma stayed home with Noah on candy duty while we took Luke around the neighborhood trick-or-treating. Luke didn't quite get the whole candy thing at first, but he quickly caught on that this Halloween thing is a GOOD deal!!

Luke is getting to be so big. He's almost 1 1/2 years old and we decided to "try out" nursery last week at church. He saw the kids and had to be where they were. He did great and he even gave us our first refrigerator masterpiece!

With Luke growing so does his "adventurous" spirit. He's getting more daring all the time climbing and getting into anything and everything. The morning of October 30th he fell down our garage steps and banged his little noggin. He got a fairly good shiner. About a week before that, he slipped in the bathtub and got a little cut above his eye. I was worried about the cut and took him to the doctor. He didn't need stitches, thank goodness. It's healed well.

Noah is also growing by leaps and bounds. Sometimes I look at this darling little guy and think that he looks bigger all the time. We get comments on his cute face and mounds of black hair everyday!

He passed his one month mark October 30th. To commemorate we decided to have his pictures taken. The options are few--oh so very few. So I made an appointment at our only choice here locally--WalMart. Ten o'clock was our appointment and at 11:20 we left very disappointed because nobody showed up to take the photos. We did a little photo shoot at home and got a couple of good shots. Happy ONE MONTH, Noah!

Luke and Noah

2008-10-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to admit that having two little ones is hard. I've, thankfully, had help. My mom came a couple of days before Noah was born and stayed a two and a half weeks! Honestly, I don't know how I could have survived without her. She made everything so smooth. I was so lucky to have my mom here because at night I would get up to nurse the baby and then she would take over burping, changing and getting the little guy back to sleep. She cooked, cleaned, and took care of both of the kids. Where is she now?!?

My awesome sister, Kim, also flew out to be with us and the new baby. It was just wonderful to have them here and I'm so grateful. Jared's mom flew out to be here the same day as Kim and my mom flew home. She's going to be helping me out until November 2. We have such amazing family that blesses our lives immensely.

I've been doing very well with the recovery from the c-section. The hardest part is not being able to do the things I want and need to do. I admit to lifting Luke sometimes. It's just hard to have to ask someone to help with everything. It was my turn to teach the YW on the 12th, so when I showed up to church people were so surprised. I really feel blessed that I've been out of pain for the most part and been able to get around. When Luke was born, it was a much longer and painful recovery.

Luke has been doing so well adjusting to his new little brother. He has been getting lots of attention from the grandmas and auntie. He has been fun to watch around the baby. He puts his hands on Noah's head and rubs his hair mussing it all up. He will give the baby loves and kisses too. He seems very concerned when Noah cries and he's so cute standing on his tiptoes to peek into the bassinet at the baby. So, most of my fears have been put aside for the most part about Luke adjusting.

More Details About Noah's Birth

2008-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Now that Noah has been home for over a week and things have settled down a bit, I have a minute to describe what happened with his birth. At 12:00 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Jessica was scheduled for a c-section. However, some lady who had been in labor for some time without a successful delivery cut in line for a c-section before Jessica. While, for Jessica, this certainly wasn't an amusement park ride, she did have to stand in line (lay in bed awaiting spinal anesthesia, actually). This meant that the birth did not happen till 1:24 pm.

Unlike with Luke's birth, I got to watch the surgical team cut and pull out the baby. When Luke was born, I was told that I had to stay out of viewing range since they feared a queasy, fainting father. As the surgery to delivery Noah progressed, I felt anything but queasy and was able to capture most of it on video. I'm working to put some clips together for friends' and family's viewing pleasure. Ok, so the c-section part may be a bit gory, but it is miraculous to see Noah pulled from the womb and preserve his first moments.

Just postpartum, Jessica was able to have the new little baby lifted up to her. She tells me from watching the video that she doesn't remember those moments real well. Thanks to my parents who gave us the video camera, at least she can see the video to remember better than through a drugged haze darkly.

Speaking of postpartum, Jessica is such an attentive, encouraging. mother. She loves Luke so much and is happy to have another little one to care for.

Jessica just had her staples out and has done well with her recovery, or so she tells me. Apparently, while still painful, the whole experience has been easier than what happened with Luke. She has had some pain and no longer has Vicodin to combat that. I jokingly told her that I could look online for some to purchase without a prescription from Mexico, but I believe that she is feeling better from day to day.

Anyway, returning to the birth, I was able to take Tuesday through Friday off from work. At Luke's birth, I had hardly any leave accrued and only took a couple days. I may have taken more time off still, but Jessica's mother was here, and now her sister, Kim, is visiting. We're so appreciative of all their help!

Speaking of the name Noah, I had held out on what to name the baby till I could see him. Jessica had originally liked the name Noah the most, but we also liked Andrew. Luke and Hamilton are both ancestor's names, and we also wanted the new baby to have a name with a family connection too.

I found it much easier to come up with names that would never work than names that would. For example, I ruled out Ahmadinejad Bernotski. That would be a definite no-no. However, Andrew P. Anderson was my great-grandfather on my mother's side, and we considered Andrew as a name. Noah Packard is a relative on my dad's side who was in Nauvoo and is actually mentioned once in the Doctrine and Covenants as a a leader in the high priests. Dalton, similarly, is the maiden name of Jessica's grandmother.

After seeing the baby, I liked Noah Dalton as a name, and Jessica had already picked that as a favorite name. We will probably bless and name the baby around Christmastime when we're visiting family. While we have already named him now, naming and blessing by the power of the priesthood gives the name a divine meaning and seal of approval.

Anyway, Jessica and the baby stayed in the hospital for three days due to hemorrhaging Jessica was having. There was a large clot that was keeping the uterus from contracting back to size. The nurses kept pushing on Jessica and 2.5 pounds of ick came out! Then, even after that, hospital staff wouldn't let Jessica have anything to eat or even drink for three days until her bowels were functioning.

This isn't meant to be a graphic novel, so I will leave out further illustrations. Suffice it to say that Jessica made it past the "clear liquids only" stage. She was able to leave the hospital on Friday and return home. In Noah's case, he was ready to come home. He didn't have any problems feeding and has even had his first bottle now without issue. He is a good eater and has a sweet disposition. He sleeps about two to three hours between feedings. I don't know if we can have two that are as good as Luke, but we'll wait and see. We feel so blessed to have both he and Luke in our family!

General Conference Baby

2008-10-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Fittingly, the Lord sent a message most divine a few days before General Conference. On Sept. 30, 2008 at 1:24 pm, Noah Dalton Bernotski came via c-section. Jessica had wanted to deliver by VBAC, but Dr. McCall predicted that Noah was just too big. Dr. McCall was right since this plump newborn weighed in at 9 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 3/4 inches long. In any case, Jessica was glad to have the birth a few days early.

Since I'm writing this during General Conference, I will be brief. As I'm typing, Elder Holland is speaking about angels as the Lord's emissaries. We're certainly grateful that the Lord sent this dear, sweet baby as an angel to our home. Mainly I'm posting now to put up some photos:

Cherries Jubilee

2008-09-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share the exciting news from Cherries Jubilee Creations. Elizabeth and Curt have done it again. They have created exciting new designs especially for babies! And they are more than precious.
At Cherries Jubilee they love to take the guesswork out of card making and make it easy and fun. Just visit their web site to see all the great ways you can make cards with the help of the kits or just go with your own creative streak.
And, shhh, right now you COULD win an exiting giveaway (if I don't win it first...)

Baby #2 Coming Soon(er)

2008-09-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

Though ultrasounds aren't entirely precise on the size of babies, I think I better follow my doctor's advice. After measuring he tells me that having a 9-pound baby would be dangerous following a previous c-section. So, I am going to have another c-section on Tuesday at noon! I'm happy that there is an end in sight, not so thrilled that I have to go through all the recuperation again. So, anyway, baby #2 will be in my arms in a short four days!

Random Photos

2008-09-14T14:22:00.001-07:00

This Missouri weather doesn't make it easy for a kid! It's good for our flowers however!

It was so fun having Grandma, Grandpa, and Erik here for a visit!

A Questing Spirit

2008-09-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

I just came across this quote by Hugh B. Brown on another blog that I read sometimes. I think is is such beautiful and wise council:

“I hope that you will develop the questing spirit. Be unafraid of new ideas for they are the stepping stones of progress. You will of course respect the opinions of others but be unafraid to dissent—if you are informed . . .

"Now I have mentioned freedom to express your thoughts, but I caution you that . . . in that search you will need at least three virtues: courage, zest, and modesty. The ancients put that thought in the form of a prayer. They said, ‘From the cowardice that shrinks from new truth, from the laziness that is content with half truth, from the arrogance that thinks it has all truth—O God of truth deliver us.’”

Have it all--24/7

2008-09-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

As of this afternoon, Stampin' Up! is offering online ordering! Don't worry - I'm not going anywhere! You can still call me or e-mail me your order directly. I'm still here to answer all of your questions. I'm still holding workshops. Nothing has changed. BUT, you now have the additional option to shop online at any hour - day or night - for all of your stampin' supplies!

Also, you can now more easily browse through Stampin' Up!'s products online - instead of trying to navigate the PDF version of the catalog. I think they've done a great job of organizing all of the great products. You can even view project samples, see a checklist of all of the supplies used to make the project, and easily purchase the supplies you need! Stampin' Up! will also suggest other products that coordinate with the items you select!

I shop online A LOT. And, I have to say, I'm very impressed with the first version of online ordering. I think Stampin' Up! has created a fabulous store for you!

How do you shop online? Simply go to my Stampin' Up! website and click the "Shop Now" button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Or click on the image above!!!

The Lords Family

2008-09-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

This is my sister's family. Keri and Nick, Adam, Brock, Chad, and Abby live in Las Vegas. Adam is serving a mission in the Hawaii, Honolulu mission (see Elder Lords blog) and I get his letters forwarded to my email every week. It's such a treat to read about his experiences and feel the spirit of his testimony shine through. He's an amazing missionary and already has had some touching moments with many of the investigators that they know.
Here's a little from one especially heartfelt letter...
"In one day we picked up three people that at one time had a date for baptism. Seriously, it was amazing, because we didn't do anything to get them back. I love how the Lord blesses us when we show our commitment to him. It helps me try harder and work more diligently when I know the Lord will provide."

Keri is my big sister! She loves her "calling" as a mom and is a wonderful example to me as a mother. She is always doing things for others and loves and serves as the Savior would. She has a beautiful testimony and she shares it. I know many times she has shared her missionary experiences with me and it is always helps remind me to look for my own opportunities to share to gospel with those I know. She recently took a challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 60 days. Well, she did it in 46! She says, "I have read the Book of Mormon many times, but I don’t ever remember a time when the whole book came alive for me - the people, the places, the joys, the sorrows. I FELT everything!! But, what I felt the most was the love that my Savior has for me and for all of us. It is amazing to look back at all the times I highlighted the word Christ, Father or our Savior. Jesus Christ, his love and atoning sacrifice, truly is the golden thread that is woven amongst it’s pages."

Nick, my brother-in-law, is a dentist and has been especially generous with us. He has been the bishop in their ward going on 5 years and whenever I attend their ward, I feel the spirit so strongly. He relies on the spirit to help him accomplish goals for the ward, lead and teach. Their ward seems truly united in their commitments to the Lord, missionary work, and building each other as they serve.

Thanks Lords Family for all your amazing examples!

Labor Day Weekend 2008

2008-09-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

We were able to go to Bentonville, Arkansas to visit Jared's cousin, Justin his wife Tamara and their family. We had a great time boating and there were some heated Ticket to Ride games. Thanks for the great time Anderson Family!

Luke loved being with his "cousins," Jordan, Nathan, Jacob, and Noelle. Here he is chillin' on the boat with Jordan.

Just One more Month

2008-09-03T18:53:00.001-07:00

This picture is a little askew because I really don't think I am that big. I think when the picture rotated it distorted. Well, I'm huge either way.

15-Month Checkup

2008-09-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

Luke had his well-baby check-up on Friday and here's the good news: He's doing well! Well, the doctor is concerned that Luke isn't really talking much, but I'm not too concerned because he jabbers quite a lot and he sometimes mimics what we're saying. I'm glad, though, that she is on the ball and not just blowing it off. I'm sure we'll be hearing more and more of this little man soon (too soon?). Here are the stats...
Length 30.5 inches = between percentile 25 and 50
Weight 23 pounds = between percentile 25 and 50
Head Circumference 18.5 inches = between percentile 25 and 50
All in all, not too shabby.

!!

2008-07-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

This chick is one of my new favorites. Look at the delicious fabrics she has designed and especially the fun and funky bags, shirts, etc. that she creates. I'm loving her newest, but the best part is she is giving it away! YEAH!! To one lucky blog reader goes the goods. So, check out her blog and comment on the post. You may be the lucky one and I'll be super jealous.

Fonts

2008-07-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

So the other night Jared and I watched a whole documentary on Helvetica. Crazy, yes that is a hour or so that I'll never get back. But seriously it was somewhat interesting how fonts are created. Anyway, I came across this little clip and had to laugh. Wingdings! Sans Serif? Anyway, if you like fonts watch it.
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1823766

Hi Ho It's Off to Work I Go

2008-07-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

It's about the same time of year as back to school and here I am starting again. I'm trying out working one day a week. I thought it would be important to keep my skills going.
Yesterday was my first day and I was fretting about leaving Luke with a babysitter. I think I took too much-- all the stuff I think he may have needed, but I wanted him to have some familiar things.
Happily, the day went well. I wasn't hit with difficult patients or any other major problems at work. The best, though, was when I picked Luke up he was happy and all smiles. I was so relieved.
I don't know how you other working mommies do it!

Newport Beach

2008-07-23T10:46:00.001-07:00

Daddy after some major boogie boarding. I tried it out too. Loved it, but it's a little more tricky with a big belly in your way.
This beach, Crystal Cove, was the one we went to since it was closest to the condo. It was beautiful and not too crowded as Laguna Beach can sometimes get. I guess parts of the movie Beaches was filmed here.

Honestly Luke wasn't a huge fan of walking on the sand, but how cute are those little fat feet?
This is how our little Luke spent his time on the beach. I think the sound of the waves and the air just zonks these little people right out. Yes, that is how he sleeps all the time.

Having Cake & Eating It Too

2008-07-18T06:03:00.001-07:00

It all started out with a handsome (and fairly clean) little birthday boy.
But, then a beautiful culinary concoction entered his life...
Never having anything like this before, the exchange was hesitant at first.
But, the handsome boy soon realized that this was more delightful than anticipated and knew he would be loving every handful.
Ending up with one delicious, Birthday mess!

Update Pictures

2008-07-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

Lovin' his tubby time! Bubbles? Check. Rubber Duckie?...hmmmm

OUCH! Life can be pretty tough on a little guy just learning to walk. I've gotten my share of "war wounds" as mom likes to call 'em. I'm also getting more curious about what's behind all those cabinets and drawers.

Did you ever just have one of those days?

Luke and Mom on the train at Silver Dollar City. Luke liked watching the cowboy "train heist" that happened right to the side of our window.

Missing my Honey

2008-07-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty hard not having my Jared here with me as I visit family, but I'm glad he's

still finding things to keep himself entertained. Can't wait to see you sweetie in only 5 more days!

Calling all Crafters

2008-06-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

If you like to make cards and other such items, I'm now a Stampin' Up demonstrator. If you haven't heard of Stampin' Up, check out the website at stampinup.com. I'd be happy to help you with any purchases.

Also, my friend Elizabeth has started a great site where you can buy card kits (those are some examples in the above picture). They are super cute and she is also a writer for Paper Crafts magazine. She really knows her stuff. Her website is cherriesjubileecreations.com. Please check it out!

an update

2008-06-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to attempt to update you on all the going-ons for our family. We have recently gotten the very good news that Jared is going to be moving into a permanent position on Fort Leonard Wood starting June 23. He will be working with the Chemical School on post and it's looking like we'll be in Missouri for a while longer. Actually, this is what we've been praying for. We have always said that if we can't be close to family we'd like to stay in Missouri and enjoy just being settled in one place for a little longer.
I had my 29th birthday in April. It was great. We went out to eat and I got some great gifts. I wanted maternity clothes to have when my belly starts getting big and that's what I got along with some awesome Asics that are wonderful for my aching feet. I'm pretty set!
Luke also had his first birthday May 19th. He's about the cutest birthday boy I've seen! We had a friend make a really amazing birthday cake. It was two layers of beauty. We put it in front of Luke and He dug in with both hands! It was so funny and since he'd never had cake or chocolate (or sweets at all) he knew this was something super special and he LOVED it! Nonnie and Papa (Jessica's parents) flew out for the occasion and we went to Branson, MO for the week. It was great. On Luke's birthday, we spent the day at Silver Dollar City, a theme park where they feature craftspeople. They have buildings designated for the different crafts ie. woodworking, pottery, glassblowing, candlemaking, candy making, metal arts, baskets, etc. That week they were also hosting bluegrass music performers and had concerts all over the park. It was so perfect--weather, atmosphere, company, food. I couldn't have asked for a better day for Luke's special birthday!
Another great thing that we've gotten to do is come out west for a few weeks. Adam, Jessica's nephew, had his mission farewell on the 8th of June. He has been called to the Honolulu, Hawaii mission. He went into the MTC a week ago. He is a great kid and now a great missionary. It has been so wonderful to be visiting with family. Luke and I have been in Salt Lake visiting with Kim and Candace and their families. We also got to see grandma and grandpa Bernotski (Erik and the Johnsons) on Monday. We all met up at Lisa's and we had a picnic and celebrated Miles' birthday (5 years old!). It was fun for Luke to see those cousins too.

It's a BOY!

2008-06-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Luke is going to have a little brother! We are so excited. We'll get some of the ultrasound pics up soon!

Hi

2008-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am actually posting. I have a good reason. We've been sick. It's been about two weeks of feeling under the weather and I decided a visit to the doctor was in order for Luke and I. He came back with a diagnosis of an ear infection. I have a sinus infection. We're both on antibiotics now so hopefully we'll be up and at 'em again soon. Thanks friends for your concern.

type the letters you see in the picture above

2008-04-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

So I'm wondering if anyone else tries to pronounce the letters they see when they leave a comment on someone's blog? Like zrogxpap or xeutonaz. I think some of them are quite fun! The funnest today was on Megan and Aaron's blog (the z one above). Thanks friends for the cheap entertainment and great blogs! Keep it up!

About the Man of the House

2008-04-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

What is his name? Jared
How long have you been together? Known each other 4 years, Married 3 years.
How long did you date? We dated just 5 months and we were engaged 2 1/2 months
Who eats more? I think I do.
Who said I love you first? He did.
Who is taller? Jared is a couple of inches taller
Who is smarter? Jared is book smart, I think I'm more "street" smart.
Who does the laundry? I do. I'm super anal about the way the laundry is done. Some things I put on gentle, some I air dry, some I use special detergent, some I use fabric softener on... and don't get me started on the folding!!
Who does the dishes? He does!!
Who sleeps on the right? I'm on Jared's right (the exalted location;). He has very particular sleeping habits... He hates it if he can feel my breath on his skin, does NOT like to be touched, and his feet have to have the sheets untucked because "[his] feet feel confined and constricted." Yeah, he's a joy!
Who pays the bills? I do this too.
Who mows the lawn? Jared does this.
Who cooks dinner? I usually cook, but Jared has a few dishes in his repertoire.
Who drives when you are together? I'm almost always the one driving! I don't like his driving, and he doesn't like my nagging. This solves both problems.
Who is more stubborn? I'm more stubborn, but Jared has his moments.
Who kissed who first? It was mutual. He initiated it, but I was hoping he would.
Who asked who out first? Jared asked me out.
Who proposed? Jared did. This is another funny story. I was pretty much expecting it.
Who has more siblings? Jessica 3--Jared 2
Who wears the pants? Jared says I do. I'm not arguing.

I think some of you have already done this type of post, but if you haven't you should. I'd like to find out more about the Prince Charmings in my friends' lives.

a new one to love

2008-04-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

To all you Pride and Prejudice fans out there and I know there's a lot of ya, check out Sense and Sensibility. It's done by the same man who directed P&P. It's great! It's not on sale yet, but can be pre-ordered at Amazon. I'm gonna have to get this one!

Survey (Luke's Version)

2008-04-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Another get-to-know-me

2008-04-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

My sister sent this to me in a email, but I thought it was too cute not to blog...Hit forward and place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X
from the ones you have not. This is for your entire life!

( x ) Gone on a blind date
( x) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
( x) Been to Mexico
( x ) Been to Florida
(x) Been on a plane
( X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
( x ) Gone to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean (I didn't like the saltiness)
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Recently colored with crayons
( x ) Sang Karaoke
( x ) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
( X ) Made prank phone calls
( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X ) Danced in the rain
( x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
(x) Blown bubbles
( x) Gone ice-skating
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors (I was tempted because I had a pool, but I never did it!)
(x) Gone to the movies (Well, yeah...this one is a weird question)
( X) got a speeding ticket

1. Any nickname? Bubba, Winnie, Hairy, Sweetheart

2. Favorite drink? Fresca and Root Beer

3. Mother's name? treva

4. Tattoo? yes ;)

5. Body Piercing: Yes (ears only)

6. How much do you love your job? I love it!! I'm a MOMMY!

7. Birthplace? - Salt Lake City, UT

8: Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii, so far

9. Ever been to Africa ? No

10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? yes, I hate to admit

11. Ever been on TV? yes, a few times

12. Ever steal any traffic sign? nope, but I found one and put it in my college apartment for a while

13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes - I got rear ended by someone

14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 door
15. Favorite salad dressing? I don't know. I like Ranch, but sometimes it tastes funny. Then I go for Italian or Blue Cheese

16. Favorite pie? apple, but only when my mom makes it!

17. Favorite number? I don't really have a favorite, I mean there's so many to choose from!

18. Favorite movie? I'm with my sister on this one! pride and prejudice (I can watch it over & over), ever after & while you were sleeping. i've found a new version of sense and sensibility (it's by the same guy who did the long version of P&P)

19. Favorite holiday? christmas!

20. Favorite dessert? I love creme brulee, but I can't make it myself. The one I can make myself would probably be rice krispie treats.

21. Favorite food? I really like potatoes. Type of food--oriental (LOVE LOVE LOVE PF Changs)

22. Favorite day of the week? Friday

23. Favorite brand of body wash? bath & body

24. Favorite toothpaste? crest

25. Favorite smell? Thanksgiving food cooking--I think it's all about anticipation with this one!

26. What do you do to relax? hot bath

28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? hopefully happy

Do you want to try this? Consider your tagged.

Hello Little One

2008-04-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's little baby Bernotski chillin out. (S)he was moving around a lot during the ultrasound, but at only 7 cm I didn't feel a thing. We'll get to find out whether this little one is a boy or a girl sometime in May--stay tuned.

Survey (Jessica's Version)

2008-04-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

A Couple of friends have done this fun "image" survey. You're supposed to do a Google Image search and pick a random image off the first page.....

AGE ON MY NEXT BIRTHDAY:

A PLACE I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL:

(New Zealand)

A FAVORITE PLACE:

(Lake Powell)

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS:

FAVORITE FOOD:

FAVORITE FLOWER:

FAVORITE COLOR:

A NICKNAME I'VE HAD:

(People always thought I looked like Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years)

NAME OF PAST PET:

COLLEGE MAJOR:

(Dental Hygiene)

FIRST JOB:

A WISH FOR 2008 or 2009 and beyond:

(We'd love to get back out west with Jared's civilian DOD job!)

Tagging: Anyone who'd like to try this--this one is actually really fun! No pressure.

Teeth

2008-04-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

I've been a slacker lately with my blog. I got a bad case of the blogging blues. I think some of you may know what I'm talking about. The I-don't-have-anything-funny-interesting-or-profound-to-write syndrome. Yes, I do realize that all I talk about is the kid, but I justify this because it's mostly my family and friends who read this blog.
So I thought I'd try to do a little catch up with the blog here.
St. Patrick's Day has come and gone...

As well as Easter...

Crazy weather...

..and Doc Bear taught Luke all about taking care of his new teeth.

So, there it is. Not too much of an update, but I'm going to do better with this thingie.

Easter

2008-03-24T16:10:00.001-07:00

This holiday I've really focused on the "real" meaning. It's such a blessing to have this gospel and the knowledge of the Savior. I feel humbled by it all and amazed that it was for me. I'm so grateful! I find it difficult to adequately express the deep feelings that I experience when I really get thinking about my Savior and the truly wonderful gift that is offered to each of us.

Apple Juice

2008-03-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

I love apple juice. I really do and I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur. Anyway, a while back I splurged on the Simply brand. They also make orange, lime, and lemonade (which are also all excellent). Well, their apple juice is by far the best around. I used to go to this apple stand in Provo/Orem that would sell fresh juice from their apples--delicious. Simply really compares! AND, it's on sale at Walmart NOW. Try some today!

Adam's Mission Call

2008-03-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

My nephew got his call tonight. He is going to the Hawaii, Honolulu mission! He is such a spiritual giant of a man and I know he will only become more so as he serves the Lord. I loved what he said to me over the phone. "It's what I've always hoped for because I love the Polynesian people so much!" That really is what it is about. Loving the Lord, the work, and the people. I love you, Adam! You're going to be an amazing missionary!

Flu

2008-03-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

We've been battling the flu for the past week and a half. So, as not to be the spreader of bad germs, Luke and I have been under house arrest. We've felt better the last couple of days. Today was so beautiful outside so we got out, visited Mel and Kai, and went for a walk. It was good to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Hopefully, we'll see a lot more sunshine!

Tagged!

2008-02-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks for tagging me Katie! It's been so fun getting to know more about your cool self. Here's some things about me.

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago: Probably hating life studying for finals and dreading seeing a special someone leave on a mission.

5 Things on my To-Do List today:

1- Drink more fluids?
2- Rest.
3- take a shower
4- Try not to be sick. We've all had the flu around here (Luke too), hence the lack of posts!
5- Look at the mess that has become my house. Dream about the time when I'll feel like doing anything about it.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

I'd move closer to family and buy a nice home, send my kiddos to good schools, & travel.

3 of my bad habits:

1- I used to bite my fingernails. It's too gross! I've pretty much gotten over this habit. When I went to dental hygiene school I didn't dare bite 'em because I had them in people's mouths all day. Yucky! But, sometimes (usually during a scary movie) I'll find myself going in for a nibble.
2- I don't keep in touch with friends as well as I should (or as I would like). I've had so many awesome friends and many times I just lose their info or whatever. The internet, I'm so happy to say, has made this a lot easier and I can't believe all the friends I've re-connected with just the past couple of weeks! So FUN! Dude, I love all you gals! Thanks for reading my blog and caring to keep in touch!
3- I need to learn to BUDGET!

5 places I have lived:

1- West Valley, UT
2- Kanab, UT
3- Provo, UT
4- St. George, UT
5- Logan, UT
---Now, Waynesville, Missouri for all you people praying I was going to get out of Utah sometime in my life. I'm praying I'll be moving back!

5 jobs I have had:

1- Jordan Valley School-Special Education aide
2- Rockin V Cafe-waitress
3- Dental Assistant
4- Dental Hygienist
5- Mom, the best yet!

5 things people don't know about me:

1- I can quilt. It's true. I made a quilt once with my mom. It's really beautiful. I'll post a picture of it sometime soon.
2- I have an innie. It didn't even become a weird outtie when I was pregnant.
3- I had a crush on a college professor of mine. Now, I've never told anyone that!
4- I loath taking out the trash. This is why Jared does it!
5- I love smelling my kid. The good smells, not the bad.

Okay, that was sort of hard especially that last section. Well, now I'm going to tag Maegan, Adam (because he desperately needs something to blog about), Torrie, Amy, and Melissa because she rocks as a VT partner.

Dos, Deux, Zwei, Due, Ni, Duas, два

2008-02-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

In any language, just to let everyone know, we're expecting child number 2! This baby will most likely come by C-section also, scheduled for September 25th.

Okay, sorry about psyching everyone out. No, we're not having twins, but with babies this close together, they may as well be. Lots of love to everyone!

9-Months Old

2008-02-21T20:02:00.001-08:00

One Growing Boy

2008-02-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Luke got to visit Dr. Michailova for his 9-month well-baby check. He's doing great! He weighed in at 18 pounds and 29 inches. He's a light-weight, at only the 15th percentile for his weight. Luke is tall for his age, however, in the 75th percentile. It's so fun to see him progressing so well.

On another note, we're in a yucky storm again. I'm longing for Hawaii right about now. My Mom and Dad are there now, and I'm extremely envious. In my opinion, Hawaii is ALWAYS a good idea!

Sing . . . Sing a Song

2008-02-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

We've been going to a community choir on Tuesday nights. The group meets in a church in Iberia and we have been working on an Easter program called "His Last Days." It's fun to be singing with a group again. Even though we're small in numbers, we are strong and the emotion is there.

The only downside is the drive. Both Jared and I have gotten sick on that twisty Highway 17! Melissa, I don't know how you do it everyday driving that road!

V-day

2008-02-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day. Okay, so having the missionaries over is not anyone's idea of a romantic evening, but I had such a fun time. I burst out laughing when Elder J started playing his water goblet. You know, think Miss Congeniality. So, for about an hour, we tried different pitches, playing "songs" (okay so we never really got that), and, the coolest in my opinion, playing while someone is filling your glass with water. If you ever want to try this, my water glasses are GREAT! I got a couple clips and photos I'll post up later. I hope you all had a wonderful day of love full of kisses, hugs, and handshakes (from the elders ;).

Confessions of a Mommy Blogger"

2008-02-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

Too funny. Too true. Read this.

Temple or Bust

2008-02-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

We had dedicated last Saturday to attend the St. Louis temple. Everything was arranged with our friends, Emily and Ben. They would watch Luke and their 4-month-old, Kate, while we did a session. Then, we'd swap spots, and we'd watch the babies while they went through.

Unfortunately, we didn't get the memo that the temple was closed for repairs due to a water pipe rupture. Emily had even called the temple on Thursday to ask if they had a room where we could watch the children. The sister at the temple said that there was a room but neglected to mention that the temple was closed, had been closed for two weeks, and would be closed for another week.

Oh well, we still had a good time. Luke loved the Science Center, which is geared to small people (ok, a little older than Luke). He stared, wide-eyed, at all the mirrors, life-sized robotic dinosaurs, etc. Even us bigger people enjoyed the interactive exhibits, except that the place was so crowded we didn't get to pause at our favorite stations, such as those about the human body.

After the Science Center, we went to the Olive Garden. Since we lack this or basically any other restaurant options close to home, we were thrilled to eat there.

Past, Present and Future

2008-02-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

20 years ago...
1. I was playing house under our grand piano
2. I met Elizabeth, BFF!
3. my sisters had all moved away from home

10 years ago...
1. I was getting ready to graduate High School
2. I was very nervous about starting BYU
3. getting a car for my birthday seemed like a long-shot

5 years ago...
1. I was working my tush off in Dental Hygiene school
2. I was offered a DH job in Oakland, CA
3. My love-life was pretty non-existent

3 years ago...
1. I connected with my sweetheart online, (we'd meet face-to-face, date, get engaged and marry later that year)
2. I was working in Kanab, UT and living with my parents
3. I spent too much money shopping ebay

1 year ago...
1. I was told I had to go on bed-rest for my pregnancy
2. I was drinking a gallon of water every day
3. I could tell you most TV shows and their channels

So far this year...
1. I've gotten in better shape
2. I have been experimenting with some different, fun recipes
3. I have had more fun with my baby. He's getting bigger and it's fun watching him learn new things.

Yesterday...
1. I tackled the laundry
2. I sang beautiful music
3. I became nauseous

Today...
1. I slept in (thanks Luke)
2. I talked with all my sisters, and mom
3. I am upset with WalMart (they've stopped carrying a favorite item)

Tomorrow...
1. I'm going to cook for my Honey and the missionaries (it's one of our fav's last day)
2. I'm going to try to be romantic
3. I'll burn a compilation CD

In the next year...
1. We'll probably move to ???
2. We'll have a new little one (due October 4)
3. I'll be a better wife, mother, and friend and ...

Little boys grow up when we're not looking

2008-02-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

I like to check out blogs that I just happen to come across. I "lurk." This poem comes from another blog that I follow. I love this thought:

When he grows up, I don't think he'll recall how, on a sapphire morning in the Fall, dust bunnies tumbled up and down the stair, and smudges lined the woodwork here and there, While he and I ran hand in hand together carefree, into the bright October weather. I hope my son looks back upon today and sees a parent who had time to play whether the work was done, or it was not, who realized chores are sometimes best forgot. There will be years ahead for cleaning house and cooking, but little boys grow up when we're not looking.
by Ear Paffrath

He's a Photoshop man!

2008-02-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have Jared to thank for our cool new header. I said that I wanted to put up a header that looked a little like a blackboard with some pictures. Well, this morning I find this awesome creation in Photoshop and I'm thrilled. Thanks, Jared! Love ya!

On a lighter note...

2008-02-07T12:29:00.001-08:00

New pictures are up of Luke at...
picasaweb.google.com/bernotski
Hope you like 'em!

Romney SuspENDING

2008-02-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

If the Republican Party no longer represents what I believe, where do I go from here? There is no other party that even comes close. Is there no hope for those of us who firmly support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the conservative values which have been the bedrock of American culture?
Here's Romney's parting speech. So eloquent I want to cry my eyes out.

"To all of you, thank you for caring enough about the future of America to show up, stand up and speak up for conservative principles.

"As I said to you last year, conservative principles are needed now more than ever. We face a new generation of challenges, challenges which threaten our prosperity, our security and our future. I am convinced that unless America changes course, we will become the France of the 21st century – still a great nation, but no longer the leader of the world, no longer the superpower. And to me, that is unthinkable. Simon Peres, in a visit to Boston, was asked what he thought about the war in Iraq. 'First,' he said, 'I must put something in context. America is unique in the history of the world. In the history of the world, whenever there has been conflict, the nation that wins takes land from the nation that loses. One nation in history, and this during the last century, laid down hundreds of thousands of lives and took no land. No land from Germany, no land from Japan, no land from Korea. America is unique in the sacrifice it has made for liberty, for itself and for freedom loving people around the world.' The best ally peace has ever known, and will ever know, is a strong America.

"And that is why we must rise to the occasion, as we have always done before, to confront the challenges ahead. Perhaps the most fundamental of these is the attack on the American culture.

"Over the years, my business has taken me to many countries. I have been struck by the enormous differences in the wealth and well-being of people of different nations. I have read a number of scholarly explanations for the disparities. I found the most convincing was that written by David Landes, a professor emeritus from Harvard University. I presume he's a liberal – I guess that's redundant. His work traces the coming and going of great civilizations throughout history. After hundreds of pages of analysis, he concludes with this:

"If we learn anything from the history of economic development, it is that culture makes all the difference. Culture makes all the difference.

"What is it about American culture that has led us to become the most powerful nation in the history of the world? We believe in hard work and education. We love opportunity: almost all of us are immigrants or descendants of immigrants who came here for opportunity – opportunity is in our DNA. Americans love God, and those who don't have faith, typically believe in something greater than themselves – a 'Purpose Driven Life.' And we sacrifice everything we have, even our lives, for our families, our freedoms and our country. The values and beliefs of the free American people are the source of our nation's strength and they always will be.

"The threat to our culture comes from within. The 1960's welfare programs created a culture of poverty. Some think we won that battle when we reformed welfare, but the liberals haven't given up. At every turn, they try to substitute government largesse for individual responsibility. They fight to strip work requirements from welfare, to put more people on Medicaid, and to remove more and more people from having to pay any income tax whatsoever. Dependency is death to initiative, risk-taking and opportunity. Dependency is a culture-killing drug. We have got to fight it like the poison it is.

"The attack on faith and religion is no less relentless. And tolerance for ography – even celebration of it – and ual promiscuity, combined with the twisted incentives of government welfare programs have led to today's grim realities: 68% of African American children are born out-of-wedlock, 45% of Hispanic children, and 25% of White children. How much harder it is for these children to succeed in school and in life. A nation built on the principles of the Founding Fathers cannot long stand when its children are raised without fathers in the home.

"The development of a child is enhanced by having a mother and father. Such a family is the ideal for the future of the child and for the strength of a nation. I wonder how it is that unelected judges, like some in my state of Massachusetts, are so unaware of this reality, so oblivious to the millennia of recorded history. It is time for the people of America to fortify marriage through Constitutional amendment, so that liberal judges cannot continue to attack it.

"Europe is facing a demographic disaster. That is the inevitable product of weakened faith in the Creator, failed families, disrespect for the sanctity of human life and eroded morality. Some reason that culture is merely an accessory to America's vitality; we know that it is the source of our strength. And we are not dissuaded by the snickers and knowing glances when we stand up for family values, and morality, and culture. We will always be honored to stand on principle and to stand for principle.

"The attack on our culture is not our sole challenge. We face economic competition unlike anything we have ever known before. China and Asia are emerging from centuries of poverty. Their people are plentiful, innovative and ambitious. If we do not change course, Asia or China will pass us by as the economic superpower, just as we passed England and France during the last century. The prosperity and security of our children and grandchildren depend on us.

"Our prosperity and security also depend on finally acting to become energy secure. Oil producing states like Russia and Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Iran are siphoning over $400 billion per year from our economy – that's almost what we spend annually for defense. It is past time for us to invest in energy technology, nuclear power, clean coal, liquid coal, renewable sources and energy efficiency. America must never be held hostage by the likes of Putin, Chavez, and Ahmadinejad.

"And our economy is also burdened by the inexorable ramping of government spending. Don't focus on the pork alone – even though it is indeed irritating and shameful. Look at the entitlements. They make up 60% of federal spending today. By the end of the next President's second term, they will total 70%. Any conservative plan for the future has to include entitlement reform that solves the problem, not just acknowledges it.

"Most politicians don't seem to understand the connection between our ability to compete and our national wealth, and the wealth of our families. They act as if money just happens – that it's just there. But every dollar represents a good or service produced in the private sector. Depress the private sector and you depress the well-being of Americans.

"That's exactly what happens with high taxes, over-regulation, tort windfalls, mandates, and overfed, over-spending government. Did you see that today, government workers make more money than people who work in the private sector? Can you imagine what happens to an economy where the best opportunities are for bureaucrats?

"It's high time to lower taxes, including corporate taxes, to take a weed-whacker to government regulations, to reform entitlements, and to stand up to the increasingly voracious appetite of the unions in our government.

"And finally, let's consider the greatest challenge facing America – and facing the entire civilized world: the threat of violent, radical Jihad. In one wing of the world of Islam, there is a conviction that all governments should be destroyed and replaced by a religious caliphate. These Jihadists will battle any form of democracy. To them, democracy is blasphemous for it says that citizens, not God shape the law. They find the idea of human equality to be offensive. They hate everything we believe about freedom just as we hate everything they believe about radical Jihad.

"To battle this threat, we have sent the most courageous and brave soldiers in the world. But their numbers have been depleted by the Clinton years when troops were reduced by 500,000, when 80 ships were retired from the Navy, and when our human intelligence was slashed by 25%. We were told that we were getting a peace dividend. We got the dividend, but we didn't get the peace. In the face of evil in radical Jihad and given the inevitable military ambitions of China, we must act to rebuild our military might – raise military spending to 4% of our GDP, purchase the most modern armament, re-shape our fighting forces for the asymmetric demands we now face, and give the veterans the care they deserve.

"Soon, the face of liberalism in America will have a new name. Whether it is Barack or Hillary, the result would be the same if they were to win the Presidency. The opponents of American culture would push the throttle, devising new justifications for judges to depart from the Constitution. Economic neophytes would layer heavier and heavier burdens on employers and families, slowing our economy and opening the way for foreign competition to further erode our lead.

"Even though we face an uphill fight, I know that many in this room are fully behind my campaign. You are with me all the way to the convention. Fight on, just like Ronald Reagan did in 1976. But there is an important difference from 1976: today, we are a nation at war.

"And Barack and Hillary have made their intentions clear regarding Iraq and the war on terror. They would retreat and declare defeat. And the consequence of that would be devastating. It would mean attacks on America, launched from safe havens that make Afghanistan under the Taliban look like child's play. About this, I have no doubt.

"I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.

"This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters – many of you right here in this room – have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.

"I will continue to stand for conservative principles. I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in. And one of those things is that we cannot allow the next President of the United States to retreat in the face evil extremism.

"It is the common task of each generation – and the burden of liberty – to preserve this country, expand its freedoms and renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future.

"To this task, accepting this burden, we are all dedicated, and I firmly believe, by the providence of the Almighty, that we will succeed beyond our fondest hope. America must remain, as it has always been, the hope of the Earth.

"Thank you, and God bless America."

New Blog Anyone?

2008-02-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Doddlebug Designs is up and coming! Check out Judi's designs by following the link and be sure to enter her giveaway for your own custom designed blog! http://www.doodlebugwebdesigns.com/

New First Presidency

2008-02-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

My goodness! I thought that I would be sad to see a new presidency called. After President Hinckley, I believed that it would be hard to see someone new take his place. But, after seeing the news conference where President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf were announced as the new first presidency of the church, I feel the spirit witness that they are called of God and they are the right men for these positions. What an enormous burden for them. I only pray that Heavenly Father will uphold and sustain them.

What's sleep?

2008-02-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

That's the question I've been asking since the baby was born, but now, I'm happy to say, I have had a full night's sleep. Yes, last night Luke didn't wake up once! Hallelujah!

First Teeth

2008-02-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

Luke got his first teeth Monday night (January 29). Two at once! He had two little tops poking up on Tuesday morning. No wonder he was so fussy that night.

Lost Blog

2008-01-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Because I had a bad-news hacker get into my gmail, they also took my blog away from me. Instead of trying to get those old posts onto this new blog, please check them out here. As you will see, I have a lot of catching up to do, but hopefully I can get posting on here. Thanks to my friends for all their patience.