Happy Belated Valentines Day!

I wonder if you know
how special you are
I wonder if you know
how precious you are
I wonder if you know
how lucky I am
to have you in my life
I love you so much!!!

Brett, I am glad you are my valentine!

What a week and it isn't over yet

It's Friday already. This week flew by so fast. It was really hard to come home from our Arizona trip knowing what we had ahead of us this week. Brett's company moved to a new office building around Thanksgiving and they were finally ready to have an open house for clients to tour the building and to do a ribbon cutting ceremony. This was on Weds. It's a very nice building and plenty of room for all their employees now to work in. Thursday we spent most of the day in Logan for a funeral. Brett's great aunt Ileen passed away sunday morning. It was a beautiful service and it was held in a beautiful old church. I couldn't get over the stained glass in the Chapel. It was great to see family and to talk about memories of Aunt Ileen. She didn't have the opportunity to marry in this lifetime but was a great mother to the generation of her neices and nephews. She was a breadwinner and worked hard for being single. She was so loving and kind to all of us and she will be missed. Thursday night Brett was in charge of the Stake round table and had to prepare for this. And my little Kelty has been so sad since her best friend told her that she is moving to VEGAS. How do I convince my neighbors not to move. We wish them the best of luck that everything will fall into place. We will miss you guys so much. We will have to approve of the new homeowners Kara. Now we just need to make it through Saturday and I am pretty sure I will crash on Sunday. I also caught a cold on Monday so it has just been one of those weeks you just deal with it and keep going. Lots of Thanks to my family this week who have been helping with the event tomorrow and watching my kids to get preparations ready.

ZONA!!

We had fun visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Scottsdale, AZ. When we were landing Teagan was looking out the window watching the scenerey and as soon as we landed she turned to me and said, Mom we missed it! I asked her, we missed what? She said the Beach, Hawaii!! She has been telling me this whole time we were going to Hawaii and she remembers when we went to Hawaii in November seeing the beach and Ocean from her window seat so she must have recognized that there was no beach this time. She cracks me up. We headed straight to the pool. It didn't take long for the girls to warm up to the water and Kelty was remembering all the things she learned from her swimming lessons. Teagan wanted to do everything Kelty was doing by jumping into the pool and going under. Grandma and Grandpa live in Arizona from January to the end of March while Keith works/paints. We played minature golf, hung out at the Phoenix zoo and Brett and Teagan rode a camel, fed the ducks and just relaxed in the nice warm weather. Who could ask for more? Do you know how hard it was to leave yesterday to come back to Utah? We also had an early 3:30 am wake up call Sunday morning when the fire alarms went off at the hotel we were staying at. Talk about an interesting experience. Grandma Dagley came home with us yesterday after receiving word that her Aunt had passed away in the morning. We will get to see her again this week while preparations for the funeral are being made for Ileen. The girls had fun sitting by Grandma on the airplane and it was a little less stressful flying with her help. Thanks for a fun trip in Arizona Grandma and Grandpa!

monthly running earnings

For all of you who didn't believe the total money I found last year from running I have decided to report how much change has been collected at the end of each month As of January 31, 2009 I have $3.09. It is surprising how fast nickles and quarters add up. Sometimes I wonder if my husband drives along some of my running routes and throws coins out just because he knows how happy I am when I find money. I will never know. I am also happy to report it has been 32 days with out my caffeine drink and going strong. It's a glorious day.

Things that made me so happy today

1). Freshly fallen snow and the storm that cleaned out all that gross air. I had fun running in the snow this morning.

2). Eating a whole pack of cotton candy bubble gum. My favorite!! This makes me really happy and then blowing big bubbles.

3). Getting adjusted at my chiro appt. My body is falling apart.

4). Teagan telling me I am HOT!! It made me smile and only wish. The other day Kelty told me I was pretty and Teagan said no she isn't and I looked at her like hey? She yelled mommy isn't pretty she is HOT! Brett has taught her well.

5). Taking a 45 minute nap. I hardly ever take naps unless it is a Sunday and well I haven't been able to do that for awhile.

6). Being reminded I have 4 more days until sunny warm weather! Looking forward to the weekend.

Had to share this video from my brother's blog. I have watched many of my own personal friends struggle to get pregnant and after many tests have decided to adopt. It has been hard at times to watch them go through these trials but it has also been a spritiual experience to finally see my friends bring home a baby and to witness these babies sealed to their parents and families here on earth in our temples. How grateful I am for the many courageous wonderful women who chose to give up their children for adoption rather then abort them and to see my friends enjoy the blessings of being parents and to see the joy these sweet children bring into their lives.

This is the touching story and counsel about adoption from Tamra, a birth mother. Please watch it and share it with others to understand the perspectives, peace and joy that can come from adoption.

If You Are Pregnant...

Its not uncommon to feel that your only options are abortion or raising your child on your own. There are other options; and the decision is yours.

No one else will live daily with your decision, which is why no one else can make this decision for you.

The best thing you can do for you and your future child is to educate yourself about your options and feel confident that you have found the solution that is right for you.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.itsaboutlove.org

With her permission, I share Tamra's story:

People often don't understand my choice. Many respond with pity on their faces as if to say, "You poor thing.” I tell them, "Don't feel sorry for me; I'm a lucky girl." This is the happiest story I know.

Some will say, "Well, it's best that you placed your son for adoption, because you needed your education and to finish growing up," or things of that nature. And while it is true that I am blessed to pursue the educational and social prospects of my choosing in a way I would not have been able to with a child, and although I've been endlessly blessed by my choice, none of these facts constitute why I chose.

Of course I enjoy spending my time and money the way I want. Of course I feel blessed to date without the added complication of being a single parent. And of course I love the independent young adult experience and all I gain from it. I can tell you, though, without hesitation, that I would have given it all up to have my Justin's hand in mine. I would have sacrificed all that was mine....but I would not sacrifice what could be his.

There are those who say, "But Tamra, you could have made it work! You were 18, you had money enough, your boyfriend wanted to marry you! You're a good person and you loved your baby so much!"

I confess this was my thinking for the first several months of pregnancy. I was not one of "those girls." I'd be a good mom.....but not the best. I was enough....he could have more. And I had the “more” Two parents who'd prepared for me, who chose me, and most importantly, to whom I am sealed in a forever family.

How could I tell my son, “Not for you”? Even with all my bargaining and rationalizing, at the end of the day I could not, even at my best, make up the difference between me and the family he COULD have. No amount of overcompensation would have been sufficient.

Many will just ask, “How? How did you do it?" I still don't know. I didn't. I couldn't have. The choice I made defied my instinct as a woman, as a human being, even as a mammal. To give away a piece of myself, my very heart, flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone -- it seemed the very air from my lungs went with him. It was impossible....for me.

And then to survive! But more -- to fare as I never had, with a new peace that felt like breathing true oxygen for the first time! I thought that to make this choice would leave me broken for life; instead, I am mended. None of this was or could have been my doing. That sort of strength comes from a source beyond myself.

As I held my baby, my Justin, in the hospital room, where the veil between here and heaven became so thin, my doctor stood silent in the door for a moment, watching as I sang to my little treasure, as I stared, endeavoring to memorize his face. He saw the love in my eyes and said, "You won't go through with it.”

What he and many others don't understand is, it is BECAUSE I loved him that much, that I was able to do this impossible thing. Had I loved him an ounce less, I would never have let go. It was the only way I could break my own heart and let him go home to those who were his -- and I know now that he was theirs before he was mine. THEY shared him with ME. They are an extension of my family in a way I cannot explain. When we met, I recognized them. I can't tell you from when or where; I don't know the conversations we had or the nature of our relationship, but I knew those faces! And immediately in my heart I felt family love for them. Never before or since have I experienced anything to approach it.

There are a thousand reasons why my choice has been right and perfect for all whose lives have been affected, but THE reason is.... I asked: "Father....what do I do?" Before I knew or understood any of the wisdom or logic of it, I knew the Lord's will for my baby and me, and I allowed my own will be swallowed up in it.

"Didn't you want your baby?"

More than I have ever wanted anything. He wasn't mine. He has been my missionary. I bless his family for being willing to wait while he fulfilled that mission. My heart has been mightily changed.

We were both born that day.

weekend fun!

Here is a quick overview of all the fun we had this weekend. I also ran 9 1/2 miles on Saturday with the girls. Sorry no picture of that. I haven't ran that far since running the St. George marathon back in October. I was so tired the rest of the day. I think I am still trying to recover from the run.

We went snowmobiling Friday night. It was kind of scary being out on the trails all by ourselves that late at night. We have gone when there is a full moon so it really lights up the sky but I kept feeling like a Bear or wolf would jump out. Brett laughed.

The girls love wearing their aprons and helping me in the kitchen. I think we made several batches of cookies this past week since FHE night. Every night the girls would ask to make cookies. Thank goodness for frozen cookie dough.


Jenkin family and Dagley family attending the Draper Temple open house. I have been to about 6 temple open houses and this was the first time where you didn't wear the white booties (I actually missed wearing them) and they served refreshments at the end of the tour. They expect over a million visitors to go through the temple before it is dedicated.


There really wasn't an opportunity to get a picture up close to the temple since they have you walk through tents and then hurry you on and off a bus.

No Sugar Bugs Here!

Teagan's first dentist appt.

Teagan had her very first dentist appointment last Tuesday. I wasn't quite sure how how it would go? Kelty loves going to the dentist and picking out a new toothbrush. Kelty knows the drill and asks for the barbie sunglasses to wear so the light won't hurt her eyes. She knows she will be getting pictures taken of her mouth and tries her hardest not to gag. Kelty would love to go every week if she could. I was so impressed how well Teagan did. She has watched her sister a few times now and I think deep down inside has wanted to sit in the dental chair and go for a ride. She would open her mouth wide when asked to and the hygenist was able to put film in her mouth by telling Teagan to bite down like it was a sandwich and Teagan liked that. The best part of the dental appointment was hearing that Teagan's teeth were perfect. She hardly had any plaque and she was complimented on how clean her teeth were. I was so worried about her teeth since she drank a sippy cup at night up until 3 months ago when we finally told her she was a big girl and she wouldn't be able to go to Hawaii if she didn't stop taking the sippy to bed. We also used the scare tactic on her telling her that she would get black teeth and she didn't want black teeth. Teagan walked away all smiles and picked out an Ariel toothbrush just like the one her sister got. I don't think we will have a problem going back in 6 months. I am praying they don't get a cavity with their baby teeth or else going to the dentist might be an unpleasant expereince.

"Let's Dance!"

Kelty's group danced to "Sunday Girl"

Kelty dancing in her yellow tutu.

Dad gave Kelty her first dozen roses.

Kelty receiving an award after her group finished their dance.

Kelty had her first dance recital tonight. She did a great job. She wasn't afraid to go up on stage and dance in front of a large audience. Kelty has only been in dance for 4 months now and absolutely loves it. She was born to wear tutus and wear her hair up curly. That's our girl!

Kelty's first childhood kiss!

(Kelty's friend looking on)

As a mother I just have to write about this. One of Kelty's favorite songs right now is Love Story by Taylor Swift. Here is Kelty's love story.

Last Tuesday when I got home from work there was a message on our phone. It was a friend (boy) from Kelty's pre-school. He was asking if Kelty could come over and play after school. I did not get home until later in the afternoon and my mom had picked up Kelty from school. I returned the message and this cute friend answered the phone and he must have known it was Kelty's number because I said Hi is your mom there and he said, um my grandma lives farther away then your grandma and I wanted kelty to come over and play but the day is almost over. I asked if it would be okay for another time and he said yes and hung up the phone. Later that night I asked Kelty about her cute friend and she showed me that he gave her two stickers at school. I asked if she wanted to go play with him another time and at first she said, I can't because I like Caden. This was the end of our conversation. Brett and I laughed about this when I told him what had happened that day. (I think I figured out the grandma part in the phone conversation because Kelty's grandma picked her up from school so this cute friend's mother must have told him that Kelty couldn't come over and play because she was with her grandma)

Thursday I got a call from Kelty's friend again before school and he asked very politely if Kelty could come over after school and play. I asked Kelty if she wanted to and she said yes. She also colored him a picture that she got from Monday night's Family Home Evening - We talked about Heavenly Father's plan for me (not that this meant anything in particular). After school, Kelty's friend said come on Kelty you can come over and play and she got in their car and I followed her over so I knew where to pick her up at. I already know this family so it was perfectly fine. I just couldn't believe it already. You could tell this little boy likes my Kelty. When I came to pick up Kelty she was all smiles. Her friends mother called to tell me that I think my little guy loves Kelty because they were watching a movie and he put his hand on her arm. I was just smiling because I just know the innocence in all of this.

So I asked my little Kelty what happened and the conversation went something like this....

Mom.. Now when you play with your friend (boy and any other boys) remember that you are both friends and please use your manners at his home and be very kind.

Kelty..OK

Mom... And please don't play like you are a princess and the boy is a prince. (I don't know where I was trying to go with this but you all understand) We don't kiss okay honey because you want to be friends and have fun playing.

Kelty.. Ok. but is it ok to get a kiss on the cheek?

Mom.. What have you been kissed on the cheek?

Kelty.. Yes!

Mom.. Well I know your friend probably likes you but you need to tell him that you just want to play and that kissing is for when you are alot older and

Kelty.. I know the temple when I am 24. But mom I still want to marry Caden.

Mom.. Okay well we are done talking.

New year Resolutions....

Who still does these anyways? I really haven't been serious when it comes to new year resolutions. This past Christmas my mother gave a really good family home evening/christmas devotional. We usually write our traditional letters to Jesus and write goals to do through out the year which is our gift to Jesus however this year was a little different. My mother shared the story of the 2000 stripling warriors. The Ammonites had made an oath and a covenant to their God to bury their weapons of war and to never shed blood anymore or they would perish. When they saw danger and the many afflictions the Nephites bore they were desirous to take up arms in defence of their country but as they were about to take up their weapons Helaman feared they would lose their souls. They had many sons who had not entered into the covenant of not taking their weapons to defend themselves against their enemies. These sons did assemble themselves together and as many as were able to take up arms they called themselves Nephites and they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites to protect the land. They were valiant and were men who were true at all times. They had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before God. This was my mother's introduction into making new year resolutions. She gave us each a paper and envelope and had us write down any weakness or sin (weapons of war) that we wanted to bury (get rid of) and to add a personal goal that would lift us up and help us to walk uprightly before the Lord. Well, put it this way and I had no problem writting down one of my weaknesses to bury at the end of the 2008 year. For those of you who know me really well I have this huge weakness for my favorite soda drink, Dr. Pepper! It really is a dessert to me like it says on the commercials. I had to make it a goal to bury it before the 31st of December because my mom would often say that whatever you do on the last day of the year will set the tone for the year to come. So I pray never to be sick on New Years Eve because I want to have a healthy year for the new year. I also try to run that last day so I would be able to continue to run for the new year as well. I know this is so silly but I didn't have a Dr. Pepper on the last day of the year and I am going strong but mostly I write this not to share my weakness with others but because it has been easier to give up because of the spirit in which my mother introduced the new year resolutions. I haven't had those strong headaches I am so use to having. I also have a daughter who reminds me everytime I would buy my dessert (drink) that I was not choosing the right because she once wanted to take a sip and I would not let her because I told her it was a bad drink for her little body. I am thankful that each year we can take some time to reflect on the old year and to try to find ways to improve ourselves in the new year. I pray for a better year but more then anything I just want to be happy with where I am in life and to be grateful for living in this beautiful country and for the freedoms we have to worship and to leave our homes in safety everyday. We are so blessed!! And like the legacy of the stripling warriors I do want to keep the commandments and walk uprightly before the Lord.

Two words...Heavenly Bliss!

This morning we woke up to some fresh powder at the cabin. We couldn't resist to go out again on the snowmobiles one last time before we left. We were up at the cabin for the New year celebration and weekend. The snow was perfect for today and the temps were freezing!!!

Teagan gets mad when we leave her. She wants to go with us. She runs and gets her boots on and then tells us she is going with us. We take her for a ride but not too far. Her sister Kelty wouldn't even go for a ride because she gets "jack frost" so she claims.

That is Brett out there!

That is me. Can you tell? So 2 out of 3 days I got stuck. Brett was very patient with me probably because he took me riding off the trails. See below!

Mike and Chase helping me get unstuck.

That is my machine right there stuck.

Brett having way too much fun.

My friend Jen is basking in the Florida rays right now but check out Brett working on his snow tan! He still looks white to me. I think he was smothered in sunblock.

New Years Eve - Our family has a tradition of "little New Year" coming and filling our stockings. This is what it looked like at the cabin. Christmas all over again. Little New Years was good to me!

Kelty excitted to open her stocking gifts. When she came down to wake up Brett - She said that Uncle Sean told me to wake you up and Brett was still half asleep and he said to her sternly, NO and so she left crying and wouldn't talk to Brett when he came upstairs. She sat by Sean and Ariel. Brett didn't realize Kelty was trying to wake him up for Little New Year's gifts. Sorry kelty!

Last winter Grandpa and Grandma wanted the girls to go in the hot tub but I didn't bring the girls swimming suits so they told them they could wear their pajamas. They have remembered this and wanted to go into the hot tub this time in their pajamas but the hot tub wasn't working so Grandpa filled up the bath tub with bubbles and had the jets going to they could pretend it was the hot tub. They had a blast.

Teagan sledding by herself. She is so independent and doesn't want help getting dressed or going down the sledding hill.

These girls and their signature mermaid poses!


We tried to get a family picture of us in the snow but notice Teagan off to the left. Hmmm. So help me!!