Trip that changed our family

So this trip took place a couple of months ago; actually at the beginning of the summer. But we barely were able to get them on the computer since we used a disposable camera. Anyway, I had to post this trip because I think it really changed our family forever. We were hiking up past Trial Lake which shouldn't have been a big deal but maybe we shouldn't have been doing it with Raiyah. One of our favorite things to do is hike in the snow. So when all the roads were closed to cars, and you could tell no one had hiked where we were going we were excited. It was the most beautiful day. To make a long story short we had to cross a huge river but couldn't find a suitable place to cross. We found a "bridge" that really did seem safe. I crossed and turned to wait for Ryan to cross with Raiyah on his back. Next was one of the most horrible moments of my life. As Ryan stepped to the middle of the bridge the entire thing gave out from underneath him. They both crashed straight into the river. All I could think of was my tiny angel drowning or freezing to death in the river and we were several miles away from anywhere. As I raced down the river about to jump in, some how Ryan was able to pull both he and Raiyah out of the water after being submerged and almost bogged down by the bridge that had just fell onto them from above. There were no dry clothes for either of them so I put my wind jacket around Raiyah and prayed for the best. We hiked back down the mountain as fast as possible. I know our little family was being watched over that day. The outcome could have and probably should have been so much worse. I still have nightmares of seeing them crash into the river and still count my blessings every day that my family is safe by my side, and that my husband had the skill and strength to get out of the river. It was one moment in my life I will not forget and reminds me that we need to watch over and make sure our children know how much we love them every moment.

After I knew they were okay I decided I needed a picture to remind us of this day so I quickly took a picture of them and the place where the bridge had been.

January Happenings

I think this is my favorite picture I have of Raiyah. This picture captures her personality perfectly.She is such a happy girl. I just laugh every time I see this picture thinking of all the wonderful little things about her.

We started a tradition a couple of years ago to hike to the flag in Centerville on New Years Day and replace the flag. Hiking is probably the number one thing I miss being pregnant. My Dad and Ryan banned me when I was about six months pregnant from going with them anymore, it was a pretty sad day. Anyway they seemed to have a great time on the hike.

Our family loves playing in the snow. Yes I still go out even though my snow suit won't zip up around my belly :) Sledding and rolling around in the snow have become two of Raiyah's favorite things to do on a cold wintry day.

Ryan really enjoys going snow shoeing with his Uncle Todd. They decided to go up to the cabin in Adam's Canyon I believe in Layton. They had a really good time. It took them a little longer than expected due to the storm that came in but had a good time. Ryan loved the cabin. Some hunter's built it in the 70's and now anyone can go and just have a good time. Everyone replenishes the wood and food when they go so all can enjoy.

December Happenings

Christmas was really special this year. My Dad and Mom worked really hard to make these two presents. They will be treasures my family will always keep. Raiyah loves her rocking horse she has named, "Boy" and loves putting all of her Doll's to bed in the cradle. I'm really grateful they took the time to make these priceless gifts for Raiyah and our other children to come.

Christmas really starts to change when you have children of your own. We went to a party at Ryan's Aunt Dottie's house where Santa and Mrs. Claus showed up. Raiyah was sooo excited. She just sat and talked to him for a very long time. Usually you just run up and get to sit on Santa's lap for a minute but they got all the time they wanted. It was very special for Raiyah. I love seeing the little twinkling in her eye when she is really happy.

Turning two has big a big step in Raiyah's life. She changes so much every day. She now talks in three word sentences and comes up with the funniest things. She tells me all about her dreams every night which is always about: church, nursery, Brinkley, Jack, or her bear and Cocoa her lamb. She still loves to cuddle in bed with Mom and Dad, have Daddy run after her and "get scared." She sings constantly about everything she see's, loves to play her violin (a styrafoam violin with a wood bow) while I play mine, do gymnastics, play dress up, and play in the snow.
I honestly wouldn't ask for anything to change about my sweet little two year old. It's true they want to push every button and although it drives me nuts sometimes I am glad she is finding her self and trying to see where her limits are in life. Happy birthday my lil angel.

Max at the Temple

I wanted to post these pictures and say how proud I am of my dear friend, Max Laforet. For those of you who don't know about Max he was my pen pal from Haiti who introduced me to the wonderful world of humanitarian work, sacrifice, love, and compassion for a people who I consider some of the most beautiful on this earth. We wrote for seven years talking about starting our own school in Haiti and how we could change the world. In 2000 I was able to start that wonderful journey. And now since May2007 Max has been going to UVU to obtain a degree in elementary education, and adiministration so he can some day help to run schools in Haiti. The fact that Max is here is a miracle in itself. They never let single, male, Haitians leave the country. They are too much of a "fligh risk." But with many prayers, phone calls, letters, and miracle workers Max is here gaining his education.
If you've ever been in a church congregation in a third world country you know that the people are devoted. They walk many many miles to get to church, or a temple. People will sell house and all they own just to attend the temple. The members in Haiti have to take a bus about ten hours, and a couple of hundred dollars later to attend the Dominican Republic Temple. They make so many sacrifices to serve their Lord. I was so touched a couple of weeks ago for Max to be able to receive his endowment at the Timpanogas Temple. I know Max is destined for incredible things because of all the miracles that have been had in his life. I am thankful to be a witness of the Lord's work and his hand in our lives. Did I mention how he was converted? After many letters talking about the church I told him to somehow go find our church and talk to the missionaries. I had yet to know how the church functioned in Haiti. So I just had faith he would find someone to talk to. As he walked into a tiny church house in the middle of the most populated city in Haiti he found two Elders sitting in a room and showed them my picture and said he wanted to hear the gospel. Another miracle, one of the Elders was one of my really good friends from Centerville Utah. You can imagine the shock he got when some random Haitian had my picture and wanted to learn about the church. Again, I know the Lord is aware of us and all we do. He guides our life and will help us find the things that will make us most happy. I didn't mean to make this some sermon but I am in awe of how blessed I've been to be a part of Max's life, and the world of Haiti.

Pierced Ears

Well, I feel like I might be officially a mean Mom. Ryan told me I couldn't pierce Raiyah's ears until she could atleast ask for them to be done. She has started wanting to put my earrings on and always talks about how pretty they are. I decided that this was her asking for earrings. :) I would put the video on but Ryan said we have to erase it. It might give her nightmares down the road. She was not happy. I felt horrible sitting there holding her head still while they poked a needle in her ear. As you can see she was VERY tired when we got to the car, it was a little emotional. Everyone kept looking at us like we were bad parents as we walked around the mall afterwards and she was sucking on two suckers. But I think she deserved two. Anyway, would I do it again? Yes. But probably when she was younger so she wouldn't notice. For a while there when people said 'how pretty her earrings are' she would kind of lean her head to the side and just say, "hurts". But now she quickly responds "pretty". So I think we are okay. And I think she is adorable with her cute little ears pierced.

BABY BOY!!!

I've had a lot of bugged people lately when they find out I've known forever what sex the baby is. I cannot find his cute little picture but as soon as I do I will post it. But yes, we are having a BOY!!! We are really excited. I'm not quite sure what we will do with a boy. Everyone tells me he will be my little side kick just like Raiyah likes to be with Ryan. we will see. Ryan made them do a double check when they did the ultrasound just to be positive he was getting his little rugby player. :) We are excited for this new adventure. Jenn made me laugh the other day. She pointed out that Me, Jenn, and Em (we grew up our whole lives together) have all had a girl first than a boy. So, if trends keep up I will just depend on what Jenns ultrasound (in a couple of weeks) will say for the third kid. I love that all of my friends started their families before me. it's nice to know I can always call someone with a question or concern about my family.
Anyway, it's a boy. No more complaints from anyone that I didn't tell you it is a boy.

USA RUGBY GAME

We had so much fun going to the USA Rugby game! Ryan bought the tickets months ago and has been waiting in anticipation. I really enjoyed watching it as well. I don't know how anyone gets excited watching football after they've seen rugby; the game never stops. They just keep getting up and going. Love the action. Ryan was able to get his Viewmont Rugby boys to be the "ball runners" I believe they called it. They were pretty excited to be so close to such big name rugby players. Ryan also swore in for his next three years of National Guard. We both obviously have mixed emotions about that but felt like it was the right decision. It was an honor to have the General come to swear him in at the game. They decided to do it at the rugby game to show how someone in the National Guard can impact the community. I've been proud of Ryan for being in the National Guard, coaching Viewmont Rugby, and playing for Utah's Mens Rugby Team, Haggis. He loves this game!