These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

I keep waiting for "something" to happen so I can blog, but I really haven't had anything exciting happen, so I just thought I write some stuff that I love about my life....

1) A couple of minutes ago, we could hear Jonathan sneaking down the hall (I have no idea where he gets that). When I saw his little head poke its way around the corner and say, "Mommy," Garrett took off running in a mad dash for him. He was scared to death until he heard me start giggling and then, he started giggling too. Garrett caught him and put him to bed....wonderful!

2) I took Gabe to the store yesterday. Everything I picked out to buy, Gabe would say, "Love it." And as he goes around the store with me, he does this jump thing when he runs. It's like he jumps up and his legs kick out a little and then he runs some and jumps and kicks and runs some more. I'm not describing it very well, but it's so cute.

3) Jacob likes to barrel into my legs and get hugs, but he doesn't want to be picked up. He just wants to walk around until he finds another set of legs that will hug him (often he finds me again).

4) Gabe likes to kiss my nose - Isn't that strange? But it's so sweet and I love it. When I lay down with him for his naps, he puts his little face an inch from mine, kisses my nose, smiles so sweet and just is so cute, I can hardly stand for him to go to sleep....

5) Jonathan gave the FHE lesson tonight (Garrett works a night shift tomorrow). He chose to do it on the same lesson he got in church - the Word of Wisdom. He loved using the flannel board stories Garrett's mom made and hang up the pictures of good food and bad food. Then, when he bore his testimony to finish, he said, "I'd like to bear my testimony that I'm a good person and I don't eat that bad stuff or make smoke with those things."

6) Jacob loves being all alone with me and Garrett. He basks in the attention he's getting from both parents.

7) Gabe has a habit of running around in circles and growling the songs we sing for Scripture Study or FHE. So there we have "I love to see the (growl) temple. I'm going there some (growl) day. To feel the holy (growl) spirit......I think you get the picture.

8) When we watch the little scripture things from the church's website, Jonathan insists on watching the same one over and over again.

9) I know its cliche how cute kids are when they sleep, but well......they really are.

10) I bore my testimony in church today (with my children waving from the back row). I know it's something that is good to do, but I really don't enjoy it. I stress out trying to get the guts to do it, while I try to figure out exactly what to say. Then, after its done, I stress about what I should and shouldn't have said. But anyway, when I got done, and I'm trying not to look at anyone and get back to my seat, I sat down and Garrett slid his arm around my shoulders. Is there a better feeling....?

The Boys and Their Activities

Garrett did a lot of stuff with the boys the other day. Here is Jacob and Gabe with him on the 4-wheeler. A few minutes later, he got all four boys on at once (Jacob on front and Gabe and Jonathan on the rack.)

Jonathan, Jacob, and Gabe playing in the tub.

Jonathan learning to cast with his new fishing rod.

Jonathan and Gabe protecting our home from another monster (they're everywhere!).

Jonathan's 5th Birthday 2009

Well, although it's been more than a week - Here's the pictures from the birthday party:

I borrowed this one from Carissa's blog. This is Uncle Shawn with Hadley and Jonathan with his new R/C vehicle.

Gabe and Jonathan with the R2D2 cake - even when he was sick, he kept asking if he was going to have a Star Wars Cake - And Grandma came through.

Grandma and Grandpa with Jacob.

Grandpa with Jonathan and his new glasses.

Happy Birthday Cousin Vince!

Three years old is great,
But it’s better to be four.
And if you don’t believe me,
Just knock on Vincent’s door.

For today he celebrates
His birthday. Yay! Horay!
How wonderful it feels
Is what he’ll proudly say.

This little guy is cute
And lots of fun, to boot.
Just ask my little boys
They think he’s a hoot!

For when they go to play
At grandma’s house they find
That Vincent likes to play
The games of the same kind.

And the smile that makes
His eyes twinkle and shine
Is endearing to this aunt
I proudly claim him mine

He’s always welcome here
At our house any time.
Vincent we love you.
We hope you like this rhyme!

Happy Birthday Vincent!
We loved playing with you last week!
We hope your day is fantastic!

(And to your parents, good luck with the move!)

Happy Birthday Uncle Ben!

My brother-in-law Ben
Lives in a far-off land
They still have birthdays there
Or so I understand!

And so, although he’s far away,
This poem to him I send,
With a few kind words
To spotlight Doctor Ben.

Ben – he has a way
Of making people feel
Like they are truly great
And have his friendship’s seal.

He also had an eye
For women of great worth
For him to capture Becki’s heart
Makes him of noble birth!

And, on those days of gloom,
When boredom strikes again
Find our birthday boy
For a “portable party” is Ben.

And he loves his folks,
His sisters and his brothers.
They know that he’d live closer
If he but had his ‘druthers’.

And now that he’s a father
With two boys – Oh so cute!
His chest sticks out with pride
Their praise, he proudly toots!

Oh Ben! Our family’s lucky
To have you in the pack.
And when the army lets you go
We’ll gladly take you back!

Tid Bits

Just some tidbits:

Jonathan's b-day party was so fun. We got to see lots of family (Thanks to all who came!) and cousins that have grown up so much. Sadly, Jonathan didn't feel good enough to enjoy much, but he got some really nice gifts that we have enjoyed as he is feeling better.

Jacob is officially walking!!! He's so cute and so proud of himself.

Friday and Saturday are my last two poems to complete my goal of a full year of poems for everyone's birthday. I can imagine there are some deep breaths of relief, and at least one disappointed groan (from my darling brother-in-law Shawn, who says he loves them, and consequently reins at the top of my favorite person list!!!). So, Uncle Ben and Cousin Vincent, stay tuned.....

Happy Birthday Grandma Vickie!

Well, here’s another poem to share with you today.
And spread a little cheer for one more “Happy Birthday”
My poem today’s about the mom of Garrett’s family.
And I feel quite anxious to share how she has blessed me.

First off, there is the greatest love in all my heart.
For on the stage of Garrett’s life, she played a major part.
She nurtured, loved, and tended him from boy to man
And now still continues to do all she can.

Then, there is the love of learning she always shows.
Regardless of the passing years, this love only grows.
And if the family has forgotten any date
Mom’s journals have it all – the details are first rate!
She has a tremendous love for her family
And does all she can to preserve her history.

She has so many skills she’s polished and refined.
Throughout her life, she worked hard to fill her mind.
Cooking, canning, sewing – to name just a few
And then there is her art – Oh my! What she can do!

And this mother heart still yearns for her children – eight!
And all her darling grandkids, to see each, she can’t wait.
I feel truly grateful for this woman in my life
And for the man who calls her mom – to whom I am wife
Mom, we love you and we send thanks for all you do!
You make our lives better – Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Shayla and Jonathan!

March 12th is a special day – special to my life.
Especially since I became a mother and a wife.

I got my second sister when I was six years old.
It didn’t take long to see she was worth more than gold.
From her earliest years, it was plain to see
That Shayla was a special part of my family.

A natural leader, noble, beautiful, and good.
Making it look easy, she did just what she should.
This makes it sound like her life’s a piece of cake
But Shayla just does her best, in all that she has stake.

And that’s the thing that is for me – my favorite part
The way she gives all she has – To me, it is an art.
From singing, dancing, schoolwork, to wife and mother too
She digs right in, does her share – like she always knew.

And yet, if you talk with her, she makes you feel at ease.
Giving practical advice without a lot of cheese.
And she makes it sound like you thought of it yourself
Truly she is better than Santa’s first class elf!

And of all her feats, her family’s her magnum opus.
Seeing all her daughters know – It looks like ‘hocus pocus’.
Now with her first son – She and David may feel like newbies!
But Shayla, it’s easy to see that your price is “far above rubies.”
(I love this pictures of her!)

Twenty-three years later, on the very same date.
I delivered our first child, ‘tho he came quite late.
Well…..at least that’s how I felt – ‘tho a mere four days.
All the pain was quick forgot, when on him, I did gaze.

His face was so angelic – with those big blue eyes
How his whole body lights right up when he gets surprised.
For one whole year “truck” was the only word he said.
But through his expressions, so much more was expressed.

Now he’s five years old and full of ideas grand.
Both my mom and dad will certainly understand
How he can remember almost every word I say;
It comes back to haunt me almost every single day!

He’s oh! So very honest when I ask if he was nice.
“Kinda I was and kinda I wasn’t”, is his unique reply!
He loves the gospel, scripture study, family home ev’ning.
“I Love to See the Temple” he and Gabe can really sing!

I love the way he tackles me and his dad in a bear hug
(‘Tho it should be the other way) It makes me feel so loved!
Jonathan, “my first born in the wilderness”,
I hope you know mom thinks you are the very best!

Oh My Sweet Boy!

Garrett came home late tonight because of scouts and a work meeting that went late, so I told Jonathan that he could watch one show on TV and then, they had to turn the TV off. I got busy cleaning up upstairs and lost track of time. Jonathan came to the stairs and said, "Mom, I turned the TV off; my show got over." I was so touched. It's times like these when I want to keep him this age forever and feel lucky for the opportunity to be a mom!

No Pictures!

I'm not going to be able to share any pictures for a while - I left my camera at my parent's home this weekend. But soon, soon, I'll post more.

Happy Birthday Mandi!

Happy Birthday Mandi – Today’s your special day.
I like to send my birthday wish in this rhyming way!
And I know a little bit about her life – the present stage
Because we both have 3 boys and they’re almost the same age!

To be a mom AND work – We both know what it’s like
Staying home, we now can put our hearts into our tykes!
And Mandi does it all with grace – she always seems prepared
As I worry over each new step – she’s never ever scared.

I’ve seen the love in her eyes as she gives hugs and kisses
To her nieces and nephews – They feel that them she misses!
Her homes are always nice and neat – We’ve loved staying there!
The walls are decorated with so much thoughtful care.

I’m glad to know and love her – this great woman in my life
She’s means much more to me than just my husband’s brother’s wife.
Happy Birthday Mandi Kay – May your day be wonderful.
May Brandon and your little men make you feel like the family jewel!

Welcome and Happy Birthday Nathan!

Today Nathan David was born into the world
He’s the first little boy after three darling girls
"What will this life hold for him?" Your mind may be asking.
"How will he fit in with pink dresses, songs, and dancing?"

But don’t you worry! You’ve never seen so much joy
From this family who is truly thrilled to have a boy!
Knowing your Uncle Joseph survived sisters too
May put your mind at ease or may truly frighten you!

Congrats to David and Shayla and girls!

Happy Brithday Zoey!

Jenn learned that she was pregnant – Due the end of May.
This sweet surprise she saved to tell Joseph the next day.
When she told Joseph as an anniversary gift,
The corners of his mouth – Boy! How they did lift!

During the first three months, Jenn began to crave
Hamburgers and taffy – with those little nausea waves.
A few days after Christmas, she felt the baby move.
The movements started small – but became quite a groove.
When Jenn felt these little bits of motion at the start,
She felt her love for this child grow within her heart.

Then in January, “It’s a girl,” came the big news.
And so they planned her homecoming with this little clue.
Filling up a nursery – decorations on the walls.
Cute little outfits and a place for future dolls.

After a long three months, the third term finally came.
And “Zoey” was official – this would be the perfect name!
March 3rd was pizza night!
Zoey wiggled her delight!
Maybe Zoey’s favorite food, as mom’s, would be the same!

That evening, mom and dad discussed the perfect blessing gown.
Sharing dreams of that special life that made mom’s tummy round.

When they went to bed, Jenn thought it rather strange
That Zoey wasn’t moving much – an unusual change.
By the next night, this mommy knew that something wasn’t right.
Giving her tummy a shake, she asked Zoey, “Are you alright?”.
Holding close to her those words she couldn’t bring herself to say
And could not answer Joseph’s question, “Is the baby ok?”
But laid there as though asleep, consumed with her fears;
The only sign that she heard: her silent, aching tears.

After a priesthood blessing, they spoke with the doc on-call
When the nurse couldn’t find a heartbeat, she vanished down the hall.
An ultrasound was the next step, the doctor made a start
And quickly brought to their view Zoey’s still and silent heart.

The doctor said, “I’m sorry”. Jenn felt her heart go numb.
“We’ll be ok,” “We’ll get through this” the only words to come.
They could induce the labor or just go home and wait.
The couple chose to remain although the hour was quite late.

For eleven hours, Jenn labored the morning through
Beyond the pains of body, Jenn’s soul must have suffered too.
And Joseph so unable to remove from her the pain
He must have pled, “God, please help her,” time and time again.

Finally, the little angel into their arms was placed:
Perfect and beautiful. Such a tiny little face.
They were there together as a family
And the peace that they felt bridged eternity.

“Zoey Brenlyn was born March 5, 2003 at 10:58 am. She weighed 2 lbs. 4 1/2 oz. and was 13 1/2 inches long. She had a head full of beautiful dark hair. She was perfect in every way and had a spirit so pure that she was called back to her Heavenly home without having to endure the trials of this life. We buried her on March 8 in Price next to Jenn's sister Jamie. Though we won't have the opportunity to raise her here on earth, we look forward to the day that she joins our eternal family once again.”
From the diary of Jenn D Zollinger

We love you Zoey - We feel so lucky that you are part of our family! Happy 5th birthday!

Dear Daddy

Jonathan and Gabe just wrote letters (which are papers covered with pictures and lines) to Garrett and stuck them in his slippers.

As Jonathan "wrote", he said:

Dear Daddy,
I hope you see this note. I know you like to take showers to get ready to the hospital. I know you love me.

I just love how much my boys love their dad. I want to remember these cute little notes to dad when they grow up and perhaps forget to say this kind of stuff...