Jaxon's Baptism

Jaxon was baptised October 9, 2010. It was a wonderful day for our family. Jaxon has such a fun, happy, loving, and giving personality. It was such a blessing to see him so excited and happy about being baptised. We had a very spiritual experience when he was baptised, it was wonderful. After the service John's sisters put together a wonderful luncheon. My friend Betta took a few snap shots during the luncheon so we could remember this wonderful day!

It's GREAT to be 8!

Our little Man!

He didn't like getting his pictures taken, but he was a trooper!

John & Jaxon

Me & Jax

Our little family.

The Phillips Gals.

I didn't have time to edit this picture, but I think it's a great family picture for the Phillips clan!

Jaxon's 8th Birthday

Jaxon finally turned 8! What a wonderful time for our family. It was just amazing! I can't believe how big he is, and what a great person he is turning out to be. This year we planned a Star Wars themed birthday party. I had a lot of great idea's, and many wonderful family members and friends who came to help and support! We invited his ENTIRE (yes, you read that right...entire) 2nd grade class. I learned a very valuable lesson in what the true meaning of RSVP is (pretty much, nobody rsvp's).

Christmas in July?

I drove into work the other day and there was Christmas Music on the radio! I LOVED IT!! Whahoo!!! I love Christmas!!! As I started to notice...many stores, and shops around town started to celebrate Christmas in July. I love, love, love it! I even watched Christmas Vacation with Jaxon last night! Jaxon does the best impression of Aunt Bethany in that movie..."Did I break wind"... and "The Blessing..." are my favorites! I then found myself going through old pictures from one of my old email accounts and I found this one:

This is Valorey, Grandpa Phillips "Santa", and Jaxon in 2006 (I think). I remember this day so vividly. Dad came over to surprise the kids before Christmas. Jaxon was so excited to see Santa, and Valorey knew right away that it was Grandpa Phillips. So, for that year, Jaxon called every Santa that he saw...Grandpa Phillips Santa!

My Baby Went to Scout Camp!

I can't believe Jaxon is so HUGE! Time has just flown by! Jaxon had the fun opportunity to go to Scout Camp with the Weeblos (how the heck do you spell that anyway) this year...only because John was called as the Cub Scout Master. Jaxon will officially be in Cub Scouts in October. I don't know anything about Scouts, but I know that Jaxon is so looking forward to being a "BOY SCOUT".

Jaxon with the Scouts.

Yep, that's Jaxon - with a REAL bow and arrow. It's a good thing that I wasn't there because that scares me to death... A bunch of 10 year old boys...with bow and arrows around my baby? Yikes!

4th of July Weekend 2010

We had a wonderful Independence Day…weekend…celebration. Friday night was spent preparing for Saturday. Saturday, we went to the West Jordan parade. It was unusually cold during the parade, and I found myself wrapped in a quilt until almost noon! I didn’t take any pictures at the parade because selfishly, I spent most of it finishing the book, “The Help”, by Kathryn Stockett. I loved it! Once the parade was over we headed to John’s parents for some dinner and fireworks.

Sunday we went to Wolf Creek with John’s parents. We took Valorey with us. We swam, watched movies, and then spent all day Monday at Pineview Reservoir. It was a little chilly, but it didn’t keep Valorey and Jaxon out of the water! I just relaxed on the shore while John spent some time fishing. It was very relaxing! We hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! Most importantly, we are so grateful for our Country and those that sacrifice for us!

See...I was there too!

Weight Loss Update ***

Here I am... Well, this was taken the first part of June.

Looking at those pictures of my wedding in my last post…I can remember feeling so “fat”. Why did I ever do that to myself? I look at them now and think, wow, I looked pretty dang good!

It’s no secret that I’ve never been a skinny girl. After High School I finally took control of my lifestyle and heredity and lost a bunch of weight. It took a lot of HARD work, and I ran 5 miles every day. Even during my “marathon training” days I still weighted 150 lbs! I kept the weight off until, hormones, and pregnancy set in…since then, well, I haven’t been so happy with myself. I have spent many years working towards weight loss, and I have had a new awakening!

Well, as of today, I’m only 14 pounds away from my goal weight!! I decided that I needed to post a weight loss update. This picture isn’t very good, but it’s something. It was taken when Emily & I went to the Park City Condo for a night to get away. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and thought…I wonder what I look like…not looking at myself. Emily was so nice to me…giving me compliments and telling me how good I looked. I still think she looks skinnier than ever, even at 9 months pregnant!

Anyhow, I want to get some new family pictures taken so I will post them after we get them taken. I fell terrific! I have so much more energy than before, and I love shopping…and fitting into a size 8-10! I still have a sweet tooth that hasn’t gone away, but I have so much greater appreciation for what I eat, how I exercise, and the things that my body is able to do. I feel very blessed! For now, I'll just keep working!

Thanks Em, for being my friend through "thick & thin"! And don't kill me for posting this prego picture! You look great!!!

Nine Years & Counting

WE MADE IT!!!

Today is our 9th Anniversary! I am so excited. I haven’t felt this good in a long time! We have had a few very hard years, and I am so happy to have those times behind us. We have learned, grown, forgiven, loved, and appreciated each other – time and time again.

Last year at this same time my life seemed so hopeless. I feel so bright, happy and proud of who I am and what I have accomplished in my life. I am so grateful that I have a very loving husband and the most wonderful son in the world! I am truly lucky! Nine years ago, I knew I was making the right decision…without a doubt! I am so glad that I did!

Happy Anniversary John! I love you!

Jaxon Finished 1st Grade with honors!

Jaxon finished his year in First Grade! He did awesome! He finished the year being recognized with Honors in the Honor Society! I am so proud of him, and I can't believe how fast my little man is growing up! He loved his first grade teacher, Mrs. Soelberg. She was amazing! She truly puts the word "each" in "teach"!

FHE with Grandpa Steve & Grandma Cheryl

I had an experience last week that had significant impact on my life.

Mother’s Day weekend we went to Utah County for a family function. Minutes after arriving, and with no incident or provocation at a family member’s home, John was told that he is no longer welcome at their home. The family member proceeded to walk John and Jaxon to his front door, and unkindly left them both standing on the front porch wondering what was happening.

I was downstairs unaware of the incident, and minutes later, when I found out, I was extremely embarrassed and very humiliated (for John & myself). It was a very saddening experience for us. Not only was I sad, but I was very upset and hurt by this particular event. John handled it with dignity and it did not seem to get under his skin as it did mine.

Since this event, I have thought a lot about how much it hurts to be judged, and more importantly how I have severely judged the individual who uninvited my husband in his home. Several times I have thought to myself, “How could anyone be so rude, unforgiving, and insensitive.” I have had ill feelings for this person ever since.

Last night during FHE at Steve’s we had a lesson on judgment. We read the story of Lazarus. We then read sections of a talk given in General Conference by Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer of the Seventy. I remember hearing this talk during conference, but did not quite have the impact that the “refresher” did last night.

Elder Schwitzer said, “We live in a world in which many situations require us to make judgments that are often difficult. Yet the Savior gave the commandment to “judge not” our fellowman. How can we do this and still exercise good judgment in a world full of deception and corruption?...Although the Savior asked us not to judge others, He still expects us to use excellent judgment. We may often find ourselves making quick judgments about people, which can change or redefine our relationships with them. Often incorrect judgments are made because of limited information or because we do not see beyond that which is immediately in front of us.”

I know that I have found myself in situations where I have quickly judged others and have been unforgiving, and downright rude myself. It was a learning experience for me during this lesson, and I found that I need to be the person that I know I need to be, and not worry about what others may do around me. On a lighter note, we had a wonderful Family Home Evening with Steve, Cheryl, David & their new Korean exchange student. We had a great time!

"Grandpa Steve" & Jaxon

Yep, that's right...that's Jaxon...Driving by himself. I almost had a heart attack. Steve & Cheryl kept telling me to "Chill".

John & Jaxon

Jaxon said, "Mom, you're a big chicken!"

Steve trying to teach me how to drive a 4 wheeler.

Jaxon & "Grandma Cheryl"

Good Old Sinclair

On the 9th of this month...it will be two years since Dad passed away. I stopped at the Sinclair on 54th South 9th East on my way back from a meeting. I couldn't help but think of my dad. I have fond memories of that station, as my dad took me here several times when I would go to work with him. Dad was a regional manager for Sinclair Oil and had stations all over intermountain region. I have a picture somewhere at home where I'm sitting right here in front of the station driving a Go-Kart.

This is also one of the stations that all of us "P-Kids" would mow lawns during the summer. I remember being so humiliated that I had to mow lawns. I remember thinking, "I will just die if anyone I know sees me mowing lawn!" How silly is that! Sad, but true. We mowed lawns for my dads service stations for two or maybe three summers that I can remember. I was so sad to find out that Sinclair has closed several of their stores. I have so many memories of the "little green Dino". I even bought a coffee mug (for hot chocolate people) that says Sinclair on it to keep at my desk at work. When I went into the service station the clerk told me that she remembered my dad. She's worked there for 15 years and waiting to find out if the Holding kids are selling her store. I felt sad. I'm now scrambling to buy a green blow up Dino for Jaxon...just in case they close everything. For today, it was a fond memory of my dad. I'm sure he didn't always love his job, but he made his kids feel like it was important to him, and he worked hard. I appreciate him for showing me that.

Santa's Christmas Surprise 2009

I know this is a little late in posting... But I've just got to put this in here! We had a Ward Christmas Party last December & Santa came to visit. It happened to be the night of my dads birthday, so it seemed like an even more special day. Jaxon knew exactly what he wanted...

He closed his eyes and made a wish...

And he asked Santa for... A Puppy. He told John and I all December long that all he wanted for Christmas was 1-His family back (John and I were work on our marriage, and were bringing our family back together), and 2-A Puppy. Last year we had two pure bread Golden Retrievers. Unfortunately due to several circumstances (surgery, separation, finances, and soforth) we had to give them away, and they found a new home. "Santa" called me and told me that our dogs had a puppy and wanted to know if we were ready for one.

When we got home from the Christmas Party there was something waiting for Jaxon under the Christmas tree. I love how big his eyes are in this picture!

He opened the box...with dad's help of course.

And was so surprised that Santa had brought him an early Christmas present.

This little guy's name is BUDDY.

I felt like a million dollars that night. Jaxons punch stained smile was from ear to ear for days!

Notice the wii remotes are off to the side, and Jaxon has a new toy to play with!

Jaxon & Buddy.

Jaxon's best Christmas surprise ever! We had a wonderful Christmas that we spent together as a family. I am happy to say that we were officially a family again, and Jaxon had another best friend. It was truly wonderful, and we were very blessed!