Mother's Day!

I'm not going to lie, I still think it's kinda weird that I'm a mother, and that "Mother's Day" is now for me and not just my mom and grandma, but I love every minute of it. :) Torbin's smiles and snuggles are the best in the world. He melts my heart! He also breaks my heart when he's sick, or sad. But I love being the one to be able to comfort him.
So, for Mother's Day, to treat myself, but also the grandmas, we decided family pictures were in order. We went to Foto Fly and had a great experience. Here's a few of our cute family!

He Is Risen

Jon and I had the amazing opportunity to go to Jerusalem last February as we were visiting friends in Jordan. We were only there for one day, but it was a day we will not soon forget. Our friends couldn't come with us, so we hired a guide who gave us a personalized tour of the city. We learned a lot and saw the sights that we have always read about. It seems like a dream that we were ever really there, but every once in awhile we are reminded...

As I was reading the article "The Purifying Power of Gethsemane" by Bruce R. McConkie in this last Ensign I was again brought back to our experience in Jerusalem. More specifically, in reading his testimony I was taken back to the Garden Tomb and the sign on the door... "He is not here- For He is Risen". Many people go to Jerusalem expecting to gain a testimony, but that didn't happen for us; we went with a testimony. Everything we saw just confirmed what we already knew. But as much as I try, my words just don't say it right, so here are Elder McConkie's words:

"I feel, and the Spirit seems to accord, that the most important doctrine I can declare, and the most powerful testimony I can bear, is of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, as pertaining to this perfect Atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that He is the Son of the living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself, independent of any other person.

I am one of His witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in His hands and in His feet and shall wet His feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that He is God’s Almighty Son, that He is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through His atoning blood and in no other way."

We did not know any better as we were standing in Gesthemane, or the Garden Tomb, than we knew before, that Jesus is the Christ. For our new Easter decoration for the year I put together the picture above to remember the real reason for the season. Most of the pictures were taken by us on that amazing day in Jerusalem. As we walked from site to site we were surprised at how close everything was. From Gethsemane to Golgatha is about 1 mile, and in this picture 10 inches.

Gethsemane was one of our first stops, and my favorite. As soon as we walked into the garden I was overcome with emotion. I couldn't put words to it then because there was so much to take in. But I know that the emotion I was overcome with was gratitude for what Christ did for us in that very garden. I have no concept of how much he had to endure, but I know part of it was for me. Next to the garden is a church called the "Church of All Nations". No talking is allowed inside which was a perfect place for the Spirit to talk to me and help me understand the magnitude of what happened there. Christ took the sins of the world upon him, and "he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.". (Isaiah 53:5)

We next went across the valley to the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. This is where Christ was taken, the high priest's house, and denied by Peter. Outside there are old worn stairs that lead from the valley into the city. These stairs are called the Mercy Steps, they are the steps that Jesus was lead up as a prisoner to meet his judgment and eventual death. He was lead through the city where he met with Pilate and other officials. Where he was beaten and given a cross to carry to the place where he would die.

Golgatha stands on the opposite side of the city. Outside the walls of Jerusalem, and now close to a bus station. This is where a cross was hung, bearing Jesus Christ, King of the Jews. It is also where he gave up the ghost completing the painful part of the atonement. In the rock you can see the face of a man which is why it is called the place of the skull.

Just around the corner, it seemed like less than 100 yards away, lays an empty tomb. Once owned by Joseph of Arimathea, and once occupied briefly by Jesus Christ. I was shocked at how close the tomb was to Golgatha. Also how close two major events of the Atonement happened. One being so sad, and one being SO triumphant. The garden is run by an Christian association, because of this our personal guide stayed outside the walls and we were put into a group of other tourists. Luckily for me we were placed with a Southern Baptist guide with a group of that included many Baptists. (This reminded me of my mission and how much people get excited about Christ). As we were all going in and out of the tomb this group of Christians broke out into song. I remember just smiling! Not only because of how Southern it seemed to me, but because they were singing the truth "Angels came down from glory, and rolled the stone away!" I was happy because I KNOW that Christ did not stay in that tomb very long. He rose that 3rd day to complete with glory the Atonement that saves us all.

We were lucky enough to go to Jerusalem and see with our own eyes the Holy Land. We walked where Christ and so many prophets have walked. But we didn't know any better then. We have always known. And with this Easter season I hope you KNOW, and REMEMBER all that Christ has done for you.

If you would like this picture, please take it, or I'll e-mail you the attachment. I would love to share my joy of Easter with you.

NYC

After choreographing for "Annie" the last 2 summers I can't seem to get the song "NYC" out of my head!!! This has been annoying on many occasions, but in March it was pretty fun. The Dance Co. at West Jordan has been planning a trip to NYC all year, so when I got the job as the new advisor, I was required to go, all expense paid. :) I was ok with that! There ended up being an extra ticket because a girl had to back out and there was no refunds, so Jon got to come with me!!!  It was SO fun, and so stressful at the same time. I'm glad Jon came so he could help keep my stress in check, and so we got some alone time that hasn't happened really since Torbin was born. But the best thing is that we had 6 moms so we didn't have to worry about the girls at night, so we slept through the WHOLE night!!!! YAY! Sleep! It was awesome. Here are a few highlights from out NYC adventures...

Just arrived in NYC- the girls were giddy, and I was relieved to 

at least have gotten everyone there safe! :)

We were lucky enough to have 4 girls who wanted to go to the temple at 5:00 AM on Saturday morning. Jon was able to confirm us all and it was great. I was so proud of those girls!! There is hope for the future after all. ;)

WICKED on Broadway!!! SO much better than when we saw it in Salt Lake!! It was AMAZING! We also got to do a "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour which was pretty cool. After the tour we talked to the hosts for 30 min and he told the girls all about life and how you have to have balance or you'll loose sight of what's important.

The BEST view coming out of the Subway!!

Of course the girls had to dance on the Subway. :) They were so fun. They loved everything, and wanted to shop all day everyday! Their energy was exhausting, but a lot of fun.

Rainy day of sight seeing... we wanted to see Ellis Island, but were too late :( so we just took the boat around the Statue of Liberty. It was freezing and really wet. After wards we went to Ground Zero.

Afro-Caribbean Class at Alvin Ailey!!!! I feel like a real dancer now that I've danced in New York.

Carriage Ride in Central Park with some Moms.

Riding in a cab!!!

We missed our baby like crazy and it was SO good to see him at the airport!! But it was also nice to get away for a few days and have a nice 2nd honeymoon... with 14 girls, and 6 moms. :)

The rest of February

"Mine" Family Picture

Learning to sit up and quite proud of himself.

Loving an afternoon walk on a warm day.

  The rest of February was pretty chill, which is nice for us. We just enjoyed watching Torbin grow and smile, but also had to deal with RSV and our new friend the nebulizer. We are definitely grateful for modern medicine that helps our baby. Jon and I taught some ballroom classes to fundraise for Dance Company which was fun, and I got old... yep, I'm 26. Weird. 
      Jon and I also got to spend our 3rd Valentine's Day together!! Woot Woot. Our romantic day included a doctor's visit, a candle lit hot-n-ready pizza dinner and a special guest visit from David, the nebulizer guy. But the fun thing was that we made a display on our table about our wedding. I heard from somewhere...a blog, or Kathy Lee and Hoda, or Nate Berkus, somewhere... maybe it was Good Things Utah... that you should display your marriage during the whole month of February to show your children how important it is. Even though Torbin is small, I wanted to start this tradition. So we made a display of Valentine's Past on our dinner table. We had wedding pics, the teddy bear Jon gave me on our first Valentine's Day, the book he gave me in Jordan last year. Our wedding album, the flowers Jon sent me. And I made a banner for Jon- the 14th days of love, with 14 things to remind him I love him. It was fun. In case you didn't know....

WE ARE SO IN LOVE!!!! 

With each other, but also with our cutest baby in the world!

Busy Busy Busy

No matter how much I try to simplify our lives our calendars are always full. Good thing we are planning type people or we would stress more. We're super lame, but on New Years Day, we have a New Planner Party!! We go through our new planners and add all the known events (like birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) Torbin loved being involved and helping. We're brain-washing him early.

Life is known to throw a few curve balls, and when that happens, I'm grateful I had my planner! A week after New Years I got a call out of the blue to interview for a part-time dance job at West Jordan High School. I figured it wouldn't hurt to interview, so I went. Within an hour after I left they called me back and offered me the job!!! So now I'm a teacher, a dance teacher, and it's only part time, so I can still be a most-time Mom! Wow. Talk about the perfect job! It's just B days, so I work every other day. I teach Dance 1, Dance 3, then have a 2 hour break then Dance Company. It's so fun! And to make the offer even better, Dance Co is going to New York in March, and as the new advisor, I have to go! :) I couldn't have asked for a better job! And even better, we have awesome family who watch Torbin, and Jon now works 4-10 hr days so he's home with him during the week too. And though West Jordan was pretty much my high school's rival, I've switched sides and love it there!


And this is what I get to come home too! This handsome boy! I swear he grows up in the few hours I'm gone!! He's almost 6 months old!!! Where has the time gone? He doesn't know how to give a small smile, he just show's his huge gummy grin all the time and I love it!! And here is when he was sporting his first mohawk!!! He's still a mini-Jon, but you can tell he's my son too sometimes. :)

Life is exciting, unexpected, and amazing! We are so blessed!!! I'm glad I'm a planner so I can plan where Torbin will be and how to organize my life, sometimes it makes things crazy, but it sure helps my sanity and makes sense in the long run! :)

Christmas Time

    We are definitely fans of Christmas and had a great time this year! We hung out with family a lot and also got to see some good friends. We were excited to give gifts and receive a few too. Jon spoiled me and did the 12 days of Christmas and built up our food storage! It was awesome! He also made me a mantel for our fireplace downstairs! He's amazing! I have the best husband! 
     It's so fun to have a baby to shop for at Christmas time, even if he didn't understand what was going on, he liked the lights, wrapping paper, and putting everything in his mouth. He got lots of clothes and toys. He's much more spoiled than me! Ha ha. He's so cute even with an ear infection he's a very happy baby!

      For the Bay family party we went on a caroling hay ride! Torbin was all snuggled up and fell asleep and we all laughed as we tried to sing carols together. (We usually had 2 things going... one on the front of the trailer and another on the back, we sat in the middle so it was entertaining!) We sported our matching Christmas hats that my dad made. They were a hit.

    As part of Christmas my parents take their grand-kids to Build a Bear so they can make their own presents. Torbin made a monkey, "Macaco", he loves wrestling with him, they are about the same size.

       Yep, he's Santa's Little Man! What a stud. Look at those cheeks! Ooh, so cute!

  
       Here is one of many attempts to get a family Christmas picture! This is one of the best ones. Of course we can't get one with all of us smiling, I think that will be the trend until we have grown kids... Torbin's sweater was donated by Tom's ugly sweater party poster. I love it and think he looks dashing.

      Jon, Torbin and I got movies from Santa. I love how Torbin is looking at his Monsters movie! We're building up our Disney collection, and I gave Jon "Stardust" (that was the movie we watched the night he first kissed me!) I love building family memories and traditions, and I love Christmas!!!! I won't take all our decorations down yet because I think it's depressing. But at least I have 11.5 months to look forward to next Christmas!

Life as we know it...

I love my job!