Mason's New Toy

Wow 2 posts in one week- this never happens!! Anyhow- we got Mason a play gym the other day and he adores it! The monkey in the middle plays music and lights up and the little wind chime is his favorite. The monkey speaks Spanish, which is both perplexing and hilarious to me. Its so nice to have something to keep him occupied for a few minutes- he is becoming such busy little guy! Here are some video clips of him playing in it today.

Bear Lake

Last weekend we went to Bear Lake with my family. We hung out on Matt's boat and we both got to ski/wakeboard for the first time this summer. It was a little chilly, but awesome to be out on the lake. I know I say this in every post, but Mason is getting SO big! He had his 4 month appointment last week and weighed in at 15 pounds 2 ounces. He also rolled over for the first time this week AND started rice cereal. Everyone keeps saying "oh you just wait- before you know it he'll be (crawling, getting teeth, talking, etc.)" I feel like everyone is wishing his babyhood away and it makes me so sad! I wish he could stay little forever. My only consolation is that he gets cuter every week =P

Getting some sun with the girls..

What a cute daddy!!

If only I could water ski every day- I would be in the best shape!! I'm still sore a week later!

So sleepy after a long day at the lake!

Before rice cereal...

After rice cereal..

Mason's Baby Blessing

So we blessed Mace last Sunday. It was awesome to have the family over, and Pete gave a beautiful blessing! Since it wasn't fast Sunday, I didn't get to bear my testimony - but I thought I'd take the chance to do it anyhow. A few weeks ago the young men's president bore his testimony and said they teach the youth to say "I have a testimony because...." I've been pondering that lately and come to the conclusion that I have a testimony because the gospel just makes sense to me. It gives me a pattern to follow so I can partake in the great plan of happiness. I've been thinking a lot about the great plan of happiness since Mason was born, because it allows family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. I have always thought the "happiness" part pertained to the next life, but I've come to realize that if I follow the pattern set out for me, I can live happier in this life too. Every time in my life when I have been truly trying to live the gospel, I have found happiness and peace. When I have chosen to fight against what I know is true, my life is in turmoil and I am miserable!! I think about how much I love Mason and want what's best for him- that must be how Heavenly Father feels about me. I like to think that he knows what I'm going through, and that it's all a part of his plan to make me the best person I can be.
I love the Family Proclamation to the world! It so boldly declares what I believe. I am so thankful we can give little Mason a loving mom and dad. What a happy thing our baby has been in our lives! The "rules" seemed so hard growing up- No dating until I'm 16?? Etc.. Looking back now, I'm so thankful for the rules because I can see the effects of following them. I know they come from a parent who knows us completely and wants us to live the happiest life we can.
When Mason was born, somebody asked me if I felt overwhelmed-- I'm really not overwhelmed by taking care of him day to day, but when I think about raising him in this crazy world with all the temptations that will surround him--that part is overwhelming. My favorite scripture has given me comfort- Ether 12:4 says "By faith all things are fulfilled. Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with a surety hope for a better world, yea even a place at the right hand of God. Which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast- always abounding in good works and being led to glorify God." I want my soul to be anchored in the gospel- I want to be sure and steadfast. I truly have hope for a better world..
Love you all
Sum


Changing light bulbs before the blessing. Stunting is like riding a bike- you may get a little rusty, but never forget how to do it!


My mom made the most amazing outfit for him!! Even Pete said he looked like a little stud!

Jessica and I made these letters for his nursery. We were reminded how much we LOVE crafting!



Grandpa David holding him after the blessing. So sleepy.....


The fam

Playin with Uncle Ben after the blessing

Summer Fun!

Wow! Time has been flying by!! I can't believe it has been almost a month since we've posted. Life has been a little rough lately, but amidst all the turmoil little Mason is our ray of sunshine! He is growing SO FAST!! He had his 2 month checkup on the 16th and he was 10 lbs 12 oz!! I feel like he's not little anymore and it makes me sad! He is so full of life and always has a funny expression on his face! I can tell he's taking in everything and learning a lot about his world. He does something new and cute every day!

He started smiling for reals last week!

We've been having so much fun golfing with Grandma Linda and Grandpa David!!



The first few weeks of June were still pretty chilly- this particular evening we went golfing and I forgot a hat to keep Mason's head warm and a burp cloth. We improvised with a pair of his pants and the golf towel...




Mason LOVES his bath time!! He was extra sleepy this day!



Mommy and Mason have been hanging out at the pool!



Pete has a new partner for Volleyball and they have been tearing it up!! They took 4th place at the Liberty park tournament and 2nd place last week in the "A" division. It is so fun to watch!! We look forward to Saturdays all week!

Shout out to Fam & Friends!

Tonight I am feeling super grateful for all the love and support we have received since Mace was born.  Having a baby is a huge deal and I just wanted to say thank you for all the dinners, advice, shoulders to cry on, etc.  We truly love you all and wouldn't be who we are today without each one of you! XOXO

Baby Mason's Fake Cry

So Mace is already learning how to manipulate the system-- he's so cute I just can't resist giving him anything his tiny heart desires! I so want to capture every second of his life- just over memorial day weekend I took 76 pictures and 24 movie clips of him. This particular tidbit shows baby mason during tummy time- he got a little tired of it and let out the cutest pretend cry!! I laugh every time I watch it!!

Yeah! We're Bloggers!!

Tonight, I find myself sucked into the world of "blog."  What a fun way to journal our lives and keep in touch with friends at the same time!  I only have one disclaimer- I'm not a writer!!  You'll all have to bear with me as I try, clumsily, to organize my thoughts.  SO... Our lives have taken a dramatic turn over the last 2 months-  we're parents!! It has been a major adjustment going from working full time to being a stay at home mommy.  The first few weeks were rough, but Mace and I are adjusting and working into a nice routine.  Most days I feel like I'm in a dizzy haze from sleep deprivation, but I'm trying to enjoy every minute of his tiny life because I swear he's growing right before my eyes!  I have to admit I was worried that our lives would be over now that we have a kid but so far we have taken him golfing, fishing, out to dinner and much more.  It's easy to take him places right now because he sleeps through mostly everything-  I'm sure it won't be like that for long but we'll enjoy it while it lasts.  Pete is so cute with him- I love watching them together.  You never know what kind of parent your spouse will be, but I think I'm one of the lucky ones who can give their kids a truly committed dad who is interested and involved in their lives.  Just look at them together!!