Ivan Jason Check is finally here...

(This is aunt Tracey...)

Ivan Jason Check finally arrived safe and sound early this morning at 5:12 a.m.... He weighed in at 8 lbs 12 oz and is 21 1/2 inches long.

It was a long, hard delivery that ended in a c-section, which Tiff was pretty disappointed about... because of her history of internal bleeding! They are watching her very closely and have high hopes that she will recover and still be able to have more baby Checks, if that is what their desire is for the future! Tiffany had a rough labor, she is beat and is going to be very sore for the next few days. Thankfully, she has an amazing doctor who took great care of her and we know made the best decision for Tiffany and Ivan! Thank you Dr. Wilson, you were awesome!

I was invited into the O.R. as the "photographer" and was so grateful to experience those sweet, emotional moments with Jason as he greeted "his first son" (that he has been waiting so patiently for) into this world. He is a proud daddy! I have so many cute pictures, but here are just a few for now until I have time to go through the rest.

He is a beautiful baby and so far looks like big sister Elsie and even has the red hair to match! I am headed back up to the hospital to see how everyone is doing and to snuggle cute Ivan...

Just a little update...

Yep it's me... Tracey, Tiffany's sister!

Tiff is still alive and as pregnant as can be!

When I hacked into her blog just now, I had no idea that she was still documenting all that she is going through, with the loss of Emmie, and not publishing her posts! I didn't read through all her posts, mainly because it tears me up inside when I realize how much pain my sister is still dealing with! Tiff sure is a trooper and a strong one. I don't know how she is coping with it all?! I know she misses Emmie terribly, but I didn't know to the extent..... I guess it's just that she is such a happy person in general, so it's hard to know all that she is internalizing.

She has kept herself busy getting everything ready for Ivan's big arrival! We are all so anxious to finally meet him. She is going to her doctors appointment today and hoping that something has changed or maybe to get something going.... she is miserable and ready to pop! She claims... She's DONE!

I will hopefully be back soon with some exciting news and cute pictures of Ivan and Tiffany's first moments together... Until then,

Happy Tuesday!

The little things

I have been trying to get back to doing some little things that I love

Baking...

(Don't be jealous of my pregnant body! Pretty soon we might have to get some extensions on those ties.)

with my sweet Elsie

Anybody want a cookie from the Check home?!

J claims she runs the show at our house lately.. I think he is right. She does what she wants and gets away with whatever!

I really don't let her do this until the very end. Isn't she cute?!

Did I mention I have some great friends and a fun sister who always keep me going with baking? It makes it so much more fun when there are fun people to hang out with and talk to! If it weren't for my sister, I wouldn't have any pictures of my children! Thanks Trace... your the best!

Missing her

Mornings like this morning... I want to drink my daily sonic diet DP and go back to bed. I don't know what sets me off some mornings. After family prayer this morning, I struggled to get Ava ready and out the door. I don't like when my girls see me cry. But today, I couldn't contain myself. They are the sweetest girls I know. Always going out of their way making me feel better. I heard Elsie running in the kitchen to tell J, "mom is crying, hurry and come." It melted my heart. My family is the greatest, they have helped me gain strength. I just miss her. I don't know how people cope when they lose a child or loved one and don't have a spouse or other kids to pick them up. I am thankful everyday for my sweet family and their strength. They have truly taught me how to be more sympathetic (which I need).

I started my baby's nursery yesterday and all of a sudden, it felt real. I am really having a baby in just 7 short weeks. Wow... I have so much to do. I think the Lord knew I might need a special little guy to help lift me up. Although these two girlie's and my sweet husband have done an amazing job... I am so excited to hold my little guy!

(picture taken in Colorado... I have so much to update about!)

Sympathy

I have always struggled with having sympathy for my "typical" children while they are sick. Jason reminds me often when they aren't feeling well that, "you can tell they aren't Emmie!" She got the royal treatment when she was sick. Because when she was sick... she was on the verge of being admitted to the hospital. Well...both my girls have been sick with a cough for the last week. No fever, just a constant annoying dry cough. I keep telling J.. "it's viral and it will run it's course." You see... I have a sense when it's viral vs. bacterial because I have been through this with Emmie more times than I can count. J has been bugging me to take the girls to the Dr. all week last week so we can all get some sleep! Finally this morning, I gave in. When I walked in to the Dr. office I knew why I was trying to put this "first" on the back burner. As soon as I saw our Doctor my eyes filled up with tears. They have been such a great support to me over the last 8 years with Emmie. They ask me what I need and the quantity etc. I tell them and they write the prescription. I had his cell number on speed dial. They know that mom knows best with a special needs child. With my other children it is different. They take charge. It was a relationship that I can't describe but I know I will miss it. Yes, I will still see them when I take my other kids in but it's just different. I was right though.... it was viral! Just the typical breathing treatments, cough medicine and "it has to run it's course" saga. I figured but I just needed to please my hubby! I need to work on having some sympathy for my other kids now that Emmie isn't with is. It was good to get that "first" over with. A hard one I might add.... because they were so kind to Emmie. They truly loved her and sent the most beautiful flowers when they heard the news. I have established some amazing relationships through Emmie. Ones I have been missing so much but am grateful to have had them.

The Testament

My little sister Ashlyn called the other day and planned for our entire family to go see The Testament, a movie shown at the visitors center at the Mesa Arizona Temple. We all went as a family for FHE. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. With everything I have gone through over the last month I felt that this movie was made just for me. Ava didn't move the entire time. She definitely felt the spirit.... It was so sweet. The story is told about the Nephites in the Book of Mormon who for the most part have become wicked. There were only a few that were willing to stand up for what is right. They were told by a prophet that the Savior was born and that a sign would be given of his death. He would later be killed for telling the people to repent of their wickedness. This evil continued on for many years . During this time of wickedness on the promise land there were few that were willing to stand up for what was right. The righteous followers of Christ became the minority and it was very diffcult for them to openly be Christians. The greatest parts of this movie were when they would show the Saviors back amongst the Jews performing all kinds of miracles. Several stood out to me, but one in particular brought peace to me. It was when a young boy who appeared to have cerebral palsy was carried before the Savior, the same way Jason carried Emmie when she was not in her wheelchair. I sat and watched in as the Savior performed a miraculous miracle. He took the young boy in his arms and held him close and whispered in his ear. Instantly the young boy was healed. It was at that moment when Jason reached over and grabbed my hand. His timing was right in sync with mine. Almost instantly the tears started to roll down my face. We both felt the spirit so strong. Our hope was in the Savior and we knew that he was the only one that could help raise up our daughter. It made me think about the painting Jason had painted for me by an artist in Mesa when Emmie was 3 yrs old. It was of Emmie and I sitting on the steps of the temple with the Savior. In this painting I am sitting down with Emmie, she is partially facing the Savior and he has his hand extended to Emmies, helping her up. She is standing there on her own because of her faith she has in Christ. This picture is hanging in my living room and has so much meaning to me... especially now. I know the Savior has made my sweet angel Emmie whole. Later the movie showed another special scene in the Saviors life. It was in the Garden of Gethsemane where he atoned for all of our sins. He said , "Oh father please let this cup pass from before me, but nevertheless not my will by thine be done." Then the Savior went on to be alone and suffered all things for all of us. As they showed the anguish he had to endure I found myself thinking about how much he means to me. I wondered why someone would endure such pain for another human being. I felt unworthy of being a recipient of such a great gift of salvation. I then started to think about Heavenly Father. Why would he allow such a thing to happen? His own son... I could never stand by and watch as my child was tortured. I know the Plan of Salvation, but why was I questioning Heavenly Father in this instance. He being God could have intervened and saved his Son. I felt like I wanted to save Him, the way I longed to save my daughter. Then it became clear that he suffered these things to satisfy the law. His Son was the ransom, the price to be paid so all of his children could return. He did it because he loved all of his children. Then I realized that I had something in common with Heavenly Father, I realized he has felt this very pain that I am going through now. I am not alone and he mourned for his son the same way that I mourn for Emmie. This brought me so much comfort. I felt at peace.

The last part of the movie is after the Savior is crucified and gives up the Ghost. He appears to the Nephite survivors in the promise land of America. It is here where he establishes his church. The last scene shows a most glorius Savior, dressed in a brilliant white robe. His countenance was bright, and he was full of love. You could see it and it made me want to be better. I found myself hoping for more time, to make a difference on this earth. I know that one day I will stand before him and I will either feel ashamed or proud how I served him diligently on this earth. I loved the way I felt as I watched how pure he was. It is hard to explain, but all I can say... is that I felt like I knew him very well. It was the perfect night.

Tender Mercy

(Thanks for the photo Trac.. your the best!)

This little girl has been such a sweetheart. She seems to always keep us laughing and on our toes! She goes by a different name daily. It's either Annie, Fred or Strawberry. Sometimes it's Elsie but most of the time it's Annie. She has an imagination like no other but is so sweet and kind. Every time she sees me crying, she holds my face and says, "Emmie?" I say, "yes" she replies "it's ok mom... I miss Emmie too." What a sweet little girl to always be so concerned about her mom. She is so nurturing and will one day become a great mom!

We (my girls and I) were in the shower tonight and she out of the blue says, "hi Em!" I asked her where Emmie is and she says, "she's right there mom" as she was pointing up. I'm not sure what she saw but it was a tender mercy again for me. The Lord knows when I am in need of a "special moment" and he has certainly delivered some this past week that are too personal to share on my blog. I have felt his love... it's amazing!

Equipment

Preferred Homecare (the company who delivered Emmies medical supplies on a monthly basis) had been calling to set up her monthly delivery since the day of her funeral. I avoided the call for over a week because I didn't have the courage to tell them she had passed. That just seems so odd to say to someone about your child. Finally a couple weeks later, I was strong. I answered the call and told them. They showed up today to pick up all of her equipment without any notice. My eyes filled with tears when I saw them through the glass door. Don't you think they should schedule appointments like this after a child has passed away? If I would have known they were coming, I would have made sure my husband was there to help walk me through it. I didn't want to do it alone. I told them to call me in a few weeks and I shut the door on this poor man. I feel bad, but I'm not ready for that. I like looking at all her "stuff." It feels wrong to have it gone. Faith, Prayers and Time!

movies

{Post Written: August 28, 2010}

Tonight we went to the movies. Another first. Em loved the movies. She loved the volume loud and the huge screen. We always sat in the handicapped seat, of course. Tonight was a first. We sat behind the handicapped seat and of course I left crying envisioning Emmie sitting next to me or J.... Us lifting her head up, making sure she was warm with all the blankets I would bring and her laughing at the screen. I brought blankets for my other two lastnight. Of course, we felt her sweet spirit missing again. We then walked FAR away to our parking spot because we weren't parked in handicapped anymore, another reminder she wasn't there. Our two girls got in and as we drove away our girls have been fighting like no other, just like normal kids. We have a new seating arrangement in our car which has been difficult. Ava now sits in Emmies bucket seat next to Elsie. The two go at it and tears are rolling down my face again. My husband asks me if I'm ok and of course I'm not! I just realized why there has always been so much peace in my car. Nobody fought with Emmie, who sat next to Elsie. Ava used to sit in the 3rd row and the car rides were always so peaceful. Strawberry Shortcake was ALWAYS blaring. Nothing else was ever allowed to enter our DVD player. Sad, I know, but it's just the way it was. We came in the door and I would always hold the door for J as he would bring Emmie in. Another change. It's just all so strange. I am trying to get used to my new life as a "typical" mother, but it is far from easy. I miss being a "special needs" mom. I had to learn that first and it's been that way as long as I have been a mom. I am grateful for the conversation that Jason and I had as we went to bed talking about Emmie. Where she is and what she is doing. It's the only thing that can comfort me at this time. I know she wants me to be happy but it is so hard when you have a broken heart and you miss someone this much. The firsts for everything have been difficult, but I know I have the strength to get through it.

Sisters

Yesterday my girls and I were driving in the car by ourselves. We have Emmies video playing in our car in place of Strawberry Shortcake. I don't want Elsie to forget her. I know their relationship will fade as Elle grows up so I am grateful for videos and pictures to help keep them alive. My conversation with Ava struck a core with me as they were watching her video.

Ava: Mom... I really miss Emmie's smile and how she would stick her tongue out.

Mom: I know, it was the cutest thing ever, I miss it too.

Ava: How come when I stick mine out it's not cute?

Mom: I'm not sure babe, but Emmie just had a way that everything she did was so sweet and innocent. (I thought it was funny that she had tried to do the same as Em to see what she looked like)

Ava: I know... I miss her mom.

Mom: Me too.... more than you will know! What do you miss most about Em?

Ava: I miss getting you trachs and diapers, massaging her feet, brushing her hair. I miss helping her lift her head up and wiping her mouth. I really wish she didn't want to go back to Heavenly Father. I want her to stay with us.

Mom:(tears flowing down my face) I'm so sorry you lost your sister sweetie. I want you to know you WILL see her again and it will be a glorious reunion.

Ava: I am so sorry you lost your daughter. I feel so bad for you.

This conversation brought tears to my eyes for many reasons. I think what Ava was trying to say was that she misses serving her sister. She truly loves her sister more than anything and misses "helping/ serving" her. I don't ever think I could ever teach my 7 year old out of a book or lesson plan on how to have the "pure love of christ" and how to serve someone the way she has for 7 yrs. Only Emmie could come to this earth and teach her that precious lesson. I am beyond grateful for the relationship they have with one another. Not very many children have the opportunity to have a sweet little angel live in their home and help care for them. Sometimes I would feel sorry for Ava because I felt like I put so much pressure on her to do this and that for Emmie. She never complained, not once! I felt bad that she didn't have the "typical" sister relationship that I have with my sister. I felt like she got robbed before Elsie came along. Now looking back, I am so grateful she had the opportunity to serve Emmie. Not very many children get to do that for a sister who never plays or speaks to them. It really is a gift and I feel Heavenly Father blessed us beyond measures to have this life. It was such a different life that I can't really explain but I know I miss it more than anything. Life was definitely more challenging and it felt unfair at times but I wouldn't trade one thing about it. I am grateful for sisters. We all knew how much Emmie loved her sisters through her eyes and the way she would look at them. Ava has been praying about the day she is reunited with Emmie. She had a melt down tonight after her prayers and felt guilty for not scratching Emmie's back the night before she passed. I told her how grateful Emmie was for all the nights she "did" scratch her back and one day she will repay her. It will feel so good be the recipient of Emmie's hugs. I know we are all looking forward to it. I hope I can do my part here and raise my other children so we can all return to be in our Heavenly Fathers presence with our sweet Em~Bug. That will be an amazing day for me. I love and miss her more than anything and I hope time goes by quickly.

"Our" first day of school

Our first day of school was not what I had expected. Emmie sitting in her wheelchair with Avas arm around the chair and Elsie sitting on Emmies lap was what I envisioned. I was crying all morning trying to stay strong for Ava. She didn't need any added stress to her day. They have been 1 year apart in school growing up, so Ava has been in all of Emmie's first day back to school pictures. These changes will not be easy but I know I have to get used to them.
Ava has had a difficult beginning this year. I am praying it gets easier as the weeks go on. Prior to all that has been going on, we decided for Ava to do 1st grade again this year. She is one of the youngest for her grade and I am so glad I made the right decision for her. Most of her friends from our ward/ neighborhood are in 1st grade so she is happy as can be!
Elsie started pre-preschool this year with her friend Crew. They are so stinkin cute together. She wasn't very excited about the backpack and going to preschool but I know she will adjust soon. She had been with friends and family so much during Emmies hospital stay it has been hard for her to separate from me. I am so grateful for friends and family who have helped us during these difficult times. I know my children have more than felt the love from others when I couldn't be there and I am so grateful for that.

1st grade!

Love this girl and am so grateful for her obedience!

Elsie wasn't liking the idea of preschool. She had been neglected by me for 10 days so it was difficult to send her off. My sweet friend Shannon took her to her first day of school since I was busy getting things finalized at the mortuary and cemetery. It wasn't the best feeling but I knew my girls were ready for some normalcy in their life!

This is pretty much how I was feeling too!

The egg burrito (her favorite) that dad had made, wasn't helping!

Goodness gracious... I love this girl! She is wearing what Emmie wore to preschool. Love those hand me downs. Emmie kept them in "perfect" condition!

Hope everyone had a better first day of school than we did! Life will get easier... I know it!

Words of Comfort

This is Tracey, Tiffany's sister. 

 Jason emailed me this letter tonight and asked me if I would please put it on her blog.  He doesn't know how to work all this blog stuff (and as a matter of fact, I don't know if he has ever even looked at either of our blogs), so I am his errand girl! 

Tiff is so blessed to have such a sweet and supportive husband.  This letter brought tears to my eyes. They truly have an amazing relationship and if anyone would know what the real deal is... it would be me!  

Words Of Comfort

My Sweetheart Tiffany,

I am so sorry I have no words of comfort for you in this most trying time.  I can’t explain to you how helpless I feel at this time as I watch you mourn for the loss of our daughter.  I feel that I am usually capable of fixing our problems as they pour in, or at the very least providing you comfort.  Tonight I felt the same way as you as we went through our normal family home evening.  I confess, I found myself glancing down on the floor looking for Emmie.  I confess, I found myself looking for her to lead the music during the opening song. I confess, that I know now we are missing a spirit in our home and it hurts beyond words.  I am so sorry that I cannot find words of comfort for you.

I have never felt so helpless in my life.  Tonight as we watched Emmie’s video I felt her sweet spirit partially restored for a moment.  For a short time as we both sat there crying I felt connected to you both again and longed for that moment to freeze in time and to be set aside to provide comfort as long as we needed it.  What a sweet moment that was and again I am left alone with out comfort.  I wish the words of the Atonement and the Plan of Salvation continued to ease your pain, but I know that although we are strengthened and comforted in those principles of faith they alone cant replace the comfort of our daughter.

After family home evening tonight I decided to go for a run so I could clear my mind and find strength for you.  While I jogged around the neighborhood I searched my mind for words of comfort that maybe I have not yet spoken to you, but soon realized that I have said just about everything I know of.  So I started to listen to some conference talks from April.  One was on healing the Sick, which may be a little late.  Actually I read it in the hospital and it helped my understanding greatly.  Especially towards the end when Elder Oaks speaks of the Lords Will.  I know we have spoke of this together and have an understanding that Heavenly Father is in charge and has something else in mind.  So, while those words provided me comfort I did realize that they probably were not what you were looking for tonight.  The next talk I listened to was by President Uchtdorf, continue in patience.  I thought to myself for a second this is probably not a good one to talk with her about either.  How could I go to you and say, “Hon, have patience because you will see her again.”  So I thought to myself, forget that, but I decided to listen to it anyway.  And while I listened I found that this talk is very comforting and may be something you should hear.  He described Patience as-“the ability to put our desires on hold for a time, is a precious and rare virtue.  We want what we want and we want it now.  Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter.”  He goes on to say,” Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect.  Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.”

“Patience means active waiting and enduring.  It means staying with something and doing all that we can-working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed.  Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well.”

I know telling you to have patience and wait is not going to help, but I wanted to tell you that these words lifted my Spirits for some reason.  I think it’s the part where he says,”it means staying with something (Emmie) and doing all that we can-working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship (missing Emmie) with fortitude (mental and emotional strength in difficulty) even when the desires of our hearts are delayed (being with our little angel Emmie). 

Later tonight I asked you what I can do to help you and you told me,”Bring back my daughter.”  If I could take away the pain I would gladly.  I know your heart is broken and it will be forever.  So, here are my words of comfort.  I Love you.  I love you more than I can love anything.  I have never been so close to you and the very thought of your heart being broken, breaks mine. I don’t understand either why she is gone, but I do know that I am grateful for the time and experience we shared with her for the last 8 ½ years.  What a remarkable time with a remarkable young girl.  I can’t help but to feel proud to have been chosen for such a great responsibility and experience.  I probably was not chosen, it was probably just you and I got to go along for the ride.  For that I am grateful.  I know you must have done something special in the pre-existence to earn the privilege of serving a choice spirit.  Remember what President Riggs told you,” She chose you.”  Tiffany I believe that with all my heart and know that your spirits are connected and forever will be.  Her presence may be gone from us, but her spirit is still around us.  Reach out to her and listen.  She never spoke one word to you, but some how you always knew when she needed something.  Her Spirit always spoke to you, and she still will if you pause and listen.  I love you and I am so incredibly blessed to have 4 beautiful women in my life.  I forever am indebted for the amount of blessings I have in my life.  Most importantly you.  I knew there was something special about you the moment I laid eyes on you in music class back in the 6 th grade.  Thank you for never giving up on me and making all my dreams come true!

Love,

Jason

Hard Night

 It's been a hard night. We began our new routine today. Ava started school and dance, Elsies first day of preschool. I should be excited right? Not really. The reality when I went upstairs to get Avas clothes (Ava and Emmie share the same closet) layed out kinda hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. No bus came at 8:15. Family scriptures and prayer just wasn't the same without my Em bug there. No strawberry shortcake playing on the kitchen tv as I was getting lunches and bags packed. After the girls were off to school I got the remainder of the stuff wrapped up at the mortuary with my hubby, mom and dad. It was nice to have closure in that area but it hit me very hard. Now the reality of life going on and my heart trying to heal. I don't think it ever will but J gave me a book that I started reading tonight. Here are couple quotes from some prophets that helped me.




In the resurrection the spirit will re-enter it's body, which initially will be in exactly the same state as when the spirit left it. Bodies that were sick, infirm or deformed will then be restored to heath and perfection, apparently almost instantly– as Amulek says, to a "proper and perfect frame." (Alma 11:43.) Nor will age at time of death determine a resurrected being's appearance. President Joseph Fielding Smith said:


Old people will not look old when the come forth from the grave. Scars will be removed. No one will be bent or wrinkled.... Of course, children who die do not grow in the grave. They will come forth with their bodies as they were laid down, and then they will grow to the full stature of manhood or womanhood after the resurrection, but all will have their bodies fully restored. 


Thus we know that those who lose little children and are worthy will not only be reunited with them but will have the blessing and opportunity of raising them in the glorious circumstances of the resurrection. Joseph Smith gave total assurance regarding the place of small children who die.


The lord takes many away, even in infancy that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of the present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again.

How nice to know that I get Emmie back at the age of 8 1/2 and have the opportunity to raise her. That is such a miraculous gift. What a sweet promise. I am grateful for that knowledge to know if I do my part, I get to be with her again. I know I will have tough days ahead but with reading, praying and searching my scriptures, I will endure.

Today was Perfect!

Today was perfect. I felt the spirit so strong as I walked into the stake center. I knew Emmie was with us. I am going to miss her more than anything in this world. I would give up everything to have her for another year. She was such a happy little girl with a smile that could light up a room. I will miss her sweet spirit that has presided in our home over the last 8 1/2 years. It is a feeling of comfort that I can't explain. We definitely feel a sense of emptiness in our home now. My husband and I were truly honored to be able to stand as witnesses and testify of the wonderful experiences we were able to share with Emmie throughout her life. We could have talked for hours about her and how sweet she was. The entire day was perfect. We felt the love of others around us and felt like Heavenly Father was carrying us. It was so comforting. I can't begin to explain how truly grateful we are for the amount of people that came to support us and Emmie. We were overwhelmed and truly amazed by the amount of service that was dedicated to our family over the 10 days. Your prayers, kind words and thoughts have reached our home and it is a miracle in itself to be on the receiving end of something so wonderful as this. Thank you, thank you for the bottom of our hearts. I have felt so lifted and so much closer to my Heavenly Father. I feel his love... I really do. I look forward to the day I am reunited with my precious Emmie.

(Here are a couple pictures that my friend Kristyn has taken during this difficult time in my life. She is an angel and I can't express how grateful I am to have amazing friends. They have taught me how to be a better friend.)

I will forever cherish this photo... So precious

Thanks again... I am upset that I haven't been blogging and will be better. I have so much to share over the last 10 days. They have been very special to me and I know I will never forgive myself if I don't document them.

Please Pray for Emmie...

This is Tracey, Tiffany's sister.

As many of you may know, Emmie is in the PICU at Desert Samaritan hospital. If you want to know why... please go here to be updated on her status. Emmie, Tiffany, Jason and their girls need your prayers at this difficult time. Emmie is a precious angel that we love so much and are pleading that the Lord will heal her back to her normal state. Tiffany wants more than anything, to continue to serve Emmie here on this earth. Please pray for the Check family and go to my blog, I will try to update it as we learn more on Emmie's condition.

Guess what....

GUESS WHAT?!?

We are going to be "BIG SISTERS" again in November... and we couldn't be happier!

(Elsie isn't really scared.... it is just impossible for me to get a cute picture of the 3 of them)

♥ XOXO ♥

I love Valentines Day and I'm so lucky to be able to share it with my best friend. He doesn't love Valentines day(he claims it's a marketing scam) but he sure does a good job! He remembered on his own to send the girls flowers to their school on Friday and also sent me beautiful roses. We went out on sat. night to Mastro's city hall.... It was so yummy. Thanks hon... your the best!

Since I was a little girl, I can always remember my dad sending me these candy bouquets to school. It has always been a tradition of his. I loved getting them every year. I have the best dad ever. Jason has taken on this tradition and he loves it as well. This is Avas first year receiving them at school, she was in Kindergarten last year. When I picked her up, she came out and said, "why did dad send these to school, we are suppose to get them at home?" She might have been embarrassed. Maybe I liked this tradition a little better than she does. She better get used to it!!

Emmie loves receiving her flowers every year!

My dad has continued the tradition every year. It is always different. This year, he sent us yummy chocolate covered strawberries that were scrumptious.... thanks dad! (woops... I couldn't help but eat one before the camera came out.. typical)

Jason is always good about sending me roses. At the beginning of our marriage, my dad stood him up a couple of times. I don't think he will ever forget again!!

So pretty

That's right... he's finally admitting he was in love with me when he first met me with my clear/yellow braces. I fell in love too when I layed my eyes on his curly mullet while wearing his muscle shirts in music class. Nothing like elementary school.... love at first sight!

As a little girl, I loved coming home from school with a table decorated and baked goods on the table. We loved opening our little Valentine gift. I do the same for my kids. They loved their cute jammies I got them and their jewelry. Girls are so much fun!!

Here's Ava before church. She was insistent on wearing these Valentine heart tights. I told her it was going to be hot out. She didn't care.

Our little Annie before church. I stayed home with Em. She didn't feel well. She is doing a little better today.

I hope everyone had a great Valentines! I am sad to take all my decorations down. I truly love this day. It's such a fun day to share our extra love to our spouses and kids! xoxo

It's FINALLY gone

This tooth has been driving me NUTSO!!! Ava is a very sensitive child. Every time I have tried to pull this tooth, she is left in tears and won't even come near me. It has been hanging by a thread for over a month. No Joke! I have tried to have Jason try to talk her in to pulling it, but she wanted nothing to do with it. Then, I talked Grandma Bella in to wrapping floss around it and once she got it there I told her to yank it hard, but Ava flipped, so we had to take it off. I have tried several times to pull it in the middle of the night but she wakes up. I know... I am mean but dang I can't seem to be able to look at it anymore. Anyhow... finally on Saturday night it fell out in her sleep. Hallelujah!!! She came and woke me up (I had no idea what time it was, but it was dark out) to tell me about it. I was excited but rolled over. Later, after I woke, I found out she called aunt Tracey and Grandma Bella very early to tell them too! Sorry guys.. she was one excited little girl!

Look at that beautiful smile... so much better!

She was so excited to put her tooth in her little fairy bag. The tooth fairy was very generous and left her $5. A month earlier I told her I would give her $10 to pull it but that wasn't going to cut it.

Yes, go ahead and judge me.... our kids sleep in our bedroom. Do you like her air mattress? Pathetic, I know. She's not complaining so who cares?!?!

She was excited about her money but when she walked out the door monday morning I said, "make sure and put your money in a safe spot and don't forget to pay your tithing." She said, "nope, I'm not going to pay it, thats called wasting money mom." I said, "I guess I know what our Family home Evening lesson is going to be on tonight." She replied, " BLAH BLAH BLAH."

Wow!!! I guess I know what else we will be discussing. She was up till 10pm doing dishes for the bad attitude she has had lately. I can't wait to see what decision she makes on Sunday with her tithing. I think it will be the right one. Needless to say, I am not looking forward to the teenage years! Gotta love that cute girl, she growing up right in front of my eyes.