One More Welcome...

Welcome to the world, Benjamin.

My brother Paul and his wife Rachelle just had thier 5th child. WOW!!! We are so excited for the new addition to the family. He is such a cutie with so much hair. That's definately not a Stokes trait. So far the few times I've seen him he's been so content to just sleep even with all his brothers running around him. He's perfectly suited for the youngest of 4 boys. Congratulations Paul, Rachelle and Family. And good luck!!

I Love Surprises

To my surprise the latest Fablehaven book is now out. I wasn't expecting it until Summer, but I had placed a hold at the library. When I got the email that the book was on hold for me, I was so excited. I have really enjoyed this series. I think I would categorize the theme of these books as Fantasy, but not too much. The main characters are human. I'm not a huge Fantasy reader, however I really enjoy these books. I get a little anxious at times while reading. It's fun, though. So if anyone is looking for a fun, good read, try the 4 Fablehaven books by Brandon Mull. You won't be disappointed.

Work

I am employed, Hooray!! It was my first day of work today. It was great. All I did was fill out paperwork and read the employee handbook and get supplies, but it was nice to chat with the others that work there and get to know them. USN is a smaller school right now. They only have their Pharmacy program right now, but come fall they should have a nursing program. They are planning to grow more and more each year. It will be fun to be there and experience the growth. There aren't a ton of people that work there, but everyone is fun. I'm just happy to be working again. I figured today that we will officially be able to make an offer on a house on April 24th. So it's definite serious house shopping time now. I want to make an offer just as soon as we have the pre-approval letter in our hands. It's such an exciting time of our lives right now. We are ready for the great changes headed our way!

Welcome to the World Ma'a

I should have mentioned this a while ago, but Judson has a new cousin. Ma'a. We were able to visit Ma'a, Pela, Kevin and Tui at the hospital. He's so small and such a cutie!! Congrats!!

Judson loves his cousins. He loves going to Gr & Gr Farr's house and playing with these crazy boys. It was so cute the other day when they were watching Elmo on TV. They all gathered around and were glued to the tv. It's fun to watch them all together. I'm sure he misses his cousin Mason in Las Vegas. They are closest in age.

He also has a ton of fun with his Stokes cousins. Judson's been sick the past week, but yesterday he was so much better. We ventured out to visit Rachelle (who is having her baby any day now) and Judson was so happy to be around some of his cousins. It was such a nice change for both of us.

Lent Who?

I'm so mad at myself. It happens to me every time. I get sick, I feel so yucky, I tell myself I deserve anything I want to feel better. This equation always equals eating junk food. AAAAHHHH!!!! It seems to be all I've been doing the last 3 or 4 days. I've also been a bit in celebration mode. It's my last week of not working. I'm so excited to start my job on Monday. But as for my celebration, it's over. I will do better!!!

Enough about that. Here are some cute pictures of Judson.

Judson just loves beans. He has since he's been able to eat real food. When we go to Cafe Rio I'll dig down in my salad to the rice and beans. I place them neatly on a to-go lid for Judson to eat. Up until about two weeks ago Judson would cautiously eat the beans and rice, one or two beans at a time and not make too big of a mess. NOT ANYMORE!!! As you can see, he loves the beans and he now shoves them in a handful at a time. I am always a little embarrassed when we leave and I look back to see the extent of the mess Judson has left. But hey, he loves his beans! It's so cute!!!

Ok, ok.... Pictures of Judson

So, we just got our scanner/printer out of storage, because I have been without a scanner for so long now. I just scanned this picture of Judson and Santa. He wasn't a big fan. I love the picture, it's so classic. Judson was fine when we set him on Santa's lap, but as soon as he looked up to see who was holding him the scream came. So funny!!

And here are more recent photos. We went to the mall play area and Judson found that he loves going down slides. He looks like he's holding on for dear life, but he really enjoyed it. He also had fun riding in the car. We found that if you just shake the car a little the ride is good enough for Judson and free.



Lent isn't going so well for me. I am re-committed today, though. Weekends are just my super weak point. I just really have to pay attention and care. It's when I give up and say "I just don't care" that I lose control. I CAN DO THIS!!!!

Lent days 6, 7 & 8

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. I am very proud of myself. I have slipped up a bit in the past few days, but nothing major. I am watching everything that I put in my mouth and trying to make smart choices. I guess that's all that really matters. I'm still in the first week so I am trying to see my bad habits and stop them. It will take a while for the good habits to overcome the bad habits, but I'm willing to try. Anyway, I'm doing well and that's what counts.

Onto exciting news. I was officially offered my new job yesterday. I am officially an employee of the University of Southern Nevada. I start March 16th. I'm so excited for this new job. I love learning and I know I'll be able to learn a lot being 1 of 2 accounting people here in South Jordan. Yeah!!! I'm also super excited about getting a house finally! Yeah, yeah for a new house!!!

Also, Judson went to the doctor's yesterday for his 18-month check-up. He is doing wonderfully. He's super tall still. The doctor said he had a little growth spurt again. He also has weird teeth and we need to take him to a pediatric dentist. Other than that, he's great. He's starting to remember the doctor's office, so it's getting harder and harder to get him past the fish tank. He did so well though, considering. We are so happy Judson is growing and developing so well. It is truly a joy to watch him learn and change each day. What a great little boy.

Stats: 28lbs 12oz ~ 35.75" tall.

Lent days 4 & 5

Saturday and Sunday's are always my worst days to be healthy. It has proven to be my challenge yet again. I watched everything I ate both days. Saturday wasn't too horrible. We went house hunting for 4 hours of the day and that helped me to not want to eat anything. Oh, and we found 3 of the 8 houses that I just loved and would move into right now!! It's good to know that there are houses out there that we love. I was worried every house would have to be remodeled or fixed in order to live in it, but these three are move-in ready. Now we just have to wait until I start work. Then we'll be able to start putting offers in. Anyway, back to lent. Sunday wasn't bad because it was fast Sunday. There was also a yummy heathy meal at the Farr's.

So, so far, so good!! I'm happy I posted this because I think I'll need help today. Just knowing that I'll be reporting about my success is good motivation. 10% of Lent has passed. Only 90% to go.