February, how is it already over?

Truly, January is the longest month, and then you blink and February is gone! I had a goal to write every week, but so far I've been terrible at disciplining myself to write. There have been moments this month when I have thought about writing and couldn't find much good, so I opted to clean some dishes or other random things around the house. Everyone has their hard moments, and this month has had its fair share. 

We kicked off the month with Jay and Hugh's 4 year and 1 year check up. Hugh is still measuring so small, 24th percentile for height and 17th for weight, with a 99% head. Jay's average height, and a little above in weight. Jay's 4 year old questionnaire was hard to fill out, I truthfully couldn't say he did more than a few things on the 4-5 pages of questions I answered. Our pediatrician, Dr. Joe Smith, recommended we get Jay signed up to take some neuropsychic testing. With being so far behind in all the areas, he wants to be sure we aren't missing something. Over the past few weeks, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions associated with taking this step. It's expensive, and I was worried about it being worth it. Dr. Smith pulled me aside at church and talked with me about it, after I reached out to the clinic with my concerns. I had been praying he'd be inspired and my prayers were heard by being able to have this conversation with him. He didn't waver at all on the need, encouraging us to find a way to make it happen. We're currently on the waitlist to be scheduled, and I hope we can get it done soon. I hope we will get some answers, guidance, and help in knowing how we can better help Jay be the most successful in life. Here are some pictures of the month, just because. 

These two are starting to play more together and it's so sweet (usually!)

Jay was VERY pleased when he got to lick the chocolate bowl at Aunt Katey's house.

Naptimes are interesting, but with our camera we now get some insight. Jay always falls asleep in interesting ways, but this has to be one of the best we've seen!

Jay's motto in life could be, "if I'm helping, I'm happy!'

Hugh is climbing onto everything he can, he's such a cutie!

When Daddy comes home we truly are our happiest! 

Jay--->Hugh, same age, so cute!

Again, climbing and soooo pleased! He's usually happy until he figures out he doesn't quite know how to get down.

Hugh

Hugh is pushing his truck around, loves to but isn't quite walking yet.

Big news is we've started the process to finish our basement. Jay and Hugh can't really share a room right now, so Hugh's in our closet when Matthew works at night during busy season. I'm sure the time is slowly ticking where he'll be pulling down everything within his reach, and the closet will no longer be sufficient. We have Wayne Riblett on contract to do it, and we got our official permit through the city. I drew a to-scale drawing, which was so fun! It reminded me of when Oma and Papa designed their house and we got to look at all the drawings. After Wayne came, I had to make a few adjustments based on where pipes are, etc. I am getting so excited and very grateful we have been able to save our money over the years to fund our house improvement. 

My drawing - I had to make some adjustments and didn't take the time to use my ruler to draw my measurement lines. It was a good test of my new motto I'm working on, "better done, than perfect."

I have been looking for a swing set for a while, as Jay has started to need a little more entertainment in the backyard. I finally found a good deal on Facebook Marketplace, and they guy delivered and reassembled it! It's been fun to watch Jay go down the slide in the sunshine and in the snow. He's trooper and loves being outside. I know as soon as Hugh is old enough, he'll be right out there with him. 

I got to enjoy the first swing!

Jay was very excited!

He really really really wanted Daddy to play, so luckily Daddy took a short break.

Jay was finally here for a school party and Hugh and I got to go too! The Valentine's Day party was so fun. I loved seeing Jay in the school environment, and I could tell Mrs. Tiffee and Mrs. Ashley were very aware of Jay and what he needed. I got to learn some of his friends' names, and recently Jay has been talking non-stop about Amy and Kenna. Amy is his girlfriend, but Kenna has given him a couple hugs goodbye. It's fun to see kids be so kind to Jay, I hope he reciprocates appropriately! I also had Jay's parent teacher conference. Jay's making progress, he's engaging more with classmates and he does occasionally use names. Mrs. Tiffee said she'd try to get him in her class next year so he doesn't have to re-learn procedures and can maybe get more of the educational pieces. I left this conference a little more hopeful than the first, and I may have had my expectations more aligned. 

Jay's Valentine's box

For President's Day weekend, we partied! Friday we went to "Katey's pool" which is the Longmont Rec Center. Jay could have stayed there all day. He especially loved the big slide and went down several times with me and Katey. Hugh wasn't able to nap on the way to the pool, so he was very clingy and didn't seem to enjoy the water very much. He was a trooper, as he let Jay have all the fun in the world swimming. Since swimming, Jay asks for Katey's pool almost daily. Saturday we did a cookout at the Merrill's. It snowed earlier in the day, but we all bundled up and roasted our hotdogs and s'mores. The fire feels extra good when it's so cold outside. Monday, the Bryce's came down to Brighton to play with us at the rec center park. Betty Jane and Allen traded off following Jay around the park. When I thanked Allen at the end, he said, "It was kinda fun! He moves a lot." I was grateful for a little break, a picnic with family, and the time outside. 

The Stake Primary presidency gave my presidency a gift of lunch together at Freddy's. We finally used our gift card and enjoyed a lunch out together. I've learned a lot from serving with these wonderful women. They each have great strengths, always willing to serve, and strong faith. I admire each of them, and I will miss serving with them. It was nice to eat lunch and not talk anything primary. 

Jay started swim lessons this month. Last year, he cried every lesson and refused to go to the teachers. This time around it's been different, in a mostly positive way! One of Jay's classmates is in his swim lessons, and I heard Max introduce Jay to the teacher on the first day. It was very sweet, and I was very grateful. Jay can say his own name, but if you didn't know what he was saying you wouldn't know it was Jay. Jay's been pretty willing to go to the teachers and explore the water. He's been a bit handsy with his classmates at times and has had to sit out, but he's getting better at understanding the rules and certainly loves being in the water. Every day we have swim, he can't wait to go! I usually have to wait until 10 minutes before we leave to tell him because he'll get so excited he won't be able to do anything else. 

Jay with his swim-mates

Going with the teacher on day 1, HUGE win! 

One part of February that's been a tradition the past couple years here is a Galentine's party. My friend Breeanne hosts and a bunch of women in the ward come to enjoy an evening out. This year we all brought our favorite smell in a bag. I brought chocolate chip cookie dough, popcorn and dark chocolate M&M's and in return I got a diffuser. The evening was spent opening gifts, laughing, chatting, and enjoying the freedom from daily responsibilities. I am so grateful for Matthew always supporting me getting out and spending time with friends when opportunities present themselves. 

I got to throw a baby shower for Renee Clark this past week. Anastasia and I planned it, and it came together beautifully. There were several women in the ward who helped bring a few things and Renee's mom. I loved coming up with some of the punny names and stole some names from online ideas. We played Jeopardy, emoji guessing, and baby's around the world. We had a great time, and it was fun to host at our house. I love having people in my home, and not having to go anywhere. It was a bit squishy with 18 women/girls, but we made it work! Renee and Anastasia were the women who threw me a shower before I had Hugh and I was happy to be able to return the favor. 

Wild flowers, muddy buddies, deer droppings, rabbit food, live bait, s'mores on a stick, etc.

Creek water, blueberries and mint, it looked so cool!

Me, Renee, and Anastasia

I have been feeling throughout the past month I should tell Bishop about Germany. I knew if I did, it would mean he'd work on releasing me, so I didn't want to rush into sharing the information. I continued to have feelings and thoughts and impressions about certain changes to make in my presidency or other callings, but didn't feel like I could honestly request without sharing that we'll be leaving. After ward council last week, I tried to talk to Bishop. He left quickly after the meeting, so I waited around until he eventually popped out of his office. When we started talking, he shared that sometimes the Lord answers prayers immediately. He'd just been praying in his office about releasing me and about a calling for Matthew, didn't receive a clear answer, so he got up and determined to think about it. Right then, I asked to talk with him. I know Heavenly Father is keenly aware of the needs of his members and is especially mindful of leaders in His Church. It's amazing how the Holy Ghost worked on my to prepare me to share with the Bishop and at the same time worked with the Bishop.

And, lastly, I finished the dresser and we moved it from the garage! I love how it turned out.