6 Wonderful Years

Six years ago today, at this very moment, I was in the temple being sealed to Brock for time and eternity. We knelt across the alter, held each other's hands, looked into each other's eyes, and made beautiful covenants and promises to each other and our Heavenly Father. We were surrounded by friends and family, and it was a beautiful, everlasting ceremony. We went out for pictures, and were both so hot! I was so stressed about rain, and it ended up being record breakingly hot at over 100 degrees! We had a lovely luncheon, followed by more pictures, and then the reception. What a perfect day. I love thinking about it. I love looking at pictures and our video from that special day. I love being married to Brock, and calling myself his wife. I can honestly say, without hesitation, that I do not have a single complaint about being married, and that I have loved every moment of it. I hope it doesn't come off cheesy, or exaggerated, because it is absolutely the truth. Brock makes this possible. I have told lots of people, on lots of occasions, that I completely lucked out. We dated for a year and a half before getting married, so I feel like I knew him very well, but there are just some things that I didn't even know I wanted on my "Things I Want in a Husband" list. And Brock has all of those things. He has the things on the list like:
Hot Active Funny Sense of Humor Loves his mother
Kind Good work ethic Happy Member of the church...etc.
(I really have a list in a journal somewhere, and it goes on and on)
But he also has the things that were not on the list like:
Never raises his voice to me Treats me with respect no matter what
Truly cares about making me happy Always wants to talk it out if we get in an argument (even if I don't want to) Plays with his children every chance he gets
Is so proud to be a father, and would do anything to make his boys happy
So low maintenance Wants me to have ME time
I will stop there. Again, I could go on and on. I feel completely blessed and totally lucky to have such a wonderful companion and friend, and look forward to many more amazing years. I love you babe! Happy Anniversary!

President's Club 2009 MAUI

Brock and I spent the last week in Maui with his friends from work for their annual President's Club trip. It was so amazing. We had so much fun. We didn't do much besides sleep in, lay by the pool, eat, nap, eat, and lay by the pool some more. What more can you ask for in a vacation? We would like to thank Spring Mobile for a great time.

I Am a Mother

One of my greatest joys is being a mother. I have been blessed with 2 beautiful boys(if I do say so myself!), and hope to have another child at some point. I didn't have an especially great day on Sunday, but I am grateful every day to be Jace and Nixon's mom. Jace was in his first Primary program on Sunday. Well, not really a program, but they did go up there and sing "I See My Mother Kneeling". I thought he would be too scared to go up all by himself, but he walked right up there only turning around a few times to make sure I was watching. He was in the front row, and his head barely peeked over the banister (or whatever you call it). He put his head on his hands and kept looking for me. Every time he saw me he would give me a big smile. He didn't sing a word the entire time, but I was so proud just the same. I wanted to cry. Cheesy, I know. Anyway, when the song was done, he walked back down to me, and I gave him a big hug, and told him what a good job he did, and how proud I was. He looked up at me and said, "Mom, I didn't even sing." Yeah, I know, but I was proud anyway. Then later in the day, when we were all over at Brock's grandparent's house, he sang a song for me. "Thank you mom for all your hugs, all your hugs, all your hugs. Thank you mom for all your hugs, they feel good to me. Thank you mom for all your kisses,etc. Thank you mom for all your love, etc. Again, I wanted to cry. He learned this one at school. I love my Jace.
Being a mom has taught me such wonderful lessons, and showed me an entirely different side of life and love. I definitely have the "guilty mom" thing going on since I work full-time, but I really think it helps me to enjoy them even more, and not take my time with them for granted.
Yesterday I was feeling really depressed all day. Just overwhelmingly sad for no particular reason. The second I walked in the door at home and saw Jace stop playing in the sink to yell, "MOM!" and Nixon give me a huge smile and wave to me, I felt so happy. They really can make all the difference to me. I really love being a mom. Having someone to love me no matter what, and want me to hold them when they are sick, or cuddle with me when they are tired. (Brock does that too, but I am talking about being a mom) There is just no greater joy.
It has also given me a greater appreciation for my own mom. She is truly such an amazing person. I love her more every day, and hope to raise my children in the same honorable way that she raised us. She has taught me many things, but the one I cherish the most is how to love unconditionally. It was always known in my home growing up, that no matter what we did, or didn't do, no matter how mean, or selfish, or annoying we were, our parents were still going to love us and be there for us. I hope my boys grow up knowing that.
I am a mother, and I love being a mother.

San Francisco

This past weekend I was able to go to San Francisco for work. It was one of our many festivals, and they thought I should check it out, to see how things run. Anyway, I flew down with several of my co-workers and ended up having so much fun.
We got there Thursday around 1:00, and after I got all checked in and fed, my friend Lindsey Harman, who lives like 5 minutes from where my hotel was, came and picked me up. She did my hair of course, and I am officially back to being a blonde! I love it. We met up with everyone else in China Town for a yummy dinner at Cathay House.
Friday I didn't have to work until about 1:30, so I woke up late, ate breakfast, worked out, took a bath, got ready and met up with the others for work. (If it must be called work!) We were done by 6:00, and so a couple of my co-workers Josh and Mindee and I went to pick up Lindsey and head into the city to see a Giant's game. It had been raining on and off all day, and rained the whole drive there, but once we were there, hot dog in hand, it didn't rain the whole night! It was really fun. The rain must have scared people away, because we got to sneak into some really good seats. The Giants won 3-2. What a beautiful stadium too, by the way.
Saturday I worked in the morning, and then again that evening, with a bath and a nap in between. The boys went to a movie, and the girls went back to get to bed.
I got home Sunday around 1:00, and when I came around the corner Nixon got a HUGE smile on his face, and got on the ground and waddled to me. (did I mention he walks all around now?) When he finally made it to me (I kept moving further and further back so he would have to walk further) he gave me a big hug, and just laid his head on my shoulder to cuddle. It was seriously the sweetest thing. I'm glad to have people that miss me when I'm gone, and are happy to see me when I get back. Jace would have done the same thing, but he was napping....probably not.
Anyway, it was fun. I'm glad to be back. Now I am counting down the days to Maui. T minus 8 days, and counting! We had to switch it to Maui because of the dang over-reacting media. I guess we'll just have to suck it up and enjoy ourselves in Maui! It'll be hard, but I think we can do it.

Here are some pictures of San Fran:

Me and Miss Lindsey at the baseball game after we had stuffed ourselves with Giant Dogs and Nachos!


This is Josh, Mindee, Lindsey and Me.

My Big Boy Jace

These stories are mainly for my parents who are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which is 14 hours ahead of us, so I can't just pick up the phone and call them every time Jace does something smart or cute or funny or... you get the idea.

This morning when I was dropping the boys off at Daycare, I got Nixon out of the car and when I went to shut it it bounced back at me. I looked all around and couldn't see anything in the way, so I tried it again. (Softer this time) Still, it wouldn't close. Jace asked me what I was doing, so I told him the problem as I tried it a few more times. He grabbed the handle and said here mom, let me try this. Maybe this will work. I thought, "Yeah, that's gonna work. Nice try." He pulled the handle in and out a couple of times, and then gently shut the door. It worked! Whatever he did worked! He said, "See mom, I told you I could do it." I said, "Yes you did. Thanks Jace. You were right." He's only 3 and he already knows cars better than me!

Another Funny Story

On Sunday we were over at Brock's grandparent's house, as we are almost every Sunday night. We were all sitting around watching Nixon take several wobbly steps back and forth. When Nixon doesn't have his binkie in his mouth he pretty much talks non stop. Not normal human words mind you, just baby jabber. I don't really even notice it anymore. Anyway, he was sitting down chatting away to himself when Brock's grandpa says, "That kid doesn't ever shut up, does he?" We all started laughing really hard. I said, "Nope, sorry grandpa."

I Do Not Hate Reading That Book!

Another story about Jace making mommy look bad. Okay, so last week my sister-in-law Kallie was at my mother-in-law's house with Jace, Nixon, and her little boy Beckett. She was getting ready to leave and couldn't find her keys. Jace saw them and said, "They're on that book." When Kallie asked him what book it was, he said, "a church book." It was the scriptures. At least he recognizes them as church books. So then Kallie continued with, "Does your daddy read that book to you?"
"No."
"Does your mommy read that book to you?"
"No. My mommy hates reading that book."
Um, excuse me? What? I swear, this kid is making me sound like the worst mom! I am pretty sure I have never said that I hate reading any book, much less the scriptures! I might not read them as often as I probably should, but come on!
This is after Jace so calmly and thoughtfully said to Brock's mom, aunt, and cousin,
"Remember when mommy said FOCK?" They all started laughing, and said no, when did mommy say fock? Um, NEVER! And I have never said anything that sounds remotely like Fock, if you know what I mean. (At least not since he's been alive)
Oh boy, do I have a lot of work to do.

Easter 2009

Easter, as always, was great this year. I am so grateful for the true meaning behind Easter, and of course, I am so grateful for the Easter Bunny side of it too! I even used it to get Jace to go to primary without whining. Good mom. "If you go to primary and don't cry, we will go to grandma's house and see what the Easter bunny brought you." I'm ruthless. What would we have done if he cried? Gone to grandma's house and see what the Easter bunny brought him. Yeah, I know. But it worked.

Anyway, we only went to one side of the family this year as my parents are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the next 3 years. (minus one month!)
The boys really loved searching for their eggs and their baskets, and when they were done, the real fun began. Brock's parents really hide our eggs. They have money in them, so its worth the search. They also hide our baskets with a bunch of goodies. This year did not disappoint. Thank you so much Dale and Shauna! You two are too nice! We then went to Brock's grandma and grandpa's house for dinner and dessert. Yum Yum! What a beautiful day for all of it too. We had a blast!

Let Me Take a Moment...

...to brag about my husband. Besides just being the most amazing husband and father, here are some of his most recent accomplishments.

The company he works for, Spring Mobile, was just given the naming rights at the EX Franklin Covey Field. It is now called Spring Mobile Ballpark. We are going to the opening game tonight for dinner and the game. A huge step for his growing company.

He just found out that he made it into the company's President's Club for the second year in a row! This is a very coveted award given to only the best of the best in the company. I am grateful for a company that recognizes his hard work, and rewards him for it. We get an all-expense-paid trip to Cancun next month! Last year it was Vegas, and it was a blast. I am so excited for this year's trip. Nice work babe, and thanks Spring Mobile!

And, on top of all of this, he is training with his sisters for a marathon on the 24th of July. He ran 10 miles while we were in St. George last weekend, and 14 last night! He is so dedicated, and such a hard worker. He can do anything he puts his mind to.

I love you Brock. You are so great, and I am so lucky to know you.

By the way, I am adding these pictures at the bottom of this post, and after its been posted for a while so maybe not everyone will see them. My family had a "biggest loser" type contest from January to March. On the day of the weigh in Brock oiled himself up, and came out in his little speedo shorts! It was hilarious! I thought he looked so freaking hot, and amazing! He lost 24 pounds! He came in second to my brother Justin, who lost 42 pounds. We were doing it by percentage, and Brock lost by .25%! It was so much fun. Anyway, here he is, in all his glory! I love you babe!

Parents of the...Week?

Okay, so a lot of people mention on their blogs that they should be in the running for mom of the year, dad of the year, parents of the year, you get the idea. Well, we had an experience today at church that should at least qualify us as the parents of the week. Brock goes to get Jace from his class in primary when church was over, and his teacher said that when they asked Jace who he thought created all the animals on the earth, Jace responded "Black Spiderman". Yup, that's right. Such a proud moment for Brock and me.

Nixon Turned ONE! (a month ago)

Well, once again, I am behind. My sweet baby boy turned one on February 28th. We were in Maui, Nixon's second time being there. Lucky boy. We celebrated with a little icecream cupcake from Coldstone, but waited until we got home for his party. We were busy until Saturday, March 14th, so we had his party a little late. He didn't seem to mind, except for the fact that the entire week before his party he was so so sick. He had a really bad cough and fever, was throwing up and wouldn't eat. We took him in to the doctor and he had a double ear infection, and RSV, or a "cousin" of it. Anyway, by Saturday, which also happened to be the day we got our Sanders Family pictures taken, he seemed to be over the worst. He had a fever while he was opening presents, and was kind of sad and quiet most of the party. All the other kids had a blast though!
We had all of our family over for pizza, presents, and cake and icecream. Nixon wants to say thank you to everyone for all of his fun presents. He has loved every one of them! So has Jace.
At his one year appointment he weighed 18 lbs, 11 oz. (25%)so no facing forward in the car seat :( I'm pretty sure Jace was 20 lbs at 9 months. So crazy how different two babies from the same parents can be. He was 28" tall (10%) and his head was 17" (<5%). Yes, we still have a teeny guy. He is crawling all over the place, has four teeth on top and two on bottom and loves to grind them! I can't stand that sound! He loves his binky and his blankie. He sleeps through the night, eats all foods, and loves his bottle of milk at night and in the morning. He is just the sweetest baby. He says dada, baba, and boy. Boy comes out sounding kind of like bwee and it always ends on a high note. Its really cute. He has recently learned that he can climb the stairs which has been fun for us. He points at everything whether he wants that thing or not. He just loves to point.
We are so blessed to have Nixon in our lives. He brings us such joy, and Jace loves being his big brother. They are so sweet together. I love my life!

Maui 2009

We left for beautiful Maui on Sunday February 22nd. My birthday. What a day to spend my 27th birthday. I would have preferred to have left Saturday so I could spend the whole day laying in the sun, but what can you do? It was a lovely birthday. Brock surprised me and had gotten me a present. So sweet.
The airplane ride to Maui was a lovely 6 hours and 40 minutes. Jace did so great with his DVD player and didn't complain one bit the whole way. Nixon was really good too. Only whining a bit when he was ready for a nap. He took two naps on the flight. It was long for Brock and me though. Man, staying in a 5x2 amount of space for 7 hours was pretty torturous, especially since we couldn't really sleep. Usually we will sleep for a couple of hours to help break up the time. Not with two munchkins in tow!

Here are the boys watching a movie.


And looking out the window.


Then Jace wanted to take a picture. Good job.


Then it was to the beautiful condo. My parents have a time share at the Westin Kaanapali Resort Villas in Lahaina. It was so beautiful. They have several different pool areas. One of them is a huge pirate ship that Jace loved. And another one has a big water slide that we had to go to every day. Brock was so great and would be in the water with Jace the entire day while I layed out and hung with Nixon. I did get in the pool once or twice I think!
















And of course we had to go to the beach. There was a really great beach right outside of our hotel room. It was amazing. Jace loved to chase the water down the sand and then run away from the waves as fast as he could with Granny. Nixon loved to eat the sand. It was so much fun.







Brock bought a kite and a frizbee while we were there, so we gave that a try too. Nothing like getting our friz on.











We also did a bunch of lazing around.







Saturday, the 28th was Nixon's first birthday. Brock and I decided to celebrate by having my parents watch the boys and we went to Ruth's Chris Steak House. Oh man. Happy Birthday Nixon. It did not disappoint. I love their buttery delicious steaks. Then we picked up ice cream cupcakes from cold stone to really celebrate.







Then, on Sunday, our last day, our flight didn't leave until 11:30pm, so we spent the day swimming and getting the last few rays of sun. Then we went to Mama's Fish House. Yum Yum. We go there every time we go to Maui, and it never lets us down. They have some beautiful scenery there, and we always have to take pictures.







I am so sad its already over. We have had this planned for about 10 months now, and I have been looking forward to it forever it seems like. And like all vacations, it was over too quickly, and it is on to planning the next trip! On the plane ride home Brock and I were trying to decide when and where we are going next. We're thinking a cruise next January. Anyone can come! Thanks to my mom and dad for letting us come along with them, and for watching the boys so we could hang out just us two. We love you!