Taytem's Baby Blessing

My Grandmother (94) holding Taytem at our house after the blessing.

4 generations all on the couch.

I just want to pinch those chunky cheeks!

We had a great day on Sunday. It was Taytem's blessing and Dave did a great job! I have to say that I have an amazing husband how is a far better man spiritually than I ever will be. He also bore his testimony and in it a cute part was when he said our home has been "blessed with pink." That statement is so true. She has brought so much love and joy into our home! Love this little angel!

Stayin' at Home...for a Moment

Bostyn loves his little sister!

2 or 3 weeks old...not quite sure:)

At the hospital. This is one of my favorite pictures.

Chubby cheeks from the very beginning....love it!

Proud Mommy!

Gage and his cousin, Cooper, lost their first tooth about the same time. Since this picture was taken, Gage has lost the other bottom tooth. I can't believe my son is old enough to lose teeth! It must mean that I'm getting older too!

My 95 year old Grandpa holding Taytem. It was the cutest thing to watch. He stared at her in her carseat for a good 5 minutes before I pulled her out and had him hold her. So sweet and precious. I love these moments!

So, it has been so fun being able to stay home with the kids again! This is my second day in a row just hanging out in PJs and doing nothing! Well, I actually did just put a load of laundry in, plus there are two piles on my bed that still need to be put away:) It's hard to be productive when you can just chill and play Ninja Turtles with the cutest little 3 year old! Bostyn is loving having me home and we play together all day long. His new favorite thing to do is fill the kitchen sink up with water and a little dish soap and he cleans all of his toys. He has been doing this for about a week straight and he loves it! Today I helped him clean the farm animals and his little laugh was so adorable when I was playing with the donkey and slipping into the water. My favorite sound in the world is the uncontrollable laughter of a child! I just love any time I can hear my kids laugh hysterically.

I went to Gage's PTC yesterday and he is doing so great with school. His teacher, Mrs. Graham, told me that Gage is improving everyday and that he is very enthusiatic and proud of everything he does. She told me a cute little story about him....The class was taking a numbers test (writing numbers 1-21) and after the class was finished Gage went back to his desk and sat for about 20 minutes (Wow!) and wrote up to 84! Mrs. Graham had to tell him it was time to move onto the next thing or else he would have just kept going! Those are the stories you want to hear from your kid's teacher! Gage was so proud of everything that he is doing and he is coming along so well with his reading.

We pulled out my mom's ancient baby scale to weigh Taytem on Sunday and she weighed a whopping 9 pounds! She will be 5 weeks tomorrow and she is just chunking up! I love her little chubby cheeks. She is starting to follow me with her eyes and it's just so fun to see how they develop and grow everyday. She has been a pretty good sleeper and letting me get between 3-4 hours before she needs to eat, but she has just been going right back to sleep at night....thank goodness!

I'm writing this post today because it was going to be my first day back at work again and I probably would have bawled the whole time! I'm so grateful that I was able to get the extension from the District for another month! I plan on enjoying the next month and being lazy at home with Bostyn and Taytem while Gage is at school. I know it will fly by too quickly, but I plan on savoring every moment instead of dwelling on the inevitable that I do have to return back to work and there's nothing I can do about it at the moment. I love my kids to pieces and they are my world. Each day I'm just going to strive to be the best mom that I can be whether I'm home all day with them or having to work during the day and then being home with them after school. I honestly believe that it's not necessarily the amount of time you have with your kids, but the quality time you give them. Some moms stay home and ignore their kids all day instead of appreciating them. Some moms work and miss out on those moments at home that others take for granted just wishing they could be home to play. I'm that mom who does have to work so we can have a home, food, transportation, and provide for our family. I'm that mom who will always give everything that I have for the benefit of my kids and some may or may not agree that right now what I have to give means that I can't be home with them every waking moment. I know living in Utah it's the norm and expected for women to stay home and I feel that many times others look down upon a mom who has to work when they don't know what's going on in that family. I do not feel that in any way because of me working for the past few years that my kids have suffered. I'm so close with my boys! They are healthy. They are strong. They love me and they love their daddy! I'm not going to lie about how hard it will be to leave little Taytem! I will for sure shed many tears about it, but I know she will be taken care of and that gives me comfort. This is not how I planned things, but this is how the plan turned out!

Wow!

It has been a few years since I have updated my blog, but one of my goals this year is to keep it updated so there's a record of what's been going on in our lives. It is now 2011 and I have not posted in 2 years!! That is crazy! A lot has happened in the Butler house since then! It's hard to think back and remember all the things that have happened.

Dave, Elysia, Gage (6), Bostyn (3), and Taytem (newborn)
BUTLER………REWIND to 2010

At the beginning of 2010 Dave was still looking for a job after being laid off from PreCast Concrete. He really enjoyed the time that he was able to stay home with the boys. They definitely were able to bond and become closer, but he was sure feeling the need to find a job quickly. Luckily, he was able to get a temporary job at TaxWorks with my brother, Drew, during the tax season. When April 15th, the last day to file taxes, was approaching, we were getting very worried because we knew that Dave would again be let go from this job as well. At the end of March Dave was able to land a job with Ascent Healthcare Solutions and that is currently where he is still working. He loves his job! He works with great people and is able to be up and active which is perfect for him!
I am still working as a 7th and 9th grade English teacher at West Point Jr. High and I really love this job! Teaching fits my personality and it is so fun to interact with the students and try to prepare them for their future. Hopefully somewhere, somehow a little bit of learning takes place along the way as well. At the end of the school year I took on an adventure that has been a really different experience for me. I became the Cheerleading Advisor! I have absolutely no talent or coordination with anything that has to do with cheer, but I accepted the job before Dave received his current job position and knowing that I needed to make whatever extra income I could. My summer was taken over by this new position and I was burned out before the school year even started. Being in the cheerleading world is so much different than living in the soccer world that I grew up with!
We ended up getting pregnant in April and my sickness began! I really don't like being pregnant, but the end result is so worth the sacrifices that we have to make. I was really sick for the first 4 months of the pregnancy and I know many are familiar with Zofran for morning sickness...this was the only way to get through the day and keep at least something down. At 20 weeks I went into preterm labor again (I had the same thing happen with my pregnancy with Bostyn). I started contracting and was immediately given Terbutaline and weekly shots of Alpha Progesterone to stop the labor. I made it to 26 weeks before I was put on bed rest and had to come home from work. For anyone who has been on bed rest, they know that is absolutely horrid and miserable. Sure it sounds good when you are really tired and need a break, but honestly a day or two is all anyone needs to cure that desire for a long campout in the bed. Thanks to my amazing husband for taking care of the kids and fulfilling the role of both mommy and daddy while I was laid up. He was so amazing during this time and he provided me with so much service. We also had so many neighbors, friends, and family who were willing to help us out with dinners and taking care of our kids. Without all the help, I really don't know how we could have done it! We managed to make it to 37 weeks and delivered a beautiful, healthy baby girl. She was born on December 28, 2010 and we named her Taytem Anne Butler. She is a perfect fit into our family. The boys absolutely love her and Dave and I are already wrapped around her precious little finger.
In August 2010, Gage (6) started Kindergarten and he absolutely loves it! He loves to read and enjoys being around other kids and socializing. It is really fun to see how he is learning and developing as he grows up. Recently Gage has started doing Jijitsu and Kickboxing and he is enjoying be active and learning new moves. Gage is full of life and he loves to sing and dance. He loves his friends and feels he needs to be playing with someone every second of the day or else he will “die of boredom.” We love having Gage in our family! He is always providing us with entertainment and laughs.
Bostyn turned 3 this year and he is so full of energy and loves to run around and chase his older brother everywhere he goes. Bostyn is really into Buzz Lightyear, Ironman, and Spiderman. He loves to use his imagination and play with his toys and play make believe. Bostyn is my little smile bug. He is always smiling and offering hugs. He makes you feel so important and I just light up every time I see that little boy.
That is the quick recap of 2010 for the Butlers! We are doing great now and are so thankful for everything that we have been blessed with and for our wonderful little family!

I hope all of you have a fabulous year in 2011!!

I am finally uploading some pictures onto my blog. I'm sure many have stopped visiting my blog, because you know I don't really update. That's okay, I uderstand. Life has been crazy this year. We've been through ups and downs with new jobs, lay-offs, and spending tons of time together as a family. Here are some pictures from the last few months in the Butler household. I'm not going to write a huge blog, so the pictures will have to satisfy:)

Easter

Easter clothes! Not very churchy, but certainly cute!

Mesquite-Easter hunt at the park

Gage and Cooper.

Trolley in Vegas

Circus Circus--we watched the acrobat show--it was pretty cool!

Melissa, Cameron, and Gage swimming in Vegas.

New Do!

Bostyn doing a scrunchy nose smile (with bugars:)

Gage finally got some church clothes. He gave his first talk in Primary and did a super job with it. He actually spoke into the microphone, unlike the others that followed him.

Matt and Amy (Dave's brother) went through the temple and were sealed to their little kiddos.

Job

Dave has been looking for a new job for the last few months. We knew he needed to stay at R&L at least until we bought our home. After we got into the home, he started looking for something a little more stable. As many of you know, at R&L, Dave is payed strictly on commission. It has been rough the last couple of years trying to make it through the slow season and especially the winter months. Dave has finally found a job that will be steady and offer him the opportunity to be paid for the work he puts into the job. He will be a salesman for Pre-Cast Concrete Products. He will be selling the cement barriers and pretty stone walls that you see along the freeway. Our next door neighbor, Jeremy, works for Pre-Cast and he got Dave the interview. The process has been a long road and we have had many nights wondering if he was really going to get the job. He interviewed over a month ago and we thought that he just didn't get the job. Needless to say, money has been tight, but things are turning around and we truly feel blessed to be taken care of in the financial crisis our economy is facing.

I received an email from my dad, and it was a copy of President Packer's testimony on fast Sunday this month. I am just going to list a couple of the things he said that got me thinking a little deeper.
-"In the Great Depression, people were frightened and growing more so. They began to be very resourceful. They had to be. Looking forward, we're all going to learn that lesson, one way or another."
-"The Church is in excellent condition. You don't need to worry about that. But as individuals we will face difficulty."
-"Learn to apply the old Pioneer adage-'Eat (use) it up. Wear it out. Make do, or do without." We're going to have to learn to do without. Even if we have the resources, we need to do more to be thrifty. Others will rely on us. The Church will rely on us. It is our responsibility and duty to be caring for ourselves, our family, and those around us. Be watching for need. Set something by that we can be of help to others when the time comes. Trust in the counsel of our wise elder/older people."
-"It's about time the Lord taught us a lesson. A great catastrophe is coming. Now I probably shouldn't say that because then it will happen. But it is going to happen. That's what it will take to turn our hearts to the Lord. And we will learn from it."

-"Take care of what we've got. Begin to save. The rainy day is coming. Reset our expectations. Give up selfishness. Wickedness is all around us. In today's world, it's not safe for children to be outside alone. We need to be ever watchful. We need to protect ourselves from the wickedness, avarice, and greed in the world."
-"Read the scriptures and the revelations. The guidance and counsel are there. Read with new eyes, and the scripture, the Book of Mormon, will take on new meaning."
-"Pay your tithing. The promise is there-pay your tithing and you'll be watched over. you'll be alright. None of us are exempt from trials. if hard times come upon you and your income dwindles, remember that tithing is equitable for everyone: 10%..If you have nothing, then it's 10% of practically nothing. pay your tithing, do what you're suppose to do. You'll be comforted."
-"Sure trial will come. Because of them, faith will increase. Happiness will increase. Security will increase. You'll be glad to be alive at this time. It's a good time to be living. To be raising children."

Well, I listed more than a couple things, but I thought I would share this with everyone so that they can be aware of what is coming upon us. Hold close to family because they are the most important miracle you will ever have. No matter what trials come, they will be there to carry you and hold you through your trials. Also, rely on the Lord. Ask in faith knowing that you will receive your righteous desires, and you will!

Warning--this is a long post!

My attempt at making a birthday cake for Gage. That is a 4 with balloons around it--I know it is really pathetic, but he thought it was awesome. he especially loved the cool twisty candles.
Make a wish!
He just ripped the presents open and threw them on the table--very appreciative!
We finally painted Gage's room. he said he wanted red and blue in his room, so this is what we decided to do. I have actually changed the arrangement of the rom since this picture, but you can see how cute it turned out. Dave did most of the painting and he did a great job with the lines. That is what took most of the work. We still have some touch ups around the edges, but it is pretty much done and we are taking a break from painting for a while.

Cameron (next door neighbor and Gage's best friend), Gager, and Cooper (cousin and best buddy--not to be confused with best friend). We were on our way to Chuckee Cheese for Gage's birthday!


Gage was able to have a sleepover for his birthday too. Cameron ended up missing his mom and going home, but he was over at 7am the next day.
Gage's family party at my parents house. Gage is outside with Tristan and Hayden, his cousins.

Sleepy Boy
Happy, messy boy
This is where Gage sits and eats his snacks so that he can still see the t.v. Bostyn is Gage's shadow.
We had Drew, Tara, and Addison over a couple weeks ago for dinner. Dave is giving Boss his bottle and cuddling with Addie.
I love this little girl

I know most people are not checking my blog anymore, but that's okay. Life has been crazy in the Butler home. It has definitely been a change having me at school everyday and the kids at daycare. I think everyone has adjusted really well and we are all doing great.

I just spent the last 20 minutes looking for the UBS drive (I think that's what it's called?) and it was tangled in my chair! So I guess I will be able to post some pictures of what has happened recently instead of just talking about it.

This past weekend, we went down to my parent's home in Mesquite. It was a nice break to get away from daily life! On Friday, Dave and Gage went golfing. Gage accidently pushed the gas to one of the carts and almost smashed Dave between the two carts. For some reason Dave moved without even knowing what he was moving for. Thank goodness he didn't get hurt. Dave claims he is giving up golf, or else never taking Gage golfing again. I think neither statement are true, but needless to say, Dave was a little frustrated taking Gage golfing. On Saturday, I played in a an outdoor volleyball tournament with my brother, Drew. I thought we were playing in a co-ed league, but I found out that we were in the Men's Novice division. I was a little bit nervous thinking about playing against only guys, but there were a couple other women playing and actually 2 sons playing with their dads. So, it wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be. We played 5 pool games, with a record of 6-2 and then we advanced to tournament play, won the semi-final match and then lost in the championship game. I have to say that I was proud of myself for not dying on the court:) It was really hot and a very long day. By the time we were playing the championship game, I think Drew and I were both dead tired. Today I can barely walk and I moan every time I have to shift and change positions. I don't remember the last time I was this sore. I think it had to be conditioning my 1st year of soccer down at SUU--that's really how sore I am, and day 2 is always worse with soreness. Tomorrow will be an intersting day at work!

Family Pictures

We had family pictures taken a couple weeks ago by my super friend Kelli. She did an amazing job! Her website link is on my blog, so you can check it out if you'd like her to take some pics!

My New Life!

It has certainly been crazy going from a stay-at-home mom to a working career woman! I knew that this would happen someday, but I just didn't know the someday would come so soon. It's been a lot of fun getting to meet new people and talking with adults. I haven't had that life for quite a while--and it's nice. I miss being home with the boys, but I think it will be good for them to adjust to having other people take care of them. I am way excited about being able to make a difference in the life of someone else's child. And of course, I'm excited that I was able to get a lot of cute clothes to wear! Gotta love shopping!!

I will post more of my first weeks at school when I have some more time!