Jeppson family fun

While everyone was here, we decided to do a few fun things! To name just a few, we saw Luray Caverns, Skyline Drive, baptism and party on Saturday at local park, Lexington and Southern Virginia University, Washington D.C..... Here are a few pics...more to come!

Ethan's baptism....

Ethan has decided to be baptized! We are so very proud of him. He tries very hard. He is a wonderful example to all of us. He is tenderhearted. He is quick to forgive; He is helpful!  We love him so much! Here are a few pics from his special day. Our entire family was here....ALL 21 of US!!!!! It was WONDERFUL!! We LOVED the time spent together! Families are forever...and we are richly blessed to have the family we do!  Thank you to EVERYONE who came to support Ethan during this special time! You helped make it memorable!

 Ethan with Uncle Josh....

 Ethan and Daddy

 Cousins Haley and Breanna....Breanna played a flute piece~ She did a fantastic job!

 Ethan and his friend Lee!

 Grandma and Grandpa with Ethan

Ethan with his brother Hunter. 

For those of you that couldn't make it, here is the slideshow we put together ( THANK YOU NICK) which was shown while Ethan and Daddy were getting changed! Enjoy!

I am a Mother

I am a mother.  I have the PRIVILEDGE of being a mother!  It is my calling.  I honestly can't imagine being ANYTHING else.  I LOVE what I do.  It's my full-time job.  It's not just my job...it's my duty, my opportunity to teach, serve, learn, laugh, love, cry, give my everything.  I am so blessed to be a woman and to be a mother.  Things don't alway go right, sometimes they are totally crazy...but when I fall down, I say a prayer and get up and try again!  That's the beauty.  It's the consistancy of not giving up.  I'm always there...I hope to always be there!!  And when I'm not present, I hope the kids will remember what they have been taught....they are children of God.....they are RIGHTEOUS....they are SPECIAL!!  So special....they were made in His image.....and that's saying something!  As a family, we read 4th Nephi tonight.....about how the people were united....and were one in Christ.  There were no divisions...no poor/needy.....Everyone was equal....WOW! And there was never a more happier people on Earth....and why was this....because they had the love of Christ in their hearts.  They worked together.  They prayed together and met together (Church) to pray and learn of Jesus.  They kept the commandments.  Tonight while sitting around the table, the kids got it! They said, "We do this and we are happy."  It's sometimes the simple things that are huge!  I love being a mother. 

 My mother in law with all my sister in laws.....Luray Caverns just a few days ago. I love and cherish you all! I hope you know this!  Thank you for coming and for blessing our family.

 My mother and father with Ethan on his baptism day May 5th at church.  Thank you for your support.  We love you.

Alexis, Hunter and Ethan....my world....well besides my husband who was busy studying for Finals when this picture was taken! 

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.  I am thinking about all those mom's in the world who have influenced me....to name a few:  my own mother, my great-aunt Anne Riley- who passed away while I was in high school, Jan Blackburn, Nancy Cowie, so many others to name....so many great, strong, faithful women who have helped me to become who I am today.  I am so grateful....I can't begin to write down how thankful I am.  I am so blessed.  I have my body to move about to bless others, to serve them to strengthen them and strengthen myself- to strengthen my own testimony of this work.  I feel so blessed to have the priviledges that I do.  What a blessing to be a woman, to be a mother!  Thank you to all those who have touched my heart and have served to bless me and my family.  I think of when Alexis was born at 34 weeks and women brought meals for 3 weeks, both in the church and out- MaryAnn Bayless....whom I worked with...brought over a roast, potatoes, carrots and homemade rolls....we ate on that meal for 3 days....so delicious.  I think of moving help we have received.  Countless times, women have served.  The potential that we have as women- to bless the lives of others is such an amazing quality the Lord has given us.  I hope to remember my divine nature and to never forget the priviledges I have been given by my Heavenly Father- for I am a daughter of Him!  I can do all things in Christ, which strengthen me. Phillipians 2:14.

Photo session.....

I have a friend who is a photographer....and here is some of her work of art from this evening!

Thank you Crystal! I LOVE them ALL!!!!

Ethan's 8th Birthday.....Today!

I remember like it was yesterday! No mom forgets her first born (or any other born) being born into this world! I'm so thankful for my first born. Ethan Christopher Jeppson came into this world at 7:39pm after 8 days overdue and a 36 LONG hours of labor with him, ending with pushing for 3.5 hours! He was our first miracle of 3 so far.....

Ethan with his daddy at 2 months ish...

 This picture is Ethan on April 26th!!! 1 day old!!!

Here is my little (Big) Ethan at 2 months...

Today was a great day!  My dad and I began working as soon as the kids shut the door to go to school!  We got Ethan's room ready to paint, moving furniture, taping, etc. We painted and cleaned and then cleaned our mess and put everything back (somewhat) by 3pm.  Then we grilled Cheeseburgers and fries in the oven with corn, cottage cheese, strawberries and steak kababs on the grill.  Daddy came home and we ate, opened gifts, went for ice cream, home, played some, showered, read scriptures, told everyone one thing that we are thankful for and said prayers, then went to bed!  What a great day with family!  We are truly blessed to have such an example as Ethan!!!

Here he is today! 8 years old!!

 Ethan with his little brother Hunter, almost 3.

 Ethan with Daddy....our family's April birthday boys!

 Mommy, Ethan and Daddy! - Ethan pointed out that Chris' Bethany Beach shirt minus the 'B' and 'Y' in Bethany....turns out to be ETHAN BEACH!!!  HAHA!

 Mommy, Alexis, Ethan and Daddy!

 Ethan reading his card that we gave him!  This morning he went on a little clue search for his gift today from mom and dad.....a crisp $20.00!  HE was beyond excited! ;)

 Our family!!! Ready for bed!

 Ethan earlier today opening up Mam-ah and Pap-pap's gift.  A nice set of binoculars!  Ethan is so excited!  He wanted these!!! ;)

We love you Ethan.  You are an example for all of us! Thank you and keep being YOU!!!

First time for everything

So, I woke up this morning at 5:15 am and prepared 3 loaves of pumpkin chocolate chip bread for Chris to take to school (it was his turn for bringing 'snack') HA! While I was awake, I figured we also needed another loaf of bread so I made that also.  The morning was good- I cleaned the bathroom, had my visiting teachers over and walked the dogs with Hunter.  The weather was breezy and a chill in the air kept us from playing outside any longer.  Lunch was cheese tortillas ( Hunter's new love) and we played with his train set, put a Thomas puzzle together and reviewed his colors using another board puzzle which he loves.  I needed a nap.  The phone rang.  I answered it sleepily.  It was Ethan and Alexis' principal at school.  I love that he immediately says, "This has nothing to do with the kids- they are fine"  Thank you for putting my heart at ease! ;)   He then asked if I could share my thoughts this evening to the county school board on my thoughts about the teachers and budget and several other items.  I was shocked and stunned but of course told him that I would (thankfully my dad would be home to keep the kids while I was away for a bit).  I thought about what I would say.  Funny how it was sort of like preparing for a talk at Church! 
 Anyway, I finished dinner preparations and we ate bean soup and homemade rolls and then I headed off to the meeting.  I was SO NERVOUS.  Men and women were all in suits, business attire.  I was in jeans and a nice shirt.  I left my North Face pink coat on so no one would notice the sweat on my shift from being so nervous.  After many written out talks given, my stomach was still so nervous.  My heart was beating in my throat.  I said a prayer of peace and clarity.  I instantly felt a warm, peacefully feeling come over me, still nervous, but I knew Heavenly Father would guide me.  They called my name.  I walked to the podium.  I spoke from the heart, shared feelings of gratefulness for the wonderful teachers my children have had at their school and such.  Of course after I sat down, I thought of a few more things I had wanted to say, but it was well.  I did it!  Thank you for such an opportunity to show gratitude for what so many do with little compensation to someone SO important as the future leaders of America!  I am grateful to have had this opportunity and thankful for ALL the teachers who I have come across and who I shall meet in raising our children the best we can!
What a day!

Saying, "I Love You..."

You know, after all the company has left, today I am left with a sore throat and feeling run down.  Still, I am so thankful for MANY things....It is Springtime in all it's glory...the blossoms on the trees and flowers; I awoke this morning to the birds singing at 6:30am.  Everything is happy.  And, we are happy too- Daddy is home.  I see such a difference in the kids' lives, their temperaments, everything really, when Daddy is here with us.  I just can't wait for him to finish...seems like forever until he's done, and yet, I know it's really not that far...and I can wait and be a little more patient.  Ethan today has been so happy...I know it is because Daddy is here....with each question, he'll ask, "Is Daddy coming?" When I say, "Yes," he'll reply with "YEAH!"  Kind of sad that he's gone so much, but really, it's ok because I know it will have an end.  Alexis just handed me a flower and said, "Mom, for you, my sweetest and most caring mommy.  I love you Mommy!"  Trying not to cry...I know it's because I don't feel good but really!  My most precious gift of all, my world just ran out the door to walk Frosty, Lucky and Ginger...my kids and my husband!  I am so blessed!