SAGE

Nate grew up always having a dog, but he really wanted a Golden Retriever. So when we got married and moved to AZ he suggested that we get one. At the time we lived in an apartment that was like 900 sqft and I just laughed at him because we would have no room. It is not that I didn't want a dog, I just didn't want to have to deal with all the stuff that came along with a dog. So when we moved into our house he pushed it even more. We had some friends that had a Golden retriever and Nate volunteered us to Doggy sit while they went out of town. That was the turning point of my love for Golden retrievers and for all dogs for that matter. Nate started looking in the paper for a breeder and dogs for sale. One day I came home from work and this cute little puppy came tromping down the hall with a green bow around her neck. I had always like the name Sage for a child, but didn't think that was a good idea with my last name. So we named our cute little puppy SAGE.

She became Nate little buddy and best pal from day 1. She has been every where with us and has done everything with us. She wasn't the easiest of dogs and pretty much got herself into everything. Chewed flip flops, scriptures, pillows, ate commission checks, sprinkler systems, landscape lighting, and dumped the garbage countless times. Despite all that, she really is a good dog and we love her.

She is now 6 and has her own unique personality. She is a protector and very loyal. Sage was not too happy when Carter came into our lives, because she realized that this little thing was stilling Nate's attention from her. It took some time, but they have fun together now. Carter chases her around the house and sage usually snatches Carters food that falls of the tray.

About 2 weeks ago we found out that Sage has Cancer. In November we found a lump on her back and chest, but didn't think anything of it, because she was acting normal. Then we found more bumps so we took her in to get checked out. We know the cancer is Hemangiosarcoma, what we don't know is if it is just in her skin or also in her organs. We think she might have both. She is on some medication for the next 2 weeks to see how she reacts to it. When Nate called to tell me, I started crying. It is amazing how much a part of our family our dogs are and I just pray that she wont have to suffer.

I think our other dog, Allie, knows that something is going on. She has always had Sage around and I think it will be hard on her if Sage gets sick.

Sage loves tennis balls, swimming, going to the parks, Lake Powell and especially Nate. She is always the first to welcome him home. We love Sage and hope she will be with us for a while.

He doesn't need his mommy any more...

So yesterday we went out to the park to play. We always have to take a ball and usually the bat or through stick. Lately he has been wearing a hat too, which is so cute. Anyway, we are usually the only ones out so we will play in the grass area with the ball and then head over to the playground. Yesterday their were kids playing at the playground, so carter wanted to head straight over to play with them. There was a little girl around 3 or 4 and a boy around a year. Carter kind of did his own thing for a while and then started watching what the little girl was doing. Carter has not liked the slide lately, but the little girl was going up and down the slide. So Carter ventured over. Carter does pretty good on the play ground, but I am always right there to help him with the big steps or make sure he does not fall. We climbed up the stairs and then Carter started to sit to go down the slide. I ran down to the end to catch him. We did this twice and after the second time I caught him he wiggled to get down. He grabbed my hand and walked me over to the bench and pointed for me to sit down. He did not want me helping him. So I sat on the bench. He kept looking back at me to make sure I was still sitting. He went up and down probably 20 times all by himself. He was so proud of himself. He does not talk much, but he sure know what he wants. I am proud of him too.

Cute Pictures

This was a pound puppy that I had when I was growing up and my sister found it. Carter does not like stuffed animals, but he loves this one. He gives it hugs and kisses all the time and wants us too do it too.

Hats don't last long on Carter, but this day he kept it on for about 30 minutes. We have to go outside everyday and this was his outfit for our outside adventure.

FORT

A couple of Sunday's ago I had to go to church early, so I said goodbye to Nate and Carter and figured that I would probably not see them until after church. Nate had a rough night sleeping and was looking too comfy on the couch. When I got home, this is what I found. Daddy and Carter had built a fort. It was so cool and Carter loved it. We ate our lunch in it and even snuggled as a family and watched a movie. Nate is so creative and Carter has so much fun playing with him. The fort even lasted until Monday.

7 Years

A lot has happened in 7 years:

• lived in 4 cities, 2 states, and 3 homes
• been on many wonderful vacations
• got 2 dogs
• remodeled too many homes
• been in 8 different wards
• 6 different jobs
• graduated from Utah State
• have had 21 months of extra joy (Carter)
• Any many more things...

but most of all I have been marred to the most wonderful man ever. Nate makes me a better person and goes above and beyond to make me feel special. I love you Nate, Happy Anniversary!!

I DID IT!!!

I surprised Nate this weekend with a night out, just us. I got a babysitter!! I have been fretting over this idea for a long time. I just dont know any of the girls in our ward or neighborhood so I was having a hard time knowing who I could trust. I hate the idea of some person I really don't know being in my house taking care of my child. You just dont know and that scares me. I think the hardest part was making the phone call, but the family was so nice and comforted me in knowing that all would be ok. When she came over, I thought Carter would be a little hesitant to say hi, but he immediately warmed up to her and grabbed her hand to go play. I wanted to keep our date simple and close just in case, so we just did a quick dinner and movie. It was fun to go out and enjoy US time. We came home and she said that he was so much fun and easy. He cried a little when we left, but got over it quick.

I dont know if we will be regular at getting a babysitter, but at least I know now I have a family I can call on as well as that I CAN DO IT!!!

Shout out to Janelle

Saturday Carter and I backed up and drove down to Tucson to visit my cousin to see all the hard work she has put into in creating the Roadshow for her ward. I dont think I have ever seen a roadshow before, so I was excited to see what it was all about. The main performance was at 7pm, but I did not want to drive back so late, so we went to one of her many dress rehearsals. We stopped by her place before hand to say hi to the kids, Bren and Uncle Russ and Aunt Elaine. It was fun to see them and play for a bit. Carter warmed up really quick and was really into playing with all the fun balls they had. I had my bag packed with lots of treats and activities because I did not know how Carter would do with sitting so long. We got to the church and sat up from with Janelle and her group. They were first to perform. HOLY COW!! They were amazing. Carter sat on my lap the whole time and did not move. He was so into it and that never happens. It was like a Broadway production. Singing, dancing and the costumes and props were amazing. By far they were the best one out of all the wards. Great job Janelle. I am glad I was able to come down and see you guys and all your hard work. I bet you slept well Saturday night!! Love ya

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!

Nate and I have become pretty big professional football fans over the last couple of years becasue we have lived in a state that has had a team. They may not have been the best team, but it has been fun to cheer them on. The last 4 weeks or so has been amazing for our Arizona Cardinals and we are so excited for todays SUPERBOWL game. It should be a great game, and no matter who wins it is so amazing the the AZ Cardinal are there. Carter is especially excited to watch the game and cheer on Warner and Fitzgerald.

GO CARDINALS