My boys

With how much time I have had the privilege to spend with Jodi's boys, I consider all three of these, mine.

The day after Hayden got home from his field trip, I let him stay home from school. Why not? Less than a week left. They were only finishing up last minute assignments. Hayden was caught up. He was exhausted from no sleep for two nights with constantly going. Plus, I missed him.

Jodi had to run somewhere so she asked Hayden to babysit Talmage. He did a GREAT job! He played and played with Talmage. He made T man lunch. He watched movies with him. He even laid by him on my bed while I slept and rubbed Talmage's back so he would fall asleep.

Hayden is definitely growing up and is becoming more nurturing all the time. He loves Brigham and Talmage and is really trying to be a great example to them. I love that they are starting to look up to him and realizes he will be good to them.

With Hayden being an only child, I worry so much about him. I would give anything for him to have siblings. I did my best and it just didn't happen. One of the greatest gifts is that he has Jodi's kids. They are as close to siblings as he will ever know. I pray that they always include him and let him be apart of their lives as they grow. He loves them. So it touches my heart when I see them all so completely getting along and loving being together.

This one is definitely going on my wall. I love how sweet they are to one another. They had a ton of fun playing together.

When Brigham got home from school, he immediately started in on the fun, too. The boys wrestled, laughed, goofed off and had the best time.

I dreamed of the day when the fighting would be less then the getting along. We have finally hit that swing. They definitely play together and enjoy one another more than they fight. What a blessing. I love the smiles on their faces, even though they are blurred by the camera. I love all three of my boys.

Nap time

Jodi had her hands full with Troy getting his wisdom teeth out and Brigham with the flu on the same day. To try and help a little, I had her drop Talmage off with me. I told him we could watch a movie but then we would eat lunch and take a nap.

He was perfect. We watched a movie, ate lunch and he turned off the TV and said, "It's nap time now!"

Within 5 minutes of laying on the bed, he fell asleep. We slept for the next three hours until Suzi walked in the door with Hayden.

Loved having a little cuddle bug for my nap time buddy.

It was such a relaxing day. Love that I get this opportunity to just stop, cuddle and cherish precious moments with those I love.

Great day!

Davis gang

Thomas came to pick me up from Jodi's after priesthood session of conference. Brigham ran up to Thomas, hugged him and begged him to go pick up the nerf guns that Hayden was giving to him. Brigham was being so cute that Thomas had to say yes.

Talmage heard Brigham was going to our house and ran to the car. Brooklyn quickly followed. It is not often that Thomas and I have all Jodi's kiddos without Hayden and so we decided a quick run thru McDonalds for ice cream comes was in order. Jodi heard the plan to celebrate Thomas' birthday and jumped in the car with us. After a quick stop by our house to pick up the bag of hand me down toys for Brigham, we were off for yummy ice cream cones.

The kids were so cute and so excited. As Brigham pulled toy after toy and nerf gun out of the bag, the bigger his smile grew and he was so excited. Talmage loved the goggles and immediately put them on. Thomas and I relished in these precious moments spent with the cute Davis munchkins.

We hadn't told the kids where we were going, so when we pulled up to McDonalds for ice cream cones, they were ecstatic! We laughed, chatted and had the best time.

It was a very short outing. Maybe 20 minutes tops in the car, if that. But it was so much fun. It was a memory I will always cherish. I loved getting out, listening to the excitement in the kids voices and seeing the excitement that a bag of hand me down toys and ice cream cones brought to these cute kids lives that I love. It was a perfect way to celebrate Thomas' birthday!

Fun Morning

Talmage was missing me this morning. Jodi needed to run to Walmart so me and Talmage hung out on the couch and watched Rio for about the 100th time this year.

At one point, I was looking at Pinterest on the I-pad. Talmage looked at me with his cute little face and said, "Hey, we are supposed to be cuddling here". He took my arm and wrapped it around him and snuggled in next to me.

I sat the I-pad down and just snuggled up with this cute little guy.

He started making funny faces at me when I sang along with the movie songs. He grabbed my phone and told me to take funny pictures. We laughed and giggled and had the best time taking silly photos. He loved that he kept making me take pictures of his stinky, dirty feet. And completely laughed hysterically when I stuck out my tongue and made funny faces with him.

I had made a goal that when Hayden was home, before and after school, that I would disconnect and reconnect with him. I learned this morning that I should be doing the same thing with Talmage or with any sweet little child that is visiting me.

I am so glad I put the I-pad down and just spent an hour with my little T-man. We had a great time and he must have known how much I just needed to laugh and smile.

Love this boy. Love the precious and fun time that we get to spend together. He is precious beyond words.

Talmage and the Temple

Jodi took me to Seagull book earlier today to get me out of the house. I had a great time just talking to Jodi and the sun beating down on us as we drove the car. I walked around Seagull book and found a great new book to read. And the perfect gift for a friend.

When we walked outside to the car, Talmage spotted the temple. He kept saying, "I want to go to the temple. I want to see Jesus." Jodi drove him around the entire temple, but that was not enough. When he realized she was leaving without him getting to go in, he had a complete and utter meltdown with gator sized tears.

He kept saying over and over, "But I want to see Jesus. I want to go inside the temple. I want to play with Jesus."

Jodi pulled into the parking lot and looked over at me and knew I would never make it. I was exhausted. I looked back at Talmage and he was just begging to go inside and see Jesus. How do you deny that sweet and tender request?

I said a silent prayer. I knew how important this was for Talmage. As I stepped out of the car, the strength to walk came. As I walked into the visitor's center, the pain left my body. My prayer was answered and I was given the strength so Talmage could have his sweet tender heart renewed.

Talmage walked over to Jesus, and Jodi lovingly talked to him about Jesus and the nail prints. He stood for a minute but he didn't want the statue, he wanted to see his Savior and friend. He missed him so much and was aching for that sweet reunion.

Talmage started running from room to room, opening each door, walking in, looking around and could not find the Savior. When he made it to the back of the visitor's center, he looked outside and saw the temple. He raced outside, pointing and saying, "I want to go in there. That is where Jesus is."

Jodi took him outside and loving taught him about the temple. She taught him about how that the special feeling he was feeling was the Holy Ghost, he had found Jesus in his heart. She taught that while on this earth we feel Jesus with our hearts on the inside and do not get to see him with our eyes.

Talmage was happy. He felt his Savior. And although he didn't understand and was disappointed that he didn't get to run into our Savior's arms, he did feel him.

As Jodi told him it was time to go, he sweetly asked if we could go get Brooklyn, Brigham and Hayden and come back. He wanted them to all experience the love and tenderness and spirit that he had felt while in the temple visitor center.

I have spent so much time thinking about those precious few moments. My little three year old nephew taught me some valuable lessons. I should spend my life searching, really searching to find my Savior, to follow him and do all I can to be with him and have his spirit with me.

Sweet Talmage, I love that you remember and know who you are, which is a son of God. Jesus is indeed your older brother, your friend and Savior. He loves us all. You taught your Aunt Jer so much because of your great desire to see Jesus. Nothing should stop us from seeking him. We should also take every opportunity to spend time with him. There is definitely nothing more important that that. Thank you for the sweet reminder. I love you buddy!

Jodi, if you ever doubt you are a good mom, remember this moment. You stopped what you had planned to help your sweet son search for his Savior, older brother and friend. When it all comes down to it in life, what else matters. As I listened to you teach Talmage today, I was in awe of you and the incredible mother that you are to your children. They are each lucky to have you. What a precious moment for all of us.

Family Night

Hayden came home from school and had a "psychic" vision. His vision was that we were headed out of town this weekend to go to Disneyland. I told him his psychic visions were about as good at Shawn Spencer's. That was about as far from the events happening as could be unless he considered a weekend in pajamas, with yummy cinnamon rolls, listening to General Conference, eating treats and delicious food a "staycation".

We all laughed. He then asked about going to the movies. He wanted to see G.I. Joe. Would his psychic vision be accurate if we were to go on a school night?

His Dad laughed and said, why not. We all loaded in the car and headed to the movies. I am trying so hard to start doing more normal life things again.

Talmage fell asleep not long into the movie. At one point he picked up his head, looked up at me and said, "Jer, if I go to sleep will Thomas have a donut for me when I open my eyes in the morning?" Oh how much I laughed and laughed at him. I may have dozed a little too during the movie. But we had an adventure thanks to Hayden's psychic visions.  Glad he is so much fun.

During the night, I woke up and went to sleep on the couch while the pain subsided. When I came back to get in bed with Thomas, Talmage was in my spot. I climbed in bed and Talmage immediately rolled over to cuddle with me. After cuddling for a while I was tired and just wanted to sleep. I tried moving him and he told me no. I gave up and went back to the couch. After a couple more hours I was going to attempt  bed again. This is what I found. Oh how I love these boys and that they are both such cuddle bugs.

Thomas and I laughed and laughed at both of them cuddled up in the bed. These are the moments that I cherish. It won't be long and I am sure Hayden will stop finding his way into our bed. And although it is quite obnoxious while I am sleeping, I love it when I am awake. I love these boys. They make my life wonderful and magical and exciting.

Thank you IPhone

Life via iPhone is a crazy thing. Random moments are captured that would have usually passed with the moment. I love the little things in life. They are the moments that a life is made up of. The ordinary day to day moments that are interrupted with holidays and big events. The little moments, for me, is where the sweet joy of life is captured.

Someday I will look back on this time in my life and be so grateful for all the lessons learned and experiences gained. I will remember the big moments that entailed healing, priesthood blessings, hospital stays, little miracles, tender mercies, love shown, family moments and prayers answered. But because of our little iPhone, I will be able to laugh that a wet rag wrapped on my head kept me from passing out. I look lovely all the time with this beauty on my head but it makes life much more tolerable. And I am positive when I look back on this picture, I will laugh and be grateful that this time in my life has past. Okay, who are we kidding, we are getting a good kick out of this picture now. Life is too serious to be taken seriously.

My sweet little niece Brooklyn had to list her favorite activities of the year for her activity day recognition. Her very favorite activity was Cupcakes for a Cure. Brooklyn and Kiley went door to door selling cupcakes and raising money for my medical bills. She melts my heart. I love her dearly. What a sweet girl to willingly serve me and then to last it as her favorite moment of the year. She is such a precious daughter of God. She has such a deep desire to serve and give and love. She is a sweetheart. I adore her. I love her. I cherish her. I am so grateful that this little sweetheart is apart of my life. I always tell her that she is my girl. If I had been blessed with a daughter, she is exactly the one I would have dreamed of. She is a light and joy. I love you, Missy Brooklyn!

Talmage loves his Papa Thomas. He squeals with excitement each time Thomas walks in the door. The other night, Talmage ran to the freezer, grabbed two ice cream sandwiches, and came and jumped on Thomas' lap. I had to capture the moment. Love their sweet relationship.

Last Friday, Thomas had the day off. For some crazy reason Hayden had school. We decided to let him have a ditch day. He wanted so badly to go have a play day. He wanted to have a normal day like we used to. I was miserable but determined to do something. I dragged myself out of bed, grabbed a hat and got in the car. We went to a new restaurant we hadn't tried before. Hayden's delight was evident when Apple Dumpling Cafe brought out a huge cheeseburger. He grinned ear to ear. He enjoyed every single moment we were at the cafe. I realized how much that meant to him. Us doing something normal, like we used to brought him so much joy. He felt like life was back on track. A huge hamburger, a few French fries and a family eating together, talking and laughing was the best medicine for all of us.

He didn't even care that I came home and fell asleep on the couch right when we got home. Nope. His life was back to normal, if only for an hour, but it was enough. Simple but perfect.

To the makers of the iPhone, thanks for putting on a camera, I'm so glad these sweet and precious moments are captured.

Monday morning

I have a hard time each and every Monday morning saying goodbye to these two and sending them off to work and school. I love our weekends together. I especially have a hard time letting Hayden go back to school after a long break. Oh how I missed him today.

I was so happy when Jodi called and asked if I wanted to get out of the house and ride to QT. the silence in my house was deafening. I welcomed the reprieve from the quiet of being alone. Better yet, I kidnapped Talmage and we had a movie morning. I loved hearing him play cars at my fee and having him come cuddle up next to me. What a blessing this little guy is in my life.

Donnie came over to chat for a little bit, too, since she knows how hard mornings after breaks are for me. I sure enjoyed the company. I love talking to her about life and figuring out what the Savior wants of our lives, lessons taught and experiences shared. She is such a great friend.

Jodi came back with lunch and we sat and talked. I miss her when I don't see her too often. I miss our chats. I miss sitting and just being with her. I relax. I feel like I contribute back to this world in some small way. Most days it is just two sisters talking and leaning on one another for advice and to listen. I love that she trusts me. I love the incredible person she is. I love watching her become better and more amazing with each passing week and month. One of the greatest blessings in my life is her constant and I changing friendship.

Time passed quickly from when Jodi leaving until I hear my favorite words of the day, "Moooommmmm!" "Mom, where are you?" As Hayden bounds into the house looking for me. For the next twenty minutes or so, I do a lot of nodding and smiling and listening. I love the days when he talks and will share with me. I light up with joy when he lets me into his world.

Today, he was especially excited. His third quarter IEP goal status was in his hand. Wow has my Bubba improved this year. He has tackled hard things and has tasted the sweet reward of hard work. He has mastered nine out of the ten IEP goals set for this year. More than even that, I was so proud of the comments that were written. "Hayden is a joy....he works hard....he tries......he pays attention.....he gives his all....he is enthusiastic about his work....he is kind and positive....he is overall an amazing kid". I know this but it sure is great to hear. Hayden was so so so proud of himself and the skill sets he has mastered. I told him I was happy for the end result but proud of the progress and hard work he put in to achieving his goals.

Homework was done, cheese crisps were made for dinner. Hayden stuck like me to glue. I knew he missed me, as I did him. It was an ordinary day. That was the best part about it. I love ordinary days. For in the ordinary and simple is where true joy and peace are found.

Jodi day

Monday morning I received a text from Jodi saying that her and Talmage were headed over for a diet coke, donuts, movie, yummy lunch and ice cream day. She was so scared!

When she came over in the morning, I relayed the events of the night before. We cried. We laughed. We rejoiced. We talked of the miracles. We were just so grateful to not have to figure out how to say goodbye to one another.

I realized that day how grateful I have been for the past six months. Yes. I have been sick. Really sick. But I also have been able to sit and talk and spend time with those I love. I've had the time to really sit and think. Time to express feelings. Time to love with all of my heart.

Jodi and I have become so close during this trial. She has walked it and lived it with me. She has been my strength and my sanity throughout this journey. She has made me still feel important and needed.

She has put her heart and soul into helping me get well. Keeping me entertained.

I'm so grateful for he extra time. Each moment feels like a precious gift.

I'm so grateful for a sister that puts my needs above her own. I love her with all of my heart.