Thanksgiving-much to be thankful for...

Well it has been quite a while since I posted-Bentley has played hide-and-seek with my camera and doesn't remember where it is-you gotta love it! Well we are doing well around our home. Emotionally things have been a little rough-with my mother's complications with cancer. I have to say my new thought is to "have faith, nothing doubting IN CHRIST." I am trying to learn, love, and be grateful for all life has to offer-after all this life is THE TEST. I have been spending quite a bit of time out with my mom at her home. The other day we had some fabulous talks about life, family, children and heaven. How thankful I am to have a mother of faith. Faith in Heavenly father and in eternity. My mom and I have always been a musical pair-she has accompanied me on the piano at every recital and competition-minus a few in college-that I have sung at. One of her favorite songs we played and sang together in church is called, "The Test" here is a verse of it:
Tell me friend, I see your trials,Why doesn't He who worked the miracles send solace to his child? Tell me friend, if you understand,Why doesn't He with pow'r to raise the dead just make you whole again? It would be so easy for Him. I watch you and in sorrow question why? Then you, my friend, in perfect faith reply: (Chorus)Didn't He say He sent us to be tested? Didn't He say the way would not be sure? But didn't He say we could live with Him forevermore, well and whole if we but patiently endure? After the trial we will be blessed, but this life is the test.

I am so thankful for many things-my family, extended family, the gospel and my knowledge and testimony of its truths, and especially my mom who gave me life, love, confidence and happiness. I will always be grateful that my Heavenly Father knew I would need her love and strength. There is no one as fun, spiritual, athletic, thoughtful, musical and beautiful as my mother. Dad hit the jackpot! Lucky guy. I love you forever and Always!

HAPPINESS

It has been crazy in our family lately! This last Saturday my older sister Stacia got ENGAGED to Jean a wonderful man-you can check her blog for the whole story. Last night, my older brother Jared called me and said, "He no longer was dating Hannah"-because they are ENGAGED too! What is going on around here! I told my husband he needs to propose again so I don't feel left out! Ha! Just kidding---We are soooooooo EXCITED for both of you! Jean and Hannah are fabulous and we are so thankful to welcome them into our family! Congrats on becoming your best self, so that you could deserve the best-each other! lOVE YOU ALWAYS!
The Lott's

photo session

A few photos I took of my girl........

A few photos Byron took of me and my sweeties! How blessed we are and have been!

Home SWEET home

Well This past weekend My brother Judson returned home from his mission in Denver, Colorado where he served the Lord for 2 years! My entire family-minus my youngest brother colton (he is serving a mission in Guatemala) were all together at my parents home for a few fabulous days. Here are some random pictures of our doings before Jud got home:


Jean-Stacia's man and my parents. I didn't know until later that he was asking for their blessing to PURSUE their relationship. Pretty great huh?! We are thankful for the genuine and good man that he is.

One of the greatest blessings in my life is music. My mother instilled in all of her children a love and appreciation for the arts. Here we are----my favorite moment of the weekend-all of us singing different songs together while mom sat and listened on the couch-and cried sweet joyful tears. What a great time we have just being together.

Many of us are early risers-so here we are on the veranda at about 6:30 a.m. I made sure mom was toasty!

Jared got A POEM published that he wrote about my mom...here he is reading it to her-how great! Go Jared. I am so thankful for the gift of family. The many things we are able to learn from eachother, and teach eachother is a treasure. To have so many who love you knowing you are so flawed and understanding that they have theirs too. I so appreciate my friendships with each of my brothers and sisters and my parents. When it comes to family I JUST LOVE!

The Gift of a Family

Here is our darling Kennedy at 8 weeks old! She is fabulous and as precious and sweet as can be. I have been slacking on blogging-I couldn't find my camera for 2 months---thanks to a nice police officer for giving me a ticket I found my camera in the jockey box in my car! Nevertheless I am so thankful to capture our sweet little girl.

Me and my little girl-DARN PRECIOUS! She is growing so fast. She sleeps pretty well, eats great-in 10 minutes and is very content and happy. We have been blessed to welcome her into our home.

One of my favorite things about having another child is to see Bentley adore her. He wakes up and says, "Mom, where is my baby!" All excited he says, "HI BABY KENDY" then smooches her profusely. What a blessing it is to be a parent and especially a mother. I am so thankful for the joy I recieve from all the love I put into my family and my children.

It has always been important to Byron and I to go on dates weekly-just the two of us, and for now Kennedy too. I never get enough of Byron. When I first got married people use to say to me,"Oh the excitement will wear off." I thought and still think THOSE PEOPLE ARE NUTS! I get more excited each day to see him and spend time with him. I can't believe I have him forever and I am so thankful the Lord saved him for ME! How blessed we are!

White family blog

I just wanted to let you all know my parents started a family blog. Feel free to ckeck out family activities and happenings!
calvinandjanae.blogspot.com

The greatest miracles

Kennedy Paige joined our eternal family on Tuesday July 21st, 2009. Those of you who have given birth hopefully have seen and felt the heavenly blessing it is to be able to bear and rear children. "To have a child is to have your heart forever walking around outside of your body." I feel this is true in every sense of my heart.

We are both feeling well and doing great. The birth was fabulous. I only pushed four or five times! The best part was that my darling mother was there. My mom has been at both my children's births. I think it is the neatest experience to have your mother-who gave all of life and love to you-see you give that for your child. It was a fabulous and memorable day that I am so thankful to be able to share with my mother. My whole family was able to come to the hospital afterwards and meet the sweet new addition! Thanks fam we love you all!

Kennedy Paige

Our sweet little girl has arrived! I will post pictures soon! She was born Tuesday at 6:38 P.M. and is 8 lbs. 7 oz. and 20.5 inches long. We are healthy and feeling great! Keep an eye open for pictures soon!

My darling mother....

Saturday night my mother had a series of seizures. After some tests at the hospital we found she has 7 masses in her brain that are cancer. She is having a biopsy taken of them on Thursday. This will give us more answers: where is it coming from, how long has it been there, and what can we do to treat it. We are having a special fast Thursday for miracles on her behalf. If you would please extend your prayers and faith we would greatly appreciate it. We know the Lord hears and answers the prayers of his children. We believe in miracles! Thank you for your love and support!

The pregnant woman!

I have been teaching at Gold's Gym for over a year now. I love to teach for many reasons: I can motivate and push people to improve themselves, I can make others happy and feel better about themselves, I am going to work out so I might as well get paid for it, plus I have made some wonderful friendships there! I have continued to teach while pregnant----and I feel great! It makes a huge difference physically, emotionally and mentally!

I had to get a couple of shots with my belly!

I enjoy being pregnant. I know it can always be worse. I am on the homestretch....my back is hurting-but I am happy and healthy! I am currently dilated to almost a 3 and 50% effaced so in a week or two we will welcome our sweet baby girl! How excited and tired we are already!

Time with Dad....

I took Bentley over to see Byron at work a couple of times last week. He loves to work with dad----he's even getting the right buttons down-so he can move the tractor, and help work---I love that he and Byron have something in common!

What's better then water fights! Byron won-Bentley is getting some great practice! Byron had just gotten home from work-and we were outside watering the grass-party time! Byron and I have always been famous for water fights-especially in the house---they are so fun and spontaneous, they make me feel young and fun! You should try them!

Bentley loves bikes and dirt-and is always found with them...hence my bike helmet, and a shovel full of dirt! That's my boy!

Grandpa and Grandma's house is one of his favorite places for many reasons. A couple of which include: Grandpa and Grandma are there, they have bikes, a the riding tractor! He's just got it all figured out. He plays for hours outside and still is sad when we have to say goodbye!

We are in our new home! Bentley is showing our excitement! This is how he gets himself ready-because he wants to go outside and play on his jungle gym! It is so wonderful to have a fun yard! We all are outdoor people-and we love it!

Family time on the lawn-how we love the beautiful evenings!

This weekend was so great! Saturday we went for a ride up to Chelan and got an icecream cone-and stopped by our white family cabin! We are excited for the summer!

I've been teaching Bentley where his muscles are....dads trying to help him out! I love my boys!

Byron has always wanted a popcorn machine-a nice, old fashioned beauty. Well since we've moved in-I've been unloading boxes and he's been working on rebuilding a popcorn machine! Here is the proud picture-it works! Congrats hun-you can check this one off of your wish list!

Memorial day was beautiful! We went out to my mom's house and feasted as we played outside and lounged on the boat! It was the perfect day-company included.

Bentley's favorite day of his life! Papa and the boat! Since we moved last week, we have a clear view 50 feet from the river. Boats have been on it like crazy---Bentley has been pointing and yelling, "Boat, Papa! Please, papa!" He remembers being on the boat last year with Papa-my dad. Last year he was only 16 months old, and we couldn't believe he remembered dad on the boat-it is so fun to see Bentley's personality and the way he surprises me!

Truly enjoying his ride!

I rarely get pictures with him-because I have to take them all-so despite me being 8 months pregnant and sweating-I want more pictures of us together-Enjoy!

work and pray!

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us." Gordon B. Hinckley

Well, the last 3 months I have become the secretary for our trucking company. I dispatch the trucks, finding them loads, doing the paperwork, and billing. I'm thankful I am competent enough to learn a whole new trade to help us, however the last few months have honestly been the most stressful and emotional of my life. I have been dilligent in doing all I can to make this company succeed; While trying to not let my other responsibilities fall too much. I am still teaching at the gym, the first counselor in YW at church, and still have my Monique Paige-boutique business that I have tried to expand, as well as my little Bentley and being pregnant also. What a party. The other day I opened my scriptures-truly needing a lift and found this verse in Alma 26:27 "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us and said: Go amongst they brethren, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success." I am thankful for the knowledge I have, and the spirit of the Lord that is able to work in us. I loved the above quote-do all we can-what else can we do? I hope you all create A great Day!

Welcome to Our New Home

Home Sweet Home:


Well we are ecstatic about our new home. Byron and I sold our home on the back side of fancher 2 years ago-with plans of building. As all of you know building a home is not a quick or easy project. We do have our house plans, but have decided to wait until timing is better for us. I will be having our little girl in 2 months and Bentley is two years old-so our current apartment is cramping his energy. There are a few things we really love about this home: It is an original craftsman home with beautiful wood floors-and an indoor and outdoor fireplace. The outdoor fireplace has a patio area and is fenced in with a jungle gym for Bentley-which HE LOVES! The home is on sunset highway-which we don't love, but it makes up for it-because there is a trail from my back door to the loop trail around town-an 11 mile bike/running/walking trail around the river---which I already Love-and ride often. We will start moving next week, but take our time for a couple of weeks! We hope to have you over soon!

You can see there is grass on both sides of the house, one side is fenced, one is not. WAHOO-PARTY TIME!

OUR MAN

For the last two weeks there have been two sad faces around our home; Me and Bentley's. Byron drove a semi-truck to Texas to pick up a trailer and haul loads on his way back home. Well I knew this 5 day excursion would turn inton a 1 1/2 weeks-I just didn't think It would take 2 1/2 weeks! Bentley has been referring to Dad as being in the "DODGE" every thing with a motor is a dodge. We now have been talking about dad driving the dodge home. We are on a serious countdown---he'll be home Friday or Saturday---don't even bother to call us-as we will not be answering any phones. I am so grateful that I do not like to be away from my husband. He is more than my best friend, he is my love, my confidant, and my truest cheerleader. He thinks better of me than I do of myself and I feel profoundly grateful for him. I do not believe there is one person meant for another-soul mates if you will. However, I do so strongly feel that Byron and I test the waters on that belief. I have found more happiness in our last 3 1/2 years of marriage than I expected in a whole life. He completes me and makes up for all that I lack-and that is no small matter. How thankful I am that no matter come what may he is mine FOREVER! I look forward to our forever and know that marriage is ordained of God for we truly become our best selves. He makes me want to be so much more than I am. I love you always....WELCOME HOME BABE-your fans are waiting for you! Love Bertha & B

Happy Easter tomorrow everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with family and reflections on our Savior. What a beautiful morning easter is....the hope of the resurrection and the blessing of an atonement on our behalf. I hope you all enjoy this sacred day!

Bentley James

OUR LITTLE BOY IS 2!

Tuesday March 24th was Bentley's 2nd birthday! We had a great day! One of the highlights for both of us was taking this sweet puppy megan for a walk. Megan is our friend Rose's dog. I called and asked her if we could take Megan for a walk. She so graciously gave her consent. Bentley LOVES PUPPIES! While we were on our walk Megan wanted to use the bathroom on someone's lawn. Bentley bent down and said, "NO, NO PUPPY! NO, NO! I was dying! It was so funny to see him be the boss.

He held that leash tight!

My mom took Bentley on a date today and bought him some darling clothes and fun toys. This shirt was one of them-it is a little big. He had a fabulous time with grandma. My mom got me a pregnancy massage and chiropractic appt. while they were on their date! What a fabulous birthday for ME TOO! Thanks mom-it saved me.

In the evening my sister Stacia and her two daughters, and our family went out to my parents house for Bentley's birthday dinner and party! My mom made some fabulous spaghetti and meatballs(Bentley polished off 2 helpings, plus salad and bread!) and I made a green salad and some yummy garlic bread. It was so nice. We then opened some thoughtful and fun gifts! Among them: an adorable jacket from my parents, a cute church outfit from Byron's parents, a transportation book from my sister(-AMEN-It will save us in church!), A fabulous fold out book of The Jungle Book, train set, and a huge tonka dump truck! Oh what fun!

Oh what a long fun day-someone is getting tired!

Grandpa is helping Bentley blow out his candles!

I put a dumptruck and tractor on this icecream cake-a huge muddy mess!

You can see why Grandpa is his favorite-cake all the way!

A few reasons why we LOVE AND ADORE OUR BENTLEY:

1. He makes me smile everyday

2. He says pease and tank you(please and thank you) all the time.

3. He is so tender and heartfelt(he started crying

4. He is a fabulous cuddler!

5. He kisses and hugs profusely

6. He is content and happy without being entertained-a fabulous first child!

7. He likes to pray-even though I have no idea what he is saying, except, AMEN!

8. Daddy is his favorite...that's fine with me---I hope he becomes just like him.

9.He loves everything I do....Bikes, ketchup, Byron, kisses-and he just said to me, "papa"

10.He is ours FOREVER!

Our Baby!

Byron and I just went to my Ultrasound appointment.....we found out that a precious little GIRL from Heaven will be joining our family in JULY! We are so excited and feel so richly blessed! Thank you to all our friends and family for your much love, friendship and support...we love you!

Dinner Time

Bentley will be 2 years old next month. He has been wanting to help do more things. I have begun to have him help me make dinners-most the time it is more work-but we both love this special time together.

He is the best taste-tester I've ever had! Someone is hungry for dinner! He stirs the salad while I put in the ingredients. He makes me smile and laugh everyday! What a Blessing he is to our family!

BAGS

I am on a roll with making bags. If you would like to take a look at my work, and busy sewing machine check my things out at moniqueplott.etsy.com or moniquepaige.blogspot.com HAVE A GREAT DAY-back to sewing I go!

We are still alive!

Hello Dear family and friends,

I have been so busy tied up to my SEWING MACHINE! Yes it is true! I have started a sweat facory in my home! I have begun sewing Large bags---and am selling them with my jewelry business called 'MONIQUE PAIGE'. I am having a ball-and am getting rather addicted. I have just started selling on etsy.com-if you want to check out my new fun work-please do----moniqueplott.etsy.com; I have not had the opportunity to update my website in a while. I have been busy! Anyway-we are great-I am just over 4 months pregnant-and we are so excited. Bentley is still his sweet tender self, and Byron is the same-hence where Bentley gets it! I will get back on top of blogging---more when my new addicition fades a little. Hope you're all well!

We had the most fabulous Christmas and New Years! We enjoyed our favorite things: Family, Games, Traditions and Food! One of my favorite moments was Christmas eve all of us singing around the piano to wonderful christmas songs. Oh what fun! Two days after Christmas we were able to attend my cousins wedding in Richland, and also my youngest brother Colton was able to go through the temple (a sacred place of worship) for the first time. It was fabulous to have all of us brothers and sisters there except my brother Judson who is currently serving a 2 year mission for our church in Colorado. What an incredible opportunity for all of us to be there together! We are so proud of you Colton!