Monterrey Trip With Grandpa Willy and Gma Kathy!

        My mom came in town when my Dad had a speaking engagement in Monterey and took us on one of the most  fun road trips I have ever had. Seriously, and i really don't like road trips ( i get car sick). My mom was so fun to drive down with  and my kids were so good, i think it had to do with all the Balance Doterra oil she kept rubbing on us... Moms are cool like that. We did so many fun things. Here is Carmel beach! So flippin beautiful!

 The kids wanted to be buried up to their necks! And then they wanted to stay there till mommy got nervous and said they had to come out! haha

We got to stop at a little outdoor market on our way and i got to do a little photoshoot for story. Well i wanted to do it for both the kiddos but you know how it goes, everyone is cold and no one wants to smile haha. 

 I love this one of Story on Daddy's back. She is such a daddy's girl! She cries now when he leaves for work. It has been special because this year boston has had afternoon preschool so story did alot of lunch dates with jason and I.

 Heres that cool market with Gma and Boston. Gma fount these melons and then Gpa found Gmas melons haha!

We also got to go check out Santa cruz! It was amazing, even though it was may the sand was hot the ocean was warm and the weather was perfect! I had to buy some shorts which was hard to find in my large and awkward pregnant state but so nice to be at a warm beach! Here is Story and I hanging out in Santa Cruz

One of my favorite things we got to do was go to the Monterey aquarium. Here is boston and Story in a giant clam. I think there favorite thing was when we sat on the carpet together as a family in front of the giant tank. It was seriously magical to experience something like that through your childrens eyes. I love being their mom. Life has brought on new meaning with them and i can't imagine it without them.

Lennon Week one

         I think baby #3 Lennon has been the easiest transition as far as adjustments go. Of course, this time we didn't have to move cross country, had our own house and a job, so that really helped. I was going to try to breastfeed, but with the gestational diabetes it was really helpful to feed Lennon formula until his blood sugar went up. After the first night i just thought i would make it easier on myself and stick to the decision to formula feed and it has been great! I have really been a happy mommy and it has helped alot. I have to thank all the help i had. I couldn't have done it without my parents who came out in time to be at Lennon's birth and then watch the kids so Jay could stay with me in the hospital. I seriously have the most amazing mother in the world. Especially as i watch my kids grow older and realize how much patience and love is required to be a mother, i grow to reckognize her perfect love even more. She cleaned my house, played with my kids and seriously loved me in all those tearful new baby moments. After my mom went home, Jay the kids and i watched our wedding video. Boston is always so sad that he wasn't at our wedding haha, but i loved watching the part where my mom and dad talk on the video. they both well up with tears and my mom thanks me for letting her be my mom. Wow, me letting her. I am so sure that Heavenly father matched us up so perfectly. I truly have needed specifically her in so many moments of my life. One powerful thing she taught me that always helped me feel my worth was when she told me that my sensitivity was a gift and i could use it to tune into others needs. When i later struggled with depression i drew on that and never was ashamed and actually have been able to help many people since to understand that depression is simply and ailment to be fixed and not a reflection of who we are. Wow, what a great lesson to teach your daughter!
     My sister came too with her little guy Jackson who is boston's age. They had the best time together doing legos's and playing with Charlie (jackson's bear.. a girl). the kids still talk about Charlie so he is important to mention. It was so fun to see my sister. We live so far apart, but i really think we have one of those relationships that doesn't require too much if that makes sence. but, i miss her alot and i wish we lived by one another. Here is boston and Jackson on his new loft bed Jason built so Story and him could share a room.

 This one cracks me up because all the sudden they started doing these weird poses and then i realized my sister was behind me prompting them. Haha although i dont think they caught her vision.

   A funny thing i should mention is that Boston is always mentioning how lucky Lennon is to be all wrapped up like that. Its so cute. He will sit across the room and look longingly and say, "man that looks so comfy!" or "i wish i could be wrapped like that" He has already asked me to make him a blankey like Lennon's for Christmas. I love that little Boston bear. By the way, we decided since story's nickname is  Bug and boston's is Bear, Lennon could be Bean!

 Aunt Lyndzee snugglin!

                                                                            Grandma Kathy Story and Lennon

Lennon Jay's Birth Story!

I am so excited that i have finally found the energy/time to blog about my new little angel!
    I think i have to go back a bit so lennon can appreciate how much i love him. Buddy, this pregnancy was a hard one. I was really sick for probably 8 of the 9 months. There were a lot of car rides interrupted with puking and im not gonna lie, i have had more than my fair share of peeing my pants in the process. Haha too much info but it had to be said. At about 33 weeks i was diagnosed with gestational diabetes which at first for me was hard to swallow. I really struggle with feeling like my health declines when i am pregnant in general, but this one felt like it was all my fault...and now i had endangered you too my little sweetie. It was a bit of a roller coaster. At first i was so overwhelmed and depressed, but that quickly changed to me being highly motivated to avoid any further complications with exercise and diet. It was such a new experience to start a work out and eating program so late in a pregnancy. I was really uncomfortable but it definatly made me feel better to change my diet and become more active. Of course it wasn't all smiles after that, like i said, a roller coaster but i was able to keep you healthy so that was all worth it.
          3 Weeks before you came your big brother and sister were fighting and teasing alot. This made me so nervous for you to arrive. How could i have a new little one when i felt so inadiquate to teach and take care of the littles i already had. Little did i know you would be so easy and bring such peace and joy to our house. Ever since you have arrived Boston and Story have been playing so much better. They love to hold you and help me get your diaper. The other day boston said, "Lennon is looking at me and he is thinking... Wow that boy is amazing" and i bet you were thinking that. Whenever the kids get hurt they just want to hug you and then they feel all better.
     Sorry i have to backtrack again. So, toward the end i was feeling very emotional. A very good friend of ours was having a little girl whom i am sure you will be very good friends with, maybe even marry haha! Her name is camille. Well camille had a condition that had and still does have us all praying very hard for her. Because of the gestational diabetes i had three ultra sounds this pregnancy. This third one was long and i found myself laying there crying, worrying about camille, worrying about you. Feeling so overwhelmed at the possibility that something could be wrong with you and empathizing for all that my dear friends were experincing. I was so worried that i would break my diet and do something so selfish that could hurt you. I was so anxious for you to come. It was so difficult toward the end that i started to worry because i didn't feel that connection with you. Did I mention that we didn't find out if you were a boy or a girl.
   Ok so the best part...I was going crazy so i asked to be induced 5 days early. We were so excited when they told us we could! Aunt Lexy came into town by chance right before you got here. It was such a fun way to spend the few days before having a baby! It was funny because the night before i had you was so similar to the night before I got married...Jason (daddy) Lexy and I watching You Tube videos, making a video, and then watching Baby Mama! It definatley took my mind off of things.
     I went in to the Hospital friday morning at 7:30 AM. Dr Kazrzadeh broke my water at 12:30 then the next time they checked me i was a 10 and you were ready to arrive! At 2:30PM i started pushing, well i was so numb that i don't know if i was pushing but that is what i was told, wait... they said stop, he's out!     It's a boy!  1/2 push and you were here. It was the most wonderful moment! I couldn't beleive that after such a hard 9 months and all the worry and disconnect, well, that i could love you so much! Especially since we thought you would be a girl (to be named Afton Emeline). You were so perfect and to my excitement you looked exactly like your daddy! It was so fun to see a little of both Boston and Story in you to. I just want you to know that i will always give every ounce of me to being the best mother, teacher, friend, and tool Heavenly Father would have me be. I know that God has entrusted me with your perfect spirit and i will not fail him or you. I love you Lennon Jay McIntyre

great FHE "The Testimony Glove"

Thanks to my amazing aunt Kelly i have this great FHE all planned out. I wanted to pin it, but needed a place to reference it so i am putting it on here and now all my loved ones can use it too!


 The Testimony Glove

       Sister Kristen M Oaks, the wife of the Apostle Dallin Oaks, wrote a book with JoAnn F. Phillips to help Primary children learn and remember the five basic truths of a testimony “The Testimony Glove”. She explains that "A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost that something is true." The glove itself represents the Holy Ghost.

     From her book: "The Holy Ghost teaches us truth...As they bear their own testimonies, the Holy Ghost will witness the truth of what they say in their hearts and in their minds."

 (Sister Oaks also includes ideas of songs that reinforce each truth, which are included in parenthesis after each one.)

*The First Truth: Heavenly Father
Heavenly Father lives. He knows each one of us and loves us. He hears our prayers and answers them. He made a great plan of happiness for us.
(I Am a Child if God, CSB 2-3, I Lived in Heaven, CSB 4, I Know My Father Lives,
CSB 5, My Heavenly Father Lives Me, CSB 228)

*The Second Truth: Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of our Heavenly Father. He created the earth, taught us how to live, and gave His life that we might live with Him and Heavenly Father again. Because of His sacrifice, we can be forgiven of our sins when we repent. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. (He Sent His Son, CSB 34-35, Tell Me The Stories of Jesus, CSB 57, To Think About Jesus, CSB 71, I Feel My Savior's Love, CSB 74-75, This is My Beloved Son, CSB 76, If the Savior Stood Beside Me, Oct 1993 Friend, I Know That My Savior Loves Me, available at music.lds.org )

*The Third Truth: Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon
Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus. They gave him instructions and he obeyed them. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet who was called  to restore the gospel and translate the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God.
(An Angel Came to Joseph Smith, CSB 86, The Golden Plates, CSB 86, the Sacred Grove, CSB 87, On a Golden Springtime, CSB 88.) (This would also be a great time to review Praise to the Man, Hymn  27)

*The Fourth Truth: The True Church and The Temple
The temple is the house of The Lord. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Savior's true church on the earth today. The Savior's teachings will lead us to the temple and back to Heavenly Father. Sacred covenants in the temple make it possible for families to be sealed together forever. (The Church of Jesus Christ, CSB 77, I Love to See the Temple, CSB 95, I Want to Be a Missionary Now, CSB 168, Families Can Be Together Forever, CSB 188)


*The Fifth Truth: The Prophet
We are led by a living prophet who gets revelation from God. I feel his love for us when I hear him speak. I will try to follow the prophet. (Follow The Prophet, CSB 110-111, Latter-day Prophets, CSB 134, Stand For the Right, CSB 159)

      Sister Oaks quotes Elder Russell M Nelson:  "Personal testimony is the foundation of our faith."
     Also she quotes Sister Rosemary Wixom, General Primary President: "The world will teach our children if we do not."
    She says to parents and teachers: "It is never too early for parents and teachers to help children gain a testimony of Jesus Christ and His Gospel...The adversary is waging war on our vulnerable and precious children. We must prepare them to win that war by helping them gain personal testimonies of Jesus Christ and His Gospel....Their testimonies will strengthen them, protect them, and prepare them to return to live with their Heavenly Father...

    To go along with these gloves I recommend this song from the Friend (March 1994) that touches each of the points of the Testimony Glove: "My Testimony is Growing". I wrote the final verse to include the final point. It is very easy to learn.
     http://www.lds.org/friend/1994/03/my-testimony-is-growing?lang=eng

                       My Testimony Is Growing
              WORDS AND MUSIC BY KATHRYN B. DECKER

1. I believe that Heav’nly Father knows me, and He cares,
For when I ask for help, He gives me answers to my prayers.
I believe He loves me, too, because He sent His Son
To die for me so I can live when life on earth is done.

Chorus: My testimony is growing, as gospel seeds are sown.
My testimony is growing, a witness of my own

2. I believe that Joseph Smith was chosen by the Lord
to be the one through whom He could reveal His sacred word.
I believe our prophet knows God’s will for us today,
and we must listen carefully to what he has to say.

Chorus: My testimony is growing, as gospel seeds are sown.
My testimony is growing, a witness of my own


3. I believe God has a plan of happiness for me.
And central to that plan is an eternal family.
I believe that in God's holy temples we can be
United, sealed together, a forever family

Chorus: My testimony is growing, as gospel seeds are sown.
My testimony is growing, a witness of my own




    I encourage you to bear your testimony often to your children. Have your children bear their testimonies as part of their talks in Primary. They could share their testimony at their baptism. I remind you that the handbook tells us not to have testimony meetings in Primary. (11.8.3) A recent letter from the First Presidency also discourages young children from going up in ward fast and testimony meetings, especially when they cannot do it on their own. Encourage your children to share testimonies with their families in Family Home Evenings and on other occasions in their homes. They can use their testimony gloves to remind them what the 5 truths are that they are seeking to gain a testimony of.

A Fiery Fourth!

   So yeah it was fiery hot, but literally there were fires everywhere in Utah, i counted 9 just while we were there. It was crazy, smoke hung low in the city like a thick fog. Boston's allergies where really aggrevated so that caused some trouble along with a sickness that took us all down one by one and never two at the same time. Other than that we had a stinkin blast! Jason's family is so easy to be around. I loved visiting Jason's sister kristen and her family. She is such a go getter when it comes to home improvement, mommying, schooling, well anything! We sat under the awning she built on her back porch and it felt like camping, well that was becasue of the fires, but i loved it. Kim was there to play with all the chillins and share her wood working adventures, Jenny and her fam kept it busy and entertaining, and it was so fun chatting with Mandy and watching Kate play with the kids. It was a special treat because Steven was there with his sweet girfriend Desi. She is already so loved by the fam!   i mean she is sweet and laughs at my jokes (really important), and most importantly, loves steven so much! And, i love her amazing fashion skills! Grandma and Grandpa are a favorite of course!

 We spent time at a small amusement park, and the Lindon pool! We also got a chance to do a fourth fo July bbq with our great friends the walkers! we love spending time with them and they always fit us in to play. It was so neat becasue i was able to take pictures for some people taht i really love. SO, here are some pics of the fourth, our reunion and my some fun photo shoots for friends.

 Isn't Chrissy so beautiful while she is pregnant! She had her sweet Cambridge Collete just a week ago and i am so happy for her!

 This is Jenny's beautiful family! I love Jenny's big smile and seeing it in each of her children!

 We had to made a trip to the BYU bookstore while we were in Provo! Its really super weird to go back with kids, i feel so old.

 This picture is so pretty of her but it kind of creeps me out,like a pic we would hang at her funeral, uh i did not just saythat out loud did i. This is not an omen, Story is really healthy and will be alive for a very long time, ok my foot is in my mouth and i can't get it out, aaahhh.

 Cuteness Bostie!

 You can see a little of that sickness we passed around, Story's eye is all swollen, and still she is adorable.

 Story and Crew Walker are just 10 weeks apart! Giving luvs!

And here is the whole Mcintyre clan! 

     
    I also had such an awsome time hangin with Bret Haylie and Cash! They are so easy to be around and hilarious! Cash is such a cutie! i have some stinkin cute pics of there family but not with me right now so i will have to post them later, and then all of you can see just how cute they are together!

I LOVE MY FAMILY

So, mushy title right? Well, it true and I'm really missing them right now. Yes, this is Jason posting and Emy  and the kids are in Arizona for the week visiting Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Will. I've been trying to do all kinds of things around the house so that Emy would come with things cleaned, fixed, built, hung on the wall, and above all else, know that I love her and missed her this week.  Aside from the physical things I can do around the house, I know she will appreciate this blog post and the fact that I updated our blog header and photos on the right side bar.

Lets face it, we've been pretty bad at blogging, but I know that Emy wants to keep fun records, and loving memories somewhere, so I want to contribute! I'm getting off topic... so I really love my family. I  have been looking through lots of pictures to do the blog header and to clear some memory off the computer, and I just see such smiling, wonderful, smart, cute, and loving faces! I know my view point is biased, but my kids are just jaw dropping adorable. Sure, there are times I am pulling my hair out, frustrated, anxious, or impatient, but all is forgotten when we share special moments everyday. They come at the darnedest times, like when Story will ask me a question in the car, and before I can finish my answer she interrupts with "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" That's a current favorite ;) Or Boston will be snuggling with me on the couch during a routine episode of the Backyardagins and say, "I love you daddy" and pull me in tight. They happen often and regularly, and that's what makes this the best job in the world.

And to top it all, I have the most amazing business partner! Emy is a loving, gentle, compassionate mother that knows how to fix every one's owies, including mine. She is to hard on herself, which just goes to say how concerned she is with each one of our well-being. She seems to find time for things she has to do, things she wants to do, things she hates to do, and then still give more love and hugs when its all done. Last weekend we went to the temple, and got to attend the sealing of one of our friends who got baptized a year ago. It was so amazing to see them at the alter, after being married for 10 years, and to see their three children sealed to them. Emy and I stayed after and did proxy sealings for an hour and it was really special. I know that I will be with her and our family forever.

I want each of my family members to know how much Daddy loves them, and I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Somehow it seems easier to type it here, so I will... I know that we have a loving father in heaven that has prepared a perfect plan for us. I know that Jesus is our Savior and that we can find strength and comfort through his atonement. The fullness of the gospel has been restored in these latter days and we have a living prophet of God in our midst. As we listen to his counsel and follow the teachings of Savior we will find true and lasting happiness! This "good news" gives me so much direction in this ever hectic world, and I'm eternally grateful for that. I share this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

With that being said... who wouldn't want to see some cute pictures?! Thanks for reading!

easter 2012

I love summer! Love it! Its warm, the kids are running around in the backyard, helping me water the garden, playing in the fountain. Last night we ate outside in backyard and it was heaven. I am so greatful for the tender mercy of Summer, but especially for the opportunity to feel joy again. For a while i have been down and now i have found the right medication and i feel so much joy. Especially with my two amazing funny and insightful children and a husband who loves and serves me with so much gumption that i feel undeserving of this amazing life. I am so greatful for my eternal family and for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, with its guidance the true definition of joy is attainable in this life. I wish i could give this joy to everyone so they could feel what it is really like to have heaven on earth! Anyway just so happy, i am depositing a lot in the bank for those hard days when i will need to take withdrawals.