I paused a DVD the other day. With our DVD player, after a movie has been paused for a little while, the word "Phillips" appears and bounces around the screen. James loves it!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Bottom Lip
James has been making this face a lot lately. I caught it on video.
Sorry for the cough and sneeze at the end. When the grass was being cut, James started sneezing. It would seem he has hay fever too.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Interesting Article
I just read this article and wanted to share it. I have many friends and some family that struggle with varying degrees of infertility and this article helped me to know more how I can be a good friend to those I know who struggle have children. I hope it can help you too.
Dealing with Infertility
Excerpted from Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing
by Kerstin Daynes
In December of 2003, the thing I had feared for nearly five years was confirmed: I was infertile. Feelings of despair and betrayal flooded my life, and I felt isolated in my silent sorrow.
After I learned I was infertile, I sought help and guidance from many places; I wanted to read more about other women who knew exactly how I felt, and I wanted to make connections with those who had walked the path I was walking.
With the statistics showing that one out of seven couples has difficulty conceiving, the number of couples in our wards, branches, and stakes that are affected by this disease is significant. As if affects so many, how could there be so little information from a Latter-day Saint perspective on the topic? Infertility is a very real disease that brings overwhelming stress, hidden losses, and associated feelings of inadequacy, sadness, and isolation. I have felt all of these; but I have also learned to feel joy, strength, and power. My desire is to offer hope to those who also carry this burden.
Reacting to Comments from Others
One of the hardest things to deal with is leaving the house and facing people - including the things people say. We have all heard someone say, "Relax! You are trying too hard!" to a woman who wants to get pregnant. In actuality, some couples dealing with infertility truly need to "try harder" to conceive since the process is, in some way, flawed for them.
I am certain we could all sit down and make an exhaustive list of the hurtful things we have heard people say. Some I have forgotten, others make me smile, while other still haunt me. Here are a few I have collected:
"It will all work out in the Lord's time."
"Don't worry. You will be blessed to be a mother in the eternities."
"So, when are you going to have a baby?"
"Enjoy your time together while you can."
"I bet working in the nursery is great birth control."
"You have no idea how lucky you are that you don't have to worry about children. You can have one of mine."
It has taken a long time to get to this point, but I am beginning to see comments and questions regarding my infertility as a door being opened for discussion. When you feel comfortable offering some information, it's best to keep it simple, direct, and maybe even a bit vague. Here are some suggestions of what to say when the questions come:
"We are ready for children whenever they join our family."
"There is a time and season for everything in life. Children come in a different time and season for every couple."
"Our family consists of me and my husband/wife right now."
"We are confronting some issues as we try to have a family. We are working with a highly skilled physician and feel confident in his/her abilities. We appreciate you being supportive and understanding."
I think I have used every one of these and several others; they usually move the conversation in another direction. Many times, responding this way makes the questioner realize the magnitude of the question they asked. So my suggestion to you is to come up with a response that you and your spouse will use when the situation arises.
Supporting Someone Who Has Fertility Challenges
As I prepared to share my feelings about infertility with my mother, I remember wondering exactly how she would be able to relate. After all, my mom and dad began their family with my older sister who came nine months after they were married and had seven children in thirteen years. I knew that she could not empathize, but I also knew that she sincerely wanted to understand. I realized that I could choose to be angry that her ease of having children did not qualify her to adequately comfort me. Or I could choose to play a pivotal role in teaching her about this sorrow that was unknown to her.
This is written to the mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends of those who experience infertility. Your willingness and ability to help bear the burden of infertility will make the pain more bearable and the sorrow not so deep. Here are some things to consider.
The gospel is family-oriented, as it should be, but it is often hard for a couple dealing with infertility to be reminded of it so often. We find joy in our relationships with those we love and feel comforted that family relationships continue eternally. It is important to remember that families are not just moms and dads with children. A family can be just a husband and wife. A family begins with a husband and wife. A family continues through the experiences of life whether there are no children, one child, or ten children. Make sure that, in cases of infertility, you help couples feel that they are a legitimate family.
Be genuine. Don't fake it. If you fake it, they will know. Are you asking them questions about their infertility because you are curious, because you have stewardship over the couple, or because you heard from someone else about their infertility? Or are you asking them because you are concerned about them and want to offer your support? What will you do with the information you gather? Remember that a truly genuine friend asks questions out of deep concern and love. A genuine friend will offer support and strength no matter what happens. This friend will carefully guard the information gathered and will respect the couple's wishes of who they want to know.
Couples experiencing infertility may be sensitive to announcements of pregnancy, overemphasis on children, or baby showers. Handle these topics with sensitivity. Invite women to baby showers, but do not be offended if they choose not to come. Make sure lessons in Sunday meetings are geared toward men and women across all life situations, taking into account those who are single or childless, those who have children, and those who are empty nesters. Additionally, provide activities that similarly apply to all. Be careful not to make children seem like a requirement.
Be careful about what you say. Infertile couples need less advice and more understanding. They will talk if they want to and if they see a caring friend. If you initiate the conversation, be sure you are motivated by compassion. As you discuss the topic of infertility with a couple, try not to act like the expert and as though you know what their specific problem is. Rather, allow the person experiencing the problem to do most of the talking. Ask questions to clarify and to gain a greater understanding so you can be better educated. Consider saying, "I just can't imagine what you are feeling. Describe it to me so that I can try to understand."
It can be harmful to bring up a story of how someone else got pregnant or how someone you know is experiencing infertility. Instead of offering help, you are taking the focus away from the couple. Provide a listening ear and gentle kindness.
One last thing: Be a good parent yourself. Recognize the truly magnificent gift you have - children. Treat your children well. Teach them. Cherish them.
Dealing with Infertility
Excerpted from Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing
by Kerstin Daynes
In December of 2003, the thing I had feared for nearly five years was confirmed: I was infertile. Feelings of despair and betrayal flooded my life, and I felt isolated in my silent sorrow.
After I learned I was infertile, I sought help and guidance from many places; I wanted to read more about other women who knew exactly how I felt, and I wanted to make connections with those who had walked the path I was walking.
With the statistics showing that one out of seven couples has difficulty conceiving, the number of couples in our wards, branches, and stakes that are affected by this disease is significant. As if affects so many, how could there be so little information from a Latter-day Saint perspective on the topic? Infertility is a very real disease that brings overwhelming stress, hidden losses, and associated feelings of inadequacy, sadness, and isolation. I have felt all of these; but I have also learned to feel joy, strength, and power. My desire is to offer hope to those who also carry this burden.
Reacting to Comments from Others
One of the hardest things to deal with is leaving the house and facing people - including the things people say. We have all heard someone say, "Relax! You are trying too hard!" to a woman who wants to get pregnant. In actuality, some couples dealing with infertility truly need to "try harder" to conceive since the process is, in some way, flawed for them.
I am certain we could all sit down and make an exhaustive list of the hurtful things we have heard people say. Some I have forgotten, others make me smile, while other still haunt me. Here are a few I have collected:
"It will all work out in the Lord's time."
"Don't worry. You will be blessed to be a mother in the eternities."
"So, when are you going to have a baby?"
"Enjoy your time together while you can."
"I bet working in the nursery is great birth control."
"You have no idea how lucky you are that you don't have to worry about children. You can have one of mine."
It has taken a long time to get to this point, but I am beginning to see comments and questions regarding my infertility as a door being opened for discussion. When you feel comfortable offering some information, it's best to keep it simple, direct, and maybe even a bit vague. Here are some suggestions of what to say when the questions come:
"We are ready for children whenever they join our family."
"There is a time and season for everything in life. Children come in a different time and season for every couple."
"Our family consists of me and my husband/wife right now."
"We are confronting some issues as we try to have a family. We are working with a highly skilled physician and feel confident in his/her abilities. We appreciate you being supportive and understanding."
I think I have used every one of these and several others; they usually move the conversation in another direction. Many times, responding this way makes the questioner realize the magnitude of the question they asked. So my suggestion to you is to come up with a response that you and your spouse will use when the situation arises.
Supporting Someone Who Has Fertility Challenges
As I prepared to share my feelings about infertility with my mother, I remember wondering exactly how she would be able to relate. After all, my mom and dad began their family with my older sister who came nine months after they were married and had seven children in thirteen years. I knew that she could not empathize, but I also knew that she sincerely wanted to understand. I realized that I could choose to be angry that her ease of having children did not qualify her to adequately comfort me. Or I could choose to play a pivotal role in teaching her about this sorrow that was unknown to her.
This is written to the mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends of those who experience infertility. Your willingness and ability to help bear the burden of infertility will make the pain more bearable and the sorrow not so deep. Here are some things to consider.
The gospel is family-oriented, as it should be, but it is often hard for a couple dealing with infertility to be reminded of it so often. We find joy in our relationships with those we love and feel comforted that family relationships continue eternally. It is important to remember that families are not just moms and dads with children. A family can be just a husband and wife. A family begins with a husband and wife. A family continues through the experiences of life whether there are no children, one child, or ten children. Make sure that, in cases of infertility, you help couples feel that they are a legitimate family.
Be genuine. Don't fake it. If you fake it, they will know. Are you asking them questions about their infertility because you are curious, because you have stewardship over the couple, or because you heard from someone else about their infertility? Or are you asking them because you are concerned about them and want to offer your support? What will you do with the information you gather? Remember that a truly genuine friend asks questions out of deep concern and love. A genuine friend will offer support and strength no matter what happens. This friend will carefully guard the information gathered and will respect the couple's wishes of who they want to know.
Couples experiencing infertility may be sensitive to announcements of pregnancy, overemphasis on children, or baby showers. Handle these topics with sensitivity. Invite women to baby showers, but do not be offended if they choose not to come. Make sure lessons in Sunday meetings are geared toward men and women across all life situations, taking into account those who are single or childless, those who have children, and those who are empty nesters. Additionally, provide activities that similarly apply to all. Be careful not to make children seem like a requirement.
Be careful about what you say. Infertile couples need less advice and more understanding. They will talk if they want to and if they see a caring friend. If you initiate the conversation, be sure you are motivated by compassion. As you discuss the topic of infertility with a couple, try not to act like the expert and as though you know what their specific problem is. Rather, allow the person experiencing the problem to do most of the talking. Ask questions to clarify and to gain a greater understanding so you can be better educated. Consider saying, "I just can't imagine what you are feeling. Describe it to me so that I can try to understand."
It can be harmful to bring up a story of how someone else got pregnant or how someone you know is experiencing infertility. Instead of offering help, you are taking the focus away from the couple. Provide a listening ear and gentle kindness.
One last thing: Be a good parent yourself. Recognize the truly magnificent gift you have - children. Treat your children well. Teach them. Cherish them.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
What Have the Felts Been Up To?
I decided the only way I was going to get things posted here was to do a list of things we have been doing the last few months with some pictures. It will be faster, and might be all I have time to do right now. It might be a long post, but long because of pictures and not lots of words. These things are in no particular order.
James is off the bottle for his naps! Time to work on bedtime.
James hanging out with his peeps
Unit Conferences
James still loves buttons
Stake dance AKA Mock Prom
James loves to crawl up and sit on the couch to watch TV.
Getting everything ready for Youth Conference - Keriann has taking on the registration
James still loves the alphabet.
Jon went to the "Aaronic Priesthood Commemoration Campout" AKA Father and Sons Campout. He said he would take James next year.
James watching TV (he was not too happy with me for taking this picture)
James had a mild strain of the Rotavirus (that is what his doctor thinks since it was going around).
We have eaten lots of popsicles.
James chillin' on the couch with his remote.
James is getting more molars (he already has 14 teeth, 4 of which are molars)
James has discovered sticking his lip out.
James helps make dinner. James ala King, anyone?
Cleaned the church
OCD? Aspergers? Or just wanting all your fish in a row?
Watching College Softball - the Road to the World Series of Softball
Mud Hens Game
James ate most of the time until we walked him around in the stroller.
James is off the bottle for his naps! Time to work on bedtime.
James hanging out with his peeps
Jon has had two sacrament speaking assignments.
"Mom, whacha doin'?"
Jon is getting ready to take "STEP 2 CS" (which is basically the practical part of the boards) in Chicago
James helps Mom with the laundry
James trying on Moms clothes
James still loves buttons
James loves to crawl up and sit on the couch to watch TV.
James still loves the alphabet.
James watching TV (he was not too happy with me for taking this picture)
We have eaten lots of popsicles.
James has discovered sticking his lip out.
Notice the ink on his shirt. This was right after he got a hold of the ink pad.
Many trips to the Toledo Zoo
James helps make dinner. James ala King, anyone?
OCD? Aspergers? Or just wanting all your fish in a row?
Mud Hens Game
Monday, May 17, 2010
St. Marys, Ohio
The meetings went really well. I love nursery! James did really well, and did not want to leave when church was over. Thank you, Brother Stucki and the others working in the nursery. It is amazing how much more I get out of church when James is in the nursery.
In our combined Young Men and Young Women meeting, President Smith talks about Joshua and what a great man he was. Do you realize that there were over 600,000 men (20 and older) who left Egypt with Moses? Of those men, only 2 entered into Israel. The rest died in the wilderness. Those 2 men were Joshua and Caleb. Why were only 2 allowed to enter Israel? They "wholly followed the Lord" (Numbers 32:12). There were only 2 of 600,000 who were completely faithful.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
My Mother's Day
I had a great Mother's Day! It started a little weird, but soon became great. When I walked into church, the bishop came up to me and said he had a special Mother's Day present for me. I was a little confused. Shouldn't he have a special Mother's Day present for his wife and/or mother? Then he explained that what the ward was giving to the women for Mother's Day had nuts in it, some he had something for me that did not have nuts. Thanks bishop for remembering my allergy to nuts. It is not very often that people consider/remember my food allergies. Then the bishop's son, Zach, gave me the gift with his eyes covered while holding it out. It was really cute and funny.
Jon spoke in sacrament meeting and gave a great talk. James was actually really good too. We did not have to take him out in the hall once! Normally he is whiny and screaming during sacrament meeting. I think it helped that the family next to us had some cars that James played with the entire time. Thanks Lau's for letting James monopolize your toy cars!
Then Jon taught Primary while I brought James to the nursery for his second time. His first time in nursery was a little rough (he was tired). I was expected a similar melt down, but he did better. The second hour I asked the nursery teachers if they would be alright if I left him there and went to Relief Society.
Side note: James is not 18 months until the end of this month so Jon or I thought we would stay with him in there until he is officially old enough. Hopefully he continues to enjoy nursery this much.
Later that evening, Jon and two of our friends made dinner for their wives. It was really good and we had a fun time with friends.
It was a great Mother's Day!
Jon spoke in sacrament meeting and gave a great talk. James was actually really good too. We did not have to take him out in the hall once! Normally he is whiny and screaming during sacrament meeting. I think it helped that the family next to us had some cars that James played with the entire time. Thanks Lau's for letting James monopolize your toy cars!
Then Jon taught Primary while I brought James to the nursery for his second time. His first time in nursery was a little rough (he was tired). I was expected a similar melt down, but he did better. The second hour I asked the nursery teachers if they would be alright if I left him there and went to Relief Society.
Side note: James is not 18 months until the end of this month so Jon or I thought we would stay with him in there until he is officially old enough. Hopefully he continues to enjoy nursery this much.
Later that evening, Jon and two of our friends made dinner for their wives. It was really good and we had a fun time with friends.
It was a great Mother's Day!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mothers' Day!
Just wanted to say Happy Mothers' Day to all those moms out there, especially my mom and Jon's mom. I read and watched this story earlier this week on the blog for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It touched me, and I wanted to share it with all of you on Mothers' Day. Being a mother is one of the best and hardest things in the world. Here is what was written on the blog, followed by a video.
"The traditions of celebrating the role of a mother vary from country to country, but the universal message is we are who we are in large part because of our mothers.
"The Church captures on video one such mother, who, while her individual circumstances are certainly unique, helps to remind us that the message of motherhood is one of optimism, hope and fulfillment.
" 'I'm just grateful that I am here on this earth and I have the opportunity to be a mother and do the things that I love and enjoy," says Stephanie Nielson, a mother of four and survivor of a 2008 plane crash. "I view my role now as more divine.' "
"The traditions of celebrating the role of a mother vary from country to country, but the universal message is we are who we are in large part because of our mothers.
"The Church captures on video one such mother, who, while her individual circumstances are certainly unique, helps to remind us that the message of motherhood is one of optimism, hope and fulfillment.
" 'I'm just grateful that I am here on this earth and I have the opportunity to be a mother and do the things that I love and enjoy," says Stephanie Nielson, a mother of four and survivor of a 2008 plane crash. "I view my role now as more divine.' "
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Anniversary Celebration
Then we went and quickly walked around a few stores looking for the perfect anniversary gift for both of us. We decided the ones at the first store were the best priced, so Jon was going to stop there on his way home the following day. Good thing we waited another day because they were an additional 10% off because of Mother's Day. We got a set of 600 thread count sheets for 55% off. It was awesome to see that we saved more than we spent. They are awesome too! I love higher thread count sheets!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Six Years
I cannot believe it has been six years today since Jon and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Another fun fact about this anniversary is that it falls on the same day of the week as when we got married. We were married the afternoon of Thursday, May 6, 2004.
Here is a slide show I put together of our adventures together. There are lots of pictures.
Here is a slide show I put together of our adventures together. There are lots of pictures.
Happy Anniversary! I love you, Dude!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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