Teeth, Tails, & Trouble

 Last weekend I took Davian to The Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls. There is a Dinosaur exhibit going on currently and since Davian loves Dinosaurs we decided to check it out. We had a great time! There was plenty to see and learn. Here are some pictures of our fun trip!

 

Meet a T. Rex named Sue! Measuring 42 feet long and 12 feet tall at the hips. 

In this part of the exhibit you can see through the eyes of a T. Rex and a Triceratops.

 Playing a game to see if he can put the missing piece on the T. Rex before the time runs out! He made it with no problems.

  Very happy to be standing in front of his favorite Dinosaur skeleton.

 Davian looking "scared" because he was being chased by a T. Rex!

 

Anyone that knows Davian knows that he has a really good nose. This game proved it! After pushing a button the released a smell you would have to guess what the smell was...Davian got it right 100%. No surprise there, he has a great sense of smell!

 We had a great trip to the Museum. It was a very good learning experience and something that I was hoping I would be able to do with Davian because of his love for Dinosaurs. Seriously, the little guy knows all of the names of his Dinosaurs!

The following Monday we headed down to Utah with our friend Justin Groth for a Jazz game! Believe it or not the Jazz even won! I had a great time but I don't think that Davian appreciated being at the game as much as I did! Thanks Justin =)

 

Just being silly after eating some cotton candy!

  Me and my little love!

Go JAZZ!!!

Update...

"You will come to realize that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment you will ever make."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

It has been far to long since my last blog. I don't know if I simply get to preoccupied with life to blog or if I just don't feel like I have anything to say. Maybe it is a little of both. I think it is time for a little update on life though! 

DAVAIN

He is getting so big it is down right ridiculous. Four has been a fun age. I think it's been my favorite. It is an age of independence but yet he knows that he still needs his mommy. He has been so thoughtful in some of the things that he has said lately and I really feel that he might be starting to "get" what I have been trying to teach him about the choices that we make. Everyday is a new adventure with him and I am thankful for the challenges and love I have learned from being his mother. 

ME

Well I have been so incredibly busy. I started playing competitive basketball at BYU-Idaho and have had a really good time. It has been a lot of work to get into better shape and keep up with some of the younger girls but I have loved the way that I feel after a good practice. Basketball has always been something that I love and I am thankful for the opportunity that I have had to participate. 

School has been busy but I have been enjoying my classes this semester. I have prayed and pondered about my education and the next step and have felt prompted to make a change in my direction. I plan on attending a Dental Assisting program in Idaho Falls in the fall while I take the classes left to finish up my AA degree. I think this will be a good step in a direction that will help me provide better for my little family. I also hope to be finding a job doing hair this summer. First, I will be heading back home in April to work up there for a few weeks and enjoy some time with my wonderful family and friends from home. 

Besides school I have taken a great interest in study my scriptures more diligently lately. I have fallen in love with this blog: http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/category/scripture-study-2/book-of-mormon/. This lady is amazing! She has all these wonderful study ideas and I purchased one of her study journal books. I love it. I can sit for hours and simply search the scriptures and look up talks about a specific topic I am studying. I totally recommend her site to anyone who wants to get more out of their scripture study! My scripture study has become a great source of comfort recently.

Life has been interesting here in Rexburg and I have sure learned a lot about myself. I have learned a lot about what I need to do to become a better person. Lately, I have been spending a lot of time with someone who has become very dear to me. Her name is Kayla and she too is a single mom. I have met very few single moms (at least ones that have a similar story to mine) and have loved the friendship that is growing. She is an amazing woman! Not only is she a single mother of two but she attends school full-time and works. What a great example of a woman that can do it all. The great thing about this new friendship is that Davian loves her son who is also four! They have become pretty good pals.  I am so very thankful for her friendship and support.

It is simply amazing to me the ways that the Lord can bless us. He has always know exactly what I needed when I needed it. I was feeling pretty down not having made friends as quickly as I usually do. Around this time Kayla and I really started to become better friends. Ironically, she was the first person I really met in Rexburg. She is in my ward and came up and introduced herself. She mentioned she was a single mother and I knew that I was in the right place and that the Lord had given me a friend to help me through this journey. The very thought of that special impression from the Holy Ghost brings tears to my eyes.

Last Sunday I received a blessing from my Bishop and one of the things that he said was "angels watched over me because of my special circumstances". This is something that I have always felt. As a single parent you don't ever feel like you are being enough. You cannot possibly fulfill the role of the absent parent and that is very difficult at times. I have come to know and understand that the Lord looks after me though. He takes care of me and He helps me take care of Davian such a wonderful blessing that is. When it comes to angles watching over me...I have felt this most when it comes to the amazing people that I have had in my life. Of course my parents and my family are the ones that I lean on the most but I have found great comfort in friendship from people. My friend Audrey was one of my first friends in Moscow, Hailie, Chantal, Heather, Janae, and even Jarred have all helped me through some very lonely times. And now sweet Kayla. What a wonderful blessings I seem to always receive from the Lord.

I think this is more than enough for tonight. I wasn't planning on going in this direction but my heart has really been so full and this was a great way to express some of how I have been feeling. Until next time =)

...Have a THANKFUL {heart}

“Our society is afflicted by a spirit of thoughtless arrogance unbecoming those who have been so magnificently blessed. How grateful we should be for the bounties we enjoy. Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind. It bespeaks a lack of knowledge and the ignorance of self-sufficiency. It expresses itself in ugly egotism and frequently in wanton mischief. We have seen our beaches, our parks, our forests littered with ugly refuse by those who evidently have no appreciation for their beauty.” -President Gordon B. Hinckley 

30 Things I am thankful for...

1. I am thankful for my sweet boy Davian.

2. I am thankful for my parents, my family, and my great extended family.

3. I am thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

4. I am thankful for the Atonement.

5. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

6. I am thankful for scriptures. Such a source of power.

7. I am thankful my wonderful friends who support me near and far.

8. I am thankful to be a mother. Both a challenge and a blessing. ;)

9. I am thankful that I am attending BYU-Idaho.

10. I am thankful for a modern prophet.

11. I am thankful for my apartment that has become a home.

12. I am thankful for prayer. My saving grace.

13. I am thankful for Daniel who treats me and Davian so well.

14. I am thankful for packages in the mail. One of my favorite things.

15. I am thankful for a warm bed on a cold night.

16. I am thankful for my talents.

17. I am thankful for a good running car.

18. I am thankful for snow tires.

19. I am thankful faith.

20. I am thankful good movies on a Friday night.

21. I am thankful a good book to read in bed.

22. I am thankful for Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday.

23. I am thankful that I went to hair school.

24. I am thankful for the way that I was raised.

25. I am thankful for the little things that people do.

26. I am thankful for Skype calls.

27. I am thankful for Temples. The biggest source of peace.

28. I am thankful to live so close to a Temple. You can see it from any place in Rexburg.

29. I am thankful for understand teachers at school.

30. I am thankful for a grateful heart.

OH, LIFE

It has been an eventful few weeks in the Michelle&Davian house! Here is what we have been up doing...

First, our wonderful friend Jarred came to visit us and we had a great time. His family has a beautiful cabin not too far from Rexburg. We took a little day trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and fun walking around. Davian liked some of the little shops they had downtown and it was pretty fun. I have some pictures but I need to get a cable to take them from my camera to my computer. So, as soon as I do that I will get them up!

We were able to go home and visit my parents and some friends in Washington twice these past month or so. It was great being back in Palouse and great seeing my family and friends. I had so much fun crafting with my mom and being back in my parents house. I sure do miss all of them! (I will have to post some pics of our crafts too). I also had a great time with one of my Best Friends, JANAE. It is great to have friends that you cannot see for a while and then when you do see each other it's like you were never apart. =)

(LOVE, LOVE THIS PICTURE)

Davian started Preschool this week and has been having a great time. He is starting to make friends and I think he is going to settle in well. We have our ups and downs but we make it work together. I sure do love that little man.

The biggest thing for me is that I have started my Fall Semester. I only have 9 credits right now because I am part-time until Winter. I am very excited to be taking classes. I have had a lot of time to reflect on things while walking around campus and I really have been having a hard time sometimes. I just don't know what I was thinking not doing college at the "normal" age. I feel like I should be living in a house of girls and making some great friendships. Not only that but meeting the right guy and doing things the right way. I see groups of people who look like they are having such a good time and hear about people's wards and how much fun they are. I long to have the same experiences and things in my life. These thoughts seems to creep in every now and again and I feel sad. However, I have come to realize that these aren't thoughts from the Savior. The Savior doesn't want me to feel sad. He knows that I made some mistakes and He also knows that I am doing all I can to correct things and stay on the correct path. I have come along ways in the past few years and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned. I am where I am right and that is simply the best place for me. Life doesn't ever seem to go as planned, now does it? 

One thing that I love about BYU-I is devotional on Tuesdays. This may have been my first one today but I loved it. It is amazing to see all these young Saints gathered in a "mini" conference center. Not to mention this is a wonderful way to get a Spiritual boost for the rest of the week. Today Vice President Henry J. Eyring spoke (son of President Henry B. Eyring). Eyring spoke a lot about being good stewards to the Lord and what it means to represent Him. He quoted His father several times. There were several things that really touched my heart. I will mention a few things. One thing was that Vice President Erying said was, "Be happy even in difficult or ordinary circumstances." This really made me realize how you can be happy during difficult times. Being happy doesn't mean that things are going to be perfect it simply means that you don't focus on the imperfections. I am so happy with my life even though I long for other things. I know that right now I need to work on a few things and the Lord is giving me the chance to do this. Another great thing that was mentioned (quoting President Eyring) was, "The purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to change you so that you're not trying to resist change. You're trying to have change take you where the Lord wants you to go. How you answer the question of who you are will determine almost everything." I really love this. I think it speaks for itself and I can really testify to it's truth. And one last quote from President Eyring, "Our hearts, fixed on Him and His work, will keep us on course, however the wind blows." I know that by following the Lord's plan for me I will end up where I need to be at whatever time in my life. This I am truly thankful for!

I am so thankful that I am in Rexburg, Idaho. I am thankful that I can attend school and grow in so many ways in my life. I love the "Spirit of Ricks" and couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now.  I know that Davian and I will grow so much during our time here.

The Past Week and a Half

This past week Davian was off visiting his dad. This meant I had a lot of free time on my hands..

On the 13th Davian and I headed over to visit my friend Hailie in Malta, Idaho to spend the day. We had a lot of fun swimming in the kiddie pool, eating popsicle's, and riding bikes. Well....Hailie and I rode bikes and Davian sat in a wagon that was tied with a jump rope to the bike. I am sure we were funny to look at but Davian loved it! 

The following day Davian went with his dad to Grandpa and Grandma Haines' river house in Garden Valley, Idaho. From what I hear they had a good time. Hopefully I will post more about that later. 

So what have I been doing while my little love was gone?! Well... 

I spent most of my time spending time with family, friends, and enjoying just having some down time.  I was able to go on two dates down in Utah and had a great time. It had been a long time since I have been out and it was great to have some fun and relax. 

My first date took me to the park where we had Sushi. This was my first time trying Sushi and I was surprised with how much I actually liked it. We had some great conversation and I enjoyed my dates' company very much. My second date was spent at Goodwood BBQ with a guy that I met a year and a half ago. The food was delicious and the company was just as good. I was very thankful for the opportunities that I had to go on some dates and really start to get a feel for what I want. I have really come to realize that I am ready to move forward and date more.

While I was in Utah I was able to visit some family down there that I don't get to see very often. I stayed with my cousin Sara, her husband Sean, and their kids in their home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. I was very thankful to have a place to stay and we even more excited to have a BBQ the next day with even more family. This included the Bryan and Tanya Borough family, the David and Becky Borough family, Matt and Nathalie Smith -> (who are having a baby!!), Nathan Smith, and Laci Ferwerda. It was great to catch up with family that I haven't seen for a long time and I am glad they are close enough to visit when I need some family time! I had a great time in Utah for sure. 

I returned back to Malta, Idaho to spend the rest of my time with Hailie's family. We did a lot in those few days. Between mountain biking up the canyon near their house, a temple session in Twin Falls, needing to replace 2 tires in 3 days, a random hiking/camping trip, and lots of late night homework and t.v.. We all had a great time and it was a great week to keep my mind off missing my little love! I was even able to visit my good friend Jarred in Twin Falls. It was sure great to see him and catch up. 

Here are some pics =) 

 Davian swimming in his undies!

 Midnight snack...stealing some cookie dough.

 Swimming at Jarred's

Our amazing wagon ride! 

 Sidewalk art!

 Me heading to one of my dates ;)

At the top of the canyon

 Heading out on our hike

 The lake

 Yup, I picked all of these

 Nothing better than eating straight out of the garden

 Our huge fire while camping

Sweet house warming gift from Jarred 

 Grandpa sent Davian a hawk feather. He was so excited about it!

Glad to be back home...We are best friends.

All in all I had a great time but there is nothing better than having your son light up when you pick him up. Nothing can compare to the love that I have for that little boy and I am very thankful for the special bond that we have. This week will be my first week of having a physical class at BYU-Idaho and I am looking forward to it! Davian will return back to visit his dad in a few days for one more week and then we will adjust to life in Rexburg, Idaho!

Come What May, And Love It

Something that I really enjoy doing is watching the Mormon Messages Videos. I found this one today and I really love the message. We can't choose how our life is going to go but we can choose the attitude that we have and sometimes that can make all the difference. Come what may, and love it =)

Adventure in Rexburg, Idaho

Well, life has changed a lot since I last blogged. Davian and I are now in Rexburg, Idaho. To be totally honest Rexburg is not a place that I ever imagined I would be. It was through a lot of prayer and pondering that I came to realize that this was a good place for my little family. We have been here a week now and it has been great. So far, I love my ward, my apartment is great, and I am excited to be at school. 

Here are a few things that we have done this past week:

My parents moved us down here and we were able to spend a lot of time with them and that was great. Davian went to Yellowstone with Grandpa while my mom and I settled in the apartment. 

For the 4th of July we went to fireworks with an old friend of mine from elementary school/church. Her name is Nancy and she has a wonderful little family herself! 

 

  

My mom, Davian and I were able to go to Bear World and check out the wildlife and ride some carnival rides. It was a great time. 

This past Friday Nancy and I went to Idaho Falls Temple. We went through with our friend Trish (another church friend) as she went through for her endowments. The following day she was sealed to her husband and two little boys. Such a wonderful time to share!  

All and all we are having a good time and enjoy thing new adventure in Rexburg, Idaho. We will see how much we enjoy it when summer fades and winter comes! Here are a few more pictures just for fun! 

 First day in the new apartment =)

 Being silly!

 His new room

 Picnic with Mom

Rexburg Temple. So thankful to be close to the temple. I can see it from my parking lot! Can't wait to go to a session.