J & K Saluone Family

Family Update

2012-02-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I would do a little post to update you all on our family. Of course you know a little about Junior from the last post, but he's almost 6 months old now. He can roll over from back to tummy and tummy to back but he only rolls to his right side. So far the rolling has mostly been for fun, but now he's learning that he can roll to get closer to something and I fear for our home - it's time to start baby proofing. He can sit up with support. He had his first taste of solid food last Saturday - he didn't love it, he kept getting the gross shivers with every bite. But he's getting used to eating from a spoon and swallowing and all that, so we're going to start making our own baby food for him - so much cheaper! He loves music and will sometimes try to sing along with you when you sing to him, it's so cute. He has brown eyes, but I see a little green in there sometimes. He's getting better hand control, he's really good at holding onto something and dropping it. He doesn't have any teeth yet but he loves to chew on things - especially fingers and cloth items, things he can get his hands on easily. He loves his jumper saucer thing, as you saw from the last post, but now he can really jump high and he loves it. He's not the best sleeper, his naps are considered long if they last more than 30 minutes, and he usually wakes up at least once or twice in the night before his 5 AM feeding. At his last doctor appointment he weighed 17 pounds and was 25.5 inches tall, he goes again on March 1st so we'll see how he's progressing there. He's a pretty happy kid, he usually only cries or fusses when he's tired or hungry and even if he doesn't like something, like being put on the floor when he wants to he held, he usually only cries for a few seconds and then just gets used to it. He's so cute when he laughs and when he's tired you can really get him going laughing - it's so cute! He is a joy and brings such happiness in our lives, it's really hard to imagine life without him.

Jonathan is still, technically, employed in construction as a heavy equipment operator; although right now he is laid off until spring. So that means he's Mr. Mom right now while I work full time. He does a great job taking care of our son, he keeps Junior on a schedule and plays with him and keeps him happy. He is great at taking care of the house and usually has dinner on the table when I get home from work. He works really hard and I'm so glad that he's there to take care of our son if it can't be me doing it. He teaches the 10-11 year olds in Primary and really enjoys that. He is still looking for a new job that is not seasonal, the goal is for him to find something steady so I can work part time or quit all together and we can have a dozen more kids and live happily ever after. We're really relying on the Lord to help us find the right job since nothing we've found has worked out yet.

I am working full time at the job I've had for over 11 years. I really enjoy it most of the time and am really blessed to have something so dependable and steady. I work 4-10s and that makes for long days and not much time with Junior during the work week, but I love having the three day weekends with him. We recently discovered Book Babies at the Provo Library and will be going to that every Friday morning, as long as I can find the energy. I am the Cub Scout Committee Chair, a calling I've only had for 4 months and am still learning, but it's fun to see the boys and their pride and enthusiasm when they get an award. I have so many crafty things I'd like to do, but can never find the time. If I ever do find time for something I'll definitely blog about it.

Even though our life is a little backward right now we are SO blessed to have our little family and everything else we have. We're so thankful for our family and friends and home and the gospel and each and every tender mercy that the Lord sees fit to bless us with - and they come daily!

Loves,
Karen

Get Ready for Tons of Photos!

2012-01-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted photos of my cute boy in a long time so here are lots of photos in chronological order so you can see how big he's getting and how cute he is. At least I think he's cute, but I'm a little biased. Also, our camera is not the best so some of the pictures are blurry, but I thought they were still cute so I posted them. You know how hard it is to get a good shot of a wiggly baby.

Here's a nice profile picture.

This was a rare tummy time when he wasn't crying. I love how he holds his feet up in the air when he lifts his head.

He loves sucking on those fingers!

Happy boy!

Trying to eat his feet. I think this was before he realized he could actually get them in his mouth. Now he sucks on them all the time.

I'm not sure if he was tired here, but pulling on his ears is a classic sign of sleepyness for him.

He's getting better at sitting up here. So cute!

Here's a video I took today of Junior in his bouncer seat thing. He loves it, although he always stops playing when he sees the camera come out so he needed some prodding from daddy, but he's still cute.

He'll be five months on Tuesday and I can't believe it. He's getting so big so fast, I love it and hate it at the same time. I'm working on a post of Christmas so stay tuned.

Loves,
Karen

Gratitude

2011-12-19T14:55:00.001-07:00

I totally skipped over Thanksgiving without posting and now it's nearly Christmas. I wanted to make sure I posted at least once more before the year ended.

Do you read this magazine?

A couple years ago I decided I would try to read this magazine every month. I also started reading the Friend magazine every month because I used to be in the Primary Presidency, now I read it because I have a baby boy. Anyway, reading the Ensign every month has been a real blessing for me. I came to find that no matter what I was struggling with, there was an article in there that helped me, gave me direction, or gave me peace. It is a wonderful thing that our church provides and I recommend getting a subscription, and then actually reading it when it comes - and not just the Presidency or Visiting Teaching message. I make it a point to read this magazine first, before I browse other magazines I receive.

In this month's issue the Presidency Message was about choosing to be grateful and was written by Henry B. Eyring. One quote I liked:

"It is a challenge to count our blessings because we have a tendency to take good things for granted. When we lose a roof over our heads, food to eat, or the warmth of friends and family, we realize how grateful we should have been when we had them."

I am so guilty of this. I am not grateful enough for the things I have. I am constantly looking for something else to make me happy instead of being happy with the things I have now. I tell myself things like, "I'll be happy when I lose the baby weight." or "I'll be happy when Jonathan finds a better job." or "I'll be happy when Junior starts sleeping for ten hours straight" (does that ever happen?!)

I am never saying to myself "I'm happy right now." This means that I am rarely truly happy and satisfied. That's not to say that I sit around being grumpy all the time, but I just find myself constantly thinking about things I want instead of just being happy with what I have. I remember times when I have felt that kind of happiness, but for some reason the older I get the less satisfied I am with my life. Why is that? I'm working on figuring that out and I'm working on being more grateful for the things I have. So, as part of the battle I'm going to talk about a couple of things that make me truly happy and that I am grateful for.

1. My Savior - Jesus Christ

I couldn't do a post about gratitude without including Jesus Christ. I love this time of year because I'm reminded of Christ in almost everything. I love listening to music that talks about his birth. I love hearing stories of Christ and reflecting on his life and his atonement. I am truly thankful for his miraculous birth and his perfect example. I would be nothing without his atonement. I am thankful for his love for me, for his willingness to give his life to save mine.

2. My husband - Jonathan.

He is wonderful. I'm so thankful to be his eternal companion. I'm thankful that, even though I have to go to work four days a week, he is home with our son taking care of him and being a great dad. It makes me so happy to hear him talk to our son in the morning. And to see Junior smiling huge for his daddy. It makes me so happy to see how happy Jonathan is to be a dad, he really loves our son and he's just wonderful with him. And I'm thankful that he can cook and clean and be a great support for me.

3. My son - Junior

He's such a good baby. He's super happy and smiley. He sleeps pretty good, about 6-7 hours a night at a time, then another 2-3 after being fed. He makes me so happy and it's hard to leave him and go to work, but it's wonderful to come home to such a sweet boy. After waiting so long to have a baby I feel like I hit the jackpot with him and I feel so lucky to be his mom. It's fun to watch him grow and develop and I can't wait to see what kind of a person he turns out to be.

There are many, many more things I am grateful for, but I know that as I focus on these three things I will have no want for anything else.

Since I'm not that great at posting, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Loves!
Karen

The New Me

2011-11-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything. I've been going through a transformation of sorts; like a caterpillar that transforms into a butterfly. At least I hope this transformation means that I become something better than I was. In the last 12 weeks I've gone from pregnant wife to mother of one. It's a pretty profound transformation.

The lyrics from a Sheryl Crow song says it well, "No one said it would be easy, but no one said it'd be this hard." I knew that motherhood wasn't easy, but I really didn't expect it to be as hard as it was for me the first few weeks. I had been warned that the hormonal changes after giving birth can be hard, but I figured I would be able to handle things okay if I was prepared for it. But I know now that there's no way to prepare for all the emotions that go through you when you get your baby home and realize that you have no idea what you're doing, but you better do it right because this helpless little human is counting on you.

I had also been warned that the third day was the hardest. I can now testify that that is the gospel truth. My third day coincided with my milk coming in, my not having caught on with the whole nursing thing, my son having not eaten or had a messy diaper for about 12 hours and a doctor appointment to check his bilirubin level. I began crying as I started to get ready for the doctor appointment and I didn't stop until I was all cried out at the end of the night. I cried when we were driving to the doctor's office. I cried as I called the clinic to find out his bilirubin count. I cried when they told me his bilirubin count. I cried as I checked in with the receptionist at the doctor's office. I cried as I tried to fill out paperwork in the doctor's office. I cried as we stood in the exam room at the doctor's office (I had to stand because the chairs were wood and it hurt to sit). I cried through the whole exam as the doctor told us that his bilirubin was so high that he needed to be put on lights immediately and that I needed to make sure he ate every two hours no matter what. I cried because I should have already known that he needed to eat every 2-3 hours - even if he'd rather sleep. I cried when the nurse came to tell us that a light table would be delivered to our home in the next few hours. I cried when the nurse gave me a hug and told me things would be okay. I cried because I knew things would be okay, but I couldn't get myself to stop crying. I cried when we left the doctor's office because I couldn't decide where we should go to get a quick lunch. I cried when we got home and I tried to nurse my son and he just wouldn't latch on. I cried when I had to figure out how to use my breast pump. I cried while my son was given a blessing. I cried when my mom called me. I cried when my sister called me. I cried when they both came over to see if I was okay. By the end of the night I didn't have any tears left and my eyes were so puffy I looked like I had some kind of allergic reaction to something. The next few days got slowly easier. I had better control of my emotions and my son's health improved. He was able to be taken off the lights after two days and he started nursing shortly after that.

It took a few weeks to get on a schedule and figure out my new life. My son is thriving and I love to spend time with him. Even as I type this he's cooing and talking and is as happy as can be. He's so chubby now it's hard to remember how little he used to be. I've gone back to work part time until the rest of my FMLA leave runs out. And my new life is good.

I guess what I really want to say is that I have a whole new appreciation for all those mothers out there. You make it look so easy. And I just pray everyday that I can be the best mom I can be for my son. The transformation will continue, I'm still learning.

Now, for the important part - cute pictures of my little boy!

These are pictures from the baby blessing, he was about one month old.

Pictures of him at 2 months old. He's a lot more smiley now - so cute!

Meet Jonathan Jr.

2011-09-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

He's here!!! Our little Jonathan Pili Saluone, Jr. arrived at 7:34 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24th. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. He is adorable! We are so happy to have him in our lives.

Here he is in the nursery getting checked out. He loves to have his hands by his face.

Here he is at about 1 day old, what a sweet angel :)

He's home!

His mommy loves him!

He loves his binky.

He was a little jaundice so he had to be on the lights for a couple of days, but he's all better now.

Here he is at one week old. We sure love this little guy!

Go Utah Utes!

Today's My Due Date!

2011-08-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today's my due date and no baby - so far. I have been in a fair amount of pain today - more than ever before - but I don't think it's bad enough to be REAL labor pain. I'm just waiting patiently for our little boy to arrive. Hopefully he comes sooner rather than later. I'll keep you posted...

Another Baby Update

2011-08-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't had the baby yet. I just thought that I should give an update since this baby is coming soon and I probably won't be posting a ton afterward.

So, I am now 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant. Technically the baby could come any day and he would be fine, which is a relief. I really feel like I will still be pregnant on my due date and who knows how long after that. But I am feeling okay, relatively speaking. I am huge (still haven't posted pictures of my belly, maybe one day...), I have swollen ankles and feet, I use the bathroom about every 2 hours, and I'm tired all the time. But other than that I feel great. The crib is set up and the baby's room is pretty much ready to be lived in so if I had Baby J tonight, it would be all right.

The rest of our house is coming along. The cabinets are installed, the new flooring is in and the walls are painted. We still have some finishing touches in the kitchen and some things to take to DI, but hopefully by this weekend it will all be taken care of and I can post pictures of our newly remodeled home. Of course, you know how great I am at posting pictures...

In other news, Savannah had a baby boy on July 7th. He's adorable and I can't wait for our boys to be best cousin-friends.

Jonathan is still looking for a better job in the construction field, so if you know of any in Utah County, let me know. Also, prayers on our behalf are much appreciated!

Baby Update

2011-06-08T07:31:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone, I know it's been a while. All is well with us and baby. I am now 29 weeks and starting the third trimester. It's becoming apparent that yes, this is the most uncomfortable stage and I know it's only going to get worse. You can see from the ticker over there --> that I have 70 something days left. At any given moment I am happy about this and terrified about it. Sometimes I can't wait for my little boy to arrive so I can hold him and cuddle him and just love him to death. Then I think about the state of my home and all the things I want to accomplish this summer and I think, maybe time can slow down a little, that might be nice.

On the top of my list is finishing the kitchen/living room remodel (that began in 2007). We are getting bids and picking out cabinets, flooring, countertops, etc. This is the main reason I want the time to slow down, so we can actually finish all the remodeling before the baby comes. We also need to buy a crib and get the baby's room set up.

In other news, Jonathan finally graduated from UVU with his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. I am SO proud of him for accomplishing this daunting task. He worked so hard to finish early and it feels so good for him to be done. Now we just need him to find a management position somewhere - pray for us!

Hopefully I will get some pictures posted soon. I still want to post some ultrasound images and I do have pictures of my huge belly for you to gawk at. I don't want to make any promises about when that will actually happen, but someday it will.

Also, Randy and Kim had their baby girl last Wednesday. She is Grace Ann Cluff and I'm so excited to see her and hold her this weekend. I can't wait for our babies to play together!

Free Infertility Seminar

2011-04-18T07:18:00.002-07:00

I thought I would take a break from all our baby excitement to spread the word about the Utah Infertility Awareness seminar. Jonathan and I went to last year and it was really helpful for us. We won't be attending this year (obviously) but I thought I would try to spread the word for others out there who may be struggling with infertility. It was very informative and helped me to open my eyes to the fact that I wasn't alone and that I did need help. The best part about it was that it was FREE! There are only a few spots left so spread the word quickly. You can register by going here, or learn more about the seminar by going here.

And The Gender Is...

2011-04-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

We had our ultrasound last Friday and everything went well. We saw the brain, the heart, the kidneys, the arms, the legs, the feet, the belly, the face and the little BOY part. We are really excited and now all my anxiety about having to come up with a girl's name can wait until the next baby. I'll try to post some of the ultrasound pictures later. Now we just have to start shopping and getting ready for a little Jonathan Jr.!

Baby Update

2011-03-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

I had another doctor's appointment last Friday and everything was good. I'm sure it's normal for me to constantly worry about miscarrying, but hearing that heartbeat on Friday was SO comforting. And I'm coming up on 17 weeks which means my next doctor's appointment will be the ultrasound - YAY! On April 8th we will get to see our little one on the black and white screen and find out if he/she is developing properly and if it's a boy or girl. We are so excited! Jonathan wants a boy (of course) but I don't care either way. My sister-in-law, Kim, is having a girl in June and my other sister-in-law, Savannah, is having a boy in July so either way our baby will have a cousin the same age and gender, fun!

About 2010

2011-02-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking: "It's about time!"

This blog has been woefully neglected for pretty much a year, but I hope that will all change. At least I've changed.

I have to be honest, 2010 was not my best year. I started out the year with high hopes, but then the realization that I would be turning 30 moved in and stuck around until way after the candles had been blown out.

I felt like a failure. I felt like I turned 30 with absolutely nothing to show for it. No bachelor's degree, no real career, no money, and worst of all, no children.

I lived my day to day life, but I didn't enjoy it. I lost my will to do anything productive like crafting, cleaning my house, and blogging. I guess I just didn't see the point anymore. I felt like I had nothing good to say so I stuck with the photos of specific events that happened - if I was lucky to remember to take photos.

I know, this is really depressing, but that's how I felt for a long time. It wasn't until the fall that I started to feel better about things. Jonathan was closer than ever to finishing school and I finally decided to make some decisions about our infertility.

Oh, did I mention I'm infertile? You may have already guessed that, but I'm making it official. Jonathan and I had been trying for about 3 years to get pregnant, but it just wasn't happening. And I was frustrated with the doctor's explanations because all they would say is, "everything looks normal." Not really what you want to hear after years of unsuccessfully trying to have a baby.

So we decided we would see a specialist. I think that is what really made the difference for me. Instead of just hoping and trying and praying and hoping and trying and praying, we were doing more. After talking to the doctor we formulated a plan. The doctor put me back on clomid for 3 months. I wasn't hopeful about it working since I had already tried it, but it was the first step. We also decided the next step if the clomid didn't work, and in case nothing worked, we started investigating foster care. It was time for us to do something about becoming parents.

The plan made me feel like I was in control of my life and brought me out of my funk. We started taking the foster care classes in December and that made us feel good too. We liked the idea of helping kids who really need help and being a positive influence in their life, as opposed to adopting a newborn infant. Things were working out according to plan, or so we thought.

The foster care classes forced us to make major changes to our home. The second bedroom in our home had become the catch all for everything office-y and crafty, and it was FULL! So I took some time off work the week of Christmas and we got down to the business of cleaning out the room and getting rid of a lot of stuff. The day of our last foster care class was one of our major cleaning days. It also happened to be a day or two past my normal cycle. So I took a pregnancy test, just like I had a thousand times before.

This time was different.

I stood there and watched as a faint line showed up next to the much darker control line. This was new. I had never seen a pregnancy test look like this before. So I got Jonathan to inspect it with me. I got more and more excited thinking that it might actually be positive, but it was hard to interpret, and Jonathan was skeptical about the results. He also didn't want me to get my hopes up too much in case it was a false positive. So I took another test - you know, cause I buy them in bulk - and it was pretty much the same - dang those dollar store pregnancy tests! Then we decided that we would stop at the store after our class and get one of the expensive digital tests so we would know FOR SURE. All night long I couldn't stop thinking that I might actually be pregnant, it was really hard to concentrate in the class. But the class let out and we were able to get the digital test and hurry home to take it.

This test took much longer to get the results and it was agony. But then something magical happened: the word "Pregnant" appeared. I couldn't stop smiling, like a huge, goofy, uncontrollable kind of smile. Jonathan just said, "I can't believe it says you're pregnant." He was sort of dumbfounded about it. But he still wanted to be extra sure so the next day I called the doctor's office to see if they could do any kind of more accurate testing. They told me that they usually accept the home pregnancy test as being accurate and scheduled me for an appointment in the 8 week range of my pregnancy.

We were still so shocked at being pregnant that we didn't want to tell anyone for fear of jinxing it, and because miscarriage was a total possibility. So we waited. All through Christmas and New Years we waited to tell anyone. I had my first appointment and everything pointed to the fact that I was pregnant. Since I had been on clomid the doctor ordered an ultrasound to find out if we were having multiples. Having that ultrasound was the most amazing and comforting feeling. Being able to see that there was, in fact, a baby (only one baby) inside me and the baby did have a heartbeat, it was amazing.

The weekend after the ultrasound was my mother's birthday so that's when we told the family. I bought a picture frame for each set of parents and put a paper inside that said something like "Baby Saluone's photo goes here: Due date August 23, 2011." It was great to see the tears and surprise and happiness from everyone's reaction. It's still surprising to me sometimes.

So 2010 turned out to be not quite as bad as I first thought. And really, I wasn't seriously depressed - no medication required! But it was a hard year, and one I hope I will never forget. It was the year that I realized that I didn't need a whole list of accomplishments to feel good about my life. I was blessed in so many ways, a loving and caring husband, a good and stable job, a home of my own, loving family and friends, knowledge of the gospel, a calling in the primary, the list goes on and on. And it was the year I found out that we were finally going to be the parents of a baby of our very own making.

So, Hello 2011! You promise to be quite a year.

And by the way, we are still finishing the foster care process. We will just have a lot more to think about when they call to place us with one or two children. When the time comes, the Lord will help us decide.

Summer Recap, Part 2

2010-11-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

After we got back from taking Sara and Kevin to the airport we were able to get home in time for a Fourth of July barbecue at my parent's house, okay so technically it was the 5th of July, but who's counting? The kids had so much fun playing in the sprinklers and jumping on the trampoline. I miss those warm summer days...

Summer Recap, Part 1

2010-11-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, we're still alive. And I have a lot of catching up to do, hopefully I will be better at posting more often.

So, as I said in the previous post, Jonathan's sister's family came to visit this summer and we had a lot of fun catching up with them. We had a lot of family parties, we even spent a weekend in Park City. Unfortunately I didn't get very many pictures of them while they were here. But we did get to drive them back to the Las Vegas airport and spend a little time with them there before they left. Here are some pictures of our time there. We tried to go see Hoover Dam, but the line was so long we decided to go shopping instead and entertained ourselves with some tunes on the way back to the city. Here's a video of Hikia singing part of a song, she's so cute. I tried to get video of her dancing too, but I wasn't quick enough.

Then we went to the outlet on the south end of the strip. They have a carousel there and the kids loved riding it. Here are some pictures of that.

Then we went back to our friend's house and the kids didn't waste any time getting into the pool.

Here's a rare picture of Jonathan reading a book!

We had so much fun with them, we wished they lived closer so we could see them more often - or that we could live in Hawaii and see them more often. Hopefully we'll get to visit them in the spring. It was hard saying goodbye, but it was really fun to have them here. We miss you and love you Sara, Kevin, Masina, Hikia, Pa'ia, and Lalea!

Kavika's Baby Blessing

2010-08-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to catch up. June was a busy month for us. Sara and Kevin and kids were visiting from Hawaii and we had non-stop fun with them. Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures of all our fun. I've been really slacking with the camera this year.

We'll start with pictures of Kavika's baby blessing:

Never Give Up

2010-07-19T10:09:00.001-07:00

I got this email from my mom the other day. I love her so much, she is so sweet and such a good example of never giving up. The email had a link to the video below and then she shared her own version of the video's story - I've added that under the video.

I really enjoyed this video's message of never giving up. Believe me, I know what it's like to have hope in the face of despair. I hope you enjoy it.

Now my mom's version:

"He could be telling a story about me and Russ. We had the same thing happen to us years ago only we had four children and were in Texas. The first time the radiator actually blew the cap off and sprayed boiling water all over Russ’s face. A farmer came along and towed us to a gas station and we bought a bag of ice and he kept the ice on his face until the mechanic fixed the hose and we got instructions to go to the hospital. They drugged him good and put salve on his face and a male nurse called and cancelled our reservation 100 miles down the road and got us a new one and drove in front of me to it so I wouldn’t get lost. We did have to replace the radiator after replacing the fan, fan belt, flushing it twice. And I know we were blessed because the mechanic was so patient with us when he saw us again and we replaced the radiator and made it to Mexico. Allison spent her 3rd birthday in a Holiday Inn in Amarillo, Texas with a hostess cupcake and a candle. Then at the end of our circle trip from Illinois to Mexico to Utah where our alternator went out and was replaced, we headed for Minnesota to find a house and the new alternator went out again, then back to Illinois. We moved from Illinois to Minnesota. We prayed and prayed our way on that trip and the Lord blessed us the whole way!"

The Lord does watch over us all, and he has a plan for each one of us.

Sheliah's Graduations

2010-06-20T16:08:00.001-07:00

Our niece, Sheliah, graduated in May from Provo High School and Seminary. Can you believe we have a niece old enough to graduate high school? I feel old. But we are SO proud of her and her accomplishments.

Sheliah's season of graduation celebrations began with her Seminary Graduation. She graduated with all four years and we are super proud of her for that. She got to speak at graduation and it was nice to hear her testimony. It was a nice ceremony, the graduates sang two songs and they were beautiful. Here are a couple pictures from that graduation - afterward, of course.

Then she had her high school graduation. It was a nice ceremony too, except that it started at 7:00 PM and some of the speakers took too long. It was dark when we got out to take photos so they aren't the best, but here are some photos of her all weighed down by a million leis. She's so cute!

Then her parents threw her a huge party and all the Saluone family were in attendance. It was a great party with lots of entertainment. Don't worry, I've got all the video clips posted below!!!

We're SO proud of you, Sheliah! We hope you have fun in your future endeavours and wish you good luck starting college in the fall at UVU.

Five Years, Baby!

2010-05-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

To my wonderful husband:

Six years ago we met while helping a friend move. I remember that day, I didn't feel particularly cute and I'm pretty sure I was sweating from all the moving. But I do remember thinking it was really sweet of you to help us when you had just gotten home from your mission.

Little did I know that about a week later you would call me to ask me out on a date. I was really excited to go out with you.

I remember opening the door and seeing you standing there in a yellow button down shirt and jeans, with your hair all curly. You looked SO hot! I remember thinking how lucky I was to be seen with you.

We went to the Pizza Factory for dinner - that was back when the food was good. We talked about our families, our likes and dislikes. Although I was trying very carefully to eat like a lady, I think I spilled a little sauce on my shirt. I was embarrased, but you put me at ease.

After dinner we went to the Nickelcade and played games. You won most of them, although I did kick your butt at air hockey. You were such a gentleman.

We continued to date and things just kept getting better. I remember our first kiss, and the butterflies it gave me. I remember how I would smile at the thought of you. Other people noticed how happy I was.

This was real love.

We began talking about marriage and it seemed so right. I prayed about marrying you and knew it was right.

We were married exactly one year from our first date. I was so nervous that day - not about marrying you, but about all the wedding things working out as planned. It didn't help that I forgot to bring the music to the church and you and your brother had to leave to go get it.

The ceremony was wonderful, I couldn't stop smiling and even got a little teary eyed. I was so happy.

We went on our honeymoon and that was fun. Just you and me in the car (most of the time), and in the cabin, and starting our life together.

We bought a house and you worked in your family's restaurant. Those days seem so far away sometimes.

Three years after our marriage we covenanted to be together for eternity. That day has been the most special day of my life so far. I will love spending eternity with you.

Now it's been five years and you have been the best husband. More than I could have imagined.

I admire so much your ability to recognize and follow the Spirit. I know I can trust your decisions - even if I am skeptical about some of them. But I know you will never let me down. You will always be there to protect me, to help me, to make me feel beautiful and loved. You can always make me laugh, even when I don't want to. You are my rock. I honestly don't know what I would do without you and I can't imagine not being with you forever.

I've loved our first five years together and look forward to the next five. Hopefully the next five will make parents out of us; but if not, I will love you just the same.

Lua's Graduation

2010-05-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Jonathan's brother, Lua, recently graduated with an Engineering degree from BYU. After 9 years they were really ready to celebrate. We had a lot of fun at his party, and we're so proud of his accomplishment. He's also luck because he has already started his new job as an engineer.

This is Lua and Michelle.

Michelle had a made a banner for everyone to sign, the kids really had fun coloring and writing messages to Lua - even if some of them weren't very nice (notice the big Utah "U" at the end).

Inspiration

2010-05-04T10:58:00.007-07:00

I am so inspired by this Mormon Messages video. I hope you enjoy it too.

Dylan's Recital

2010-05-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Dylan had a piano recital a couple of weeks ago and we were invited to attend. It was a small gathering, but it was fun to see all the kids show off their talent and hard work. Dylan was really excited and he did a great job. Here are some pictures and a movie of his recital. We're so proud of you, Dylan!

Fun at the Park with the Saluone Kids

2010-04-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago when we were having nice weather, we took the Saluone kids to the park. They started out playing on the playground:

Then we moved out to the field to play kickball. Uncle J loves to play with the kids.

I love this shot, I just wish I didn't cut Junior's head off.

The kids even made a friend who came to play with them.

Spring Break Fun

2010-04-19T18:25:00.009-07:00

When the Cluff family kids were on spring break we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and went to Discovery Park in Pleasant Grove. It was really fun to watch the kids play. Here are some pictures of our day.

I LOVE this picture!

Volleyball!

2010-04-17T18:14:00.004-07:00

Our niece Mallory is playing club volleyball as she gears up for high school. She's gotten pretty good and we're proud of her. On this day we only got to see her play two teams. They lost their first set, then won their second set. Mallory's gotten pretty good, we know she'll do well as she continues to play. Here are some pictures from her tournament:

Welcome, Kavika!

2010-04-06T19:58:00.002-07:00

This is really overdue (about a month overdue), but I wanted to post pictures of the newest member of the Saluone Family. On March 5, 2010, Bill and Brooke Saluone had baby #5. Kavika Saluone is such a cute little baby boy. Here are some pictures from his birthday. We're so happy to have another little baby in the family!!