It's Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas...

The other night our caseworker came and did our home visit for adoption. Everything went great and we are one step closer to being approved, hopefully by the middle of January. After she left I decided to take a few pictures, because everything was clean and in it's proper place. I love this time of year and how all of the lights can make your house so magical. I wish I could keep it like this for more than just one month. I love decorating my home for Christmas so we actually put up two trees. An artificial one upstairs and a real one downstairs.

This is the tree that we have upstairs. My family room upstairs is kind of small, so I had a hard time finding a place to put it. Notice the cute little present sitting under the tree. Dora loves to lay under it and look out the window.
Here's Jason attempting to get the real tree in the stand. We thought we had it secure, but we were wrong. In the middle of the night it tipped over and spilled all of the water out of the stand. I was afraid that it was going to dry out because it sat without water all night, but so far so good.

This is Jason's Christmas Village. That was one of his favorite memories as a child, setting up the village. So I have made it a tradition that each year for his birthday I buy him a new piece to go with his village.

Birthday Getaway...

Last weekend for Jason's birthday we went to the condo in Park City for a few days. It was so fun being able to go up there in December when it is all decked out for the holidays. It was so Magical and really got me in the Christmas Spirit. We invited Jason's brother and his wife to come with us. It was so fun having an adults weekend. We enjoyed talking, playing games, going out to eat, shopping, and skiing.

Saturday on our way up there we made a detour to the Real Stadium in Sandy to watch the Snow College National Championship Game. My sister is on the drill team there so we thought it would be fun to go and watch her dance at half time. The game was a disappointment, they lost in double over-time to a silly mistake.
Kami performing the kick routine that she choreographed.

This was the first thing I saw when we walked into our room. What a perfect view.

On Sunday we had an excellent meal at the Westgate Grill. The atmosphere was beautiful and the food was even better.

On Monday the boys went skiing at the Canyons, while Rachael and I hit the outlets. They had some great deals and I was able to just about finish my Christmas shopping.

Jason showing off his dancing skills. I was pretty impressed.

Happy Birthday to You...

I'm a little bit behind, but I wanted to wish my hubby Happy Birthday! He turned 31 on December 9th. I always feel like his birthday gets overlooked sometimes because of the holidays and everything that is going on this time of year. I wanted to make a list of 31 things that I love or admire about him. (Not in any particular order)

31. You are a hard worker.

30. You are great at barbecuing

29. You are always willing to help me around the house with home improvements.

28. You play with our cat.

27. You are very outgoing

26. You enjoy spending Saturday mornings doing yard work.

25. You are very patient and wait for me when we go skiing.

24. You always look at the positive side of things.

23. You make the bed every morning.

22. You like leftovers and don't expect me to cook every night.

21. You love the holidays and are big on traditions.

20. You are adventurous and will try anything.

19. You love going camping with my family.

18. You always put my needs first.

17. You are very thoughtful.

16. You honor your priesthood.

15. You have a great sense of humor.

14. You are romantic.

13. You're good at art.

12. You're smart.

11. You are understanding of my feelings .

10. You are great with kids

9. You will be a great dad someday.

8. You always smell good.

7. You fulfill your church calling.

6. You're a HOTTIE!

5. You treat me like a queen.

4. You always kiss me when you get home.

3. You make me smile.

2. We have the same goals in life.

1. You're mine for eternity.

UPDATE...

So I thought I would update people on what's going on with our adoption and in vitro processes. This past Tuesday we finished our last adoption class. YEA!! I have really enjoyed going and learning about the process, but it has been every Tuesday for the past 5 weeks and they usually lasted for 2-2 1/2 hours. It's nice to check that off of our list. We have finally finished all of the piles of paper work and are just waiting for Jason's background check to come back so we can schedule our home visit. In the meantime we are working hard on finishing up our birthparent letter and collage page. These two papers are the most important and time consuming thing that has to be done before we can be approved. These two papers will be what the birthmoms look at as they are trying to decide who they will place their baby with. It is so hard knowing what to say to a young girl who is considering placing her baby for adoption.
We hope to have everything completed and be approved by the first of the year. Then who knows how long it will take to be chosen. For some couples it has happened as soon as a couple of weeks after approval and for other couples it has taken several years. I'm excited to see what this chapter in our life has in store for us.
As far as the In Vitro goes we went in on Wednesday and had the embryo transfer done. They used the 5 embryo's that we had frozen this past summer, when we did a fresh cycle. I was really nervous when we went in because I wasn't sure if we would have any embryo's that survived the unthawing process. Luckily all 5 unthawed perfectly and the doctor was able to choose the 3 best quality ones. The doctor thought it was really encouraging that all 5 survived. He said they must be pretty durable and of descend quality to all survive. So we decided to transfer 3 of them, hoping that one will attach and grow. He said our chances of getting pregnant are
30 %. So that doesn't seem like the greatest odds, but we will take anything we can get. So the past 3 days I have been on bedrest and have been going stir crazy. It has been really nice not having to go to work, but I wish I could have spent my days off doing something more fun than just sitting in bed. Hopefully it will be worth it.
I just want to thank those who have shown so much love and support. Jason and I are truly blessed to have such great family and friends!!

Family Pictures

So we finally organized and planned a family picture with the Cook side. Two Christmas's ago we gave Gary and Shirley the gift of planning and paying for a family picture to be done. I can't believe how much effort it takes to organize the clothes, find a time that everyone can meet, and pull it all together. Shirley wanted a fall background and we tried to plan it around the leaves changing, but we were about a week to early. I think they still turned out great. We had Amanda Laing take them and I think she did an amazing job. Take a look and see what you think.

Random Thoughts...

These past few weeks I have a had a lot on my mind and wonder what will be in store for Jason and I in the up coming year. I wonder will this be the last holiday season we celebrate as just the two of us? Will I have a baby next year to dress up for Halloween? Will this be the last year that I teach school? Will our family picture that we just had taken be out dated soon?

It seems like it was just last month that we were right in the middle of In Vitro and were anxiously anticipating becoming pregnant. Now 3 months later we are right in the middle of it again. I have started doing the shots and taking all the extra hormones to prepare my body for the embryo transfer that we will do the second week in November. We are also right in the middle of doing all the paper work that is required to adopt. I'm excited to think that we are getting one step closer to starting our family.

We are pursuing adoption through LDS Family Services. It has been great having a place to turn to that is ran by the church and is lead by the Spirit. One of the many requirements that we have to do is attend 5 classes held on a weekly basis. So far is has been a wonderful experience to meet together with others couples that are going through the same challenges we are. Each week there are many tears shed, but it amazes me the spirit that is present, and how it leaves us feeling encouraged and excited for what the future will bring. Our class last night was very therapeutic. One of the topics that we discussed was, Being infertile in a fertile church. They handed out a paper that I felt like hint it right on the head the feelings that come with infertility.

*Trying to be happy for your friend who's on her 2nd or 3rd pregnancy.
*Hating your "broken body"
*Doctors: hating them...worshipping them.
*Wondering if you will ever get a Mother's Day of Father's Day card.
*Picking a name for your baby.. & then growing tired of it before you use it.
*Always going to other people's homes for dinner so THEY don't have to get a babysitter.
* Falling apart...every month
* Knowing (better than most) how conception happens, yet having to put up with stupid advice and crude jokes.
* Feeling empty and sad almost all of the time.
*Wondering...Why us?
*Having a "guestroom" & wishing it were a "nursery" instead.
* Secretly hating every pregnant woman you see.
*Dreading "another" Christmas without the child you long for
*An ONGOING process

I thought this was a great list and pretty much summed it all up. I know things are going to work out the way they are suppose to. I just need to remember that, and start enjoying the life that I have right now. Who knows, one day I will probably look back and wish I had taken more time to enjoy just Jason and I being together.


Happy Halloween from
Jason, Kaylee, and Dora

The other night for Family Home Evening with the Cooks, we got together to carve our pumpkins and enjoy each others company. Jason is very artistic and always does a great job with his pumpkin.

I love Conference Weekend!!!

Some of my favorite things this time of year include: fall, leaves changing, conference weekend, and cooler weather. If you put all of those things together you get a perfect weekend.

On Friday Dave and Mindy invited us to go golfing up at Sherwood Hills. It is such a beautiful golf course especially this time of year. I really don't know how to golf that well, but I do enjoy driving the golf carts and enjoying the atmosphere. Mindy and I usually end up talking most of the time while the boys golf. Thanks for a fun date night guys, we'll have to do it more often.

Our plans on Saturday were changed because of the weather. We were going to camp overnight up in Lava,but we decided with the possibility of snow we would just make it a day trip. The leaves were absolutely gorgeous. I love the combination of pine trees and aspens. We enjoyed a day of watching conference, eating homemade soups and treats, playing cards, and being in the outdoors.

Weekend Fishing Trip

A few weekends ago Jason, his brothers, and his dad went to Island Park on a much needed fishing trip. They spent 3 days fishing, eating, talking, relaxing, and doing what boys do when they get together.
Beautiful sunset over Henry's Lake.

It's not too often that you get pictures of a guy's weekend. That is the last thing they are worried about is taking time for pictures. But thankfully Jason's brother Casey enjoys photography as a hobby and does an amazing job at it. Thanks for some great pictures Casey!

Gary standing next to the Yellowstone River. Jason really enjoyed being able to spend a weekend with his dad. It brought back a lot of memories of the good old days growing up. It seems like when you get married and start your own family, sometimes we forget to take the time to create memories with our parents.
On the way home they drove through Yellowstone National Park. They picked the perfect day to go through, it didn't cost them anything because it was National Parks day.

A picture of the boys in front of the cabin they stayed in.
(Gary, Jake, Jason, Casey)

Jason enjoying a relaxing day out on the lake. (This sure bets a day in the office).

The next 3 pictures are great proof of what they actually caught. You know how fishing trip stories can be...

Jason
Casey
Jake

Happy Birthday Ty!!

So I'm a few weeks behind on everything it seems. A few weeks ago Jason and I, took my younger brother to Toad's for his birthday. He is the only child left at home and my mom thought he would have more fun with Jason than if she would have taken him. So she hired us for the evening to help celebrate his birthday. I was really impressed with this place. It is in Ogden just off of the freeway. They have miniature golf, go-karts, laser tag, rock climbing wall, batting cages, and an arcade. Their prices are pretty reasonable, and they have packages that allow you to do everything for 3 or 5 hours. The more people you take the better the prices are. Jason and I thought it would be a fun date night place. So if anyone is every looking for something fun to do go and check it out.

Ty on his 15th birthday. He was being obnoxious
wouldn't stand for a normal picture.

They have 2 different miniature golf courses.

Ty and his friend Grant playing in the arcade.

Jason trying to beat me on the race track.

Small Town Fun!!

With fall just around the corner Jason and I get to enjoy some of our favorite small town events. To kick off the weekend we dressed up in our red and purple and headed out to watch the yearly battle between the Bears and the Bees. I know it's kind of lame, but we enjoy going to Friday night football games. It's great entertainment. Jason enjoys watching the game while I spend most of my time watching the students in the crowd. Were we really that annoying when we were in high school? What makes this game so fun is I graduated from Bear River and Jason graduated from Box Elder. So we have a rivalry going on between us. This year both teams are equally as bad so it made for a interesting game.

I tried to take a picture of the game, but I don't really know how to change the settings on my camera so this is the best I could get.

(At least this picture turned out. This is proof to Jason that yes, sometimes we are capable of winning a game!!) GO BEARS!!

On Saturday we enjoyed another small town favorite, the annual Peach Days Celebration. This has turned into a pretty big celebration. On average 80,000 people attend the two day event. It has many attraction to enjoy including: a parade, carnival, delicious peach cobbler, craft vendors, car show, and great food.

(Jason was too embarrassed to take a picture of us standing in front of the banner, so instead I got a lovely picture of some random dude and the out houses.)

Enjoying the 2 hour parade. It's like most parades a lot of fire engines, school clubs, and advertisements for business.

Here's a picture of part of Jason's family. Thanks to Jason we got our usual spot. It's no easy thing getting a good spot for the parade. He spend 2 hours sitting in the Kent's parking lot waiting for the city workers to remove the signs. Once the blankets are layed out he still had to guard the spot. Random people will come along and try moving it so they can put their stuff there. It has turned into a joke and I think it's time to relocate.

Jason is a member of the Kiwanis Club, so he had to take a shift selling raffle tickets on Saturday. He forgot the sunscreen and was pretty fried at the end of the day.

Labor Day Fun!!

For Labor Day Weekend we decided to go camping up at my grandparents cabin in Lava. We usually make it up there a couple of times during the summer, but this summer we weren't able get away, so it was fun being able to spend one of our last summer weekends up there. It is always nice to spend a weekend away, just relaxing and enjoying each others company. Some of the things we enjoyed the most were: being in the mountains, playing card games, going on 4-wheeler ride, sleeping in our cozy tent, eating a big breakfast, listening to it rain in the middle of the night, laughing at my dad and his complicated sleeping arrangement, listening to Christmas music as we drove through the pine trees, and being with family.

This is a picture of my cute grandparents. Whenever we are up there, my grandpa makes sure that we are always busy doing some sort of activity. He has so much energy and is so full of life. We sat up one night and played cards until midnight. He was up the next morning at 6 going for his morning hike. He never stops and rests and makes the rest of us feel like we are lazy bums. I sure appreciate both of them for providing such a fun place for the family to get together at and for creating such fun memories!!