After what seemed like an eternity to Lesa and about 8 and a half months to me, we were blessed with another bundle of joy. Whitney was born Saturday September 5th, 2009 at 9:19am. She was an amazing 8 pounds and 13 ounces and 20 inches long. She has oodles of dark brown hair and she is the most amazing, most B-E-A-U-tiful little infant in the whole world (Sorry, I am biased).
The deliver lasted all of 60 seconds, 1 contraction and about 5 pushes but the labor was slightly longer. After various inconsistent labor pains throughout the night which became more regular in the wee hours of the morning we decided to make our way out of bed and to the hospital. Lesa was officially hooked up to the machine in the delivery room at 8:16 at which time the nurse checked things out and Lesa was a 5. Lesa got her epidural at 8:25 and when the nurse checked things again right after the epidural Lesa was a 9-plus. I guess she likes going through transition while a guy is sticking a huge needle in her back. She is amazing!!!
The doctor finally got all the paperwork done and sat down with Lesa around 9:15. He did a little stretching, asked her to push and within 10 seconds Whitney's head was halfway out. 5 seconds later we had a full head out and the doctor had to tell Lesa to slow things down a bit. After 30 seconds, some twisting and turning and a couple soft pushes Whitney started to slide right on out. How amazing!!! How truly amazing!!!
She started to cry right away, had great color, and did I mention she had lots of dark brown hair. I sawed through the umbilical cord and away Whitney went. I guess she had been drinking a lot because moments after birth she relieves herself all over the warming table. That's my girl!!!
As grandmothers and I swarmed around the newest spirit on earth the doctor finished up with Lesa. No tearing had taken place in this 60 second sprint so no stitches needed.
Isn't child birth amazing!!! I am just glad we have warm hospitals with medicine and trained doctors and nurses.
Last but not least, I am grateful to our Heavenly Father for a healthy baby girl and the privilege to help raise, teach, and nurture one of his precious daughters.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I Don't Get It Nor Do I Ever Want To
"3" What does it mean? To a sports oriented family my brain pulls out a couple quick answers: 3 strikes and your out, a 3-ball to start each pickup basketball game, or a par 3. To a musical family like my wifes "3" conjures up a completely different set of thoughts but to me right now "3" refers to one thing and one thing only. Number 3, the bun in the oven, numero tecero, our 3rd child.
Let me tell you all a secret, shhh come closer. "My kids are the bestest mostest cutest kids in the whole wide universe". You may disagree but we can agree to disagree. I love my kids, they make me happy but there is one thing I never want to experience. Right now you might all be thinking that I am going to say child birth. Although I hear it is no fun you are wrong. I think I could do the child birth thing all things considered. No, I am talking about something that is also caused by one of my favorite things in the world, sex, but it's not child birth. I am talking about pregnancy.
I think I could deal with the pain of delivery and even deal with the extreme discomfort by the almost unavoidable tear. What I don't get nor do I ever want to is the weird uncontrollable hormonal swings that the pregnant and just pregnant woman have to some how try to control. I could deal with the blood. I could deal with the pain and discomfort. I think I could even deal with feeling absolutely out of commission from morning sickness. I can hold my own when I'm tired so I think I could manage that obstical but the hormonal swings and emotional side of the whole ordeal would K.O. me for the "3" count.
Before all the women out there start telling me that I just don't get how hard it is to be morning sick or how painful labor is or how incredible miserable it is to bleed for 2 months straight, take a deep breath and read on. I don't want to experience any of these things because after a broken femur I think childbirth and all that goes along with it is next in line. Bryan Regan may say a 9 for childbirth but then again he is a guy, how would he know. You ladies are incredible. What I am trying to say is all of the physical discomfort aside, I think the emotional-hormonal rollercoaster that is child birth is much more difficult then any man will ever understand. Its like getting a hole in one in golf and getting a swift kick to the jimmy all at the same time. You don't know whether to be ecstatic or crumple on the ground in pain.
I love my wife. She is amazing. I watch her each day battle with the constant rollercoaster of emotions. I see the frustration in her eyes as she wonders where the emotions come from and why she doesn't feel like she is herself. I will never understand the difficulty of what she is going through or what all women have gone through but what I do know is she is amazing. I don't know if I could handle the constant attack from this "non-physical" challenge but Lesa never gives up. Through the tears and the trials she never gives up.
I will never experience what a women goes through both physically and emotionally during pregnancy and I am thankful for that. Lesa, you are amazing! You are doing a great job! No, your not crazy or insane and yes I still love you. I love you more now then ever before. I love your tenacity, your dedication, and your unstoppable will to fight through whatever challenge is in front of you. I love you. You're doing an incredible job and you are a better wife and mother of my children then I could have ever dreamed of marrying.
I don't get it nor do I ever want to
Let me tell you all a secret, shhh come closer. "My kids are the bestest mostest cutest kids in the whole wide universe". You may disagree but we can agree to disagree. I love my kids, they make me happy but there is one thing I never want to experience. Right now you might all be thinking that I am going to say child birth. Although I hear it is no fun you are wrong. I think I could do the child birth thing all things considered. No, I am talking about something that is also caused by one of my favorite things in the world, sex, but it's not child birth. I am talking about pregnancy.
I think I could deal with the pain of delivery and even deal with the extreme discomfort by the almost unavoidable tear. What I don't get nor do I ever want to is the weird uncontrollable hormonal swings that the pregnant and just pregnant woman have to some how try to control. I could deal with the blood. I could deal with the pain and discomfort. I think I could even deal with feeling absolutely out of commission from morning sickness. I can hold my own when I'm tired so I think I could manage that obstical but the hormonal swings and emotional side of the whole ordeal would K.O. me for the "3" count.
Before all the women out there start telling me that I just don't get how hard it is to be morning sick or how painful labor is or how incredible miserable it is to bleed for 2 months straight, take a deep breath and read on. I don't want to experience any of these things because after a broken femur I think childbirth and all that goes along with it is next in line. Bryan Regan may say a 9 for childbirth but then again he is a guy, how would he know. You ladies are incredible. What I am trying to say is all of the physical discomfort aside, I think the emotional-hormonal rollercoaster that is child birth is much more difficult then any man will ever understand. Its like getting a hole in one in golf and getting a swift kick to the jimmy all at the same time. You don't know whether to be ecstatic or crumple on the ground in pain.
I love my wife. She is amazing. I watch her each day battle with the constant rollercoaster of emotions. I see the frustration in her eyes as she wonders where the emotions come from and why she doesn't feel like she is herself. I will never understand the difficulty of what she is going through or what all women have gone through but what I do know is she is amazing. I don't know if I could handle the constant attack from this "non-physical" challenge but Lesa never gives up. Through the tears and the trials she never gives up.
I will never experience what a women goes through both physically and emotionally during pregnancy and I am thankful for that. Lesa, you are amazing! You are doing a great job! No, your not crazy or insane and yes I still love you. I love you more now then ever before. I love your tenacity, your dedication, and your unstoppable will to fight through whatever challenge is in front of you. I love you. You're doing an incredible job and you are a better wife and mother of my children then I could have ever dreamed of marrying.
I don't get it nor do I ever want to
Monday, June 22, 2009
2 Blisters, a team, and a dang pirate
So, I am writing today as I reflect back on the last 48 hours of my life and the best way I can sum it all up is "2 blisters, a team, and a dang Pirate". For the 5 of you that spent 27 of the last 48 hours with me this makes perfect sense but for the rest of you let me explain.
27 of the last 48 hours was spent with 5 teammates in a suburban in the mountains running the Wasatch Back Relay. Our journey began in Logan Utah and 188 miles and 27 painful, sleepless, ache-full hours later we finished in Park City. During those 27 hours I learned a few things about myself and about life.
1- "2 Blisters" I started my first leg around 1:30pm. It was 6.9 miles long consisting of 1 mile up hill, 3 down, and finished with 3 fairly flat miles. About 3 miles in I developed a pair of blisters (1 on each foot) right on the inside of the arch of my foot. At first I thought it was a rock but after a quick examination I realized that I would be running the last 15 miles of this race with a set of quarter sized blisters. Once I realized I had these blisters a thought flashed through my mind, "you should stop, it's not worth it". I immediately pushed that thought out of my head and told myself, I haven't trained this hard just to let a little nuisance stop me now. I can't do anything to stop the pain now. I need to push through it and endure.
Deep insight: Life is like a steep downhill race. You are sure to get some blisters along the way but life is not about the blisters it is about how you react to the blisters. Do you stop, give-up, or just push your way through the temporary pain?
2- "A team" Or should I say a whole support crew. After dealing with the blisters from my first leg and some minor dehydration issues it was 10:00pm and time for me to start my second and hardest leg of my race. 8.1 miles of mostly gradual uphill with the last 1/2 mile taking a turn for the worst with a severe incline. I felt like crap, my feet hurt, the blister on my right foot had popped, I felt nauseous and like I said, like crap. I put on my shoes, clipped the light on my hat, and set out to do my best all the while having a sick feeling in the back of my mind that I didn't think I would be able to finish my leg without walking.
Mile after mile I fought the erge to stop and walk. Mile after mile my team stopped to cheer me on, give me water and goo, encourage me. Every time I heard the horn blow or saw my teammates I knew I couldn't let them down. I had to keep going, I had to fight through the pain and aches and nausea. Soon I came upon the "1 mile to go" sign and my spirits were lifted. I knew I could run 1 mile no matter how bad the conditions. I put my head down and plugged away. 1 minute passed, then another, soon another and another. At this point I couldn't have been much more then 1/2 a mile away from the exchange. I lifted my eyes to see if I could see the lights of the exchange in the distance. As I lifted my eyes at first all I saw was darkness but as I continued to lift my eyes towards the sky I could see the lights about 300 feet over my head. My heart sunk and everything began to grow heavy and then I saw a figure in front of me in the dark. As I approached the figure the light on my hat revealed that it was my brother. Having seen the condition I was in and the struggle in my eye the last time he had stopped to give me water, he had jogged down the hill from the exchange so that he could run with me up the hill. He ran stride for stride up the hill with me encouraging me and giving me the strength to finish my leg without walking. Looking back I don't know if I could have run up the hill without his incouragement and support but one thing I do know, it was a simple gesture of love but I will never forget.
Deep Insight: Sometimes in the dark of night we feel alone with nothing left and the weight of the world feels too heavy to bare. However, we are never alone, there is always someone waiting for us and helping us even if we cant see them right now.
3-"The Dang Pirate" At the beginning of the race we always look for a group that we can run against. One of the groups we picked this year was called "The Pirates of the Wasatch Back". We battled with them throughout the 1st day passing them and then being passed by them. We saw them at most of the transitions and along the trail the first day but as the evening approached we lost sight of them not knowing if they were behind us or ahead of us so we pushed on. As I started my last leg, a mere 3.1 miles, the thought of beating the pirates had faded away and now the battle was with myself. I had 3.1 miles to go and I was going to finish this race having given it my all with no regrets. I pushed myself to the limits and when all was said and done I finished my last leg recording my fastest pace of the race. I was exhausted, sore, but content. It wasn't until later in the race that we saw the pirates again. They had pulled out in front of us by a good 20 minutes through the night. It was slightly disappointing to realize we had lost the battle with our foe but I realize that I had won the true battle. The battle with myself.
Deep Insight: Life is a series of battles, some we lose and some we win. Just make sure you win the ones with yourself because the rest don't mean a thing. Stupid Pirates!!!
27 of the last 48 hours was spent with 5 teammates in a suburban in the mountains running the Wasatch Back Relay. Our journey began in Logan Utah and 188 miles and 27 painful, sleepless, ache-full hours later we finished in Park City. During those 27 hours I learned a few things about myself and about life.
1- "2 Blisters" I started my first leg around 1:30pm. It was 6.9 miles long consisting of 1 mile up hill, 3 down, and finished with 3 fairly flat miles. About 3 miles in I developed a pair of blisters (1 on each foot) right on the inside of the arch of my foot. At first I thought it was a rock but after a quick examination I realized that I would be running the last 15 miles of this race with a set of quarter sized blisters. Once I realized I had these blisters a thought flashed through my mind, "you should stop, it's not worth it". I immediately pushed that thought out of my head and told myself, I haven't trained this hard just to let a little nuisance stop me now. I can't do anything to stop the pain now. I need to push through it and endure.
Deep insight: Life is like a steep downhill race. You are sure to get some blisters along the way but life is not about the blisters it is about how you react to the blisters. Do you stop, give-up, or just push your way through the temporary pain?
2- "A team" Or should I say a whole support crew. After dealing with the blisters from my first leg and some minor dehydration issues it was 10:00pm and time for me to start my second and hardest leg of my race. 8.1 miles of mostly gradual uphill with the last 1/2 mile taking a turn for the worst with a severe incline. I felt like crap, my feet hurt, the blister on my right foot had popped, I felt nauseous and like I said, like crap. I put on my shoes, clipped the light on my hat, and set out to do my best all the while having a sick feeling in the back of my mind that I didn't think I would be able to finish my leg without walking.
Mile after mile I fought the erge to stop and walk. Mile after mile my team stopped to cheer me on, give me water and goo, encourage me. Every time I heard the horn blow or saw my teammates I knew I couldn't let them down. I had to keep going, I had to fight through the pain and aches and nausea. Soon I came upon the "1 mile to go" sign and my spirits were lifted. I knew I could run 1 mile no matter how bad the conditions. I put my head down and plugged away. 1 minute passed, then another, soon another and another. At this point I couldn't have been much more then 1/2 a mile away from the exchange. I lifted my eyes to see if I could see the lights of the exchange in the distance. As I lifted my eyes at first all I saw was darkness but as I continued to lift my eyes towards the sky I could see the lights about 300 feet over my head. My heart sunk and everything began to grow heavy and then I saw a figure in front of me in the dark. As I approached the figure the light on my hat revealed that it was my brother. Having seen the condition I was in and the struggle in my eye the last time he had stopped to give me water, he had jogged down the hill from the exchange so that he could run with me up the hill. He ran stride for stride up the hill with me encouraging me and giving me the strength to finish my leg without walking. Looking back I don't know if I could have run up the hill without his incouragement and support but one thing I do know, it was a simple gesture of love but I will never forget.
Deep Insight: Sometimes in the dark of night we feel alone with nothing left and the weight of the world feels too heavy to bare. However, we are never alone, there is always someone waiting for us and helping us even if we cant see them right now.
3-"The Dang Pirate" At the beginning of the race we always look for a group that we can run against. One of the groups we picked this year was called "The Pirates of the Wasatch Back". We battled with them throughout the 1st day passing them and then being passed by them. We saw them at most of the transitions and along the trail the first day but as the evening approached we lost sight of them not knowing if they were behind us or ahead of us so we pushed on. As I started my last leg, a mere 3.1 miles, the thought of beating the pirates had faded away and now the battle was with myself. I had 3.1 miles to go and I was going to finish this race having given it my all with no regrets. I pushed myself to the limits and when all was said and done I finished my last leg recording my fastest pace of the race. I was exhausted, sore, but content. It wasn't until later in the race that we saw the pirates again. They had pulled out in front of us by a good 20 minutes through the night. It was slightly disappointing to realize we had lost the battle with our foe but I realize that I had won the true battle. The battle with myself.
Deep Insight: Life is a series of battles, some we lose and some we win. Just make sure you win the ones with yourself because the rest don't mean a thing. Stupid Pirates!!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The "Y" and my sore thigh(s)
The "Y"
Memorial day morning the Ross family decided to go on a little family hike up to the "Y". I think the last time I hiked to the "Y" I was still in public school, possibly even elementary school. I was excited to hike the "Y" but this hike was going to be different then any hike I had ever down before. This hike would be the 1st time ever that Alexis (3) would venture out with me.
After getting our camelbak filled, shoes tied, and a very motivational pep talk from Lesa to Lexy, "no crying, be tough, have fun..." we were on our way.
I will say that Lexy only cried once the entire hike and it happened to be as we were walking back into the parking lot after the hike was over. She slipped on some gravel and landed flat on her bum. Ouch! Lexy hiked all the way to the "Y". Some times running, other times holding my hand but happy the whole way and very pleasant to be with. I really enjoyed our hike together and this is one of those memories that I will never forget. Our 1st Hike together was a success and I look forward to many more father/daughter, father/son, and family hikes.
The Saturday after memorial day Curtis invited me to hike squaw peak with him. Curtis, Nathan (Curt's son), my Dad, and I met at 6am and off we went.
From the get go it looked to be an interesting hike with Nathan not yet 10 and my Dad having practically tore his ACL 4 weeks earlier. being just under 8.5 mile round trip with over 3,000 vertical feet to the top squaw peak is not an easy hike but one that is well worth it and it has a view to die for.
After a little more then 90 minutes of hard hiking we reached the top and it was there that I realized that of the group I was the only one that had ventured the peak before. It was breath taking as always and at the top we called family and we could even see them outside on their phones looking up and trying to see us. How absolutely amazing and B-E-A-U-tiful to have such an incredible hike and mountains so close to home.
My Sore Thigh(s)
After a brief rest it was time to descend. Me being a genius decided to jog/run all the way down so I could count this hike as my run for the day. I did indeed jog/run all the way down making it in just over 30 minutes (that is a 7 minute mile pace for those that ain't geniuses like me). After the run my legs were sore but I am young, I will recover quickly or so I thought. For the next 2 days Todd and his family laughed every time I tried to walked down a hill, a stair, or even a bump without wincing in pain and grabbing for anything in the area to help me from falling. I felt like someone walked up and hit me across the forehead with the "your an old man" 2x4. Wow, am I really that old? No, I am not yet 30. 30 is old, 29 is almost old.
The hike and run were awesome and if you haven't hiked squaw peak you should.
Memorial day morning the Ross family decided to go on a little family hike up to the "Y". I think the last time I hiked to the "Y" I was still in public school, possibly even elementary school. I was excited to hike the "Y" but this hike was going to be different then any hike I had ever down before. This hike would be the 1st time ever that Alexis (3) would venture out with me.
After getting our camelbak filled, shoes tied, and a very motivational pep talk from Lesa to Lexy, "no crying, be tough, have fun..." we were on our way.
I will say that Lexy only cried once the entire hike and it happened to be as we were walking back into the parking lot after the hike was over. She slipped on some gravel and landed flat on her bum. Ouch! Lexy hiked all the way to the "Y". Some times running, other times holding my hand but happy the whole way and very pleasant to be with. I really enjoyed our hike together and this is one of those memories that I will never forget. Our 1st Hike together was a success and I look forward to many more father/daughter, father/son, and family hikes.
The Saturday after memorial day Curtis invited me to hike squaw peak with him. Curtis, Nathan (Curt's son), my Dad, and I met at 6am and off we went.
From the get go it looked to be an interesting hike with Nathan not yet 10 and my Dad having practically tore his ACL 4 weeks earlier. being just under 8.5 mile round trip with over 3,000 vertical feet to the top squaw peak is not an easy hike but one that is well worth it and it has a view to die for.
After a little more then 90 minutes of hard hiking we reached the top and it was there that I realized that of the group I was the only one that had ventured the peak before. It was breath taking as always and at the top we called family and we could even see them outside on their phones looking up and trying to see us. How absolutely amazing and B-E-A-U-tiful to have such an incredible hike and mountains so close to home.
My Sore Thigh(s)
After a brief rest it was time to descend. Me being a genius decided to jog/run all the way down so I could count this hike as my run for the day. I did indeed jog/run all the way down making it in just over 30 minutes (that is a 7 minute mile pace for those that ain't geniuses like me). After the run my legs were sore but I am young, I will recover quickly or so I thought. For the next 2 days Todd and his family laughed every time I tried to walked down a hill, a stair, or even a bump without wincing in pain and grabbing for anything in the area to help me from falling. I felt like someone walked up and hit me across the forehead with the "your an old man" 2x4. Wow, am I really that old? No, I am not yet 30. 30 is old, 29 is almost old.
The hike and run were awesome and if you haven't hiked squaw peak you should.
Enjoy or Despise?
There are a lot of things in life that are enjoyable and a few things in life that I despise but there are very few things in life that I both enjoy and despise. At first thought my kids would go on this short list because I love them, I enjoy being with them but sometimes I despise the trials, sleepless nights, and their terrible two's (or at least Ryan's terrible two's since Lexy's was no big deal-Boys are insane and crazy!!!). That being said, I could never put my kids on this list because they are far too cute and Ryan's shoulder shrug turns my frustration into laughter every time.
Example: "Ryan, stop climbing on the counter while hitting your sister and trying to open the benadryl bottle for the 12th time today!!!"
He ignores me so I walk over to Ryan, grab his head and turn it towards me and put my head about 6 inches from his face and say. "Ryan, lets get down from the counter, stop hitting your..." before I finish I get whacked across the face by my 2 year old sons open hand.
"WHAT THE, NO HITTING RYAN, YOU GET TIMEOUT!!!" I carry Ryan over to timeout and he looks at me, smiles, shrugs his shoulders and then tries to give me a hug. I walk away laughing and glad that kids are so loving even after daddy scolds them.
Another thing that would make onto my E-D list would be running. Some days it is so relaxing to be running on a trail removed from the chaos of society as the light rain kisses the back of your neck and the green grass tickles your legs. Other days I despise running, the pounding, the longboarders, the sweat in my eyes, the fact that somehow the Beach Boys made it onto my Ipod. Running is something that i look forward to and something I try to avoid.
It always feels good to go run and stretch out the old hammies but sometimes the hammies scream mutiny. In my head the debate will rage on each time lace up the ol'shoes. Do I enjoy doing this or do I despise it? Do i run because I enjoy running or is it a means to an end? Does the small glimpses of peace and tranquility of the run out weigh the sore mussels? I definitely enjoy the result of running and by that I mean the long term results of staying in shape and under 200 pounds not the short term results of sore legs and the occasional blister. To be honest, I think the reason I enjoy running most is because it gives me an excuse to spend time with my brothers. It gives me the opportunity each and every time to push myself and prove to myself that yes I can do it. I can run up suicide hill without stopping, I can run down from squaw peak in 30 minutes, I can run faster then all of my brothers.
I love the challenge, I enjoy running but I could do without the fatigue.
Example: "Ryan, stop climbing on the counter while hitting your sister and trying to open the benadryl bottle for the 12th time today!!!"
He ignores me so I walk over to Ryan, grab his head and turn it towards me and put my head about 6 inches from his face and say. "Ryan, lets get down from the counter, stop hitting your..." before I finish I get whacked across the face by my 2 year old sons open hand.
"WHAT THE, NO HITTING RYAN, YOU GET TIMEOUT!!!" I carry Ryan over to timeout and he looks at me, smiles, shrugs his shoulders and then tries to give me a hug. I walk away laughing and glad that kids are so loving even after daddy scolds them.
Another thing that would make onto my E-D list would be running. Some days it is so relaxing to be running on a trail removed from the chaos of society as the light rain kisses the back of your neck and the green grass tickles your legs. Other days I despise running, the pounding, the longboarders, the sweat in my eyes, the fact that somehow the Beach Boys made it onto my Ipod. Running is something that i look forward to and something I try to avoid.
It always feels good to go run and stretch out the old hammies but sometimes the hammies scream mutiny. In my head the debate will rage on each time lace up the ol'shoes. Do I enjoy doing this or do I despise it? Do i run because I enjoy running or is it a means to an end? Does the small glimpses of peace and tranquility of the run out weigh the sore mussels? I definitely enjoy the result of running and by that I mean the long term results of staying in shape and under 200 pounds not the short term results of sore legs and the occasional blister. To be honest, I think the reason I enjoy running most is because it gives me an excuse to spend time with my brothers. It gives me the opportunity each and every time to push myself and prove to myself that yes I can do it. I can run up suicide hill without stopping, I can run down from squaw peak in 30 minutes, I can run faster then all of my brothers.
I love the challenge, I enjoy running but I could do without the fatigue.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Out numbered!!!
So, Lesa is expecting and today was the Ultrasound and at that appointment it hit me. I am out numbered. Let me explain.
Now in the Ross Home there will be 3 kids and 2 adults. No more "you take care of Ryan and I'll deal with Lexy". No more carrying one child on each shoulder or under each arm. No more you change that poopy diaper while I wipe this wet bum. No more 1 child per parent. We are or soon will be out numbered and every time we need to pack up and go each of us will have our hands full. One of us carrying or leading or dragging 2 children while the other is hauling a car seat and a diaper bag. Our only hope and saving grace is that Lexy is such a good helper and usually well mannered. She can carry the diaper bag while we handle the rest.
I/we will definitely be out numbered 3-2 by our kids but on a more personal note I will be out numbered in my own home 3-2 by women. I think every man dreams of having a bunch of boys rough housing and helping with the yard work. I guess instead of holes in the walls and some help with the yard work we will have a really clean house with lots of dresses and plenty of makeup.
Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to have a cute little baby girl come into our family. In fact, my experience tends to indicate that Girls are easier to raise at least to the age of 4.
I am very excited to have a healthy little baby girl (in September). I just hope I don't go crazy being out numbered both 3-2 and 3-2.
Now in the Ross Home there will be 3 kids and 2 adults. No more "you take care of Ryan and I'll deal with Lexy". No more carrying one child on each shoulder or under each arm. No more you change that poopy diaper while I wipe this wet bum. No more 1 child per parent. We are or soon will be out numbered and every time we need to pack up and go each of us will have our hands full. One of us carrying or leading or dragging 2 children while the other is hauling a car seat and a diaper bag. Our only hope and saving grace is that Lexy is such a good helper and usually well mannered. She can carry the diaper bag while we handle the rest.
I/we will definitely be out numbered 3-2 by our kids but on a more personal note I will be out numbered in my own home 3-2 by women. I think every man dreams of having a bunch of boys rough housing and helping with the yard work. I guess instead of holes in the walls and some help with the yard work we will have a really clean house with lots of dresses and plenty of makeup.
Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to have a cute little baby girl come into our family. In fact, my experience tends to indicate that Girls are easier to raise at least to the age of 4.
I am very excited to have a healthy little baby girl (in September). I just hope I don't go crazy being out numbered both 3-2 and 3-2.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Ragnar and Weight loss
This Friday the Wasatch Back will be 8 weeks away and as of last week I hadn't done a thing to get ready. In fact, I haven't gone on a run since July 4th of last year. I am out of shape and as fat as I have ever been. On that note Dan and I have started running together to try and get ready for the big event and we have even started our own weight loss competition. $10 a week goes to the person for the highest %body weight lost for the next 8 weeks with a $20 bonus to the person that loses the most overall %body weight at the end of the 8 weeks.
This Tuesday we started our contest and I weighed in at 193.4, the heaviest I have been since my mission. Since I have a personal goal to never cross the 200 pound barrier I have cracked down.
No POP
Walk the Stairs every morning at work
Smaller portion sizes at meals
Lots of water
Workout every day: Run M-W-F-S Basketball T-TH
100 Sit-ups Daily
30 Push-ups Daily
It has been 3 days since my first weigh in and I am down 3 pounds. Yeah Me!!!
Watch out Ragnar and Dan, Here I come!!!
This Tuesday we started our contest and I weighed in at 193.4, the heaviest I have been since my mission. Since I have a personal goal to never cross the 200 pound barrier I have cracked down.
No POP
Walk the Stairs every morning at work
Smaller portion sizes at meals
Lots of water
Workout every day: Run M-W-F-S Basketball T-TH
100 Sit-ups Daily
30 Push-ups Daily
It has been 3 days since my first weigh in and I am down 3 pounds. Yeah Me!!!
Watch out Ragnar and Dan, Here I come!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Alexis and the Resurrection
Over this past Easter Weekend we have spoken to Alexis about the meaning of Easter, the crucifixion, atonement, and the resurrection. We explained as simply as we could that Jesus died and 3 days later he was resurrected which means he came back to life again. Then we talked about uncle Thad and how when he resurrects, he will be able to walk and will have a perfect body.
Lexy seemed to understand the concept and that made us happy. As we walked to Church on Sunday there happened to be a lot of dead worms on the sidewalk because of all the rain. As we walked Lexy smiled and looked at me we had a conversation that went something like this:
"Daddy, look at all the worms, there dead".
"Does that make you sad Lexy-boo"
"No, cause there all going be resrected."
It was one of those moments that make it all worth it. To know that at some level Alexis understood something so amazing and so beautiful and so glorious. We truly have a loving Father in Heaven and His plan is perfect. I have no doubt that Lexy and Ryan are brighter spirits then I will ever be and it is so humbling that God trusts me enough to be their Earthly father. Kids really are the source of eternal happiness.
Lexy seemed to understand the concept and that made us happy. As we walked to Church on Sunday there happened to be a lot of dead worms on the sidewalk because of all the rain. As we walked Lexy smiled and looked at me we had a conversation that went something like this:
"Daddy, look at all the worms, there dead".
"Does that make you sad Lexy-boo"
"No, cause there all going be resrected."
It was one of those moments that make it all worth it. To know that at some level Alexis understood something so amazing and so beautiful and so glorious. We truly have a loving Father in Heaven and His plan is perfect. I have no doubt that Lexy and Ryan are brighter spirits then I will ever be and it is so humbling that God trusts me enough to be their Earthly father. Kids really are the source of eternal happiness.
Christ Brings Us Together
As we all know this past weekend was Easter and it rained all week and most of the weekend. Despite the rain we had a wonderful weekend. We hunted eggs, dyed eggs, ate eggs, and all put on a few pounds. The Ross Family had our traditional Easter Egg hunt and party but this year stood out from years past.
After the chaos and madness of dashing for chocolate and trying to get 15 or so kids fed something other then candy for lunch, we had a very peaceful and spiritual Easter message.
Everyone participated and the Spirit along with all the adults bore witness of Christ, His Atonement, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. It was a wonderful experience to have all my family together, with kids gathered, as we spoke of Christ and shared our feelings and testimony's of Him. I love my family very much and I love that we are all have a common set of core values that drive us. We may disagree on who is better looking or who is the most athletic but I know we always stand at each others side when it comes to the Gospel and the plan of salvation and our goals to return to live with Him again.
There is definitely a power in gathering together as a family and sharing our common beliefs and our common testimonies. In Sunday school we talked about the gathering of Israel which is something that I have never had a true understanding of what it will be like. But as I sat and listened to the teacher an image of a huge family gathered together and taking about Christ came to mind. All with a common goal and with common beliefs. The strength of gathering is incredible but even stronger is the strength of common together for and in Christ's Name.
I love the Church. I love the Gospel. I know it is true and I am glad I have a family that shares that belief with me. They give me strength and make me a better person and I hope and can do the same for them.
After the chaos and madness of dashing for chocolate and trying to get 15 or so kids fed something other then candy for lunch, we had a very peaceful and spiritual Easter message.
Everyone participated and the Spirit along with all the adults bore witness of Christ, His Atonement, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. It was a wonderful experience to have all my family together, with kids gathered, as we spoke of Christ and shared our feelings and testimony's of Him. I love my family very much and I love that we are all have a common set of core values that drive us. We may disagree on who is better looking or who is the most athletic but I know we always stand at each others side when it comes to the Gospel and the plan of salvation and our goals to return to live with Him again.
There is definitely a power in gathering together as a family and sharing our common beliefs and our common testimonies. In Sunday school we talked about the gathering of Israel which is something that I have never had a true understanding of what it will be like. But as I sat and listened to the teacher an image of a huge family gathered together and taking about Christ came to mind. All with a common goal and with common beliefs. The strength of gathering is incredible but even stronger is the strength of common together for and in Christ's Name.
I love the Church. I love the Gospel. I know it is true and I am glad I have a family that shares that belief with me. They give me strength and make me a better person and I hope and can do the same for them.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Sutton SuperStar!
I married a very amazing wife and in the process I married into a very special family but some of you may not know just how special. It is fairly common to hear the words "special" and the "Sutton" in the same sentence. The family is full of amazing entertainers who keep us laughing and talented performers who keep us WOW-ed. It is also full of men who have served our country and the wives who stand by their sides. It is a family of dedicated husbands and worthy priesthood holders but all things considered the star of the family is and always will be Thad.
Living close to Thad, Lesa and I have the opportunity to help and care for him and on occasion we even get to have Thad sleep over at our house for a night or 30. This past conference weekend was one of those opportunities. Mom and Dad Sutton were off to Wyoming doing the Supportive Grandparent thing and we were to watch Thad Thursday morning through Friday evening. A storm moved into Wyoming, roads were closed and travel plans changed. We ended up watching Thad through Sunday and it was truly a wonderful, gratifying time.
Thad is truly and angel and just being around him makes you want to be a better person. He is so full of joy and happiness. The smallest acts of service are never overlooked and every action is rewarded with a happy chipper laugh or a groan. When I am with Thad I feel like I am with one of God's Angels. Thad truly is a representative of our Heavenly Father and I hope to be able to be half the Man Thad Is.
I hope that I can be more like Thad. I hope I can let people around me know how thankful I am for their friendship, their love, and their honesty. I want to make people happy and always put other people before me. Thad is anything but selfish and he is very patient with us. I hope I can learn from Thad's great love, patients, and selflessness. I love you Thad and thanks for bringing your amazing spirit into our home this conference weekend. It is one I will never forget.
Living close to Thad, Lesa and I have the opportunity to help and care for him and on occasion we even get to have Thad sleep over at our house for a night or 30. This past conference weekend was one of those opportunities. Mom and Dad Sutton were off to Wyoming doing the Supportive Grandparent thing and we were to watch Thad Thursday morning through Friday evening. A storm moved into Wyoming, roads were closed and travel plans changed. We ended up watching Thad through Sunday and it was truly a wonderful, gratifying time.
Thad is truly and angel and just being around him makes you want to be a better person. He is so full of joy and happiness. The smallest acts of service are never overlooked and every action is rewarded with a happy chipper laugh or a groan. When I am with Thad I feel like I am with one of God's Angels. Thad truly is a representative of our Heavenly Father and I hope to be able to be half the Man Thad Is.
I hope that I can be more like Thad. I hope I can let people around me know how thankful I am for their friendship, their love, and their honesty. I want to make people happy and always put other people before me. Thad is anything but selfish and he is very patient with us. I hope I can learn from Thad's great love, patients, and selflessness. I love you Thad and thanks for bringing your amazing spirit into our home this conference weekend. It is one I will never forget.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Basketball: Why do we do it?
Today I am sore, in pain, physically injured but mostly my pride and sense of invincibility is starting to get yanked away. Why you ask, BASKETBALL. This year we put together a city league basketball team with some family and friends. We played hard and got a lot of exercise but something i have learned a couple of things over this past season.
1-I am no longer able to recover from floor burns, tweaked ankles, bruises, elbows to the gut arm and head along with knees to the thigh and shin as quickly as I used to. This season was the first time I have ever worn an ankle brace in any sport and to make matters worse, when I sprained my ankle I didn't step on anyone, I simple tried to move faster then my body would allow.
2-I learned that basketball brings out all the frustrations, stress, and any other feelings or emotions that we are able to hide or cover up to some degree in our otherwise peaceful lives. For some reason when you get on the court and you are giving it all you've got and someone just hit you with an elbow to the head and somehow the ref calls the foul on you, it is real hard not to spout off at the ref or the giver of said elbow or at least be kind enough to return an elbow showing that you do indeed believe in the law of Moses.
Last night we played in the championship game for our city league. We played hard and we played well but when push literally came to shove, we had a few more mistakes, a few more missed shots, and in my opinion, a few more bad calls, all of which caused us to come up short. We ended up losing the game and going home after a great season and a great run through the tournament as the 2nd best team in our league. Some may say that 2nd place is the 1st loser but I think that last place is the first loser because they lost first but i guess for some that is to logical.
So, back to my question. Why do we volentarially play a game that causes physical, emotional, and occasionally spiritual injury? Well, I'm not sure. Maybe I know i need the exercise and basketball is a lot more fun then running. Maybe I am driven to competition like a fly to dung. Maybe it is the camaraderie of playing with family and friends. Maybe it is simply a way to blow off some steam and let the frustrations and stress of life go within a somewhat controlled environment. Whatever it is that continually drives us to play sports I may never know but one thing I do know is I don't want to be that old guy out there trying to relive his glory days when he was athletic. I don't want to be that old guy that yells at the ref and everyone laughs at. I hope when the day comes I can hang up my shoes and walk away with my head high knowing I played hard, I played mostly fair, and I never hurt anyone too bad(at least that they couldn't recover from).
I love sports and I Love the competition. Hopefully I will be able to say the same 10 years from now. Here is to getting a little older and slower each year.
1-I am no longer able to recover from floor burns, tweaked ankles, bruises, elbows to the gut arm and head along with knees to the thigh and shin as quickly as I used to. This season was the first time I have ever worn an ankle brace in any sport and to make matters worse, when I sprained my ankle I didn't step on anyone, I simple tried to move faster then my body would allow.
2-I learned that basketball brings out all the frustrations, stress, and any other feelings or emotions that we are able to hide or cover up to some degree in our otherwise peaceful lives. For some reason when you get on the court and you are giving it all you've got and someone just hit you with an elbow to the head and somehow the ref calls the foul on you, it is real hard not to spout off at the ref or the giver of said elbow or at least be kind enough to return an elbow showing that you do indeed believe in the law of Moses.
Last night we played in the championship game for our city league. We played hard and we played well but when push literally came to shove, we had a few more mistakes, a few more missed shots, and in my opinion, a few more bad calls, all of which caused us to come up short. We ended up losing the game and going home after a great season and a great run through the tournament as the 2nd best team in our league. Some may say that 2nd place is the 1st loser but I think that last place is the first loser because they lost first but i guess for some that is to logical.
So, back to my question. Why do we volentarially play a game that causes physical, emotional, and occasionally spiritual injury? Well, I'm not sure. Maybe I know i need the exercise and basketball is a lot more fun then running. Maybe I am driven to competition like a fly to dung. Maybe it is the camaraderie of playing with family and friends. Maybe it is simply a way to blow off some steam and let the frustrations and stress of life go within a somewhat controlled environment. Whatever it is that continually drives us to play sports I may never know but one thing I do know is I don't want to be that old guy out there trying to relive his glory days when he was athletic. I don't want to be that old guy that yells at the ref and everyone laughs at. I hope when the day comes I can hang up my shoes and walk away with my head high knowing I played hard, I played mostly fair, and I never hurt anyone too bad(at least that they couldn't recover from).
I love sports and I Love the competition. Hopefully I will be able to say the same 10 years from now. Here is to getting a little older and slower each year.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
MY little boy
Last night Lesa and I watched a couple of our favorite TV shows then that dreaded time of night came. Bedtime which means morning follows shortly after. Neither of us really enjoy the morning. If we had our choice i think we would both be people of the night or at least people of the evening.
Last night 11 O'clock rolled around and we looked at each other as we do every night with that "do we have to go to bed" look. Lesa decided it was time for bed so even though i was 20 minutes into a pointless movie (K-PAX) i got off the couch and decided to join her. As she walked towards the room she entered Ryan's room to check on him and there he was, wide awake and egger to join the party.
Ryan's cute smile and enthusiasm for life is hard to turn down so Lesa pulled him out of bed and carried him into our room where she laid him down next to her. He quickly fell asleep but her attempt to transfer Ryan back to the crib was in vain. With Ryan wide awake and me wanting to push off bedtime so i could get back to my awesome K-PAX flick, i swooped in and saved the day by grabbing Ryan and sitting down on the couch with him.
Part of it was selfish so i could watch my movie and delay bedtime, part of it was because Lesa needs her sleep right now as her body is busy creating life. But to be honest, I enjoy holding Ryan when he snuggles up close as he falls asleep. I sat on the couch and Ryan laid on my chest with his large head nestled right up next to mine and we watch some K-PAX together. After about 20 minutes i could hear his breathing deepen and his body relax and then his hand grabbed my finger and he held it tight. I simply turned off the TV and snuggled there on the couch for a couple more minutes. I love being a DAD. I love the little moments that makes it all worth while. I love knowing my child loves me and to him I am a source of comfort and peace. I hope i can always be a source of peace and comfort to my children. My dad has always been there for me and i hope to always be there for my children.
Last night 11 O'clock rolled around and we looked at each other as we do every night with that "do we have to go to bed" look. Lesa decided it was time for bed so even though i was 20 minutes into a pointless movie (K-PAX) i got off the couch and decided to join her. As she walked towards the room she entered Ryan's room to check on him and there he was, wide awake and egger to join the party.
Ryan's cute smile and enthusiasm for life is hard to turn down so Lesa pulled him out of bed and carried him into our room where she laid him down next to her. He quickly fell asleep but her attempt to transfer Ryan back to the crib was in vain. With Ryan wide awake and me wanting to push off bedtime so i could get back to my awesome K-PAX flick, i swooped in and saved the day by grabbing Ryan and sitting down on the couch with him.
Part of it was selfish so i could watch my movie and delay bedtime, part of it was because Lesa needs her sleep right now as her body is busy creating life. But to be honest, I enjoy holding Ryan when he snuggles up close as he falls asleep. I sat on the couch and Ryan laid on my chest with his large head nestled right up next to mine and we watch some K-PAX together. After about 20 minutes i could hear his breathing deepen and his body relax and then his hand grabbed my finger and he held it tight. I simply turned off the TV and snuggled there on the couch for a couple more minutes. I love being a DAD. I love the little moments that makes it all worth while. I love knowing my child loves me and to him I am a source of comfort and peace. I hope i can always be a source of peace and comfort to my children. My dad has always been there for me and i hope to always be there for my children.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Highlights!
Lesa and I spent the last weekend in Vegas for the MWC tourney (tickets and rooms where free). We had a great time watching the games, and just being together. The funny part of the story is that I am so cheap we shared a room with Dan instead of getting our own room. I'm guessing that was a little weird for Dan but he was a good sport about it and we had a blast.
One thing I enjoy about working with my family is the hour we have during lunch to laugh and talk and take a break from everyday life. We used to be regulars at Magelbys Fresh because of our 2-1 card and the free Chocolate cake they would give us because of our Magelbys devotion. Not so anymore. The times of stuffed breadsticks and BBQ chicken salads are over and have been replaced with a daily ritual of Costco Hotdogs and on a good day we may even share a Costco pizza. We still enjoy laughing and being together but the idea of piece of Magelbys chocolate cake has never sounding so appealing. Oh how good that cake tastes!
Last night we did our yearly "March Madness Draft". It has been a ritual in our family for as long as I can remember. Truth to be told, I have never done very good in the draft. Some attribute that to my non-ross dedication to watch any basketball game that is on no matter who is playing or what the score may be. Personally I attribute my lack of wins to 1 thing and 1 thing only. I am too good looking that I feel bad for the rest of my family so I let them win so they can have at least 1 thing to feel good about.
Last of all, today is St. Patty's day!!! I'm in green, our pancakes were in green, our milk was green, my kids were all in green and the trees I cut down with the chainsaw this morning were not green. However, soon they will be black as I burn them. Pyro!!!
One thing I enjoy about working with my family is the hour we have during lunch to laugh and talk and take a break from everyday life. We used to be regulars at Magelbys Fresh because of our 2-1 card and the free Chocolate cake they would give us because of our Magelbys devotion. Not so anymore. The times of stuffed breadsticks and BBQ chicken salads are over and have been replaced with a daily ritual of Costco Hotdogs and on a good day we may even share a Costco pizza. We still enjoy laughing and being together but the idea of piece of Magelbys chocolate cake has never sounding so appealing. Oh how good that cake tastes!
Last night we did our yearly "March Madness Draft". It has been a ritual in our family for as long as I can remember. Truth to be told, I have never done very good in the draft. Some attribute that to my non-ross dedication to watch any basketball game that is on no matter who is playing or what the score may be. Personally I attribute my lack of wins to 1 thing and 1 thing only. I am too good looking that I feel bad for the rest of my family so I let them win so they can have at least 1 thing to feel good about.
Last of all, today is St. Patty's day!!! I'm in green, our pancakes were in green, our milk was green, my kids were all in green and the trees I cut down with the chainsaw this morning were not green. However, soon they will be black as I burn them. Pyro!!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Over the past couple of months i have been introduced to Facebook and blogging and i have enjoyed reading some of my families Blog's so much that I have decided to start my own blog as a way to share my thought with all those that I love. I have a couple of things that have been going through my head as of late such as, Why does my phone keep dying? and, Is anyone actually going to make it through the next 4 years in 1 piece?
With everything that has been happening around us and to us all, there has been a common theme that continue to come to the forefront, God. Everyday people ask how the business is doing in these rough times and I find myself usually responding with, "It's hard right now but we're doing all we can." I often ponder if things are going to work out for the business or if we are going to become yet another casualty of this recession. I don't know if or when this recession will end and i certainly don't know what our outcome will be but one thing i do know is that everything will be all right. Lesa and I will be alright. Our kids will be alright. Our family will be alright.
When faced with the question, What is going to happen? I find that i dont have the answer but what i do have is a very assuring comfort that the gosppel gives me. We might end up broke, lose our house and our business. We might lose all the earthly comforts that we enjoy today but one thing that cant be taken away from us is the comfort that our Father in Heaven gives us that assures us that whatever does happen, it will be okay. Our trials are but a short moment when looked upon with eternal eyes and we can be assured that we will never be alone. Hold tight to the rod and the blessings to come will be greater and more eternal then a nice house or a new car.
Will we make it through these tough times? Absolutly!!! Will life go on as normal? I sure hope not!!! What i do know is this trial has brought me closer to my Heavenly Father and for that I am greatful.
With everything that has been happening around us and to us all, there has been a common theme that continue to come to the forefront, God. Everyday people ask how the business is doing in these rough times and I find myself usually responding with, "It's hard right now but we're doing all we can." I often ponder if things are going to work out for the business or if we are going to become yet another casualty of this recession. I don't know if or when this recession will end and i certainly don't know what our outcome will be but one thing i do know is that everything will be all right. Lesa and I will be alright. Our kids will be alright. Our family will be alright.
When faced with the question, What is going to happen? I find that i dont have the answer but what i do have is a very assuring comfort that the gosppel gives me. We might end up broke, lose our house and our business. We might lose all the earthly comforts that we enjoy today but one thing that cant be taken away from us is the comfort that our Father in Heaven gives us that assures us that whatever does happen, it will be okay. Our trials are but a short moment when looked upon with eternal eyes and we can be assured that we will never be alone. Hold tight to the rod and the blessings to come will be greater and more eternal then a nice house or a new car.
Will we make it through these tough times? Absolutly!!! Will life go on as normal? I sure hope not!!! What i do know is this trial has brought me closer to my Heavenly Father and for that I am greatful.
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