Time to Get Personal...

Christus Consolater 1881

Back in February of this year, it was actually exactly February 1st 2013, Jake and I received a very shocking phone call from our Doctor telling us that in order to have biological children of our own, we would need a miracle. Back when we got married, we knew that having children might be a hard thing for us, but we didn't exactly know how hard or what would have to be done. In the beginning it was honestly devastating. I felt like my unborn children had passed away and I mourned their lost. However as we studied the scriptures, prayed, visited the Temple and learned more about our condition we were restored with hope that miracles do happen. We felt and continue to feel the Holy Ghost reassuring us that our Heavenly Father has heard our prayers and will lead and guide us to his plan for Jake and I.

The Resurrection of Lazareth

  After seeing a few more specialists here is SLC, and doing some of our own research we decided that for us the best thing would be to visit a specialist in San Fransisco named Dr. Turek. He is one of the leading researchers and experts on the type of infertility we suffer from and we have full confidence that he will be able to better know our options. Speaking to Dr. Turek on the phone he gave us a 55% chance of being able to have biological children. Our appointment with him will tell us whether we will be able to move forward towards IVF treatment or if our time is better spent preparing for adoption. 

We will be in San Fransisco this coming Thursday, so one week from today. It's not an easy thing to do but we know that it's the right thing to do. Like I said, we know that our Heavenly Father has heard our prayers and we have felt his love. As we prepare for our trip we are asking family and friends to pray and fast this coming Sunday on our behalf. We are fasting to ask the Lord's help in guiding Dr. Turek's hands during the surgery that will be performed, and in allowing Jake and me to welcome the Lord's plan for us.  If you are a reader of this Blog, we ask you as well to join with us in a petition to the father. 

Christ and Child

 We know our Savior lives and that his gospel has been restored to the earth today by a prophet named Joseph Smith. We have testimonies of the Plan of Salvation and know that God has an individual plan for each of us to become the people whom he would like us to become. I am extremely grateful for such a loving and supportive husband. He is the greatest gift God could have ever given me. I love him with all my heart and am so thankful to have a best friend to laugh and cry with especially as we face this trial together. 

Thanks to our family and friends as well, who have supported Jake and I through many various events in our life's thus far. We love you! 
 - J&L

note: All the art work is by Carl Bloch. I love his art and his sincere passion for the Savior and his life.  These are a few of my favorite pieces. The first one was taken at BYU, and I think there is something so touching about the man pondering the painting.

Haunted Corn Maze

 

Jake took his scouts to a Haunted Corn Maze last night and I got to tag along. I love watching Jake with the Scouts, you can tell that the boys look up to him a lot and Jake is such a caring, patient, leader. 

So, first of all let me say that I hate scary things, I don't like getting scared or being scared and last year when we went to "This is the Place Monument" for their Halloween Hauntings I just about peed my pants. 

Well this corn maze was even scarier but this time I couldn't be the person that was scared because the boys needed people who were brave to go with them. Just think how much more scared you would be as an 11year old if the adults you were with acted scared too. Let's just say I had to bite the bullet, conquer my fears and be brave. 

All in all I think everyone had a really great time. Yes, the scouts said they would have nightmares for weeks afterwards but I think they just like being a little dramatic. 

Jake is actually trying to look like Frankenstein in this picture.

 Before the Haunted maze we did a trivia corn maze which I thought was really well done. We were given a list of true or false questions and depending on our answer would turn either right or left. At the end we turned in our cards for a treat and were told we were the first group to actually get all the answers right. Way to go team!

Jake may have tried looking on his phone for one of the answers in the beginning... good thing his service wasn't working well. It kept us honest.

All our love - J&L

The Annual Decker Pumpkin Carving Party

 

Last year we started a tradition, hosting a pumpkin carving party.This year I feel like it went a little more smoothly than last year, partially because we learned what does and doesn't work best. 

We had a lot of fun! The evening was filled with food, family and friends. The perfect end to the night was watching Ghost busters. I am such a baby when it comes to watching or doing scary things but Ghost busters was the kind of movie I can handle, so it was perfect. Jake was a stud too. He was so helpful in getting everything together before the guests came which included a last minutes store run for forgotten groceries and our own pumpkin to carve. 

 Jake was the artist this year and decided to carve our initials: LJD

Jake actually use to draw a lot when he was a kid and was actually quite talented. I think he should take it up again as a hobby. I guess it all just comes down to time and motivation though. I on the other hand can barely draw a stick figure. Oh well I guess dancing will just have to do. 

It was really fun to see everyone though. Even Jake's mom came up for the party. 

Look at Jen's cute baby bump! 

We can't wait to meet our new nephew this coming December.

This however was my favorite picture from the night:

Yes Maelin looks like he is trying to escape, but Jake was so good with him. I love watching Jake play with these little ones, it makes my heart happy thinking about the day when Jake will be a father. I love him so much and know that he will be the best example and support for our future children.

Sunday was the perfect example. I was pretty stressed and he was able to help me stay clam and do everything I needed to that day. He totally gets the #1 Husband of the Century award. Thanks babe, for all you do!

Seasons of Change

With the brisk fall air and the temperatures falling rapidly. This week we believe we had our final harvest for the year. It was a bitter sweet. I have loved having a garden so much. It has challenged me to find new and creative ways to use our produce. I have learned a lot and I have loved the time Jake and I have spent together tilling, weeding and enjoying the fruits or in this case "veggies" of our labors.

We grew all sorts of things and like I mentioned, I learned a lot. I must say though that Jake actually knows loads of information about gardening. It runs in his genes I guess. His grandpa was a professor of agriculture so needless to say, Jake learned from the best. His Grandpa would be SO proud of him today and all the hard work he does for not only our small garden but also our family.

PUTTING IN OUR NECTARINE TREE

We grew/planted :

• Snow Peas
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Bell Peppers (green, yellow and red)
• Tomatoes
• Cantaloupe
• Basil
• Raspberry & Blackberry bushes
• Asparagus
• A nectarine tree
• Zucchini

As you can see we have been quite busy these last few months. A few of the larger items won't produce fruit for a few more years. Its' quite interesting that the asparagus wont produce anything for three years.We got 4 raspberries but hope for more next year.

Here is a look at our garden in chronological order....

BUYING SUPPLIES

OUR FIRST HARVEST

TURNS OUT MICKEY LOVES CARROTS TOO.

ZUCCHINI PANCAKES

ZUCCHINI FRIES

I LOVE THESE

Fun memories and amazing food. Who could ask for more?

General Conference Weekend

 I LOVE General Conference! Not only is it a chance for us to hear words of advice, inspiration and revelation from the Lord's prophets and apostles but Jake and I have really tried to make General Conference weekend an opportunity to spend time together as a family. This weekend we went to his parent's cabin in Cedar Mountain. Besides watching the tele, we ate delicious food, went on some great adventures and took some well needed naps. Jake's mom is an amazing cook and I feel like I gain 10 pounds every time we spend time with them. One thing I love about Jake's family is that they have such an appreciation for the outdoors. They love being outside and finding fun hikes, walks, and runs to do. They love to stay active.

This weekend we hiked to Cascade Falls on Saturday and then Jake and I ran three miles back to the cabin. We have been trying really hard to stay in shape lately, and have been running every chance we get. Sunday in between conference sessions we went spelunking in the Mammoth Caves. We took Mickey, and he had a really hard time. I don't think he can see very well in the dark, so it wasn't one of his more enjoyable trips. He liked the walk we took up to the volcano afterwards much better. I guess Cedar Mountain was once covered by volcanoes. Who would have thought? All in all we had a fabulous trip. 

CASCADE FALLS!

MAMMOTH CAVES!

VOLCANO TERRITORY!

CEDAR BREAKS!

NAP TIME!

On our way down to the cabin we had the great opportunity of stopping at my second mission reunion. I came home from my mission almost 21 months ago. Oh how time flys. It was an amazing experience seeing everyone again and feeling the love that we all shared not only for missionary work but also for each other. I feel blessed that I was able to serve a mission and especially where, when and with whom I did. 

I love my mission president and his wife. I love the senior couples I served with and the companions I had. I have such a testimony that missionaries are called to the missions where the Lord needs them most. Sometimes to aid those they teach, sometimes for their companions and sometimes for themselves to learn and grow.

 Here we are siting all together.

 

My mission president challenged us to find one talk during conference that we loved, that meant something to us and to make it apart of our lives these next 6 months. He talked about how far too often we forget everything that was said and don't allow conference to really make an impact on us. 

Jake and I took his challenge on and although I was touched by so many talks during the sessions I have chosen to study Elder Eyrings talk given in the Sunday Morning session. He spoke of the choices we can make that lead us to happiness. Happiness is something that I have been studying a lot of lately. I have been working towards loving without selfishness and loving God with all my heart, might, mind and soul. So far I have seen great changes as I put the Lord first in my life.

I love this gospel and am so thankful to be a member of Christ's restored church upon the earth today. I love and am extremely thankful for my wonderful and caring husband.

I know that Christ lives and loves every person upon the earth. We are God's children.

Click here to watch Elder Eyring's talk

BYU vs. UTAH Football Game

So this may have happened a week ago or so ago but I am still excited to write about it. We went to the BYU vs. UTAH football game down in Provo and although BYU lost we still had a really incredible time. Jake and I both went to BYU but didn't meet till after our time there. This was the first time we had been on campus together since meeting and getting married. I LOVED it! We got to walk around and reminisce about our good old collage days (I sound so old) and see where we each spent our time while attending school there. Jake worked for the school newspaper for years so it was fun to see that and to walk the same routes that he traveled to school and back. 

The game was a pretty big let down. We actually sat in the Utah section for the game because we were able to get tickets through my job. I was nervous at first about whether or not I would be able to wear my blue to the game or if I would get beat up by those we were sitting around. Jake and I both brought neutral colored jackets and Jake even wore white all day just in case. I had waited forever to pull out my blue so I wanted to make sure I spent some good time wearing it. Once we got there though, we were fine. There was such a mix of red and blue through out the whole stadium that my one BYU shirt really didn't even stand out. 

I wouldn't call myself a football fan, and in-fact before meeting Jake I didn't even know all the rules. Jake is so patient and kind in explaining what's going on during the game, that now actually knowing a bit about football has made all the difference. I like going to football games now, and especially if it involves BYU.

We bleed true blue!

There is a little gas station right out side of the BYU stadium. It was Jake's last chance to get a bit of caffeine before the game started since they don't sell caffeinated drinks in the stadium. Jake decided to take advantage of it. One 32oz Diet Dr. Pepper please. The game started at like 8:20 PM so we knew it was going to be a late night.