Happy Birthday Sweetie

My cute hubby turned the big 24 on July 3. I look forward to this day each year, not only because I like to celebrate with my boy, but also because we are now the same age for 6 more months!
Tag and I picked Jon up for lunch at Iggy's and then went to see Hancock (I loved the flick, but I hate giving movie advice being that most of the time someone comes complaining to me that I suggested the movie in the first place). Tag was an angel and just slept the entire way through. Every time Hancock would take off the ground to fly, Tag would startle because of the noise, but just kept right on sleepin.
That night we met our family at the Raptor's game. I snuck a brownie cake in and we all plopped on blankets to enjoy the game. The talented birthday boy caught a foul ball, and after the game they shot off fireworks. These were the first Tag had seen and he was completely amazed. The loud bangs didn't even bother him.

I would like to bear my testimony......

I don't do this far as often as I should in sacrament meeting, but I was very inspired by Elder Ballard's article in the Ensign this month about Sharing the Gospel Through the Internet. Elder Ballard encourages us to, "talk honestly and sincerely about the impact the gospel has had in your life...The audiences for these and other new media tools (such as blogs) may often be small, but the cumulative effect of thousands of such stories can be great. The combined effort is certainly worth the outcome if but a few are influenced by your words of faith and love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ."
So I decided I would post my testimony on my blog in hopes that just maybe someone may come across it with questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and be inspired to learn more.

I know this Church is the only true Church on the earth today. I know Jesus Christ died for me so that I have the opportunity to return to my Father in Heaven, and have my sins forgiven. I know that Jesus Christ lives and understands our deepest pain. I know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for my life and has continually blessed me as I have strived to live in a way that would please Him. I know President Monson is a true apostle and prophet called by Heavenly Father to counsel and bless us today. I know the Book of Mormon is true and offers us hope and comfort in this world.
As I have grown, I have gained a strong testimony on the plan of salvation. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. By following his beautiful plan, despite any problems that may arise in our lives, we can feel of His love and awareness of us and still feel happy. I have experienced this many times in life and know he is aware of my struggles. I have felt disapointment over not getting into a school program, deep sadness from losing a loved one, worry over family members, anxiety and stress from day to day living. I know that my Savior has also felt this and can comfort me if I am willing to pray and listen.
I have been blessed to be born in a home where I was taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have been blessed with a beautiful little boy and a wonderful husband. I know we are being watched over. Being a mother and wife is a sacred and blessed calling. My Heavenly Father is aware of my desire to do my best in raising his child and providing a haven in our home. I am blessed by the opportunity to live so near to churches and temples. I am grateful for all of this and hope to do more to show my appreciation for the love I feel.


Ok, I am now tagging all of you!!! I would love to read each of your testimonies on your blogs. I know we can touch lives and be missionaries! Get busy!

Photo Shoot by Uncle Brock

My brother took these great pics of my boy. I just love em! Thanks bud!

Taggart recently had his 4 month check up. He weighs 18 lbs and is 26 1/2 inches long. 97th percentile for weight and 95th for height. He is so cute and proportioned!

Park City Mayhem

The Abel Family vay-kay to Park City was complete with swimming, shopping, good food, car problems through Parley's, and even a local celebrity. Last week we all packed up and headed to the poshest city in Utah. We did this last year and really enjoyed the chill time by the pool and opportunity for everyone to be together.

This fella really likes his grandma.

Sharing a surf board with Cousin Ivy.

More rolls than a baker....We covered the legs to keep you from getting hungry!



Resting in the park

Is this the biggest, saddest dog you've ever seen? I wanted to lay Tag on top of him for a pic, but I overheard the owner say he'd never been to the vet.

Walking down main

Ok, here's what you've been waiting for! Here I am with Nadine Wimmer, our very own Channel 5 news anchor. She lives in Park City and was taking her two boys out for ice cream on the trolley. What a nice lady! We chatted it up with her on our ride down main.

Tag had constant attention from his cousins as you can see from the following pictures. I think he's going to be bored with just me from now on.

Here's where the car trouble came in. On Friday we were headed to the Salt Lake Temple for my dear friend Anna's wedding. The car overheated as we went over Parley's, so we had to blast the heat and drive 35 mph until we made it to the Temple. Then, as we tried to make it to Layton for the reception it continued to overheat, despite our efforts of adding coolant. We made it to Bountiful (again blasting the heat and 35 mph) and drove around to 4 different mechanics until we found one that would look at it on a Friday evening at closing time. Long story short, it is still not fixed, but after our poor boy being such a trooper in the hot, sweaty car, we gave him a nakers break at a Bountiful church before we headed to Layton in the same manner we'd been driving all day. Stinkin German vehicles!

Happy Father's Day

The Friday before father's day we celebrated Jon's first with a scavenger hunt to a bunch of homemade cards, treats, pizza, and a friday night movie. It was a bit lame, but I enjoyed putting it together. He also got a new suit and tie, which he picked out on his own, so he kind of lacked any surprises. Sorry baby Daddy!
Jon is just the cutest dad. I love watching these two play. Jon's favorite thing to do with Tag is to wrestle him (not your average 4 month old play)! As you can see, he is working hard to help Tag learn to palm the ball.

Logan Zoo

For those of you who had no idea Logan had a zoo that is because by zoo I mean small park with a pond and lots of turtles! Alright, I am so not complaining, it was lots of fun and there was even a bobcat. A little more than a month ago, we headed up north to celebrate my niece, Ivy's, 1st birthday. This little zoo was a great idea for a fun and cost effective kids party (props to Nikki). I think the cost was a 50 cent contribution.

Here is the birthday girl enjoying her cake. She got much messier than this.

We got her a book. She's thrilled.....

Here are the Abels throwing some sort of dear feed to the fish.

Us with the pretty birthday girl.
What a cute Daddy!

Taggart's Blessing

Taggart was blessed on May 4th, and you know what that calls for.... A picture of every possible combination with anyone of some sort of relation to the kid. I've saved you from looking at the same people again and again by about 25 pics, but heck enjoy the load I've posted.

All jokes aside, Jon gave Tag a beautiful blessing, and it was so special to have our dads, grandpas, brothers, and brother-in-laws in the circle. Thanks for all the support family!

Taggart Jonathan Bush (Taggart received his full name from each of these wonderful men, in this order!)

Tagged by Shaylyn!

Alrighty, here it goes.......4 things

10 years ago I was.....

• In jr. high, thinking up ways to be super cool.
• Hanging with my fave gal pals; yes running the school and coming up with odd things to do.
• Obsessing over the fly boy band, N'Sync, until I learned that JT is way more fly on his own.
• Mackin with all the slammin guys in school (jk, I just had to use that ghetto word)!

5 years ago I was.....

• 19 and going to college. I think at this point I was majoring in Nursing, which than switched to Spanish, which then switched to Social Work. Phew, I'm not sure how I made it through!
• Dating the pre-mission Jon.
• Working as a server....not such a fun job, but gave me the gumption to push on through school.
• and mmmm....pretty much blowing my money on clothes.

4 things I like to watch....

• American Idol (oh how I love my shy little David Archuleta:)
• King of Queens (these re-runs never seem to get old!)
• The View (What b words, but my are they entertaining.)
• The Office(can anyone live without this show?)

4 things that make me happy...

• rocking my baby to sleep, and then knowing I'm free for the night (well at least until about 4 am)
• Laughing with Jon.
• Watching Tag learn new things.
• The moment Tag notices daddy is home and the excitement he shows.

Ok, my tagged-ly duties are complete. Now I tag Erin S., Kim A., Krysta C., and Brock. Have fun!

Stellar mom's day!

As a first time mom, I have to say, I sure did enjoy Mother's Day. I certainly appreciate my mom more, now that I know what it means to be a mother.
My sweet husband made sure I was not overlooked in the least, and I came out feeling very special! The morning started out quite hectic as Jon had to run from meeting to meeting and prepare a mother's day talk, but he still found time to make me scrambled eggs and toast. He even fed some of it to me, as I was busy getting myself and Tag ready for church. At church, Jon spoke on pioneer mothers, along with making some nice comments about myself and his own good mommy.
When we got back, I was treated with 3 envelopes. One was a card which played a song by our boys, Rascal Flatts. In the card there was a letter from Taggart that had a list of thank yous, certainly a tear jerker. The next was just from Tag-a dove candy bar, my fave chocolate. The final envelope was a gift certificate to New Image Day Spa for 3 treatments. Truly I cannot think of anything I would want more than to spend a day getting pampered. Thanks baby daddy!

A special thank you and I love you to all the moms in my life!

Abel Grandkids

My sister-in-law, Amanda, took this photo so we can give it to my mom for mother's day. Getting the five kids to look at the camera was not an easy task, but I think it turned out pretty darn cute. Thanks Amanda! From Left: Isaac, Ivy, Jayde, Taggart, & Savana

Cousins!

On Wednesday, Tag and I went to visit baby Amoree. Katie, my sister-in-law, and I had a good talk, while the two babies took naps, so here is a pic of the beautiful Amoree sleeping in her cradle, and Tag sleeping in her super girly crib. I went in to check on him, and he had woken up and was just staring around the room like he was on a different planet. It will be so fun to watch these two grow together. They are only about 11 weeks apart.

My Favorite Things

I just love these pics of my boy and wanted to share.

This guy loves his daddy! Tag can be cranky by the time Jon gets home, but as soon as he sees dad, he is all smiles.

Ummm, is there anything cuter than baby Nike?

Tag discovering his bouncy toy given by Aunt Nichol, Uncle Adam, Aunt Amanda, & Uncle Chris. If we put a pillow under his feet he can touch and show some crazy bouncing action.


Muscle man

This pose is adorable

This is one of the first days he clutched onto his rattle (and then tried to eat it)!

Mommy Life

I have already neglected my new blog, while still enjoying to read all of yours!

I am really loving this new mommy life. It is so incredibly different, but every second is enjoyable. Here are just a few of the wonderful changes I have noticed recently:

• I now tell time by noticing if the Today Show, Regis & Kelly, Good Things Utah, The View, Ellen, or Oprah is on TV. No, I am not a couch potato mom who just sits around watching the tube all day, but what else am I supposed to do while feeding this boy every 2 1/2 hours! Aside from the Miley Cyrus nakie pics scandal and Obama's crazy pastor, I am really enjoying the replay of Brooke and Paula's mess ups.
• I laugh soooo much more (yes, even being married to Jon!)
• I am now responsible for cleaning out someone elses toe jam.
• I am completely okay to go back to bed smelling like sour milk, spit up, and baby poo, after a nightly feeding. I am so going to log every possible hour of sleep!
• Church is lots more fun (the kick back in the mother's room is awesome).
• I didn't think my mom could love me any more, but I'm almost positive she does now.
• Finally, there is nothing sexier than watching my husband change a diaper and put a baby to bed.

Speaking of new mommy life, I have a new niece. Little Amoree Scholer was born April 24 to Katie and Eric. This girl is beautiful and has a lustrous head of hair the likes of which I've never seen, except on a latina baby! Check back in for some pics with her cousin, Tag.

Free Smiles!

This boy is so smiley! We love it! Tag just had his 2 month check-up, and he is doing great. He is weighing in at nearly 14 lbs. and is 24 in. long, and is in the 97th percentile for both. I swear we are not feeding him chicken wings and biscuits!

9 Weeks

6 Weeks