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2010 Year Review

We had a great year in 2010 and here's all the things we did and accomplished:

• Brady learned tons of Sign language, up to 60 words!
• Brady turned 1 at the beginning of the year and we had two big parties for him!
• Brady completed the Mom and Tot swim lessons class in the Spring.
• Robert took a Physiology class throught BYU and got an A!
• Brady learned how to walk in March.
• Robert took the DAT prep class at BYU, and retook the DAT and got 2 pts. better!
• Robert re-applied for Dental school...and we're still waiting for the good news.
• For spring break we went with Robert's Sister Wendy and husband Lance to visit their brother Jeff in Southern California. We spent Easter with them; watched general conference; went to the beach; had lots of parties; and went horse-back riding!
• I sanded and refinished an coffee table Robert found me for free.
• I made a book of my mission in Spain on Heritage Makers.
• I made an ABC book of Brady's first year on Heritage Makers.
• I had lots of adventures in the kitchen including learning how to bake without wheat or dairy.
• I also had lots of adventures in sewing and crafting including our Halloween costumes, making a wreath out of coffee filters, and a wreath of white felt roses.
• We attended the temple each month and managed to attend all these temples: Provo UT, Mt. Timpanogas UT, Jordan River UT, Bountiful UT, Rexburg ID, and Newport Beach CA. We also went to but didn't go inside the St. George UT temple, and Salt Lake City temple.
• We went to Phoenix AZ so Robert could visit 2 dental schools. I visited Anasazi and we also visited with Roberts mission friends.
• We went to the Grand Canyon for the first time.
• We went camping and hiking in American Fork Canyon.
• We won our Ward Halloween Costume Contest (see Halloween Post).
• My brother Phillip got married in the Rexburg Temple and we attended their sealing and receptions in December.
• And we spent the New Year with my family in Spokane. They flew Brady and I up for the week and we had lots of fun! Mostly Brady and cousin Dylan played and had a ball together!

Well it was a fun and eventful year! Here are my New Years Resolutions for this coming year that I have already started:

• Loose 20 lbs. (doing the Jillian Michaels shred, p90x, and counting callories)
• Read scriptures daily and study manual
• Pray every morning before I read my scriptures
• Learn to read patterns (for sewing)
• Make a new temple dress for myself
• Read the bible in my spare time
• and...later on this year, after the go-ahead from the husband...get pregnant:)

That's all folks. I'll let you know how it goes. So far, I suck at sticking to my alloted calories. It's way hard not to eat what I want. Jillian Michaels kicks my but, but I think its working. And my scripture studing is going great- it's so much better to study with a manual!

It's a NEW YEAR! Yeah for New Beginnings!

New Year Update

So, I've been a little neglectful of my blog lately. But it's not like we don't have a few due updates! So since the year began Brady has started and completed a Tumbling Tots class! It was so fun for him and good for me too! He turned 2 years old! He had his first airplane ride! We went to Spokane to visit my family and help with Phillip's wedding reception. That was so nice to visit home for a while. And since Brady turned two, I swear the talking que kicked in. He is saying like two or three new words a day! I can't keep up with this kid! He is up to like 100 words he can say now. It's so fun. (see the list of words to the right.)

We also started a little pre-school with a couple of my friends two days a week. It's way good for Brady and fun for us to get together. We just teach simple concepts like numbers, letters, shapes, and opposites. Then they play for like an hour while we chat!

We would put him in a Start up Baseball class, but he has to be three, so we might do swimming lessons again this spring.

We had a nice Valentines Day. I decided not to spend a lot of money. Robert and I actually celebrated by going on a date on Saturday night. We went to dinner and a movie and got ice cream. It was really nice. Then we exchanged gifts on Sat. night. I made him a Card on Heritage Makers, and he got me .....a 25$ Visa Gift card to go on a shopping spree;) It was a gift a little out of the ordinary for him, but sweet, cause he knows i've been wanting some new clothes:) Then yesterday on V-day I wanted to do something to celebrate again of course. So I decided to make him his favorite Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, his Grandma's recipe. It turned out delish. I also made a nice steak and potato dinner for two. Brady took a long nap and was sleeping when he got home from work so we got to have a quiet romantic dinner with sparkling cider! He thought I was playing a trick on him cause he didn't believe Brady would sleep so late, and that he wasn't even home. He thought Brady was somewhere else so that I could plan this romantic dinner. Anyway, right after our dinner, Brady woke up. It was perfect:) Hope you all had a nice Valentine's day with those you LOVE. What a nice day Valentine's Day is:) A celebration of Love.

Symbols of Christmas

This Christmas I have been especially filled with that Cheery Christmas Spirit. It's probably the best one since I was a kid and Christmas was nothing but Magical. I can't believe it's already here (two days!!) It's so fun to celebrate all month, and sad to see Christmas go. But I would like to share with you the symbols of Christmas that have brought new and restored meaning to the "Meaning of Christmas" as we relate them to Christ and the gospel.We had an awesome Relief Society activity on a "Christ Centered Christmas" this month. What I remember most was one sister going through all the symbols of Christmas and their meanings. Some of them you already know, and some are awakenings to me.

The Christmas Tree: In one of Brady's board books (I think Grandma Dianne sent it) it talks about the Legends of the Christmas tree. One of them I especially liked: that the tree has three points, like a triangle, yet is ONE tree. Just as God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three beings yet ONE God in purpose. The Evergreen tree also represents Eternal Life. Christ has given us all the free gift of Immortality after this life. We can live forever. Green represents life! Green is also my favorite color, and I'm especially grateful for it in the Evergreen trees in the winter! The tree also helps remind me to focus my perspective heaven-ward as it points up. We must always acknowledge God in our lives and keep an Eternal Perspective. The Star on top reminds us of that star the shepherds saw to notify them of the Saviors birth. And if you have an Angel on top, it represents the angel who came to Mary and Joseph to announce that she would be the mother of our Savior.

Presents: Obviously presents represent those given to Christ on his birthday by the wise men. Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Likewise we give gifts to one another, but we need not forget it is still Christ's birthday, and we must put the most thought into what we will give HIM for HIS Birthday. This will be the most meaningful gift for us and HIM.

Lights: We put up lights and candles to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. All that is good is of God. And to represent that Star on His starry night.

Santa: Jolly Old Saint Nick, although he isn't "real", he brings a real spirit, as does our Savior. He is a Christ-like figure that we shouldn't discount. He loves us. He knows us, and weather we are "naughty or nice" as does our Savior. He works all year to bring us that perfect gift, and has lots of little Elf hands helping him; just as God and Christ's work is our Immortality and Eternal life or Happiness and WE are his helpers in each others lives. He wears RED to symbolize the blood of Christ with WHITE fringe to represent Christ's sanctity and purity that we can have through the Atonement. He also might wear black boots and black gloves symbolizing SIN, which he can take away from us through the Atonement.

Rudolph: The Red Nose Reindeer, who at first was disliked by others who used to "laugh and call him names". But he had a special light (on his nose), and in the end all were dependent on him to light the way. Like Christ, he was rejected of men and stricken with grief, but in then end, he is our Savior from Sin and is our Example to 'light' our way.

Christmas Shopping: OK this one is my favorite (not shopping-the analogy:)). We've all been there. Black Friday; the Saturday before Christmas when everyone is Christmas shopping at the mall or wherever. The traffic is crazy; people are searching for that perfect gift; shipping things off to arrive on time; hurrying to get home for the holidays etc. Yet we are all "Anxiously engaged in a good cause"; we are thinking of others, their needs, wants, wishes, and trying to get them that gift. There is that hustle and bustle and a little bit of craziness, but imagine for a moment with me if that "good cause" was spreading the gospel. If we were all anxiously trying to give the gift of the gospel to those who don't have it yet. The greatest gift of all, Eternal life. And the Knowledge of how to receive Eternal Life. What if we were all so good of missionaries, "member missionaries", and in such a hurry for it. This is how it should be in reality. And having served a mission, and literally running to appointments, walking the streets all day, knocking doors to share this GOOD NEWS. This IS how I felt on my mission. What a gift the gospel is to us, we must share it, and in a hurry!!!

I'm sure you can think of many other symbols of Christmas, there are many others, but these are the ones I wanted to share.

Merry Christmas. Remember who's birthday it is.

Because of your Faith....My joy is full.

This morning I woke up early, not on purpose, just woke up. I decided to take advantage of the quiet time and read the new Conference Ensign. I flipped through looking for a talk to read, and then decided to start from the beginning. I read the introductory talk by our Prophet, and then read the next talk (which was my favorite from Conference) by Elder Holland called Because of Your Faith.

I was so moved by his talk, again, but in a different way, that I feel so inspired to write to you all. You might remember in his talk that he thanked his parents for sacrificing for him so much so he could serve a mission, and working extra for him so that all the money he had saved for his mission was still there when he got home from his mission so he could pay for college etc. In his talk you might also remember him thanking all those other mothers and fathers out there who have done and are doing the same things for their children. I was a ball of tears during his talk. But this time, in reading it through, my thoughts were turned inwards, to my own mission, and my own life, and what he was really trying to tell us. I think Bro. Hollands talk was really about praising us, members of the church, and good people of the earth, and thanking us for our faith. Then I thought of all those people in my life, who have been such examples and pillars of faith to me.

In his talk he says, talking to us, "No one of you is insignificant, in part because you make the gospel of Jesus Christ what it is-a living reminder of His grace and mercy, a private but powerful manifestation in small villages and large cities of the good He did and the life He gave bringing peace and salvation to other people. We are honored beyond expression to be counted one with you in such a sacred cause.

As Jesus said to the Nephites, so say I today: "Because of your faith...., my joy is full.

"And when he had said these words, he wept.""

After reading his talk, I just sat there, going through in my mind all of these people..... you are probably on my list:

Robert, Mom, Chris, Grandma, Grandpa, Joseph, Memere, Pepere, Phillip, Ben, Charlene, Kathlene, Becky, Brad, Mike, Andrea, Jon, Meiken, Zan, Cindy, Randy, Loni, Bishop Jensen, Bishop Squires, Sis. Johnson, Sis. Holloway, Sis.Wagner, Sis.McCoy, Bree, Olivia, Tricia, Sarah, Whitney, Dre, Cortney, AnnMarie, Carolee, Jessica, April, MaryAnn, Angie, Bishop Peeples, Anjanelle, Aimee, Tonya, Brandon, Melissa, Tina, Summer, Misty, Natalie, Fabi, Christy, Meggan, Rachel, Aidrienne, Andrea, Tashina, Wendy, Lance, Hna. Robertson, Hna. Wheatley, Hna. Horton, Hna. Wheatley, Hna. Harris, Hna. Holbrook, Hna. Kurouski, Hna. Madsen, Hna. Christensen, Hna. Lindsay, Hna. Rumsey, Hna. DuVall, Pte. DuVall, Pte. Zivic, Hna. Zivic, Las Sandra, Patricio, Eric, Sarah, Florin, Matthews, Barneys, Rehders, and I have known hundreds of other people who have given me examples of faith.

It is YOU all who have given me faith to endure, at different times in my life when I have needed it. You have given me an example of faith and assurity that Christ is your Savior, and that God lives and loves us and that no matter what happens, everything will work out because it's in God's hands, as are we. And I want to THANK YOU for being an example to me. We all give each other strength, and we all need each other, and we are all living reminders to each other on a daily basis of our Savior Jesus Christ and his grace and mercy and love. Thank you for enduring, being faithful, and giving me hope and peace in this world and in my life. Imagine how many more people than just me you have touched in your lives. And I have no idea how many peoples lives I have influenced for good, but this is our duty and mission, to the church and to each other, and to ourselves, to help each other.

Thank you all. Keep being examples of faith to all those around you because we need you.

Sesame Street Halloween Costumes

Robert had the idea like back in May(6 months early) for Sesame Street Halloween Costumes. He wrote it down so he wouldn't forget his genius idea. Then when October came around, he said we better get started on our costumes. We started shopping for costume pieces at the beginning of October. We probably went to second hand stores about 8 times and craft/fabric stores like 7 times before we finished our costumes. One of those trips to the fabric store included buying a new needle for my sewing machine cause I broke my needle on one of Big Birds feathers! That was a first!

I honestly didn't see the vision for these costumes, but Robert was determined and sure they would turn out great. I knew they would take a lot of work that I wasn't sure how to do. But little by little our costumes came together and I figured it out as I went. We started with buying basic robes at 2nd hand stores in our respective colors. Then we had to buy fabric to match the robes to make the hoods, socks etc. (which it was easier to match fabric than I thought it would be). Robert hot glued all those feathers on his costume. I made his legs and feet. I had to do some serious altering on Brady's costume, and mine was pretty simple. In the end it was a LOT of work, but a great learning experience on the sewing machine for me:)

It paid off when we won Best Overall Costume at our Ward Halloween Party!!

This is Robert's 'Big Bird' pose.

Tickle me.

Oscar the Grouch trying to make a grouchy face:)

In the end we probably spent about $40 for all the supplies and fabric. It was fun. I guess you can expect something better for next year. Robert is already thinking of ideas for next year. Halloween is serious in the Potter family!

Summer fun 2010

Robert loves the Slip n' Slide! He made it up of all of his air mattresses. I couldn't make it past the fourth air mattress!

We love having a pool at our Condo complex! The Potter Pyramid!

Hanging out with all the Potter's on the Fourth of July. We were only missing Cari and her family!

Robert made me walk through the reflecting pool on temple square. Has ANYONE ever done such a thing??

Then Robert had to walk through a fountain on Temple square too.

The Matthews showed us this sweet rope swing on the Provo river. The water is ice cold and in a shaded area all day, Robert and Lance are so brave!

Ice cream at a BYU activity. Just like his mom:)

We went to the Utah County fair and saw all the animals and Brady loved the tractors! Anything with a wheel that he can pretend to drive, he loves!

Of course Brady had to walk through water on Temple square too! On top of the conference center!

We had so much fun this summer. We did so many fun things and played hard and worked hard! Brady is growing up so fast and I'm so glad we had so much fun this summer. Our next post will be about our adventures at Cornbelly's Corn maze at Thanksgiving Point aka Toddler HEAVEN!!

Camping

We finally went camping this summer! We went up the American Fork Canyon to the Timpanooke Campground. The weather was beautiful and the trees were just starting to change colors. It got super cold at night, but we made it. Brady had a BLAST. He loved running around outside and exploring so much that he wouldn't take a nap, he just cried for about 20 minutes, then we gave up and got him out of the tent, and went hiking. We hiked up to Scout falls (not very impressive) but the hike was beautiful! We actually hiked passed the falls thinking it was up further. Brady fell asleep in the backpack for the majority of the way up, then woke up when we got to the falls and pointing to the mini waterfall said, "Woooooaah!!!"

Megan, Robert, and Brady (asleep in the pack), above Scout Falls in American Fork Canyon:

Hiking boots- this one's for you Cortnie Robert exploring and climbing with Brady asleep on his back. Robert

Sign Language

We have been teaching Brady sign language since he was about 9 months old, it took him quite a few months before he had the dexterity to actually sign, but now he is cruising right along. He knows to date how to do 32 signs! There is a complete list to the right of all the signs he knows. His most recent signs are: daddy, hot, rain, fish, potty, wind, rain, hurt/owie, cat, shoes, car, and tree. He learns them SO fast! He signed hurt/owie for a week or so before I knew what he meant (he doesn't do it exactly right, but pretty close, and as long as we both know what he means, that's what matters).

At his last doctors appointment the doctor said for his age he should be able to say about 20 words. We were floored! He barely can say ONE word! Then we explained that we are teaching him American Sign Language and Spanish along with English. He then explained that it would take him longer to be able to talk, cause three languages is a lot to take in at once, but that once he caught on to them, he would be tri-lingual! It's a lot easier to teach him English and ASL cause I can say the word in English and do the sign. It's also easier for him to sign than to talk. But with Spanish he gets confused. And it's hard for me to speak Spanish ALL the time, so that will be the last language we focus on. But I still read him lots of books in Spanish every day and speak Spanish to him about 1/4 of the time, and I say a lot of things twice in English and Spanish so he gets familiar with both.

As for words Brady can actually say, he says "ba-ball" for any kind of sport or ball. He says "uh-oh", "ooouhh, oooohh" for train or truck, and "wooaah". It's really cute.

I have learned a ton of Sign language just through watching the children's "Signing Time" videos. I'm not sure how many words I know, but quite a bit. I have a wonderful neighbor who is deaf and I get to practice a lot with her which is great for both of us cause we can communicate! I have also learned a lot from her. She is so sweet and very funny (even in ASL:)).

I highly suggest teaching your kids Sign Language cause it helps them communicate at a younger age and helps avoid tantrums cause you know what they want or why they are crying. Yeah for ASL!

Dinosaur Museum and Petting Zoo at Thanksgiving Point

The water fountain thingy at Thanksgiving Point-So FUN! Brady's back is to the camera in the white shirt in the front.

Climbed into the chair by himself, he's so cute:) Slipping outof the chair 2 seconds after he got in.

He's so clever, hiding under the sign, and he thinks he's so funny, and he is:)

When Brady gets really excited, he "jumps" up and down really just squatting and popping up, not actually coming off the ground:) It's the cutest thing ever. He got really excited about feeding the goats when they licked the corn out of his little fingers.

This is our neighbor's daughter, Callie, she is Brady's "girlfriend" cause they look so cute together and they are the same age (just a few weeks apart). They even hug and kiss (after he pushes her). It's so cute:) Mama and Brady at the Dinosaur Museum! Free Pony Ride!! Brady LOVED it and held on all by himself!

"Rooaaaaaaarrrrr!!" Brady's little laugh in this picture is so cute!

Thanks Two Dollar Tuesday for making August at Thanksgiving Point affordable and FUN! Even though it was a ZOO, no pun intended, it was fun. I think Brady liked the petting zoo more than the museum! And I got to milk a cow, that was my first time! I wasn't very good at it:( But it was cool, in a way, but then I felt bad, cause it reminded me of when I was nursing, and if I was a COW I would hate someone pulling on my nipples the wrong way! Anyway it was a blast. Then we got 50 cent ice cream cones and played in the water sprinker/fountain thing which was a blast.