This is an email/update I sent to Steve and Marilyn (on their mission in the Philipines) the other day. I thought it was a pretty good summary of our family, and figured it would work for a journal entry here on the blog. It was written January 16, 2010.
Emily -
Growing so fast! So emotional! We love her. Still in love with the color pink. Loves to play pretend and hide and go seek. Loves one-on-one time with anyone! Learning more everyday at her 'neighborhood co-op' preschool. She loves to cut and color and paste and do any and all crafts. She is getting to be a better helper with the boys. She tries and loves to help all the time. She struggles with getting buckled into her car seat. She used to do it just fine (in the Land cruiser) but since getting the Suburban it has been a problem. It is a bigger car and she just hasn't been able to do it. Les and I have both worked with her, but to no avail. Also, she used to be able to get in and out of the land cruiser just fine...but now she can't in the suburban. I think it's hard because that's a bit of her independence that is now gone. I hope with time she'll grow taller and stronger and will be able to do it alone again.
Jacob -
Growing so fast! He has JUST started going pee pee in the potty - but ONLY after a bath. Apparently he doesn't pee in the bathtub so right after a bath he always will pee in the potty. We have tried at other times of the day, but no go. He isn't quite ready so I'm not pushing it at all. Just hoping with time he'll have the desire. He is getting bigger everyday and talking more and more. He cries a lot...but I try to remember he IS 2 years old! He watches Emily with all her emotion and copies her. I hope as he grows he will also grow out of that, but who knows. He is starting to sing a lot more. His favorite song is 'Silent Night, Holy Night'. It is very sweet to listen to him sing. I'll try to get another tape going to send you and see if I can get him to sing for you. He is NOT the outgoing performer Emily is, and it does take time for him to warm up to people and situations. He is a very sweet and soft hearted boy. He is still SO silly all the time. He is the clown for sure in our family. We went to a rescue place for dogs today and all the barking was so loud it made him cry and cry. He was very scared. He is just a very soft hearted sweet and cautious boy.
Luke -
Growing so fast! He is still such a sweet baby! 6 months old now! I have pictures I'm planning to mail to you next week. We have tried since he was 4 months old to feed him from a spoon but he just won't take to it. He gags and coughs and just is not ready! It's funny and frustrating at the same time! He doesn't like the taste of things in his mouth - like cheerios for instance. We are working with him on how to move his jaw back and forth so he will soon learn to eat something other than a bottle! I breast-fed him until he was 5 1/2 months old. Since then he's been bottle only. He does pretty well. He loves to play on the floor with toys and entertain himself. He can sit up and roll over. Sometimes when he's sitting up with toys in front of him on the floor he'll fall down to lay on his stomach on purpose! It's funny! He will sometimes do that after sitting for a while. I speculate that he just gets tired of one posistion and wants a change so he plops himself down! He is big and healthy and happy most all the time. He is not a cuddler. He wants to do his own thing and likes to be facing out when being held. He loves the action of the kids and loves it when they play with him.
Les -
After being set apart on Sunday the Stake President took us aside and instructed Les to shave. I was bummed. Les is so obedient, so even though I know he didn't want to he did. He is now clean-shaven. He has been reading the handbook this week getting more ready to fulfill his new calling. Tomorrow is his first official week in the bishopric and he has to conduct! I'm sure he's nervous, but I know he'll do well. Right now he's gone helping someone move a couch!
Me -
Still just trying to do my best in all aspects of life. I am very aware of how I MUST stay on top of things as a mother or my children will suffer. I try so hard to do what's right and obey in every way I can. I've gotten down to a healthy weight and I'm very happy about that. I weigh now almost what I weighed when I got married! I know I could keep pushing and lose 10 more pounds, but I'm happy where I am and I'm just going to try to maintain and enjoy where I am! I try to update our family blog so if you ever get a chance to check it, you really should! I post pictures of the kids, us, journal entries, etc. I'm not sure if you're allowed to do that, but if you can, feel free to! It's www.adamsfamilyfun.blogspot.com
I'm getting better at just letting things 'be'. For instance I didn't get it together and get a Christmas card/letter out. It bothered me for a while, but we didn't have the extra money for printing and stamps so I didn't do it! I figure it won't kill me to not get it out and chances are no one really cares anyway! Not sure what else to say. I just keep very busy with day-to-day life. With visiting teaching, enrichment, Les' calling, the Studio, performing my Relief Society program, cleaning house, losing weight, working on food storage, organizing messes in the house, raising happy children...I stay very busy every minute of every day!
We love you and miss you. I'm so sorry we've been terrible lately with letter writing. We WILL get some written and in the mail this week! WITH the pictures I printed for you! The kids love and miss you! Thank you for the emails and updates and pictures! We enjoy getting them! Hopefully this email will help you envision how our little family is doing!
Have a GREAT Sunday!
~Elise
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Baby book pictures!
With each child I have taken a picture 'just out of the bathtub' when they were right around 6 months old. These pictures have made some of my most favorite scrap pages for their baby books. Here is the batch of pictures I took of Luke after a bath the other day. Luke LOVES baths! Especially when he gets to take them with his brother and/or sister! Isn't he so handsome! I LOVE the brown hair with blue eyes! I can't wait to make a fun scrap page with these pictures! I love you Luke!
Luke Adams
January 12, 2009
6 months old
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Bishopric
On Tuesday January 5, 2009 a member of the Stake Presidency, President Wilson, came to our home. He had called in advance so we knew he was coming but I hadn't thought anything of it. Les was the Elders Quorum President and I figured he was coming over to get an update on the Quorum, etc. He had told Les that he'd come after his normal Stake Meetings. President Wilson mentioned that sometimes they go late so it could be 10:00pm or 10:30pm before he'd be here.
We waited up, but finally at 10:45pm turned off the lights and went to bed. Oh, and on this particular evening I had developed a really bad headache. I was in a lot of pain, but decided to get some rest and maybe by morning it would be gone. I didn't take any pain medication because I just wanted to get to sleep. I figured if I couldn't sleep because of the pain then I'd get some Tylenol.
At 10:53pm there was a slight knock on our door. Soon after the phone began ringing. It was President Wilson. We were shocked. I thought to myself, what could possibly be so important that he has to come over at 11 o'clock at night? Les ended up getting the door and letting him in.
They began talking and I soon discovered there was NO way I was going to get to sleep. I got up after a while and took some Tylenol. While I was up Les came back to the bedroom and said that President Wilson wanted me to come out and talk with him too. I thought, no! I have a terrible headache and I need to sleep! I asked why and Les told me that he had called Les to be in the Bishopric of our ward. I thought for sure Les was kidding. I asked him if it was a joke and he said no. I asked repeatedly why he would joke like this and he insisted that yes, indeed, he was telling the truth. I reluctantly went to the front room with Les to get counsel from President Wilson.
We had to dim the lights in the room because my head was hurting so badly! I tried to focus all my attention on every word he said so I would get the most out of his wisdom and counsel. I was in shock to say the least. Finally around midnight we got back to bed.
During our discussion with Pres. Wilson he asked if there was someone Les would like to ordain him to the office of High Priest. Les told him that his Dad is currently on a mission and wouldn't be able to attend in order to do the honors. He asked if there was anyone else he'd like to have do it. Les said he'd like his father-in-law. So, bright and early the next morning before leaving for work Les called my Dad. (Little did we know my dad had had a root-canal done the day before and we woke him up!) Les invited him to come and ordain him and be there for the big day that coming Sunday. There was not a lot of notice since we called him Wednesday morning, but Dad was very gracious and booked a plane ticket to be there.
Dad flew in on Saturday and flew home Monday but it was so wonderful to have him there for Les' big day. I wanted to get a picture of them in their suits, but with all the hub-bub of the busy dad didn't get it taken. Instead I got this picture of them together just before we left to take dad to the airport Monday morning.
So, yup. It's official. Les was ordained a High Priest and sustained as the 1st counselor in our bishopric on Sunday January 10, 2010. It was a shock but we are grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn and mature spiritually through this calling. I had my first official Sunday with all three kids alone during Sacrament Meeting yesterday and it wasn't as bad as I'd feared. All in all, I think it is a wonderful change to our lives and will be a challenge to say the least!
Gil Fellingham and Les Adams
We waited up, but finally at 10:45pm turned off the lights and went to bed. Oh, and on this particular evening I had developed a really bad headache. I was in a lot of pain, but decided to get some rest and maybe by morning it would be gone. I didn't take any pain medication because I just wanted to get to sleep. I figured if I couldn't sleep because of the pain then I'd get some Tylenol.
At 10:53pm there was a slight knock on our door. Soon after the phone began ringing. It was President Wilson. We were shocked. I thought to myself, what could possibly be so important that he has to come over at 11 o'clock at night? Les ended up getting the door and letting him in.
They began talking and I soon discovered there was NO way I was going to get to sleep. I got up after a while and took some Tylenol. While I was up Les came back to the bedroom and said that President Wilson wanted me to come out and talk with him too. I thought, no! I have a terrible headache and I need to sleep! I asked why and Les told me that he had called Les to be in the Bishopric of our ward. I thought for sure Les was kidding. I asked him if it was a joke and he said no. I asked repeatedly why he would joke like this and he insisted that yes, indeed, he was telling the truth. I reluctantly went to the front room with Les to get counsel from President Wilson.
We had to dim the lights in the room because my head was hurting so badly! I tried to focus all my attention on every word he said so I would get the most out of his wisdom and counsel. I was in shock to say the least. Finally around midnight we got back to bed.
During our discussion with Pres. Wilson he asked if there was someone Les would like to ordain him to the office of High Priest. Les told him that his Dad is currently on a mission and wouldn't be able to attend in order to do the honors. He asked if there was anyone else he'd like to have do it. Les said he'd like his father-in-law. So, bright and early the next morning before leaving for work Les called my Dad. (Little did we know my dad had had a root-canal done the day before and we woke him up!) Les invited him to come and ordain him and be there for the big day that coming Sunday. There was not a lot of notice since we called him Wednesday morning, but Dad was very gracious and booked a plane ticket to be there.
Dad flew in on Saturday and flew home Monday but it was so wonderful to have him there for Les' big day. I wanted to get a picture of them in their suits, but with all the hub-bub of the busy dad didn't get it taken. Instead I got this picture of them together just before we left to take dad to the airport Monday morning.
So, yup. It's official. Les was ordained a High Priest and sustained as the 1st counselor in our bishopric on Sunday January 10, 2010. It was a shock but we are grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn and mature spiritually through this calling. I had my first official Sunday with all three kids alone during Sacrament Meeting yesterday and it wasn't as bad as I'd feared. All in all, I think it is a wonderful change to our lives and will be a challenge to say the least!
Gil Fellingham and Les AdamsJanuary 11, 2010
Bath Time!!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Thoughts
I've wanted to journal some thoughts lately, but I've had trouble finding a way to gather them in order to write them in an intelligent way! I'm finally able to sit for a while and write so I'm going to give it a try.
Last month I got an announcement for an audition emailed to me. I had been waiting for it so when I got it I was thrilled. I quickly read through the audition information and determined I would do it! I have wanted to be in a show for a while and now that I've lost my baby weight and Luke isn't nursing anymore I figured it was time.
In my excitement I called a former professor from BYU for some advice. I also called a friend to get a referral to a photographer in order to get a new head shot taken. In the last one my hair was much longer and I wanted a current picture for this important audition. When Les got home from work that night I couldn't wait to tell him! The audition was one month away, but I wanted to be ready!
The next day Les was off work so we had the chance to talk about the dates of the show and how it would effect our family. I pulled up the email again to reread the details. When I went through it the second time I discovered I'd read it wrong the day before and the dates were different than I had remembered. I was devastated. I quickly realized that I wouldn't be able to be part of the show. The rehearsal process wasn't too long, but the show runs for two and a half months with at least 4 shows a week. That's a long time to be leaving my very young family in the evenings.
I cried and cried. I began anew the old discussion in my mind of whether it is possible to merge motherhood and my passion for musical theater performing. Is it possible to be a good mother and still perform? We are counseled to be there during the crossroads of our children's life. Bed time (I would say) is a crossroad. I need to be there to help them, talk to them, etc. Family prayer, personal prayer, taking an inventory on the day, etc. I feel all that is important for me to be present. However, why would the Lord give me such a talent and passion if I wouldn't be able to use it, polish it and enjoy it?! I began wishing that He would just take the talent and the desire to perform away from me so I wouldn't be so tempted to leave my mothering role. Does it have to be all or nothing? No. Then how can I, will I or is it even possible to combine them in some way? I would say to myself that down the road I would be able to do a show...but I feel as if I'm just getting old and eventually won't be asked to play those roles on the stage. And besides, I don't want to wait! I so wish I could be part of something now.
A month has passed and the audition for the show was yesterday. I wanted the opportunity to put myself out there and possibly meet some people who are in the business in this area so I decided to go audition anyway. I pulled out some music, practiced and prayed! I put on my cutest outfit (there aren't many these days!) and drove to the theater. When I walked in I felt so at home and remembered again why I love performing! I put on my sheet that I wouldn't be able to do the show, I just wanted the experience and feedback and to meet some new people.
I walked into the theater and my heart skipped a beat. I feel so comfortable and happy in the theater and on stage. I walked onto the stage and yearned to be there for more than just 32 measures! I sang and did a pretty good job. I felt good about it. My prayer was answered and my voice was clear and strong. I loved it. I loved being there. I didn't want to leave. As I walked off the stage I heard one of the directors say "Wow!" I was immediately pleased and grateful, they were impressed! My heart sang. I still got it! I wanted to run back up onto the stage and sing more!
When I walked down to the directors I asked for feedback. They were so kind! I got wonderful feedback and yet again wished I didn't have to tell them I couldn't do it. After he commented on my performance I told them that I couldn't actually do the show. The run and the amount of performances were just too many. I'm not willing to sacrifice the health of my marriage and my motherhood for the show. But I wanted to badly to say YES! I can do it! They asked if I could go home and talk my husband into lending me to them for a little while. It was so flattering to have them like me and to say I'd done such a good job. But I was so sad to know it was all for not. I'm just not meant to be part of that world as long as I'm obeying the Lord's counsel to be a mother in Zion. My heart sank and I left the theater.
I know that there will be a time when I'll be able to merge the two - motherhood and my passion for performance. But now isn't the time. If I left such a great responsibility to Les for such a long time I'm sure he'd grow weary of my absence and it would begin to effect our home life. And I don't blame him. This will just have to wait for another day and time. I just hope it's not too long before I find a theater company or group that I can be a part of. I just have to keep going out there and auditioning and meeting people. Someday, with the Lord's help I'll find a way to merge the two. My love for the Lord and my desire to obey and the talent and passion burning within me to be on stage singing! I'll wait. I'm sure I'll be rewarded for my obedience in time.
Last month I got an announcement for an audition emailed to me. I had been waiting for it so when I got it I was thrilled. I quickly read through the audition information and determined I would do it! I have wanted to be in a show for a while and now that I've lost my baby weight and Luke isn't nursing anymore I figured it was time.
In my excitement I called a former professor from BYU for some advice. I also called a friend to get a referral to a photographer in order to get a new head shot taken. In the last one my hair was much longer and I wanted a current picture for this important audition. When Les got home from work that night I couldn't wait to tell him! The audition was one month away, but I wanted to be ready!
The next day Les was off work so we had the chance to talk about the dates of the show and how it would effect our family. I pulled up the email again to reread the details. When I went through it the second time I discovered I'd read it wrong the day before and the dates were different than I had remembered. I was devastated. I quickly realized that I wouldn't be able to be part of the show. The rehearsal process wasn't too long, but the show runs for two and a half months with at least 4 shows a week. That's a long time to be leaving my very young family in the evenings.
I cried and cried. I began anew the old discussion in my mind of whether it is possible to merge motherhood and my passion for musical theater performing. Is it possible to be a good mother and still perform? We are counseled to be there during the crossroads of our children's life. Bed time (I would say) is a crossroad. I need to be there to help them, talk to them, etc. Family prayer, personal prayer, taking an inventory on the day, etc. I feel all that is important for me to be present. However, why would the Lord give me such a talent and passion if I wouldn't be able to use it, polish it and enjoy it?! I began wishing that He would just take the talent and the desire to perform away from me so I wouldn't be so tempted to leave my mothering role. Does it have to be all or nothing? No. Then how can I, will I or is it even possible to combine them in some way? I would say to myself that down the road I would be able to do a show...but I feel as if I'm just getting old and eventually won't be asked to play those roles on the stage. And besides, I don't want to wait! I so wish I could be part of something now.
A month has passed and the audition for the show was yesterday. I wanted the opportunity to put myself out there and possibly meet some people who are in the business in this area so I decided to go audition anyway. I pulled out some music, practiced and prayed! I put on my cutest outfit (there aren't many these days!) and drove to the theater. When I walked in I felt so at home and remembered again why I love performing! I put on my sheet that I wouldn't be able to do the show, I just wanted the experience and feedback and to meet some new people.
I walked into the theater and my heart skipped a beat. I feel so comfortable and happy in the theater and on stage. I walked onto the stage and yearned to be there for more than just 32 measures! I sang and did a pretty good job. I felt good about it. My prayer was answered and my voice was clear and strong. I loved it. I loved being there. I didn't want to leave. As I walked off the stage I heard one of the directors say "Wow!" I was immediately pleased and grateful, they were impressed! My heart sang. I still got it! I wanted to run back up onto the stage and sing more!
When I walked down to the directors I asked for feedback. They were so kind! I got wonderful feedback and yet again wished I didn't have to tell them I couldn't do it. After he commented on my performance I told them that I couldn't actually do the show. The run and the amount of performances were just too many. I'm not willing to sacrifice the health of my marriage and my motherhood for the show. But I wanted to badly to say YES! I can do it! They asked if I could go home and talk my husband into lending me to them for a little while. It was so flattering to have them like me and to say I'd done such a good job. But I was so sad to know it was all for not. I'm just not meant to be part of that world as long as I'm obeying the Lord's counsel to be a mother in Zion. My heart sank and I left the theater.
I know that there will be a time when I'll be able to merge the two - motherhood and my passion for performance. But now isn't the time. If I left such a great responsibility to Les for such a long time I'm sure he'd grow weary of my absence and it would begin to effect our home life. And I don't blame him. This will just have to wait for another day and time. I just hope it's not too long before I find a theater company or group that I can be a part of. I just have to keep going out there and auditioning and meeting people. Someday, with the Lord's help I'll find a way to merge the two. My love for the Lord and my desire to obey and the talent and passion burning within me to be on stage singing! I'll wait. I'm sure I'll be rewarded for my obedience in time.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Ok, so it's really weird to have my FACE at the top of my blog. And a little MORE weird to have it so big! I wanted to post something - anything - to make it so my face wasn't the first thing everyone sees when they check the blog!
I posted pictures of Marilyn and Steve. These pics were taken in March 2009 right before they left on their mission. Emily took the picture of Steve!
We are missing them right now. I wish they were here for all the fun stuff happening in our family. We pray for them and think of them daily.
We love you Elder and Sister Adams! See you in 9 months!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
New Headshot
Elise Kathleen Fellingham Adams30 years old
January 2010
Angela was kind enough to take a new headshot for me while I was in Utah. I'm so very grateful to her! I love how it turned out! Now I just need to get some copies made...and go to a few auditions! The first is easy...not so much on the second! Oh well, at least I have them in CASE I can ever be in a show!
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