This boy wears me out...

And this happens 3 times a day... & you should see the floor

Look at that grin on his face....

Skateboarding in the nude...

I LOVE THIS KID SO MUCH but I've never been so tired in my life....seriously!

At 15 ½ months here is a list of the good & the not so good:

*He says: "Tay- too" (thank you) when you give him something.
*He takes off his diaper & runs around laughing.
*He says: "Yuckkkkkkkkk..." (gurgling sound) whenever I'm changing a stinky diaper of his.
*He climbs up onto the kitchen table at least 10 times daily--He goes up there to find leftover food or to run around on it & tries to jump off. (He will be our million dollar child with all the bones he will break.)
*He also climbs on top of the piano & upstairs climbs on top of the couch and onto the stair railing...
*He likes to stand on a stool in Kaylea's room & watch her pet frog jump around & eat crickets in the fish tank. He squeals with excitement!
*He loves popsicles...which is always so fun to clean up.
*He counts to 3...   "Uh....Doo...Dee" (& then expects you to tickle him on 3)
*He digs in the Garbage cans to see what great things he can find-usually food scraps...gross!
*He insists on eating everything himself with no assistance...refer to picture #1
*He can sense when anyone is sad & will go lay his head on your stomach until he thinks you are happy....Breaks my heart every time!
*He makes this horrifically loud noise when he's mad, wants attention or simply wants to hear his own voice.
*He runs down the hall yelling his great noise when his Dad is on the phone working...Customers love it I'm sure.
*He figured out how to open the side door that goes outside & runs straight to the street! Scary!

*He can hear running water from across the house & runs super speed to it. He LOVES faucets! He will awake each morning to the sound of Tim's bathroom sink. He slides out of our bed (because he of course slept in it from 1am on) & will run over to the sink waiting for Tim to set him up next to the running water. He then proceeds to get the brush wet & do his own hair. It is hilarious! It is his FAVORITE thing to do.

Notice the wet hair & brush in hand

Man I love this kid!

My 2 cents on Glenn Beck & our Country...

You either love him or hate him. I happen to love him.
He is NOT perfect & will be the first to tell you that each time he speaks. {And Yes sometimes I cringe when he says things-but this just verifies to me that he is REAL.} Honestly though, I believe that he is being used as a tool by God. I think the ticket is his personality combined with his talent of preparing his thoughts & words in a powerful way. He is simply a church-going husband & father, who believes that Jesus Christ is his Savior and happens to have a job where he can share publicly his political & personal views.

In recent days before & after Becks' Restoring Honor Rally in D.C., I read & heard various "Evangelical Christians" thoughts about him. Many Christians are behind Beck, although many are frightened by him fearing the fact that he is a "Mormon." I don't know why that is. He believes in Jesus Christ as they do and yet because of "other" points of doctrine, they get scared and upset when he refers to himself as a Christian man. I think it's funny that Beck is saying 'This is what I believe' and people are saying: 'No you don't.'  {But this is all besides the point anyways.}

I read this article and appreciated this man for agreeing to disagree on theological points but also seeing the BIG picture & coming together to focus on what we all DO believe. We believe so many of the same values & concepts, but in order to fight the War we have to unite for the battle...(figuritively speaking of course.)  No matter your beliefs, you gotta give it to Glenn Beck for putting himself out there. Most conservatives are not near brave enough to do that in this Liberal-Media Controlled World we live in.

Conservative values is something our Country 
substantially lacks

-in a frightening way! 

The Common Goal: Being Good & Honest people, Living by the Golden Rule, Working hard, Remaining as free citizens & not puppets of the Government, Serving & Protecting our fellow men, Respecting not Hating, Living the Dream that our forefathers worked so hard to provide for us & Keeping it that way for our Children. Believing that Family is the fundamental unit of society. Relying on our Churches for Answers/Guidance & not our Government; Our Government is to oversee, not to overrule. Honoring those who have gone before us & provided us our freedoms, and Honoring those who go out now to battle doing the same.

Here are about half a million people who attended  (8/28/10)

United We Stand, Divided We Fall- is a true statement. Why waste time arguing points of doctrine when that's not the issue. Nobody is convincing anybody to change their belief system, only to unite in what we all believe together. Hoping to be One Nation Under God; Indivisible with Liberty & Justice for all. -just as our founding fathers had planned it for us.

~I vow to teach my children about the history & promise of this Country. America is great. It is led by imperfect people but was instituted by God-{just as Christ's Church is today.} This Country WAS founded upon Christian principles. Those who created it were led by the hand of God and those men would be ashamed if we ever thought otherwise.

*So there's your 2 or maybe 10 cents from me.

Time Management...

...Is something I'm not very great at... {which my husband reminds me of often.}

What can I say? I get sidetracked....easily. Between laundry, playing tickle with my babies, cleaning toilets, making crafts...whatever it is I get sidetracked. I have a problem with finishing a task.. For example I have over 10 posts in my blog that are "drafts" & not yet published. {I start a bajillion tasks in the day & yet at the end feel as if I really did hardly anything.} Confession: Sometimes I don't make my bed in the morning because I like it made a certain way. If I don't feel like I have the time or energy to make it perfect...I don't make it at all. Koo koo I know.

Reading this post from an old neighbor & friend Heather, reminded me that really it's more important to get things DONE rather than to get them PERFECT! A great reminder for me! Makes me think of the Quote on my SIDEBAR: "A Day Late, A Dollar Short...but I Always seem to get there."~Audra Campbell  {And I do usually get there.} Like this craft board I was supposed to make 8 months ago at Enrichment that Tim said I would never get done....just finished this week & it's dang cute. So I do get 'em done but why not sooner & a perhaps a little less cute.

I need to try harder. I guess it's okay to be a dollar short but I will definitely work on the 'day late' part. I also think of the talk from Elder Dallin H. Oaks entitled: Good, Better, Best! Thinking of that phrase more often should help me to prioritize a little bit better.-And remembering that the most important 'work' is done in the home raising our little ones.

So here's to accomplishing MORE {of the good stuff} even though it might be a little less PERFECT than I want it to be. {you might be seeing 10 halfway cute posts very soon.}


*How do YOU manage your time? Any pointers?...

~Honoring Emmie~

♔~Princess ❤ Emmie~♔

Tim is on far side in the back...limping. Don't ask.
He used crutches the whole day but insisted he must carry Emmie's casket...& so he did.

My heart hurts looking at their faces.

We weren't out there long because it was so extremely hot but Jason gave another of his beautiful prayers as he dedicated the grave.

I think Emmie didn't want the sadness prolonged & wanted everyone to hurry over to the celebration.

After Emmie's Burial there was the most beautiful luncheon put on thanks to their ward's Relief Society & some creatively talented friends. Tiff & Jason's ward family was amazing. They loved Emmie so much & showed in with all their help in the preparations.

Really... It was BEAUTIFUL.

There was a beautiful chandelier hanging & fabric draped across the ceiling!

We knew this Luncheon was going to be special from the beginning. Because Emmie would not be celebrating her 16th Birthday or Wedding Reception, Tiff wanted to make this bigger than the average funeral luncheon & celebrate her in a memorable Emmie-worthy way.

We honored Emmie

...❤ Strawberry Shortcake Style ❤

Jax helping his dad walk...

Emmie's Boy Cousins Eyeing the Adorable Candy Jars

That Girl's so sweet just like her name...

 ~Emmie~ We love you.

 Be with us. Remind us who we are, where we came from, 

who we want to become & where we are going.

Thanks for showing us these things and for leading the way back 

to our Father in Heaven & Savior Jesus Christ. 

What Love is all about...

*Read these sweet words written from a 

loving husband to his mourning wife. 

The Funeral...

{Funeral Program-back & front cover}

{inside of Program}

It was a beautiful day....it was beyond Hot outside, but inside the chapel was beautiful in every way. Beautiful with Decor~ with Emmie's earthly possessions, dolls, trinkets & most beloved Photos; My favorite~the painting of Emmie & her mother with Christ reaching out to her as she begins to walk to Him. The Beautiful Spirit~ that dwelt there of Heaven: Emmie, God, His Angels, Our Savior Jesus Christ & the Comforter-the Holy Ghost. Every face seen that day looked a little sweeter, a little prettier even with tears & mascara running down faces. Beautiful Words Spoken~by Grandpa (Lonnie) McCleve & Bishop Wright on the Plan of Salvation, Prayers by Grandmothers Cindy, Debbie & Aunt Tracey. The Life Sketch given by parents Tiffany & Jason as they included everyone there in on some of their sweetest Earthly moments with Emmie. And Beautiful Music~ that touched every heart present. A lovely video played in the foyer made by Aunt Carrie full of Emmie's Life photos & footage. Wonderful Violin Prelude/Postlude played by my sisters. I too felt honored to help provide music with the piano as Aunts Lacey & Ashlyn sang "In This Very Room." Another number was sung by Emmie's girl cousins {Sophie, Taylor, Kaylea, Macey, Melissa, Natalie & sister Ava & aunt Ash too} singing:  "A Child's Prayer." 
"Heavenly Father, Are you really there? And do you hear & answer every child's prayer? Some say that Heaven is far away, But I feel it close around me as I Pray..."

They don't come any prettier than this...

Look at that smile☺

♔{Celestial}♔

"Pray He is There, Speak He is listening. You are His Child. His love now surrounds you. He hears your Prayer, He loves the Children. Of such is the Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven."

The Viewing...

Elsie, Ava & Emmie
~Sisters Watching Over Sisters~
Them watching over her, She watching over them

Kaylea said that little sister Elsie (age 2) continued to tell people throughout the evening:

"Sshhhh...Emmie's Sleeping"

~Check Family~ 
Photos by Kristyn McBride 

It was amazing to see the hundreds of people that came into the Check home the night of Emmie's Viewing. For a little girl who never spoke a word, she sure influenced a lot of people. Friends, Neighbors, Extended Family & Ward Members came and gave their condolences to Tiffany & Jason and to see beautiful Emmie one last time. Emmie looked whole; She looked happy & content. It was very obvious she was not in her body although you could still feel her presence in the room.

Throughout the evening my little Jaxson (15 months) would point his finger over to Emmie's casket every time we walked by this room:

He'd lean that direction & insist I walk him over there. So at least a dozen times, I walked him over & we would just stand there on the left side..trying to stay out of the way of all others who came to see her. Jax would stare at Emmie very reverently each time...(except for once when he tried to dive in.) I honestly believe that The Veil is thin & these tender young spirits remember something about the Heaven they came from & where those who pass over have gone.

Tender Last Moments...

~Families Are Forever~

Emmie left the hospital yesterday with her parents & was brought to their home so they could all be more comfortable. (Photo taken upon arriving home from the Hospital by family friend Kristyn McBride.) There has been a tremendous amount of visitors both at home & the hospital and I think Emmie felt like she couldn't leave yet if it was her own party. I was so grateful my older kids had the opportunity last night to go in, sit on the bed next to Emmie, hold her hand & say their goodbyes.

I left that evening a little after bedtime to take the kids home & put them to bed. Tim left later and got to spend more time there with his family. We got to bed a while after midnight & then got a phone call about 1:00am saying things were looking like Emmie was getting close to going. Her breathing was shallow & not consistent. Tim got picked up soon afterwards by his parent & sisters and they & other family members all stayed the night there at the foot of the bed Emmie lay in. They said the Spirit was so remarkably strong there throughout the night...(& you could feel it so strongly there today.)
They thought Emmie had entered Heaven's presence a few times during the night...but she would jump right back into that body of hers still fighting. There were over 20 people sleeping on floors/couches waiting for the moment when Emmie would choose to leave her Earthly body. This angelic, fragile little body has a fighter spirit. I think she just hurt to see her Mom, Dad, sisters & family in pain and it was hard for her to leave them.


This morning I felt like the luckiest lady alive as I got to spend my own little one on one time with Emmie. Just me and her- even if it were just for a few minutes. It was out of the normal that there were not a lot of people around..Because of course now they were mostly all sleeping. I whispered some special words to her & I knew she was listening. I know people have had many special experiences the last few days regarding Emmie that are too sacred to type in a blog setting, but ones that will never be forgotten. The Gospel is true & I know it as we have all been surrounded by the presence of Heaven in recent days.
We began praying this afternoon for those on the other side of the veil to help convince her to pass over completely. Sweet little Emmie was holding on for everyone else & had to keep being reminded that it was okay for her to let go....and I think that's just what she needed. She began to pass away in her mother & father's arms as just the 3 of them lay in bed together...now that's how Emmie wanted it to be. The way it all played out was beautiful.

Emmie Rae Check left her Earthly body this afternoon at 3:50pm & entered into the presence of her Father in Heaven.

I can't imagine the pain Tiff & Jason have to be feeling right now...Maybe mine times a million. All I know is it has been the most heart wrenching thing I've ever witnessed to see a mother in so much agony as she loses a child. As much as the Plan of Salvation must comfort them at a time like this, it must all seem just so far away. That seeing her again is so far away. We pray that there can be continued comfort given to the Check's at this most unbearable time. We hope that Tiffany & Jason can lay up their most heavy burdens upon the Lord so that He can carry it for them.

Nothing like a Mother's Love

This evening was Heavenly & Beautiful yet Tragic & Devastating all at the same time. The hardest thing I've ever witnessed was tonight when Jason walked out of his bedroom carrying his sweet daughter in his arms, Tiffany clinging to his side. Family members grieving as he walked her outside to the Mortician. It just happened to be right at the time of the most beautiful sunset. The pink rays of the sun shone down on Emmie's body & those who loved her. There must have been 40 people out on the grass to witness, support and grieve over this most precious Daughter of God. The hardest part was when little sister Ava began to bawl saying "No Emmie, Don't Leave!"    

~We pray that the amazing spirit of Peace that has been in their home this last day will continue; Because without it, life will now seem unbearable for them.~

Tonight I will squeeze my kids a little tighter & stay on my knees a little longer.

Princess Emmie

Update: {Yesterday was another hard day. Tiffany & Jason were given even more bad news about Emmie. Her brain has even more swelling now at this point on top of all the extensive brain damage. Her frail body can only take a few more doses of the medication that is helping the swelling. After she receives that today they will most likely be taking her home & having Hospice care come in. Although we are still hoping for that miracle, we feel that Heavenly Father might be answering our prayers in a different sense. We have been praying specifically to God to let "His will be known."...and maybe that's what He is doing.}

Please continue to Pray for Peace & Comfort to Tiffany, Jason & Family. We all are feeling the strength from the hundreds of Prayers offered up. Last night in the Hospital Room amidst the despair there was still a great sense of peace. And there were Angels there...you could feel them.

Emmie, Ava & Kaylea
~Thanksgiving 2006~

Fear Not, Believe Only....

Photo by Aunt Tracey

The other night I had a dream. It was very short but very vivid. Emmie was starting to wake up after having been heavily sedated for a time. Her dad Jason was holding her in his arms and suddenly Emmie opened her eyes and looked into his. He exclaimed.. "Emmie!" ....And then I suddenly woke up! I wish I knew the beginning and end of that dream, but I know that my heart was pounding when I awoke in the middle of the night from it.



Please continue your prayers for this little Angel Emmie. Wake up sweet Emmie if you can; we miss you.
The latest updates on Emmie are here.

The Ups & Downs...

Photo taken July 20, 2010 

Update: Emmie continues to be on a Ventilator although they are trying to wean her from it. There have been ups & downs since she has been in the hospital these last few days. Last night was one of the biggest blows as we received devastating news after the MRI. There has been "new extensive brain damage" & major swelling in the brain. I think the other side of the veil is pulling for her but so are we! It is all in the hands of the Lord. Last night we knelt around Emmie's Hospital Bed as Jason gave a beautiful Family Prayer. He said some powerful things like: "Thy will be done." I think as hard as it was to say that it might somewhat remove the burden of knowing exactly what to do. Knowing that our Father in Heaven is 'all-knowing' & knows the 'beginning from the end' is so extremely comforting. He knows our wishes.. but it is up to Him. It is all in His hands.

Please pray for Tiffany, Emmie's Mom to have strength & a sense of peace. It is so devastating to see her in so much pain. Yesterday for the most part (before the MRI news) was a good day. Tiffany says she literally can feel the strength from hundreds of prayers & faith in fasting. She will need continued strength in the coming days, especially as she carries this unborn little boy coming in October/November.

We ♡ this Sweet Angel 

#36

Tim's Birthday was not the typical day this year. We spent a good portion of the day in the Hospital with Emmie & family. We got to go to the Temple and do a session with Carrie & Mason. (thanks to Aunt Brittany)  Before we had such a pressing reason to go to the Temple, I had asked Tim what he wanted to do on his Birthday and he had already said that he wanted the two of us to go so it was already in the works. It was convenient to jump on the freeway from Cardon's Childrens Hospital & go straight to the Temple. We prayed for peace & enlightenment. We had a Family Fast that day on Tim's Birthday for sweet Emmie & broke our fast together as we met afterwards at a yum Mexican Restaurant to eat. 

Later that evening we arrived home & as we drove up saw this sign on our door. 

Thanks to our daughter, Tim experienced some Birthday decor & fun {when I wasn't quite in the balloon-singing mood.} She wrapped his gifts and everything. Luckily I had a cake out in the freezer I had bought a few days earlier. Notice we didn't even take it out of the box.

Please Pray for Emmie...

Today on Tim's 36th Birthday our hearts are heavy....

Read why HERE.

Going to the Temple soon to plead with God to protect them. Please Fast & Pray with us.

Filling Up Grandma & Grandpa's Pool....

One Drop At A Time....

Jaxson feeling really important!
He is now obsessed with all water hoses & faucets....Future Fire Fighter?