I tried to upload a video but it wouldnt let me:(Tyson is 11 months old! He has 6 teeth and 2 more about to pop through. He loves to laugh and play. He has learned how to throw and likes to play "catch"- which is more like roll the ball to him then he throws it back! With learning to catch he has also learned that he can conveniently throw a toy or his pacifier to a place where he is not suppose to be just so he can go get it. For example he will throw a ball to the speakers so that he can touch the speakers. Or if you pick we are holding him and not letting him get down to play he will throw his pacifier on the ground so that he can get down to get it. Silly kid. Also with learning how to throw, he thinks it is halarious to throw things out of the grocery cart so I have to keep picking them up. He loves books but prefers to look at them by himself instead of me reading them to him. He likes when I sing silly songs and laughs when I make funny faces at him. This morning he started playing peek-a-boo on his own! He gets mad when he doesnt get what he wants. He enjoys the attention he gets at the store but is too shy to let anyone else hold him. He's getting close to walking but I think its still atleast a month or more away...I can wait! \He's a good kiddo and we love him to death but cant believe he going to be a year old already:( He's growing up way too fast. Yesterday Kurt said, "next thing we know we'll be at the MTC and we'll be walking out one door while he walks out the other." I know that is a day we will be so proud of him but I'm not ready for that.
My mom is a peacemaker- it has been said a lot of times, but it is true. She is always the one to work out a spat between siblings or settle a fight. My mother also taught me how to be a good "house wife" if you may, something she got from her own Mother I think. I can always remember her working non stop to keep the house clean and have dinner and treats ready when we got home. She taught me how to appreciate what we have and make do. We were not rich growing up and many time we "did without". But I never remember my Mother complaining or even more profound, I dont remember her ever buying things for herself. We were and are her main concern and she put our needs above hers no matter what it was. She taught me to treat others the way I want to be treated. If someone is left out or doesnt fit in we can reach out a hand and befriend these people. I know how it feels to not fit in, and in those times I would have LOVED someone to reach out a hand to me.
My Mother-in-law is a very kind and friendly woman. The first time I went to Church with them in St. Louis everyone wanted to sit by her and now I know why! I tend to keep to myself but I can learn a lot from this attribute of hers. She has taught me how to show my love for my family not only through actions but through words. Sometimes we forget that our loved ones may just need to hear an I love you. Its simple but powerful. She has taught me not to judge others on their past. I have a tattoo- its true. I was so concerned for my in-laws to see it and think negativly about me that I asked Kurt to tell them before hand they met me so they wouldnt be shocked. But their response was so comforting. Not only did they not care, but they never judged me for it. My mother-in-law has taught me the meaning of a strong testimony and Living the Gospel to the fullest. This is something that if I follow her example, will help ensure that my children and their childrens children will continue to recieve the blessings promised to us when we live righteously. 
I am not a perfect wife or mother but I strive to be great and by following the examples of these two amazing mothers in my life, I can and will succeed. I love you Mom Shelley and Mom Marita!
