Busy Week

So this past week has been VERY busy in the Jefferies house. On Monday Savannah had her 15mo check up, she is doing great. She is 33 in long and 22.5 lbs, its amazing to see how big she has gotten since she was born time just flies. While at this appt her doctor nicely told me that she's going to start being a danger to herself just because she is so active and very curious. For those of you who interact with Savannah on a regular basis or get to hear me talk about her you know this to be true. It is very rare to find her sitting still she is always on the move and trying to push her limits. She wants to see everything and has no fear, she could care less if her mom or dad are with her she'll just go off and explore on her own and then try to find you when she's done. It can be quite exhausting to try and keep up with her. So after this appt she learned 4 new tricks which I don't quite like but are a sign that she's growing up and become more independent, something else I don't like. This past week Savannah learned how to climb onto our kitchen chairs and stand on the table. She learned how to pull out the drawer under the oven so now she can stand on the thin edge and get anything on the counter and in any top drawer. Also this puts her at a prime spot to get the front two burners on our oven. My favorite thing she learned to do this week was to climb out of her crib and onto her changing table! Now they are attached to each other but still, watching her do this makes me stop breathing because her head is hanging over the crib and she can fall face first onto the floor at any moment. Once she's on her changing table she reaches over the side and opens her pants drawer and then proceeds to pull out all her pants and skirts. You can see why this is my favorite. Then yesterday she learned another new trick. For naps I know put her in her pack-n-play since there is no way she can get out. This of course frustrates her to no end so her retaliation is now to undress herself. I went in to check on her and she's sleeping shirtless in her bed, then later on that evening she once again decided that there was no need to wear a shirt and decided it was best to walk around topless. Well there you have it, my little Savannah is growing up to be a naked circus performer and I'm just along for the ride. Also this week I have to clean my entire house for those who will be staying here and pack for 3 people for a 2 week trip to Maryland where they just got 2 feet of snow. Maybe we'll have a white Christmas after all. My only hope is that with all the new things Savannah is learning that 1 she won't get us kicked off the airplane and 2 her family in Maryland will still love her after our visit. She is cute enough thought that its almost impossible to stay mad at her...she takes after her dad.

Mini-Me

If you have ever questioned the idea of Savannah being my daughter here is more proof that she is totally a girly girl like her mom and that we are two peas in a pod. The other day Savannah got a hold of her hair jar, in it is all of the flowers I put in her hair almost on a daily basis. Well not all at once but one each day, you know what I mean. So after she handed me every single flower it was decided that we should put on a pretty dress too and then of course some sneakers because that totally finishes the look. Oh how I love my little girl and that she already plays dress up with me.

Thoughts from Me

So I've said it before but one of my favorite things is the Conference edition on the Ensign. Last time it came out in April I attempted to put in a quote a week and I failed. I didn't even make it half way through. So I don't think I'm going to commit to a quote a week but I did want to include some of my favorites that I've read so far. Hopefully they'll lift your spirits as they have mine.

"Spirituality yields two fruits. The fist is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it." -Elder Richard G. Scott

"The challenge for each of us is in providing an environment where the Spirit can be felt daily in our homes and weekly at church. One reason we are encouraged to pray and read the scriptures every single day is that both of these activities incited the spirit into our homes and into the lives of our family members." -Vicki F. Mastumori

"No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or our own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him. The adversity and afflictions that are ours, however difficult to bear, last, from heaven's perspective, for "but a small moment;and then, if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt [us] on high." We must do everything we can to bear our burdens "well" for however long our "small moment" carrying them lasts." -Elder L.Whitney Clayton

"All parents and gospel teachers are messengers from God." -Russell T Osguthorpe
"We can begin to become more diligent and concerned at home by telling the people we love that we love them. Such expressions do not need to be flowery or lengthy. We simply should sincerely and frequently express love." -Elder David A. Bednar

"When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ becomes more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden...if we truly learn to love our Heavenly Father and our fellowman with all our heart, soul, and mind-all else will fall into place." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"If anyone thinks that godly or parental love for an individual grants the loved one license to disobey the law, he or she doesn't not understand either love or law." -Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"However, we much be careful not to constrain [the Spirits] influence. When we do not do what is right or when our outlook is dominated by skepticism, cynicism, criticism, and irreverence toward others and their beliefs, the Spirit cannot be with us. We then act in a way that the prophets describe as the natural man." -Elder Robert D. Hales

The Lord does not expect that we do what we cannot achieve. The command to become perfect, as He is, encourages us to achieve the best of ourselves, to discover and develop the talents and attributes with which we are blessed by a loving Eternal Father, who invites us to realize our potential as children of God. He knows us; He knows of our capacities and our limitations. The invitation and challenge to become perfect, to achieve eternal life is for all mankind." -Elder Jorge F. Zeballos

Mommy's Helper

Savannah is such a nut lately. She definitely has her own quirky personality and she is wanting to do so many new things. Her newest love is helping in the kitchen. She loves to "cook" and "taste" her concoctions. Also she now has to watch me make dinner every night from the comfort of one of our kitchen chairs. It is quite fun to see her using her imagination and having so much fun.

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!

So this week we went on a new adventure with our good friends. Savannah went to the zoo for the first time! Might I add that she LOVED it! I mean totally loved it! The weather was pretty nice, don't let how bundled up Savannah was fool you. I'm partly paranoid that she's freezing half the time and her hat was just do dang cute I couldn't bear to take it off her because she actually left it on. She's actually quite proper already, she won't wear hats inside but as soon as your outside she won't touch it. I also love this about her. Anyway back to our outing...I wasn't quite sure how Savannah would do because I never know if she really knows what's going on. She was totally into it though, she loved following the animals and seeing what they would do. She was a perfect angel the whole trip and I can't wait to take her back in the Spring.

The Cutest Bug I've Ever Seen

Here is a preview of Miss Savannah's Halloween costume, mostly because these pictures my mom took are way cuter then any I'll take.

Girls Rule and Boys Drool

So, Wednesday thru Friday I watch one of my good friends daughter. This is perfect for many reasons...one of the biggest is that our daughters are only 4 months apart and they totally get along! So I have a schedule that we usually follow of what we do during the day and all that fun stuff because I thrive on having a schedule. So today I decided to spice it up a bit and while the girls were finishing up their naps I made them a surprise in the family room. That's right a giant tent! I am totally that awesome and the girls loved it, especially Savannah. It gave her a chance to harness her inner monkey. I don't think I've ever seen her climb so much and if the sheets weren't on the latter I think she could have climbed to the top. I think I had more fun making this wonder of a tent then the girls did playing in it but after all they are only 12 and16 months for goodness sakes.

More Pics of Savannah Turning 1

What Matters Most

Time Flies When Your Turning 1!

My baby has turned 1! Time has gone by so fast, it feels just like yesterday when I was going to the hospital to have a baby. Jacob and I have enjoyed every minute of Savannah and honestly don't know what we did before she was a part of our family. She has made our lives immeasurably better. I love watching her grow and seeing all the fun things she is able to do as she gets bigger. I thought I'd let you all know some of the things that are new with her and what she is doing so here is your list: Savannah is walking everywhere and now trying to run everywhere, she has 3 teeth, she is a monkey she just wants to and can climb on everything, she'll grab your finger and make you walk with her around the house and will then stand by the front door letting you know that its time to go outside, she says "hi" "da-da" "uh-oh" and "mmmmmh" after every bit she takes when eating, she sleeps all through the night from 8pm-8am, she snuggles into our cat Suzie and loves to pet her, she is terrified of stuffed animals that are tigers, and so much more that I can't fit into this post. Needless to say everything that she does we think is amazing and we adore her to pieces. So as far as pictures go I have some of Savannah's first pictures from the hospital and then I'm incuding pictures of her party and now that she's 1, as you can see she's grown a TON but is still as cute as ever.

Pear Picking

Yes that's right I went pear picking because I, Jillian Jefferies canned pears. Every day I am becoming more and more domestic, its quite exciting. Included are a few pictures of Jacob, Savannah, and I picking pears. After about a week of sitting in my house they were then transported to my in laws and us girls had an assembly line for canning all of our pears. Now I can't wait till I get to eat them!

Happy Birthday Jacob

Well yesterday was the big day, Jacob's 28th Birthday! This whole past weekend has kind of been a birthday celebration for Jacob and over all I think he had a great time. On Saturday Jacob went golfing with the boys and then we had a bbq/pool party. Everyone there had a great time. Then yesterday on his actual day of birth Jacob got to stay home and play with Savannah and I. We started off the day with yummy German Pancakes show here and then we were off to the DMV. That's right we went to get Jacob's license renewed because it expired yesterday. Luckily Jacob had the bight idea to get there at 10, we only had to wait like 20 minutes as apposed to who knows how long because when we left there was a line outside the door just waiting to get a number. After our lovely visit to the DMV we ran a few more errands and then it was back to the house so Savannah could take a nap. Jacob just did whatever he felt like and I worked on a few projects that I needed for later that night. You see Jacob's youngest sister Sandi decided that for her 20th birthday last month the theme was her favoirte things and she was going to write her 20 favorite things about her parents and siblings. So now were all doing it, for everone's birthday we writing down our favorite things about that person and when were celebrating that person's birthday we give read them what we love about them and then give them a copy to keep. Sweet isnt' it?! So last night we were doing this for Jacob and his other sister Jeni so one of my projects was writing down their lists and of course making them look cute. I included a picture of Jacob's even though Jeni's looks cuter, I just fogot to take a picture before I gave it to her. Anyway I'll share Jacob's list with you because I think you should all know some of the resason's why I love Jacob.
I LOVE...when he sings in the shower (his voice is amazing!) how when he kisses my neck, I still get goose bumps and have butterflies in my stomach. how he uses movie quotes all time. how much he adores Savannah. when he tells stories from his mission. how he smells. when he sticks his tounge out. how he's ticklish. the voices he does when reading stories. how I always feel safe as long as he's around. how hard working he is. how he'll listen to me ramble on and on. how he never knows what to do if when I cry. when he goes off on one of his rants and he gets so into it. how much he loves his family. when he calls people a douch. when he gives me "Doug" hugs. how I never hear him complain. how when he gives me a compliment its so sincere, he always brings tears to my eyes. how we'll be together forever. Isn't Jacob the best?! And those are just 20 of the reasons why I love him but there are many more. So the reading of these lists took place at Jacob's parents where we had our party celebration. It really was such a fun weekend and I hope Jacob felt special and appreciated and realizes how much we all love him and are greatful to have him in our lives. He really is the best.

Summer Love

There are many reasons why I love Summer...one of the biggest ones is because I LOVE wearing flip flops another huge one that I don't get to do is being able to go to the beach. Oh how I miss driving over to Ocean City, fun times...fun times (tons of memories are flowing through my head while I have a slight smile across my face.) Another reason I love Summer is because I love seeing all the flowers and having everything look so alive. This year I decided to be even more of a grown up since I'm now a mom and all so I decided to plant a garden. Yes you read correctly, I planted a garden. If you ask Jacob I didn't do the best job, my rows are WAY to close together but in my defense I had no help and I've never planted a garden before. In fact I couldn't even tell I had anything growing because all my rows have grown together and its just a huge mesh of green leaves. Also my lettuce is dead because I planted my rows so close and my other plants have grown over it so it can't get any sun and to be honest I really can't even find it anymore so it may in fact still be growing and I wouldn't know. Anyway enjoy some pictures of the yard, there are some sunflowers that are almost as tall as the house, my lovely garden jungle, and the 3 zucchini that I found today while I was trying to weed.

I Love to See the Temple

"When we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent." -Elder Richard G. Scott

Faith in Adversity

"Living the gospel does not mean that we will everlastingly escape adversity. Rather, it means that we will be prepared to face and endure adversity more confidently." -Elder Rafael E. Pino

Jillian aka the Tooth Fairy

So I've had many nicknames and titles given to me. To most I am known as Jillian to some as Jilly-Bean or perhaps you remember me as Gorillian (my least favorite of all the nicknames) or Hillbillian, I know where do people come up with these things. I am also known as a wife, mother, daughter, you get the point. My newest title is Tooth Fairy, now no one has had a tooth come out in our house requiring that I leave a special treat under their pillow BUT Savannah did get her first tooth yesterday. Well to be more precise she cut her first tooth and it is coming in very nicely. Always something exciting going on in our house, and to think I didn't know if I'd have stuff to blog about.

For you Mary

My good friend Mary was kind enough to make Savannah a dress. She found this John Deere fabric and just couldn't resist, if you know Jacob at all you know why. I think the dress is just adorable and Savannah does look pretty cute in it. Mary I hope you enjoy seeing the pictures of the dress you made, everyone loves it.

Just a Few More...

Ok, so I had to add a few more because my mom sent my disk with all our pictures and there were just a few more I wanted to add. Picture 4 is actually a shot of my mom, Savannah, and I, I think its a fantastic picture of the 3 of us.

Because You Never Can Get Enough

I'm not quite sure how true this is for all of you, but for me, I truly can never get enough pictures taken of my little family. For those who know me, you know that I LOVE to get my picture taken so this little photo shoot we had with my mom was oh so fun for me. I've said it before but I'll say it again, I am so thankful for having photographers in my family and that they are willing to take pictures of us. These were all taken here in Boise by my mom during her last visit at the end of June. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Faith

"There is no other thing in which we can have absolute assurance. There is no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy, and hope. In uncertain and difficult times, faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of our utmost efforts. We can give our children education, lessons, athletics, the arts, and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given little." -Elder Kevin W. Pearson

For you mom...better late then never right?

Ok so when Savannah was born my mom was going to embroider a birth announcement for Savannah. Its something that my brothers and I all got and she wanted to make one for Savannah too. So after she got started she remembered how much work it is to sew one of them and decided to be a bit creative and make a different kind of announcement. Well I loved what she ended up doing and all I needed was for Jacob to make me a frame so we could hang it up. Well here we are 9 months later and I finally have my frame and the name plauge hung up. I must say I'm quite pleased with how it all turned out and I love how it all looks together.