The Belka's

Paisley and Maxwell-1 Year Old Pictures

2012-01-09T19:55:00.007-07:00

Paisley and Maxwell

2011-04-04T19:59:00.006-06:00

Paisley and Maxwell are almost 7 months old now. I love it! I love how much personality they are getting and how fun they are. I just love them SO much and I am so blessed to be their mother. Time is flying and yet I feel like it is slow at the same time. I love the stage that they are in right now but I am looking forward to them moving too. We had some pictures taken when they turned 6 months old and I absolutely love them. I love looking at pictures, it is crazy to see how much they have changed.

Blessing Day!

2010-12-29T20:55:00.003-07:00

We blessed Paisley and Maxwell in our home on December 5th. We had such a wonderful time with our immediate families surrounding us. Auston gave the babies such beautiful blessings, the day couldn't have been better. We loved the special spirit that was with us that day. We thank our Heavenly Father everyday that we are so blessed to have such wonderful children come into our family.

5 Weeks Old

2010-12-29T20:53:00.002-07:00

These pictures were taken when Paisley and Maxwell were five weeks old. They have changed so much in just a few short months.

Its A Wonderful Life!

2010-11-08T16:58:00.005-07:00

I am so blessed! September 8, 2010 was the best day! Not only was it Auston's birthday but it was the day my beautiful babies were born. Paisley Jane was born at 1:05 p.m. and weighed 5 lbs 5 oz. Auston Maxwell was born at 1:10 p.m., he weighed 4 lbs 15 oz. Honestly I cannot believe how much love I have for these two precious babies! I love them all my heart! I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father has sent them to me, they were definitely worth the wait! I love being a mother! I am so blessed!

2010-07-28T20:22:00.004-06:00

I know that it has honestly been forever since I have posted anything. It has been the furthest thing from my mind since I found out that I am having these two little babies. Well, last week I had a routine doctor visit and when he checked me he found that I had already started to dialate and my cervix was already thinned to 50%. He decided to admit me to the hospital for 48 hours so they could monitor the babies, and my contractions. He also wanted me to have the steriod shots to help the babies lungs develop just in case they decided to make their debut early. For some reason I just about started to cry. I have never spent any time in the hospital and I definitely wasn't prepared to start that day. I didn't want my babies to be born that early and it all made me pretty nervous. I was having pretty consistent contractions the first night and I had to stay in the labor and delivery but the second night my body quieted down and they actually let me go home Thursday. I was so excited to actually be going home. Well, here I sit, still at home. The doctor has put me on modified bed rest to help prevent me from going into preterm labor. My life has been a little crazy and different than I have ever experienced but I am so blessed. I am so thankful that these babies are still growing and healthy. I just keep praying that they want to stay for at least another 4 weeks. I love them so much already and I can't imagine what my life will be like with them. I am so excited!

Amazingly Blessed!

2010-05-13T14:20:00.007-06:00

I don't know quite how to express in words how amazingly blessed that I am.

I am PREGNANT with...... TWINS! Auston and I are so excited. I can't even begin to explain how much gratitude I feel in my heart. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father is trusting me with these two little miracles. Another amazing blessing....we are having a

Boy and a Girl!

For some reason I cannot get my scanner to work or I would post some of our ultrasound pictures. These babies are just the most adorable things ever. I know, I just can't say it enough, I am so blessed!

Thankful

2009-11-23T15:34:00.002-07:00

I have so much to be thankful for in my life. It seems like my life never goes according to plan and my hopes and dreams never turn out to be exactly what I have envisioned. I do know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for my life, the last few years I have struggled to know what that plan is. At times I have become so worn down by my problems/dashed hopes that I have lost the ability to live my life to the fullest. I have so much to be grateful for, I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for my amazingly wonderful husband who I couldn't live without! He is my greatest blessing! I have the best sisters anyone could ask for and I am extremely grateful for such amazing parents. I need to stop focusing on the things that I don't have and start really focusing on all of the blessings that I do have.

Wedding!

2009-08-13T14:36:00.015-06:00

Jamie and Chris are MARRIED! It was the best weekend ever! Friday night was the wedding dinner at the Grand America. It was so elegant and the food was delicious!

Saturday Jamie and Chris were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. The sealing was the most spirit filled, powerful one that I have been to. I can't believe my sister is married, and to the man of her dreams. They make the perfect couple. They are truly two of the most amazing people that I will ever know. The wedding was so perfect!

Here are some of the few pictures that I have from the wedding festivities. Isn't my husband handsome?! My mom and her sisters are all so beautiful! The reception was at the Salt Lake Country Club, Perfect!

My beautiful aunt Joni along with the help of her two gorgeous daughters (my wonderful cousins) made this gorgeous table cloth out of lemon leaves. I am sure that it took them forever but it was definitely the center of attention at the reception. Amazing!

Summer!

2009-08-13T14:01:00.009-06:00

Summer 2009 has been the best summer! We have had such a blast! To start off the summer we had an awesome 4th of July. We spent the night at my Mom's cabin then we had the most amazing BBQ at my Aunt Joni's (she is the best gourmet). The very next weekend we had the Belka Family Reunion 2009 in Kanab at Clay & Shellie's house. We rode 4-Wheelers, had a pool party, went to a Chuckwagon Cookout, sat around the campfire, etc. We had the best time! Thanks Clay and Shellie for everything!

Pioneer Day we headed down to Southern Utah to celebrate with my Dad. On our way to Escalante, Auston and I went to Capitol Reef. It was gorgeous. I love spending time with my best friend/ hubby. It was so much fun to just be on our own little adventure. We went for a hike along the Fremont River, saw some petroglyphs, saw the Fruita Schoolhouse (way cool). What is crazy to me is that I have driven past the entrance to Capitol Reef dozens of times and we have never been there. I am so glad that we finally went. Escalante always celebrates Pioneer Day the Saturday after the holiday so we were able to be there for the parade. My Dad is running for Mayor of Escalante & Auston and I got to help in the parade. We threw out lip balm, fans that said Taylor for Mayor on them, as well as tons of candy. It was so memorable. I hope my Dad wins Mayor, he will truly be the best! Good luck Dad!

May 2009

2009-05-31T22:34:00.010-06:00

May was such an eventful month for us. May 12th was such a wonderful day because Beckham Tate Meredith was born. Jill is the most amazing mother and she has the most beautiful babies. Okay so I am biased but I truly think they are gorgeous. Beckham is the best baby and I love him so much! I am so grateful to have another nephew to love!May 22 was another amazing day because my favorite brother (so he's my only brother but that definitely makes him my favorite!) graduated from high school. We took a much needed trip to Escalante to be there for the graduation and to have a chill weekend. We had planned on going hiking, four wheeling, etc but it rained/poured the entire weekend. Escalante needed the rain so much but it did cramp our style a bit. We still were able to have a blast though, my Dad took us to the Anasazi museum in Boulder where he knows the museum curator so we were able to see all of the special artifacts that no one even knows about. So cool!

Jamie and Chris are getting married August 8th and we couldn't be more excited! It is going to be the event of the year! Can we say party?!

We were totally missing Jill, she had to stay home because hello, she just had a baby! We honestly missed her so bad! I don't know how it worked out but somehow we all were coordinating our outfits.

On Sunday after church we were able to go exploring a little up the Alvey wash. Oh my goodness it is beautiful and so much fun. We were totally hiking these huge rocks. Escalante is just one of the most amazing places and I absolutely love it.

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T12:35:00.002-06:00

Our lives have been so busy lately with a million things but I need to take a moment to stop and reflect on all the blessings that I have been given. This past weekend I was able to see two of the most important people in my life and honor them. Mother's Day is always a special day. Auston and I are so grateful for the two amazing mothers that we have. I can't find the right words to describe truly how we feel about both of them. They make everything better in our lives. I am so grateful to their examples of motherhood and their Christlike love. As much as I love Mother's Day because we get to honor our Mother's I struggle a little bit. For the past four years Mother's Day has always been a little hard for me just due to the fact that I am not able to be a Mother. I have always wanted to be a mom more than anything but our Heavenly Father has a different plan for me right now. Yesterday in our Sacrament meeting the speaker talked about how every woman is a mother, even if she hasn't had the opportunity to give birth. He gave the example of how Adam called Eve "the mother of all living" before she had even born children of her own. Women are innately mothers from birth. We as women are nurturing, and loving. That gave peace to my heart and a whole new perspective on my life as a woman and daughter of God. I hope to one day be blessed to be a Mother to children of my own but until that time I will strive to have more faith in Heavenly Father's plan for me. I absolutely had the best Mother's Day weekend and we loved being able to spend time with our wonderful families.

Sad Sad

2009-04-19T20:57:00.000-06:00

What a week! It has honestly been the hardest week. On Wednesday my car was broken into while I was at the gym. I know you are not supposed to leave your purse in the car but people's purses have been stolen right out of the locker and so I thought it would be safer just to leave my purse in the back seat. Well, I was totally victimized and the crook got away with a ton of my stuff. They stole my purse, with my preciouse Wedding Ring inside. They got away with my digital camera, my Dad's expensive camera, my jewelry, and they even took some of my sewing stuff! I feel so violated and I am totally distraught about my wedding ring. I called the insurance and they will only pay a small portion to replace my ring so I guess I am going to have to wait awhile till I can get a new one. I don't want a new one! I just want MY ring! I have been to several pawn shops, called many others and no luck. I am so sad! I know they are only material things that I have lost but it still makes me sad.

Escalante-1A Champions!

2009-03-10T15:37:00.010-06:00

This past weekend we all went to Richfield to watch Escalante play in the 1A basketball tournament. Jace is a senior this year and it was his final chance to play high school basketball. I can't believe that he will graduate this year! They played their hearts out and won the championship for the 3rd time in 4 years. Amazing! I am so proud of Jace. He is such a wonderful brother and I can't wait to see what the future will hold for him. Whitley is a cheerleader for Escalante High so she was definitely part of the action!
Jamie and Chris are the cutest couple! Chris was amazing at getting the crowd excited!

Jill, Brandon and Tanner had a blast! You should have heard Tanner say "Go Moquis"

Tanner is my little buddy, I honestly do not know what I would do without him! He makes me smile no matter what mood I am in!

Auston and I have witnessed all 3 Escalante State Championships,

and we are so glad! I am so blessed to have such a supporting husband!

He always makes a huge effort to be able to make everything work and to make everyone happy. How did I ever get so blessed?!

February

2009-02-17T19:05:00.003-07:00

Valentine's Day was so much fun this year. We made heart pancakes, ran errands, had lunch at Schmidts (one of my fav's), and finally went sledding at Soldier Hollow. Jamie and Chris were so great to invite us to go sledding at Soldier Hollow with them. If you haven't been sledding at Soldier Hollow you definitely need to go. They have everything there for you and there is even a tow rope that pulls you up the hill. So fun. It was late when we got done sledding but we were starving so we went to this great little place in Midway. What a perfect Valentine's day! I am so grateful for my Valentine!

Private

2009-01-13T15:22:00.001-07:00

I decided to go private too. Please leave me your email so that I can add you.

We Moved!

2009-01-11T20:04:00.002-07:00

New Year's Day was pretty exciting this year. We moved into our home in American Fork. We have owned it for almost three years but were renting it out. When we got the call that they were moving out we didn't quite know what to think. We could find new renters, sell it or move in. Well with the current market we decided now would not be a good time to sell and we felt impressed that we should move. Within 5 days we had moved. We are loving it although we don't have any furniture purchased yet and we are currently in the process of replacing the carpet. I will post some pictures as soon as I get a chance. Just wanted to let you all know.
p.s. If anyone has a good suggestion on a place to find good furniture please let me know. I have been looking but I haven't found anything that I want to drop the dough on yet.
Love, The Belka's

Midway

2008-12-07T12:29:00.006-07:00

I know that it is December and one's time is supposed to be jam packed that it is hard to find time to do anything spontaneous. Well, Saturday after Auston and I had done some Christmas shopping we decided to take a little trip to Midway. It is absolutely one of our favorite places ever. We stayed at the Homestead, it is so cute and cozy. Childhood memories came flooding back to my mind.

We were so lucky because when we pulled in to town we discovered that it was "A Swiss Christmas" Midway is such wonderful place with such a great community. There was a gingerbread house display which you could bid on.

The best part of all was the Creche display. There were hundreds of nativities from all over the world. It was so spiritual to see how people from all over the world do believe in our Savior. I definitely will make this a Christmas tradition. The Savior is the reason for the season. (I had to include this awesome picture of a real ice sculpted nativity.)

Christmas Time

2008-11-04T19:43:00.003-07:00

I am so excited for Christmas! I can't believe that it is almost here! When I turned on the radio the day after Halloween they were already playing Christmas music. It seems like this year has flown by for me and I am totally thrilled to be thinking about Christmas traditions again. I love it!

Thanksgiving Point Fun

2008-11-04T19:17:00.007-07:00

My Mom, Jill and I took Tanner to Barnyard Boo at Thanksgiving Point. Tanner loved the pony rides, in fact he cried when he had to get off. It was so adorable. He got to ride the ponies twice. There were tons of little kiddies running around and the line was crazy but we stuck it out because he loved it so much! I know I am totally cheesing it in this picture. I look like a big goon but I was loving it just as much as Tanner!

I love the fall!

2008-10-08T13:45:00.008-06:00

Isn't fall the best time of year! I absolutely love that little chill in the air, homemade soup, pumpkins, changing leaves and everything else that symbolizes fall. Jamie and I went for a hike on Monday after work up Milcreek Canyon. I never realized how much I actually enjoy hiking. I could do it everyday. I loved it! My life has been so wonderful lately. Everyday I thank my Heavenly Father for my wonderful husband Auston, I honestly can't believe how lucky that I am! Also, it has been such a blessing to have Jill, Brandon and Tanner living with us. Oh how I hope that I can be a mother some day! Tanner just makes me so happy, I can't imagine how fulfilled my life would be with one of my own. I just keep praying! Here are a few pictures that Jill took when we were at the football game last Thursday night. What a thrill!

Updates

2008-09-17T12:26:00.003-06:00

So I know that I have not been a good blogger lately. I forget to update because I really don't think I have too much to blog about. When I think about it though, I really have been quite busy with fun things. We have had a wonderful summer. We took a fun trip to Colorado Springs to visit Jake and we just had the best time. We were able to spend some fun one on one time with Mom and Dad Belka, Jake and us. They treated us to a yummy dinner for my birthday, we played games, toured the Air Force Academy (amazing) and lots of other fun things. As of next week we will have some new roomies! Jill, Brandon and Tanner will be moving in with us, they will have the upstairs all to themselves. It will definitely be a fun winter. Here are some pictures of my cute cousins at a cousin dinner that we had.

St. George Girls Trip

2008-08-25T16:22:00.002-06:00

This past weekend the girls had a little adventure moving Natalie into her first college apartment at Dixie. We are all so excited for her to create so many fun memories. Monica, Stacie and I left from our homes super early so that we could be to St. George right when Natalie got there. Well, we got there a couple of hours before she did so we decided to do some shopping. Natalie and Shellie met us and we moved all of her things into her apartment. She is going to have a blast. Sara and Heidi then came down and we all met Melissa for some girl time. We saw a movie, ate Neilsen's Frozen Custard (my favorite), drove to Diamond Valley, ate at the Bear Paw (another favorite), went shopping, visited Grandpa and Colleen and just had a wonderful time. Saturday night we drove to Kanab to see Shellie's new house and had a fun sleepover, we watched a movie and ate tons of junk food. Shellie's new house is so great, I can't wait till I can go spend some more time down there. It was such a fun weekend, it was exactly what I needed. I was so tired when I got home from all the fun I had.

Escalante-Happy 24th!

2008-07-31T19:49:00.006-06:00

In Escalante they usually celebrate Pioneer Day on the Saturday that it falls closest to. They have the best parade ever. We had so much candy, we also got tee shirts, footballs, frisbees, etc. I had a blast catching all of the fun stuff. We went to the rodeo that night, my cousin Heather was in charge of it all and she did a great job. I think this celebration might just have to be a tradition.

On Saturday, Jamie, Chris, Jill, Brandon, Auston and I all went for a 4-Wheeler ride. We just took off into the mountains to see where we would end up. It was so much fun. Look how cute Auston looks!

We went on a trip to Escalante to visit my Dad over the 24th of July holiday. It was so much fun! We went for a picnic and we visited Hell's Backbone Bridge. This is the most amazing view. The road completely drops off on both sides. I love it!

I Love Boating!

2008-07-16T16:21:00.002-06:00

We love to go to Jordanelle and go boating. It is a summer tradition. Don't you love Auston's Captain hat?

Rodeo

2008-06-23T13:38:00.000-06:00

I love the Strawberry Day's Rodeo! Auston had young men's on Wednesday night so I decided to have a little girls night and live it up rodeo style. It was so much fun. We ran into the cutest friends from Alpine the Egans. I just love them. Andrea talked to Jill and I for awhile. It was so great to catch up.

Can I just say that the strawberries and cream are to die for?! The Strawberry Day's Rodeo brings back so many memories of the good old college days (thanks Suz-I miss you)! Here is a picture of the girls with the little Tan-man.

Jill and Brandon are going to Jackson Hole this week and I get to have him all to myself. I am so freakin excited! I have been planning all of the fun things me and my sidekick can do.

2008-05-13T14:16:00.000-06:00

Husband Tag
1.What is his name? Auston Lee Belka
2.Who eats more? He does. Until recently I ate more sweets :)
3.Who said I love you first? He did, but I did right after that. I was just waiting for him to say it first.
4.Who is taller? Auston is 6'1" and I am 5'9". Hopefully our kids will be tall.
5.Who is smarter? I think that I am more book smart but he is really intelligent when it comes to everything else.
6.Who is more sensitive? We are both about equal on this one. He is definitely a sensitive, caring guy. He is always trying to make everyone feel comfortable and make them feel loved.
7.Who does the laundry? I take the responsibility. I love having clean and neatly folded clothes.
8.Who pays the bills? We both make the money and we both pay the bills. It really does work. We talk about our money quite often just to make sure we know where it is going.
9.Who cooks more? I do, but when there are just two of us it kind of kicks my butt to try to figure out what to make. Who really wants to make a big meal for just two people? Auston is so wonderful and easy going. He will seriously eat whatever I come up with.
10.What meals do you cook together? BBQ
11.Who is more stubborn? I would have to say that I am more stubborn. Auston is always so kind.
12.Who is the first to admit they are wrong? We both do.
13.Who is more clean? I am more clean. Auston teases me that I am a germaphob. I will have to admit that he is really clean though too. I rarely have to ask him to pick up anything, he just does it. I am the luckiest girl ever!
14.Who has more siblings? He does-he has 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I have my 3 sisters and 1 brother.
15.Who wears the pants in the relationship? I would like to say that he does but I am just not certain on that one. We both take turns.
16.What do you like to do together? Exercise, watch movies, play games, go on early morning or late night walks, travel,
17.Who eats more sweets? I love sweets! Auston is more of a salty guy. Although, when I do make treats he is right there eating them with me.
18.Guilty pleasures? He loves anything to do with sports!
19.How did you meet? We met at the U. We were at a special luncheon that his fraternity was hosting for all of the LDS sorority presidents and vice-presidents. He was totally cute.
20.Who kissed who first? He thinks that I kissed him first but that is totally not the case! He lipsmacked me!
21.Who proposed? Auston did on December 16th 2004.
22.His best features? His smile, eyes, athletic build.
23.What is his greatest quality? Auston is the most loving, genuine person you will ever meet. He is so kind and he makes everyone feel great. He always has the best mood . He is truly humble too! I love him so much! I have no idea how I got so lucky to be his wife!
I tag...Suzette, Stacey and Sara.

Disneyland!

2008-04-24T21:06:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love Disneyland! It is even more magical than I remember. I just thought I would post the only pictures we took with our camera. Jamie was the official photographer on our trip and I will post the pictures she took as soon as she sends them to me. I want to go back to Disneyland right now! Don't you LOVE the matching shirts? Thanks Jamie!

Jill and Tanner

2008-03-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Tanner really loves watching basketball. Especially when his favorite 16 year old uncle is playing. We went to so many basketball games he just got a little worn out. This is the cutest picture of Jill and Tanner, aren't they beautiful?! I am so thankful for my wonderful family. I really can't express how blessed I am. They are my best friends and I am so grateful!

2008-03-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

This is Jace (in the white) he is trying to get the ball from Paiute. I love to watch him play. This picture is from the Salt Lake Tribune. He was quoted in the Deseret News and the Salt Lake Tribune. We were all excited that he did so well. He sank a couple of critical three pointers. You should have seen us screaming!

Go Moquis!

2008-03-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

My little brother Jace plays on the basketball team of the Escalante Moquis. This past weekend they just won the 1A State Basketball Tournament. Jill, Tanner and I were able to go down on Wednesday and spend the week supporting and cheering on the Moquis. It was a blast. We were so excited that the won the tournament. I am so proud of Jace! He has really worked hard with his team and it shows. He is such a wonderful brother and example to me. I love you Jace!

Snowshoeing

2008-02-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

Auston and I went snowshoeing together up to Donut Falls on New Years Day and it was amazing! It was so wonderful to be in the snow when it was sunny outside. I love my husband so much!

Happy Birthday Jamie!

2008-02-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Jamie's birthday! We had such a great day. Jill, my Mom and I decided it would be so much fun to take Jamie to Good Things Utah for her birthday. We had a blast! After the show was over we were able to watch the announcement of the new 1st Presidency of the Church. We watched it all live from the news station. That was so cool. We really felt like we were a part of the action. Sorry this picture is blurry. I am not sure why it didn't turn out that great. Aren't my sisters and mom beautiful! After we left ABC4 we went to The Dodo for lunch. It is one of my favorite places and I am definitely glad that it is Jamie's too! It is a tradition for her to eat there on her birthday and I am grateful I got to be a part of that wonderful tradition. We love you Jamie! You are the best example to all of us!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

I just want to say how thankful I am for my beautiful mother and my amazingly gorgeous sisters! They mean the world to me! They are my best friends. I am so blessed!

2007-12-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Tanner got a rocking horse from Santa. He was so excited! He can already rock it like crazy!

He really made Christmas so much fun.

I love Christmas

2007-12-26T13:16:00.001-07:00

We were all able to sleep over at my mom's for Christmas. I love being all together and I love being at my Mom's for Christmas! It just has such a special feeling! We have so many wonderful traditions that I want to continue with my family someday!

Christmas Eve

2007-12-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

I loved this picture of Andrea and Tanner. Tanner loves to hang out with the girls. He is definitely going to be a heartbreaker.

I love my family. For Christmas Eve we all were able to get together with my wonderful cousins. I love that we are all so close and we love each other so much!

2007-11-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Tanner's Birthday Party in Escalante

2007-11-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

We went to Escalante to visit my Dad for Thanksgiving. While we were there we had a birthday party for Tanner. It was so much fun.

Tanner's Birthday

2007-11-27T12:29:00.001-07:00

Honey

2007-06-13T15:21:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, June 10th my Mom's baby pony was born. She named her honey! I just love her. I can't believe that she is standing still.

Hungary

2007-06-13T15:02:00.001-06:00

I was trying to look for a picture of Auston and myself and this is the only one I could find. We went to Hungary last September. Auston's brother Byron, his adorable wife Monica, and their beautiful daughters Brynn and Bryten were living there and they invited us to visit. Our trip was amazing and Europe is absolutely wonderful. We also went to Austria and Italy. It was an experience of a lifetime.