Goals

So if you are anything like me you may be overwhelmed at the thought of making a list of GOALS for the new year.  I'll admit it, I make a list.. a long list at that (I have lots of things to improve in).  Well it soon becomes very overwhelming, so much so that I actually stop doing anything at all. Well, in the shower today I came up with the idea to do a "monthly goal"  Each month I will work on an area I need to improve in and focus on. I'll think of an area-of-improvement for the month and focus a lot on that specific topic.  I may just scratch the surface each month, but I am going to give it a go.  I will try to read a talk/scripture pertaining to that certain topic every week throughout the month to help gain a better understanding on how to improve.
This month I am choosing to work on COMPASSION.  I'm thinking more about the small acts.  Example, I am not the most sympathetic person when it comes to my kids getting hurt.. I mean 10 times a day of the same hangnail, scrape, bump, bruise, etc. etc... gets a little old, but I found that I really don't even acknowledge the "hurt" anymore.  I am going to focus more on putting myself in the situation and try to show compassion and show them and others that I really do care.  I remember my mom getting band aids and drawing smiley faces on them.  For me, it amazingly made the hurt go away every time.  A smile, a hug, a kind word will go a long way.
The reason I am putting it on my blog is so I can remember it and hold myself accountable.

**in other news.. the Saab is gonzo!  Last night Sean decided to lay it to rest, with the airbags deployed.  He is fine--luckily, but it looks like he just earned himself a new ride.  In the mean time we have a super sweet Chevy Impala to get us around.  Ah, the joys of life.  Can I just say that I love, I mean LOVE-- USAA insurance.  They are so amazing to work with.  Don't worry, even with the accident, he still made it to Provo for the BYU game.  Yep. He's a fan.

Can it really be...

that Jackson is 1..

It's hard to believe that one year ago this beautiful little boy was placed in my arms.  I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that it has already been a year.

( just born)

 just a little walk down memory lane throughout this year... (should I be wiping away a few tears, well I am...)

(1 month)

 (2 months)

 (4 months)

(6 months)

(8 months)

 (10 months)

(1 YEAR)

The day Jackson was born I had been at the car dealership ALL day long (literally) trying to get things fixed because I needed to get it registered before the end of January.  It was a long, tiring day, and at 6:00 p.m. when I was finally driving home I called Sean and just started bawling.  I didn't really know what was wrong, except that I was tired and didn't feel good at all.  I don't think I made much sense on the phone, but just kept babbling that I should go to dinner group, but didn't feel that great so I wasn't sure what to do.  He came home and gave me a blessing and I felt that it was time to have our baby. Even though he would be 3 weeks early, I knew that everything would be alright.  I was already dilated to 4 cm and was a wee bit nervous with how fast my babies come that I would have him at home. I had been having contractions on and off all day (nothing that I ever timed or that seemed super intense) but I just felt like I needed to go into the hospital.  We called Sean's parents to come and stay with the other kids and headed out.  We arrived around 8:30 p.m. and checked in.  They monitored me & the baby for a little while and said that "yes, I was having several contractions but didn't seem to be in labor."  They said they would call my Dr. to see what he suggested and let me know.  Well, they came back and said "okay, your Dr. said he will be right in to break your water, so I hope you are ready to have a baby tonight."  I was so giddy!  I LOVE my Dr.--- really, he is amazing!  He came within 20 minutes and broke my water.  We didn't think it would take long to have the baby, but after 40 minutes of not progressing much they started me on pitocin.  (side note: I had Rylee in a total of 40 minutes.. so it was a little odd that nothing was happening).  After the pitocin started going a little faster they checked me again and still not much was going on.  I think I was only dilated to 5 or 6 cm so they came in and rolled me onto my left side.  I FELT tons of pressure and within 10-15 minutes I was ready to push.  After 2 big pushes he was out and was as perfect as could be.  I guess when you spend less than 5 minutes in the birth canal you don't have many bumps or bruises.  He was born at 11:43 p.m. and came out weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz.   I fell in love immediately. 

**It has been so much fun watching him grow through each stage during this past year.  He crawled at 6 months, walked at 10 months and is now running when Jayson chases him!  He is a VERY busy baby (my busiest by far).  He unloads every cupboard and drawer in my house at least 10 times a day.  He loves to smile, but has learned to screech at the top of his lungs if he doesn't get his way.  He gives great hugs and kisses and loves to throw the ball with Jayson and his Dad.  He is still a snugly baby and babbles right before he falls asleep.  You always know when he is heading to LA LA land!   I feel so blessed to have him in my life.  He just makes me smile.. even with all his naughtiness!**

Happy first birthday little boy.  Your mama sure loves you!

Fancy Nancy Party

I think the Fancy Nancy Party was a success!  Look at all the cute "fancies" that came to the party (minus Emerson-- she wasn't up to having her picture taken). There were 11 total-- including Rylee & Tay.

When each guest arrived, they went to the "dress up room" where they were adorned with boas, tiara's and gloves.

Next we read the book Fancy Nancy and had a quiz on all the fancy words.  They did really well on each word.  Then we had a tea party!  I can't believe I didn't take a picture of my table.  I thought it turned out pretty cute.  We told them they had to put their pinkies up when they took a drink and call each other darling.  They just laughed at that! We had pb&j's, little ham & cheese sandwiches, veggie platter, fruit, punch, chocolate covered strawberries & banana's and a variety of chips.

Afterwards, we played Freeze dance and hit the pinata to get candy.  Then came presents and cupcakes and ice cream.

I think Rylee has been celebrated like a queen.  They sang to her in church and thus end's Rylee's birthday festivities. Phew. 

xoxox
The end!

It's great to be 6

 Rylee turned 6 yesterday.  I can't believe it! 

For lunch she wanted a grilled cheese and cheese chips.  Jayson and I decided to put a candle in her sandwich and sing happy birthday.  She loved it.

 Then came the cake... UGH!  I attempted to make a barbie cake and I didn't want to use fondant, but it didn't turn out so well.  Her whole dress split open, but I think it tasted good. Oh well, it's fun to try.

 We also had a little impromptu party for her birthday last night.  Thank you to everyone for coming and making her feel so special.

 Jackson loved the cake too.  It was a trail run for his upcoming birthday!

 Rylee got spoiled by everyone!  She is one lucky girl.  I think 6 is going to be a great year for her.

She is having her friends party on Saturday.  It will be a Fancy Nancy tea party so it should be POSH! 

My little sunbeam

I am so thankful that I get to be Jayson's sunbeam teacher this year.  It was so fun to watch him Sunday.  I love this kid and can't believe he is big enough to be in Primary! 

Temple Sqaure

 On Tuesday we met Julie and Grandma at Temple Square for dinner and lights.  We ate at the Navuoo Cafe and then geared up to go see the lights.   We had a great night!

Ice Skating & Snowman

We love when Julie comes to town!  She came home for a whole week & a half and it was so much fun to see her and do fun activities.  We went ice skating for FHE last week.  Julie is a really good skater, so it was fun to watch her teach the kids a few new things.  Jayson loved having her race him around the rink.

And of course there was a snowman that needed to be built as well. Thankfully, Grandma had a lot more snow than we did- at least 6 more inches.  Here is "frosty" the snowman that they built (original I know!)  I am pretty sure this was the night it was 5 degrees out.  I think he looks like a park ranger.  My kids love playing in the snow.  Jayson didn't last very long this night however.  He wanted to come in and drink
hot chocolate.
 

We also went sledding in the morning on New Year's Eve.  The snow was just powder so we totally got sprayed in the face, but had a great time!  After your face goes numb it's fun :)  I love the hill by my mom's house. It's perfect for kids.

We drove to the airport Sunday night to say good-bye to Julie.  We sure love you.  Come back and visit us soon.