President's Day

For President's Day, my friend Anna and I, took our kids up to the TreeHouse Museum in

Ogden. They have 3 kids (2 girls and one little boy).  All of the kids get along so well and have so much fun together. I love that. We love their family! 

 

We went to a play in their big theater and they picked Jessica to be the leading "girl" role.  She is such a cutie!  After we played in almost every room and touched everything we could, we packed up the kids and took them to Chick-Fil-A for lunch.  Thanks for the fun day B* family.  We love you guys!

Valentine's Day

I do love Valentines Day!  I think it is a SWEET holiday.  We usually end up eating take out or going out to eat, but this year I wanted to make it really special for my family!  Sunday night, we got all the girls' Valentines ready to pass out.  They had fun putting them together and Rylee did so good writing so many.

I attempted these heart shaped piggy tails on Tayler and Rylee thanks to the awesome "Adopt a Do" hair

blog I look at.  I think they turned out pretty cute!

 After Rylee came home from school we went out to Grandma's house to leave her some Valentines.  My kids were so confused when we got there and she was gone.. HAHAHA! Darn it!  I wish she would have been there too.  We decorated and then hurried back to get some other things done and pick up Tayler from school.   For dinner, I made Roast, potatoes, carrots, homemade rolls, chocolate covered strawberries, and cupcakes.  This is my kid's most favorite dinner.  We had sparkling cider and then ate by candle light.  Jayson kept saying "mom, why are we eating with a fire" 

I also had little Valentine presents and balloons set by each of their places.

I hope it was special for them.  I sure love my family SO much!  I love spending time with them and just being around them.  I hope you all had a special Valentine's Day too.   Jayson must have told me "happy Valentines Day" at least fifty times!  It was sweet. I am excited to celebrate with my hubby this weekend!!

Camp out

On Friday night, Sean and Jayson decided to have a boys night out  (they are starting a BOYS only club).  Sean asked Jayson what he wanted to do and his reply was "roast hot dogs and marshmallows and go camping."  It made me laugh.  I was wondering how Sean was going to pull that off seeing that it is Winter, but no worries, he made it happen because he is an amazing dad.  Jayson and Sean went to the store and bought hot dogs and buns and also stuff for S'mores. Sean made a little fire pit outside and they roasted their hot dogs and marshmallows.  I'm not sure either one could have been happier.  I bundled everyone up and sent them outside.

This was the weekend that Tayler and Jackson were SUPER sick.  Since Jackson was sick, Rylee took his place for the night.  Jackson did make it outside for a s'more though. 

Best little buddies on the way to the store to get their supplies

 oh yeah, they busted out all the camping supplies

 Jackson getting in on the action for a few minutes.  Look at that nose.  Holy cow, the thing hasn't stopped running for weeks!

They had a blast eating their dinner-- camping style-- and then came in to warm up and go to bed.  Sean set up the tent in the living room and that is where they slept. 

What a fun night!  Jayson hasn't stopped talking about it since.  I love that they have a boys club! Last year, Sean took Jayson on the Father's & Son's outing with the ward.  I really thought he was still too young to go and wouldn't have fun, but boy was I wrong.  He talks about it ALL the time and remembers every single detail about that day/night.

Love my boys.... All 3 of them.

Funny little boy

The other day while I was cleaning the house I gave Jackson a wipe to keep him content for a few minutes.   When I turned around he was cleaning everything.. the floors, the walls, everything (just like I was doing). I captured these pictures as he was cleaning the floor.  It was hilarious!  He cleaned for about 5 minutes, scooting just a little bit forward to get the next spot.  I was so proud.  I hope he keeps this up.

It made me smile. 

He had his 1 year check up a few weeks ago and I never posted his stats:
Weight: 17.5 lbs (still in the 0 percentile).
Length: 29.5 in. (40th percentile)
He's just a little squirt, but has SO much personality packed into that little body.  We sure have fun with him.

Science Project

Today, Tayler had to turn in her big science project for the Discovery Fair at her Elementary school on Thursday.  They were asked to think of a topic, then think of a "big question" regarding that topic and then do several research steps to answer the question.  They were instructed to find 3 sources and explain their findings and do a rough draft. (those things have already been turned in).  Lastly, they had to come up with a project to present to the class.  Here is a sample of Tayler's project.  Her topic was: Bird Formations.  The "big question" was: Why do birds fly in a V-formation? 

She put this together all by herself (okay, with a little help from Sean and I, but not much). I think her poster is adorable.  She did the letters during nap time on Sunday.  Notice the "A" in formations--since it was the center letter and formed a V-- she colored it with birds on it.  I thought that was so creative.  I can't wait to hear how her presentation goes.  She learned a lot and had fun doing it.

Way to go Tay!

She is doing so well in school.  I love this girl.

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.