My Sweetheart Steven

While highlighting some of the great qualities of the Dallin family, I thought more and more about all the AMAZING qualities my one and only, the love of my life, my sweet husband, Steven, has. The list is so long, there’s no way I could condense it into a simple blog, so just know that this is only a glimpse of the kind of man he is. First of all, he treats me like the queen he THINKS I am. I don’t deserve it half the time. I don’t think even an inkling of yelling at me has ever touched his lips. He is incredibly patient, loving, understanding, and kind to me, even when I’m not those things towards him all the time. He takes such good care of me. He always makes sure I’m safe in every way he can think of. He is hands down the best handyman I have ever met. I don’t know if there’s anything he can’t do. If there is, I haven’t found it yet. One of the first qualities I noticed in Steven is his love for little babies. He has a special touch with them. They all love him. I don’t think there’s anything more attractive than to see a big macho guy hold a tiny baby while his eyes just light up with amazement at what he’s holding. That’s Steven. You can imagine the kind of dad he is to his little boy. He’s amazing. The last thing I’ll mention is just the simple fact that he loves me. He really loves me, no matter my many faults…and I love him! I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect husband. It’s crazy how much he is exactly what I need in my life!

Slide Show of Steven & Friends!

The Dallin Family (Jared)

In a world filled with a lot of negative and criticism, it’s sometimes really easy to get caught up in it. We can begin to focus on and criticize people for their negative aspects and completely forget about their usually MANY good qualities. So, in the heart of that, I have decided to dedicate the next few entries to my family, the Dallin family, and just A FEW of the wonderful characteristics each member has. I’ll focus on just a member or two each day. This entry...Jared

-My brother Jared last July entering the MTC. He's serving in Australia, Cantonese speaking. Jared has always been one of the most willing helpers I have ever met. Even when he was little, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He is also such a hard worker, and so determined in anything he does. He is also so good with people. He has an amazing ability to go up to anyone and strike up a conversation. And lastly, he’s usually the one I can count on the most to join me in just about anything I may want to do. Anything from, staying up all night to play Monopoly, to camping out overnight on the parade route.

The Dallin Family (Kristy and Jacob)

-My sister Kristy with Cody. Kristy has more loyalty towards those she loves than anyone I have ever met. She would do anything to stick up for her family. She is also always ready and willing to help anyone with just about anything, and with a good attitude too. Lastly, I am always amazed at how she is with her two boys. If they ever disobey…instead of yelling, she quietly takes them aside and explains what they did, and why it was wrong. I am going to strive to be as patient with my kids as she is with hers.

-My brother Jacob with Cody. Jake is so fun to talk to. He really makes me feel good about myself when he trusts me with information on what’s going on in his life. Also, I don’t think I have ever met someone with as photographic a memory as he has. It’s amazing! He’s very smart. One more thing I’ll add is he is absolutely AMAZING with his nieces and nephews. They all adore him. I love to watch him play with my little Cody. For a guy who doesn’t have kids yet, he sure is good with them. He’s going to make a GREAT dad some day.

The Dallin Family (Joseph and Jennifer)

-My brother Joseph with Cody. He is probably one of the most Christ-like people I know. He really has a way of letting you see things for what they really are instead of how the “natural man” might see them. He is also one of the most giving people I’ve ever known. He is also an AMAZING writer. Why he’s not writing for the New York Times or something is beyond me. Lastly, I don’t know if I’ve ever met someone with so many friends. It just proves how good of one he is. :)

-My sister Jennifer with her baby girl Hadley. I have so much fun going shopping with Jennifer, or talking about blogs with her, or doing just about anything with her. She’s usually up for just about anything. She’s also an amazing mom to her 3 (almost 4) beautiful kids. She does so much for them. The thing that sticks out the most about Jennifer though is how good she is at treating me as her equal. I never feel belittled by her even though I’m 5 years younger. She listens to comments I might make like I’m her equal.

The Dallin Family (Mom and Dad)

-First, my dad. He is one of the most humble people I know. He has been a great example of humility to his family, and I believe I speak for all of us when I say that we are better people today because of it. Another thing I’d like to mention about my dad is his amazingly strong desire to help his family out in any way he can, and he does…so much. He's also hilarious. We are always laughing our heads off when dad's around. One more thing I’d like to mention is that he’s a good listening ear if there’s anything you really need to talk to someone about. He listens and never judges. Oh, I almost forgot…and he “loves everybody”. :)

-Second, my mom. First of all, she’s a mother of 6. Need I say more…well, I will anyway. She is so good about having us over at her house all the time. She’ll always make sure we have something to eat (she’s an AMAZING cook), and something to do. She’s also really good at not interfering in her children’s lives too much. She trusts us to be the kind of people she knows we can be, but knows when to give advice, and good advice at that. I also love all the many traditions she has kept up tirelessly. We have a tradition for everything and I love it! She is so much fun! She's always throwing awesome parties, and she decorates her house for holidays(especially Halloween) like noone I know.

-They are both amazing parents. They have taught me right from wrong and I wouldn't be the person I am today without their loving guidance, and their amazing example. I have felt it when they are praying for me, and I appreciate every prayer they have uttered on my behalf. They love their children, and they show it.

Portobello Sandwiches

My brother Joseph came to visit from out of town for my Grandma's funeral and last night was his last night here, so we had a bbq at my house. Joseph's a vegetarian, so he suggested barbecuing portobello mushrooms and making a sandwich out of it. Since I absolutely love mushrooms, I was very excited about it. I went online to find some recipes for a red pepper aioli sauce that I thought would go great with the sandwiches and in the process found a recipe for a marinade for the mushrooms too. Okay, if anybody is a fan of portobello mushrooms...this was THE BEST recipe for portobello sandwiches in the world! You have to try it! I have been a fan of portobello mushroom sandwiches since my days of working in a Deli. I have tried many different ones, and this one tops them all. The aioli sauce was amazing too! Too bad Steven hates the texture of mushrooms. He just had a steak. He really missed out. Anyway, I've placed the recipe in my brand new recipe blog (which you can find in the right column) if anyone's interested.

Slide Show of Cody's 2nd 3 Months!

Squeakin' and a Jumpin'

Since Cody is 6 months old today (that's right, can you believe it!?!) I decided to video tape him a little bit. This is him in his jumper sqeaking, which is his new favorite thing, and jumping...mostly squeaking though. Enjoy!

A Tribute to Grandma Dallin

This is a picture of my grandma and grandpa Dallin at my grandma's 80th birthday party. The picture they're holding is of them when they were newlyweds. Isn't my grandma beautiful, and my grandpa's so handsome. The reason I'm writing this entry is because my sweet grandma passed away this morning at 2:30 am. She was 82 years old. She's a mother of 4, grandmother of 19, greatgrandmother of 23, and counting in-laws, her posterity comes to a total of 61. She was...is one of the most amazing people I've ever known. She is the epitome of sweetness. She left such a great example, in the way she lived her life, for people to follow. She led an amazing life and will be missed by many, most especially by my grandpa. He has been the kind of husband to my grandma that every woman dreams of. It seems that they had a storybook kind of love. One that death can have no effect on. I know my grandma will be by his side until it is time for him to join her. She is in a much better place now, and I am so happy for her!

Our Easter trip in St. George!

When I was little my whole family on my dad's side including cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles would go to St. George and stay in my grandparent's condo for Easter. The tradition died probably about 15 years ago or so. My parent's recently got a condo there, so I suggested renewing the much loved tradition. So here are a few pictures of our Easter trip in St. George.

Pictures of Cody after his very first swim!

Pictures of all of us at the St. George Temple...another renewed Easter tradition

We also renewed the tradition of shooting off rockets.

From left to right here are some of the studs of my family...Walter, my crazy brother-in-law, my brother Jake, Steven, my dad, my other brother-in-law Ryan, and his son Dallin.

Steven with Cody and the rocket Steven made

Steven's rocket taking off!

Video of Steven's rocket taking off...you can see the rocket falling from the sky if you look on the left side of the screen.

Cody Talking...Loudly!!

So, this cracked me up. It was a while ago, but I had to add it. I had never heard Cody talk with quite so much enthusiasm. He acts like this all the time now. It's still pretty hilarious!

Disneyland!

So Disneyland was tons of fun! Cody loved the rides, especially the ones with lots of lights. I think Buzz Lightyear was by far his favorite. Whoever said you can't take a baby to Disneyland was crazy! How else is a member of your party going to get away with peeing all over on Main Street. That's right, I was changing his diaper on a bench, when all of a sudden...oops...there was the stream. Oh well, I hear they scrub the streets every night, and it happened minutes before the park closed, so no biggy.

Cody's 1st trip to Disneyland!