Halloween

I know...I'm so behind! I will eventually catch up though...I hope. :) Well, Halloween was a lot of fun this year. The older Cody gets, the funner all the holidays get. Cody was Buzz Lightyear this year. My mom got him the costume for his birthday and she did a fantastic job picking one out. It was adorable. He still has to wear it all the time. He loves it so much! We had a couple parties up at my family cabin that were a lot of fun. And we had a family Halloween party. Then, on Halloween itself was the traditional Trick-or-Treating. Not a whole lot of people were still home in our neighborhood by the time we got out there, but I think Cody still had a lot of fun. Steven took him around this year, while I stayed behind and handed out candy. I absolutely LOVE Halloween!! It's one of my favorites, second only to Christmas.


My mom always throws the family Halloween party, and rightly so. If you notice the skeletons in the background having a birthday party, you would know where I get my love for the holiday. She's even more obsessed than I am. It's great!















One of our two parties. It was a lot of fun!














Our second party. I promise there were more people there, I just completely forgot to take any pictures until these were the only people left. Oops! That party was a lot of fun too. Mafia is the greatest game ever!!














Time to go Trick-or-Treating!

Cody's 2nd Birthday

Yes, Cody turned two so long ago...Oct. 14th to be exact...that it's a wonder I'm even bothering to go back that far. But since I (at least used to) view this blog as a journal of sorts, I'm going to post about this monumental event, and hopefully continue posting about the happenings in the last few months. :)

We had so much fun. We took him to the Discovery Aquarium in Sandy, which he absolutely loved! Then, after dealing with the car breaking down on us on the way back, once we finally got back to the house, we had a party for him with the fam. It was a jungle theme with the idea that we were going to go to the zoo. But since the day turned out to be an extremely bad weather day, that was out. It worked out well though. He really did love plan B, aka, the aquarium. I even got a season pass, even though we have yet to make it back there. Anyway, we sang "Happy Birthday" followed by my families extended version of the song which takes about 5 minutes to sing, and he blew out the candles. He did so good. Then he opened presents. He got a lot of great stuff, thanks mostly to the grandparents. Steven was able to spend most of the day with us, so that was the best present of all. Cody is definitely a dada's boy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet little two year old!! We love you so much!!

Eye Opener

Every once in a while we are blessed with eye openers that help us to remember just how precious life is. I had just such an experience (see below) a couple days ago. Nothing huge, just something small I happened upon, but it sometimes seems to be those small things that change us the most. These are just a few of the things I was reminded of...

My wonderful, amazing husband is precious. My sweet adorable little boy, in all his "terrible twos" glory is indeed precious. My life, despite all the things I hate about myself, is precious. Every single minute I am granted in this life is precious.

I was reminded of all the little small things that make life so sweet. The sunrises and sunsets, the smell of fall in the air, all the adorable little things my little boy says and does, the looks of unconditional love from my sweet husband every single day, the times I dance and run around the house with Cody, the amazingly beautiful mountains with their breathtaking canyons, all the many wonderful holiday traditions I have. Just to name a few.

I love those little eye openers that come to us unexpectedly. Life is a beautiful thing, not to be taken for granted.

Go here and here if you want the same eye opener.

OUCH!! and some fun

I didn't realize the pain that wearing my retainer for a few days would cause, but man, this sucks! My mouth is in pain, yes, but the worst part about it is that I have a perma headache. Yuck! I hate headaches! They're the worst. It's all worth it though. I'm sick of looking at pictures of me with crooked, yellow teeth. Next up, WHITENING!! Can't wait for pretty teeth again!


So, my neighbor Iliana and I braved the movies today with our little boys. It was Cody's very first movie. We went to "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs". I thought this would be the perfect first movie since he's really into dinosaurs right now. Plus, it was at the dollar theater so if he didn't make it all the way through, no big deal. But...surprise surprise...he made it...ALL THE WAY!! I was shocked to be honest. He loves movies, but it usually doesn't matter what we're doing, he doesn't want to sit still for more than 20 minutes at the most. He was so into the movie and kept asking where the "diasous" were before they made their first appearance. You could just feel the joy he was radiating when they finally appeared. He sat on my lap THE ENTIRE TIME. I was thrilled! It was a lot of fun. My little boy is growing up...sniff sniff.

Fun at the Falls

We've had so much going on this last month that I feel bad that I'm only going to post about today, but...oh well. Cody and I went to a waterfall up the canyon this morning. He had a blast splashing in the ice cold water and throwing rock after rock after rock after...you get the idea. I had to finally stop him when they started flying in all directions almost hitting innocent bystanders. He gets a little excited about things. We ate lunch before I would let him out of the stroller to go play. When I told him he needed to finish his sandwich before he plays, he just stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. It was hilarious!

Steven turns 30!!

This is way late, but on August 1st, Steven turned the big 3-0 and I really wanted to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I can't believe I am married to a 30 year old.


Steven and I spent the night at my family cabin Friday night without Cody. First time we've spent the night away from Cody...ever! It was great, but we definitely missed him.















The next morning Steven's family came up and we had a picnic by a pond. It was beautiful, and a lot of fun.


















Cody and Mickie snuggling up to the blanket I made for Steven's birthday. It was 6 years in the making, but I did it!! :)
















Later, some friends came up for cake and ice cream and some fun. The kids all had so much fun taking swings at this hilarious clown pinata our friends Chris and Sarah brought. Thanks again you guys!



















We had a lot of fun! Thanks again to everyone who helped make Steven's 30th birthday a special one. HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVEN!!

Fourth of July Fun!

The "Ward 4th of July Party" on the 2nd. It was amazing. We had lot's of fun!














Fireworks at the ward party. Cody was way too preoccupied looking at the fireworks, there was no way he would look at me.














The famous 4th of July parade...yearly tradition. Wouldn't miss it for the world. Cody loved it. He would boogy in his stroller when the bands would walk by. It was great!














My mom made cotton candy, with her tiny (but adorable) cotton candy machine, for all the grandkids (and the few adults who love cotton candy...myself included :). It was yummy!

Summer Fun/Major Updates!

We have been having a lot of fun so far this summer. The next few posts are just a glimpse. You gotta love summer!! :) Enjoy...


We went to this awesome "Fun Days" this last Saturday with my in-laws Rick and Valerie and their daughter Mickie. It was great, cheap fun, and so perfect for younger kids! I think we spent like $3. The kids got to play on the playground, go on a little swing ride and pet some farm animals. Plus Cody got his first taste of cotton candy. I don't think he quite knew what to think of it at first, but realized how good it was pretty fast. I only got a picture of Cody petting a bunny before my camera died, but he was most obsessed with the turtles. It was really cute.

















This is us at a Lake Festival. It wasn't as fun as the "Fun Days" but it was still good to get out. Cody got some stickers when he went "fishing". That and getting free hot dogs and apples was about all we did...still fun though.

John and Kate's wedding

My really good, long-time friend, Kate, got married on the 12th of June. She looked so beautiful and so happy. I'm so happy for them! The reception was in my parent's backyard, and turned out quite lovely. Congrats again you guys!


Waiting for the happy couple to emerge from the temple...














...and there they are


















Isn't her dress gorgeous!! Pictures do not do it justice.































Happy little helpers, Cecily and Trina, at the reception dinner

Oh he makes me laugh!

This little guy never ceases to crack me up each and every day. My mom loves to give him cookies. This first picture is the result from one of them. He kind of resembles a clown. The second picture came as a result of him watching me fold laundry and upon seeing all the bibs, preceded to make me put one on top of the other until they were all around his neck. Hmmm, maybe he was hungry. He's so funny!

The Bean Museum

We went to the Bean Museum a few weeks ago. We went with a bunch of neighbor friends. Cody loved to see all the animals up close and personal, even though they are stuffed. :) We are so blessed to live in a neighborhood with so many kids close to Cody's age, and all us moms love to have fun, so it's great!

This is fun

Rules are, you highlight, bold, or underline any of the following things you have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars (ahhh camping)
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched an amazing lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (not something I'm proud of)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Ran a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (do the gondolas at the Venetian in Vegas count?)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (does a dinner cruise count?)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (from rock climbing actually)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House (didn't actualy go inside though)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Visited Italy

*56 out of 100...not bad. :) How many can you highlight?

Why is it?

*Warning* You should probably know me pretty well before reading the following, or you might truly think I'm going crazy and am unhappy with my life. :) Neither are true...at least not entirely :). Just some venting filled with comic-relief for my own benefit. :)

Why is it that it takes over 12 years of schooling to get us ready for college/real life AND we must go through many additional years of schooling to start a career (in many cases), yet we are just thrown into parenthood (one of the most important and hardest roles on earth) with simple statements like, "parenting is the hardest and most rewarding thing you'll ever do"............ooookaaayyy................what does that even mean? To those of you who don't yet have kids...I will tell you what that means...absolutely NOTHING! Nobody has ANY idea what that means until they themselves experience parenting. No REAL useful training is given before you are thrown into the crazy roller coaster ride that is parenthood. It is pure insanity coupled along with pure elation all at the same time. Scenarios happen every day that make you say to yourself, "what the crap! What do I do with that? How am I supposed to know how to handle that?", followed by an eventual inescapable need to make a decision...and THEN and only then do you find out if your decision worked. If not...well, too bad for the kid who has somehow inhumanely become a guinea pig since, "all you can do is your best". What in the world!?! Does this seem messed up to anyone else? Lately, I've seriously come to the conclusion that I may just not be fit to be a mom, and should not expose anymore innocent spirits to the crazy lab I call my life (as that is what it has truly become). I also have started wondering how in the world so many women do it. How do you do it!?! How do you go through these crazy first years and somehow convince yourselves that you can handle more!?! Since I have always wanted a somewhat large family and will inevitably ignore all the obvious signs that I probably shouldn't, I WILL have more. This being the case, I see a very nice and clean stark white rubber room in my future. :)

"They're coming to take me away ha ha, they're coming to take me away ho ho hee hee ha ha, to the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time, and I'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats and they're coming to take me away ha haaaaa...to the happy home, with trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes, and they're coming to take me away HA HA!" -Dr. Demento

Spring run-off

Steven, Steven's dad, Cody, and I all drove up the canyon to take a look at the run-off this year. It was amazing the power of the waterfalls up there. I couldn't believe it! The run off is incredible right now. The mountains were absolutely gorgeous! The only problem with the drive was that I was scrunched in the tiny backseat of our truck the whole time, and Cody wasn't too happy either. But other than that, it was a wonderful drive!

Well, I know I haven't been too good with updating my blog lately, but there really hasn't been too much going on in our lives. However, we've had quite an interesting week with Steven deciding to make a major career change. He's in the process of searching out new opportunities, which has been a pretty scary concept for me to wrap my head around, but I'm getting there. I trust him. I think it will be a good thing. He's so incredibly skilled in so many different ways, so I don't think he will have a very hard time finding something that suits him. Hopefully a very short amount of time. :)

Cody's doing so good! He's really growing up. He says so many things now, there's no way I could list them all. He's such an independent little thing, I love it! He's really into the movie Cars right now, or as he calls it, "vroom vroom". If I let him, he would just watch it over and over all day long. The one thing he loves more than cars though is being "ouside". All day long he says, "shoes" or "bip bops" (flip flops)..."ouside". It's too cute. I try to take him out as much as possible, but it's never enough. Without fail, he always cries when I bring him back in. He is so much fun!

Well, here are some pictures from our adventure in the mountains. Pay close attention to the violence of the falls in the background (pictures don't do it justice). The rest of the year, it's basically just a trickle compared to this. It goes to show how incredible the run-off is this year. Oh, and by the way, if you look closely, don't mind the girly blue fleece jacket with flowers Cody has on. Ha ha, we forgot Cody's jacket so had to borrow one from his cousin Mickie. Oops.

































Cody having fun in the puddles

Maddie Lou Beanies

I feel like I advertise for things a lot on my blog, but believe me when I tell you that I only advertise for things that really impress me, and this is definitely something that REALLY impresses me! My amazingly talented sister has gotten into selling the baby beanies she crochets. As you can see, they are absolutely ADORABLE!! Click here to go to her blog or click on the "Maddie Lou Beanies" button to the right to see more of them. There you will find a link to buy them online. You won't be sorry! These are absolutely amazing! She even has an amazing professional photographer buying beanies from her to do photo shoots with babies. They are $20 each or 2 for $30. Check it out!