Happy New Year!

Goodbye 2008- Hello 2009!
Im sooo excited for the new year. For the last few days( in between going back to work and doctors appointments and an MRI this am- fun fun) Ive been thinking about this last year and what I am looking forward to this coming one.
Last year brought our family lots of things, we did lots of things, accomplished lots of things...
But 2009 I hope will be better. Tristan is getting older, hopefully we will have more sleep. Elijiah is getting older, hopefully we will have more help :)
Jonathan will be finishing school. We are adjusting to our financial sitatuation( new child ) and figuring out a budget that will work. But as I reflect upon last year, I look forward to the new year. What will be, the unknown... I like being excited for possibilities and challenges, as I know there will be some. I know we will encounter difficulties and just like the disappointments that will sure to be, I know there will be lots of fun, and joyous occassions.
Im excited to look out on the horizon and plan for the things our family will do together this year. Im excited to spend another year with Jonathan and grow more entwined and interdependent. I will marvel at Tristans first steps and Elijiah loosing his first tooth...and be half sad at the passing of another childhood/baby milestone. I will continue to count my blessings, wish for things trivial and important, dream of things for just the sake of dreaming, and never stop hoping for more peace in this world.
Our night tonight will be a mellow one...Elijiah is on his way to San Diego with his dad for a few days, we have Keeva again...Jonathan and I and Tristan will spend the new year at our house eating Jonathans homemade pasta and watching a movie, and to be honest there isnt anywhere else Id rather be.
I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and joyous New Year!

Christmas 2008!!!

What a great Christmas this year. We started it out with a Sunday brunch with Dad and Nancy and exchanged gifts...then headed up to my moms for Christmas Eve, then Christmas morning at our house to open gifts, and then went down to Jonathans parents Christmas Day(afternoon). We had a wonderful relaxing time off work( even though we all were sick as dogs). It was a magical wonderful time with eachother and our families...not looking forward to returning to work, but heck we all do what we gotta do. Lots of pictures to follow but there were so many taken and I couldnt decide!

Jonathans big gift- the necklace....

WOW- its boy time in our house. Elijiah showing off his big muscles!
His precious Bionicle!
Jonathans poor attempt at smiling for the camara....
We are so funny...
He looks happy doesnt he?!
The slinky
Up at moms house opening presents....before Elijiahs hair cut.
Such a cutie.
Oh Look- a photo of us together!
Jessica, Colby Sylah and Elijiah( the two trouble makers)
Layne and his kids( Koston and Tristan hopefully will be good buddies)
My two boys. Elijiah is so patient with Tristan. Tristan follows Elijiah around wanting to do everything he does
Took advantage of being in Ogden and dropped off our gifts to Lauren( Elijiahs older sister) Dont they look alike! Shes 16 and 6'2. Truly a beautiful girl inside and out. I miss her a bunch. Elijiahs all pimped out. Love his curly locks, but we did another "long"buzz cut this week...
Tristans favorite toys in the kitchen- helps to keep him entertained while I cook.
Grandpa and Sylah
Tristan and the wrapping paper- couldnt keep him away!
Look at his expression! Priceless! He is SO excited about his gift!
Opening of Tristans new shoes- wasnt so thrilled with these :(
But again the wrapping paper was a hit
more wrapping paper
Hes in heaven....
Our little tree...next year honey we will do a real one...
Jonathans stocking gift- a hair magazing( trying to figure out what to do with my hair next appointment)
You might think we let him have a candy cane...well just for a second
see Im luring him away with something even more fun...
ah it worked!

Hope everyones Holidays were filled with friends and family. Merry Christmas to all!!

For Rent!

So we have given up on selling our house...
Anyone want to rent one???

This last week...

What is it that calls you to action? Is it a photo, a personal experience, politics, a book, article? What makes you take a stand against human suffering or want to make a difference? Will we stand up and fight for what we think is right, or let someone else do it? I came across this photo last week. It has haunted me ever since.(It was a Pulitzer Prize winner from 1993) I read an article on CNN about the republic of Congo in Africa today….I wont stand aside and do nothing anymore. Ive chosen a childrens charity that I believe is doing some remarkable things and while I cant be in Africa to help- I can still do what I can……
I know in my church my tithing money goes to many causes…but my personal call is to help children, I get impassioned about all things children….and so I will do something extra, something MORE. There are many in this country that need help and Im grateful to do what I can here(in the US) as well….however I am so blessed….I can give a little back. And so while my contribution may not save every child, It will make a difference to one. And if I can save just one child….
Jonathan sometimes wonders why I have such a draw to African children. I honestly don’t know. I do know that continent is so broken, has so many needs, is overlooked by so many countries, help is given but on a limited scale. So much COULD be done and isn’t.
So during this time of year of giving, of offering hope of doing good…what is it that calls you to action?

Christmas Program- Elijiah

In the midst of taking care of a baby with croup I had to come up with a sheep costume for Elijiah. His school was doing a play and at the last minute needed some stage animals. So several stores and lots of cotton balls later I think it turned out okay given the day notice. Jonathan had class that night tho I wanted nothing more than to get Tristan to bed and not schlep him around, I knew I couldnt miss Elijiahs night. It was a lot of work however it was so much fun to see Elijiah on stage, singing his Christmas songs and get into the Christmas spirit.

Here is the whole school- k through 8th grade in the grande finale. Elijiah is next to the spotted dog behind the angel.

His stage debut!

The making of the pants- I know not terribly creative- but who said I was crafty?!

Isnt he so adorable up there?

The shirt. Now I got lots of compliments on this costume- but I cant help but wonder does it look like a sheep, or a snowball????

Happy Birthday MOM!

Happy Birthday Mom! I couldnt have asked for a better Mother...I think its true while in the pre-existance we chose eachother- who else would put up with me??!!! (really!) You are a rock- an example of righteousness and goodness. Your faith that knows NO bounds and you have been there for me through it all. Thank you.
I hope you have a wonderful day and realize how much you are loved by ME!

sick sick baby

croup + baby = very exhausted parents

Tristan- 8 months and counting

Tristan-8 month in review:( this post is about a week or so late...but whos counting?)
Up till last night- still waking up at least once to eat. However this is soooo much better and I have actually adjusted fairly well by going to bed by 8 each night. Sure puts a damper on activities, but my mental sanity is worth it.
Loves his Jumperoo, and walking along all the furniture. He is a fast crawler and loves to be anywhere Mommy is. He still hasn’t cut any additional teeth, but is constantly fussy and we see his two top teeth ready to emerge any second.
Over the last few weeks he has developed an empty pit as far as food goes. Eats every two hours and devours his food. We definitely noticed a growth spurt, but since I don’t own a scale or measuring tape I have no idea how much has grown. I will say this however: my once slim and tall baby is filling out quite nicely. Hes become incredibly chunky and rolly polly and I love kissing his thighs! He no longer is fitting into his 12 month clothes and is now in 18 month sizes.
Loves all food except his green beans still, and is getting his share of “grown up food” along with his baby food. He is doing very well feeding himself(ie cheerios, cut up bananas, cooked carrots, etc) and actually prefers this to you feeding him. Speaking of feeding realized that with Tristan having a bib on him is actually worse. He tends to think that it’s a something to chew on so we just don’t put one on him at all. He is like a little bird so its not much of a problem. He takes his food in his mouth, swallows and then opens his mouth again ready for his next bite. When hes done he shuts his mouth and whines to get out. Hes very easy to please and eats well.
Tristan knows his bedtime routine and if you try and delay his bottle too long after bath he will let you know he isn’t happy. Loves tubby time with Dad and is happy with anything as long as there is water involved( pool, spa, bath, shower)
One of the things we have recently discovered about Tristan is that he is happy to be out and about, he is quiet and content and loves to people watch. ( but still hates his car seat and complains EVERY time he is put in it or has to travel far in the car) He is actually better behaved away from home( shopping, restaurants, etc) where he can see all the craziness around him. I think anything that is visually stimulating to him keeps him entertained.
Tristan is also into everything. This is something I didn’t experience with Elijiah. For instance we have had to baby proof the house. All light sockets, getting a baby gate, toilet seat protector etc. He loves the bathroom- wants to play, pull out drawers, open things, pull on cords….all of which require constant watching for one his own safety but two, any potential mess.
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I must say…Tristan my love…my bugs… You are a light at the end of the work day. When I see your smile, or when you beeline for me when I come to pick you up- when you bury your head deep in my shoulder and allow me to smother you with kisses…you make me happy- oh so very happy.

Mini Cupcakes!

Here is a close up of one...
Here is a collection of several in boxes, individually wrapped and the one on top which is hard to see is a cupcake POP!

Thanks to bakerella.com I was inspired this year to do a little holiday baking and wanted to try out the Mini-cupcakes (but with a Christmas color sceme). So about a month ago I went to various grocery stores and see if I could collect the neccessary items for Cupcake Pops. Well I was out of luck by the 3rd store, and I was frustrated. I went back to Bakerellas site and went to her store to find out where I could buy the items online. Well after some research I realized that while the items themselves werent very expensive, by the time I got the them shipped it would be about 50$!!!( Sorry Jonathan - didnt mention that part) I would routinely put them back, at the last minute thinking it was much too expensive and be bummed. However realizing that I had lots of people on my gift list this year( 5 day care workers, Elijiahs kindergarten teachers - some co-workers) I decided it would be cost effective to do the baking even with the shipping. I was SOOOO excited to try it out. They turned out GREAT and I loved them!! I thought they were the cutest things EVER and I hope those that recieved them, will enjoy them.

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(Beforewarned - the process of creating these is a long one. Because I dont have a freezer large enough to store during the baking process- and due to that I had to refridgerate overnight and the total time from start to finish was about 6 hours of intensive labor. I think if I were to do it again, I could shave some time off of that, but I didnt know what I was doing so it took longer. ALSO im not sure I would do the cupcake thing again( super cute but the shapes was what took so long) I think I would settle with just cake balls and it would take just an hour or two. Anyway- here are the pictures of my masterpieces!!!( The recipie btw makes about 50)

Elijiahs first Piano Recital

A little nervous to start....
Concentration sets in....

If only the tongue was inside his mouth hehe!!

Im soooo proud of Elijiah! He had his first piano recital and he did incredible! Hes been playing piano now for a couple of months and really is doing a great job. He practices everyday and Jonthan helps when he can. The recital was downtown at the library in one of the auditoriums and not only was it a great venue, but a great night out with the family. He mentioned that he was a little nervous and asked if we would laugh if he messed up...I told him NO way would we laugh and that we would be proud of him regardless if he did mess up or not. (which he didnt) He was adorable, you could see him counting the music as he was playing and he had his piece memorized. Great Job Elijiah! Super proud of you!!!

Lights!

So last weekend we braved the cold and took the kids to temple square to see the lights. We had a great time( at least I did) got dinner and hot chocolate before hand and went right at 5:30. Did the loop and called it a night. So glad we did it this year as its a great family tradition...
A couple of good shots that Jonathan took....

It was cold! Poor Tristan was so bundled he could hardly move! Elijiah was a trooper this year and it was a great weekend had by all!

Amazing...

Tristan slept 12 hours last night. The first time EVER! Yea!!!!!

Conversations with Elijiah

As usual the car ride to school with Elijiah is filled with questions, conversations about life and today didnt disappoint. Today we talked of memories. He was curious to what Tristan was thinking, what he dreams of, and what he is "saying" when he talks. He discussed his earliest memories: watching nascar on TV when he loved his matchbox cars, riding his bike around the condo parking loop, trips to canada. He doesnt remember his dad and I together, nor the few months after the divorce when I moved in with my friend Pati, and thats ok. It used to bother me that he didnt remember anything while his dad and I were married. But not anymore. He made a comment in the kitchen the other night (much like many other times) that he wishes we werent divorced. Oh I know this going back and forth is hard on him, but instead of sympathizing with him, I turned what looks like a negative into a positive. I mentioned that I know its hard, but he has a wonderful family with Jonathan now. How he has a safe, warm, loving home with both of us that love him. He has a brother that adores him and he agreed. He likes Jonathan he said. Elijiah came into the bathroom while I was in the shower the other night- just to talk. These are the moments with him that make it all worth it. These simple moments where Ive created a relationship with him that I know is strong, based on trust and that he can talk to me about anything. I asked him what he wanted to talk about and he immediately said: his girlfriend. Mia is in his class with him and is a darling little girl. I understand this is a secret at school between the two of them and I think that is sweet. He doesnt want me telling his dad or anyone else for that matter, and I agreed. ( this blog doesnt count- and family that reads this---DO NOT mention this to him!!! Again this blog is for us- for me so I can remember the cute things my kids do etc) There are things that I feel if Elijiah doesnt want me sharing with others- I can respect that. Afterall I hope that as he gets older he will still want to sit down, talk and share about his life, how he feels and know that I will keep his confidences. As I dropped him off at school after having the conversation of what our earliest memories were and what we are looking forward to this year, he reached over gave me a big kiss, kissed Tristan goodbye and got out of the car. He turned and waved before he got to the gym door and yelled" have a great day MOM!"....I was again reminded that its truly the simple things in life that make me happy.

My Amazing Sister!

The ONLY reason why I havent posted anything about Raegan is that I was waiting for a good picture! Oh I got a couple pics of Ian on the phone but this one is a perfect one of them both! Look! Does it look like she spent most of the day in Labor? NO! She looks beautiful, and relaxed( hate her ) and so now is the time to announce to the world- IVE GOT A NEW NEPHEW! Raegan is the best sister I could ever have( okay Jessica and Whitney are pretty cool too) but they didnt endure the wrath of what was Amber during the teen years. I will not relive the mean things I did to this woman, but I have to say she was then, what she is now....a very patient person. Someone with the ability to deal with hardship and struggles with no complaint, easy going and kind to all around her, and a heart the size of Texas. Im so sad that she is living far away and that I wont be seeing Ian grow( dang it --Tristan and he would be great buddies) but she means the world to me and Im so amazed by her ability to take care of her 5 children as well as she does. Joe travels during the week and so I know she is often stressed with the care of the kids everyday, but again, she does everything with such grace and loves being at home with them. Raegan - you are a wonderful example to me of all things good and I admire your strength more than you know. Congratulations to you and Joe- So excited to have Ian a part of the family!

8 Things...

I love tags, although I stopped tagging people because I realized that those that I tagged never did them, however I was reading Emilys blog this am, and got tagged. SOOOO because I never shirk a tag myself I will play along!( Thanks Emily!)

8 Favorite Books:
Twilight Series
The Host
Harry Potter Series
My Grandfathers Blessings
The Rice Mother
Dean Hughes Books(several of his series I really enjoyed)
Who moved my cheese?
The blue eyed girl
Cry my Beloved Country
The Kite Runner
Okay I love books so I went over the 8...

8 Things that Happened Yesterday:
Um, my life isnt really exciting...but here you go:
Dropped both kids off- Elijiah to school, Tristan to day care(does that count for one or two?)
Went to work
Pick up kids after work
Set up Tristans new( well used from Kid to Kid- Thanks MOM for early x-mas present) Jumperoo...
Played with Kids till Jonathan came home
Made Elijiah Mac and Cheese( his choice- not mine)
Took bath with Tristan( he was a grumpy boy yesterday :(
Had hopes of watching Greys but ended up so exhausted( like all days) was in bed by 8 but got a mirgraine so didnt fall asleep till after midnight...

8 Things Im looking Forward to:
Jonathan finishing up school
Tristan sleeping through the night
Getting busy at work again
Sleep( anytime - anywhere)
Getting a hair cut( someday)
Selling our house
Buying a new house
I cant think of any more- my life is in survivial mode right now sooo this is all I can think of on my sleep deprived brain.

8 Things on my wish list:
Lets see--again:
Selling our house
Buying a new house
sleep( do you see a theme here? :)
Steve Madden Bonanza boots
the impossible to find sweater dress
a new mp3 player( or ability to use my ipod)
a trip to italy with Jonathan this time, and head to greece for a week sans kids
a shopping spree at anthropologie

8 Things I love about Winter:
Ive embraced Utah as Ive succumed to the fact I cant leave so00
Skiing- which I havent done in a while but used to really love
boots and sweaters
hot tubbing(usually after hitting the ski slopes)
playing in the snow (not driving in it!)
fires
homemade soup
a reason to bake all day
having an excuse to stay in PJs all day and watch movies

people I tag:
Monica
Garian
Raegan
Casey
Laurie
Brook
Katie
Jaynann
Kristen

Food Bank

Okay, if anyone knows me I love to help others - I wish I could dedicate my life to charitable endeavors, but for some reason I was born to a middle class family- not the rockefellers...LOL---So I do what I can where I can. Being in my role at work, I am part of a small HR team that plans for company events, and decides what we do each year to help out during the holidays. We have a food drvie, and toys for tots...thats a given, but this year it seemed like we should do more. So we decided to offer our services to the food bank and got a group together and donated some time. We went for just a couple of hours but what a great few hours it was.

Now you really cant tell from these pictures how big these containers of food were, but we went through TWO of them during our time there. Our jobs were to go through these bins, and separate the food out into smaller boxes. Ie: canned meats, baby food, pasta, cereal, canned veggies, drinks, baking items etc etc.

Each box had a weight limit depending on what types of food you were packing..so once you think you reached the weight limit you had to weigh the boxes then pack them up and place them on the palate next to the table. Over and over and over again...

One of the cans of split pea soup from the above container exploded. The rancid pea soup was all over hundreds of cans....as I was pulling cans out of the container, I had to use paper towels to clean off the cans before we could sort them....it was a very messy and disgusting process ek!

Here is our group of great co-workers!

See the completed boxes??!! It was a great day of service and it was amazing to feel like what I was doing was helping. I guess the food bank( as many others across the country) are needing volunteers of all kinds...to help deliver food to home bound seniors, to help sort the food like we did, to help host food drives, and so on.

I have to say that even though it was just few hours of my time, it made me reflect on how blessed we are---and how grateful I am for ALL that I have.....