January and Denver

January was a great month. We did lots of fun things and one of those things was going to Denver to visit RJ and Danielle. It was so great to finally meet Blake, the newest addition to their family and to see Jordan and Dallas interact. Dallas and Jordan played great and had so much fun together. We all went to the Denver Aquarium one day which was amazing, it took Dallas some time to not be terrified, as usually, but once he calmed down it was great. Besides that we really just hung out, which for me, was perfect. I like trips that I can actually spend lots of time talking and visiting with the people I am visiting.

This month Dallas also had a run in with the stove. He will sit on the counter as I cook and "help" me. I know this isn't the smartest thing, but I am always very careful and keep a close eye on him. This time however I took a pan off the stove and turned my back to do something and Dallas brushed his toe  against the burner. He let out a cry and I new instantly what happened. Ohhh I felt sooo bad. He was tough and survived the experience, the good thing is he doesn't want to be anywhere near the stove now.

Other fun things, we played in the snow, a lot. Dallas loves the snow and would tell people who passed that he was building sand castles :) Mandy's kids were off track part of the month so we tagged along with them and went bowling one day and to the Tracy Aviary another. It is just nice to get out when you feel so limited in the winter time.

Finally this was the month Dan and I started a round of fertility treatments. We had been trying for child #2 for a year now and felt like we needed to do something before the gap got any bigger. We did IUI with hormone pills and shots. It was pretty crazy, but we were so glad to be doing it!!

A Very Merry Christmas?

We were so excited for Christmas this year. I know everyone gets excited at Christmas time, but we thought this was the year that Dallas would get excited about Santa, love opening presents, and we would make the Christmas memories seen in movies. But, as you know, life isn't like a movie and Dallas was still a bit too young to really grasp the full meaning of the holiday.

I don't understand why new parents want to rush the consumerism and materialism that accompanies Christmas. We should relish in the fact that our child is excited about a box or one toy. We could enjoy an easy going Christmas, but no... we get so caught up in trying to create a moment or going over the top so I don't have to tell people, oh I just got Dallas a dinosaur for Christmas, even though that would be enough. I have to get lots so I sound like a great parent.

Christmas Eve came, my parents came up and stayed with us which was great and we spent time with Mandy and her family that night. It was great. Then it was time for our sweet boy to go to sleep so Dan and I could have our fun, wrapping the presents, making sure everything is in its perfect place, then head off to bed ourselves. Like I said, this year was not taken from a movie. Dallas, our sweet boy, would NOT go to sleep. We took him on a LONG drive, we read books, we sang songs, I threaten time outs, I begged, I cried, I just wanted him to go to sleep. I think it was around 11 when we were all completely exhausted he fell asleep. I was so mad at this point at him for taking "my time" away I had Dan help me get the final things done and off to bed we went.

 

 

For the past month, Dallas had been sleeping with me in my bed, and Dan had been sleeping downstairs in the guest room. (Please judge me how you want, I know my child rules me) Since my parents are up visiting Dan needed to sleep upstairs in our bed with me and Dallas. This basically means I am squished, and don't get much sleep. Dallas woke up at 6:30 and even though I was so tired, I was so excited for him. I gladly pick him up and sneak out of the room so Dan could sleep longer, I say "Merry Christmas" full of excitement and Dallas responded with "NO." Clearly he was still tired and very grumpy. I carry him downstairs and show him the beautiful tree with presents everywhere and he won't even look. What a stinker!! So I give him what he wants, I put him on the couch and turn on Mickey Mouse. This perks him up a bit. Once everyone else wakes up we do the stockings. In his stocking were a bunch of dinosaurs. HE LOVED THEM... so much he didn't want any other presents. We finally coax him into opening one, unfortunately it wasn't one of the more thrilling ones, he looks, drops it and goes back to his dinosaurs.

Finally mid morning I had to tell him he couldn't play with his dinosaurs anymore until he opened the rest of his presents. He did and liked them, but it was too much (not that there was a ton, just more than a dinosaur, which was all he wanted). We enjoyed the rest of the day together as a family with Mimi and Papa and I was thankful for all that we were able to do and all that we have. Like I said it wasn't the "perfect" Christmas, but it was our Christmas and that made it great.

Turning 30 in New York

December 5th, 2013 I turned 30. I know this shouldn't be that big of a deal, but it was for me. I was dreading it most of the year and then it came. I am very proud of my life and I accomplished a lot in my twenties. I married an amazing man, have the best kid ever, finish college, worked a couple of great jobs, with my husband we bought our first home, and lots of other great things. So shouldn't I be ready to move onto my 30s and get ready for the exciting things my 30s will bring? You would think so, but no.

Despite my complaining my birthday came and I did turn 30, but Dan made it the best birthday possible. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to New York City around Christmas. So many of the movies I love take place in New York at Christmas (Elf, Sleepless in Seattle, Serendipity, Home Alone 2, and most Hallmark Movies). It is the romantic side of me that can't resist this draw to NYC. We had talked about doing this trip, but then realized the week of my birthday was the same week of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and apparently I am not the only one who thinks going to New York in December would be fun because hotels were at minimum 3 times the cost of their regular rates.

I had put the idea out of my mind, then Dan found a great deal on flights and said we are going. I did some research and found an apartment for rent for a great deal and right in Midtown were I wanted to be. We booked everything basically a month before we were leaving and called my parents who graciously said they would come and watch Dallas so we could take this trip.

Dec. 4th came and we flew to NYC. The flight went well, we hit some traffic driving into the city even though it wasn't that late, but we assumed it was everyone going to the tree lighting. We had to pick up the keys to our apartment  about a mile away from the actual apartment. Since the traffic only got worse in Manhattan and believe it or not, I thought we were going to die driving with this crazy cab driver we decided to walk once we got the keys. It was crazy how crowded it was. We found our building and walked in. I had read many great reviews of good experiences renting apartments in NYC, but there were SEVERAL talking about being scammed or how disgusting the place was. Dan and I were prepared for the worst and having to book at hotel that night if it didn't work out. Also most apartments are it was located above a restaurant or some sort of retail store. Ours was located above a restaurant and when we walked into the side entrance the hallway smelled like dead fish. We just looked at each other like... oh great this isn't going to end well. We found the apartment and walked in and all our fears were set aside. It smelled great and looked just like the pictures. It had a small kitchenette, 1 bedroom, bathroom, and a living room. It was perfect.

We had planned to go straight to the tree lighting, but I was so tired I said I was just going to take a short nap... well I slept longer than planned and once we headed out it was over. I didn't realize that until I asked Dan why all these people were walking the opposite direction and he pointed out it was after 9pm and the tree lighting already happened. I was a little disappointed at first, until I realized that we wouldn't have been able to see anything, and even after it was over you couldn't get anywhere near it.

 

The next morning, my birthday, we went to the Empire State building, that turned out to be just around the corner from our apartment!! Once we finally found the entrance we were glad we went their first. It was completely empty so we didn't have to wait in any lines. We first went to the observation deck. It was a little overcast so we couldn't see everything clearly, but it was still amazing. Then we went to the very top and realized how amazing going up another 12 floors is. We could see so much more and were so glad we went to the very top.

 

We then started the bus tours. We love going on these because we get to learn about the history of the different Burroughs and see so much more than if we were just walking around. This was by far the nicest day. It was actually kind of warm and made walking around enjoyable. That night we went on a Holiday Lights and Movie Sights Tour. It would have been great if there just wasn't so much traffic at night. The bus went in like a 1 mile circle because that is all you could do in 2 hours. I did like it. We did get to see lots of the holiday window displays (not as impressive as I , Christmas lights, and some of the locations of some of my favorite movies.

The next day was much cooler and rained. We went on more tours, and walked around a bit more, however it was freezing. We went to the Cake Boss store, the NBC studio store, FAO Schwarz, took pictures by the tree, and Dan would say finding Little Italy's pizza was the best highlight. It had the best NY pizza and we ate there a LOT! That night we went to a play, A Christmas Carol. It was held in a little church and only had 5 cast members. Dan was less than impressed, but I loved it. I loved that it was different and was so impressed with how well it was done with so few people.

 

Of course Dan found a used books store he couldn't resist going into :)

The next day we flew home. It was a short trip, but having been their before it was perfect. We were able to see things we hadn't before and just enjoy being there without the pressure of feeling like we had so much to do. I was so thankful to be able to go and have Dan by my side. It was a perfect trip and an amazing way to bring in turning 30!

November

November started with a bang... literally. Dallas was having fun in the bath as usual. He was jumping, even though mom has warned him several times this isn't a good idea. He was hanging onto the side of the tub when BAM, he had jumped, is feet slipped out from under him and he crashed down onto the side of the tub chin first. He didn't really cry, he just seemed shocked. I immediately checked his mouth. I thought for sure he would have knocked a tooth out, bit his tough, or something. Nope, no blood. When I was just about to let him keep playing I saw something on his chin. I had him look up and there it was a very deep gash.

I quickly yelled for Dan and pulled Dallas out of the tub. As usual I was more scared then Dallas was. I laid him down to dry him off and get cloths on him so we could go to the ER. Dan and I were both looking at the wound and for a second I thought he might be ok. It wasn't bleeding at all and seemed to be staying closed, but we had Dallas look up and we knew we had to go. It was really deep and needed stitches. Off the ER we went. Dallas was a champ. Obviously he cried and hated getting the actual stitches, but he was very good overall. We were so proud of him.

A couple of days later we celebrated Dan's 36th birthday. I was really proud of his cake. I usually am not that creative, and actually had made fun of this cake when I saw it on Pinterest, but I decided to try it and it cake out great. I won't go on and on, but in case someone out there doesn't know... Dan is amazing. He is so talented, funny, and a great husband and father. He is so modest and actually quiet about the many great things he does that at times I don't fully appreciate how wonderful he is.

The month ended with Thanksgiving. We hosted for Dan's family that lived out here. We had Ben, Laura and Mark, and Katy with us. It was a great day filled with great food. I was completely stressing over doing Thanksgiving, but everyone was so helpful it actually was a breeze and we all were able to enjoy the day.

It is easy in life to get caught up with the things we don't have and want. The world is so loud and can cause a person to lose focus on the important things in life. I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that helps focus our small family. We have been blessed beyond words and I can honestly said that life is perfect, anything else is just a bonus at this point.

Fall Fun

Why are fallen leaves so much fun to play in? I wish I could remember why I loved playing in them so much as a kid, but I can't. Dallas is now carrying on the tradition of kids everywhere and LOVES running, jumping, and playing in the over abundance of leaves we have in our backyard.
 

 
I also have so show off my "harvest." I love gardening. I am not super diligent and keeping up with it during the summer, but nothing is better than picking the things you have grown. Not shown are tomatoes, watermelon, cucumbers, and LOTS of zucchini that we enjoyed during the summer.

Dan and I took Dallas to Jungle Jim's in October. It is a little kid indoor amusement park. Dallas had a lot of fun running around and riding all the rides over and over. The nice thing is that is wasn't crowded at all!

He was scared (no surprise there) to go on this first ride by himself. So I get in the car with him. As you can see I don't exactly fit. Later when he went back to the ride and rode it by himself the sign said max weight 80 lbs.... ummmm .....

 

 

Dallas on his favorite ride. This is how he smiles 90% of the time when we has him to smile for us. 

 

Dan's mom was vising during the month and was the BEST sport ever and went to The Haunted Forrest with the family. I really think this was a dream come true for Dan and Ben. It really was a fun night. Looking at this picture I am reminded how lucky Dan and I are to live by so much family!

 

The month ended with us celebrating Halloween. I wanted to dress Dallas up as a dinosaur since he loves them, but Dallas has inherited Dan and mine's  extreme dislike for dressing up. After much discussion and bribery we finally got Dallas into the top half of his outfit. We agreed that was good enough and headed out to take him Trick-or-Treating. He actually was a great sport and walked the whole time and would roar for anyone who asked what he was.

I probably have more pictures of Dallas asleep then I do of him awake. I just love how sweet and peaceful he looks.

Who can resist this kid? He is just so cute and funny!

September

September kept the same pace as the rest of the summer. It began with a trip to California. I always forget how much I LOVE going home, until I am there and am reminded of the amazing place I was blessed to grow up in.

My trip started by visiting Julie and Jason. Julie is the first of our group to turn 30 and I couldn't resist the opportunity to join her celebration. Also, let's be honest, I want my friends to see what a cute boy Dallas is :) It was great to spend time with Julie and her family. We always have fun together and I am thankful I could spend a few days catching up.

I then headed to San Diego to stay with Chelsea. I finally got to meet her cute boy Kaleb. I had big plans to take Dallas to the beach while there and do a couple of other things, but Dallas had gotten sick at Julie's, throwing up in Jason's car on the way home from Julie's party. Then the next morning throwing up on Chelsea's couch. Dallas is such a trooper when it comes to not feeling well or getting hurt. I always will ask if he is OK and he always says a weak yes. This time it was in between pukes.

 

Since Dallas was a little under the weather, we laid low and watched a lot of Thomas the Train and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Dallas and Kaleb played great together. Mostly because Kaleb is easy going and didn't mind Dallas taking over all his toys. And they must know that they are destined to be best friends like their moms!

 

Lindsey and Brad came over one night for dinner. They came at the perfect time when both boys were crying over something, so if they were planning kids anytime soon, I am sure that will be put on hold. Dallas and Kaleb did calm down quickly and were great the rest of the night. Once again when we are all together I am reminded of the amazing friends I grew up with and that I am blessed to still have!

All in all it was a great trip. The only thing that almost killed me was the actually traveling part. Since I had to pay for Dallas since he had turned two, I knew I could carry on everything we needed and not pay to check things. That sounded great until Dallas decided that on the way there and back he didn't want to walk at all. So I was carrying him, two carry-on suitcases, and a car seat. Yes I thought I was going to die! Luckily there were the NICEST people who offered to help me. I was so impressed with the compassion people had for me!

The Saturday after I got back I ran a half marathon with my friend Tammy. She is my neighbor/friend/ running buddy. I am so lucky to have her as a running buddy. We run the same pace, both enjoy running, although she is much more hard core than me, and we both crave the adult conversation that starts our day. She was the one who suggested we do the half. I was reluctant, but I was glad I did it. It was the Big Cottonwood Canyon race. It was a beautiful downhill run, but I have never been in so much pain afterwards. Way too much downhill just torn my legs up and I really didn't think I would ever walk again... but after a couple days of looking like a zombie/Frankenstein my legs loosened up and I could walk normally again.

The month came to a close with us enjoying the nice weather!