an easter story

Without many words. His first look at the loot that the Easter Bunny left him.

So SURPRISED!

What is this? Looks ok, I think I will keep it.

Oh no way! Toy Story 2?

menenems....does it get any better than this?

I guess it does....

Kit Kat at not even eight o'clock in the morning? Some say unhealthy. We call it breakfast.

Nothing finer than a tired mom {can't ya tell?} and a toddler on a sugar high.

Once the sugar high wore off we were able to sit down for an enjoyable Spring General Conference. I guess I am getting older {whether I like it or not} and I have found myself enjoying the last few a lot more than I ever have. It was very uplifting and {as usual} a good reminder of the things we should be doing. Not to mention topics, stories, and words that are just what I needed to hear. Isn't it great how that happens? Incredible.

i guess it's time

to say...goodbye. {our first home}

I think I have been delaying this post. In fact I know I have. I actually wrote this 'goodbye' post a few weeks ago and right before I published it, it disappeared. I guess it wasn't time. We recently moved out of our 1st home. It seemed like a good time to take advantage of the market and our house sold a lot quicker than we expected. Good, but sad. A few weeks ago, I had a few things to discuss with the new owners. I parked the car across the street {at miss Sandra's} and ran up my old driveway. I felt like I was just coming home from a run or picking up the mail, only this time when I reached the door I had to ring the bell. As we talked I couldn't help but realize it wasn't my home anymore. Even the smell had changed {is that weird that I mentioned it?}. Not bad, just different. As I left, my mind raced with memories that took place in that home. Our first baby, putting in the yard, finishing college, our great ward, dinners on the back patio, baking Sunday treats, running with my friend, and many more. I know this move is good, I am just one that hates when I know there is something that you can't get back. I don't want the house, just the memories that go along with it.

Besides I met the nice family that moved in, and I know that it's in good hands.

just call him D Will

This week I have been pretty sick. Ok let's be honest, really sick. I kind of just lay around and watch Jake destroy my house. Really, how bad can he destroy it when you are in the process of moving? Anyway, yesterday as cleared out his closet I came across his jersey. Immediately he said, "BaAt Ball" Which means: Basketball. So I put it on just for kicks {thinking it didn't even fit him anymore} along with his Air Jordans. The best part was when daddy walked through the door and surprised him with this Nerf ball hoop. He played for hours last night {thank you Daddy, this makes laying around much easier}. He even started doing tricks. He would stand on the corner of his couch and shoot it from there. By golly this kid might be a baller.

The Whole Getup

While I watched this my little guy play I couldn't help but take it all in. I want to remember these little legs just the way they are. I imagined myself watching him play ball when he is in his teens and hoping so bad I could remember moments like this. It is years away, but I know they will go quick. And while I LOVE watching him grow, it is hard for me to know I can never have this time back.

slam dunk!

Jake had his 18th month appointment a few days ago. He gained a few pounds {finally} and grew a few inches too. He is in the 75-90th percentile for height, and the 25th percentile for weight. My boy is growin' up!

from the bottom of my heart

Happy VALENTINE'S Day!

I have a confession.

Is that a good way to start a post? Well I have to admit that I was a bit of a Grinch this last Christmas {2009}. Not because of Christmas, but because of what it turns into. It bugs me every year, yet every year I get sucked into it. I love shopping, I love new things, I love giving, I love receiving, but sometimes it's just TOO MUCH. Let's face it, the economy has not been incredible and although I can't complain about our situation (not because we aren't feeling the stress but because we both have jobs, eachother, & our health), I still hear ALOT about it. Every day at work I would listen to clients/boss tell me story after story of heartache, fraud, bankruptcy, job loss, not enough orders, etc.I know it is just part of the business I am in, but it starts to wear on you. I didn't really say much because I still LOVE the season and LOVE to give. All I really wanted to do was to forget everything and take my little family to Temple Square & drink hot chocolate. {We never went and I am still kicking myself} How does this relate to Valentine's? Well usually in January I start to get down. I NEED sunshine in my life. Usually I could care less about the 14th of February. I could take it or leave it. But this year I needed it. I wanted my boys to know I was making an effort and love was indeed in our home. I didn't do much, but a few simple reminders was all it took.

{i found this idea at Taipan, my set up wasn't quite as elaborate as i would have liked, due to my budget...but there's always next year}

a little of this

and

a little of that


and there you have a happy day of love


{a heart shaped candy dish filled with Valentine M&M's was usually present, until i ate two bags by myself and had to stop putting them out}

So I am starting the year out right. Celebrating every holiday big or small. Maybe I will even post of few pics of last Christmas, just for kicks. And for proof that although I felt like the Grinch, I really did put on a happy face.


p.s. i love michael & jake. they are the best.

snail mail

Is still the BEST!

I came home from running the other night and grabbed the mail on the way in. I saw this little box with my name on it and couldn't wait to open it. Nothing like getting some unexpected mail to make your day! My friend {Heather} in sunny St. George sent a package with some darling headbands she made. When I ran my race down there a few weeks ago, she showed me what she had been up to and I couldn't get over how darling they were. Thanks again Heather! You seriously made my day/week/month!

Grandma & Grandpa Thomas sent a Valentine's card to Jake from Hawaii.

He was so excited.

There was a puppy on the front. He kept kissing it.

Thanks ma & pa! {in Jake's words}

We love & miss you.

Last but not least, my grandma & grandpa sent Jake a Valentine's card with $2 in it. Jake was so funny.

He was giving me silly faces and then stopped to 'read' the card.

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa GREAT!

You made our day. And the money is in the doggy bank:)

With the mail this week also came this thought:

Have I made someone's day recently?

My answer was: Not that I can remember.

I don't like that answer. I needed this reminder.

But I know just how I am going to change it.

Thanks again!

a few weeks ago

We went to watch this guy.

I love him.

And will possibly be heartbroken if he ever breaks up with the Jazz.

{don't ask what's up with the blurry picture. i got a new camera for Christmas and i guess we haven't figured it out}

So intense.

Yup! I still think he is great. The best part is...I think the hubs loves him as much as I do!
It's a win/win.

Me: Let's take a picture. One, two, thr.........

Mike: Why do we need a picture of us at the Jazz game?

Me: Oh well. It's us right?

vegas+13.1

This week we headed down to Vegas for a little R & R...okay maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration. We went to Vegas for The International Builders Convention. But who says you can't have a little fun too right?

On the road. We look ecstatic don't we? Maybe this is why we don't do the camera thing.

The one shot on the town. It was pouring rain most of the trip. But in case I never make it to the real New York, at least I made it to New York New York.

We ate at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant at the MGM. Totally forgot the name. It was DELISH. I am such a pizza lover and it was possible the.best.pizza.EVER. Mike had a huge old gourmet burger. It was so big that it looked as if he only had a few bites. Good eats!


After Vegas we stopped in St. George so I could run the
Painter's 1/2 Marathon. Another great success. With a great friend. We beat our last race time, enjoyed each others company, & enjoyed the scenery {even in the COLD}.

Our St. Georgian friends. Heather & Jake. We had a blast staying at their house and going out to eat with them. They are so funny. They even woke up and came to meet me at the finish. Thanks again.

You guys are the BEST!

p.s. can i tell you how much i missed my little monkey back home? so much. but the reunion was terrific.