Z, B & C

A little Mickey Mouse in the Hawkins House

2012-01-31T08:06:00.004-07:00

Last year's party was quite the scene We invited pretty much everyone we knew and most of them showed up. It was stressful and fun all rolled into one. This year, C now at a more difficult age, I decided to only invite a few families who also had chillins in the two age group. I kept it small and wanted to focus on C.

My wish was granted on the small part. Nearly half the families I invited had sick kids come Saturday (get well soon!!!) so we were blessed with only two close friends over. With 3 2 year-olds in the house, it felt like plenty.

Weeks in advance, I made felt Mickey ears for all the kids that were coming, it was a lot of work but it'll be fun to have the leftovers when we go to Disneyland again.

After eating sandwiches, the kids played pin the ears on Mickey. It was a hoot. Edison went first and stuck the ears all the way to the right of Mickey's head. We all laughed and so the rest of the kids decided that's where they should go, where it made everyone laugh. We had them try it over and over and couldn't get enough of their silliness.

Thanks for all the sweet gifts from friends and family, C is a lucky little boy. The pic below is Canyon's new trike. Edison wasn't to happy that C wouldn't share so just before this he took a swing at C (yes I got a picture of that too:) Angela and I love this pic because Canyon looks so disgusted and Edison looks....well....satisfied. Needless to say they both had a good talking to about sharing....and hitting.

The party was so fun and as C gets a little older we'll start having more friends over:) Maybe my capacity to handle large numbers of young children will increase and we can throw a big one next year. Thanks for all the well wishes from family and friends, we are so lucky to have you all!

2!

2012-01-29T21:24:00.004-07:00

My big boy is officially two. I'm not really sure where the time has gone but I have loved every minute of this little boy's life. He sure makes us happy!

My mom made C a little mickey mouse shirt for his birthday party this year. I took a few shots of my little ham. He was having fun with my fake glasses and I decided a prop distraction may be a good idea (2 brings an easily distracted toddler to my home:)

At two Canyon:

*Can say just about anything. He is just starting sentences and is getting good a names.

*Loves Basketballs and their hoops

*Rides his Tricycle all over the house

*loves to watch movies and mimic all the actions...We've been very very careful with what we let him see now.

*Talks on the phone. I love calling on my 10 minute break at work. He'll say things like "HeLLOOOOO" and " I love you" and even tell me what he's doing. love.

*Tells me which way to go when we're driving. It's usually opposite where we need to go and there's usually a tantrum involved...we're working on that.

*Trying oh so hard to not hit. It's funny how the emotions take over and I have a completely different child on my hands. He's just starting time out, it works better with daddy than it does with mom, and he does an awesome job of saying sorry and giving hugs and kisses.

*Somewhat of a picky eater but will usually try whatever is on mom's plate.

*sleeping in a big boy bed. He made the switch back in September I think. It may have been earlier. Definite pros and cons on that one.

*loves loves loves books. We have so many, and it's a good things because every night he has a blast picking out a few and reading them before bed.

* is in love with elephants, mickey mouse, lions, fruit snacks, playing with his awesome cousin Edison, and being CRAZY

It's amazing how fast he has turned into a little man. I'm excited for more personality to shine through, he's really a great kid.

Boys

2012-01-29T16:53:00.005-07:00

As a mommy of a little boy I tend to wonder if I'll ever get to do the tutu and flower thing. Sometimes it takes a little fun rough and tumble to realize I don't think I'll ever need those:)

I don't know about you but I can see pure joy on that little face. I'm pretty content with a family full of boys, just not all 2 year-olds.

A little paint

2012-01-14T22:28:00.003-07:00

Working full time and being a mom doesn't leave all that much time to do things with friends. Today, my pretty awesome sister in law Angela and I decided that that must stop. We both have boys in the terrible twos and work....hence we were in desperate need of a night away. We skipped the movie and went straight to Color Me Mine to get some artistic therapy. The hubby's stayed home with our sweet monsters so we could relax for two and a half hours. I can't wait to post the pics of our masterpieces. Thanks Ang for a great night away, I think I really like the idea of doing that once a month!

Ps....if you haven't noticed my blog hiatus, I'm now ending that. Much to come in the next few days:)

Three years baby!

2011-12-11T19:51:00.003-07:00

Zach may not be all that into Valentine's Day or even Mother's day for that matter...but he sure is great at anniversaries!

On Tuesday will mark the day we agreed to spend eternity together just three years ago. I'm not going to lie...it's getting increasingly hard to remember what life was like before that day and I don't think I ever want to go back.

Since our anniversary falls on the same day as my biggest final this semester and a full day of work we decided to take the weekend off for a little romantic fun.

C had a sleep over with his uncles H and M while we took off out of Utah County to enjoy a real city:)

Zach made all the plans this year....ok he does every year. I guess my gift to him is smiling and telling him how great he is. We checked into the Hotel Monaco around 3:30pm and rushed to get much needed massages. We are knot free for the time being and boy does that feel nice, I give it a week:)

For dinner we walked down to The Melting Pot. It was fun to reminisce about our 1st anniversary. Same restaurant...different Bailee (I was 9 months pregnant then). The food was just as good as our memories had made it out to be, and we tried a new dessert..and we found a new FAVORITE!!!

We walked back to our cozy hotel room with a king sized bed (which is a nice change from our full that we normally share with a 100 pound dog and a wiggly 2 year old) and watched Fred Clause (it was on TNT) while relazing. We both agreed on how much we love our little man but it was nice to spend a night just the two of us.

We slept in this morning and enjoyed breakfast. We lazily drove back to the bubble to get our little man and rescue the lazy dog from his outdoor camping trip (aka the shed in the backyard).

I'm so lucky. so so so lucky.

Oh and The Hotel Monaco is getting it's own little post later on this week. I honestly love this place and can't wait to tell you about it!

Twas the day before...Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T23:03:00.007-07:00

And all through the house all the creatures were stirring, even the mouse.

Some cookie dough was made, for father dear and his office buddies who needed some cheer.

The child, not nestled in his bed with care, but standing on a toilet finding zebra hair.

And in the kitchen there rose such a clatter, and we found that Bruce had made a disaster.

After cleaning with care we grabbed all the grub and headed to work to meet the hubs.

The babe and the daddy greeted with glee, have you ever seen C so happy?

Ok I know enough with the silly rhyming, today was just that good. It was such a great reminder of why tomorrow is so important to me. I guess as I get older (GASP!) I am more and more grateful for all the happy things I have in my life. Even the trials are so fantastically meant for me.

I am a lucky, lucky woman.

hacking

2011-11-14T08:32:00.003-07:00

CA CAaaaaa.....Caaaa....ca....

yup. C and I have a bad case of the coughs. And maybe a little bit of pink eye. I'm enjoying the time with my baby boy but I wish it was in better circumstances:)

The Man who does bedtime well...

2011-11-12T20:41:00.002-07:00

This is a little tribute to the man who is great at bedtime.

Two months ago, before I started working nights, I always put Canyon to bed. The first couple of days of my new night shift, Zach would let him stay up until I got home but that was exhausting for me. So, he stepped it up and things have never been better at bedtime.

Before: Sitting in Canyon's room for an hour waiting for him to fall asleep.

After: laying with C for about 15 minutes and leaving, asleep or not.

Before: Tip toeing across the room just hoping the door won't squeak on your way out.

After: A big kiss and walking to the door, turning and leaving.

Before: Hysterical screams if the door screeched.

After: a cute glance.

My hubby knows how to teach a little boy to fall asleep on his own.

When you start a family you always have a little fear of how each of you will do as parents. You look at how the other acts around kids at church or their cousins. Zach has exceeded every expectation. He is the best daddy. He has taught Canyon so much and I'm so glad I lucked out.

Ewe for the mush...I know. What can I say? He needs to know he's appreciated.

Outsmarted

2011-11-12T08:49:00.002-07:00

We've been outsmarted.

Ever see that movie Mouse Hunt? I used to feel like the mouse was the victim, it wasn't.

The cold has brought a few new "friends" into our home and they make their appearances mostly while we're relaxing after C goes to bed. We're debating buying a "No Vacancy" sign to put outside, just so they know.

Last night Zach set a few more traps (which worked last week) and an hour or so later checked them. Well there were no caught mice but the dog food bait had been taken.

We've been outsmarted and I didn't eat breakfast this morning due to my intense fear of rodents.

I'm seriously considering getting a cat for the winter so something is keeping these little guys in check. Anyone know how to get around pet allergies?

A little accomplishment

2011-11-04T21:31:00.003-06:00

I've never been a distance runner but it's not always easy to be on a soccer team while working, going to school and attempting to be a good mom. I've been running and my goal for the last two years was to run a half marathon. Last Saturday was the day. I will admit I wasn't quite ready for it and I paid in soreness the two days following the race. The first 7 miles went so well. Miles 8 and 9 were perfect. The hard ones were the last three. I think that's where I needed a running buddy to keep up with a certain pace. I made it though, and all without walking once! I may have jogged a tad slower at times than I would have walking but I did it! The official times were just posted yesterday.....and mine was....

2 hours 20 minutes and 19 seconds!

That's about a 10 minute mile...a little more but not quite an 11 minute mile average.

I know it's not the best and I'm sure if I train even more I could do even better but I feel good. It's one of those things that you dream of doing but never do. I'm glad I did:) I'll definitely be doing another one.

I was really lucky to have an entourage to cheer me on. Zach and C parked towards the end of the race and cheered me on in the last mile. It made it all that much sweeter.

Adventure!

2011-11-02T14:26:00.004-06:00

I don't think I've ever gone a whole month without blogging! I'm glad to be back though. Things have been super busy around our house. I'm working full time for a little while to supplement Zach's part time income. He should be going full time in December and we can rearrange that a little bit.

October was a super fun month in our house, we especially loved Halloween. Zach and Canyon get to spend a lot of time together so this last month they did a lot of the Halloween preparations while mom was at work. They mostly scouted out what they wanted to dress up as and Canyon Loved the Halloween stores. I sure have a little boy on my hands.

After much deliberation here are our costumes for 2011.

Yup. Batman, Robin and the thief that stole their hearts:) I know cheesy:) I just wasn't up for tight leather boots. I was really surprised at how many people bought their costumes. I enjoyed my home made costumes growing up and always felt like they were so awesome. I loved making these this year but I'm afraid we looked like the rag muffins at the ward trunk or treat, oh well, I had fun making them and they were definitely in the budget.

Canyon found a new favorite thing this month, and no, not candy (although he really likes that too). Pumpkins. We carved ours a week or so and ever since C and the Jack'o'lantern have been attached at the hip. One morning Canyon fed the pumpkin M&M's for breakfast while he ate his cereal. I laughed that C didn't think of eating the M&M's himself....no....those were just for his pumpkin:)

Canyon loves to sit outside on the porch with the pumpkin, We couldn't get him to go back inside the night we took some pictures so we just kept taking shots!! Halloween is so fun with a little one.

General Conference

2011-10-01T15:07:00.002-06:00

I didn't realize how much I needed the words of the prophets and apostles. I'm glad I'm here, at home, soaking in the precious truths that I need to be reminded of. I love general conference.

finding the right things to say

2011-09-30T21:30:00.004-06:00

I've been half dreading this blog post. I just don't know how to put into words the events of the last 7 days. I don't think my life, or outlook, will ever be the same.

Most of you heard about this little guy making his big debut a week from today. He was born at 29 weeks but at a hospital known for it's NICU. We were all so hopeful. Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse and little Princeton returned to his Heavenly Father five days after birth. I can't tell you how much I love his parents and big bro and that love reached to him too. I got to meet him once when things were looking good. I was so impressed with the fight he had for life. The next day I got to spend time as he quietly passed from this mortal life to that paradise where he will wait for the rest of his family.

I guess the words I am struggling to find are those of comfort for the new little family that this baby came to. As I was blog surfing today I found this. It is exactly what I want his sweet parents to know.

Princeton, you have been a blessing. One that has changed the lives of many. Thank you. I know that there is a plan and Princeton was so perfect he didn't need to be tested or tried in this life, but sometimes that doesn't make it any easier to have him go.

Treav, Angela, I love you guys. I hope you know that we all do. We are all rooting for you to push through this and to come out stronger, even your baby boy Princeton. You.can.do.it!!!

If you want to attend the funeral it's at 11am in Pleasant Grove this coming Monday. If you want more details let me know.

Just what I needed

2011-09-21T08:05:00.002-06:00

I have a lot to blog about but I'm not going to just yet, I'm going to spend my day off with my handsome little man. I just wanted to post a little blurb. I found a blog through a friend and I tell you, it is just what I needed. It's called Cardigan Empire (and those who know me know that I love cardigans!). Surprisingly enough it's not about cardigans but about beauty. Anywho go check it out, and make sure you read the Beauty-Full Tuesday posts. As a young woman struggling with self image after baby, this blog has given me new perspective. I was already on my way to a better, more beautiful place but this blog definitely helped. Hope you enjoy it!

I'm gonna miss this.

2011-09-08T14:15:00.002-06:00

I got this job just after marrying Zach and turning 20. Shortly after (like 6 weeks) I found out I was pregnant with C. About 2.5 years later I'm facing my last three hours of answering the phones for 8 of my favorite attorneys, not to mention to of the closest friends I've made, Mary Ann and Jeri. I remember calling when I saw the ad in the Daily Universe, the interview and the call that said I was in. I never knew I'd stay so long and love it so much. I know two years isn't all that long but for a college student who's life is rapidly changing, it is. Zach and I have moved three times since getting this job, I've been in the hospital for more than 5 days, Zach's held three different jobs and I've taken over 60 credit hours. They've pretty much seen me through thick and thin.

What was that you asked? Why on earth am I leaving?

I have an opportunity to work as a phlebotomist. The job offers all on the job training and after 3 months I'll have certification. Pretty much the experience will be so valuable to my future career as a nurse and I'm excited to start a new chapter in my life.

With that said, I'm taking in my last 3 hours here and enjoying every minute of it. I don't think it's ever been so hard for me to leave a work place but I'm struggling. I just hope I made a little contribution in the lives here at the office, they sure made a difference in mine.

I will admit, this feeling is strange for me. I usually welcome change, jump at it. I must be getting older and more sentimental. Love you Law Offices, rude phone callers, random sweets, impatient waiters and intimidating [not really] attorneys, I'll miss you.

Some people say...

2011-09-07T15:57:00.003-06:00

that it's hard to watch your little ones grow up. It is, but I love it. I love watching each little milestone unravel.

We moved C to a big boy bed and he absolutely loves it. He's totally the coolest kid...ever.

I'm planning on making him a quilt with a tiny Mickey Mouse in the corner, because he loves mickey.

What a life I lead

2011-09-07T15:29:00.003-06:00

Do you ever feel like complaining and then completely regret it later? I do...sometimes.

I came home to these beauties.

My boys went to a florist and hand picked all the flowers for my little arrangement.

I'm lucky and have nothing to complain about:)

happiness

2011-09-04T22:01:00.002-06:00

It seems like one of the ultimate questions,

How can we be happy? or What makes us happy?

I am Happy.

Bold, I know but it's true. Not superficial at all.

I have everything I'll ever need.

Yesterday I spent the day with an extremely happy baby and hubby for that matter. We walked around, played and everything else under the sun.

Then I got the #1 thing on my list, a date! and wings (I promise the date was higher on the list than the wings).

The wings were good but a little quality quiet time with my Zach was incredible.

We picked up the little man (who hadn't had a nap all day) smiling and happy, and carried him sleeping up to bed.

It defined happiness, at least for this 22 year old.

I hear people complain about what their husbands do, or what they don't do, but mine is my world.

Some say that kids are the end of freedom, but mine is my universe.

I'm lucky.

Skidamarink

2011-09-01T15:22:00.002-06:00

Excuse the title but I just didn't want to use "Update" again, seeing as that's all this really is going to be:)

So, It's been a while. No we haven't fallen off the face of the earth or anything, just busy. I decided to look for a job in a healthcare setting and landed one as a phlebotomist (go ahead and google it:). I'm really excited to start a new chapter in my career but so sad to leave the office. I have been at the office for a long time and can't imagine not showing up to answer phones everyday.

Zach is down to one job (can I get a hallelujah?!) and Canyon has especially loved spending a little more time with his daddy. I say especially because Zach is the new get-out-of-going-to-bed parent and the won't-let-mommy-make-me-eat-things-I-don't-want-to-eat parent (even though in the end Zach makes him do the same things I do, he just thinks daddy might not), he's also just the best dad ever. Canyon has so much fun with Zach you'd think they were related or something:)

Canyon is now hitting the terrible twos. He really likes to push boundaries. I don't mind so much but the incessant whining when he doesn't get what he wants can start to drain my energy. I never realized this before but not only are tantrums a part of the terrible twos but he's just not that easily distracted anymore. He knows what he wants and there's not much I can do to change his mind. I try to come up with other fun activities but it usually ends with me walking away and C following shortly after finishing his little tantrum. Honestly he is the happiest, funniest baby, this is just all new to me. I know it's not like him and I think a little cold is making it a lot worse than it is, so I'm not complaining. Just excited for him to get into the sentence stage so I can better understand and reason with him.

Speaking of reasoning with the little man, it's been fun to see how much he really understands. Every night before bed we all kneel down for prayers. For a few weeks he was so good at folding his arms, bowing his head and closing his eyes during the prayer and saying amen afterward. The last few nights C has decided if we don't say prayers then we won't go to bed so he's been boycotting bedtime prayers with a little tantrum. Last night he was in Zach's lap screaming as I knelt down and told him to fold his arms. He screamed again so I said, "Canyon, we are going to say prayers whether you want to or not. Screaming is not going to change it." He immediately calmed down, let me pray and said amen. I sure love him. I keep getting the feeling that how I react now is vital to his behavior later on. I just hope I'm doing it right.

Sorry for the long "Skidamarink". Hope you enjoyed at least a line or two:)

Oh did I mention C is sleeping in a big boy bed now? It's precious really:)

Zach called it...

2011-08-22T17:43:00.002-06:00

We got Bruce when he was 8 weeks old back in 2009. A few weeks later we found out I was pregnant with C (this story is funny...I think). I wasn't sure I was ready to raise a puppy AND a little man. After Bruce's "man surgery" he had some issues with potty training and would poop all over the apartment. I tell you what...looking back it seems that's all I ever did...clean up poop. One day I was complaining to Zach about it and he asked me what I thought it was going to be like having kids.

I obviously told him that at least I wouldn't be cleaning their poop out of my carpet. He laughed at me.

This afternoon Zach dropped C off at my office on his way to work and I asked him how their morning had gone. And I quote, "Great, except for when I went to check on C playing in his room he had taken off his pants AND his diaper and pooped all over the carpet."

PAHAHAHAHAHA

The best part, it happened while Zach was with him. I'm pretty sure that it was supposed to happen while I was home.

Man I love my boys...even the Bruce kind.

I have this friend...

2011-08-20T22:11:00.000-06:00

...her name is McKenzie and she's pretty awesome. The end.

oh and thanks for the run!

Our Summer Vacation

2011-08-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

With Zach working 2 jobs and going to school full time this summer, we haven't had a whole lot of "vacation" time. Our good friends invited us to a family cabin about an hour away and we couldn't say no! It was the perfect weekend getaway and the Davies family was so awesome! We really enjoyed spending time away from cell phone reception and the internet.

We arrived at the cabin around 6pm on Friday, ate some yummy tin foil dinners and stayed up late playing games and eating [too much] sugar. Saturday we went boating out on the near by lake. I love to wake board but my arm strength must be failing me because I couldn't get up! (embarrassing I know) Zach got up long enough to ride some choppy water. Kenz and I enjoyed a little tubing. Even Adi tried the tube, although I don't know if she enjoyed it all that much.

And then there was Canyon, the lone sleeper on the boat. He liked a little shade and a soft towel.

A big thanks to the Davies family for letting us come. We love living near you guys and have such a good time with you! Thanks for an awesome [and affordable] summer vacation.

dare devil

2011-08-16T10:17:00.000-06:00

Ok, so the tug boats at Lagoon probably don't qualify as dare devilish but for an 18 month...I think it sort of counts.

Canyon screamed like all the other kids his age (and some older) but unlike the other kids, Canyon was screaming when I was taking him OFF the rides. Needless to say, this little man is a lot like his mommy, loving the roller coasters!

We were able to spend the day at Lagoon with my family. It was so fun to have a lot of my extended family there too. As you can see, it was pretty exhausting!

The wedding!

2011-08-16T06:36:00.003-06:00

My adorable cousin Ashlee got married about a week ago. It was exciting to be in the temple with Zach and remember the wonderful things that had happened on our own wedding day. Between the early temple ceremony, the luncheon, sewing baby quilts and the reception there wasn't much down time. I do want to say thanks to the people [mom] who made my wedding day stress free, I guess I didn't realize how much effort comes from people other than the bride/groom to make it all happen.

Ash and Jordan's reception was beautiful, my Aunt Heather did a fantastic job. I wish I could've enjoyed the atmosphere a little more but the little man who didn't get a nap was grouchy and wanted to play outside.

The kiddos waiting [patiently] outside the temple

Our little eternal family!

The happy couple! Congrats Ashlee and Jordan! Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day. We love you and wish you the best.

-the Hawkins

And we're off...

2011-08-12T16:00:00.000-06:00

...on our first and last weekend away for the summer. We'll be back Sunday afternoon but as for now the lake is waiting for us!

A wee bit emotional

2011-08-04T08:44:00.003-06:00

I love change, it's great really, but lately I'm having a hard time with it. Last week Rachel left on an LDS mission. In two weeks, Jess is moving to Texas and then heading out on her mission. I love these girls and I'm having a hard time letting two of my favorite people go. Boy howdy I need to toughen up!

Want more emotion?

I was driving through a neighborhood on my way to work this morning and this sweet old man was taking a stroll. He was wearing a WWII vet. cap and a Nauvoo t-shirt under his suspenders. He had the sweetest grin on his face as he wiped his brow with the only arm he had left. I couldn't hold it in. I am so grateful for the service that brave men gave and are still living with everyday. Have I ever sacrificed something so dear to me for someone else? Not like that.

So, If you are uncomfortable around tears you may want to steer clear of our house for a time...I can't help it! (Zach you are not included, you get to come home either way;)

A mini tribute

2011-08-03T13:52:00.005-06:00

I am a lucky, lucky person. I say this for many reasons but mainly because of all the amazing people I have in my life. I want to do a little mini tribute to my sweet husband.

He is just...I can't even explain it. Patient. I am not always the best wife, mother or best friend but some how he's still patient and kind to me.

The man is working two jobs and going to school full time and has not had one vacation this summer. He is a trooper. I wish I had the money to send us off on a little vacation far away from Utah, but that'll have to wait.

This is going to be a picture-full post so enjoy!

This is the first picture Zach and I were ever in together. That night we went laser tagging and he was such a cutie. I loved how competitive he was!

Zach loves to play. Especially when his friends are around. Whether it's softball, soccer, basketball or golf, he'll play and play. I think some of my favorite times have been 6 months pregnant playing coed softball with my sweetie! We really need to get a new team together since almost all of the couples on our previous team moved away!

Zach is fantastic at planning. He makes sure that everything is timed right and it's place. The above picture is the two of us in Mazatlan, Mexico. He took me on a cruise for our 2nd anniversary and it was just so perfect!

the.best.dad...enough said

Yes people, we have a Ute fan on our hands! (and secretly I love it!)

I can't talk about Zach without mentioning his 2nd best pal (canyon being the 1st). Zach takes such good care of us all, especially Bruce. He makes sure Bruce is happy and healthy and well exercised!

Z, I love your guts!

Despite the Craziness

2011-08-03T13:33:00.003-06:00

I have been a space cadet this summer. I write EVERYTHING down on a calendar and still I forget things. Yesterday I forgot to put my temple bag in my car so I could head up after work. So C and I drove all the way home, ran in real fast and drove back up to Highland. With my newest favorite construction closures, it took 1.5 hours. ick. I was so stressed that I was going to miss the session that my family was attending I was shaking. I got to the temple got changed and to the chapel in time. I sat down and took a deep breath and a wave of peace came over me.

Sometimes temple sessions can seem so long, especially after a long day of work and job interviews, but last night was different. Although I wanted to be spending time with my sweet husband (who couldn't make it) and sicky poo canyon, the session flew by. I know I needed to be there. Not only for my family but honestly...for me!

What a blessing to have one so close, and despite all the craziness, so comforting. I can't wait to go with Zach in the next few weeks. There are few things I love more than going to the temple with Zach. I don't think I've told him that recently but I sure hope he knows.

(This was taken when Zach and I got married. I want to get this printed and framed for our home so badly!)

Awkward

2011-08-03T12:56:00.005-06:00

When I look back at my years in junior high and high school I always think of myself as a tiny, awesome person (it's really just a perception of the younger "pre baby" me). I know it's not all true but the rude awakening hit in the form a picture posted on facebook this morning.

I was awkward...

really really awkward.

I hope I'm not now:)

(yes that is pink fuzz...I was going for Legally blonde...)

Lucky for me I had a group of totally awesome friends that liked me for my....(hmmm I wonder why they liked me:). I never felt alone and I'm glad that's extended to my adult life.

(can Riley Monson please bring back ... extreme Thursdays...correct me if I'm wrong but those were the best!!)

Now if you don't mind I need to go un-tuck my white shirt from my [too] high waisted jeans.

a story of a lack of motivation

2011-08-01T16:16:00.002-06:00

I know you don't want to read this but I'm writing it any way.

I've had this icky problem with a lack of motivation lately. I hopped on a scale last night...and it was an ugly ordeal. I'm not one to care TOO much about the weight but the fact is...I haven't been doing my part. I've been tired and lazy and it's starting to show.

Last night Zach and I plotted. I don't like feeling icky about myself and I was ready to kick it into gear. So, my handsome personal trainer got me out a dry erase marker and we started writing away on the mirror; goals, schedules, menus, you name it we wrote it. I was feeling better but still a little...you know....grrrrrr.

Well today has been my first day of "starting the habit". My goal is at least a 1 hour workout 5 times a week. Seeing as we are busy and there aren't many sidewalks around us, we decided I better go before he heads to work at 6 every morning.

I got up this morning at 4:40am and got to the gym at 5. I ran 3.2 miles and did some resistance training. It felt great and I'm only a little tired.

15 pounds....you'll be gone before I can say marathon!

Sorry for the "self image" yada yada yada post. I hate writing them. I only do in attempts to make me that much more accountable. If you did end up reading this, thanks. You are helping out so much!

I think each week I'm going to post a little about the progress. Pictures throughout the week in hopes that'll keep me going. Here's to a better, happier, more disciplined, toned ME!!

Oh July

2011-07-31T11:16:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it's the last day of July. The Fall is my favorite but this summer has been nice too:) I'm sure going to miss all the fun we have as a family outside in the nice hot weather.

This weekend we spent a ton of time out at parks and lakes. Friday night we had a friends birthday party at our favorite park. I'm pretty sure all three of us were ecstatic to get some beautiful outside time. Happy 1st birthday, Kyson!

Saturday we went up the canyon to let Bruce swim in the river and enjoy some "cool" weather. Sometimes it's hard to have a dog in such confined spaces but I'm sure glad we have him. Canyon has a best pal, and Zach does to for that matter.

For your entertainment, here's why...

(this last one I call the "bum" collage. for some reason all I could really get were bums!)

18 months

2011-07-26T12:42:00.003-06:00

He's 18 months old, a year and a half. It just sounds so big. It is so big. He walks and talks and surprises me every day. Where does the time go? If it keeps moving this fast, we'll have a missionary on our hands before I can catch my breath:)

The last 18 months have been awesome. I wouldn't change them for anything. Canyon is doing and saying so much it's unbelievable. Here's a little of what goes down in the Hawkins house these days...

-Words: Ball, Bruce, Mom, dad, Thank you ("dank du"), Kitty, Let's go, Get out, get off, stuck, eeewww, ouch, hot, water (this one is practically undistinguishable), Go, stop, Meow, Grrrr, and many other's I can't think of right now:)

-He loves to walk/run, especially outside. If we're inside getting things done we'll often find C sitting/standing by the door trying to reach the handle saying "OUT!" When we're getting in the car to go somewhere he runs down the sidewalk. He wants so bad to just go and not be strapped in. poor guy!

-Bruce is now a sibling to C. Sometimes C just loves him, giggling and playing with him non stop. Other times Bruce looking at C sets him off. He does know how to tell Bruce "Go Away!" I'm guessing they'll be the best of buds.

-He has now reached a new level of cuddles. Every morning he wants to cuddle with me. Nothing can happen between him waking up and our morning cuddle. I have even started to get up extra early on the mornings we have to be somewhere so I can be all ready when he wakes up, you know, so I don't interrupt our cuddle time. I'm not complaining one bit about this stage. I love it.

-Canyon loves the pool. Even more than the pool, a pool with daddy and a ball. The ball is a whole separate love in and of itself.

There are so many other fun things he's doing now! I sure love this age!

Hey Hey good lookin!

2011-07-25T13:16:00.002-06:00

Canyon was sure lookin dapper for church yesterday. He was trying to avoid the paparazzi but I got a couple of good ones anyway!

Doctor C

2011-07-25T13:14:00.003-06:00

I found Canyon and Zach playing with my stethoscope a day or two ago and I could believe how much fun they were having. I think I'd be perfectly fine with him being a doctor... :)

Just keep runnin'

2011-07-23T11:26:00.002-06:00

I finished my 2nd 10k this morning and boy howdy it felt good. I beat my last time of 1 hour 6 minutes with a 1 hour 1 minute time! I was hoping to come in around 55 minutes but the first mile was the most treacherous mile I've ever endured. The hill was so steep I think even my car would've had a hard time. That first mile took too long and I spent the rest of the race trying to get back to the 55 minute pacer, to no avail. Even with the killer hill they called Goliath, a new PR was set and I'm a happy camper. I am not proud of any of these pictures but memories are memories and I hate it when I have no pictures to help me remember.

That half marathon is coming up fast, hopefully I'll be ready!

Sensory Overload

2011-07-23T11:13:00.002-06:00

About 3 weeks ago I started a 2 week CNA class to get my certification. My mom and B were nice enough to come out and stay for two weeks to play with Canyon (no work = no money for day care) we had a lot of fun but one of my favorite things we did was head up to Salt Lake and take the kiddos to Discovery Gateway. It was perfect timing for my walking little monster. I took hundreds of pictures but few turned out, I just couldn't get them to stop moving! They loved the whole place and I can't wait to go back!

Bethanie especially enjoyed the kitchen and the little market where she could play on the cash register (I'm sure she'll hate those things when she turns 16 and gets a job).

Canyon's favorite was the "BAAAA" aka balls. They had all these plastic balls and a million things you could do with them. Every time we tried to move on to a new area he'd just turn around and start waddling back to the "BAAA".

Thanks to my awesome mom for coming and living in our crazy little home and putting up with dog hair...We love you and appreciate all you do!

Busy

2011-07-13T13:43:00.004-06:00

It seems to be the theme this summer. That and "behind".

So sixteen days late, full coverage of our 4th of July weekend.

Friday, Canyon and I got to spend the afternoon with the Davies family at the Lindon pool....loved it! The slides were just perfect for our little munchkins (with us going down too of course). I think Canyon's favorite was the lazy river.

Saturday, Zach and I had our own little BBQ and bought a few aerial fireworks to test out. (Now legal in Utah. I wonder if it's going to last:) Canyon loved the fireworks and was the only one to come home unscathed by the millions of feasting mosquitoes.

The morning of the 4th, I ran my first 10k in 66 minutes. Not quite my goal but I have another one on the 23rd and hopefully I'll hit my goal in that race!

That afternoon and evening we spent at Zach's grandparents. It was fun to play games and just relax. Canyon enjoyed playing with the uncles too!

my little outdoorsman

2011-06-25T11:23:00.004-06:00

We went up the Provo Canyon last night with some good ol family fun. Canyon, the child who cries to get out the front door, couldn't get enough of all the outdoor fun. We were lucky to have Edison there too. Those two are peas in a pod. I think the highlight of the night was the kickball game. I'm so glad we can have a little healthy competition. Thought I'd share a few photos!

Canyon has been a little obsessed with balls lately. There were plenty of balls at the park and he was in heaven!

The two boys enjoyed eating their dinners all by themselves! I think at one point Edison was painting himself with ketchup.

Edison was cracking us all up with his hula hoop skills. That boy is going to be talented!

A Little something green

2011-06-19T21:26:00.002-06:00

Well, It's a good time of year to find green things and I found just that in our little backyard (and no the green is not weeds...) We've got a little garden going on. I love it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go a year without a garden no that I have one. Zach is so good with the plants...he treats them like children, I'm sure that's why he doesn't want another baby right now;) I couldn't get great shots of our growing veggies but here are the plants at least:)

Cloudy days

2011-06-18T20:07:00.002-06:00

The photo challenge asked for clouds so mother nature obliged. That's all that was in the sky today 9although I'm sure there were some birds too:) I decided to get a shot from our backyard. Personally, I LOVE cloudy days, I could take them every day, but I like sunshine too!

fashonista

2011-06-17T21:08:00.002-06:00

Ok...not quite. I love reading blogs with cute girls who come up with cute (and mostly thrifted) outfits, I am not one of those girls. I enjoy cardigans...lots and lots of cardigans. They may not be the most fashionable but boy howdy do I think I look swell in 'em. So, keeping with the fun photo challenge, here is what I wore today.

oh and It's been a few years since modeling school... :)

Photo challenge =

2011-06-16T15:21:00.003-06:00

challenging. Photo challenge, should be fun, right? On Monday, then Tuesday and Wednesday, I sat down ready to do a self portrait. I couldn't. I don't know why I'm so intimidated by those two words or what they imply but I kept feeling like "self portrait" meant so much more than just a snapshot of myself.

I spent this morning in my favorite place with one of my closest friends. As I was leaving I snapped a picture, hoping to pile in it all the feelings I had had. Putting it on the computer I realized I wanted it to be my first self portrait (the last day is also a self portrait) This is what I hope my essence reflects, it's what I want to see when I look in the mirror (figuratively of course:)

next---> Tomorrow's outfit. hopefully this one won't take me half a week:)

Dear Utah County

2011-06-14T10:46:00.003-06:00

I've enjoyed being your resident, I really have. I love that over the years I've learned the back roads and easy ways to get to my destination. Which brings me to this month's beef. You have torn up the only road out of our neighborhood. That same road was my way to work when the freeway was busy. Well, they both are a mess and I spend more than 2 hours a day waiting. I kindly ask why? Why would you close up the freeway AND it's frontage road? Do you realize that you have made "Utah Drivers" that much worse? If you thought we were in a hurry before you've created a whole new rushing monster. An invoice has been sent detailing the time and effort I have spent in the traffic created by your misjudgment and what that will cost you. I hope we can clear this up soon.

ok ok, just a little bit of the pent up disgust I have for the construction near our house lately but seriously. The once never late girl is now cutting it close for everything! Anyone else having issues?

The best chocolate chip cookie recipe...ever.

2011-06-13T10:28:00.003-06:00

I like Sundays. I especially like Sundays because I have time to do things I don't normally have time to do...like bake/cook. I was looking through my inventory and realized that I have accrued quite the selection of items that would be delicious in many dessert recipes. I started going through my favorite cooking blogs in hopes of discovering a new favorite cookie to splurge on. I ended up at allrecipes.com. A reviewer of a cookie I was checkin out mentioned the best chocolate chip cookie recipe that she'd ever come by. I quickly found the mentioned recipe (who doesn't need to try a new chocolate chip cookie recipe?) I read through all the reviews and no one had a bad thing to say about the Best Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. I tried them (thanks to the Davies for supplying the flour) and Zach would agree with the hype...They are delicious!

I guess these thighs aren't going anywhere anytime soon:)

Photo courtesy of allrecipes.com

Now I know this is far from a cooking blog and I'm far from a chef, but I wouldn't dare keep this recipe a secret. Try them, I really don't think you'll regret it (unless of course you've already perfected the chocolate chip cookie, but you know, I thought the Fox's had, and these give those a run for their money) Love you Fox family! and your delish cookies

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

*** Instead of doing the 1/4 cup size I did them with a 1 in scoop and made it over flow a little. That way more were made (so I could share) and they weren't quite as huge! Enjoy!

Me too! Me too! (sorry kenz)

2011-06-12T21:08:00.003-06:00

My cute friend, McKenzie, is doing a 30 day photography challenge and I want to try it too! I've been more and more interested in capturing our special moments so I'm excited to focus on certain things each day. Picture number 1 will appear tomorrow!

Number 2467

2011-06-11T13:21:00.003-06:00

Zach up and did a half marathon this morning! Yeah I married a stud. He finished in 1 hour 44 minutes. He said he ran right next to the 8 minute mile pacer nearly the whole time (save the part with the cramp). 13.1 miles handsomer, I'd say:)

He really appreciated the opportunity to run the race and I think he had a blast. He was a little worried about waking up at 4:30am to get up the mountain but his adrenaline kicked in and he did fantastic. Looks like he'll be doing the Utah Valley MARATHON next year! :)

Breaking the habit

2011-06-06T10:00:00.003-06:00

I don't know about you but there's just something about summer that makes me want to be a better person. I subconsciously start breaking bad habits. I guess it's a little like spring cleaning for the soul. Most of the habits that I break in the summer aren't a goal that I set it just kind of evolves. Saturday night I broke a huge habit...I deleted my Facebook account. I still am in awe that I did it, I've been on Facebook since I was 16 and I've never contemplated getting rid of it.

Yesterday, Zach asked me why I decided to do it. and I couldn't answer him completely because I hadn't formulated any reasons, but now that I ponder on it...there are so many. I guess I'm a mom and a married woman, I don't NEED social networking. I loved seeing pictures of my friends and what's going on in their lives. It was always good to keep tabs on people and if something happened I could try and help almost instantly. Those were the positives of Facebook, but there were so many negatives that I can't justify keeping it.

1. I spent too much time browsing and seeing what everyone is up to.

2. I started to compare myself to everyone else....no bueno. I have a WONDERFUL life and although it may have it's ups and downs, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

3. People get nasty. I've heard and felt some pretty hurtful comments on Facebook, I think people are getting too open. There is no need to air ALL someone's laundry for the world to see, dirty or not. I felt myself being sucked in and I wanted nothing to do with it.

I think my favorite part about "deactivating" my account was the final page. It showed about 5 pictures of me and another friend and each had a caption that read "so and so will miss you", naming the friend in the photo:) It's nice to be missed:) Beneath the photos they asked for a reason why I was leaving. If you checked a box it would come up with several ways to overcome that and continue to have an account. I could help but smile.

I'm not going to lie. I feel the pull a little too often to get on. I think after a few more days I'll be used to not logging on. I love shedding the old and moving on with the new! It's a great feeling.

One more playground picture

2011-06-05T17:12:00.003-06:00

By 1 I meant 4. I just can't get enough of these two. They are just too cute for words!

Canyon likes to sit at the top of the slide and scowl. He has yet to go down.

They figured out that the wood chips fall through the steps.

Isn't she just adorable?

I love this one. They both have the chubbiest legs and the cutest faces! Kenz and I are trying hard not to play matchmakers:)

Bun in the oven

2011-06-05T17:07:00.003-06:00

Ok so the title is misleading:) Our relatively big bun likes to play with the drawer under the oven. If you can't tell, C had just gotten up from his nap...hence the messy hair!

2011-06-03T11:21:00.005-06:00

WANTED:

1 Stethescope

1 Diagnostic Penlight Gauge

and 3 Pairs of royal blue scrubs

Nursing Degree....HERE I COME!!!

Reason #1

2011-05-31T10:26:00.002-06:00

As I've wound my way to reason #1 I realized how hard it is to pick 10 reasons out of them all of why I love my mom. It's been hard to formulate reason number one, I feel like it needs to encompass everything I haven't covered but that's impossible. Or is it.

Reason #1: The mom

My mom is well....my mom. She always looked after me, put my needs before her own. She's been an example of love, kindness and service. She's taught me to be tough and sweet all at the same time. She's continually teaching and learning. I love her, because she's my mom. Thanks for everything mom!

Love ya momma!

Reason #2 The Righteous

2011-05-29T10:09:00.002-06:00

So I know this is taking me longer than 10 days...oops!

The #2 reason I love my mom so much is she is so steadfast in the gospel. Who know's where I'd be without her example. Watching her serve faithfully in so many callings over the years gives me hope that I can be a little better and stronger as a servant to my heavenly father. She's just plain old FAntasTIC!

Love ya, momma!

Saturday's are just swell

2011-05-29T09:58:00.003-06:00

I just want to come out and say it...I am a Saturday goo roo. My spirits are a tad dampened by Zach's Saturday morning business law class but I'll be honest...the house is usually clean by the time he gets home at noon. During the week Zach only get's to see C in the morning before work. That's not Canyon's (or Zach's for that matter) happiest time of day. I love watching the two boys play on Saturday's, I can tell C misses his daddy all week long.

Yesterday was an extremely relaxing and fun Saturday. The house was clean and we headed up to Salt Lake. We got up there a little early for Jessi's graduation so we decided to hit The Gateway. It was a beautiful day to walk around the outdoor mall and window shop. We picked up a few of my new favorite Bath and Body Works candles...they last forever and make the whole house smell heavenly!

My awesomely awesome friend all they way back from elementary school graduated from Westminster yesterday so we went to join in the festivities. I love that girl. She's great. It was fun seeing her grammy (who currently resides in Texas) and mom. I remember being so close to her family, it felt like seeing distant relatives again. We enjoyed yummy Cafe Rio and talked to other friends from high school who showed up. Cesar even gave Zach and I a crash course on running half marathons:)

After the party we took C to see Kung Fu Panda 2! He just sat and watched and loved it! what a great flick.

I love my little family. I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Thanks for a great Saturday sweetie!!

Reason #3 The Soccer Mom

2011-05-25T10:21:00.002-06:00

I played a lot of sports in high school (when I say a lot I mean like 5). I think my mom was secretly grateful I turned out like her when it came to athletics. I also danced, played the violin and did some academic competitions. With all of these extra curricular activities comes lots of games, performances etc... My mom, she hardly ever missed one. I think I remember a game that she couldn't go to because of some really good excuse and she felt so bad. I laughed at her then and I still laugh but I'm grateful she was so supportive. I always knew she'd be at my games encouraging me and honestly, I played better for it. I love that she had a passion to figure out the sport (if it was one she didn't play) or share any tips she had from her own jar of experience (especially when I tried my hand, or legs, at hurdling). I love that she was my biggest fan, and still is. I will always need someone to cheer for me and I've got her! Thanks mom!

love ya, momma

Reason #4 The Beauty

2011-05-23T16:02:00.002-06:00

I know this sounds superficial but I love my mom because she's beautiful inside and out. I love that she doesn't try too hard to be beautiful, she just is. It's always so fun shopping with her and seeing the faces and hearing the comments when someone hears me call her mom. They are always surprised and usually comment on how they assumed we were sisters or close friends. I hope she takes that as a compliment because it's true. She looks fantastic. Not only is she beautiful but she's taught me that I'm a beautiful woman too and that I should learn how to love me for me. What an important value in our society today. I only hope I can instill the same knowledge in my children.

love ya, momma!

Watch out Ryan

2011-05-21T22:39:00.004-06:00

I have an amazing friend here in Orem. Kenz is just great. She has her Master's degree and works at BYU. She's talented and oh so beautiful. Did I mention she's training for the Red Rock Relay? Yeah, She's cool. Kenz and her little one, Adi come over every now

and again and we try to get C and Adi to play as often as possible. Adi stole C's first kiss so I'm surprised her dad, Ryan, is letting his little girl have play dates with us still.

We had to capture the first kiss on camera:)

Today we went down to the park after I got all the cleaning done for the day.They loved the swings!

Isn't she beautiful? I'm so glad I have such fun friends!

Reason #5 The Entertainer

2011-05-21T22:31:00.002-06:00

Only those of you who have spent time with my mom will understand this post to it's fullest. You may even have fun flashbacks that will leave you laughing all night long. My mom is funny. I don't know if she really tries but she is. She is especially funny after 9pm and before 10am (funny at night due to exhaustion and funny in the morning due to her slight dislike for mornings). We used to joke that anything my mom said after 9pm couldn't be used against her, Carrie Fox can vouch for that one. In my sweet mom's defense things would normally just get twisted funny. I love that my mom has a sense of humor, after all, we all need to laugh!

Love ya, momma.

Just like Grandpa Greg

2011-05-21T22:24:00.003-06:00

Canyon is quite the climber. He can now get on almost any chair. His favorite chair happens to be the one in front of our desktop computer. The other day I looked over and the little man was sitting in front of the computer using the mouse to click and then typing on the keyboard. I could just see my dad as a 1 year old doing the same....if only there were computers way back then:) I sure love my dad and wouldn't mind little C following in his footsteps. I would mind him going to medical school either:)

Excuse his cute bed head hair.....he had just gotten up. Still not quite the morning person his momma is:)

Reason #6 The Spoiler

2011-05-21T22:07:00.002-06:00

Yes, I was raised an only child and my momma spoiled me. I sure hope I don't act like it but it's true. That's not the real reason I love my mom. I love her because she spoils EVERYONE, especially her grand baby. I've watched her spoil my daddy, Bethanie, her family amongst others. What a loving, selfless person she is....I just can't get enough of her!

love ya, momma!

At the playground

2011-05-15T21:13:00.004-06:00

We've been busy and C and I have been sick. We rested up lots this morning and decided to shower and go to the park for a little bit this afternoon. Canyon sure enjoyed the nice weather and crawling around in the wood chips. The mess left me wishing for the walkin days:)

We sure love our handsome little man.

Reason #7 VT

2011-05-15T20:56:00.002-06:00

As an LDS woman you have certain responsibilities. A big responsibility is Visiting Teaching. It is one of the hardest callings you can have...and everyone gets it. My mom is the best Visiting Teacher ever. She visit teaches a sweet woman that lives a good distance from our house in Flag. Often I call my mom (yes while I'm on the road) and she's with this sweet woman at doctor's appointments up the wazoo. My mom truly is what the church wants from the visiting teaching program. I'm trying....and if I can be half as good a visiting teacher as my mom...I will be a good one.

Thanks for being a great example mom!

Reason #8: Attitude

2011-05-12T12:17:00.000-06:00

Not in a bad way of course:) Mom mom knows me better than anyone else and she (plus a few really close to me) can tell you that I'm a little bit of a doormat. I let people walk all over me. It was bad in high school but got even worse in college. My mom (and Zach, but this post isn't really about my awesome hubster) has been a huge help in teaching me how to put my foot down and have a little 'tude. That woman is happy and helpful but she knows when to stand up for herself. Everyday I try a little harder to let my voice be heard and not fold at the wishes of everyone who crosses my path, thanks to the help from my mom (and Zach).

Reason #7 is in the writing pool! Stay tuned!

Reason #9: The Interrogation

2011-05-11T08:23:00.002-06:00

Reason number nine was not always on my top ten reasons of why I love my mom. At one point of my existence it was nearly one of my least favorite attributes. It has now mosied it's way on up to the 9th reason my mom is the bomb.

She asks questions......A LOT of questions. More than the normal female. In the teenage years I'd get home from soccer practice and she'd start firing questions so fast my mind couldn't catch up. I didn't like it so much then. Things have changed and how nice is it to have someone to help analyze and bring in a new perspective because they ask so many darn questions from so many angles you can't help but think of it in another way. Man it's easier to solve problems or understand frustrating people when you can analyze the angles. Thanks mom for teaching me to be a thinker and ask questions...it's saved my bum a couple of times!

reason number eight will arrive later this evening...stay tuned!!!

I like my mom... A LOT!

2011-05-09T20:47:00.004-06:00

This Mother's Day I didn't do my honorary mother's day tribute blog post thinga-ma-jig. It's been 4 years since I've been with my mom on Mother's Day and I'm starting to run out of ideas of ways to honor her...and all those other mommies that have had such and awesome impact on my life.

So I've finally decided (about a week late I know). I'm going to do a 10 day blog "series" on the reason's my mom is so fantabulous. (ps it's going to be in countdown form...so the further I get the reasons will be juicier...which is not the right word to use but I'm stickin with it)

REASON #10 The other end of my cell phone

It all started when I was stressed in traffic getting to work. Yes, I should probably not drive and talk on the phone at the same time but I have yet to have enough self control to quit. My terrible habit of having to be early or at least on time to every little things makes being stuck in traffic really really really hard for me. So in an effort to calm down...I called my mom.

The tradition has grown so fast that now every time I'm driving by myself in the car, I call her. We talk about every little detail of our days and I love it. What better way to spend time with a mom who is exactly 479 miles away (yes I just Google maps'ed it)

Thank you for listening, Mom. And thank you for telling me about all the cute things B does. It's hard not being there to see her grow up but getting to hear her voice (screaming and being adorable) over the phone everyday totally helps make up for lost time.

Good thing we have in-calling:)

sorry dad, you got to debut in the Mother's Day post:)

Stay tuned (at least my mom should) for Reason numero nueve.

Who needs gas when you have sisters?

2011-04-27T22:51:00.003-06:00

My oh so adorable sister in law, Skyler, was awesome enough to come out and stay with us for a few days (nearly a week with the us....poor soul). We were also a little bit in the middle of finals week but I so wanted to do some fun things too. Monday night we decided to go out and try a restaurant I'd been eying for a while. It was SOOOO good. Pho Noodle House in Orem is the bees knees! The owners were so friendly and fun and Canyon absolutely loved the food (Skyler and I enjoyed ever last bit as well).

I normally don't take pictures of my meals but it was so new to me that I couldn't resist. Oh and the little boy with the chopsticks...yes I gave birth to him so the camera is nearly ALWAYS pointed in that direction...

After noodles we decided we'd like a little Farr's. Now one may be overwhelmed when entering Utah county and trying to decided which of the many frozen yogurt places to try but let me make it a tad easier....Farr's Fresh is by farr (pahahaha no pun intended but delightfully said) the best we've found. It caters to the wants of any man, child or beast with options out the wazoo.

We enjoyed our smorgasbord of flavors with fruit toppings and passion fruit beads that burst in your mouth, and returned to the car where we were not so surprised that it did not start. My gas light stopped working a few months ago and I was definitely pushing it Monday night. We must have been sitting on just the right angle as to deprive the engine of what was left of the fumes in my tank. We pulled out the stroller and hiked to the nearest Maverick to get a gallon or so for a thirsty Honda. We laughed the whole way and enjoyed the bonding time. I'm sure Skyler was a tad embarrassed for her irresponsible sister in law who should have handle on this thing called life....but who does?

Skyler's leaving tomorrow and all that fun girlie stuff will halt till she comes again! Hopefully soon!

Oh I love Easter

2011-04-24T22:16:00.002-06:00

Happy Easter! What a wonderful day set aside to remember the living Christ! We sure do love the gospel and our Savior and enjoyed a small get together at our place in honor of the day. Friends and family came over for my first time EVER hosting an Easter dinner and boy howdy it turned out pretty good. It helped that C decided to show off his new skill (which up until today he has been saving for only right before bed). He walked around the living room clapping and smiling...pretty dang proud of himself. I love him! This age has brought a lot of fits but it's all worth it, especially when he does the most ADORABLE things. Sometimes I complain about the lack of estrogen in our house but I sure love the way things have panned out...I feel like it's a perfect balance for me. Good thing Heavenly father knows just what I need. And for your viewing pleasure a little of my studly little guy!

It would not be complete without a walking video!

Momentous

2011-04-12T14:00:00.003-06:00

I have parented a late bloomer. Maybe not so much a late bloomer but a stubborn bloomer who likes to do things at his own pace...you got it...he's Zach's boy:)

Canyon has had an on-again-off-again relationship with the idea of walking. The kid cruises on anything and everything. He can go up and down stairs faster than you can say his name...but standing up by himself and taking the dreaded step...no thanks mom. I haven't been worried, just patiently waiting. At his [late] one year check up Dr. Clark made sure I knew that we shouldn't start worrying until 18months. So I just sit back and enjoy the [less] mobile times.

Last night Canyon stayed up a little later than usual enjoying dad's company for the first Monday night that I'm sure he can remember. He was crawlin around in just a diaper [the cutest]. Zach and I were watching a good ol' episode of Law and Order: Los Angeles when C decided to try something new. He was squatting next to his wipes and just stood up...no hand holds in sight. Since we were paying more attention to the cutie than the tube we didn't want to startle him by moving too much or getting too excited. Finally I said "YAY!" and he just smiled bigger and clapped his hands. What a hunk:) Before I could get the camera out he was down and done but ooo what a night. I'm keeping the camera on me at all times from now on just in case. He's getting big and I'm sure he'll be zooming before we can blink twice....

Remember when he was this little? I think he needs a sibling....;) Not any time soon of course.

Woot woot

2011-04-08T15:09:00.002-06:00

Sickness may have raided our home these last few weeks but I feel we are coming out victorious!! I shall blog more now that my head and lungs are a little clearer. First order of business...the good...GREAT news.

Zach is graduating in December (hallelujah). Yes great news that you probably already knew. Well other good news would be that Zach got a job!!! Yes he already had a job but this one is a drafting job. Yay for work experience. It's only part time for the summer (yes on top of his already full time job and summer classes) but hopefully it'll turn into something more in the fall so he can quite the janitorial work (as much as he LOVES that). The new company you may ask? Cloward H20 . Head on over and look at all the amazing projects they've done. It's not a big company but they've done projects all over the world. I think Zach's dream is that they'll send him to Dubai and do more work out there (yes this is the company that got Zach on his Dubai kick).

They interviewed Zach last Tuesday (about a week and a half ago) and told him they'd let him know the beginning of the following week. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Zach had to deal with me texting and asking if he'd heard yet. Wednesday I was trying to send Zach an emai from the laptop here at work and it just kept refreshing the page so I decided to check Zach's email to see if it had sent. When I opened his account I saw the words "Cloward H20 job offer" as a subject line and it had been sent not minutes before. I couldn't resist. I opened it on up and sure enough he had got the job. I was so excited I kept trying to call him while he was in class...I'm a terrible wife. He called me back a little later and told me they had called earlier and told him. Stinker for not telling me and letting me feel guilty for thinking I knew before he did:)

We are so excited. He'll be making a little more an hour than he is now and if he can get on full time in the fall things will really start looking good salary wise. At least compared to the normal starving student pay.

Excuse the long post but as you can tell we are ecstatic. I'm so glad to be back from the dead and writing again. I promise to keep things a little more up to date and exciting around here.

oh these are sweet times

2011-03-26T15:22:00.003-06:00

"I can't wait till....."

Who doesn't see something in the distance they can't wait to get going? Today has been such a good day and as I was looking through pictures of the last couple of weeks I realized that if nothing changed I would be happy enjoying what we have right now. That includes dirty diapers, late nights with a teething, dramatic 1 year old and busy schedules.

Canyon loves the tub now. He found the plug and loves to watch the water drain...he also figured out to switch the running water to the shower.

We got two Outback Steakhouse gift cards early March so we headed on over to get some grub one Saturday night. Canyon thinks he's so big. this was his first experience with "big kid" crayons...and as you can see it went pretty well.

He found the markers yesterday and didn't even want to take the caps off. He just sat there giggling as he took the markers out of the box and put them back in again. I'll savor my clean walls while I can.

Zach and I are officially getting older. Shocker I know. My family cam up for our short but sweet spring break. We did a lot of shopping and eating with a board game thrown in for kicks and giggles. Saturday morning we did family photos with Jen Fauset. You may remember the pics she took of C about a year ago. She is super talented and if you head on over to her blog you can see a preview of the pictures...they turned out fabulous if I do say so myself.

Until next relaxing Saturday afternoon:)

blogger's block

2011-03-09T14:55:00.004-07:00

You'd think with my new hobby and all the time I haven't spent blogging that my house would be impeccably clean, not so my friends. I have found myself face down in a little of this...

and a little more of this...

Ok so it's not really blogger's block...more like a time deficiency.

I'm waist deep in midterms and to tell ya'll the truth I.LOVE.IT. Its tough and sometimes I have a hard time focusing instead of falling asleep, but it's utterly rewarding. The human body is my passion (that sounds completely ridiculous, I know). Poor Zach has to listen to me after class every night talking about all the amazing things I learn. (He secretly thinks I'm a NERD)

So for this week you might not see much more of me. I'm running a race Saturday and then next week is spring break with a sprinkle of visiting parents (hallelujah I can't wait to see them). It'll be a bit more relaxed and maybe just maybe I'll blog a little more about what's happening at our house. It's a little boring but hey...some of you still read it:)

Just a little bit cleaner

2011-03-02T14:21:00.003-07:00

Why haven't I been posting much lately?

Because this beauty has made vacuuming my new favorite hobby.

We've been living with a $5 Saver's vacuum for the last few years which really isn't all that bad for the average newlywed couple, but we have a big BLACK lab. I was drowning in hair...and I mean drowning. Ever since C has started crawling the hair has bothered me that much more. After a year of research we finally made our purchase. The dyson ball is all it's cracked up to be. I love it!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T15:57:00.002-07:00

I went to Walmart today. On an average Monday morning you would typically find stay at home mom's wrestling four kiddos as they try to get the groceries needed for dinner that week. Today the moms stayed home and 95% of the shoppers were men. The best part? The were wrestling bouquets of flowers and heart shaped boxes of chocolates as they found the "perfect" Valentine's day card. I wonder what they had told their boss.

Valentine's Day. I find the holiday interesting and I find people's views intriguing when it comes to the reddest holiday of the year.

Zach finds it dumb. I love his initial argument of "Why should anyone need a special day to show how much they love their spouse/significant other? Shouldn't they be doing it regularly anyway?"

What a sweetie!

But what is the harm? Roll with it boys. Even a note on the mirror to surprise us in the morning would make us feel loved. I don't know about the other ladies out there but I sure like to be reminded.

Of course Zach didn't fail me this year. We went out Saturday for a wonderful dinner at Red Lobster...mmmmm I love crab. I got to work this afternoon and there was a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of roses and some chocolates just for me. I couldn't believe. I sure love my Valentine...not just today but everyday.

I already gave him a poster (yes a poster) of many of the reason's I'm so in love with him. You don't need to see that but I will say he is my match and I'm so glad I found him. I am a luck woman, wife and mother.

Pictures from Red Lobster will be posted as soon as I get home from work.

Free...

2011-02-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

Went to H & R block today to take advantage of the free filing before February 15th. turns out they wanted $250 to do our taxes.

That my friends, is not free.

It's ok...I did 'em online.

10 more days and there should be a nice....BIG...return waiting for us in the bank account:)

The Party

2011-01-31T20:33:00.006-07:00

The party was a hit. A big thanks to everyone that came (and those who sent their love from far away places!). We sure have a wonderful group of friends and family!

Zach and I had a blast decorating. Zach did an awesome job with streamers and balloons. Instead of a "Happy Birthday" banner I did a "closeline" of pictures from the last year of C's life. It turned out just right! (we still haven't taken it down:)

Canyon was an angel all night! I couldn't have asked for happier, drama free baby!

We served cold cut sandwiches, fruit and salad. The Jones family was nice enough to bring some veggies too. Our little place filled up quickly but it definitely worked. Here's to having a place big enough for gatherings!!

The cake was the most exciting part for me. I was so excited to decorate them and watch C smash 'em. Unfortunately C didn't really want anything to do with his blue cake:) What a personality:)

Canyon loved opening the gifts and wants to thank everyone for the fun he received!!! I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and son. The party was a success and I can't wait to do it again!

One Year Older

2011-01-26T12:52:00.004-07:00

I wasn't able to take pictures today but tomorrow there will be tons:)

Canyon has made this last year the most rewarding of my life.

With all of his giggles, screams, crawling, cruising, tears and hair pulls I couldn't be prouder than I am now to be his mom. I'm looking forward to more of these wonderful years.

Canyon at 12 months (as far as I know:)

Not walking but pushing the lawn mower everywhere (thanks grandma and grandpa!)

loves to play hide and go seek with mom

Claps hands per request

Still only has 2 teeth...unbelievable I know

thinks the world of his amazing daddy

Wants to stay up and play with dad and Bruce instead of nap/bed time

Jibber Jabbers all the way home

Destructive tendencies ie: Opening anything and taking EVERYTHING out at least once a day

loves loves loves to cuddle

Peach yogurt is a fav

and applejacks

loves any kind of fruit

quickly learning how to high 5!

We sure love our baby boy!

Just been thinking...

2011-01-24T15:25:00.002-07:00

This was me today of last year.

I think a few things have changed since then....

The party of the century!

2011-01-19T13:23:00.003-07:00

What better way to celebrate the very first birthday than with all the friends and family?! We're inviting everyone to come and join us for a Bedtime Story party for Canyon Walker.

A friend of mine, Kristin Call, is designing everything from the banner to the invitations. This is the invitation she did and that I will be sending out in the next couple of days. Oh so fun! Hope you can make it:)

Uh-Oh

2011-01-13T20:30:00.006-07:00

Uh-oh...we've been gone a long time!! I have so much to share. First the household stats:

Busiest: Zach. He's doing it again...22 credit hours + 40 hours of work per week = busy busy husband!

Constantly studying: ME! I'm taking my first full load of classes this semester since I got

pregnant with C. My classes you ask? Anatomy, Physiology and Nutrition. They are the last prerequisites for the nursing program (yes I know it changed...again).

Word used most frequently: Uh-Oh. It's Canyon's new favorite word and we all repeat it because it's so dang cute.

The cleanest: Bruce:) He was groomed yesterday...YAY!!! what a wonderful day it is when the dog smells good:)

So a little catch up. I'm warning you. this is going to be a little long.

I'll give a somewhat condensed version:)

Canyon and I went down to Flagstaff about a week before Christmas. While we were there we participated in the Clement Family Christmas party. C and B loved the santa hats...can you tell?

Christmas morning was MARVELOUS! Canyon had SO much fun ripping the paper and loved the toys that the grandparents were so nice to give! He even loved the doll house that Bethanie got. Zach was a little worried about that one:)

Zach and I went on a 7 night Mexican Riviera cruise for our anniversary. It was so fun. We enjoyed kayaking, strolling, site seeing, hiking and zip lining through the jungles of Puerta Vallarta. Did I mention the amazing food? Yeah, cruising is an easy way to gain a fast fifteen:)

This was on the boardwalk just before we climbed into our kayak.

This monkey our room attendant left for us scared me to death. It was hiding behind the curtain. I went to open it and POP there he was. We really loved all the staff on the cruise. They were so friendly and fun.

Both Zach and I needed the break but were definitely ready to get back to our sweet baby (Thanks mom and dad for watching him) and back to being productive. I guess we are only capable of 3 weeks of laziness...:)

The most important news we have today.......drum roll please......

CANYON'S GOING TO BE 1!!!

Yup. The big day is fast approaching and the party planning is in motion. I can't believe my baby is already to this milestone but I'm loving every minute of it.

Blogs will be few and far between this semester but I'll do my best to cover the most important things!

aaahh pictures!

2010-12-16T21:39:00.005-07:00

The un posted picture.

I finally transferred all of our pictures to my newest laptop. Thank goodness! So these are random and old but enjoy!!!

We did get the halloween costume on for a little while. The kind lion wanted to share the morning news with mommy:)

Canyon usually wants to hide in this corner. ENDLESS possibilities!!! A nightstand with lots of things to pull out, cords to wave around and a bed to crawl under. I usually hide behind a post and watch him, quietly giggling.

Cruising...yes cruising..EVERYWHERE. He smiles so big when he pulls himself up. I'm pretty sure that's the most innocent pride there is!

We loved riding on the chairlift this fall. Wish it wasn't so cold so we could do it again!

hope you enjoyed catching up with us. more excitement to come!!!

2 years

2010-12-13T15:05:00.004-07:00

Zach might disagree because he's served a mission but these last two years have been the best of my life! I have enjoyed every minute of being with the sweetest man. I can't believe it's already been 2 years but then I can't really think of how life was without him. I'm so glad I found him when I did. He helped pull me out of a confusing time in my life and straightened it all out for me. I have no doubt in my mind that I married the right man! YIPPEE for eternity:)

I wasn't expecting much for our actual anniversary seeing as the cruise is our celebration, but alas my sweet Zach had to do something:) Saturday night my aunt watched C and we went to Rodizio Grill. It was great to have some alone time with my sweetheart. Today, he came home from his first two finals with a bouquet of flowers and in the best mood. So far it's been wonderful and I couldn't ask for a better day. Zach's getting off work early so we can relax and enjoy the rest of our day.

I love you babe. you make all the hard times worth it.

PS. sorry for the lack of pictures. I'll post some of our vacation!

wait a minute...

2010-12-05T21:34:00.002-07:00

Someone told me yesterday that it's December....

Speaking of time flying...Canyon has surprised me almost everyday this week. He now has two, yes two, teeth! I kind of knew they were going to make a debut, the lack of sleep gave away the surprise. While feeding C the other morning he started rolling his arms like you do in patty cake. So cute! Needless to say we sing patty cake about 100 times a day now:) He's also clapping and cruising. One day he's going to let go and be off! hopefully not too soon. I hear that once they start walking it's a hop skip and a jump away from high school and a mission...and I'm not ready yet.

In other news, Zach is finishing up the last two weeks of the semester...yikes. It's going to be a little tense in our house but we have a fun vacation to look forward to. We are heading down to Flag the 22nd and then to LA on the 2nd for our cruise:) I.can't.wait. C is going to spend some quality time with G'ma and G'pa Russell while Zach and I celebrate two wonderful years of marriage on a cruise to Mexico! Bring on the mariachi band!

Duh da da dun!

2010-11-26T18:07:00.003-07:00

You guessed it...we moved...again. Now I'm sure we'll find more faults with this new location as time goes but as of right now...it's the bees knees:) Our last place proved to be a bit, well, scary. We got out of the contract and into a townhome in a better area. We were in a 3 bedroom and now we're in a 2 bedroom but it's the same square footage and we're making it work! I had a few requests for pictures. Now mind you, we haven't completely unpacked and we're selling some of the furniture seen so don't worry...it'll look better soon:)

This my dear friends is my new best friend, sort of. The kitchen is probably one of my favorite amenities in our new place. Not only is the fridge awesome and the counter space would be good of a catering company but where you cannot see is a pantry! Yes a pantry!!! We have yet to have one and so far....I LOVE IT!

This is a little bit of a distorted view of the living room. We're selling the rocking chair and I'm sure those boxes will be gone by morning. I'm really excited that we put the amiore downstairs as an entertainment center. It'll be nice not to worry as much about the baby falling on the sharp corners of our last TV stand.

EW embarrassing closet picture. Please forgive me :) The bedroom is bigger than our last and the bathroom is too. There are 2.5 bathrooms total. One in each bedroom and a half bath downstairs.

This is Canyon's room. He's going to be gracious enough to host any of our overnight guests:) Don't worry...they won't have to wake up for the midnight feedings. It's a little tight but I think it'll work just fine.

Oh I almost forgot. There's a backyard for the dog! Thank goodness for less dog hair in the house:)

Come visit us. We'll make dinner!

The weekend

2010-11-12T16:47:00.002-07:00

Fridays are refreshing. I'm going home to clean and make Chicken Parmesan for the hubby. When he gets home we're watching Toy Story 3 and enjoying a moment of no stress. I'm grateful for the weekdays...they make the weekend so much sweeter.

Oh and I planned out all the Christmas gifts I'm giving this year...wonderful feeling. Now I need to head to Hobby Lobby:)

Oh November

2010-11-08T13:40:00.007-07:00

I'll admit..I hate to play favorites, but October is mine. Yes March is nice and May brings the sun but October is still my favorite. Now for November...I'm excited for this one too:)

I still need to post our Halloween pictures. I'm a little embarrassed by them so I may or may not add them to this post later. We got together with our dear friends Jessi and Cesar for dinner and pumpkin carving. I picked out the wartiest pumpkin I could in hopes it would make a good witch. when we got home we started on the pumpkins...well everyone else did and I went to put the little man down. When I came out Jessi and Cesar already had their pumpkin cleaned out with eyes, while Zach hadn't even got the top off ours.... Turns out my husband in not a weakling but pumpkins with lots of warts (or at least ours) have shells like steal. We abandoned all intricate patterns and an hour later had what Jessi called "a confused alien pumpkin". It's embarrassingly ugly. Still debating whether I should give you a good laugh or not:)

Canyon was a lion but too young for trick or treating...he sported the outfit for a while but it was a little bulky for the army crawl. I'm excited for next year when we can get a little more into it.

In other news...WE'RE MOVING! yes again. I wish it weren't so but we decided to fight our way out of our lease in order to get into a better part of town. We'll be out by the 4th of December but we're looking to move the week of Thanksgiving. We have some really good prospects and don't fret, we have looked at reviews and police reports of the neighborhoods! Hopefully this will be our last move before Zach graduates. We'd love to stay put a while. At least until Zach finds a more permanent line of work.

Canyon is growing up a little too fast. He's pulling himself up on EVERYTHING! We're in the market for a new TV stand, ours has too many corners and has been a little dangerous. Here's where I found him last night as we were putting the books away in his room.

He crawled into the bathroom across the hall. I followed him and peeked around the door to see what he would do. The little man pulled himself up and started to sing while drumming on the toilet. I sure love his personality.

UPDATE: here are the pumpkin pics..

The ugly one on the left is ours...the brilliantly cute one on the right is Cesassi's.

Marriage is about love:)

2010-10-28T14:58:00.002-06:00

Short story:

Yesterday just didn't feel right. A nauseous and tired Bailee makes for dull company. Upon arriving home I found the surprise (or should I say surprises) that our dear black lab, Bruce, had left for me. I won't go into detail about the actual mess but I will say they are bodily functions most don't desire on the carpet. Not knowing where to start, I did the only logical thing I could think of...called Zach. Yes the one person who had absolutely no power to do anything about the

situation. Poor man, listened to me freak out about a mess he couldn't even see.

After an hour of carpet cleaning I headed off to get groceries. I hadn't heard from the hubby so I worried he was upset that I had not handled the situation a little better. (ps I can't really stand him being upset with me. I ALWAYS have to fix the problem asap). I came home from shopping, unloaded the groceries and started organizing the house, all the while wishing he was home.

I was in the nursery feeding my little monster when Zach came home. He came in and I started in on apologizing for the way I acted. He cut me off and kissed me, thanking me for cleaning up the mess. After I put C down for bed I came out to a bouquet of roses and lilies.

What a man. I'm lucky.

Other news, you may have noticed I'm a little obsessed with the borders around my pictures, sorry.

We're all registered for classes.

I'm working on getting the California pictures up...there's a lot of them and I'm trying to edit and narrow them down.

oh Canyon's 9 month check up....(this is proving to be a HUMONGOUS post...oops!)

Height: 28in (39.9th percentile)

Weight: 20lbs (40th percentile)

Head circumference: 48cm (95th percentile)

what? he's just got a little extra room up there ;)

Canyon at 9 months:

Crawling...EVERYWHERE. The other day I left the room he was in and he followed me like a puppy. I love him

Eating, Eating Eating....he eats everything and is drinking more formula than thought possible.

Jibber Jabber: the boy talks up a storm. Mama when he's sad and dada all other times:)

Still.no.teeth....hmph

loves to watch me clap and or clap his hands together...refuses to do it himself..

I'm sure there's more but my brain is failing me...still :)

Are you ready for Halloween? I'm not

We're on the plane...right now...

2010-10-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'll be sure to post pictures when we get back!!

I've got that feeling again...

2010-10-13T14:56:00.003-06:00

[alert: this may not be the most exciting post ever but I needed to get it out...it's long...don't be afraid to X out now:)]

Ever get that feeling? You know, the one that makes you want to thank everyone you see? Or the one that makes you feel so insignificant compared to all the wonderful people that surround you?

Well I've got that feeling...right now.

I've been hit. Hit by the realization that alone I will never amount to anything, let alone be enough. I think in the back of my mind I always know this simple fact...but every now and again it really overwhelms me.

I promise this won't be another one of my long, boring, sappy post. I just want to express the gratitude I feel. I feel it for my husband, son, family, coworkers and even the strangers that I run into. You know, the ones who point out that you dropped your sweater or wallet, or the ones who let you get over on the freeway. I'm even grateful for the ones who aren't so nice...they teach me a little more about patience and kindness.

Today "this feeling" mostly revolves around the gospel. It's easy to wonder where I'd be without out it but today I'm wondering where I am with it. Am I embracing it to the fullest giving myself the chance to grow with the light it holds? I guess there's always room for improvement but today I think I have found that I hardly take up any space at all. Here's to growing.

I know religion is a touchy subject. I grew up learning how stand for what I believed in while respecting the person next to me. Most of the sweet friends that read this dull blog already carry the light of the gospel in their lives but maybe just maybe this will reach someone who is looking for a little illumination.

The gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is true. It's perfect. The people are not...but the word of God is. I know this as sure as I know my own name. I know that I am a treasured daughter of God. He wants the world for me and to achieve that he has given and will give me trials and tribulations. Honestly, I don't want to think about what I may face in my life time, but I know that what will come will come for my own good. I know that I have a brother. A brother that is so dear to me. He gave his life so my silly and serious mistakes could be washed away. That is the kind of elder brother everyone needs, and coincidently, everyone has. Getting to know him will take a lifetime but it will be worth it in the end.

I'm about to spend the weekend with my husband, baby, mom, dad and sister. I hold these five people closest to my heart. There is no job, electronic, home or other worldly treasure that could ever mean more to me than they do. Thankfully temples have given my family eternity. Nothing is worth more than knowing that I'll be with them forever.

I'm sorry for this little blerg. I broke my earlier promise of a short and exciting post...but I guess this was as much for me as for the reader. I love the gospel and I love my life. What a spectacular realization.

love you all

this is the week

2010-10-11T16:07:00.002-06:00

aaaahhhhh..vacation.

We're flying out early Thursday morning to enjoy a little off time. Zach sure needs it. My family will be meeting us at the LA airport and the 6 of us [yes 6, the Russell clan has doubled since 2007] will be heading to Disneyland. Thank you mom and dad for the trip...it is oh so appreciated. I can't wait to spend some quality time with my parents and the adorable Bethanie Marie.

My mom and I have been riding the phone lines constantly trying to plan which attractions we'll be most interested in and that will keep the 3 year old entertained. Our list so far includes:

Peter Pan's Flight

Matterhorn

Space Mountain

California Screamin

Pirates of the Caribbean

Indiana Jones

Nemo Submarine

Soarin' Over California

It's a Small World

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Toy Story Mania

Minnie Mouse's house

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Haunted Mansion

Jungle Cruise

Mark Twain Riverboat

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin

Splash mountain

and hopefully more... :)

My mom bought Canyon and Bethanie matching shirts for both the days we spend in the park. She was telling the neighbor how excited she was about the outfits because she never had had multiple kids to do it with before. Kay's reply..."you mean you bought matching clothes for Bethanie and Bailee or Bethanie and Canyon?" I told my mom that I would be up for it but she said no...and Zach agreed.

Shhh don't tell but I might just have the guts to pack red and orange shirts for Zach and I...

I like to Move it Move it...I like to .....MOVE IT!

2010-10-02T21:42:00.003-06:00

I get this line all the time,

"All babies develop at different rates...don't worry that yours isn't (insert milestone here)"

Then why are doctors always hounding you about things? Every time I tell someone C's age the response, "Oh is he crawling? At that age my son/grand baby/friend was getting into everything."

He wasn't crawling. Hardly even moving around on the floor save

a few rolls here and there...

Yesterday, C saw something he just had to have (a door stop if you must know:) and whoosh...a little scoot here, a little scoot there and BAM! He's a movin'!

Why on earth was I so worried? Moms...:)

Today, Zach and I haven't been able to stop laughing at this little moving man and all his crazy antics. We are in for some trouble. He's already pulled the DVDs off the shelf...twice.

To see a video of our cutie click here.

um...

2010-09-29T13:58:00.002-06:00

ever feel like you'd like to update your blog but have nothing to write about?

Yeah...me too.

So....

I've been reading a ton lately. On average about a book a day.

Here are the latest. Some I like more than others but I haven't really hated any of them.

Mockingjay

City of Bones

Tuesdays with Morrie (again...for the 25th time)

The Sunflower

The last Promise

A Perfect Day

Last Song

Charlie St. Cloud

The Help

5 people you meet in Heaven

The Book Thief

Shiver

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

There are other's I'm sure but I can't remember them at the moment...

I'm excited to start school again. It'll be stressful but I miss the learning.

I'm sure I'll change my mind when the semester starts...

On a more exciting and intriguing note...

We're going to DISNEYLAND!

The trip has been planned for a while but it's getting close and we're getting excited.

October 14-16

Woop Woop:)

Oh and the munchkin started walking while holding our hands...where does the time go?

Anywho...catch ya when I have more to say.

Mom, don't judge...

2010-09-24T14:35:00.004-06:00

I.love.dogs.

My sister and I share this problematic infatuation with the species. Greg and Dione Russell will most likely be facing the same things with her as they did with me in

a few short years. They say the second time around is a little easier...

A little history...

My first pup was Jasmine. She was a purebred boxer that was given to us from a family friend. Jaz was an Alpha female that dragged me through many a yard. We put her down my junior year of high school. Still a little sensitive when it comes to that big lapdog...wish she had had a couple more years with us.

There was TJ. Australian Shepherd/Lab mix. A gianormous rescue that my parents begged me to give to a family with a bigger yard.

Libby was the last of my "childhood" hounds. She's still kickin' it in Flag, fiesty and sweet, as usual.

The May after Zach and I were married, Bruce joined our family. It was tough being pregnant and training a puppy but we did it. I didn't realize this till this morning but he's not much of a puppy anymore. I can trust him with just about anything (except maybe an extremely tempting abandoned pacifier:).

This is the part my mom is going to just die. No judging.

On Wednesday I brought home Bella. She's beautiful. 10 weeks old and meant to reach about 50 lbs. I felt like Bruce needed a pal...and really how much more work could the second one be? A LOT! Within 5 hours I realized the magnitude of my mistake. Maybe if I had brought home one that was potty trained. Anyway I set to work trying my hardest to make it all ok. Honestly, it was probably the stupidest moment of my entire life. Go me.

Meet Bella, I'm not kidding, this is her. Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?!?

The stress was a little much and early this morning I decided that one very large black dog was enough for our little family for now. I found Bella a great couple that will be able to give her the attention and SPACE she needs. I can't help but cry. 48 hours and I fell in love with her sweet face and her cuddly nature.

I think having a child made my attachment to little ones that much stronger. I don't want her to go but I sure can't chew what I've bitten off.

Here's to living and learning.

PS I'm excited to take on a new puppy as soon as we have a house...a yard and a son that isn't so young:) For now I'll enjoy my three boys:)

C A K E

2010-09-12T19:24:00.002-06:00

So, Last week I found out I was in charge of bringing a dessert to a family baptism on Saturday (aka yesterday). Friday at work I decided I wanted to make a two tier fondant cake. It's far from perfect but I'm happy with the results. I want to keep practicing so when the big 1st birthday (yikes!) comes around I can make a fun one for C.

rub a dub dub and other lovely images:)

2010-09-12T19:02:00.005-06:00

So I don't know if I told you a while back that Canyon hated water...but he did. He'd freeze up the minute water was in sight. It took a couple of weeks of me playing in the tub with him and making it the "happiest"part of the day, but he officially loves the bath!!! We now have pictures to prove this momentous achievement:) (much to my satisfaction) Are you ready?

words cannot describe his cuteness...I love him:)

lack thereof

2010-08-31T14:08:00.003-06:00

I like pictures. I like to share pictures. So I will venture to say that the reason I haven't posted anything in the last eleven days would be the fact that we no longer own a camera (I sure hope the five finger discount is treating the man who took it well).

Other than a few material possessions that once were ours and are now no more, we are lacking so little in our lives at present. I'm thrilled that fall is closing in and we will shortly be enjoying some of my favorite weather (which will unfortunately be followed by some of my least favorite). Zach has started classes...only 3 more semesters and I will have one edumacated hubby:) I deferred this semester...long story short I couldn't get into any classes in my major...they were all full. My free time is now filled with giggles, singing, dancing and home improvement projects.
Canyon is growing like a weed. He really wants to skip crawling and start walking but it's not working out so well. He's pretty frustrated that the only way he scoots is backwards. The other day I found him half way under the couch while I was cooking dinner. He gave me the look of "mom...why on earth is this so hard?" I've loved having extra time with him. He is all smiles and laughs. The one thing that he loves more than toys, baths and food is his daddy. They'll sit across the table from each other and just grin. It kills me...I wish I could be as cool as a daddy but I'll be happy being the mom:) Canyon also really likes saying "dada". Zach sure likes it too.

As soon as we get a new camera I'll be sure to capture the moments I've been wanting to and share them.

On a quick, mushy note I want to say how great my hubby is. Not to brag, but the man is taking 20.5 credits in school and working a full 40 hours a week. Not to mention he is a full time listener, comforter and nose blower (not my nose, Canyon's:) Those are just a few of the many things he does in a day. I think after a week of his schedule I would collapse and refuse to get back up. I love him. It's amazing that everyday I find my love growing and I am at peace with my decision to marry young to such a great man. It's hard sometimes but we work it out and are better for it. Thanks honey. You.are.great.

So I included a picture anyway...I couldn't help myself. This is one of our engagement pictures. Yes I used to be THAT skinny:)

Isn't he just the cutest?

2010-08-20T14:34:00.002-06:00

Where to start...

2010-08-18T09:26:00.004-06:00

***Warning...long post ahead. I've gotta catch up:)***

In an effort to be a better mother and wife, I've cut down my computer/blog time...It's a work in progress. I just know that when the baby's napping I could be getting so much more done if I wasn't checking out blogs and facebook. So the new goal? I'm only going to blog, surf the web and such while I'm at work. When I'm at home I have two very important boys that I want to take care of. The World Wide Web will continue on but with a little less Bailee surfing it's sites.
To play a little catch up, my family came up the first week in August to camp at Lagoon. They came in Saturday evening and stayed the night with us. I think everyone in the apartment complex was surprised to find a very long camper trailer parked in the parking lot. Fortunately the camper survived the evening and so did my parents (Bruce likes to torment them to my dismay). It was fun having them come to church with us. As you probably know we are in a student married ward. Upon arrival many of our fellow students supposed my sweet family to be students as well. I can only hope I carry the gene that keeps them looking so young.
They headed up to Lagoon and I met back up with them on Wednesday.
Canyon trying to help Grandpa with the extra large pepsi.

Canyon enjoyed his first theme park visit from the comfort of a Graco stroller. I am always amazed how fascinated by her he is. Canyon will just watch her for hours...he especially loves it when she dances. Oh I'm in for a treat in the teenage years:)

Last weekend we met up with some friends who were camping up American Fork Canyon. We were really up for camping that evening so we just stayed for some campfire fun which included my favorite, smoldering dessert...S'MORES!! Thanks goodness for toasted marshmallows, graham crackers and gently melted chocolate. Zach will tell you that often he'll come home from work to find me making one in the microwave...not as good but it is a close second.

Earlier this week we won a cutest kid contest on the facebook page of a local photography. It was a close call but we pulled ahead for the win midnight Monday. The prize is a free photo session, 1 8x10 photo, 1 5x7, 8 wallets and 5 digital images with print release. I went out and looked at her prices and it's worth about a $450 value. Thank yous are in order for each and every one of the 183 friends who voted...we are blessed to have such great friends! Our photo session is scheduled for August 28th and I'll make sure to let you know how it goes and when I get the pictures they will be posted:)

So now that I've helped lull you into your afternoon nap...I'll leave you to enjoy sweet dreams of Lagoon and cute babies.

Summer Lovin'

2010-08-04T10:17:00.004-06:00

The moment you have all been waiting for has finally come. I've been putting it off, waiting for an opportunity to put all the pictures onto my laptop. Well the pictures have finally been added so here it is.

Mid July, our little family flew out to New Hampshire to spend the week with Zach's dad and family. It's hard to sum it all up in a little itty bitty blog post but to try...IT WAS AWESOME!!! I sound a tad like a child, I know...Zach would've told you the same thing in the weeks leading up to said trip.

We flew into Boston Saturday night. I'm sure Zach was dying to punch me in hopes of getting me to stop jumping up and down in my chair with anticipation. When we landed we met up with Zach's dad and sister, Skylar. (Side note: at the airport the had little fenced off patches of land for dogs...AWESOME...we should've taken Bruce...) We drove to New Hampshire, taking in all the pretty trees...one might say we almost drowned in the ever greens:) Zach's family lives near a beautiful lake, Lake Sunapee. Did I mention there are lots of trees? Over the next day or two we spent most of our time on the lake wake boarding, swimming and getting gellato at the harbor (yum).

Zach, in all his awesomeness, went wake boarding for the first time out on Lake Sunapee. He was a little frustrated at first because although it looks a little like snowboarding...it's not. He quickly got the hang of it and had a blast. Thanks to some old friends, the wake board and I had a happy reunion. I'll admit, Zach's family showed us up. Skylar, Zylis and Mike really know how to ride that wake!

On Tuesday; Skylar, Zach, Canyon and I went up the freeway. We stopped in some of the major cities on our way up to the Joseph Smith Birthplace in Sharon, Vermont. I must say that the minute we stepped on that soil I could feel the spirit so strongly. It was amazing to learn a little more about the prophet that brought about this dispensation. I'm so glad we took the time to go up and experience it. I hope we can take Canyon back when he's a little older.

Wednesday, the whole family loaded up and headed to Maine. We spent the day on the Ogunquit beach. The water was chilly and Canyon didn't like it much but it was so beautiful. The shore was very different from what you'd see on the West coast and oh how refreshing. Zach, Canyon and I took a nap in the sand while Hilary and Zylis went kite flying, and Mike and Skylar walked down the shore. After we packed up at the beach we headed out to dinner. We went to a seafood restaurant and ate lobster. I'll admit...it was hard for me to rip that little bugger apart but I did it and loved the meat.

Thursday we relaxed and ended up driving to see Dartmouth. I decided that Canyon is going to be IVY League someday:)

Friday we headed to Boston early for our flight. We spent the day walking around Boston with Mike and Skylar. Throughout the day we transformed into a Boston Red Sox family and bought baseball caps for Canyon and myself. We also found our new favorite pastry shop. It's located in the Italian neighborhood (For the life of me I cannot remember what that neighborhood is called). Mike's Pastry is busy, loud and home of the finest canoli ever! They had about 15 different types of canolis and boy did we enjoy the two we tried. I assume their other pastries and gelato were just as scrumptous. I can't wait to go back.

All in all it was the vacation of a lifetime, thanks to Mike and Hilary. We had such a good time and can't wait to go back.

6 Months

2010-07-30T17:07:00.004-06:00

**Please excuse the mommy/baby talk. It's kind of embarrassing

After our appointment today I was waiting for my friend who was helping another patient. I wanted to say bye before we left. The lady sitting next to me holding what looked to me like 3 month old asked how old Canyon was. I told her he was 6 months and she then asked what day he was born. Turns out she had been in the delivery room next to me in the hospital and was induced that morning as well. Her little boy was born a little more than an hour before Canyon. He was half the size of C. hmmmm....

So the official stats.

Weight: 18 lbs 7.5 oz (63.67th percentile)

Height 26.5 inches (51.31st percentile)

Head Circumference: 18 inches (92.66th percentile)

So the little man has averaged out a little, except for his uncharacteristically large head...maybe he'll be the brains of this operation in the near future.

He's been here for half a year...I can hardly believe it...bring on the next 16:)

P&Q Day 1 of 30

2010-07-30T08:55:00.004-06:00

A really close friend of mine married this adorable girl, Kylie. She is so thoughtful and creative and I sure hope I get to meet her someday. Good pick, TJ:) I was reading her blog this morning and she is had a little challenge of a picture and a quote on the blog everyday. Like Kylie, I adore quotes and photos so I decided to take her challenge starting today. Not all my photo's will be of my family nor will they all be professional but I'll do my best to give credit to any photographer I use. Enjoy!

"Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of the Eternal Gods, and those who reside in their presence" - President George Q Cannon

Discovery

2010-07-27T14:36:00.002-06:00

We have returned from quite the vacation (post on that will come soon) and have found that our "chunky monkey" has grown out of nearly all his clothes, not to mention Zach has worn out a few pairs of his shorts. So yesterday we headed to target to see if we could find Zach some new fashionable shorts. As he was trying on various plaid bottoms I made the most delightful discovery. The baby clearance section...

I always looked for baby clearance items but never knew they were hidden behind the little boys' pajama pants. Oh the joys! There were pack-n-plays for $50 as well as high chairs, travel systems and swings for so cheap you couldn't beat it on KSL or craigslist.org. I started digging and wa la! Affordable clothes that the little man will actually fit in! Yes, a pair of shorts for seventy five cents and another for a dollar. I also found him some new jammies (adorable) for three bucks. Yay for Target clearance. I sure love it.

My two boys sported their new clearance shorts this morning and I was oh so proud:)