A wild weekend in Reno!

Well, I guess I have experienced the best cities in Nevada now. First it was Vegas and now... Reno. This weekend that is where I went, while my two sweet boys stayed at home to give mommy some mom time. The truth.... I wasn't really excited about it. Then it happened and well... here's the story.

So, I have made many friends here in Spring Creek. I actually kinda like it here now for that very reason. It's awesome that I'm always busy with walks, visits, and play dates with the wonderful people that live. I have become really good friends with my neighbor across the street and her friend who lives about a mile away. We have actually done quite a few things together, and the friend who lives down the street (Christina) invited the both of us to got to Reno for the weekend. A mommy get away was in store for her, and she wanted us to come along. I was invited to my first every hotel and Spa experience at the Pepermill. We picked our room, looked at the spa menu, and counted down the long weeks until we would finally go.

To be honest... I was not that excited. A weekend get away sure, but I was nervous because I live a very different life style from these ladies. They are into drinking, dirty dancing, and partying, I am into chick flicks, crafts, and junk food. When we have our kids around it's easy to be friends, because we have the wonderful thing in common where we are all stay at home moms. Well... I was totally ready to make up an excuse for me not to go before the date came too close, but after talking to Jason he convinced me that it would be good to build these friendships and put the idea of a missionary experience in my head. So, I said yes, we decided to take my car, and before I knew it I was picking everyone up Saturday morning at 7.

The drive there was wonderful! It went by so quickly and I loved talking to Kelly (my friend from across the street)! She is such a wonderful person, and I kept looking for opportunities to share things about the LDS church (she would totally be LDS if it weren't for the drinking and partying issue). A opportunity didn't really present its self and before I knew it, I was in a hotel room with my friends getting dressed in front of each other. Well... luckily I had the excuse, because I'm still nursing, that I needed pump. When I came out of the vanity area, everyone had their bikini on, I was given my bag (they thought I'd take too long) and we headed to the spa.

This was my first ever experience going to a spa. We were checked in, given robes and sandals, then we were off to relax and do our own thing. I felt so fancy and almost like a queen. It was crazy to be in a casino/hotel like the ones in Vegas, have valet parking, and staying in a room fro the night. We spent the whole day in the spa relaxing in hot tubs, eating yummy treats, drinking amazing water, getting pedicures and other treatments, and falling asleep in the comfiest chairs. 7 hours later we walked out refreshed, relaxed, poor (expensive!!!), and hungry for some real food. That's when we hit up an all you can eat sushi place in the casino, and I found a new love for seafood. I LOVE SUSHI!!

Great story so far right? Well... while indulging in our delicious sushi, one of the men that had been hitting on Kelly said they got us on the list at an exclusive club. Normally the entry fee is $25, but not for us ladies. We were put on the VIP list. Sounds amazing right?! Well, not to me... but to them they were in heaven and so very excited. I was planning on not joining in their fun, especially when we went back to our room and they each drank a bottle of wine. We even had a conversation about not limiting our families to certain experiences on this earth. They all thought, we are here so party and have fun. We're all going to heaven, so let's do this! Some how I found myself showing my I.D and walking into to The Edge. I'm not sure I can describe the feeling I had when I walked into that place, but it wasn't good. Once we were on the dance floor (the whole reason we went to just dance) guys were all over us and offering to buy us drinks. Why turn down free drinks right? I should have left then, but my friends were wasted, and I was worried. I asked for some water and endured the experience...

2 am rolled around and we were finally back in our room, we brushed our teeth, took showers, and everyone was out within seconds, except for me. I couldn't help feel sad for my friends. They were not going to feel very good in the morning, and did they really have that much fun? Married women getting drinks from single guys and dirty dancing the night away.... hmmmmm....

Sunday was the day we were going home!!! We all got up, they took drugs for their awful headaches, we waited in the valet parking line to get my car, and then found ourselves at a charming little cafe for breakfast. I wish I could say that we had an amazing conversation about the church and they realized that maybe the choices they made the night before weren't the best, but that's not what happened. They did ask me if I wanted to go shopping, and I was able to explain why I don't shop on Sunday. Well, then I bore my testimony and they all realized they shouldn't be shopping on Sunday and we went home!! Ha ha not, the subject was changed very suddenly and then we were at the mall doing some shopping. I walked around and tried to enjoy myself, but it was a little hard when all I wanted to do was see my family and be home.

The drive home seemed so long, and I almost cried when I got to see my little Carter and my handsome Jason. I was able to tell Jason all my thoughts and frustrations, kiss my sweet little Carter's cheeks, and be so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I am so thankful to know that I have a Savior. He died for me that I might live with him again. I know he didn't die for me so that I could eat, drink and be merry on this earth, but so that I could prove myself to be worthy. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have and that someday I will share what I know with these friends. They may not want to hear what I have to say or believe it, but it is my responsibility to share what I know to those around me.

Well, I don't want to end on too serious of a note, but right now it's snowing outside, I'm drinking hot chocolate, and little Carter is pulling out all the DVDs. I love that little boy! I hope you all had a great weekend!

Being silly before eating Sushi

I really do love these ladies

Us right before going to the spa

A picture Jason texted me. Carter was so good for daddy!

Weekends in Spring Creek Nevada

Weekends at home are actually pretty nice. I am starting to cherish them as it seems we are always traveling on weekends. This weekend we had plans to be in Utah with some amazing friends. Long story short, Jason got his dates mixed up for a very important training for work in Denver, and well… we ended up staying home and spending time together.

Our weekends here are never really epic, but they are very relaxing and full of creating little memories. Saturday we actually attended the first ever Lamoille pumpkin festival. Lamoille is tiny and only about 10 minutes away, so we ate amazing omelets made by Jason, invited our neighbors, packed our little sweetheart, and headed out with very low expectations. We were so surprised when we saw cars lining the road and the park full of people. There were vendors, drawings, kids roasting marshmallows, hot cider, families decorating and carving pumpkins, a trailer ride, performances, a pumpkin patch, and lots more. We were so excited for the pumpkin patch that we decided to walk instead of wait in the extremely long line for a ride. We had to laugh when we found the “pumpkin patch” 100 ft. away in a back yard. The pumpkins were kind of just set in there to look like a patch. It gave us a good laugh with our neighbors and it gave me comfort to know more people actually live out here and they were willing to create a pumpkin patch to create some community!

Carter on our walk. He's so happy :)

Our little family going for a walk <3

The rest of Saturday Jason and I cooked and ate amazing food, played skipo, and rolled around on the floor with Carter. It was so nice to just be together at home not having to be anywhere but together.

Sunday, we drove out to Elko for church and attended a wonderful meeting. Once we got home we ate some grub and then cuddled on the couch as a family for a nice nap. It ended abruptly when Carter started screaming in pain. Poor little man has had 2 teeth poke through in the last couple of weeks and another is threatening to be here soon. Teething is the pits!

That night we google chatted with the fam and could hardly believe my little brother will be leaving for a mission in less than a month! The next time he sees Carter will be when he’s 2 ½ years old! By that time he’ll probably be an uncle again! It is amazing how much our family has changed and will continue to change.

Last night, we decided we wanted to create some memories. On his way home Jason picked up some pumpkins, (Carter got his very own!) spice cake mix, chocolate chips and pumpkin puree. We made delicious pumpkin chocolate chips cookies and carved our pumpkin. It was so fun to have Carter join in on the fun! Even the bath tub afterwards was full of pumpkin guts, it was everywhere! Carter decided I wasn’t really dirty enough too, and so he put all the guts he was playing with on my lap. What a sweet boy to share so much with his mommy.

He was so excited to have his own!

What a fun family night!

He loved the guts!

Sharing everything with mommy while she carves the pumpkin

We were happy with the end result. Plus we had a clean happy baby :)

Today our sweet little man had to go to the doctors. It was the dreaded 6 month appointment where he was given yet another set of shots. I’m so glad the next ones are not until he is a year old. The most awful experience I’ve had as a mother is taking little Carter to get those awful shots. I’m excited today will be a cuddle day though. Have a great week!

A Forever Family

We went to Utah this weekend! Surprised?! Well, since Utah has become our home away from our home in Spring Creek, you shouldn't be. This time we visited for a very exciting and important event in our big family. It was so amazing to spend 2 days with the people I love in this world the very most. 

Friday we packed up our little bug, what seemed like all our belongings, and we headed toward Salt Lake City. I was not looking forward to the long ride, but we didn't stop once and ended up only having to drive for 3 hours!!! Normally it takes 4, so yes, I was very happy. Carter was too, especially when we finally decided to get out and stretch. 

Friday night wasn't as eventful as most. We made it to my sister's house, ate some Rumbi Island Grill that we picked up on the way, and then Carter got to be passed around all over the place. Aunt Kira sure does love our little cutie, and so Carter was loved on and posed for many pictures. Grandma and Grandpa were not back from their adventures with life long friends when we headed to our cozy place in Saratoga Springs, which happens to inhabit an amazing family who are pretty awesome to let us crash at their place. 

Saturday morning we had the most delicious pancakes and buttermilk syrup anyone could ask for. Then it was off to Kneader's to meet the rest of the fam where they indulged in delicious cinnamon toast. From there we went on an incredible shopping spree to Ikea, Costco, and Kid to Kid. Our poor little Carter was so wiped out he fell asleep while eating his squash. Jason and I had to switch off staying in the car at Costco so he could get at least one little nap in. We really had fun, and were completely pooped and excited to use all the new neat stuff we bought. 

Sunday was the reason and the highlight of our whole trip. My big bro Tain was able to come home to bless his sweet little baby boy (instead of baptizing babies, we bless them). Jason and I were nearly late because we were visiting with our friends, but we made it just in time for the opening hymn. Taylor was blessed and the meeting was wonderful. Afterward, pretty much the entire ward (which was all of my family, aunts, uncles, and cousins) headed to their house to eat some delicious food. I was able to see my Uncle Richard and some of his kids finally, which made me cry. I haven't seen them for 1 whole year and then some. I lived with them during my student teaching and before Jason and I were married. We both love their family so very much!

 My favorite part was probably when everyone left and we had the time to just be together as a family. Instead of all the Ballantynes, it was just the Mark Ballantyne family, together one last time. We were able to take a big family photo and individual family pictures as well. While sitting there with them I thought, this is what the celestial kingdom is going to be like, only there will never be any goodbyes. That'll be nice, because it took us like an hour to say goodbye just because we really didn't want to say goodbye. Driving in the dark with Carter is a little difficult lol. 

Tain is actually flying back tonight, and Dyelan will be leaving on a 2 year mission to the Philippines next month. It will be sad not to be together for a while, but I am so very thankful that I know our family will be together forever, even after this life. 

Tain with his cute little baby

Look how happy he is!

What a beautiful family <3

My boys are so handsome!

We like to be silly :)

I love these guys!

What a cute couple ;) ha ha

The ones who started it all :)

All the handsome guys 

All the pretty girls

Awww

Chilling with our whole family

Taylor Ballantyne <3

Carter with his best bud :)

Silly faces :)

Confessions of a First Time Mother

Conference weekend is incredible! I love being able to stay at home with my little family and listen to a prophets voice and advice apostles give us. It is so wonderful to know that we have a living prophet and apostles just like bible times, but they are here to help us in our day! Heavenly Father has surely not left us alone in this life. I also love our little traditions of cinnamon rolls, crapes, and eating all kinds of delicious foods! It was so fun to have Carter with us this time, and he even watched some of the messages that were being given.

During conference I couldn't help but notice the repeated theme of family, the role of women, and the role of priesthood holders. Women are so caught up in making a career, being equals to men, that they have forgotten their divine destiny as women. My heart sank when Elder Oaks spoke about how many people in the United States live together before marriage, how many have children in wedlock, and just how much my little family is a minority. My husband and I met, dated, were married, lived together, and then had a sweet little spirit join our family in that order. We made our family the way we have always been taught, but the world teaches things a different way and for that reason we are the minority.

Now for my confession... I never really wanted to be a stay at home mother. Sure I wanted to have a husband, marry in the temple, and have children, but I always wanted to work. I have loved teaching with all of my heart, and never wanted to say goodbye. I was thrilled when after having Carter I already had a job partner so I could work part time. I loved my amazing team, and loved the school that I would be teaching at. All of those dreams came crashing down when Jason was moved to Nevada for work. I won't lie and say I was completely supportive and happy about the whole situation, knowing that God had a plan for our little family. I was the exact opposite, and I'm pretty sure I even gave Jason the ultimatum of his job or his family. Looking back at it now, I could never really leave the man I love simply because I didn't get my way. Honestly I think that Heavenly Father was trying to teach me that I need to be home. Carter needs to grow up with a mother who will teach him what's right and the things that are important in this life. He needs me to always be there for him, and now the thought of going back to work even part time breaks my heart. I have fallen in love with my little boy, and am starting to understand the reasons why I need to be at home with him. So many children grow up with broken families, families that don't have the stability and blessings that our little family has been blessed with. I should be and am thankful that I even have the option to stay home with this sweet little boy. With every giggle, every smile, every silly little noise and first mile stone, I am reminded of the reason I am here on earth. To have a family and raise my children in righteousness. Yes I may get pooped and peed on, I may have frustrations taken out on me, I may crave adult conversation and have to wait until the end of the day, I might feel overwhelmed with choices I have to make for my children, and my body may be far from what it used to be, but it is completely and totally worth it! I am in the minority because I have been blessed that way and understand that the children I will have here on earth have the right to grow and be raised in a family the way it was meant to be.

Children bring the greatest happiness that we could possibly have in this life. I know because I have felt it and feel it everyday. I hope that someday my little family won't be considered in the minority, and children will become a priority again. Not only children, but the importance of family the way it was meant to be!

WE DID IT!!!!

Well, our little family just got back from our adventures in Utah (like 5 days ago oops) and rather than bore you will all the crazy busy details I'll spare you and give you just some of the highlights of our trip. We were there for a whole week and so there are way too many details to expose.

First off, why Utah for a week? Well, Jason and I have a very bad addiction. We have a love hate addiction to running. Yes, that's right, running. Before Carter was born (like a week before) we decided we really missed running races. That's when we decided to sign up for the Huntsville Half. When the day started to get closer we scheduled Jason's ortho around that date, and then all of the sudden Jason had to get on a plane to go to Omaha Nebraska for a training. Well, instead of driving back and fourth in that week we decided, let's take a week off and play. So, long story short that is what we did.

Monday and Tuesday I was of course on my own to find new adventures and so Carter my little sidekick and I decided to visit Taylor Carter's cousin. Monday was spent resting from our travels and Tuesday was a big day full of playing with cousin Taylor... well, really just watching Carter play and Taylor sleep.

Wednesday Jason and I gave into our addictions and each when for a much needed run. We had to at least try to say we ran more than 6 miles before the big race. That's when I ran 9 and Jason ran 11. Then we zoomed off to spend the day and night in Park City.

Carter and Daddy chilling in our Hotel room

All ready for bed and sitting up on his own!

Thursday another addiction of mine was given into. We went shopping at the outlets and ended up buying Carter winter clothes, jackets, and shoes. I have found that I really am addicted to shopping for Carter, wither it be online, at a store, or even at yard sales. Yep I love buying things for him.

That night I zoomed from Park City all the way to Layton for a very exciting dinner and girls night out for me :). I was able to visit with two of the most amazing teachers in the history of my career. It was so wonderful to see my old team mates again and bask in their awesomeness and cute babies. I was a little sad Carter didn't come with.

Friday we visited my old school, I saw my old classroom, listened to teacher conversations, and got really sad for ever having to leave my job. Carter is totally worth it, but I really wish we could have stayed in Utah too. The Cheesecake Factory for dinner was the perfect way to end an evening and cheer me up.

Ok so now for the gory details.... Saturday morning, the day I surely thought I would die... We woke up at 6 am to board a bus that would take us all the way to Huntsville Utah and the beginning of a race that seemed like it would never end. I was freezing and convinced that if my muscles didn't give out first, my lungs would collapse from the sheer coldness of the morning. Getting to the starting line an hour before being able to start was just another way to torture us. Once the gun was shot and we started making our way, I was engulfed in my playlist of music. Having only ran 9 miles 2 days before this race, I thought for sure I would be a goner. Well folks, 2 hours 10 minutes later I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face. My only goal was to run the entire time no matter how slow I might be, and I did it! I was on a roll and certainly on a high when I wanted to keep running after crossing the finish line. Jason of course did tons better than I (2 hours 3 minutes), but my excuse.... I just had a baby gosh!

Waiting for the bus... I am so COLD!!

Riding the bus to the start line!

Before the race, trying to keep warm in the sun.

We both survived! Don't we just look attractive?!

Don't mess with someone who just ran 13.1 miles!

Sunday was a relaxing day, and after church we found ourselves back in the car riding into the sunset. When we got home our house was freezing! It snowed yesterday evening too. Oh man what did I get myself into with living here?! At least we will be able to enjoy conference with our working pellet stove (it wasn't working at all a day ago). I love conference weekend!! Yep well, that is all for my random ramblings today. Have a great weekend!

I am an Aunt!

Well, there have been quite a few exciting things that have happened in the Osborn family recently. This week not only did our cute little man turn 5 months old, but my sister-in-law had her cute little baby! She had Taylor Mark on Monday September 9th, 8lbs 7oz, and he is something precious. My brother who recently was deployed (he's in the army) was able to come for his birth too! What I would have given to see Tain change a diaper and hold his sweet little boy.

This week was full of fun with our little Carter, as well as new callings, lots of work parties/invites to dinner, and yet another trip to Utah :)

Monday we ended up being invited to go to The Star Hotel in Elko for dinner. For those of you not from the middle of nowhere, The Star is a pretty big deal. It's a basque style resurante that pretty much costs an arm and a leg to dine at. The food however is delicious and you always walk out of there not ever wanting to see food again. Best thing about this trip for us (we've been there once before) we made new friends and got a free meal. I loved being able to interact with adults too, that was pretty nice :)

Tuesday Carter became a whopping 5 months old. Our little guy is growing way too fast! He is more than likely going to be crawling in the next couple weeks because he is sure determined. We can no longer lay him on the floor and expect him to stay in one play. Our actively little cutie is all over the place rolling to where ever it is he would like to go. We are going to have to baby proof our house soon, and boy is that going to
be a project.

Wednesday was Jason's first Cub Scout activity that he was in charge of. His partner in crime was going to be 45min late and so I was crowned Jason's assistant. What a bunch of obnoxious boys. This is going to be a great calling to help Jason grow, I can feel it. It fact, our experience drove us to a late night drive (30 min away mind you) to DQ for some much needed ice cream. That and we were invited to dinner at The Star again, but said we'd be the party for desert.

Thursday I was able to get out and have some mommy time with a couple of other moms in the neighborhood. We were insane and decided that some insanity in our lives would make us happy, but didn't realize how sore it would make us lol. It was totally worth though I must add. After I had my mommy time, Carter had his first every play date with a little boy his age. He slept through half of it, but it was refreshing to spend sometime with more people.

Friday was spent packing, cleaning, and driving to Utah. Not really my idea of a great date night, but we were able to see my sister and watch World War Z with her and her husband. Can't really complain... I really love our trips to civilization. They keep me sane.

Saturday I was able to see two of my roommates who I haven't seen for seriously 3 years! We had a delicious breakfast at Kneader's and although I totally kept telling myself we needed to get pictures, I completely and utterly had an epic fail. I remembered just as we were all driving away. It was so wonderful to see them and feel like really no time had passed.

Carter met his first ever cousin! He wasn't really sure what to do with him because he couldn't get on the floor and play with him. It was so awesome to be able to hold that little baby though, and visit with his awesome momma.

After that, it was more driving in the car all the way to Logan where we met up with our really good friends for dinner. After dinner Jason ran away with the boys to a football game, and I got some much needed visit time with a really good friend and her cute little kiddos. We had fun catching up and watching our little babies (Jace and Carter are a week apart in age!). When the guys got back to report a very lame game (score was 70 to 6), we played ourselves some monopoly deal and ate some more food :) I was very upset however, when Jason realized he had taken my sister's car keys by accident. We were not planning on seeing her until later Sunday evening, but when you have someone's only car keys that kind of changes your plans.

Poor kid spends more time in his car seat than at home!

Sunday was an early morning with yet more driving. We said goodbye to our friends with promises to see each other again soon, hopped in the car, and drove to rescue my sister and give her her car keys. Everything actually turned out quite well, when we were able to attend church with my aunt and see her brand new house. Her son (my awesome cousin) just turned 12 and they had a special setting apart for him at church. There was a party afterwards and Carter was able to play with his aunt, uncle, and some of my cousins. We were even able to see great grandma and grandpa. It was wonderful.

Now we are home and back to our crazy lives in the middle of nowhere. I am happy to report, we will be back to Utah for a whole week of adventures on Monday! Have a great week and enjoy these awesome pictures that I happened to get off of Jason's phone :) Tootles!

  

Carter with Uncle Tain!

Just mowing the weeds down in our yard