Better Late Than Never

Hello! It has been a while… We’ve been quite the busy little family lately! When you own a house, the to-do lists never get any shorter. When you are the mom of a 2 year old little boy, time never stays still. The summer always makes the days fly by a little faster! Here’s an update on everything we have been doing!

We were able to go to the Payson Utah Temple open house. What a beautiful temple!

To-do Lists

We’ve been busy bees with the lovely warm weather. Our garden has grown a ton, and we just had our first harvest. Nothing like fresh lettuce, spinach, arugula in a delish salad. We even had 2 snap peas which were delish, and Jason got his crop of awesome radishes. They were a little too spicy for my liking. All of our other plants are poking through the ground, and now the only hard thing is waiting.

We’ve been trying to build a fence around our garden boxes to keep the dog and little Carter bug out. It has taken us several tries to put in a fence that we like. We finally have a cute little fence around our cute little garden area. Unfortunately the dog and the little Carter bug still find ways to squeeze their way inside. Oh well, maybe someday.

Our cute little garden area and the new fence we put in. We love having a garden!

Our first harvest!

Our down stairs living room was orange a black. Yep you read right, orange and black. Yikes! I didn’t mind it so much when we looked at the house to buy it, but it was wearing on me… so we painted it! Now the room feels so much bigger, and I love that I am not always looking at a rust orange. We are pretty happy it’s all done, because painting is hard work! One tip I would give future painters, edger! They are amazing. So happy we didn’t have to tape everything before we painted it!

This our orange living room right before we painted!

The after color... so much better!

2 Year Old Little Boy

My sweet little Carter at 4 months 

My sweet little boy on his second birthday! 

My big little boy <3

Okay, so I am so LATE on this! Carter is 2! He turned 2 on April 10^th and oh my goodness that little boy melts my heart more and more every day! He is so smart too, and I cannot be more proud of him! Here are some facts about this sweet little cutie!

We've gone to the zoo a couple of times, and Carter loves it!

Favorite color: All of them. He knows all of his colors and always makes sure to use them when describing things. My favorite is when we are driving and he sees a car of a different color. He’ll yell, “Mommy red jeep (or car or truck or whatever it is)” and he always gets the color right. He is a little smarty pants, no wonder he is in the 90^th percentile for head circumference. He just has a lot of brains.

At the zoo during the opening of Jurassic Park.

Favorite toy: Cars and trucks are his obsession. For his birthday he got a little Mater (the tow truck from the movie Cars) and he is his best friend. They do everything together, and he even has to tuck him in when they go to sleep at night. He also loves riding his cute little motorcycle (he gets to be like Grandpa). When he puts his sunglasses on while riding he means business.

Favorite food: EVERYTHING! Except veggies, although he loves dipping broccoli in ranch. Sometimes I am blown away that he eats more than I do. He’s just like his daddy though, hollow legs.

Cool dude on a motorcycle

Favorite things to do: He absolutely loves playing with cars, running around outside (his favorite place to be), watching and touching bugs, playing in the dog’s water, playing in dirt and rocks, making up games with balls, being silly, and giving hugs and kisses. He is the sweetest boy when it comes to showing love to everyone.

Outside washing the car!

Carter with baby goats, so sweet!

Favorite people: He sure does love his aunt Kira. If he doesn’t ask about her at least once a day, there is something wrong. His best friend is his cousin Taylor, and he Loves texting and talking to Grandma on the phone. Many times he tells daddy to go back to work, and has to have his mommy do everything (ok so secretly it’s kind of funny). He has been a huge mommy’s boy lately.

Aunt Kira (aka Teeda)!

Carter with his best friend/cousin.

Jason

For a little while Jason was working nights (in May), and we were able to do all kinds of fun during the day together. He really enjoyed helping to plan and carry out a 5k fun run in Springville for Nestle. Friday we went on an incredible date to celebrate OUR 5^th YEAR ANNIVERSARY (how has that much time past?)!!!! We went black light golfing, ate dinner at an AMAZING restaurant called Oregano Italian Kitchen (better than Olive Garden), and surprised me with tickets to the BYU play Hansel and Gretle. He is such a hard worker and is amazing at taking care of us. He’s my favorite.

Clarissa

I’ve been taking a class online, and just finished my last test! Now on to writing papers, YUCK! I also signed up to be a consultant for Usborne Books & More and have been a little frazzled at starting my own business, but it’ll be an adventure! I’ve loved living close to family in Utah, and get to see my sisters at least once a week. It’s pretty fun! We just ran the 5k Jason helped organize, and had fun. Siehara and I ran with our kiddos and boy was it hard. Pushing 30+ extra pounds while running is hard. I have been incredibly busy with play dates, attempting to decorate my house, and running after my sweet little man. He is my obsession and I can’t get enough of taking care of him. Being his mom is so fun!

The running crew after running in the rain!

Carter at a play date with Mater. Every where he goes...

Our ever growing family

My niece Carmen turned 1! We were able to celebrate with a wonderful trip from my mom, dad, and baby brother Dyelan (still blows my mind that he’s home from his mission and is 20 years old!). My sister in law announced that she is due with a little girl in September, and my beautiful cousin just announced her engagement (she’s still 13 and totally not allowed to even touch boys yet!). Not only that, but one of my baby cousins graduated from High School. What?! Since when did I get so old?

My sweet little niece Carmen. Can't believe she's already 1!

Kira made her smash cake. She's talented and we loved the cupcakes she made!

Well, I’ve probably left a zillion things out but that kind of happens when you wait almost 2 months to blog. We have continued to see miracles with my health, and our testimonies are continually strengthened by the experiences we’ve had! I hope to keep you in the loop more often, but we’ll see how that goes. Until then, enjoy life and the amazing moments you are given!

26 Years Young!

There is nothing like trying to play catch up on recording the precious moments that have happened in your life. That’s what I’m trying to now, and I should just learn the first time that it’s not so much fun when you wait for forever. I finally have a few minutes to myself and I have 2 kiddos today, figure that one out. Our cute little family has been blessed even more since my last post, and here it goes. I’ll try to remember most things :)

Home improvement To Dos just keep piling on. We have finally started planting our garden and ripping things out. Our front yard had a nasty vine that was covering almost the whole walk way up front. Jason got brave one day and we hacked away at it. Now there is no more vine, but plenty of dirt and space to figure out just what we want to do with it. Our snazzy new door looks pretty great too. I was so glad we finally got it installed. My husband is amazing!

Our nasty vine. Yuck!

Wow, what a difference!

When we lived in Spring Creek it seemed like we were always traveling. Now that we are actually in Utah, our trips are few and far between. Last month however, we made our way to our old stomping grounds in Logan. Although we were still in the same state, it was fun to get away and spend some time with longtime friends. On our way up there, we decided to stop at the Hill Field Aerospace Museum. Carter was in heaven while looking at all the neat planes. When it came time for us to go, he did not want to leave.

Carter is taking a picture with his camera.

Carter and his fave plane. He loved the teeth.

This last weekend for Easter, we decided a trip to visit my brother Dyelan (since getting off his mission) was an excellent idea. Carter was so confused when we told him we were going to Grandma’s house after we had already stopped at Great-Grandma’s house. To break up the drive we stopped there for the night, and Carter was ready to stay for the week. He loves his great-grandparents and so do I!

We love you Great Grandma!

That Grandpa of mine is pretty awesome!

Carter loved the kitties on Great Grandpa's farm!

When we got to my parents’ house in Tri Cities Washington, Carter got to see Uncle D for the first time in almost 2 years. He was so excited to see him and we all laughed to see his reaction to him. I think Uncle Dyelan will be the favorite of this little boy for a while. He was so happy to see Grandma and Grandpa too. I could tell right away that it was going to be a wonderful weekend.

Grandpa's boat was the coolest ever!

Grandpa's motorcycle was a pretty cool highlight as well. 

Friday we got ready for the day and headed to The Mercantile, which is only the coolest store ever! They have tons of chocolate, jams, dips, ice cream, apple cider, you name it they have it and you could sample anything you wanted! It was hard to choose what I wanted to try first, and we ended up leaving with full bellies of free stuff! It seemed like we ate all day, when we attended a dinner party with the folks. We had delicious BBQ ribs and ate until we had nothing left. Carter wasn't very happy when we got home and his time to stop playing ended (Dyelan watched Carter for us during the party). Little boys never like to stop playing.

My boys in the backyard. 

Saturday we took Carter to his first official Easter Egg Hunt. Last year he went to one, but really had no idea what was going on and didn't exactly enjoy crawling in the grass. This year he knew what to do and in 2 minutes flat had a full Easter basket. We walked home right after and a 20 minute walk turned into an almost 2 hour stroll with our little monkey. We made it back just in time to hop in the car and meet a friend at Olive Garden for lunch. Once we got home it was nap time for the little man and I got to enjoy a wonderful session of conference. Jason had other plans and before I knew it, it was time for the priesthood session and I was whisked off to ladies night with my mom. What a fun idea! We went to Far West Book and they had food, live music, and drawing for prizes. I ran into a friends’ mom from high school. It was wonderful to see her and visit while we enjoyed yummy food and a little too much sugar.

At the Easter egg hunt with Uncle Dyelan.

My little cutie!

On our walk after the Easter egg hunt.

   

Danna is pretty awesome!

Sunday was Easter and the morning was filled with gifts, conference, and yummy cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. Sunday really felt like Christmas as we celebrated the resurrection of our savior in our jammies and relaxed. After both sessions of conference we celebrated birthdays. I cannot believe that 2 years ago I was in the hospital having a baby!!! Being Carter’s mom has been so fun, I’ve loved every second :) Jason made us a delicious death by chocolate cake, which really was death by chocolate (it was so rich no one finished their massive piece). Carter got the best gift of his life, (he thinks so) a car mat, and he has not stopped playing with it except for nap and bed time. He even fights to stop and eat.

The birthday boy and I.

Death by chocolate!

Reading with Grandma our last night in Washington.

Monday we drove ALL day to get home and found that our poor little puppy was missing. He had some how gotten out, and my heart broke when I saw both Jason’s and Carter’s reaction. We prayed pretty hard to get him home safely.

I got to watch this little cutie today! 

Getting ready for bed, silly boy :)

Tuesday as a birthday gift, I got to go grocery shopping ha ha. Yeah not my idea of the greatest birthday, but I couldn't help but think about how many wonderful blessings I have been given in my lifetime. I know that I do have a loving Heavenly Father! He has even blessed me in my trials and helped me to learn more of His love for me. It is crazy that even though I have been blessed so much, he gives me even more. Our silly prayers of our little dog were even answered today when we found that he was at the animal shelter. Even now as I think about the 2 sweet children I have under my roof today, I get a little teary eyed. It is so wonderful to be a mom, but also to be an aunt and to witness precious moments and God’s love for all of us. My 26 years of life have been pretty awesome! Until next time, happy reading!

His favoe new toys!

Carter reading Carmen a book! Cutest thing EVER!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

Sometimes my favorite things about being a mom, are the sweet little sounds children make. Carter makes the sweetest noises when he wakes up in the morning. It is so fun to hear him giggle, talk to his toys, and sing me a song. I just love his little voice when he gets so excited as I walk into his room and he giggles “mommy.” These sweet little souls are worth more than anything in the world. I could have never dreamed of something better than being a mother.

My sweet silly little boy <3

Here is what we have been up to lately.

Last weekend we had some more firsts with Carter. Jason got off of work early, so we headed out to Wheeler Farm in Murray Utah. It was a long drive, but worth the free admission and worth it to see Carter’s reaction to all of the animals. He was in heaven, and loved making the sounds he knows each of them make. We saw pigs, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, cows, a calf, turkeys, rabbits, and his very favorite… kitty cats! I was terrified of the geese that kept freaking out and following us, but I survived and overall had a great time. Jason even milked a cow!!!

We didn't take many pictures... Wheeler Farm :)

Carter wanted to stay with the animals.

Saturday, my sweet 8 year old cousin was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We loved being around family, and were so proud of our sweet little cousin Adam. What a great day and a wonderful decision to make. Adam has an incredible testimony, and when I was about to have brain surgery, we had a family fast. Adam, even though he was 7 and not needing to, fasted for me. He went without breakfast and lunch to make sure I would be ok, and it touched my heart. He has so much love for his family.

Everyone at the baptism.

Friday the 13^th marked the 5^th year anniversary of my life changing for forever. It happened on a cold February night in Boise Idaho, and was a beautiful tribute to how our first date went and how our lives, together, would be. After a delicious meal at an unplanned restaurant, a surprise dance under the stars in the park, and it ending in him singing to me and kneeling on one knee… I said yes. Every passing year I look back and see how very lucky I am to have such a sweet and incredible person to spend the rest of my forever with. Jason has always been there for me and I still love him with all of my heart. Eternity isn't long enough J

The cheesecake was AMAZING!

Ballantyne’s Day, I was scheduled for an MRI and a doctor’s appointment, we closed and started moving in our house, we had to clean our old house, and we had so many things to do, Jason and I went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Afterwards, I found out that I am still cancer free Hooray! Oh and I gained 10 lbs, which is actually a really good thing ha ha. Who knew I would be so happy to gain 10 pounds?!

We moved into our house Saturday and boy was it fun. Carter fell off the back of the moving truck and got a pretty good shiner. I was so scared that he had a concussion, but after crying for a good hour, pizza, and walking outside, he ended up being just fine. Poor little guy.

Carter the night after his fall. Look at that shiner!

He is still a happy boy <3

After our awful ordeal, we got everything moved into our new house. Sadly everything didn't magically unpack its self, but we are in our new house! To celebrate we had dinner with our friends Kendall and Mike in the form of amazingly delicious heart shaped pasta. I was so thankful for the distraction and so thankful that the day ended happy. I am so thankful that Carter was OK and that I had my sister to keep me calm, our house to distract my uneasy thoughts, and friends to laugh and visit with. It is amazing how God is always watching over us.

We have always wanted to take Carter to Thanksgiving Point and check out Farm Country, so that’s what we did last Saturday. IT was a pretty fun time, and afterward we looked at some new things for our house. We need to replace our front door and ended up getting a dish washer too. A couple weeks ago we even bought new furniture, and we surprising flit a love seat in our car. It was exciting. I hope the rumor that your to do list never ends when you have a house, isn't true. We have been so busy and unpacking and planning to decorate! Oh and surprise, my teaching license expired, so I've been working on that as well. Oh happy day, life is fun (and I mean that seriously J)!

Farm Country after the horse drawn trailer ride.

Just another day looking a new things for the house!

Carter and I squished in the car after buying a love seat!

Carter loves being close to his cousins. I was able to watch all 3 and while sweet little Carmen was sleeping we went outside. Taylor and Carter decided to bring their cell phones on our walk and randomly sat on someone's steps. They are adorable!!! Oh happy day, life is fun (and I mean that seriously :)  )!

"Say cheese!"