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!"

Life is good!

So here we are, and I have yet again been terrible with keeping you in the loop. Not because I don’t have the time (I can always make time), but because I always get a terrible case of writer’s block when I being a new post. So much has happened and I just can’t find the words to share it all, so here are some important events and some fun pictures to look at J

After our crazy winter snow, and it snowing ALL DAY LONG for a couple of days, Carter got to play outside in the snow for the first time (and actually roll in it). Last year we got snow, but Carter wasn't walking and having your little baby roll around in the freezing snow didn't really appeal to me. We have had so much fun with him in the snow this year. We got him the cutest little snow pants, bundled him up, and out we went. Oh my goodness I just love new things with Carter. He is so fun!

Carter waiting to go outside to play in the snow!

Daddy and Carter in the snow!

Mom pushed him in his car for awhile. It was hard to drive in snow!

My uncle Bill Lee is the new Utah County Commissioner. We are so proud of him, and it was so fun to go to his inauguration. Carter had fun running around with my cousins and it was nice to see lots of family including my grandma and grandpa.

Utah County Commissioner Bill Lee (with my grandparents)!

Carter got another hair cut and boy is my sister-in-law amazing. She cut his hair with scissors and he did so good. At the very beginning, there were a few tears. We had to distract him with his obsession... a ball!

Hair cut time!

Our favorite time of day is when daddy comes home from work! With in 5 minutes we are laughing, running around, and being silly. More then once we have ended up in our bed taking silly pictures and just hanging out together. I love my boys!

One of those fun moments taking silly pictures.

Moving to Utah, we decided we would no longer rent. It was the time for us to make a really grown up decision and become beyond broke for a long awaited house. Well, after a couple of weeks of looking, we entered the house that would make us broke. We are so excited to be home owners! What a rush it has been, and we get to move in next month! Here is to move number 9! Don't worry, there will be lots more pictures once we move in! We can hardly wait :)

Our new house! I took this right after we made the offer :)

My amazing little brother came home from his mission! We are so proud of him, and think he is amazing for serving in the Philippines and blowing us away with how much he has learned. We weren't able to be there at the airport, and haven’t seen him yet, but have gotten lots of talking in. In April Jason will finally have some time off and we’ll be able to see him for the first time in 2 years! The count down in on little bro.

My little bro and sis after Dyelan got off the plane!

This weekend Friday night date night turned into a family outing, and it was so much fun! We took Carter to a nickelcade and had a blast. Jason even got the jackpot and we won 1000 tickets. I’m pretty sure everyone was looking at us. Yay for daddy and getting us lots of toys :)

Daddy won 1000 tickets in 1 turn!

At the Nickelcade not really knowing what to do....

Saturday mornings are my mornings to have a girl’s day. My sister and I have started on an exciting project of making quiet books for our cute little kiddos. I just love it when I’m out and Jason sends me little messages to let me know he and Carter are thinking of me.

This was a picture of a text that said. CHEESE!

While Carter and daddy were out, they said We Love You!

Daddy and Carter went to the park and sent me a text saying, Hi mom, we love you!

First page in our quiet books.

I love being a mother to the cutest, sweetest, most polite little boy on the planet. Each day I am amazed at how much I have been blessed. Life is so good!

Isn't he the sweetest?!

Carter is the best big cousin. He gives Carmen hugs and kisses too <3

Happy 2015!

It seems like only 2 days ago I was frantically trying to get ready for Christmas, New Years, and Jason's 30th birthday celebration. I could hardly believe it was almost here! Now it's Jan. 2, 2015 and the start of another wonderful year. We sure had lots of fun, but some advice... never move in December. It make things crazy!

As you might have already read, Jason accepted a new job in Utah. They gave him a choice of when he would like to start and us being crazy and thinking about never paying a zillion dollars for rent again, decided that he would start December 8th. Bad. Idea. I am so happy we are where we are now, but my goodness, moving right before Christmas makes you feel as if you'll never be ready for it. Plus Jason wasn't able to get the time off for us to go to my parents house, so I was sad to hear that we would be having Christmas by ourselves. We had so much fun! Talk about the excitement of creating your own little family traditions :)

Growing up we never went out to eat. 5 kids just meant a circus and a huge bill so... we had the awesome tradition of going out to eat (it was Red Lobster at first but has changed since then) on Christmas Eve. We always had a magical time and even when we lived in New Mexico, it always seemed to snow the night we went. As kids we were convinced that was the only reason it snow, because we kept our tradition. Well, we decided that all of us kids would still keep the tradition even though we're all grown, have our own families, and weren't with our parents this year. We went to Olive Garden for dinner so it didn't snow lol, but we sure got a crazy winter storm later in the week. 

After dinner we went and looked at lights around the neighborhood, and headed to my sister's house to play games, visit, and reminisce in wonderful memories. We ended up leaving their house at about 11 pm! Carter loved the fact that he got to stay out so late :)

Carter and Taylor at our Christmas Eve Dinner.

All of us at Dinner Christmas Eve. 

Christmas morning was always a magical thing too. I was always so excited to see what everyone got, and we had the biggest breakfast of our lives on Christmas day. I must say it was a fantastic idea, because we'd get our cooking out of the way, and veg and play with our toys the rest of the day. Jason and I however, decided to switch it up a little bit. He and his mom would always have a big Christmas dinner on Christmas day. I thought, how fun would it be to have our favorite cereal for breakfast (we hardly ever eat cereal but it's our favorite) and then cook a huge Christmas feast! it was a wonderful day to remember, and I hope we keep our little family Christmas tradition forever :)

We google chat-ed with the rest of our family while opening presents. Technology is amazing!

Carter loved what we got from Santa :)

Carter was so good with opening his own gifts, it was so fun!

Carter and Jason, all ready for our Christmas feast.

Christmas night we got the best present of all! We were able to google chat with Dyelan! He is serving a mission in the Philippines and is doing so well. It was so awesome to actually see him while we were talking to him!

He only has 10 months left!!!!

Another family tradition we had growing up was looking at lights Christmas eve. While we still did that on Christmas Eve, we decided we really wanted to see the Hogle Zoo lights in Salt Lake City. Although it was so cold, Carter laughed and giggled, and loved looking at all the different creature made of lights. We also saw some of the animals and had a wonderful time.

Carter was all snuggled and warm in his stroller :)

Here is us in the gazebo. My goodness was it cold!

 After all of our wonderful Christmas creations, we then started preparations for New Years Eve and even more importantly Jason's 30th birthday (both the same day). I was going to plan a surprise party when all of my plans were blown. That's when we decided a family party with homemade pizza, some yummy cake and ice cream, and a new years count down would do the trick. We had so much fun and loved that everyone (siblings in Utah and their little families) were able to make it. They stayed until 2 am and Siehara ended up spending the night. It was so much fun!

Tain and Karalee making their pizza.

Andres and adorable little Carmen!

The cutest nephew ever, Taylor!

Siehara making her pizza, and don't worry Karalee we don't blame you for sneaking a pepperoni :)

Jason's dirty thirty birthday cake!

The birthday boy!

His favorite gift that was destroyed seconds later, an air plane :)

 Well, those were the holidays for us. I am so bummed Jason had to go back to work today, but I guess you can't just sit around a be lazy all the time. Here is to another year we are going to fill with wonderful memories. Happy 2015!