Library Pics

This past week I met a photographer friend of mine at the downtown slc library. We took pics of our kids and each other reading to our kiddos for a father's day gift for our hubby's. I loved how they turned out. It really fits their personalities at this stage in their life, and their relationship with each other. They both LOVE reading, and I can't be happier about it. Dan reads chapter books to Easton (almost) every night before bed. Right now they are reading the "how to train your dragon" series and they just finished up book 3, and are starting book 4. I have to say that this is the best thing for the both of them to do together! Not only are the benefits lasting for their relationship, but I also know that Easton is getting some good brain power for future academics! 

Nixon loves books, too! He loves it when I can spend a few minutes here and there during the day to sit and read to him. Nixon has trouble sleeping (to say the least)... and most nights I lay on the floor next to his crib and recite, as best as I can from memory, lines from his favorite books. This really is the most calming thing for him- aside from nursing (which I am trying to phase out soon, now that he's 19 months old)! The night before these pictures were taken was a particularly "no sleep" night. Actually it was probably the worst night I had ever had with him. Which is saying a lot, since he has yet to go ONE night without waking up at least 2 times in his life so far! I was out late with my sisters, and I didn't get home until about 1am or so, then Nixon was up at the exact moment I laid my head on the pillow and it was downhill from there! At one point I was so tired and frustrated that he wasn't sleeping! I didn't know what else to do, I rocked him, nursed him, tried to lay him in bed with me, even turned on movies for him to watch and he would not be consoled or fall back asleep! I was REALLY exhausted after a couple of hours of this, and knowing that I would have a very early morning (to drop dan off at work, then meet up in SLC at 8am- picture ready) wasn't helping my attitude! Then my mind wandered to of all of the people that I know, and their own struggles to have children. Of someone that had just made the hard decision to place her soon to be born baby up for adoption after buying clothes and baby gear and having the excitement of an upcoming baby. And of all of the stories that I had heard recently in the news of children falling out of windows, and into rivers, or becoming missing or terminally ill... in an INSTANT all of my frustrations were immediately gone! I felt such guilt. I know that this "no sleeping" phase will someday end... and Nixon will be a big kid, that will become a teenager and adult and so forth. This time in my life, and in their life is really a glimpse in the eternal perspectives and I am going to soak up every minute of it! I am so grateful for my life and my faith. And for all those MANY sleepless nights up with my babies, and worrying and waiting up on date nights (which seems like a lifetime away right now). 

I say BRING IT ON!! 

Right now I am going to try my best to enjoy these boys just the way that they are and to not loose perspective. 

They are so precious.

I am one lucky momma...

Dan's 28th b-day.

He was like a kid again... not that he ever stopped being one. His entire family traveled to come and celebrate with him! We played kick ball, had a mexican taco bbq along with a homemade salsa contest, and the highlight of the night was the launching of a rocket that Dan built.

kick ball game:

rocket launch:

Dan-

you rock!





small hearts are easily broken...

Easton is a buddy boy. He LOVES his stuffed animals (his buddies) and they give him such comfort, especially at night! He has lots of buddies and he loves all of them the same. Before we moved we had a big green tub with all of his buddies, and he usually rotated (3-5 or so at a time) which ones he would sleep with. When I found out we were moving, I let him pick out a few and we safely packed up the rest (including a few from when I was a little girl, that I had given to him). I told him that they were going to be packed up to move to our new house and he completely understood. He didn't want them to get lost. Now that we have lived here for a couple of months, he is wanting all of his buddies unpacked! I just don't have the heart to tell him that Dan and I have been looking and looking and we just can't find them... I'm seriously crying as I am writing this. I guess big hearts are easily broken, too!

INSPIRATION: a big kid room for the boys

Easton is still in the "nursery" in a toddler bed. The poor kid is going to be 5 this year and I have been making plans to move him into a "big kid" room, but I have been struggling on how to exactly go about it. Last night I stumbled upon these posters, and I cannot be more excited to move along with the planning!  

Since these posters cannot be sold because of copyright issues (and even if they were for sale, I most likely would not have wanted to spend the $ on them) Dan is going to copy them and paint them on 4 separate canvases... very cool if you ask me.

The next step is to get a bed. If Dan has some spare time (ha, ha) I am wanting him to build a bed looking something like this-

 Otherwise I will be spending some quality time with the ad's on KSL.com :)

 I am also wanting to learn how to make my first quilt, and since I have no experience... I thought that something like the picture below, without alot of pieces would be a good starter for me! If anyone knows of some good places to buy fabric for BOYS, that would be awesome.

Since we are the do-it-yourself type on EVERYTHING... it will take some time, but my goal is to have Easton, and eventually Nixon (on a trundle) in the new room by Christmas of this year! Wish us luck...



Posters: michael myers

bed: land of nod

quilt: pottery barn

How to make it to the Pro's in FOOTBALL.

1. Start Instruction While You Are Young.

2.Practice, Practice, Practice

3. Drink Plenty of Water.

4. Don't Get Distracted by Dirt.

5. Play Until it's Bedtime.

valentine's day {2011}

Valentine's day was pretty simple this year. Mostly because of the whole moving thing and alot of our things are already packed, but also because I still feel new to the world of "celebrating". Holidays were very simple for me growing up, and I am a bit inexperienced when it comes to putting things together for holidays. But I am having a blast with Easton being older to enjoy days like this with, and there are so MANY fun and cute ideas online for party-literate girls like me... I may just become addicted!

I really wanted to start some traditions for my family this year.

Tradition #1

 HAND MAKE valentines to pass out every year.  

The holiday started with making Easton's little valentines to give to his friends in his preschool class. Of course the idea wasn't mine, thanks to some facebook friends I knew just where to go to find THIS cute idea to copy. Easton picked out the ones he wanted to make, and totally LOVED them... of course. He is definately my "car dude".

(with moving, I haven't really been pulling out my big camera... good thing I have one on my phone)

Tradition #2

Choose one person to give a flower to.

I helped Easton pick his preschool teacher (Mrs. Bruce) to give a flower to this year. He was so shy about it, but later talked alot about it! I think that is the right way to raise up a boy... and start them early :)

Tradition #3

Fancy dinner with the family.

We actually had our dinner last night (because Dan- of course had to work late on Monday) but I loved it. Very simple. We had a heart shaped pizza, with "wings". But we were all in our sunday best and had fancy dishes with sparkling cider followed by mini cupcakes with heart sprinkles.

Tradition #4

The "Valentine's Man" comes and leaves something special on your pillow.

The boys got a sing-a-majig... cutest things ever!