Such A Happy Christmas

We had a great Christmas this year! Nothing too exciting, but still very fun. It was a little strange, as we didn't get up to open presents until around 9:00. Somehow Alex slept in, which was great! Ryan had to work Christmas Eve, so he didn't get home until 8:00 am, which gave him some extra time to wind down before the craziness began. Darek woke up pretty happy, but before long was a little over stimulated and hungry. After a bottle, he took a nice nap. We loved all of the gifts we received, and were so grateful to those who took time and thought into getting us gifts. Thank you so much! Some of our favorite gifts this year included:

Ryan:
1. PS3
2. iPod touch

Mandi:
1. Head massager (sounds weird, but feels incredible)
2. Touchmaster 2 (DS)
3. The Dark Knight on blu-ray
4. Big bag of gummy bears
5. Ok, pretty much everything!!

Alex:
1. Batman motorcycle
2. Indiana Jones whip (makes sounds)
3. Indiana Jones sword
4. Batman sword

Darek:
1. A fuzzy little blanket
2. Any and all toys

We also got several Nerf guns. I'll be posting soon to show our massive amounts of Nerf products. For now, here are a few pics of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.

All the boys on Christmas Eve

A very excited Alex holding Darek right before bedtime

Putting "reindeer food" on the front lawn so Santa would find us easily

Cookies and Applebeer for Santa

Darek's present left by Santa

Alex's present left by Santa

Two cute boys on Christmas morning after opening their presents from Santa

Darek was obviously overjoyed :)

I have no idea why Alex's eyes would not stay open... oh well. He was very excited about what Santa left for him.

This was a toy left in Darek's stocking. He loves eating... I mean playing with this little elephant.

Some of Alex and Darek's presents. No, they aren't spoiled at all.

Alex with his Indiana Jones whip

Time for a nap

We love Christmas and look forward to next year when Darek will actually know what's going on. :)

At some point...

At some point soon I will post about Christmas, but I just wanted to give a quick update on Darek. He went into the doctor today for his second RSV shot and his 6 month check up. Yes, he will be 6 months in just a few days. How time flies. Poor little guy had to get a total of 5 shots today, so it hasn't been the greatest day for him. But he is growing like a little weed. He is now 11 lbs, 8 ounces. And they measured him today at 22 1/2 inches long. His weight is perfect for his height, but of course he still has a long way to go to catch up to his age group. He is smiling all the time now, and we've started him on some foods. He loves applesauce and pears. I only give it to him a couple times a week at this point. He is a sweet baby, with a very feisty temper. It's funny to watch him get mad. He can really work himself into a pretty good tantrum. He has also really learned who Mommy is. He has always recognized me, but recently he will be perfectly calm and happy until he sees me walk into the room. Immediately he'll break out into a screaming fit. That will not last long. I love that he loves me so much, but we'll have to figure out a way to show it without the screaming. ;)

Well, that's all for now. We went sledding tonight and I'm totally exhausted. I promise to post pictures of Christmas very soon.

Back to School

I have decided I am going back to school! I have been thinking about it for quite a while, but really just finally decided a few weeks ago. I am going to the DATC for a few certificates. I'm going to do things that I can use at home as a wife and mother, but they are also things that I could make into a business if I ever felt the need/want to do so. My first certificate will be in the Culinary Arts. Once I have finished that, I will hopefully be getting my Cosmetology certificate. Both of these are things I love to do, and I think being able to really learn how to do them will help me throughout my life. My big goal has been to find something I can do from home, so I think this will work out perfectly. Anyway, I'm really excited about this and wanted to share... YAY!

Funny clip

I saw this clip a while back on Family Guy and it totally reminded me of... well, everyday with Alex. I sat laughing for several minutes after I saw this, and I'm sure anyone with kids can totally relate.

Another St. George trip

I went down with the boys this past weekend to St. George. Ryan was working, so he was not able to come with us :( It was quite a fun, yet relaxing trip. I stayed with my sister Bethany, and since I had my own vehicle this time (I usually travel down there with my parents), I was able to what I wanted, when I wanted.

I had so much fun visiting with my sisters, brother-in-laws, niece and nephews. I was also able to go spend some time with Ryan's brother Russ and his family. They have 4 boys, so Alex was in HEAVEN getting to play with all of them. It was the first time I was able to meet their youngest, Brett, who is 8 days younger than Darek. I wanted to hurt myself for not bringing my camera with me to their house... next time.

It felt like a very quick trip and I was home before I knew it. Now, I need to get re-packed to go to Idaho this coming weekend to go see my grandparents. I'm happy Ryan gets to come with us on this trip. My grandparents have never met Darek and I cannot wait to show him off! Here are a few pics from the weekend in St. George.

Beth getting a picture with all the kiddos there. It was impossible to get all 5 of them to look at the camera at the same time. Oh well, still cute!

Hayley and Darek

Beth and Brayden

Beth and Darek

Chad getting ready for a nerf war.

Chad and Mike showing their awesome manly guns :)

Cute little Anna

Goofy Tyson!

Smiley Brayden.

And we're teaching Alex the effects of Alcohol at a young age... just kidding of course. It's our new favorite beverage.... Apple Beer. (no actual alcohol in it)

I'm sure we'll get some fun pictures from Idaho as well. And hopefully I'll have a post in the next day or so of my new nephew. My sister-in-law went into labor for quite a while today and then it just stopped. We were all looking forward to seeing the new little guy, but I guess we'll just have to be patient. :(

A Preview of Pictures

We had our family photos taken over the weekend, and we got them back today. I won't post them all, but I'll post a few of my favorites. Now I can finally send our Christmas cards out! YAY!

New Hair Day

I had some fun today going out and getting my hair trimmed a bit and then coloring it. I have always loved doing fun things with my hair. I used to cut my own hair, but didn't have all the tools I needed (really good shears, thinning tools, etc.) so now I go out to have my hair cut. But I do dye my own hair, and it's so much fun to do. I love trying new things. Now, I should have pictures, but since I don't really have my hair "done" at the moment, you'll have to wait for those.

The really fun part of today was taking my friend, Kaylene to get her hair done too. It's been a while since she had it cut and dyed. So we went and picked out a beautiful dark color for her and then went while she had her hair cut. Afterwards, we came back to my place and I dyed her hair for her. It turned out really great, and I'm so glad I got to help. It was such a fun way to spend the afternoon. I hope she doesn't mind, but I do have some pictures of her. he he he...

This is Kaylene before. (ok, not the best picture to show off her "before hair", but it works)

In process...

She looks so good with dark hair! Who knew?

So cute!

5 months old

It's insane to me that Darek is 5 months old now. First of all, because he is still so little and doesn't look close to being 5 months old at all. But second, because it's hard to believe he's been in our lives for over 3 months now. Amazing!

Darek has grown in many ways this month. He has gotten a little bit bigger. He is a whopping 10 lbs now. (The doctor did not measure him this time as we were just in to get the RSV shot, so I don't know how tall he is at the moment.) But he has also started acting like a big boy. He has started talking and smiling a lot more now, especially if it is to me, Ryan and Alex. He loves us, and it's so fun to see him react to us. He still has a major attitude when it comes to his food and the times when he wants attention, but when he gets what he wants, he is such a sweetie. I had been trying FOREVER to get a picture of Darek smiling, but anytime I'd hold the camera up, the smile would disappear. Tonight, while Ryan was home, I finally got a few. They are sooooo cute! We love our little Darek so much. It's so fun watching him grow, especially from such a small little guy. I'm sure each month will bring more and more fun.

4 months

5 months

Getting a big kiss from big brother Alex

Look at that sweet look on Darek's face. Priceless.

Darek has a couple different smiles. This is a more laid back smile.

This is his really happy smile. In this picture he is smiling at his Daddy. He LOVES his Daddy!

This is me trying to play with my new camera. It's pretty cute, but I think Darek is to blame for that.

I thought it fitting to post this one last as we're getting into the holiday. What a beautiful, little guy!!

Thanksgiving

A little weird that I posted about Black Friday before Thanksgiving... oh well.

This year was a little different than most Thanksgivings we've had in the past. Well, it was the same in a lot of ways, but the biggest difference was the lack of people here on my side of the family. We started the day sleeping in as long as we could. Once we woke up, we took our time getting ready. Around 1:00, we went upstairs to eat with my parents. Usually Hayley, Bethany and their families will come up. But this year neither of them did. So it ended up being my parents, us and my sister Mallory. We had a wonderful feast that filled us up!

After we finished eating, we went down to the Gateway theaters and watched the movie Bolt. I was quite surprised. It was so cute! I don't know what it is about Disney, but they can make me tear up in almost any movie! It's absolutely ridiculous!

We came back home after the movie for about an hour before heading out to Ryan's parents home. His sister and family were there and we ate a wonderful meal! There is nothing like some excellent turkey! We sat and talked and the boys played together. It was a lot of fun and very relaxing.

Overall, it was a great Thanksgiving, although I did miss my family members. Hopefully we'll have a few more people here for Christmas.... hint, hint!

I also just wanted to share a few things I am thankful for this year...

RYAN - He is the kindest, most wonderful husband in the whole world. I love his witty sense of humor, his kind heart, and his never ending patience. He understands me better than any other person ever could. He supports our family without question. I love him more than words will ever express.

MY BOYS - Alex and Darek are such incredible little guys. Both of their personalities have development a lot in the past little while, and it's amazing to see the people they are becoming. Alex's tender little heart always puts me in my place. He is constantly thinking of others, especially his little brother. His smile can instantly put a smile on my face, and his tears can instantly put me to tears. I love him so much. Our sweet little Darek is such a character. He is so feisty, but can also be so sweet. We are just beginning to see the wonderful traits he is adding to our family and cannot wait to see how he develops.
Ian is and always will be a huge inspiration to me. I miss him so much, but he reminds me every day the person I need to become so I can see him again. What a perfect little guy he is. We love you Ian!

FAMILY - We are blessed to have such wonderful family. They love us unconditionally and have given so much to us. We are so grateful for all we have been given, especially in our times of need this year.

FRIENDS - We also are blessed with wonderful friends. I love having some amazing couples to hang out with that teach me by example how to be a better person. I love being able to laugh, talk, joke, and just hang out and have fun.

BEING HOME - I've mentioned this before, but I'm so grateful I'm able to be home with my boys. It means so much to be able to watch Darek as he grows. I didn't get to do that much with Alex, and it's always something that has made me so sad. Being here for them is so important to me.

CHURCH - Although I don't always love going, I'm grateful to have the gospel. I've been reminded this year (especially with Ian) how special and important it is to have the gospel and to live it. It's not always easy, and there are many things I need to work on. But I do love the gospel and it has brought so many blessings to me and my family.

I could keep going, but I have a screaming baby and a 5 year old who won't go to bed. We love you all and thank you for all you have brought to our lives!

Black Friday

Yes, I am one of those "idiots" who participated in the craziness of Black Friday! And I loved every minute of it... starting right at 3:30 this morning when I woke up. I left the house at 3:45 and headed to Walmart. Walmart did something a little different than what I'm used to. I'm used to freezing my butt off out in the cold for an hour or so and then running frantically to a general area to grab what I want. Well when I arrived, to my surprise, no one was waiting outside. They were allowing people to come in and find their item and stand next to it for an hour and wait while the clock ticked ever so slowly. But it was nice to be able to scope out the store to know where you'd be running next. I was able to get everything I wanted there (I cannot really mention what, since people reading this will then know what they are getting). After about 2 hours at Walmart, I headed to Kmart where I was also able to find just about everything I was looking for. Then I went to Gamestop and finally ShopKo before taking a break. I went home, unloaded my treasures, picked up the boys (which my parents had been sweet enough to watch since Ryan had to work) and we headed over to Toys 'R Us and Circuit City.

It was an insane day, but I had so much fun. I was lucky enough to meet up with three of my wonderful friends, Tammy, Kaylene and Beccie, at a few stores. We had fun talking and basking in the craziness of the morning. I know people think it's nuts to shop this way, but I find the adrenaline rush so addictive! I was able to get the majority of my shopping done this morning, so that will be a little less stress for the holidays. I hope the rest of the shoppers out there this morning were able to get what they wanted (and I'm sorry if I took any of your items). Happy Holidays!!!