Happy 5

December 21st 2011

It's our FIFTH year anniversary today.

Five wonderful years with my amazing husband.

{I think he would say the same back.}

We've gone from these days...

to the present days that involve more of this...

with a lot of worrying about this...

{he was fine... no worries. smile.}

And feeling like we need more times like this...

{I think that's how most of us fell, though, huh?}

It's been an amazing journey.

Lots of Ups.

Lots of Downs.

But always grateful that we're on the path together. 

Here's to another awe-inspiring year ahead!

Happy 5th Anniversary!

Christmas and Traditions

December 7th 2011

I've been thinking about Christmas and all the traditions that go along with it.

So, I wanted to post a couple pictures of decorations around the house, along with relating some of the traditions I've been hearing about lately.

Collin and I needed to go simple this year, I did not want to have to fight Eithan every day about not touching the Christmas tree. {Boy, am I glad that I did that.}

Tradition Idea #1 : On Christmas Eve every one opens a present, and it is a pair of PJs.

I love this idea. Not only because it is something practical, but because on Christmas morning.. everyone is wearing new and matching clothes. You could color coordinate, give everyone something fun and funky. Your imagination is the limit. And if you like homemade... you could make the PJs.

So, we are starting this tradition this year. Eithan has some fun 'footy' pajamas sitting underneath the tree for him right now.

Tradition Idea #2 : Every child has their own little Christmas tree in their bedroom, that they get to decorate every year.

I had my own Christmas tree while growing up. I loved it. I loved putting on 'my' decorations, because they were my decorations. Along with the tradition of having a Christmas tree, I thought that it would be neat to have each child receive their own ornament. That way they have ornaments to take with them when they move out, get married, etc. My sister-in-law was expressing how grateful she was that my brother came with his own ornaments. She didn't have anything. Seeing it from this perspective really gave me the idea to continue with the small tree, but add in an ornament with it.
 
{So, I think we'll be buying some ornaments half off this year... ya know.. after Christmas. smile.}

Tradition Idea #3 : Make gingerbread cookies/houses/trees. The idea is just to make gingerbread.

My family makes gingerbread every year. It is ingrained in my very being to make gingerbread every Christmas time. And this year was my first year to make it all by myself. I made some with my mom as well... but I made my own batch and made my own cookies too. It was a great way for me to learn how to carry on this tradition with my own family. And I can't wait to keep doing this again next year. 

 

{My sister in law made this beautiful snowflake for us a couple years ago. I am loving them all over again this year. A placed them underneath one of our small trees along with some snowflake confetti. It is beautifully simple, and I love it.}

Those are the idea I have been hearing, and I want to know what traditions you all have in your families. 

The more traditions the better. 

I really want to be able to start creating memories with my children... and it will help give you all ideas too. 

********

So in the beginning, when I said that I'm glad that I didn't do a Christmas tree this year...

I want to show you the reason why.

This was the face that I received today after hiding my laptop, and he wasn't able to get it out again.

 
Trying desperately to get it out from under the couch.

Still trying, but getting really mad that he can't pull it out.

Can you imagine what he would do to a Christmas tree, if he is this intent on getting a hidden laptop??

{sigh}

Eithan and Leaves

November 24th 2011

This is a few days {ok weeks} late.

These were actually taken on Thanksgiving Day, but they don't have anything to do with Thanksgiving.

Collin decided to put Eithan in a pile of leaves.

The cousins had been raking piles of them together to play in,

and Collin thought that Eithan should join in the fun. 

This is what Eithan thought of this idea....

It was too humorous to not share, even if it is a little late.

Licking the Wall

December 4th 2011

Right now, Eithan is standing on his kid's chair leaning against the wall and licking it.

Collin and I are trying to figure out what is so 'tasty' about the wall.

We are both coming up blank on this one. 

Any ideas?

P.S. Eithan's first top tooth has finally broke through. 

It is the one on the left. 

Thanksgiving Family Pictures

November 25th 2011

I wanted to take some family pictures over Thanksgiving.

Collin's good friend Tyler was kind enough to help us out.

We really wanted to play around with a few different locations.

Unfortunately, it was really windy, cold and some of the lighting conditions weren't ideal.

In all of this, we persevered and were able to get some fun family pictures.

Oh... and once we were all done, Tyler had taken around 260 pictures. Whew.

{A big shout out to Hillary for coming with us and helping us all look good.}

{This one is my favorite.}

What do you guys think??

After taking all these pictures, Collin said something really sweet.

He told me how he appreciated having pictures of our family through the years.

So, to all you women out there who may not want to fight with your families...

DO it anyways.

They will appreciate it in the years to come. 

Easy Children's Birthday Card

Nov. 18th 2011

I made this card for a little friend of ours named Cy.

He was turning 4, and I saw this great card idea here.

So, I had to make it. 

This is so easy, and you could use it for a couple of different ages. 

Besides you can use whatever it is that you have on hand to make it!

I love how it turned out.

And I love how simple it is.

Just wanted to share the idea with you!

12 Months

November 18th 2011

Eithan Owen is ONE!

I cannot believe that my little baby is one year old!

He is just growing up way too fast.

{don't we all say that?}

Says 'Mama' and 'Dada'.

{and he actually says it to each of us correctly}

Is walking everywhere!

{Though he still falls a lot and crawls around still.}

Really starting to experiment with different sounds he can make.

{He likes to smack his lips.}

Interacts with other children when they are around.

{He loves to watch what they do and follow them around.}

Has started doing a crazy nap schedule.

{Sometimes 1 nap, sometimes 2, and they are never for the same amount of time each day.}

Is very curious.

{If there is ever anything new around, he will promptly go investigate.}

If I'm not giving him enough attention, 

he will go back to the office and knock on Collin's door.

{I think it's his way of tattle-telling on me.}

Is climbing up on his new jungle gym, climbing on the couch, climbing on the futon.

{getting the idea?}

Starting to feed himself more.

{I gave him some frozen veggies the other day, and he started shoveling them in his mouth.}

(I'm starting to work with him on holding his spoon. He likes holding it a lot.)

Hands us what he is holding when we hold our hands out to him.

{Whatever he has, he will give it to us.}

Hates to have his diaper changed.

{No matter what we do, the boy still fights and fights us on having his bum changed.}

Has a personality the size of Texas.

Baby E,

This has been one amazing year.

You have taught Collin and I so much.

We can't wait to keep growing and learning with you.

We can't wait to see where your life will take you.

We are so glad that you came to be a part of our family.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mom and Dad

P.S. We call him Baby E, because we are friends with the Schmidts. 

And their little girl Macy couldn't say Eithan when he was first born, but she could say 'E'. 

Thus, the nickname 'Baby E'.

Staying Up Late

November 17th 2011

I am publicly admitting this. 

My friends and I went to the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn Part 1.

I had a wonderful time!

I loved staying up late.

Waiting in a line that went almost around the whole theater.

{who knew such a small town would have such a big reaction to this?}

Having girl talk.

Drinking delicious McDonald's Hot Cocoa.

Then eating junk food in the theater because we had an hour and twenty minutes before the movie started.

All in all, the movie was better than expected. 

If you girls need a girls night out.

I would say go see it.

It was fun.

Megan Lang, Brittany Schmidt, Joy Winks and Diane Schmidt.

{My friend Aubrey Asay was here too, but we missed her in this shot!}

Birthday Party # One

November 16th 2011

We celebrated Eithan's first birthday a few days early!

We wanted to be able to share this day with some of our friends here in our 'lil town. 

{We'll be having a family party this weekend.}

Everything went beautifully.

There were wonderful people.

Lovely Presents.

Good Junk Food. 

Happy Children.

It was simply delightful.

Eithan loved having all our friends over.

We had the Schmidts, the Christensens, the Asays, and the other Asays over.

He especially loved getting his first cupcake all to himself.

He didn't really know at first if he could truly have it.

Once he figured out that it was all his. And that he could eat it....

You gotta love the frosting face.

It is probably one of the most precious pictures we all get as children. 

We then opened presents.

And, I have to admit, I was hoping that Eithan would get crazy with it.

But he didn't.

I guess all those times of telling him not to rip something finally paid off. {smile}

It went mostly like this...

With a little bit of this...

And a whole lot of cuteness!

But sorry.. no ripping, excited, squealing with delight pictures for this little boy.

And I forgot to take pictures of all the company. There were only these two.

Mike Asay, Marsha Asay, and Kevin Asay

{With Eithan on Marsha's lap}

Lane Christensen, Will Christensen, Anika Christensen, Brittany Schmidt and Macy Schmidt

If you look behind the castle jungle gym.. you'll see Sydney Schmidt too.

So.. who are we missing? 

Aubrey Asay, Tim Schmidt and Cy Christensen.

They were there too!

All in all, simply wonderful!

I think everyone had a good time, and we LOVED having people over.

Now, I get to do this one more time with family.

Wish me luck!

P.S. To all those who may be reading this and feeling slightly left out because you weren't invited. Please know that we thought of you... but our tiny apartment cannot accommodate that many people... so know that we thought of you... wished you were there... and hope you enjoy experiencing his first birthday through pictures. 

Climbing

November 12th 2011

Eithan just climbed onto the couch.

By himself. 

I feel our world changing again as I write this. 

Almost There

November 6th 2011 

Eithan has been trying really hard lately to figure out this whole walking deal.

He'll stand up on his own from the floor, wobbling, and then try to take a few steps.

For the most part he is successful, for a short time, and then he falls to his bum.

I have been really impressed with his balance, and his determination.

He will simply keep trying and trying.

It has been so much fun to watch him pick up a toy, and then stand with it in his hand in 'victory'.

Then wobble step towards something else.

Watching him learn this new skill has been exciting.

I love to learn, and I love his determination to learn.

He loves figuring things out.

Thus, life around here has involved a bit more of this...

and this.

Don't you just love the t-shirt and diaper combo?

I do.

It makes him still seem like a baby to me...

even though he's turning into a toddler.

Easy Wedding Present

Collin and I are going to a wedding reception on the 19th of this month.

I am really excited to go, because we haven't been to one in quite some time. 

So, I was also excited about creating a unique but useful gift for the couple.

This is what I came up with.

I found this adorable Crate and Barrel platter online.

And because I wanted one too... I bought two.

It is part of the Rectangular Rims Collection at Crate and Barrel.

Then I found this adorable ornament idea here.

And created one similar to it.

I simply cut their wedding invitation into strips,

then wrapped those strips around a pencil,

and finally stuck those strips into the clear glass ornament.

Attach some cute ribbon, and you're done!

All in all, a cute, yet functional wedding present.

And because I was so proud of my present... I simply couldn't wrap it all up in a box... 

attach some extra wide sparkly ribbon and the present becomes it's own wrapping!

Baby Steps

October 31st 2011

Eithan took his first 'baby' step today.

It was his first slightly wobbly, unsure of foot placement tiny step.

And we couldn't be prouder.

November 1st 2011

He did two of the aforementioned steps today.

My baby is starting to become a toddler!

I am so excited for this change to come in his life.
{and yet at the same time... absolutely terrified of all the new things this will bring.}


 

Pumpkin Patch

10-14-2011

We needed a pumpkin for a friend's birthday party.

And I decided that I did not want to go to Walmart and just buy one.

Eithan had never been to a pumpkin patch.... so we went to a local patch.

It was a half hour drive away... and they only had pumpkins, nothing special... so it was a quick trip.

But here are some fun pictures from the excursion.

It was chilly by the time that we arrived. 

So Eithan stayed bundled up, and really didn't want to get down.

{plus, I didn't want him to get dirty.}

But he really did like the pumpkins.

And Collin and I had a blast looking at ALL the pumpkins.

We'd find one that we liked... but then there were so many more to see... 

that we had a hard time picking one.

It was the first time in a long time since I'd been to a pumpkin patch.

And I have to say.... definitely worth it!

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

So... go find yourself some pumpkins people!

11 months

10-18-2011

Has really started to develop his personality.

{He does not like being told what to do.}

{Meaning: really has an attitude.}

Is an 'assisted' walker.

{He will stand up next to everything and walk along.}

Is starting to figure out how to climb.

{Today he was sticking his toes into the baby gate and pulling himself up.}

Has started making more coherent sounds.

{'papa' is the only one we can understand.}

Loves being around people, and does not like to be left alone.

For a while, he decided that he didn't really like solid food.

{He was drinking many more bottles, and not really eating anything solid.}

Is almost sleeping through the night.

{Collin and I put our feet down and have really been working on getting him to sleep well.}

{So.. he's still waking up at least 1 or 2 times.}

Has really started to figure out the more complex parts of his toys.

{Watching him learn and figure these things out is amazing!}

Is so curious and loves to explore everything.

Loves being outside.

{I need to take him out more often.}

Puts his face next to yours when he wants kisses and hugs. 

Still my little 'pumpkin'... and we love him so!

 

 ********

This is just a cute picture I had to throw in here.

Eithan loves his bath time.

In case you couldn't tell.

{smile}

 10-17-2011

falling

10-13-2011

It finally happened. 

I had the fall of all falls over the baby gate blocking the kitchen.

{Collin said he knew it was coming someday... I just wish it hadn't been me.}

I can't even describe it adequately.

My foot caught on the gate.

My inner thigh hit the outside of the gate.

I knew I was going to go down.

And down I went.

It was so painful.

I cried like a baby.

The pain, the shock, the fall itself.

Collin carried me to the couch right after.

{I know he's a sweetie.}

I was limping all night. The next day. Today.

But I didn't really know how badly I hurt myself until I saw this.

On top of this injured foot. 

I have a lump on my shin.

I have a bruise on my knee.

And a bruise on my inner thigh.

I must say:

lesson learned. 

I will be lifting my leg ALL the way over before stepping to the other side. 

Close Up:

{forgive my unkempt toenails... haven't had a pedicure in a while.}

growing up

10-10-2011

Today was a big day for our little guy.

He had lots of firsts today.

#1 He pushed his little toy "bumblebee car type thing" around on all of its wheels.

{like all little boys do with their cars}

It was so fun at first... and then I realized... my little guy is growing up.

 He has been having lots of fun since pushing around that car.

He looks like a little boy now.. instead of my little baby.

#2 He walked around pushing a cardboard box.

He was holding on to the box... and then he started walking around while pushing it.

I thought... why spend money on those fancy walking toys... when he can push around a box!

{same concept... but much much cheaper.}

#3 He started singing with us while we were singing for FHE.

He started humming/cooing/singing along after a few seconds of the song.

We didn't notice it at first because it kind of sounded like his normal jabbering.

Then we noticed he would go up and down with us when we went up and down in our notes.

Plus he was looking at us for his 'cue' when to start and stop.

It was so adorable.

#4 He has started putting little objects into toys that are bigger.

So, a plastic cup that he carries around... he has started to put his little toys inside of it.

He'll put it in, and then take it out. Put it in. Take it out. {repeat}

He may have been doing this for a while now... but I just noticed it on Monday.

All in all... He's growing up... into a sweet little boy.

{ I love the look of pure delight on his face. }

**********

Joyously Crafty Delights:

I found {this} kitchen towel on Etsy.

I was in love... but at $10 a towel. I simply could not afford it.

So... I decided to make it.

Here is what I came up with. 

{In the towel above you can see that the ends are "ragging" which is part of what I loved about it.}

I thought that it would be a relatively simple process.

But I had to make it difficult.

It took me about 4 days to make 5 towels.

{obviously with lots of breaks in between}

But I think they turned out wonderful!

And I love having some simple, homemade kitchen towels to add a little "home-y-ness" to the kitchen.

Plus.. these cost around $3.50 a towel... and my time.

I call that a great deal!