"Sweet Dreams Little Man"

Up until recently daddy has generally been the one to put our lil' Kanyon to bed. Within the last few weeks, Kan's had a change of heart and only wants mommy at bedtime (I'm ok with this). We have developed this little routine where I'm forced (in a sweet toddler voice) to lay by him (in his massive toddler bed) for 2 minutes which is really more like 20 but what is time to a 2 year old anyways? He scoots over to the wall to make room for me and then covers me up with his favorite soft blankey (which I need more of because "I'm too BIG"). The first few times I would ask him do you want a story or would you like me to sing you a song? Now, the minute my head hits the pillow he starts belting out requests for songs, there are no stories included in this process! One thing I've noticed over the course of the last two weeks is that he has picked up on the lyrics of these songs and sings them like he has done it his entire life. He doesn't just sit and listen to mommy sing anymore. He sings right along, even if I get really quiet just to hear him he will continue singing. His favorite songs are "You Are My Sunshine" "The Muffin Man" and of course "Itsy Bitsy Spider" The sound of his voice is like swimming in a chocolate river, its so sweet and deluctable. I could listen to him a thousand times over and never tire of those tiny soft vocals. Occassionally I will burst out in a little giggle and he follows in suit. His laughter filling his tiny quandrant of our home. I know that daddy misses these bedtime moments but I wouldn't give them away for any treasure on this earth. I savor every last second and bask in the warmth my lil' Kan brings to my heart and soul!!!

Soda Rush

 
With a little coaxing and some extra credit, Kaleb decided to do Science Fair this year. After some heavy brainstorming, we came up with "soda rush-the effects of drinking soda on your heart rate." It's funny now, but Kaleb really chose this project because it allowed him the opportunity to drink soda 6 days a week.  We only allow one soda a week as a house rule. In a nutshell he took his pulse, gave himself 5 minutes to drink 12 oz of soda, then took his heart rate 15 minutes after (2 times). He did this 6 days a week with 6 different soda pops and his conclusion was that Dr. Pepper elevated his heart rate the most. Unfortunately he didn't win an award  but we are super ecstatic about his efforts in trying. I think we've convinced him to keep pursuing Science Fair in the future as he could win scholarships towards his education! We are so proud of you Kaleb!!!

WoRdS

Sticks and stones may break my bones  but words will never hurt me. Have you ever stopped to actually think about this phrase? Bones will break, but words can truly hurt. There have been too many real life traumas and too many real life incidents for anyone to support this phrase and believe in the message behind its words. Each word in the English language has a specific meaning, and many are meant to provoke emotion.

Words can mean so much from the 3 words I love you that everyone wants to hear to the 3 words that can scar you forever, I hate you. Every word has a meaning and every word can leave a lasting impression on you or someone else. Talking is a daily necessity for most, talking is your main way of communication, the main way you can get your feelings and ideas heard. If you are the only silent one in a room, it would be very hard for you to get attention or be noticed. Talking comes so naturally to most of us, that when we do it we hardly ever think about what we are actually saying and what's actually coming out of our mouths.

We speak without thinking, all of us, me included. I only started thinking about what is actually coming out of my mouth when I started writing this post. We don't often take serious the power of the tongue to assault and its ability to devastate someone. Though it's never something considered dangerous, your mouth is one of the most powerful weapons.

Physical pain is of course nothing enjoyable, it hurts, but at some point that pain will dissolve into a memory of hurt. Scars heal and pain fades then all your left is the memory. The pain of words is different; it can stay with you forever and taunt your throughout your lifetime. While physical pain can kill your pride or glory, mental pain and pain from words can kill your spirit. Moral of the story, think before your speak!

"Birthday Snow"

FINALLY, we got our first snow of the season and boy did the kids have a super time playing in it. The first snow just so happened to have come on Kaleb's 13th birthday, so it was quite the eventful weekend in our home. Kaleb, Paul, and Chase all bundled up extra warm the morning of December 15th, they were headed up 9-Mile Canyon to go coyote hunting (Kaleb's request for his birthday).



















While the boys went hunting, it left Kennedy, Kanyon, and mommy to shovel and play in the freshly fallen beautiful snow. As I shoveled and watched them galant through snow piles and sled down our front yard, I became over joyed by recalling memories of our sledding adventures as a child. In the midst of being over joyed I was also hit by a snowball of sadness. Looking at Kanyon, I recalled when Kaleb was that little two year old bundled up super tight waiting to be pulled on the sled. It doesn't seem possible that the cute little Charlie Brown faced toddler is now 13. Kaleb is turning into quite the young man, in the last two years he has grown up so much it's a blessing and a curse. I know that in 5 years, Kaleb will venture into adulthood and it's sad knowing how fast the time flew by. He's no longer the little boy that used to curl up on my lap handing me Dr. Seuss books to read him, or the little boy that pushes the chair over to the counter to help me stir cookie dough. He is growing before my eyes and turning into a handsome, dedicated, one track minded, soft hearted, funny, charming teenager. Like most children for every awesome trait it is generally followed by a fault; thankfully Kaleb has always had way more great traits than flaws. Even with the hormones kicking in and life changing, Kaleb is generally always extremely pleasant to be around unless Kennedy is antagonizing him. He is very humble and good natured. I'm sure that one day when Kanyon turns 13, I will look back on that same innocence and be overcome with sadness realizing how fast time coasted by. On a more positive note, the kids had a blast frolicking in the snow. Kan had to help shovel the drive and wasn't hesitant to aid Kennedy in sledding down our yard hill on his belly. Kennedy must have spent 6 hours outside before she was finally spent and had to come in. She played with the neighbors and helped build a gigantic snowman that stands 7 feet tall. Weekends like these are well spent and make great memories! Happy Birthday Kaleb & Happy First Snowday!!!

Riviera Maya - Cancun (Honeymooning)

My wonderful husband surprised me with a trip to Mexico on our anniversary this year to make up for not being able to go on a honeymoon. Due to the heartbreakingly sad turn of events we'd been dealt and as the warm months in Utah started fading away, we were definitely welcoming this trip with open arms.

Our resort was beyond beautiful and the service was incredible. We were in awe at how hard all the staff worked to make their patrons happy. Our mission was to relax and realign our demeanors so that we could come back with a new outlook on life. In the midst of our relaxing we actually met some incredibly genuine people that we hope to keep in touch with and see in the future. It's funny how when you eliminate phones, computers, kids, work, etc you realize how in love you are with your spouse. I didn't have anyone else to take care of (aside from Paul after too much drinky drinky) and it just made me realize how much I truly adore him and our time together. We as humans get consumed by the chaos of life and often take for granted the small things that chaos takes away.

We had the choice of taking it easy by the pool or hopping on a shuttle to go snorkeling for the afternoon. If we wanted to sleep in until 10 and then go have breakfast that's exactly what we did. One of our favorite excursions was the Captain Hook's dinner cruise. The entertainment was incredible, we laughed, drank, danced and had an amazing time.

The food at our resort was incredible, in fact I think we both packed on a few pounds during the week. Paul liked the buffets, I got sick of them. The restaurants at night were awesome even though we had to dress up ICK. They make the best drinks you could possibly ask for, we fell in love with the "dirty monkey." There were always evening shows to attend involving acting, music, and dancing. Above all there was always someone waiting to sell you something at a rip off price :) Barter, Barter, Barter, that's all I have to say about that! All in all we couldn't have asked for a better vacation. As sad as we were to leave and come back to reality it was also refreshing seeing the faces of our beautiful kids awaiting our arrival home. Next time we will take them with and have twice as much fun but twice as less relaxation. Cheers to Kids!!!