Trains and underwear

Can you tell where we are in this picture? Remember how I fantasized about going to the SYTYCD concert at the beginning of October with my Brad in Ohio while his wonderful mother watched the kids? Remember how my hubby is awesome and got me tickets for an early (very early) Christmas and birthday present? Remember how he went with me and even enjoyed it and squeezed my hand when I got a bit teary (only twice)?
Yep, he's the best.
And the concert was great, minus all the cheesy dialogue in between each number.

Things have been pretty chill around here lately, and as the weather has turned colder we've been entertaining ourselves more and more indoors. And the longer we're inside, the more clothes are shed. Pants are optional at our house these days (but only if you're 4 years old or younger).

I really can't believe how old this boy is getting. He's talking up a storm now and is rather obsessed with chocolate milk, which he pronounces as "choc-da-do." Those are the first words to come out of his mouth in the morning and after his nap.

Sometimes I could swear that all these two do is bug each other and fight, but every once in a while I get to witness these precious moments. Love these two.

Merry Christmas

Oh, sorry. I mean Happy Halloween. I'm just a little confused from all the SNOW we've been getting here. So confused, in fact, that I've been listening to Christmas music for 2 days now. I love the first snow fall of the year (even if it is a bit too early this year). It just feels Christmas-y outside to me. Come January I'll be cursing it and this wretchedly cold town that I live in (that I actually really love...I just hate being cold). But right now, I like the snow. Even if it means that we had to go pick our Halloween pumpkins in it.

Brad and Nick on the wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch. It was freezing!

It started snowing on Thursday, and as soon as enough had accumulated on the ground Nick went out back to go sledding and make snow balls. This boy is happiest when he's outside. And lately, when he's happy, I'm happy.

Chase, on the other hand, prefered to watch Nick from the patio. He's not too sure about the snow yet, although he loves being outside, even in the cold. Doesn't he look so old in this picture?

And in response to my last post, I just want to let it be known that I have better friends and family than I deserve. Thank you.

Nick

In the last few days...

I have cried 3 times

And prayed a lot more than that.

I've been swung at

and kicked at

and yelled at

and whined to

I've comforted meltdowns

and had some of my own

I've cleaned up thrown food

and toys

and dishes

and thrown food

and toys

and dishes

I've taken temperatures

and given medicine

and reassured and held and kissed

I've threatend and yelled more than usual

And I think he might have spent more time

in timeout yesterday than out of it

I've contemplated child psychologists

and therapists

and some[more]good self-help parenting books

I've felt like a failure

and I've questioned myself

and what I've done to this kid

to make him act the way he does sometimes

And I've wondered why in the world I thought it was okay to live

so far away

from my mother and Katie

And while the moments seem few

I've also read books

and cuddled

and played with toys

and taught valuable life lessons (right?)

and instilled responsibility

that actions have consequences

I've smiled

and laughed

and felt proud

that he is mine

And I have hope

that this is just a phase

that this too shall pass

And it will all be worth it.

Did you know?...

My little brother Daniel is the CEO and founder of a company?

Guess how much he makes? Not a penny. That's because he's awesome and has just started a legit (really, he set it up with a lawyer and everything) non-profit group called "Good in the Hood." Daniel has a love for other people that is unreal. It really is a gift. Now he's inspiring others to serve and love in the way he does. You can start your own chapter where you live or join the original group in good ol' Salt Lake. You can also join their group on facebook (590 members in under a week). I'm a proud big sister.

http://goodinthehood.weebly.com/index.html

Nicky boy...

Two weeks old

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

I love October 6th. Happy birthday to my baby boy. I'm so proud of you and I'm so glad you're mine.. I love you to outer space and back (that's what Nick said to me last week)...