Deacons Mommy

A few items of biz.

2012-01-31T22:55:00.001-08:00

Deacon, whoa baby. He is so full of hilarious things right now I have to get them written down before I forget!

Today he asked me if I wanted to make bake pops. I wondered what the heck he was talking about, he went on and on about how we can decorate them, use them for holidays and give them as gifts! But first he said "we have to buy a bake pop maker!" I then realized he was quoting a commercial for a cake pop maker, ha! He also the other day said "diamonds are not forever mom" quoting the commercial Diamonds are forever. Hilarious.

Deacon has taken to snuggling up to me, I LOVE it. Anytime he wants to "take a break and watch a Arthur and snuggle" (his words) I will stop anything. He curls up with his head on my lap and lets me stroke his face and play with his hair. I eat it up, what if he is my last baby? I can't miss any snuggles!

I called for him to come into the bathroom today and he responded "oh no! I know what you are gonna do, comb my hair!"

During sacrament meeting this week he went out to go to the bathroom, as he came back in he did a summersault down the aisle. It was awesome.

He is still absolutely obsessed with transformers, he is always pretending to be one. While playing with his cute friend Maycee the other day he kept saying "c'mon Maycee! You be a ballerina I am a transformer!"

And to top it off he is all over doing handstands any chance he gets.

I really can not get enough of this boy. He is downright delightful.

We like to party

2012-01-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

Loved these cookies piled high with marshmellows.

Cutie pie Sadie, she is the only girl in their primary class.

I LOVE this picture.

We really like to party, so much in fact that my four year old boy realizes that he can ask for just about any kind of party and I will oblidge. If only he were smart enough to ask for something really cool like a carnival in our back yard complete with elephants and rides, I am crazy I would do it.

Nope he is just a sweet little thing who requested a Gingerbread party. In case you were wondering this is what you do at a Gingerbread party:

1. eat a gingerbread man shaped lunch and drink out of cute stripey straws.

2. Decorate gingerbread cookies, the kids were so cute dumping mountains of frosting and treats on the cookies and then declaring that they want to save them for their mom or Santa.

3. Read the Gingerbread story that sparked the party.

4. Go on a treasure hunt around the house looking for clues the sneaky gingerbread man hid, then unwrap a brand new game of candyland ( I was going to give it to Deacon for Christmas so this worked perfectly!) The kids were beyond excited when they found the present, then they played the game so nicely together, it was darling.

5. Watch a 30 min. Christmas cartoon.

6. Sent the kids home withe their own Christmas cup filled with little gingerbread men cookies. We are so lucky to have such cute little friends in our neighborhood. I could seriously stay here forever.

Deacon says the Darndest things

2012-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

almost every night he sneaks out of bed to change into a costume, just like a true superhero. Here he is as Bumblebee.

Time for a list of darling, hilarious, clever things Deacon has said as of late. This boy of mine is at such a fantastic stage, I love everything about him. It is much easier to have a four year old around than a three year old, oh baby that was a wild time.

A few days ago we were talking about love for family night, Curt had just gotten through explaining what charity and love was, I asked Deacon who he loves and he shouted "Jenny!" who is my good friend in my ward. I guess he has a thing for thin, hot, blonde's!

At lunch today with my Mom and sister he was totally restless, he sat on my lap and said " I do not like this place, it is too adorable" HA! I totally love his misuse of words.

When he hopped out of the car to run into preschool his teacher said to me "Did you see that smuggle?" I looked over and saw that he had a big old toy in his jacket. The best part is that morning I thought it was so funny that he requested his jacket with pockets.

At the lunch table as asked him if he thought I was pretty, he said "nope, awesome"

I could listen to him sing songs under his breath all day long, they are usually about transformers fighting the evil disceptiocons. I need to catch it on film.

He loves to tell me how proud he is of himself, for instance " I am so proud I played with my transformers!" I hope this is a product of me telling him how proud I am of him.

I took him to a book club at Angie's house, Owen was not there so Deacon just got to play with his toys. One of the girls asked him what he was doing and he said "Havin' a playdate!"

Each night when we start to read scriptures he says "we already read that one!" Sorry buddy, they all sort of sound alike.

Around Christmas time he got a cute book from his preschool teacher about a gingerbread man. After reading it a few times he so sweetly asked me if we could have a gingerbread party. It was the cutest request I had to say yes. I need to post some pictures of it because it was so darling and fun!

I really can not even put into words how much I treasure my Deacon. Thinking about him going off to kindergarten int he big old elementary school makes me want to take him and run away. I am so proud of how smart, sweet and fun he is. I am so so lucky to be his mom.

I did it!!

2012-01-02T21:06:00.001-08:00

You guys, I made it through 2011. I really did. This year was not my favorite year BUT! Please do not be mistaken, I am oh so grateful for all the gifts and blessings I have been given.

Today is my 29th birthday, hanging on to my twenties by a fingernail! I had a great day filled with things I love. I got my little brother to come run immigration canyon with me, I love that run, it is the perfect 6 mile downhiller with the best canyon breezes and beautiful surroundings. The second I start running in that spot I am invigorated and happy (this is not the case for all runs, yikes!) After that I conquered a life long fear, I baked a layer cake! I have always been so nervous to attempt a cake where I would have to flip it out of the pan, thanks to Heather I put my mind at ease and gave it a go. I love how it turned out! It was so fun, I am all over cakes now!

Some other fun things I did: went to costco (oh boy I love costco) and dinner with friends. I also got a surprise visit for one of my besties Casi who made me a plate of yellow cupcakes with choc. frosting, my all time fav!

Curtis took Deacon to the store to buy me a present and Curt said Deacon insisted his mommy wanted the bowls with strawberries on them? Searching through the store Curt finally figured out he wanted to buy me ziploc containers with a picture of a strawberry on the box, I loved them.

My husband is sending me on a cruise with another bestie Annie for my birthday! I am a loved and lucky lady. (since my fallopian tube made me miss a trip to Hawaii, dang 2011)

With all of that said, I will not let another year of my life pass on by. I am going to find lots of happiness this year, starting with this blog, I love the years I have documented on here. Cheers to 2012, lets make it amazeballs.

My Heart

2011-11-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

Was broken.
Is mending.
Has never been so full.
Grew this week in ways I never understood before.
Is bursting for gratitude for all the people in my life who love me.

Every sweet word written to me on this blog made me cry and feel so loved. A kind word goes a long way towards healing.

Try as I may I can never properly express my thanks to everyone who did such thoughtful things for me this week. Meals, cards, flowers, gifts visits, calls and texts.

I love you all. I will spend the rest of my life trying to serve the way I was served. I am a blessed girl.

One special thank you to my sweet mom xoxo.
So happy it is Thanksgiving.

p.s. putting your Christmas tree up a little early will help a sad heart. Heaven help me if anything like this ever happens in June.

What if.....

2011-11-13T03:29:00.000-08:00

Oh those dreaded what ifs in life. Those thoughts that turn your thoughts upside down and all around. The thoughts that make you question every choice you have ever made.

Please humor me, I need a place to get rid of these what ifs.

What if the insemination does not work? Will I ever have another baby? Will I be letting my family down? Will I have a breakdown, can I just try again next month? Will the outcome be any different?

The insemination worked! What if I start to bleed like the time before? What if my HCG levels are low and keep dropping? What if they don't and I get to stay happy, elated, over the moon.

Levels are high, hope. Relief. Levels drop, levels rise. A roller coaster ride. I know at the point I need love and support, much like a text I have sent before I need just say something small and the support is overwhelming. What if I did not have the friends I do? What if I did not live where I live and have neighbors are friends who save me when I am drowning.

What if the doctor gives me the weekend to let my body have a miscarriage on it's own? In the past my body knows what to do. Still I go in on Monday and my body let me down, I have to get two shots that help to move the miscarriage along. What if the shot makes me sick/sad/overwhelmed? It does, but I get through. Of course I do because I have so much love around me, even if just my little home. What if I did not have Deacon, the what if that is too much.

What if the cramping I feel 5 days later is not normal? How much cramping is too much? I call the Doctor on call (Saturday) and he informs me that going dizzy, feeling hot and the pain spreading means it is too much. Go the ER at that point he says.

What if my prayer was not heard and answered? "Go to the ER, this will not get better at home"
What if I did not have friends I had a feeling to have Curtis call, I knew they would be home and take Deacon, all day if needed. It was needed and they did.

I am amazed by the human capacity to love, to help. I am humbled and grateful to the nurse who stroked my hair and hugged me while I sobbed after learning I needed emergency surgery. I am so very thankful to the competent doctor who reassured me it was the only choice and wanted to keep me safe, comfortable and really, alive. What if Curtis was not there to bless me and help me remember Heavenly Father loves me and is with me always.

The feelings I had after I woke from my surgery one fallopian tube short surprised me. Where is the doctor? I want to thank him. Does the nurse know I love her just by speaking to me in a calm, kind voice as she woke me form surgery?

Utah is such a incredibly beautiful place, it was comforting to wake up under 4 warm blankets and look out to an amazing blanket of snow. Where is Curtis? Was he scared and nervous for the hour I was put out? What if I did not have my husband who is the calm to my nervous?

What if I lived in a time where there was no loratab, morphine or Valium? No trained doctors to take care of me?

How wonderful to come home to a loving notes, treats and a clean house (my brother the house elf) What if he were not here to give me another blessing and say these words to me:

"Be overcome with joy for your husband and child. Heavenly Father is so pleased with how you are to Deacon. Take each day one at a time"

So while there are plenty of scary what ifs in my head, I am letting the ones I wrote here go. There will be lots of other what ifs in my life but like I was reminded today, take each day one at a time, let the what ifs I can, go.

What if at the end of the day I was not able to kiss Deacons soft face and have him reach to me, his mom, for a hug? So thankful as I lay in bed not able to sleep that I am here, still, even though I have three incisions in my stomach and one less fallopian tube I am blessed beyond measure. If chosen, I can focus on those what ifs that saved my life, and that is my choice.

Nothings missing

2011-10-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

I love this picture, it looks like everything being a kid should be.

Today while reading Deacon a story he was leaned up against me, he paused and looked up at me and said "I love ya". I realized in that moment that to Deacon I was everything.

There have been weeks and even months in the last year and a half that I have felt the longing for something I did not have, like something was missing. As much as I would love to have another baby, for Deacon to have a sibling, more than that I do not want to spend my days longing. One thing I know and that brings me so much happiness is that I am loved. I am cared for and my prayers are heard.

The simple I love ya was a simple reminder of how lucky I am to have this little boy to pour all my love and affection on, and that when I do it is returned 10 fold. Now that is something, not nothing.

What I am loving about Fall

2011-10-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Delicious smells. Beautiful fall leaves, I love living so close to the mountains this time of the year. Creamy pumpkin hand soap from Bath and Body works. Metallic gold and bronze spray painted pumpkins. Soups and breads. Crisp air. Perfect temps for outdoor runs and walks. Warm drinks. Deacon wearing his costume every minute of the day (and night!). Silver Lake. Snuggling at night with a movie and warm blankets. The mountain breeze through the kitchen window. College football, NOT! Getting ready for the Holidays. Baking, which reminds me, time for butterscotch crescent rolls! Oatmeal in the morning. School has started for Deacon. Having a candle lit all the time making my house smell perfecto. Oh baby, I love me some fall.

I say hell too often.

2011-10-10T19:51:00.001-07:00

This four year old little boy picks up on everything, so it is no surprise that I have heard him say "what the hell?!" more than one time. My personal favorite is when he casually asks me "what is the not naughty word mom?" to which I respond "heck" and then Deacon replies "oh not hell?"
Oh boy.

Let me tell you about all the absolutely adorable things he says in addition to his profanities.

In his primary program a few weeks ago his teacher started to help him say his line, he quickly said "I don't need help!" and then said his part.

I love in the morning when he comes in our room and sings me the good morning song "good morning! good morning! how'd ya get so big!"

I love having Van and Will over on Wednesday afternoons, on one of those afternoons we went on a walk. Will was worn out and did not want to walk anymore so Deacon said "I am Optimus Prime! Grab my hand Will and I will help you!" Also on that walk when Deacon was fed up with Will he kept saying "William Steven Bickmore! Stop it!"

We had a blast visiting my Dad Dana and Abby in Baton Rouge, just yesterday Deacon asked me if we could "please please please go to Grandpa Steve's and have him take me to the park! please!"

We talked about stranger danger the other night so now Deacon knows to yell "that is not my mom, that is not my dad!" if he is ever in a stranger situation. We also taught him a family password in case someone tells him that they are supposed to pick him up or whatever. We told him the password is secret to only mom dad and Deacon. The next morning at breakfast with a bunch of people he proudly said "guess what! Our family password is (blank!)" Ha!

I could go on and on about this boy. I sure do love him.

Boy oh blog

2011-07-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have been the worst blogger ever. Truly, the worst. Which makes me sad because I really do like keeping a blog especially to keep track of all the funny things Deacon is up to. I have certainly been in a funk this last year but I am realizing that I can not change everything I do not like but I can try my best to be happy in the situation I am in, I have so much to be happy about.

How about some funny/cute things Deacon is doing?

His new favorite thing to say when he is bored or annoyed or whatever is: "But I am skinny" or "I can't I'm too skinny!"

So so so obsessed with Spiderman. He is forming his little hand to shoot webs before he even opens his eyes in the morning.

Deacon is really lovey at night when I tuck him in. He says things like "should I snuggle you?" Or when I try to leave he quickly says " But how about just one more kiss?" And my personal favorite when I say I love you he replies " I love you most"

I love when I ask him a non negotiable question like "ready to brush your teeth?" he responds with a simple "no fanks"

After his second week of swimming lessons he is really comfortable in the pool, he loves to say " I am such a great swimmer"

We called my Dad on his birthday last week and Deacon sang to him, hours later when Curtis came home from work he said "Know what day it is Dad!? It's Grandpa Steve's Batman birthday!!"

At a friends house for dinner I was told Deacon was outside peeing. When I got out there to tell Deacon he needs to come inside when he needs to go potty he smiled proudly and said "no mom! I already did!"

His concept of time is hilarious, " I want to play three more months" or "Let's go in 10 weeks"

The other night my young women were over playing water games in my front yard, we had two slip n slides set up and the neighbors cat was playing on one so we told Deacon to go scare it off. He ran and scared it off and then shouted "Yay! I won the team!"

Deacon could play for hours in the backyard with or without a friend, it is his favorite place to be.

I said to Deacon the other day " I love......." thinking he would fill in the blank with Deacon but instead he shouted "William!" He loves his cousin Will.

One night when Will was over late we were putting some of Deacons jammies on him and Deacon said "Your looking goooooood William!"

Writing all these things down makes me mad at myself that I have not written these things, I think they will be so priceless to me in the future. No more feeling down for this girl! Even if I do not ever have another baby or have any of the other things or experiences I want, I have so much. I have a husband and Deacon that I love more than anything and I have I know I am doing my best. That is enough, I have more than enough.

A boy his dad and a baseball glove

2011-06-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

When I got home from young womens the other night Deacon yelled to me from his room "Mom! Come see my new baseball glove!" I walked into his room to see Curtis lying in his bed next to him while he proudly had his (waaaaaay too big but still the smallest size) baseball glove on his little four year old hand. He was so pleased with himself and so enamored by his Dad.

This made me fall a little more in love with both the boy and his Dad. This is the beauty of being a parent is not the baseball glove that the Dad bought but it is the Dad lying next to his son talking shop about baseball and using his glove for his upcoming tee-ball league. It is the Dad taking the little boy to the store for a part for the air conditioning and coming out with a baseball glove. It is the Dad who we had to call the next morning at work to ask him if he knew where the beloved glove was, only to find that he had slid it under the boys mattress to help the glove wear in. This same Dad slid the baseball glove under the mattress again tonight and I am sure this Dad will cheer his boy on in many baseball games over the years.

I love sharing a life with this little family we created. The baseball glove was a simple reminder of how sweet my life is. Happy Fathers day to the Dad and husband we love to the ends of the earth.

2011-05-16T16:28:00.001-07:00

Deacon is four. Wowza. I can not believe it was four years ago that I first held him and looked at his sweet face and tiny body. This kid is THE best. I spend my day laughing and smiling at the crazy stuff he comes up with.

Some of my favorite things about this boy:

He loves to play outside, our next door neighbor is a little boy Mason who is one year older. Deacon will go outside and yell "Mason! Mason!" over and over again until Mason comes running out of his house and then they play forever. I just peek out the window every so often and see them happily playing.

Deacon is constantly saying to me "is that a deal mom? Is that a deal?" I love it. Makes me laugh every time.

Sometimes he pretends that he is going through a drive through and this is what he orders: "a large diet coke with fresh lime and a chocolate kids cone" hmmmm seems like we have a habit he and I.

Whenever he is hungry he opens the fridge for a string cheese a couple strawberries or a apple. I consistently find a apple with 6 bites out of it every other day or so.

Deacon is not especially cheerful in the morning, sometimes he wakes up in a terrible mood. When this happens I tell him I will not talk to him until he is happy, he then pouts and a minute or so later he says " I am happy now!" and he musters up a fake smile proving his happiness. Pretty funny.

I love the way he says girl: grill. He said to the girls at my work the other day "Hey Grills! Take it easy!"

All of Deacons friends are "his" my Will or my Thomas or my Owen. I think it is so darling.

It is becoming clearer every day how fast time is going, I wish I could stop right now and do the last four year all over again. I try to really love on him every chance I get. Words can not say how I feel about my Deacon. Being his mom is absolutely thrilling. Happy happy birthday Deacon, I am your biggest fan.

a birthday banner for my birthday boy

2011-05-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

My boy turns four on Sunday. I can not even wrap my head around that. I am always trying to come up with ideas to make birthdays and holidays special and fun for my family, if they cost zero dollars even better! We are not really having any party for Deacon this year but I still wanted to have some fun in the air. And I wanted to celebrate all week!

I gathered up all sorts of cute pictures of Deacon through his 4 years, I always love looking back at all the sweet pictures and moments of his life.

I rigged up this little banner of pictures and added a few little notes about how I feel about that boy of mine. He was so excited to see his birthday banner, he commented on how cute the tiny baby was, when Curt came home from work he was so excited to show his dad. I want to sit in my living room all day and admire my sweet boy who is so big now! Compliments to Angie for all the photography, does anyone print off candid photos anymore?? Happy birthday week to my lovely Deacon.

The inconvienient nap

2011-04-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

It has happened to every mom, when your kid falls asleep at the worst possible time. Today was Easter, sugar mania. We had a big fun day of church, easter dinner and some easter egg hunting and playing with the new playdough the Easter bunny brought. By the time things had calmed down Deacon laid on my bed and his little eyelids look mighty heavy. Yup 6:00 and the boy is drifting to sleep.

Now I have a choice. I can:

A) close my eyes ma self!

B) bribe him to wake up with ice cream cones! trips to the park! going to his cousins Wills' house!

C) contemplate putting him in bed for the night, will he sleep the night through??

D) Pick up his sweet tired little body wrap it in a blanket and snuggle him within a inch of his life.

What would you choose? I chose D and it was oh so good. I laid down with him on the couch and smelled his skin and kissed his cheeks, all the things my almost 4 year old does not really let me do. I snuggled him and thought about things that are weighing heavy on my heart and my mind, suddenly I felt lighter and more peaceful. After my 15 minutes of snuggling I woke Deacon up with the promise of riding his bike around the block (!) So I suppose the nap actually came and the exact right time. Happy Easter one and all!

Running away

2011-04-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was feeling down and out. I had just had my third miscarriage and I was feeling so discouraged with my body. I hated feeling such sad thoughts about myself and I needed to do something that would make me love my body and myself more. Cheesy? Maybe, but necessary for my sanity.

I decided that I would run the Salt Lake city 1/2 marathon. I had five weeks to train and was probably crazy. Somehow the training really came together. I was able to work up to 10 miles with no injury or mishaps. While doing my long runs I thought a lot about my body and what it had been through. I found myself often times feeling so thankful for the body I have and for the ability to do things like run. Also a few prayers of thanks were said during the long quiet runs.

If you do not like to run it is hard to understand the desire to run 13.1 miles. Curtis will always think I am crazy for doing it, I feel crazy around mile ten, but finishing is one of the best feelings imaginable.

The race was fantastic, awesome course and I loved seeing so many people out running. My friend Jenny met me at mile 6 I was so grateful. Knowing that I had someone cheering me on was a huge motivator. And I got to ditch my jacket on her, thanks Jenny! And then seeing Kris my sister in law run and give me a big hug at the end was so fun! She is a great running partner even if she smokes me!

Of all the things I want to be or do in my life a runner is a big one, I am working on it! And I love my body for helping me become all the things I want to be.

So long farewell!

2011-04-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

Kallin is moving to Texas, boo hoo! I will miss my MAC bff and bake off challenger. Love you!

When life gives you lemons

2011-03-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

you make lemonade right? So what the hell do you do with a million oranges?? A girl in my neighborhood was selling oranges for a fundraiser so I bought the smallest amount offered which was still a ton for my little family. Even after giving a bunch to my friend I still had so many oranges.

Tonight after dinner I was faced with a perfectly clean house and time on my hands, that is when the sweet tooth and the domestic craziness comes out in me. I pondered the ingredients needed for a million different treats compared to the ingredients on hand, things were not looking good. But what I did have is a bazillion oranges.

So I have this fantastic cookbook that Kira, Curt's sister and Sharon my mother in law put together a few years ago for Christmas. One of my favorite features is that on the bottom of most recipes it has a little quip like "this is great made with left over potatos, but with Grandpa around that does not happen often!" Or "Kira's very favorite, a little more work but worth the extra effort!"

I remembered in my beloved cookbook the recipe for ORANGE cookies! Made with fresh squeezed orange juice. Like a sugar cookie but much lighter and softer. Then you top it off with frosting made with more fresh squeezed orange juice. Now I am not saying I improved on the frosting by adding 2 tablespoons cream cheese, but you be the judge. They were the perfect ending to a pretty good Saturday.

Anytime Deacon hears that kitchenaid mixing he comes running. Tonight he asked what I was making I told him cookies, he gasped and said "oh deeeelcious!" So Kira when you update the cookbook add my name next to yours as my favorite.

Lucky number seven

2011-03-17T22:00:00.001-07:00

Our anniversary is usually right in line with a vacation of some sort, which always makes for a good picture for my happy anniversary post. Usually Curt is missing a tooth or has a black eye so I figured us being totally sweaty would be peeeerfect.

I suppose like a missing tooth a black eye or a sweaty picture our marriage and life together is totally imperfect. Throughout all the hard things we have gone through in seven years (which is not much, we are so grateful) I have been so glad the person I have by my side is Curtis.

Though I hope the next seven years are without black eyes, missing front teeth (please do not bring back hillbilly husband!) I will except them with open arms if it also means what these last years have meant: laughter, excitement and happiness.

Happy anniversary Curtis, I love you I love you I love you, that's all I need to say.

Nothing says vacation like

2011-03-15T22:29:00.001-07:00

Curtis doing something weird to his face.

Cinderelly Cinderelly

2011-02-26T22:46:00.000-08:00

I am feeling a little blue, I will spare you the details but I just feel down. We are a equal opportunity household therefore Deacon likes any and all Disney movies including Cinderella. I laid down with him for a bit to watch it today. He particularly loves when the little mice make the dress for Cinderelly, I personally like her cheery disposition.

The opening scene if you remember shows Cinderella getting ready for the day singing, I got real tears when she sings "no matter how your heart is grieving if you keep on believing the dream that you wish will come true" ladies and gentleman real tears during Cinderella.

It reminded me of one of my favorite NieNie posts.

Then I remembered I am blessed, loved and that I do have faith in my dreams (and in lots of others things, this also makes me happy). So as Cinderella said "have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling through, no matter how your heart is grieving if you keep on believing the dream that you wish will come true." That sounds good to me.

Read me here

2011-02-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

You guys, my friend Amy is amazing. She has dedicated this last little bit on her blog to body awareness. Such inspirational posts! I awas delighted that she let me write up a little ditty for the occasion. You can read what I wrote HERE so head over take a look around, I just know you will love her blog just as I do.

p.s. If you go read it you will see a really awesome picture of me. Just saying.

Sugar pie Honey Bunch

2011-02-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

You know I love you! I can't help myself, no really I can't help myself. Holidays and special occasions really bring out the spaz in me. And you know what? I like it! Valentines day was no exception, what a great holiday. Cute decorations, love in the air and telling people you love how you feel about them. Deacon starting off the day with his buddy Thomas drinking pink drinks out of valentine straws.

Is this soup the number one most darling thing EVER?? I know I know I am nuts, those noodles are handmade and delicious. And I cut those carrots out with a teensy tiny cookie cutter. Deacon thought it was the coolest dinner. Curt thought I had lost my mind.

Love is having a husband who accepts a two pack of beef jerky from costco for his valentine. And actually does not just accept it, loves it. I love that Curtis is not materialistic at all.

My favorite thing I did yesterday was make up this little Valentine garland with pictures of my family, I love all these pictures and it was fun to dig them up. I am keeping this up the rest of the month. It just makes me feel so lovey. And so what if I hung crepe paper for just my little family, its the little things people! And I already admit, I am a spaz!

This little valentine boy is what love is.

Happy to be in this family, happy to be in love, happy to celebrate valentines with my little family.

funnnnnnneeeeee

2011-02-14T19:38:00.001-08:00

We got Deacon a little read along toy story book for Valentines day. He loved it. While flipping through the pages with him we asked him if the guy pictured below is Al from Al's toy barn, he responded:

No, that's Grandpa Steve! Ah ha ha ha!

fireplace

2011-02-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

What is it about a fireplace? I love everything about it, the fire in it the mantle around it and the warm cozy feeling coming from it. The fireplace is on my favorite things about this little bungalow we call home.

Lately when we have been out and about Deacon will get nervous that I will not be able to find our way home. When we pull up to our house he always praises me "Yay! You found our house!" That boy sure has a way of making me feel good about myself.

Like when I am having a down day and we decide to make a fire in our beloved fireplace and he sits next to me and says "you wanna hold my hand? you are my sweetheart" I have decided the best thing about being a mother is being that person for someone. The person who finds our house when you think you are lost forever, the person that makes you a cozy fireplace when you feel down or tells you that you are their sweetheart.

And the even better part of being a mom is that sometimes Deacon does all those things for me.

cold weather gives me the gimmies

2011-02-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Does this happen to anyone else?

I am so cold I need to go somewhere warm, like a cozy movie theater.
I am so cold I can not possibly cook dinner, I better get some cafe rio tortilla soup.
I am so cold, if I put up Valentines decor I will feel cheery and cozy.
I need to buy some more decor to really feel valentiney. (and warm)
I bet if I had another rug on my hardwood floors I would not be so cold.
I need to go to Old navy and look for a new bikini top for my trip to Hawaii on which I will not be cold.
I wish I had thicker cozier socks to make my feet warmer.
Ooooh a freshly baked treat would warm me up, but I probably should just buy it from Great Harvest, too cold too bake.
It is so freakin cold.
Why do I feel the need to spend money when it is cold. I gotta look into this.
I wonder if it is warm in Hobby Lobby or Roberts crafts?
Cleaning my house will probably warm me up, HA!
Everyone: it is way too cold today.

Happy Birthday to this beard.

2011-01-29T23:12:00.000-08:00

This bearded man is 33. Wowza. His birthday is always a little bit tricky for me. I love birthdays and am a spaz. Curt is happy just having his favorite meal (skiers stew, a cute name for man stew aka beef stew) and buying his own gift (an all you can fly pass on Jet Blue for the month of September last year) so I have learned to take it easy on his birthday.
Buuuuuuuuuuuut, that does not mean I can't write whatever I want on here about him. Take that!

For a girl (me, duh.) who has a lot to say most of the time I am at a loss as to what to say about Curtis. Alls I know is: I would not what to know a life without him as my number one. Happy birthday Curtis you are the bomb.com And that phrase is my birthday gift to you.

The bus.

2011-01-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

when did it stop being exciting to ride public transportation?
If you still ride public transportation then thank you for doing your part. Do you think it is exciting? Or do you just do it because you are doing your part, you know for the world and stuff?

Yesterday when I walked in the door after being gone all day I was greeted with this "Maaaaaaooooooooom! The bus never came!"
So I asked Curt what this meant, he preceded to tell me that while they were waiting for a small car repair to be done for a hour or so he was going to take Deacon on a bus ride to the pet store to look at puppies rats and such. (the location: Bird World in Bountiful. Have you been there? puppy MANIA!) So the two of them waited and waited but that darn bus never did come.

So they walked and walked and walked. Like pioneer children except without the singing while they walked. Walked at least 1.5 miles to the pet store. And back.

Don't you think it is funny that after a day full of puppies rats etc. that I was greeted with a sad face and the statement that the bus never came?

My friends, would you rather snuggle a puppy or ride a bus?

p.s. I am eating too many subway sandwiches because I wanted to write my sandwich post again! What!? I realized all I want to say is that I hate sloppy sandwiches. My friend Laura worked at a sandwich place and she told me she loved making perfect sandwiches, I like perfect snadwiches. My uncle Jack owns like 4 thousand Subways and I am the only child lucky enough to escape working there, but I bet I would make pefect sandwiches (type A you know)

Sandwich Artistry.

2011-01-26T22:35:00.000-08:00

I just started writing a post about subway sandwiches, then blogger kicked me off. Was it a sign? Was I just about to become my Grandpa and write a paragraph about my distrust for dentists? Am I losing my mind?

Probably.

Has anyone ever asked you if you are a type A personality or type B? Do you find yourself being really one or the other?

I am all over the place. But let me tell you this, I have a little bit of A and a little bit of B. I love to check things of a list (A) I like my glass cupboards in my kitchen to have perfectly stacked bowls in perfect colors (A) I rarely get enough sleep and can get sucked in to a show, blog or movie so easily (B) I can easily ditch any plans I have to do something way more exciting (B) I think I am a really meticulous makeup artist (A) I like running on a treadmill more than outside so I know exactly how far and fast I ran (A) I am absolutely not a perfectionist (B) I tend to overdo Holiday decorating and get carried away (B) I make my bed every single day (A) for three weeks (B)

Is there even such a thing as a type B personality? Or is it just right brain left brain? Or is it the color theory, you know like your a white a yellow or a red? I always come out a red when I take those dumb tests, which pisses me off. Which just proves I really am a red.

What color letter or brain are you? And which is the best?

PS. now are you curious about what I wanted to tell you about Subway???

Here comes the sun.

2011-01-25T21:32:00.001-08:00

All us Utahns do it. Like big fat idiots we convince ourselves Spring will be here any minute, all of this convincing takes place in January and February. And then it snows on Easter. Do not get me wrong I like the snow in November and December, it is all cozy and exciting, the holidays are right around the corner.

Then there is January. Blah. And it is even my birthday month! Sad! So today in the car I was driving and I asked Deacon what song he wanted to hear. Sometimes he picks really cute stuff like a Pearl Jam song or recently he has been requesting a Band of horses song. His music snob parents eat this shiz up.

So I ask him and he requests, here comes the sun. By the Beatles. How does he know this song I ask? Oh just from The Bee Movie (remember the one Jerry Seinfeld did? pretty cute). I was so taken aback by his cuteness as I played the song and he sang along "its alright!" And then I remembered one of my favorite Pearl Jam lyrics "No matter how cold the winter theres a springtime ahead" then I felt a tiny bit of my winter blues slip away, just a little.

How are you kicking the winter blues where it counts?

Thing is.

2011-01-23T23:08:00.001-08:00

My Grandpa Bick does not hear very well, kind of not at all unless you are speaking at an outrageous volume. This made for some fantastic conversation between Deacon and Grandpa.
Deacon: "Grandpa John, I got a puzzle!"
G.John: "Now what Deacon?"
Deacon: " I got a puzzle!"
G. John: What are you sayin'?"
Me and my bro. Walker simultaneously: "He is saying he has a puzzle!" 90% louder than Deacon.
The best thing about staying at my Grandparents in St. George is that obtained a copy of his personal history he wrote. Seriously, this personal history is so awesome (and hilarious) my favorite paragraph of the whole thing? The one where he expresses his distrust for Dentists. Gosh I love my Grandpa.

A date.

2011-01-21T20:56:00.001-08:00

You guys, we went on a date. It was a real true date. We do not do that enough. The best part was that I got to laugh and remember how hilarious Curtis is. My favorite quote of the night was when we saw a crazy Rocker lady, Curt said "I want to ask that lady her zodiac sign, I bet its a leo she looks like a lion" she really did.
I just wanted to go out to dinner, my only request was that we go somewhere with bread on the table, after carefully counting calories all week I wanted to fat it up on my free day. And I did, creme brulee and all.
I have been trying to eat less meat, like only one meal a week. It has been a interesting experience, Curt is sick of soups. I really like brussel sprouts. Deacon learned he likes potatoes, he has hated them forever, after I made him gag them down (truly gag) he says he likes them. Do not be fooled though, he of course loves french fries. But don't we all?

p.s. do you think my lipstick is cool? all the other cool mom bloggers wear dark lipstick, I hope you guys think I am cool. Lord knows I have enough lipsticks to kill a man.

I am loved.

2011-01-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

I always assumed the way to tell how loved you are is through baked goods, am I wrong? This year on my birthday I felt real loved because I had a lot of baked love. Please take note of the frosting colors, can you handle it? I barely could. Laura knows my love all of all things tasty and adorable and she delivered on my birthday boy howdy.

Did you know we also like to dress like twins on my birthday?

Ladies and gentleman, this is a Neapolitan cake. A real life chocolate strawberry and vanilla cake, from scratch. If you do not have a Kallin in your life, I am sorry.

Here is the man himself who took the time to dream up this masterpiece and make it for little old me. If that is not love I am not sure what love is.

My dad made me a cake on my actual birthday. Now that is a real treat, I do not think my dad has made me a cake in like 15 years. It was yellow cake with chocolate frosting which believe it or not is my very favorite. Even though this cake is only two layers and I requested ten I still felt very loved.

And let us not forget: my mother made me a full meal with every single thing I requested and it was perfect.
Go bake something and give it to someone you love. You need my address?

about a boy.

2011-01-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Deacon. Boy howdy. What a kid. I need to write (type) more of the funny things he says. He is getting big, is really energetic and funny things are constantly coming out of his mouth. Want to hear some of my personal favorites? Ok.

He loves the movie snow white and thinks the song Heigh Ho! goes like this: I home I home its off to home I go (and then does a fake whistle) pretty cute.

Whenever Curt and I have any kind of conversation that is even a touch heated he yells "hey! prayer time!" hilarious.

Reads his own version of the Dr. Suess books he got for Christmas from my Dad and Dana.

Loves his cousin Will so much, and his baby cousin Van. Anytime they are around he is happy.

Is craaaaazy for puzzles. Teh puzzle pieces all over the house make me craaaazy.

Walker and I went to St. George after the Holidays to see my Grandparents and hang with my Dad and Dana. He was excellent in the car hardly said a word the whole 4 hour drive. When we pulled up to their house he hopped out of the car and said "that was a fuuuuuuuuuuuun trip!"

Hope I can find it in my heart to update this little ole blog more often. We will see.

Oh 2010 I can not decide to love you or hate you.

2011-01-01T23:11:00.001-08:00

So did we like 2010? What is the consensus?

No huge milestones this year but lots of good things. Deacon is hilarious and nuts oh and also a puzzle genius no joke, the kid put together and 150 piece puzzle. Seriously. That is some serious business.

Curtis works hard for the money and vacations like he means it. If only finding sweet vacation deals was his job, like a travel agent! He should be a travel agent!

I cook, I eat too much and I did a lot of rad things this year. I would like to do cooler things this year, maybe win a contest of some sort.

I forgot that I really like to blog, I like to keep a record of what the shiz we do with our lives. Cause it really is a pretty great life.

2010 brought some great things and a couple bummers. But I am thankful, I am looked out for. I have amazing family and the ultimate friends. I can not feel sorry for myself too long ever really because in the big picture I am lucky lucky lucky to be the mom wife and human being I am.

Lets make it a good year.

Anybody miss me? Anyone? Anyone?

2010-12-12T23:01:00.000-08:00

I have missed you! Time for an update! This is what we have been up to.

Curtis:

Working lots and lots.
Always online looking for our next vacation.
Watching the Jazz.
Going to our all time favorite store Costco.
Playing lots of basketball.

Deacon:

Doing puzzles, his aunt Kira one gave him one is California and ever since then he has gotten really good at them.
Asking Santa for a puppy pillow pet.
Going to preschool and learning a lot.
Pretending to be a teenage mutant ninja turtle.
Singing songs he has learned.
Getting excited for Christmas.

Sophia:

Working a lot at Shabby Apple do you like them? You want to do a giveaway on your blog? I can help you arrange that!
Loving the Christmas season.
Endlessly decorating for Christmas.
Seeing lots of friends.
Singing the theme song to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles each night to Deacon.
Keeping busy with my Young Women.
Counting my blessings.

Dani Vacca

2010-11-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about the years I spent working at MAC was all the different people I met. So many of them have become dear friends. I loved when I was a manager interviewing and hiring people. You go to see people at their very best, their most excited and enthusiastic.

I can remember hiring Dani with Kallin, he was the manager and I was his assistant. She was so young and had the biggest smile. We both thought she would be a great fit.

She was really fun to get to know and had one of the most zany hilarious personalities I have ever known. I will always remember she had the most hilarious dance moves. I still have a note card from a training I helped facilitate on which she wrote that I was an amazing manager and someone she wanted to learn from. I did her makeup the very first day she worked at MAC and showed her the ropes, taught her the MAC way. I will always remember now how pretty she looked and how she gave me a hug when I was done. She said she had never had her makeup done so well. She was young and so excited about her life.

This past weekend Dani was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. Young and beautiful and lots of life left to live.

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunities I have had to know so many diverse wonderful people. I am learning to take pieces from each of these people and make myself better. I am also reminded that this life on earth is precious and we should treat everyone around us with as much love and compassion as we can.

I am taking comfort in these words:

For the joy of human love
brother sister parent child
Friends on earth and friends above
For all gentle thoughts and mild
Lord of all to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise

Did you think I forgot to be thankful?

2010-11-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

I really did not. I am so thankful for so many things. And what about this oh so snowy Thanksgiving? I am thankful for that, I loved having my family home with my last night in my cozy little house with a cozy fire in the fireplace.
This year brought so much to be thankful for. Some things unexpected. The things for which I am most thankful this year include:

My lovely family, all included but more than anything Curtis and Deacon who make up my days and fill my heart.
Seeing my sister in Scotland and seeing more of Gods beautiful earth, it gave me a great thanks for the world I live in.
Going back to where Curtis served his mission and feeling first hand how much the people loved him and what a good man he is.
Living in the neighborhood I live in, where on a really bad day I cried to three different girls in my ward (on accident really) but all three thought nothing of it and just gave me a hug. Where on Sunday someone knew I was sick and I looked out my window to see my walks getting shoveled.
The weekly email that comes from my Dad, it is always a bright spot in my week, if we could just edit out the weekly paragraph about golf we would be golden.
For food and health and for my body.
Friendships that I simply could not do without. Knowing that when I need someone I have so many people to ask for help.
Prayers being answered.
Being able to give of my time and talents has brought me so much joy.
Laughing each day, I am surrounded by people who make me laugh and smile.
Thankful to be who I am where I am even if it is challenging at times, I am thankful.

A story about a Stone

2010-11-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about the busiest week ever. This week was set up to be a busy one, lots of good stuff but very busy. Lots of things happening that had taken months of planning. So when I woke up Sunday night at 3:00 am with a pretty bad pain in my right side I was stressed out. After taking a pain pill and laying on a heating pad I was able to fall asleep. The next morning I went to the intstacare so I could get checked out, the doctor determined it was most likely a kidney infection and maybe a kidney stone. He put me on a antibiotic and sent me on my way. Monday and Tuesday I tried to take it easy.

Wednesday was a big day. The Lower Lights were coming to do a fireside for our youth and I was in charge. I felt much much better on Wed. I was sure I was over the worst part. The fireside was amazing, better than I could have hoped for and I was so thankful to feel well on that day.

Thursday was pretty much the same a little tired a little weak but felt like it was nothing a good night of sleep could not cure.

Friday I had a big thing at work I needed to help at from 1-6 and then I needed to come home and do one million things to prepare for the Christmas boutique fundraiser I was having at my house the next day with my friends. I had put off almost all baking and setting up until that night since I felt so crappy.

Well about one hour into my work event I started feeling weird. Not quite right, painful stomach. I started to get anxious and nervous. I got out of there as quick as I could and called Curtis to explain my lower abdomen pain. When I walked in the house he had a big glass of water and two pain pills waiting, I was so relieved. I was sure they would kick in quickly. They did not. no relief whatsoever. After an hour of horrible pain I told Curt we had to go the hospital. I felt so dramatic, I could hear myself crying and whining and saying how much pain I was in but I could not stop myself! It was hands down the worst pain I have ever been in. Much worse than labor pains for me because there is no relief no break between contractions.

When we got to the instacare they were able to get me in really quickly and get a blood and urine sample to quickly determine that I for sure had a kidney infection and most likely from how crazy I was being a kidney stone as well. Then finally I was able to get a shot to relieve the pain, thank the heavens above. It took about twenty minutes for it to kick in and got better and better from there. I went into the bathroom after the pain shot and laughed out loud at my appearance, red sweat pants gray t-shirt flip flops mascara run down my face from my tears and my hair half in a ponytail half down. I looked like a true blue crazy person. They probably were scared of me.

After the instacare we went to IMC and got a scan where they indeed found a 5 millimeter kidney stone. If if were any bigger than that they would most likely have had to do surgery. I was thankful it was not any bigger. I was also thankful that the doctor said it was pretty much out of the super painful zone.

The next day my girlfriends all came and helped make our fundraiser great. They were so awesome to stay all day with me and let me take my pain pills and be sort of out of it. Amazingly Heather just happened to have all the ingredients for the red velvet cookies I was supposed to make so she made them for me. The Fundraiser was a huge success and I was thankful.

Last night and today I just feel tired weak and out of it. I am thankful that I get to stay home and enjoy the pretty snow and get better from inside my house. I am very impressed if anyone read this whole story! I want to remember all the details because it was the craziest week ever. And I think the description of me at the doctors is certainly worth remembering.

I love a cute little town

2010-11-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

I really love quaint unique places. San Juan Capistrano is just that. Little houses turned shops cute restaurants and even a petting zoo. We had a great time there.

Kira truly almost smuggled this thing home in her purse.
This about sums up my life.
Deacon and a goat about his size.
Curt picked a guinea pig to match his outfit.
Deacon was in heaven petting all the animals.
Kira kept showing up with new crazy creatures.
Me and a couple goats.
Deacon would just demand which one he wanted to hold.

All in all a great little town and a great time.

This that and Las Vegas

2010-11-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Curt eating Kira's jello popcorn balls from their childhood.
I will know if my Dad actually reads my blog when he see where we ate in Las Vegas.

This foot massager is the absolute best thing in Kira's house, I have had with drawls.
Kira proudly displays her popcorn balls.
I made vanilla raspberry cupcakes with raspberry cream cheese white chocolate frosting, whew!
Love this ensemble.
A great little creperie we ate at.
Deacon enjoyed a spaghetti dinner in Las Vegas. I swear Deacons favorite part was staying in a hotel with us in Las Vegas on our way down. When we got our room I told Curt "oh this is not too bad" so the rest of the night Deacon kept saying "its not too bad mom! its not too bad!"

Each meal we went out for we brought tons of entertainment with us! Deacon was pretty good for the most part.
Proof we went to Las Vegas. One night in California we went out to my Aunt Tina and uncle Jim's house and saw my cousins Pip Calvin and their families. It was so great to see them as we pulled away I told Curt "we did not take one picture!" bummer, I was really glad to see them.
We had a great time staying at Kira's house, she is a awesome host. Deacon was perfect in the car, no tears or fits for the whole twenty hours or so we drove. So glad we went. Lets make it a annual trip!

Beach bums and Beach babes

2010-11-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

While in California it was 90 degrees in November, so we headed to the beach. We all loved it. We went to Corona Del Mar and it was one of my favorite beaches I have been to, when talking to my mom I guess I have been there a bunch of times before but it felt new and exciting to me! Nobody was prepared with a full on swimsuit besides Deacon, he sure took advantage of that! He loved the ocean.
Totally fearless, ran right in and got his whole body and head totally wet.
Loving the waves.
Curtis and Deacon in the distance, a beautiful beach.
The family posing for a picture.
The cave where we had our little picnic. I saw far to many crabs in that cave for my liking. Can you tell Deacon loved the beach?
Kira and Deacon running from the waves, love this picture.
Another family shot, what a perfect beach day.

Disneyland, ya we went there.

2010-11-12T10:32:00.001-08:00

We had a good old time at Disneyland. We waited to go on our last day in California and it was awesome. Everyone loved it and Deacon was in complete awe. Please enjoy the photos and my commentary. A classic tea cup photo opp. Did not even go on that ride.
Goofy was the only character we got a photo with I ran right after him and demanded a picture.
This is us before heading into the park, Deacon was about to get his mind blown.
This is on pirates of the Caribbean, I thought he was cuddled close to me because he was scared then I looked down and he was dead asleep. Pretty cute.
When something goes wrong on a ride and they have to turn the lights on everything looks slightly less magical.
This has got to be my favorite picture of the day.
Getting ready to ride the world famous Dumbo, have not ridden it in probably twenty years.
Kira was mesmerized by these dwarf's from Snow White.
Looking good on the Buzz Lightyear ride.
Curt's brother Mark was in town for work and came and met up with us. Cant do Disneyland without a Turkey leg!
Deacon loved this rocket ride.
One of the last photos of the day, I am sure none of us can feel our feet at that point. It was a blast and the best part was seeing it all from Deacons point of view. Loved it!

We went on a trip.

2010-11-10T23:31:00.000-08:00

And it was oh so good.

The Lower Lights

2010-10-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

When I first heard of the Lower Lights project I really wanted the youth in my ward to see it first hand. Something about this music really speaks to me and I wanted them to feel that as well. Lucky me, after some emails the Lower Lights group so kindly agreed to come do our fireside in my ward. I am so excited to see this firsthand. If anyone wants to come we would love it, leave me a comment and I will give you the details. You do not have to be LDS to love this music, you just have to have good taste. Give this video a watch, I bet you will love it as well.

This is Halloween

2010-10-30T21:18:00.001-07:00

This is the Halloween that never ends! I am ok with that because we have had a lot of fun. Deacon was very into wearing his costume and growling. We did lots of fun things. Safe to say Deacon had a excellent halloween. Deacon and Will were trying to make baby Van happy, I think he mostly just wanted to bust out of his tight costume.

I think this picture speaks for itself. My apologies to Darrin Shaw for having to take this picture of my spandex butt up close and personal.

Deacon and his preschool teacher Miss Dana. He loves her. She is awesome and he is love love loving preschool, hurray!

And my favorite picture of the moment is the one. I can not handle how adorable he is. I told him his face painting was amazing and he said "NO! It's awesome!"

And I will leave you with this awesome photo of these glasses he got at preschool, perfect.

Deacon is pretty funny

2010-10-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

Today Deacon said something that made me laugh out loud so I realized I needed to post an update on all the clever cute funny things he is doing and saying lately.

If you have been to our house you probably have heard Curt and I yell out the back door at Duke our dog for barking at the dogs in the yard behind ours. Today Deacon heard Duke barking and he said to me "I am gonna go yell at Duke." Then he opened the back door and yelled at Duke to stop barking. After he was done he walked back in shaking his head and said "Crazy Duke, barkin at those beautiful doggies" So funny.

We are taking Deacon to Disneyland next week and he thinks everywhere we go is Disneyland, today he thought Old Navy was Disneyland. Wow I can not wait to blow his mind with the real Disneyland.

Anytime I ask him to do something he replies "Fiiiiiiiiiiine!" I always tell him not to say that and make him apologize but silently laugh at how dramatic it is.

My brother Walker was over and Deacon got a bloody nose (from picking it for sure) and he was so mad that he had to sit still while I held a tissue to his nose. Halfway crying he said "whats happening? this is crazy!" Hilarious.

While putting his toys in his toy box I heard him singing "twinkle twinkle little star time to clean up where you are" I had never heard that before and when I asked him where he learned it he said "ummm for Miss Dana" (his preschool teacher) I love how much he loves school and that he is learning.

He is playing so much better with his cute cousin Will and was so excited to give him a ghost sucker we made when he came over on Sunday.

The other Sunday at church sitting in on the bench he opened up a hymn book and ripped out a page and said "Please you make an airplane?" It all happened so fast I could not even get angry.

He loves to go to preschool and when i pick him up he always wants to run to the car as soon as he sees me. The teacher makes the kids line up against the wall for safety and takes them one by one to their cars. Now when I see him lined up against the wall I give him a thumbs up, he gives me the biggest smile and a thumbs up back.

At Cafe Rio the other night I yelled to Curtis at the register to grab Deacon a water cup. Deacon then screamed "Turtis! Get me a water cup!"

He loves when I put makeup on my eyes and always admires it and says "Oh i love your beautiful eyes you painted"

My friend Beck was in town last week and we went to dinner. Deacon loved the mandarin orange that was in his little fruit cup so I asked the waiter to bring a little bowl of them. When the waiter brought the bowl Deacon picked it up held it up to his cheek squealed and gave the biggest smile.

He is obsessed with Nightmare before Christmas and sings all the songs constantly. Lately he has been singing "I am Jack! The pumpkin King!"

When I took him to his 3 year doctor appointment (only about 6 months late) he was really good and loved Dr. Baar. However it took him some time to forget about the three shots he got.

I am loving this stage that he is in, he has mellowed a bit since the summer but is still wild and fun. I am eating up all the hugs and kisses I get from him and relishing any sweet thing he says to me. Love this wild child.

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-16T18:46:00.001-07:00

The pumpkin patch today was a hit. Curt and I were laughing because right when we got there Deacon ran from pumpkin to pumpkin saying "this one? noooooo!" He did however did find several he loved.

Deacon and Will loved Isaac running with the in the wheel barrow. Cloud nine I am tellin ya.

The gray green pumpkin is the one I fell in love with and brought home, I think it looks excellent on my porch.

Isaac Lesley Will and the new baby Van.

And then our little family. This weather we are having is fantastic. I do not think I have ever enjoyed Fall festivities like I have this year. I plan to continue on enjoying Fall as long as possible.

Want to know the best part of the Pumpkin patch extravaganza? I am trying to convince Curt that we should not give Christmas gifts this year and go to Disneyland instead. Deacon is old enough to enjoy it and young enough to not care if he only gets a couple small things Christmas morning. So all weekend long I have been talking about Disneyland telling Deacon about rides and so on. So naturally he thought that THE PUMPKIN PATCH WAS DISNEYLAND! He thought since we had talked about is so much that we were going there. If we ever do make it to Disneyland this kid will be blown away.

Guilt wiped away with some cookies

2010-10-15T22:06:00.001-07:00

Maybe other moms do not have a problem with this but I do. I have set all sorts of expectations that no one cares about except me. For some reason I felt like I had to get or make just the right costume for Halloween for Deacon. I do have fun picking them out and I am sure next year he will want to be something completely opposite of what I think is clever or cute. This year was stressing me out. Today I was by myself and decided to run to Old Navy just to see what they had. A couple weeks ago at this 5K Deacon got his face painted and loved it. I saw this tiger costume and got a great face painting idea. I bought it brought it home and Deacon was in Heaven.
We spent the evening growling practicing trick or treating and most importantly making Halloween cookies. I let Deacon get right into it rolling out the dough and using the cookie cutters. And best of all he did it all in his $10 costume.

He was so happy and kept saying " I wanna do another project" All the while singing songs from The nightmare before Christmas.

The frosting was another highlight for him. And he especially loved the "sprinklers" or sprinkles.

The moral of this Looooong story is that sometimes I need to cut myself some slack and make some cookies. It sure made me happy to see him run wild in his costume and beg to wear it to bed. Happy Halloween!

The Cabin retreat

2010-09-21T21:57:00.001-07:00

We had the BEST time with Cory and Katie at their families cabin. It really was not a cabin more like a luxury lodge. It was awesome.

These two dorks could not stop doing puzzles. I was also a dork reading the first two books of the Hunger Games non stop. Cory had a a real addiction and stayed up til three am alone finishing a puzzle of the city Manti. Wow.

The boys also fished in the stocked ponds on the property. It was so fun for the kids you just throw in fish food and the fish go crazy jumping, they loved it.

We took a quick trip to Vernal to see Corys sister and some dinasours.

I could not resist this picture of Katie workin away on her laptop. Awesome.

These two had an absolute love hate relationship. But pretty cute together.

There they are again looking pretty cute again.

Another big part of our cabin experience was eating, woah we ate a lot. Tons of good food. I no joke watched Cory put down five burritos one night. Pretty impressive. Thank you Harmons for inviting us we loved it.

Red Butte

2010-09-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

Once the weather was cooler my friend Jamie and I decided to take our kids to Red Butte Gardens. I am kicking myself for not going all Summer. It was perfect. The kids ran around and played and we got to catch up. Deacon and cute Chase climbing on the lizards.

Loved this picture of Deacon and Chase sharing the drinking fountain, it looks like they were being sweet but really I caught the picture in a moment were the pushing each other was on hold.
The lizards were a popular spot for these two.

So was the fountain, they loved it. Jamies little guy Cohen was there as well but I guess I was too busy chatting and taking pictures of these two spazs. So much fun.

He is a Student

2010-09-21T21:41:00.001-07:00

I really can not handle how big this boy is, going to preschool and being his own dude. So proud of him when he walked right up to the teacher and went into preschool with no lookin back. I shed one or two tears on my way home but mostly I just feel so proud of everything he is becoming.

A little Down picked me right up

2010-09-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I have a rough day or week something surprising cheers me up. Tonight I went with my friend Kimi up to Silver Lake up big Cottonwood canyon. It is beautiful and a perfect little walk for Deacon. Not to mention the Fall foliage is out of this world right now. No other season awakens my senses quite like Fall.

We were walking around the boardwalk and had stopped right by another family looking out on the water and looked at the ducks. The family had a son with down syndrome with them, probably 10 years old. He immediately took to Deacon and they were laughing and pointing at the ducks together.

When we turned to leave the boy stepped right in front of me and gave me a big hug. I walked away with tears in my eyes. Something about the hard week I had had and this sweet boys kindness filled my heart. It is going to be a good week.

Who wants a Deacon update?

2010-08-20T21:35:00.001-07:00

I do! I can not forget all the hilarious things he is up to lately. He is so full of life and imagination and I laugh all day long.

1. One of my favorite things he does is if Curt and I are close together he will out an arm around each of our necks and say "mommy daddy!" And pull us in close for a hug.

2. He loves to try on every pair of underwear he owns all day everyday. Lots of times multiple pairs at at time.

3. The other morning at breakfast with my mom and Walker the restaurant was pretty empty and Deacon had everyone cracking up when he was running across the whole place yelling "it's a stampede!"

4. I have always sang James Taylor's Sweet Baby James to him, since he was born. (my mom sang it to us and I know my sister and brother sing it to their kids) but i never realized he knew almost every word to the "cowboy song" so the other night it was very cute when he sang along to the words "his horse and his cattle are his only companions" now I sing every few words and leave a word out for him to fill in.

5. He loves his friends Thomas and Will down the street. He asks all the time to walk down to their house. He also likes their mom Jenny. We pulled up to their house the other day and she stuck her head out of the car door and he said to me "Oh Jenny I like your hair!"

6. How to train your Dragon had a BIG impact on Deacon, he is constantly pretending to breathe fire and growling at you.

7. Deacon will think of an idea in his head and instead of asking you for something or to do something he presents it to you like it was your idea. For example he will say "Okay! I go get a candy for me!"

8. He never wakes up in the night crying ever anymore but every once in awhile you I will wake up in the middle of the night with his face right in front of mine and he will say something like "I need my squishy ball" Super important at 4 am.

9. Very good at the whole potty thing and is very proud of himself. The other day from the bathroom he yelled to our friend Matt to come see, um pass.

10. He will start preschool in a couple weeks and is very excited about it. Good thing it is only two hours at a time, I am going to miss him.

Sound asleep

2010-08-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

I woke up a few nights ago to Deacon in my bed with his arms around me. I did not hear him come in I just woke up to him snuggling me. We are serious about our sleep in this house. Deacon has always been a great sleeper almost right off the bat. We trained him early to love his crib and sleep through the night. All that made it so much sweeter when he snuck into my bed and cuddled right up. Even sweeter was that after 30 minutes I felt him get up and walk back to his bed. Guess he just wanted to let me know he loved me at 4:00 am. Love you too Deacon.

Youth Conference 2010

2010-08-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

The whole Gang, I was not super stoked about being responsible for these girls on the side of a huge mountain.
This prank the girls played the last night was hilarious. Just picture all these glow sticks in the pitch dark doing the robot, pretty good.
Daren thought we did not make enough BBQ beef, we showed him by making him eat all the leftovers out of Dave's Bare hands.
The goofy face picture.
Me and Chrissy. Love her.
Snowbird was so beautiful, the location could not have been more perfect.
This was a team game that made for some excellent pictures.
Can you believe I hike up that whole huge mountain? Whew!
Thank heavens for Lindsay who blew up this air mattress not once but Twice (after I left the cap open whoops!) for us to sleep on. Love her.
I conquered my fear of falling to my death of a ski lift.
I made sure to document my near death experience.
The YW who were there on top of the mountain.
Us on the tram on the way up. Talk about claustrophobia. I guess I have something with heights.

Youth conference was so awesome, I went in thinking I would have some fun but it was SO FUN. We camped up above snowbird and it was beautiful. We shared a campsite with a mom and baby moose (thought my Grandpa Orme would like to hear that!) and tons of wild flowers and flowing streams. It was the perfect setting. One night at 11:00 pm we hiked to Cecret lake and it is now one of my favorite things I have done, ever. I was so proud of all the kids that were able to come, they were so great. I loved staying up waaaaay to late every night with Chrissy Lindsay and Mary (I missed you Holly!) I am lucky to serve with people I enjoy so much.

Miriam turns six!

2010-07-25T22:03:00.001-07:00

Lesley and baby Will. Doesn't she look so darn cute pregnant?
Me and my little family after Curt kept spraying Deacon with the hose, he loved it!
Me and the birthday girl.
A bunch of the family chit chatting.
The hit of the night was the candy bracelets, Deacon could not even stop chomping his for one minute.
Miriam and her Daddy about to blow out the candles.
Miriam and Evie, poor Evie was sick with the flu for the last days she was here. But she did manage to put on a party hat for the picture.
Cupcakes and cookies and party fun.
The birthday girl was very specific in her cupcake requests, how many did she eat? 0. Hilarious!
On the Scots last day here in Utah we celebrated Miriams' sixth birthsday. It was so much fun. It was great to celebrate with them since we are not usually together on Holidays and birthdays etc. She is such sweet girl who is so smart and lively. I love her. I loved decorating a bit for the party, shocker I know. Mostly I just loved spending time with my family.

The Cabin

2010-07-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Grandma with the kids at Big springs.
I love this picture because it really depicts the dynamic between Deacon and Will. Will adores Deacon and thinks he is so funny, look at him laughing at whatever nonsense Deacon is up to.
Speaking of Will, he is at the best age, so funny and cute and usually always in a good mood.
The kids playing and eating some grapes.
Deacon at Big springs.
This is my favorite hour I spent at the cabin. It was a huge rainstorm and The kids all cuddles up to me and Deacon falls asleep, that never happens.
This also never happens, Isaac and I sitting next to each other at meal time. It is a long standing tradition that we sit miles away from each other at meals, we broke barriers that weekend.
This is at the paint pots, which for the record are not awesome.
The kids getting a little impatient waiting for Old Faithful.
One morning I went running and Deacon was sad when Lesley and Amelia told him where I went and he kept saying " I wanna go for a run!" So for the rest of the weekend I would take him outside for a run. He would walk for a minute and then say to me "Lets go for a run!" run for thirty seconds and then say " I a good runner! Lets walk today. We can run amorrow." Pretty cute.

A highlight of my summers is visiting our family cabin in Idaho. Pulling in to the dirt road always makes me happy. This trip to the cabin was even better because the Scots came! It was a mad house jam packed with fun. I was so glad I got to go and had so much fun laughing and hanging out with my family. Especially loves almost making Amelia pee her pants from laughing so hard.

Summer

2010-07-25T21:20:00.001-07:00

My sister and her family have been visiting form Scotland for the past three weeks. They just left this morning and I feel lonely. The past few weeks have been total chaos and so much fun. Not much brings me the kind of joy that watching Deacon play with his cousins brings me. I realized I did not take enough pictures I think I was just trying to have as much fun as possible. Anyhow the above picture pretty much sums up our time together, awesome.

Some serious cute

2010-07-20T21:06:00.001-07:00

While my sister and her family have been in town we had to get some Bickmore grandkid pictures. I love them so much. Of course Angie took them. I am so happy to have these pictures of these darling kids. It was quite a process and I am glad its over and we have these to show for it, TADA!

Another year older and wiser too!

2010-07-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

that is a Bickmore smile if I ever saw one

Happy Birthday to you! Today is my dads big 55. I don't think you want me to list 55 awesome things about him (I could though) so I will just go with 5 things.

1. He is such a good grandpa, loves his grand kids and dotes on them. They in turn adore him.
2. My Dad is very smart and a hard worker. Whenever I meet someone he works with they always rave about how great he is at what he does.
3. My dad is funny and likes to have fun even though sometimes he pretends to be grumpy even when he is not.
4. People love my dad and he really goes out of his way to befriend people and make them feel included.
5. He has always set a good example for me in a lot of different ways and I admire him for always trying to do what he believes to be right and good.
So five cheers for you dad, hip hip hip hip Hooray! Love you!

Takes me back

2010-07-06T23:14:00.000-07:00

Does this happen to you? It is so crazy to me how a song can take you screaming back to another time in your life. I guess smells and tastes do as well but nothing does it for me like a song. I was helping my mom clean her house yesterday when I heard a song I had put on a DVD of pictures I made for the family I nannied for 7 years ago. I was surprised when my eyed filled with tears and I remembered how much I loved being with them and all the memories of them. Just like Van Morrison reminds me of my Dad and Saturday morning chores.

Ben Folds reminds me of my brother Walker. Shawn Colvin makes me think of my mom. And boy does Pearl Jam make me think of love and my true love. I love the way James Taylor and Elton John take me back to my childhood and how I love listening to them and singing their songs to Deacon now. Something about music and a memory that makes me smile.

4th of July

2010-07-05T21:02:00.001-07:00

Deacon with cute aunt Kris sharing some patriotic fruit pizza I made.
Me Katie and Lainey all looking fantastic.
Curt and Deacon with the jumbo marshmallows Kris bought and Jaron later roasted over the fire pit.
Jaron roasting his marshmallows and Cory cracking a smile.
Try and tell me a 4th of July hot dog does not taste awesome. It did.
The crew hanging out around the fire pit.

Deacon and Lainey smooching.
Deacon heard a firework go off in the distance.
We had tons of fun on 4th of July weekend. We had a BBQ and watched fireworks from Curts sister Kris' backyard it was perfect. The Harmons joined in the fun and a good time was had by all.

Girls camp!

2010-07-03T16:34:00.001-07:00

I did my fair share of relaxing/supervising. I felt a lot like my dad who spent half his life at scout camp doing the same thing.
Cute Eliza, we made her play some other girls guitar and serenade us because she is awesome.
This is our little "mail" system. It was so fun! I loved that when I got to camp I had so many sweet notes from the girls.
A bunch of the girls.
A bunch of the girls again and Chrissy at flag ceremony. This is where I watched a mouse sit perched on Sams foot for a full 30 seconds.
Most the girls and leaders who were at camp, a few were there before I got there so I missed them. (Holly, sad I missed my partner in crime)
This is me and Chrissie our President. She is so amazing I love everything about her.
I have found that you are either one of those people that loved Girls camp as a kid or hated it. I loved it so I was very excited to attend my first girls camp as a leader. It did not disappoint! I had a blast. We did so many fun things and I was only there for a day! We have such good girls in our ward who made the whole experience awesome for me and for each other. Love these girls.

love love love

2010-06-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

To say that we love you a lot is the understatement of all time. We love you more than you can ever imagine in your wildest dreams. So glad you are our husband and Dad. Happy Fathers day.

Scenes from:

2010-06-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

Summer and the sprinklers. Holy cow this kid was in Heaven we better test the sprinklers more often.

Girl mania

2010-06-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

So. much. fun. This trip was so looked forward to and so awesome. I can not even believe I have known some of these girls for more than half my life. What an inspiring amazing funny fun group of girls. I always walk away from spending time with them feeling so lucky to have them. And I missed you couple girls that were missing. Love you. Whole lot of eating. Thankyou Joelle for bringing all those lemons.
Angie spent a lot of time getting in touch with the world today.
We got to shower baby Miles.
This is Heather and I starting our roll making at 10:00 pm.
Love this picture Of Jess busting up. I am sure I said something hilarious.
We also celebrated Heather and Joelles birthday month.
Us relaxing in the pool, look at Casi cracking up now, once again I am sure it was me being hilarious.
Us in the pool again.
Making some birthday cupcakes.
We spent the weekend eating (too much) sleeping (not enough) talking for hours, sitting around the living room laughing and laughing. We stayed at my grandparents house in St. George which was perfect and awesome. We swam a bunch at my uncle Kents pool which was also awesome. I have to laugh because I drug my kitchenaid mixer down so Heather and I could bake some rolls we have been wanting to make. The last time I went to St George my I also took it and my Grandpa said "I know whenever I travel I take my industrial mixer with me!" Well it sure came in handy for the rolls and cupcakes we made. I love my friends and admire them all for so many different things. Thanks for the great time!

The even tof the Summer

2010-06-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

I can not get over how funny this picture of Deacon "shooshing" Curt before the movie had even started.
This may be one of the best pictures ever.
He seriously sat so quiet and still for the full half hour we sat in the theater before the movie started.
Me and Deacon waiting in line before we went in to the theater.
He really wanted to climb this more than pose by it. I love that it is a big 3 since that is just what Deacon is.
He needed to sit on his Dads lap for the last few minutes.
Isaac Lesley and Will came with us. In the last minutes when Deacon was sitting on Curt's lap I heard him saying " that's my friend Will!" It made me so happy.
Of course he had to bring his very favorite Woody and Buzz that Laura bought him for his birthday. Seriously he has not parted with those two since she gave them to him over a month ago. We loved the movie it was adorable of course. Although I can not help but feel just a tiny bit sad that it was the last one, just a tiny. And do not laugh if I tell you I cried.

The first really good one

2010-06-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Now I have had plenty of watermelon already this summer, but today I had my first really good one. It made me think of my step mom Dana because she loves watermelon as much (or more) as I do. I love that first bite of a really great watermelon because then I really know summer is here.

He did it!

2010-05-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

We got this potty thing in the bag! Minimal accidents and lot's of excitement about the whole thing. I could not be more thrilled, he even is sleeping through the night in underwear and waking up dry. I guess this really means he is a big boy now. Sigh.

Blessings

2010-05-23T20:52:00.001-07:00

I personally do not wake up each day counting my blessings and praising the day. I do however have moments where I feel so unbelievably blessed and loved. The above picture captures those feelings, a regular family moment, no makeup huge smoothie stain on Deacons face, Curt's dimples if only duke was in the picture.
Sometimes I feel like making my blog private so I can go on and on about all the things no one really cares about but at the end of the day this is me take it or leave it.
Things that leave me feeling so blessed:
A little boy learning how to use the toilet and feeling so proud of himself.
Friends that are beyond incredible. I have a friend for any and all things I need. I am so lucky.
Curtis, to be realistic, keeping our family in check and working (literally) tirelessly to provide.
A new church calling that fills my heart makes me feel worthwhile loved and needed.
A family who is proud of me loves me, and encourages me always. And the kind of family that will do any favor you ask.
A promising summer full of vacations family friends and warmth.
This life I am living, certainly not always what I thought it might be but it is easy to make a list of things I feel blessed to have, that life cant be too bad right?

Deacon at three years old

2010-05-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted to document a little about what Deacon is like at three years old.

Favorite food: rice and beans, cereal and any and all treats.
Movie he loves: any pixar movie- cars toy story monsters inc. etc also loves Shrek and Madagascar
Loves to: play outside, see his friends, blow bubbles paint or play with playdoh
Is terrible at: sharing, so possessive of his toys, we are working on it.
Says that is sweet: Thank you soooo much, or love you sooooo much.
Loves: his Dad, mom and Duke
Funny thing he does: when he knows he did something that warrants a time out and I take him to time out he says all panicked "whats wrong mommy whats wrong?"
In the morning: he knocks on his door for us to open it and then gives a huge hug.
At night: loves song after song after song and says his prayer all by himself and it is usually awesome.
Favorite song: You got a friend in me
Favorite TV show: Dinosaur train

All around darling delightful wild and vibrant boy. We love him so much. I can not believe it has been three years, he surprises and fills me with joy every single day.

one hundred dollars

2010-05-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Checking it out.
Getting it open.
My little brother Walker is studying in China right now so he asked me to put ten bucks in a card and give it to Deacon for his Birthday. So I did. I gave it to him and when he opened it he said "oh! a hundred dollars!" So looks like Walker won the best gift this year. Don't worry about paying me back Walker, I put it right back where it came from. Curt's wallet.

Deacons third

2010-05-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

I made Deacon a shirt with a three on it to wear on his birthday.
He looks so cute and so big on his bike.
For some reason at the party when my brother showed up the kids all thought he was so interesting.
I love that when Deacon blew out the candles his buddy Thomas helped him. So cute.
Angie made this awesome photo opp. car for the kids. It was so cute and the kids loved it.
Laura stole the show when she showed up with the worlds largest lightning McQueen bag with a woody buzz toy inside and lightning McQueen socks, he was thrilled.
Here is the bag in all its glory.
Deacon enjoying his birthday breakfast at the birthday table, he loved that.
Deacon with his best buddy Duke. They are quite a pair.
Some treats for the kids to fill up a bag with and take home.
It was fun to have a grand present like a bike waiting for the birthday boy when he woke up.
It may be one of my favorite things in life to decorate for a party. It is fun because Deacon likes it as well. I love being a mom and making special days fun for my family. Thanks to everyone who came for such nice gifts and such a fun time!

If there is one thing I love

2010-05-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

It is a list! Come see my new blog and help me exploit my love of lists. I bet you might find you to love lists!

fortheloveofalist.blogspot.com

Mothers

2010-05-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

I need to post all about Deacons birthday madness and I will but today is Mothers day so I want to post about that. I have so many great Mothers in my life and so many people who help me be a better Mother. I am so grateful to all these people for making my life better. And since I love a list I thought, why not? Here is 5 things I love about some of these Mothers.
Curt's mom Sharon-
1. So accepting, never once has she questioned me as a wife or mother, she loves me for me.
2. Amazing cook and seamstress, she knows how to make anything!
3. She is loved by all her grand kids and they love to be sang and rocked by her as infants.
4. She is an excellent Dr. Mario player and one of my first memories of her is coming over and seeing my boyfriends 60 year old mom playing Nintendo.
5. She is the person to call if you want someone to tell you your problems are going to work out and you need a listening ear.
My Step mom Dana-
1. She is the number one most hardworking organized person I know. She knows how to tackle a project and get it done.
2. She loves and dotes on Deacon, when she is around him he knows he is loved.
3. Dana is so service oriented and very giving. She would help anyone in need with anything.
4. She is good at her job and takes great care in doing a job well done. Whenever I meet someone who has worked with or for her they always rave about how great she is.
5. She has always loved and treated me and my siblings with love and always treated us like family from day one.
And last but certainly not least my own mom-
1. If I ever feel bad for myself and want someone to feel bad for you as well, I just call my mom and she always validates my feelings and helps me pick myself back up.
2. She loves to take me and Deacon to breakfast once a week, it is always a highlight in my day.
3. She is so creative and talented and free thinking. Can laugh at her craziness but also is crazy in all the best ways.
4. She has always celebrated who I am , never tried to shape me into someone or something she wanted me to be. She literally missed only one soccer game in my entire 4 year high school career. That means two games sometimes 4 a week for 3 months for four years. (My dad did not miss as well but its Mothers day okay) pretty great.
5. She still is excited and vivacious about life, a quality I love. She really is pretty rad, has great taste in music movies and clothing.
Love to all our moms. And love to my husband Curtis, whom without I would not be a mom to such a fantastic boy. Thank you Curtis for supporting me and encouraging me and writing me sweet notes telling me you think I am great, for the record: I think you are great.

Friends with babies

2010-05-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

A bunch of the boys on the hammock.
Deacon Cole and Stockton on his blessings day.
Alfie and Deacon when Alfie was one day old.

When I found out I was pregnant I remember thinking I was the only person on earth having a baby. I was stressed scared and overwhelmed. Having a baby seemed so crazy. But somehow I knew literally the minute after I took the pregnancy test that it was a boy. And boy oh boy did we end up being surrounded by boys.

Sara kicked it off with Cole, who I thought was the most darling baby I had ever seen and I hung on every word Sara said about being a mom, she was doing it and she knew how so I listened. Then Casi pulled a sneak attack with Stockton coming early two boys! A month after that I had my darling Deacon, three! Then Joelle found out her baby was a boy and sent out a text that we would have our very own baseball football and basketball teams! Four! I will never forget Angie calling me in the hospital the day after I had Deacon not wanting to steal my thunder (she even said that) to tell me she was ten weeks pregnant, I was so happy for her I thought I would cry. (maybe a little emotional?) She soon found out she too was having a boy, Five! Then came Abbie with Cutie tiny little baby Warner, Six. And I can not leave out my partner in crime Annie who was big as a house along side me working at MAC and who I shared every pregnancy woe and joy with. She had Alfie just six weeks after Deacon, they met on his second day of life and have been best buds ever since. That is seven folks!
And then to keep us well rounded Heather got us a girl, Maycee. Someone to throw a girlie shower for and buy all things pink, we were all so excited to buy baby gifts!
Even my sister in laws were all kind enough to give Deacon boy cousins, Dash, Will and Elliott. Eight nine and ten!
So what I am getting at is that being a mom of a boy is fantastic. Having all these friends to look to as examples and more ideas makes it that much better. I have learned more about love, heartache, joy, compassion and service from the girls than I ever thought possible. So to all my friends and sisters thank you for doing your part in making my life and Deacons so very happy.

Your name

2010-05-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

In honor of Deacons Birthday week here is the story of his name, I think you will like it.

We really did not plan on naming Deacon after a dog, it just happened. If I would have had my way his name would have been Jack and if Curtis would have had his way his name it would have been something bonkers, you don't want to know.

Anyway that poodle is named Deacon. It is my above pictured friend Matt parents new hunting dog. I remember him telling us his parents had gotten the dog and when he told us the name I thought "well that is just perfect" it is funny how a name just sticks with you like that.

I have thought many times since Deacon was born how perfectly the name fits him. So when people ask how we found his name it is funny to say he is named after a poodle. Our next child will be named after one of the great dogs we have known. Here are the choices:

Spritzer-Pedro-Chancey-Gutter-Aspen-Duke (obvious front runner) Bruiser-Aspen-Komet or Sparky.
Please let us know which one you like the best

No, there is no baby on the way!

Birthday week still going strong!

2010-05-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

We brought Deacon home on a Saturday, the next day was Sunday, mothers day. My own mom came to visit me the new mom that morning. I remember walking outside to the unusually warm May weather to greet her. She brought me a 2 Tupperware containers. One full of watermelon, my favorite and one full of the best pineapple I think I have ever had.
What a joy to be such a new mom with such a tiny baby on Mothers day. Curtis cooked me dinner that night, spaghetti also my favorite. That night we watched the Jazz beat the spurs in the playoffs. Every memory about that day brings back such an overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude, to my Mom for fruit, to Curtis for the spaghetti, to both for playing a role in me becoming a Mother. To Deacon for making me a Mother, the very best thing about me.

Birthday week!

2010-05-03T20:40:00.001-07:00

Three years ago this Saturday I became a mom and this darling boy became my son. I figure since I adore him so a week of Birthday love on my blog is in order. I will never forget the day I went into my doctor and said, "I can not be pregnant one more day" she believed me and scheduled to induce me that afternoon. I went home and promptly went into labor on my own. Something inside told me that morning that I would have a baby that night.

Nothing like meeting your baby for the first time and realizing you are forever changed, in the very best way. Happy Birthday week Deacon, love you more than I can write on this humble blog, but if I had to try I would say I love you to infinity and beyond!

Rain rain

2010-04-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

snuggled up for a rainy day snooze

I don't really want you to go away just yet, but don't get any ideas about staying too long. Anyone remember last June when it rained halfway through the month? But for now I am enjoying the nice sounds and smell of rain and the glorious afternoon naps it provides.

Get your garden on

2010-04-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

My garden is part way planted. Thanks to Laura and Deacon we got lots done. We are this much closer to fresh summer food wahoo!
Oh and baby Ralph came to play while we gardened.
And Michelle was really helpful when she came.
Why is Laura always trying to stab me in the back?
Deacon and Laura hard at work. I can not wait for this garden to start sprouting. Also I will forever always wear shoes in the backyard, I stubbed my toe so bad I was sure I needed stitched to put it back together. My friend Holly the nurse gently assured me I am ridiculous. But still, I gotta get a disgusting pair of gardening clogs or something!

Easter

2010-04-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter this year. We started out the day with some of my family over for brunch and then we relaxed all day and went to Curts sister Kris' for dinner. Such a fun day I love Easter.

Me enjoying the Easter cake Kris and Bay made.
Bay Sharon and Kris with the cute Easter cake.
Of course Deacon loved all the egg hunting candy finding.
My family over for brunch, nice way to start the day.
I told Deacon this pack of underwear said on them "Deacon goes pee pee in the potty" he then copied me and pointed and said "I not go pee pee in the potty" Pretty clever and annoying.
These brunch rolls were fantastic.
This about sums up how Deacon felt about Easter, elated.
This is how I feel about my family, happy.

The dirtier the child......

2010-04-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

The better the day. Even though this was taken last year this is what Deacon has looked like the past two days. Nothing makes me happier than letting him play outside all day and then giving him a bath resulting in black bathwater then when his head hits the pillow he has a smile on his face remembering what a fun day it had been. So happy it is spring.

5 more minutes

2010-04-04T20:10:00.001-07:00

Motherhood is a lot like the book If you give a mouse a cookie. You know where you give the mouse a cookie and then he asks for a glass of milk to go with it then if you give him a glass of milk he will want a straw to go with it etc. Tonight after a fun day full of candy and family I was putting Deacon to bed and he begged for one more song, one more prayer one more kiss and then my favorite, "five more minutes mommy!" How many more times will Deacon want 5 more minutes and one more kiss? I realize that the 5 more minutes requests will someday be gone, so today I am happy to give 500 minutes, 500 kisses and as many more hugs as he wants.

Dyin'

2010-04-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

Easter Eggs!Deacon loving some naked ice cream cone.
Thinking it was hilarious for me to pretend to eat his feet.
Will is confused as to what to think of this spoon.
Deacon was a pro! Two at a time!
And Diane was in on the fun as well.
Deacon and Will both really liked decorating Easter eggs. Safe to say they both liked their ice cream cones more.

Just for safe keeping

2010-03-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

I need to make a little list (love a list) of all the funny/cute things Deacon has been saying lately.
So here goes, enjoy.

He always adds the word "my" at unnecessary times, example "get me my out" "let me my down" "let me my see it" pretty cute.
Apparently he thinks Jesus is actually in the flesh at our church. When he gets bored in sacrament meeting he likes to yell "I wanna see Jesus!"
In an airport on the last leg of our travels to Scotland he was throwing the biggest fit I have ever seen over a expensive Thomas the train toy. I finally had no choice but to buy the stupid train (I swear airport personal were on there way to take my child from me) Three days later in Scotland he came up to me and said " I sorry mommy I no buy choos choos anymore, I promise."
Any sporting event on TV he takes a moment to scream at the screen "Go Jazz!"
Today while I was eating a salad for lunch Deacon looked at me and said in a high pitched voice (meant to mimic me I am sure) "good job mommy that's a big bite!"
When we pulled into our neighborhood from the airport he squealed with excitement "I wanna see my toy box!"
Last night in his prayer he said "I love Laura" She had been at our house for dinner.
When his cousin Will was over I had to give Deacon a bath and when he got out he said " I want my special Will!"
He often times on occasion says someone elses name when you ask what his name is. Like the time we were at Ikea and a lady told him he was cute and asked what his name was and he promptly replied "Alfie" he has also said Owen, Stockton and Dane.
He also loves to go outside in the back and play for hours, it is great when I am in the kitchen I just open the window and peek on him every little bit, he is always exploring or talking to duke.

Two has been a really fun age, I will be sad to see it go, I hope three is just as darling and hilarious. Did I miss anything Curtis?

Snap out of it!

2010-03-29T21:38:00.001-07:00

I keep thinking if I never post anything new then my trip is not really over. Does anyone else get that feeling after a really great trip? That life will never quite be as awesome as it was on vacation? So to try and bring back the vacation awesomeness Deacon and I are soaking up every bit of warm weather spring brings us in the above pictured hammock. Ps. remember last year when Curt gave Deacon the worlds worst haircut? Well there it is in case you forgot.

Here we are,

2010-03-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

Home. After a 1 hour flight from Scotland to Amsterdam a 8 hour flight with 2 full hours on the runway before takeoff totaling 10 hours to New York city a night in a NYC airport hotel because we missed our connecting flight from NYC to SLC a 6 hour flight at 6 am the next morning from NYC to SLC and seeing one happy boy run to his happy dad he had not seen in 3 weeks, WE ARE HOME. We missed you.

Beaches and Bubbles

2010-03-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

Something about the beach and giant bubble wands that just treat you right.

Castle Fraser. Inverurie, Scotland

2010-03-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon at the Fraser castle was perfectly perfect in every way. Such a beautiful place with tons of fun things for kids. Darling features like this tiny ice house pictured below.

Love this exterior. I know half my posts about Scotland involve a castle. I swear there is magic in the air when you visit one, it is totally addictive seeing these old structures and learning about what castle life is all about. I really love it here. But, what I love about America- Diet coke from the fountain and high power washer and dryers. Both of those things are missing in Europe. Although I could go without them for a few more weeks............

Slains castle, Cruden Bay

2010-03-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

This castle was unreal. Seriously one of my favorite things I have ever seen. Slains castle is a huge ruined castle built clear back int he 1500's. It is absolutely nuts to me that it is even still around, although in ruins. It is said that this castle is the inspiration for Bram Stokers' book Dracula. We had the best time there, the kids loved running around and imagining where the princess slept when it was still a fancy castle. I can not get over the view of the North sea that surrounds most of the castle. The castle is literally on the edge of the cliff, had to be careful as to not let any of us fall off to our deaths. This place is also pretty creepy. so many nooks and cranny and creepy dark corners.

So many cool spots.

Me and Deacon in what I imagine was once the ballroom or something extravagant.

This is the view off on side of the castle. Amazing.

It was a long walk to the castle, at least two miles of tons of mud. So worth the crazy walk. Miriam loved the walk, Deacon loved most of the walk and Evie hated every second so Raymond carried her all the way there and back. That's a workout.

I loved the creepy stairs, I did not get any great photos because I had to hurry and save the kids from climbing up the stairs that abruptly end. Cute castle family. And Deacon running his guts out.

A pair of Wellie boots to call my own! Thank goodness I had these for this walk, otherwise I would have been a muddy mess.

Another beautiful shot of the sea. Too bad Angie was not there to adequately capture how cool this place was.

Because the castle is surrounded by sea it is near impossible to get a great shot. This is the best I got, it is something you really have to see to believe. Raymond was the only one who has been to this castle before so it was fun for us all to be blown away together.

This is the first little inlet to the sea as you are walking. Also your first chance to fall into the sea if you are not careful.

Me and my sister. So fun to be here and spend time with her family. Almost as fun as seeing all the cool stuff. Just kidding, I think.

Springtime in Scotland

2010-03-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Spring sprung while I was in Norway! We celebrated by seeing another (shocker!) castle. It seems like it would get old to see castle after castle, not one bit. Each castle is so unique and detailed and so old, the oldness is what makes these buildings so incredible.

I particularly liked this castle, Drum castle because it was so charming and quaint.

It had the most darling courtyard where they have a little cafe or you can have events there. I loved the mossy courtyard walls.

And these little steps leading into the castle from the courtyard, adorable.

And who does not love the first flowers of the spring? I love these snowdrops. So sad our time here is almost over but we are cramming ever ounce of fun in we can. Get ready for some good posts! I know you are holding your breath, breathe easy they are coming.

A little project

2010-03-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

You didnt actually think I could be gone for a whole month and not do any projects did you? Amelia had this little raw wood table from Ikea that was prime for the painting. We took a night and a whole lot of mod podge and came up with something pretty cute.This is one of the two chairs, the little girls looooved them.

I am in love with this table top, we just cut out a bunch of squares and just placed it as we wished.

I thought little felt flowers would like charming, they do.

Ta da! Know I want to buy a little table and fancy it up for Deacon. So fun and exciting to see how much the little girls loved it.

Reunited!

2010-03-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

And it feels so good!

After being in London and Norway for eight days I was so so ready and excited to see Deacon. In four more days our world travels will be over. Boo. But so good to come home and see Daddy!

Sweden!

2010-03-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

We took a quick day trip to Sweden. Let me tell you what I saw there, lots of candy stores and lots of erotica stores. Seriously. We mainly went to the candy stores. Norway is super expensive so lots of norwegians drive to Sweden to buy certain things. We went a blew a bunch of money on a ton of different candy. Pretty fun (and funny) if you ask me. Also in Sweden, lots of blue eyes and blonde hair. Does everyone else love this flavor of doritos as much as me? I dedicate this picture to Walker who is a cool american in China longing for doritos. Does he read this blog? We will see.

This is a picture of a hobo in front of one of the many many candy stores, oh wait a minute thats me, not lookin so good.

This is the candy Curtis has been talking about for years, gummy mushrooms. He bought two tubs of them to bring home, that should tide him over for the next ten years.

Seriously bulk candy as far as the eye can see. I have never seen such a sight. I was totally overwhelmed by the selection. Such wacky choices. The make gummy candies in every single shape and color, imagine what gummy candies they sell at the eriotica stores!

And on a side note, this is the car we rented to drive to Sweden. Anyone seen the movie Cars a few too many times? This car is the same as Luigi who owns the tire store. A Fiat, I laughed all day riding in that thing.

Alby beach. Moss, Norway

2010-03-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

This beach was so beautiful. So different than any other beach or coastline I have ever been to. The water was so clear and the forest we walked through to get to it was right out of a fairy tale. Curtis served in this area the longest, he was shocked at how different the town of Moss was. I guess you give a town ten years it will change on ya. I thought it was very charming and lovely.Here is Curtis at the shore of the beach.

The view into the forest from the shore.

Loved the rock beach and how pretty the snow looked on the beach, something I have never seen before.

I was in awe of this view.

This is the forest we walked through to get to the beach, for sure my favorite part. Norway is absolutely one of the most beautiful places i have ever been, just driving on the freeway you see amazing things, darling little cottages, incredible fjords and tons of tall tall trees. I am so happy I was able to see it firsthand.

Frogner Park. Oslo, Norway

2010-03-16T02:04:00.001-07:00

Post edit: This is the famous park where ladies sunbathe topless in the summer. Curtis' mission president made the statement to the missionaries "Stay out of Frogner park! Theres boobs everywheres!!"

We went to Frogner park in Norway, it is a really hilarious park. It is a huge sprawling park much like central park except it is full of sculptures devoted to the human body.

Here is Curtis just talking to some naked dudes.

Here I am in front of one of the gates of the park, it is clearly devoted to the male body.

This sculpture of the angry baby is probably the most famous sculpture in the park. And the most hilarious in the park.

This statue was almost too much for me to take! I loved going to this park. Curtis has tons of pictures at this park from when he was here last so it was fun to see in real life. Hope you enjoy all the fine art.

Six whole years

2010-03-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Of wedded bliss, or something like that. Happy Anniversary Curtis I love you still.

London comings and goings

2010-03-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

Words can not really describe what a awesome city London is. So many historical places and so much to do and see. I am desperate to get back there someday. I had an amazing time with my sister and husband. The gates of Buckingham palace. The flag was up which means the Queen was inside.

The fountain at Trafalgar square, the National gallery behind it where we saw orginal works of art by Van gogh and Monet. We saw Wicked, it was so fun. Curt slept through the entire first act (in his defense he was so very jet lagged) and even he enjoyed it! Lets be honest the second half is much better anyway.

Do not forget to mind the gap when riding the tube.

Amelia and I both enjoyed Curtis' snack and drink of choice while walking through the city.

Westmister Abbey, where Princess Diana was married. It was absolutely stunning but not quite stunning enough to pay thirty dollars each to get in.

Big Ben, really just a great big clock.

Hilarious little taxis. The cars in the UK are so tiny and so funny, my sister thinks they look like roller skates.

I was attending to some important phone calls while in my shiny red phone booth. I think I was talking to the Queen.

A tunnel leading up to Buckingham palace.

A gigantic lion statue at Trafalgar square. Tons of little school kids were climbing all over it, I felt old cause it was hard to get on.

The view of Trafalgar square behind us, it is amazing. Tons and tons of people everywhere and beautiful old buildings all around it.

Goodbye London! Cheers!

Knotting Hill market, London

2010-03-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

I could go to this antique/farmers market every single day of my life. It was one off the most amazing things I saw in London. Next time you are in London stop by.