Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my least favorite holidays... It always lands right around my birthday and I'm really not a big eater, I don't really enjoy the whole celebration aspect of it.  However, I love having a day to remember the things that I am thankful for. 
Kyle got down to Vegas sooner than we had expected so we went with my parents to my Aunt Alice's house for Thanksgiving dinner.  It was so fun to spend time with her and my Uncle Rick, their children and my grandparents.  My grandma just turned 80, and she really doesn't remember much... so I enjoy the little moments we have left with her! 
On Friday, we had dinner with the Avance family.  It was hectic before dinner and Paisley didn't get a nap, so she was a grump after but we were happy they were willing to wait until Friday to celebrate so we could celebrate with them. 
A lot has happened this past year that has had me really pondering the most important things in life.  Most important to me is my family... Kyle, Jaxton and Paisley are the most wonderful things that have ever happened to me.  I feel at times, I am terrible at making sure they all know how much I love and appreciate them but I will spend my whole life trying to show them.  I am also thankful for our extended families... which I am also not really good at showing. 
It was fun spending Thanksgiving in Las Vegas (too warm for comfort in my opinion).  We enjoyed doing a little black Friday shopping and spending time as a family.  We are lucky and constantly counting our many blessings!

Oh those Minions!

This post is overdue... the day after Halloween I had an embarrassing incident with my cell phone and had to take it in and get a new one.  Then the next day, my laptop and my kindle both crashed.  My kindle was no biggie, Amazon is great about getting you a new one if it still has a warranty, but my laptop is a different story.  All of my pictures, all of my scrapbook pages, all of our memories... gone!!!!  I took it to 2 different places and both of them told me I was out of luck!  Then I found an independent guy who figured it out, cleaned up my hard drive and all is well (although his charges did break the bank... totally worth it!!!)

For the past 8-10 months, Jaxton only wanted to be Fix-it Felix (from Wreck it Ralph) and I wanted Paisley to be a bumblebee.  I had the cutest costume idea for her!  Then summer came, Despicable Me 2 came out and Jaxton became obsessed!!  He had to be a minion!!  I figured, "fine, but I can still make Paisley the cute bumblebee I had planned"... the Jaxton declared that Paisley also had to be a minion, and then there was no stopping them.  It was over.  I had lost the battle... admitted defeat and was ready to move on.  I knew I wanted to make their costumes, since the ones in the store basically looked like pillow cases with a face (not my idea of cute, but to each his own).  I looked around for yellow hoodies... no luck.  But my mom had a pattern for one.  So I went to the consignment store and found the kids overalls (no way I'm paying full price for something I was sewing stuff onto and cutting up... especially for one night... and may I add that I hate overalls on anyone over a year old)  I bought Jaxton size 3T and Paisley size 18 month.  And of course... Jaxton's were too short!  UUGGHHH!!!  I knew my mom was helping me make the costumes anyways so I decided to leave it be and she could help me fix the problem.  So I spent a weekend at her house and we WORKED!  My mom is happy to "help" but because it is for my children, I do all the work and she sews... so I cut, and measured, adjusted, traced, glued, etc.  And she sewed.  I made added a tutu and pigtails to Paisley's to make it clear she was a girl (since none of the Minions are).  We ended up adding extra length to Jaxton's straps and taking out the bottom hem.  They just barely cut it!  I found cheap glasses at the dollar store, painted them silver and attached elastic.  The hair is made out of pipe cleaners that are hot glued on. Anyone who thinks making Halloween costumes is cheaper... maybe it depends on the costume.  In this case, not so much!
 On Halloween I had the kids do a trial run before heading to our wards Trunk-or-Treat and Paisley wouldn't put on the tutu.  She fought it and to be honest, I fought back.  I put it on and let her cry.  It didn't last long and then when it was time to go, she was fine to wear it. After trying Jaxton's on again, honestly... I hated it.  I was so thankful that Halloween is just one night and I would never have to see it on him again.  Kyle thought it was awesome, but I knew all of the mistakes and could see them even without looking for them.  People came up to me the whole time we were there telling me how their costumes were the cutest and Jaxton actually won an award for the best boy costume ages 0-5 at the Trunk-or-Treat.  So I guess I was wrong... and I'm glad I was.  I'm glad they got to be what they wanted to be.  They had a blast trick-or-treating with the Larsen's.  Brooklyn and Vanessa were so great to my kids and I love that about them.  The kids got crazy amounts of candy (which I am still shamefully eating) and it was a great night for our family!

 I already know what I want the kids to be next year... hopefully I can talk them into it!

Proud

I was making the finishing touches on Paisley's Halloween costume and I had a sewing question for my mom (probably the best seamstress I know!)  I called and talked to her for awhile and then she said "Hey, your dad wants to talk to you real quick"  (that is totally out of character for my dad!)  He got on and asked me how my kids were doing, I asked him about work and then he proceeded to tell me how proud of me and Kyle he is.  He told me how he knew Kyle and I have struggled in the past and there was a time that he was genuinely concerned but now, he knows that we are going to make it... not only in our relationship but in our finances and our lives.  He is proud of the mother that I have become and how my children are turning out.  He is proud of who I married, the hard worker and loving husband that he is.  I started to get emotional and he could tell so he told me he loved me and we ended the call... which is when I proceeded to cry. 
I have been silently suffering the past few weeks.  I have had a few things in my life that have gotten me down and I had become tired and worn down.  Life hasn't always been what I expected it to be and having nothing come of some of those expectations left me feeling broken and sad.  Just hearing my dad tell me that I was someone that he was proud of meant the world to me.  He isn't one to make things up, or to say things just to be heard or for attention.  It came from his heart and it made me realize how lucky I really am. 

Otoplasty

I had a couple of people ask me questions about my procedure, and I always planned on blogging about it, I just haven't felt up to it until now (almost a month later).  I first looked into this procedure when I was 18.  I have hated my ears for as long as I can remember.  I have always had mixed feelings about cosmetic surgery though.  I always felt that altering the way that I looked was admitting that I'm not good enough.  This past summer, I was in Vegas for most of the time and all I wanted to do was to wear my hair up and feel comfortable, secure, and good about myself.  Once I was home, I spent a lot of time thinking about it.  I hated the way I thought I looked, I was insecure, and in my head "ugly".  One night, Kyle was doing homework and I was looking up the procedure and Drs in the area that did it and I broke down.  I was hysterical and down on myself.  Kyle held me, lovingly reminded me how beautiful and perfect he thinks I am, but also understands that this has always been something that I have wanted and if it made me feel better, he supported it and would make it work.  The next day, I made phone calls to a bunch of drs, including my own general dr about a plastic surgeon he would recommend.  It was unanimous that Dr. Lawrence Chase was the best in St. George so I called and made an appointment.  He actually had a cancellation for the next day, so I made the appt and drove down.  He came in and talked to me, he took some measurements, answered all of my questions and I then scheduled my procedure. 
Less than 2 weeks later, Kyle was taking me down to have it done.  I chose to have it done in his office for 2 reasons.  The first was cost.  Having the procedure done in his office cut the price down almost in half.  Dr. Chase could use a local anesthetic and then I wouldn't have to pay for an anesthesiologist.  And I wouldn't have to pay an extra surgery center fee.  The second reason was my previous reactions to anesthesia.  I don't always come out of it very well and I end up having a rough time recovering.  So an in-office procedure just seemed to be my best option.  Kyle wasn't allowed to go back with me, so he waited until I was called back and then he went to the movies.  When I got back in the room, they gave me a pill to help calm my nerves, gave me a lortab to help with the pain after the shots wore off and also an antibiotic to make sure I didn't develop an infection.  Dr. Chase came in about 20 minutes later and asked how I felt.  I was still extremely anxious and shaking so they game me another pill to calm my nerves.  Within 15 minutes I was calm, cool, and actually quite a bit loopy so they started with the shots.  Although Dr. Chase kept commenting on how small the needle actually was, it hurt... it hurt a lot!  I have no fear of needles, but did not enjoy that.  He numbed from about an inch above my ear all the way down my neck... inside my ear, behind it, in front of it... anywhere that might feel pain.  Luckily after the first 5 or so shots on each side, I didn't feel much.  I couldn't see anything, but Dr. Chase kept me very informed on what was going on.  He cut behind my ear... I couldn't see or feel anything but because they were working so close to my ears, I heard all of it.  The best way I could describe it was it sounded like he was cutting through rubber.  It wasn't an easy sounding cut, like when you cut a piece of paper.  It was rough and little cuts at a time.  The shots that he gave me to numb everything up also had something in it that caused me to not bleed very much (please forgive my lack of medical terminology... it really is no interest to me).  He took measurements to see where we wanted my ears to lay (which had all been previously discussed) then he started to stitch me up.  There are permanent stitches inside of my head, along with dissolvable stitches. Then on the outside there were regular stitches that he would take out in a week or so.  He basically pulled the skin and cartilage back, cut off what couldn't be used, and stitched me up.  Then he did the other side.  It took a little over 2 hours from start to finish.  They put a full head dressing on me, which itched like crazy!  It made my head sweat and frankly, it was disgusting.  When I was done, Kyle came and got me.  I slept the whole way home.  Kyle got me upstairs, in bed and I passed back out.  I woke up a few hours later, screaming and crying in pain.  I don't even remember labor being that bad.  Kyle brought me some dinner (Ramen... classy I know) and my pain meds.  It took me a couple of hours to get back to sleep.  The next day I had my first post-op.  Dr. Chase said everything looked great... but it would be a long recovery.  I had my next post op a few days later, not long enough for my skin to have healed well enough to take out my stitches which is what I was really hoping for.  He spent a lot of time chewing me out for popping a couple of stitches and not taking the healing time seriously.  That was probably the lowest I have felt in a long time!  He did take the permanent head dressing off and let me wear just a normal headband 24/7.  My instructions were to NOT shower alone (Kyle had NO problem with that one) and to basically lay on the couch and do nothing for the next week.  The next week he took my stitches out and my instructions were to only wear the headband when I left the house or was playing with my kids (2 pounds of pressure will pop my stitches and the whole surgery would be a waste)  The headband caused so much friction that my ears are scabbed over and aching.  My new instructions are to only wear the headband at night when I sleep... for the next 5 months!!!  I am still in a lot of pain when I try to sleep.  I am not getting much sleep since I can not get into the habit of sleeping on my back and any pressure on my ears cause sharp pains and my ears to throb.  Other than that, I couldn't be happier.  I finally feel comfortable in my own skin.  Kyle loved me before, he way happy with the way I looked before but ultimately I did this for me.  I am one lucky girl to have such an awesome husband.  It's a long road of recovery ahead but I think it will all be worth it!!

Changing leaves

Saturday is Kyle's only full day off of work.  This past weekend, the weather was supposed to be nice, we didn't have anything planned so Kyle suggested we go up the canyon and check out some of the leaves that are changing colors since it is fall.  That is one of our favorite parts about living somewhere with actual seasons (not too many changing leaves in Vegas).  We packed up the car, stopped at Subway and picked up some sandwiches so we could have a picnic and headed up.  We decided to not go too far up and ended up and Woods Ranch (about 10 minutes up the canyon), mostly because Kyle and I are familiar with the area there are picnic tables.  There are swing sets up there for the kids to play on as well.  After lunch we went exploring, with Jaxton leading the way!  He was so brave and so much fun to be with!  Paisley wasn't as much of a fan, but she did ok.  These are my favorite days... ones with all of us together, having fun and making memories! 

Father's Day!

I know these posts are all out of order... but I was gone all summer and I am trying to catch up! 

Kyle is one of the hardest people to shop for!!  Whenever I ask him what he wants he says "nothing"... so when I keep pestering him he says "tools I guess".  LAME-O!!  So I always get him something Yankees and then I find some other stuff to go along with it.  I had purchased Kyle's shirt from one of those sports stores in the mall in Vegas and I really liked it.  Then a couple days later, I was in Burlington Coat Factory and they had a shirt almost exactly the same for Jaxton!  Was that LUCKY or what??  Jaxton and Paisley are lucky to have such a wonderful daddy!  He makes it so easy to celebrate him!!  We love you to the moon and back Kyle!

Back to school!

Kyle started another semester at SUU on August 26th.  This semester he is taking Chemistry, Physics (along with a physics lab) and Calculus.  I am so proud of all of the hard work he does for our family!  He is a wonderful man and a great husband and father!  We love him so much!  Good luck this semester Kyle!!

Mommy and her mini-me

When Kyle's mom started selling TOMS last year, there was this pair of polka-dot ones that I absolutely loved!!  I did a catalog party and earned a free pair so those are the ones I picked.  This past summer I went to a huge TOMS warehouse sale with my mom and while we were digging through Paisley's size, there were the exact same polka-dot shoes!  Fate!!!   I don't get to dress us alike very often, but when I do, I take advantage of that opportunity and Kyle thought we were adorable (which is just as important to me)  I love having Paisley!  She looks like I did when I was younger and people always tell me we look alike!  I think she is a beautiful little girl and I just LOVE her!

She HAD a birthday... shout hooray!

Paisley had a birthday way back in July... I am so out dated on this! 

She turned 2 years old on July 27th!  The kids and I had spent most of the summer in Las Vegas because of Kyle's work schedule so we just celebrated there!  Her birthday fell on a Saturday so Kyle drove down after work on Friday.  We had dinner with his family and had cake, ice cream and a few presents.  On Saturday we went to lunch with Aunt Leslie and cousin Ethan then did cake, ice cream and presents with my family.  She got some cool stuff and we were so thankful and grateful for the love she was shown! 
On her birthday, Kyle got a call that his dad had fallen off the roof and was in the hospital.  Kyle and I dropped the kids off with my parents and went and sat at the hospital with his mom until she could go back and be with Mike.  Luckily he wasn't too badly injured so we headed home to spend the rest of the night with our princess on her birthday! 

Paisley, we are so lucky to have you in our family and in our home.  You are a constant smile and joy.  You are so loving and so kind.  You are quite the little sass and make us laugh all of the time.  You are your daddy's little princess, mom's mini-me, and Jaxton's best friend.  We can't imagine life without you!   

I am a Mother first

May 12 was Mother's Day.  It's never been a big day to me, until I became a mom.  Kyle is so great about doing things to make my day extra special.  This year, I was kinda thinking that since the kids are older, and slightly more cooperative, they would make me something... instead I woke up to flowers, candy and a Kindle Fire.  I can't complain, I have been saying lately how great it would be to have another tablet, so the kids won't fight over the iPad all day... but I wasn't expecting it!  Kyle took the day off of work to cook me meals and be home with me and the kids!  I loved it!  I also spent the day thinking about some of the wonderful blessings I have received since becoming a Mother.  First, being my children.  I complain about them not listening, fighting nonstop, making messes every time I turn around, and other things that young children do.  But to be honest, my life wouldn't be as fulfilling as it is without them.  They really are my world, and I am blessed to have them!  On Mother's Day I also realized how blessed I am to have the up bringing I did.  My parents were in no way perfect, we weren't the picture perfect family, and we still aren't... but they taught me a lot that has been such a blessing in my life.  My mother is such a wonderful example to me of kindness.  I have watched her the last few years go through her own trials.  There are people who don't always treat her kindly, people who she disagrees with, people who have different opinions and values... yet I have never heard her talk badly about anyone.  And to be honest, I wouldn't know any of those things about her, except I know she is human and that is just the way it is.  I have tried recently to follow her example.  To be kind to everyone, to keep my negativity to myself and to look for the silver lining... it's always there!  I have found myself happier, less anxious and stressed.  I am happy to have her wonderful example in my life!  And I hope I have made them proud of the person I am!
I have also been extremely grateful for Kyle's mom lately.  I am so in love with Kyle and I know she did her best to raise such an amazing son, and I am so lucky to have him!  He is such a wonderful husband and father!  I can't imagine going through this journey of life with anyone else!
It was a GREAT day!

I love this picture of Paisley... she really is just a little grumpy, sassy pants! 

Soccer Fun!

Soccer started last Saturday for Jaxton!  It is such a blast to watch him play.  His coach even compliments on how well Jaxton kicks the ball.  There are 7 boys on his team... 2 Jackson's and our Jaxton.  It's fun yelling "Go Jax" and 3 kids turn around!  He is on the younger age, there are 2 boys younger than him, but he is doing great.  His team even won their first game!!!  I think it's going to be a great season! 

 

It's hard for the players to say "Iron County Today", which is their sponsor, so they call themselves the "Dinos" and at the end of every game they do a cheer...
"1 2 3 Roar!"  I love it!  I love getting to be apart of it!  And nothing makes you feel like a soccer mom more than driving your kid to soccer in a minivan!

I love to see the Temple

What wonderful news we received this morning!!  Kyle and I had heard about a year ago that there was a rumor of a Cedar City Temple... so last October, we listened intently for an announcement... and none came.  Excited for the other temples, but still bummed that Cedar wasn't getting one. 
Today, I was getting dressed and just happened to check my phone, and my facebook newsfeed was FLOODED with news of a Cedar City temple.  We record Conference, so Kyle and I watched the announcement.  I was overcome with joy and chills!  How exciting for this small town that we call "home".  Kyle and I didn't grow up here, I will always consider the Las Vegas Temple to be my temple, but Cedar City holds a special place in my heart, and always will.  This is where Kyle and I met, where we dated, where he asked me to marry him, where I graduated from college, where Jaxton and Paisley were born, where Kyle and I struggled in our marriage and ultimately came out stronger and more in love than ever, where we bought our first home and where we have established the family that we are.  I love this town!  I love the people here... I love the blessings it has brought into my life and I couldn't be more excited and thrilled for this amazing blessing!  I love seeing the Lord's work go forth!  I am excited to hopefully take my kids so see the progress of the temple!  We are hoping to move our family in the next few years, but we will be back for a temple dedication!

I feel forever blessed to have been sealed to my best friend for time and all eternity in the Las Vegas temple.  It is such a wonderful place of love and peace.  I can't wait to hear more details about the Cedar City Temple as they are announced! 

Egg Hunters

I love Easter.  I love the meaning of it.  I love the sweet reminder of our Savior.  So I was happy to be able to spend Easter with our families this year.  We headed down on Friday afternoon and spent that evening with my mom and dad.  Jaxton and Paisley love playing in her backyard, and at her park.  On Saturday, Hayley came over and we went shopping, had lunch and had a fun water balloon fight.  Saturday night, Kyle and I had plans to go to a show for our anniversary (thanks to Kyle's mom!) We got to Planet Hollywood, and I was just too tired.  So we went back to my mom's and literally went right to sleep.  On Sunday, we went to church with my mom and dad.  It was great, Jaxt didn't want to stay in nursery so he came and sat with me... unlucky for him.  You wouldn't believe the loot Paisley came out with!  A full on bucket full of candy, cookies and treats.  The kids looked for eggs at my mom's and then we headed over to my sister, Leslie's house.  They had a wonderful dinner, Easter Egg hunt, and a small get together for her son, Ethan's birthday.  I love that sweet boy!  Then it was time to go to Grandma Avance's.  Where the kids had more eggs to find and we just hung out!  It was fun to be with family!  My kids are lucky to have so many loved ones! 

 

This is my favorite picture from this weekend.  I wanted a picture with the birthday boy, and as Kyle was pushing the button... Jaxton ran over and smiled... photo bomb!  He is the best!!!!

Mormon Mom

It's official.  I have crossed over into a "Mormon Mom"... it all happened like this.


Kyle and I knew eventually we would outgrow our cars.  It's inevitable.  He has a Ford Fusion, and I have a Mercury Mariner.  Both seat 5.  We were thinking in the next 3-5 years, we would upgrade.  .  And there was a van (I know, I know... I used to cringe when I heard that word too) at one of the dealerships here that I just loved.  And then, it was gone.  Well the other day we had about an hour to kill, so we drove past all of them, just so I could look and possibly test drive to see if I liked it.  We knew we wanted to buy used and I LOVE the look of the Dodge Grand Caravan or the Toyota Sienna.  We drove to the Ford dealership and they had a few so we stopped and looked around.  A salesman came out and opened them all up so I could see.  I wasn't completely sold on anything since we were just looking... no intentions to buy.  They were running a killer special on one, a 2012 Grand Caravan, 13,000 miles, basically a new car without the new car penalties (depreciation, hiked prices, and that awful smell that everyone seems to love... barf!) It was getting pretty late so we made an appointment to come back the following day, have my car valued, and talk numbers.  Well, to make a long story short... they gave us a great deal on my car and an even better deal on the van.  So yes... I drive a van now.  But I LOVE it.  The kids love it and Kyle loves it!  It has so much room... we will be able to grow in it, take trips much more comfortably, and hopefully not have to deal with getting another car for a LONG time!

 

Just for the record, since my brother asked... no, we are not pregnant... just had the money and the opportunity.  And this is not the color I wanted.  I wanted that awesome, hip orange that Dodge does... but hey, beggars cant be choosers huh?

Sleep Tight

 

Lately we have been struggling with Jaxton's behavior.  He is a rambunctious, playful, fun, although sometimes violent 3 year old.  I often find myself out of patience, energy and ideas for him.  We have spoken to his Dr. about some of the behavior and the Dr's first thought was A.D.D. I know I am not alone when I say this is never something a parent wants to hear.  Every parent hopes that their child is perfect, with no health, behavior, or mental problems.  Truth be told, the more I learn... most parents don't get that.  So they put Jaxton on Adderol, a very small, short acting dose.  It seemed to be helping his behavior, until the meds would wear off.  Then it was just an all out "free for all tantrum".  We went back to the dr and he said that is common because they are reacting to the meds wearing off and at his young age, he is unable to cope with the changes he is feeling, so they added a small dose of Clonidine (a mood stabilizer) Then Jaxt would sleep all day.  I hated it.  He wasn't even living, he was sleeping, and it seemed with the combination of both meds, he couldn't control his emotions either and was crying all of the time.  I wanted him off both meds.  I didn't like how they were working on him, and it was stressful for our family.  In the meantime, we had started seeing a counselor/therapist for him.  At our last appointment we discussed in depth his sleeping patterns.  I can easily count on 2 hands how many times Jaxton has slept through the night, in his short 3 years.  She suggested sleeping in his room with him for 2 reasons.  1. He needs to feel that his room is safe and his bed is where he needs to be 2. Having me in there helps when he wakes up screaming to feel secure and comfortable.  So last night, I headed into his room.  I was supposed to not sleep in his bed with him but I was tired, my back hurt and the batteries to the blow up mattress were bad and I was not in any mood to sleep on the floor.  It was a long night.  He woke up his normal 4-5 times, but was easily calmed and went right back to sleep.  We have noticed the more sleep he gets, the less violent he is.  So for now, that is the plan.  I will sleep in his bed until he can make it through the night.  Kyle doesn't love the idea... we just bought an expensive bed and I'm not even using it but Jaxt finds the most comfort in me right now since I stay home with him during the day.  I am amazed at my willingness to do whatever my children need.  I don't think of myself as a great, incredibly fantastic mother.  But I do the best I can.  I am in tune with what my children need and right now, Jaxton needs me.  I have had many sleepless nights with him.  It's me who goes back and forth in the night with him (only because he demands me... otherwise Kyle is happy to help).  I work with him on his behavior, I read to him, I play with him, I help him understand the world.  I have been told in the past that I am not a good mother, that if it weren't for Kyle, my children would have nothing... and that's fine.  I understand now that I was given this task because I could handle it (although sometimes I don't think I can)  I am learning so much from him, and I am becoming the mother that I was meant to be.  My children have always come first to me.  I protect them with everything in me, and for now, if that means weeks of little sleep, on an uncomfortable air mattress, being woken up countless times and having to snuggle and rock my 3 year old back to sleep, I am happy to do it.  I am so lucky and blessed to have him, and my job as his mother is to help him be someone that I not only love but that I like.  And with the help of so many people who want to see him (and me) succeed... we are getting there!
                               

There is a 3 year old in the house!

Jaxton is 3!  What an adventure it has been!  Let's admit, some days are easier than others and sometimes we are happier than others, but we have made it.  I wouldn't trade him for anything.  He makes me so happy.  I can't believe it was 3 years ago we were in the hospital, awaiting our first child.  He brings about a roller coaster of emotions, and has shown me the meaning on unconditional love.  Some of my favorite things about Jaxton right now are his ability to love.  No matter the circumstances, he wants you to know that he loves you.  He is so incredibly open with his love for family, especially Paisley.  I love that he is still a cuddler.  Every morning, he gets into our bed and says "Mom, let's snuggle".  I love that he loves books.  He is not overly obsessed with TV or computers, some days he just likes to curl up in a blankie with his favorite book Froggy Gets Dressed.  I love some of the funny things that he says, some of my favorite are "Does that make sense", "Get out of our way Grandpa" (which he says while we are driving) "Mommy, I am 3 so now I can drive".  Kyle's favorite things about him:  His vocabulary is getting so good and some of the things he says are just what is needed for a laugh.  His role playing is at the stage that he has been waiting a long time to see.  The fact that he is actually playing with toys and pretending that they are reacting.  Sports are drawing his attention and that makes Kyle happier than anyone knows.  He can't wait to go to some of his games. 

Jaxton we love you and we are so proud of the person you have become.  You have a huge heart and we hope you never lose that.  You are a great son, brother and friend! 

Milestone

18 months!  I can't believe she is 18 months!  Paisley... STOP growing up!  She is changing every day.  I am so in love with the person that she is.  Lots of laughs, smiles, giggles and words/babble.  I couldn't be prouder to be her mom.  My favorite thing about Paisley is how she sticks up for herself against Jaxton.  He loves to pick on her and steal her stuff.  She used to just take it but not anymore.  That was definitely a thing of the past.  And now when his back is turned, she is always about revenge.  Kyle's favorite thing about her is her personality.  She always has a calm demeanor, she is so loveable, and always smiley!    Kyle also loves how difficult it is to be stern with her because of her facial expressions.  It always leaves you feeling as if she is implying one of two things, "I can't believe you ruined my life" or "No one is cuter than me and you know it."  Jaxton absolutely adores her too.  He has to keep the monitor plugged in when she is napping so he can hear when she wakes up.  He wants her to pay attention to him and loves spending time with her.  We are so blessed to have her!! 

Sickies

 I have been meaning to blog.. no really I have.  So this post will be about why!  We got back from spending New Years in Salt Lake and the next day, Jaxton started throwing up.  It was awful!  Every 15 minutes, almost like clock work.  Throw up everywhere!  On the couch, on the floor, we went through jammies after jammies.  So we went through that for 2 days, and he started losing weight.  I took him to the doctor and he threw up all over their office.  It was awful.  The doctor checked him, gave him a suppository and we had to come back the next day.  Oh, did I mention that while I was at the dr's office, Chandler (who was watching Paisley) texted me and Paisley was throwing up also!  Oh yeah, and Kyle was working concrete, so it was a one man show.  This went on for a few more days. Jaxt got over it and it seems that Paisley is still fighting the end of it.  Even through all of the madness, I love the snuggling and the "I only want my mommy"... I can't help but cherish those moments.  Kyle went to Salt Lake for work for a few days, so I headed down to Vegas to stay with my mom and get some help.  As much as my parents tried, these poor kids wouldn't let them do anything, so it was basically me alone again.  But it was nice not having to cook dinner and every morning my mom would braid Paisley's hair.  I know they are little things, but they really helped.  But the drive home today sucked.  Both kids whined and fought.  I am tired and worn out.  So there it is. Can I add that even though they were sick... how cute are these kids??

New Year... New Resolutions

I'm not a huge fan of making resolutions.  I do it every year, and like most other people I break that resolution in a month or so.  So Kyle and I decided to make more realistic resolutions.  So here they are:
Shannon:
    1.  Journal more (whether that means blog, scrapbook or actually journal, I wasn't specific just be   
         better about recording what we do)
   
Kyle:
    1.  Do better in school.  (He already does great, but it's his goal to stay on top of it)

So there they are. 
Happy 2013 everyone!!!  I'll probably be seeing you soon!