Valentine's Day in (3) parts

We celebrated Valentine's in a few different ways this year:

(1) The weekend before Valentine's Day we went to the Turnbull's annual Valentines couples party. It was 1920's themed so we all dressed up and had yummy food and drinks, danced the charleston then played the infamous way-too-personal nothing-is-off-limits embarrassing version of the newlywed game (a yearly tradition and huge crowd pleaser). We had a lot of fun, danced hard, and laughed harder.

 

(2) On actual Valentine's Day (Thursday) we did fun things with the kids and as a family, including: pink heart pancakes for breakfast, Caitlin's dance class, delivering valentines, lunch with Paul, making ice cream (tried a guilt-free recipe and it was a hit!), heart shaped grilled cheese with tomato soup for dinner and enjoying valentines presents and treats. I love my little family so much and try to show them everyday.

(3) The last Valentine's celebration was for Paul and I. We celebrated the day after by going to Salt Lake. We shopped at city creek, ate at Ruth's Chris steakhouse, went to trolley square, saw the Safe Haven movie then stayed the night at the downtown Marriott. (Can you tell by the amount of shopping and eating and lack of physical activity that it was my year to plan v-day?!) Cassie was so nice to watch the kids for us overnight and it was actually really weird to be so close but not go home at night! Really nice at the same time. In my book, few things in life are more heavenly than Ruth's Chris harvest salad, filet mignon, and sweet potato casserole (not exaggerating... my mouth is now watering) but being with my one and only Valentine definitely takes the cake. We could have been doing anything and had a great night.

our revolving door

We got to have a lot of visitors in a short space of time and places. It seems like sometimes when it rains it pours and all our families come at once, and we just pretty much have a 24/7 party going on at our house. But knowing us we probably wouldn't want it any other way.

So my parents were in town for a few days and stayed at my sister's. We got to see them some during the day, and also went to dinner as a family and all the adults got to do a temple session one morning. It was a really special experience to be at the temple as a whole family, including Cassie and something that we have looked forward to doing for a long time. We also had a fun joint families dinner and game night. I love that my family and Paul's family gets along so well. I love when my parents are in town and my kids love it too.. they love their Grammie and Papa.

Stewart & Lorraine and Christine and Cason and Corinne got to come up, to catch all of the family events going on at the same time. They all stayed at our house and we had kids and/or adults in every possible room, including the freezing cold basement but everyone was really accommodating and it actually worked out pretty well. We also love having Grandma and Grandpa here whenever they come, and it had been awhile since the kids had seen them. And it was especially fun to have Christine and her kids come since we don't see them as often. The kids all played together with squabbles in between (the 2 year olds are still working on sharing) but they were mostly all adorable. We took them to McDonalds for lunch one day and also played hide and seek at home. Cason is just so sweet and mellow and has the cutest smile. He is so obedient and you can just tell he is very good-natured. Corinne has the prettiest doll face and even though she is obviously a mama's girl I tried really hard and she has the cutest smile once you've earned it. It's funny that our boys and girls are so similar in personality, just switched places. We got to spend lots of fun time together as adults too swapping stories and playing games, along with trying to balance time between all of the other family things going on.        

We also got to have Jeff come visit the weekend after they left. He came for some things for med school and we wish he could have brought the rest of him family! Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures! But it was fun to have him in and out. He went skiing with Paul and we also had a big family and friends dinner on Sunday. Along with lots of good talks and laughs.

Now we're getting ready for my family to come again next week!

Grandma Shari Dickson

Paul's grandma, Sharilyn Stewart Dickson passed away peacefully the night of February 4th. She had been sick for over 5 years now, even before I even had the chance to meet her for the first time. When I met her she could still vaguely carry on a conversation and still had a welcoming smile and a sweet kiss on the cheek for each of us. Unfortunately over the years she kept declining to the point where we knew it would be soon that we would lose her. Our family and Mike and Rebekah were able to go to their home about four days before she died and got to see her for a last time, and visit with Grandpa. Paul also had the opportunity to give her a priesthood blessing which was a very sacred and special experience for him. The whole family was praying that she would not be in pain and that if she were to pass it would be peacefully. It was.

Her funeral was held Monday, February 11th at Larking Mortuary. It was a very nice day. We met for a family prayer beforehand and then had the funeral. Unfortunately I was out in the hall with naughty kiddos for the whole service but I was able to listen to it on a speaker. There was a strong spirit there and constant reminders of the wonderful and above all sweet woman that Shari was. She was kind to all and was very sharing and jolly and also very intelligent but put her family above all else. I was sad that I never got to know her better but I was glad to be able to hear such wonderful stories and learn more about her. It was also nice to see extended family members that we don't see as often and meet a few new ones.

After the funeral we went to the Graveside at Holladay Memorial Park cemetery where Stewart dedicated her grave and we all said goodbye one last time.

At times like this I am especially thankful for the plan of salvation and the knowledge that I have of where we come from and where we are going after death. Also that families are eternal. We all look forward to seeing Grandma Shari once again.

Nolan: 8 months old

There comes a time in every baby's life, it varies when but it always comes.  It's the teething-but-no-teeth, runny nose, wriggly, squirmy, moving-but-not-mobile, fussy, spits out food, puts everything in his mouth (especially the tiny things), drooling stage of life. And I've decided it's not quite my fave. This past month we've been in that stage. However with all that being said: Nolan is still such a wonderful little boy. He is so good that nothing is really THAT bad. Things are just changing, which of course they always do. This month has actually been a pretty big month for our pretty big boy.

Eats: He is widening his selection of foods, we moved into some meats this month but he isn't a huge fan of those yet. He eats three meals a day of fruits and/or veggies and/or meats. His favorite fruit is applesauce and favorite veggie is carrots. He is pretty icky about texture. Hence him not liking cereals and not some meats. He likes it pretty liquidy. He also drinks 3 8 oz. bottles with each meal. We still add gripe water to almost every bottle to stay ahead of any tummy aches and we still give him sensitive formula. He likes the Target store brand the best. 

Sleeps: He is still a great sleeper at night (12-13 hours) but his naps were more touch-and-go this month. Still blaming the teething, along with a few disturbed nights. Overall still pretty good and hoping to get back to being better.  

Plays: He started army crawling this month! All of a sudden he just took off on his belly. He has gotten faster and faster and he is starting to get more adventurous and cover more ground recently. Ever since he's started moving I've found him in some pretty funny spots. And he gets stuck a lot. He loves going on the hardwood floor and sliding on his belly to gain some speed. He also likes standing but still needs quite a bit of help to support his weight. He likes playing with balls or anything he can chew on (which he thinks is everything). He can't get into a sitting position by himself but he does a very nice side plank and props himself up on his elbow.


Likes: He likes his crib and he gets happy whenever we put him in it. He also REALLY likes his sister. Caitlin makes him smile really fast, even when she's not trying to. His favorite thing still is to just be on his back and rolling around playing with toys. He loves music and having dance parties with Caitlin.

Dislikes: He hates having his face wiped. He also doesn't like sitting.. he totally can and he will for a little bit but in general he just doesn't like it. He prefers to be on his tummy or back. I tried to solve the problem of too-tight-tummy by getting him a pair of overalls. They were still kinda tight on his thighs I think but they look cute. 

Also: He has been very drooley. We tried a sippy cup for the first time but he doesn't really get it yet. And his hair is getting really long! It's much longer than Caitlin's was at this age. He still doesn't really have stranger-danger at all. He is fine with babysitters or being held by different people. We moved to the 1 pm church time and it's been a little rough. He will not really fall asleep in his carseat anymore but he gets tired the last hour but won't sleep, which is also when Paul and I have callings. And he is wiggly and wants to just be on the floor, which is always a little weird because you just don't always trust the floors around. He is also super loud sometimes... nothing like someone trying to share a super spiritual experience to the tune of Nolan's extra loud grunts and groans.

 

 

Bailey Anne Dickson

Bailey Anne Dickson

Feb. 5th 8:10 AM

7 lbs. 12 oz. 21" long

Bailey was born on Tuesday morning which is also the day I guess she would be born! She took her sweet time to get here but she is adorable. It was one of the most exciting deliveries I've been a part of because Jenna's water broke at about 1 PM the night before which made for an exciting and very sleepless night before I went to the hospital at about 5 AM. Things went quickly and I got the opportunity to see Bailey be born that morning. There is absolutely nothing like child birth and the amazing feelings it brings, especially to first time parents. It was really amazing to be there in the room. Bailey is so precious and already has such a sweet spirit and demeanor. We are so excited to have a new little niece and cousin!

joys of motherhood: january

-Caitlin had some new socks on the other day with colorful polka dots on them. I said "Caitlin I like your socks" and she said "thanks they have polka dots" what two year old know what polka dots are?!
-the other morning I slipped getting out of the car in the garage after working out and it my arm on the car door. I came in and was telling Paul about it in front of Caitlin. A little while later while I was feeding her breakfast she said:
Caitlin: mommy did you get an ouchie?
Me: ya on my arm
C: (so concerned looking) oh... Sweetie..... I'm sorry.
-Caitlin got a memory matching game for Christmas so we were trying to teach her how to play it and find pairs of things. So we were picking up animals that were the same and saying "See? these are friends, they are the same one." She started picking up whichever ones she wanted and saying "Oh, yes, these are friends!" Obviously she didn't grasp the concept of matching but there's probably a lesson for me in there about everyone being about to be friends and not just sticking with someone who looks like you. She still calls it her "Friends game" whenever she wants to play.
-I recently had an appointment at the dermatologist.. I needed to get some moles checked and also Nolan has a birthmark on his head that my pediatrician wanted me to check. So I scheduled both of our appointments at the same time and of course Caitlin came along. I figured it might not go completely smoothly but i packed along the ipad and had high hopes that it wouldn't be that bad. cannot even stress what a massive miscalculation this was. Without going into graphic details lets just say there was magazines across the floor, very loud whining, an unzipped fly, wiggling, fussing, a paper top that was very exposing, a baby that wanted to roll off the table, and a very curious and in your face two year old all in front of our brand new dermatologist. I told Paul afterward that I had no more patience or dignity left for the day. I needed the sucker more than Caitlin after that appointment. The Dr. was nice but even he seemed a little daunted by our circus act we had going.
-Nolan is usually the most amazing and well behaved baby. When going into a situation I usually assume that Caitlin will act up before he does. But sometimes for whatever reason he decides to be the difficult one and it always throws me for a loop... Like wait! Who is this? This is not the baby I know! And unfortunately it's usually the times when I go into something assuming and counting on him to be good that he has a moment.
-Caitlin was looking at one of our wedding pictures in our room:
C: mommy and daddy at the temple!
Me: yah there we are, at the temple
C: get married
Me: ya we got married at the temple.
C: I want married
Me: where are you gonna get married?
C: the temple!
-The kids go to the Kid Care class while I work out a couple times a week and whenever I go get Caitlin afterward she says, "Good job on your workouts mom!" She knows I need the encouragement.

neither here nor there

January instagram pics:

paul's Mexican buck

I know that my version of this story will never do justice to the great adventure or the stories Paul could tell, but since his only association AT ALL with our blog consists of once in a while looking at it to "catch up on his life" this will have to do:

Paul got to go hunting in Mexico at a ranch just south of the Arizona border with two of his friends. He got invited last minute when one of the other guys dropped his spot and I could tell he was dieing to go so of course I wasn't going to stand in his way. It wasn't until after the decision was made and money was spent that I heard about crazy border patrol, drug runners, the Mexican Mafia and a few other colorful stories. Regardless. Paul was very particular with me before he left and had me look at (a lot) of pictures of bucks so I could tell him which ones I liked the looks of because he wanted to make sure he would shoot one I liked. (WHY am I TOTALLY losing the battle of not having animals in my home?!?! When did I get so soft and that declaration go out the window?!) 

Anyways, Paul had a great (and safe!!) time and came home the happy hunter... He shot a great big buck that scored 190" and will probably go in the Boone and Crockett record book. It is a great looking buck and it will be on proud display soon.

 

Congratulations Paul!

Girl's night

Caitlin and I had a girl's night on Friday. We got dressed up (she HAD to wear her tutu) and then we went and got chik-fil-a and then met up with Tiffany and London Barnes and saw the Peter Pan Ballet. It was actually put on my just a local dance studio, it was kind of like a recital but it was pretty good and full of little dancers in tutus so that was pretty much the only criteria.

Sounds like a simple night but it was honestly one of the best nights I've ever had with my little girl. Maybe that sounds over the top but it's true. It wasn't because of what we did, it was just because of how much she loved it all and how much fun we had together. I was able to give her my 100% attention which she loved and we just had fun chatting in the car, eating our "chicken bites" and she loved watching the girls dance and eating treats. She was so good for all of it. I feel like a lot of times I have to be the disciplinarian, the time keeper, the scheduler, the task master, or the chauffeur for the family so it was nice to just be the fun one and enjoy a night together. 

Caitlin is just so cute and growing up so fast. After each dance she would clap and say "good job!" And everyday since she's asked to go see the girls dancing. As a mom I needed a night like this, just a night to let me remember how cute and sweet my little girl is and remember that I'm doing a good job, even if sometimes she makes me want to pull my hair out or sometimes I feel like I am no fun. Her sweet face and excited attitude made my night, and it was perfect.

about to POP

Whitney is pregnant and so cute! I'm so excited for her to have her little baby boy! We have missed them so much since they moved to California so I was so excited when she said she could come out for the weekend!
Friday when she arrived we picked her up and then went out to lunch then we came home and hung out at the house then that night we went to a birthday party an saw lots of friends.
Saturday we had her shower. We did the "About to POP" theme and it turned out really fun and cute. She has the cutest little belly and I can't believe she is only 8 short weeks away. Baby Brox is going to be so cute and he got some cute things! It was fun to mingle with everyone and of course eat a lot. We had lunch and the popcorn bar and opened presents and people made guesses on when Brox will make his debut (most guessed late and BIG)

 (apparently the only pictures we took all weekend were at the shower)
Saturday night Whitney and I met up with her parents and a few aunts and uncles for a delicious dinner in Salt Lake then we came home and played games.

Sunday we hung out at home in the morning and watched the Miss America pageant and then went to church and then it was back to the airport! I loved having Whitney come visit. It was so fun to see her and have some good girl time. Whitney has always been so fun with my pregnancies and I consider her another aunt to my kids... I couldn't be more excited for her and Morgan to have their little baby, they are going to be amazing parents! 

dolphin cay

Just got a copy of our pictures from when we swam with the dolphins in Atlantis so I wanted to share a few! We did a "shallow water dolphin encounter" so we mostly watched and got to pet and we were only about 3 feet deep. Caitlin loved it. She was a little nervous at first but warmed up to it. She especially loved when the dolphin jumped out of the water. Nolan watched/napped on the shore. I loved it too and P.S. I think I'll wear one of these wetsuits every time I go swimming.. they are just so attractive!
 

Nolan: 7 months old

Nolan is now seven months old. He is just so cute and such a good baby. Paul and I are always amazed at how easy going and sweet he is. It's the rare moments when he cries or whines that take us by surprise. We had a busy last month and he just rode right along. I love having him in our family. We are still waiting for him to pick up on some things, but he progresses everyday. Here's how things went:
Eats: baby food! He loves it. Turns out he is completely not a fan of rice cereal or oatmeal but he loves food. I was trying so hard to get him used to it and finally called it quits to try baby food. He eats really well off a spoon now and hasn't met a food he doesn't like. Even the green ones! His favorite is applesauce. He eats his food twice a day and has three 8 oz. bottles. He still loves his bottle but now he can hold it on his own and ever since he started doing this he doesn't want to be fed anymore he just wants to do it by himself!

Sleeps: From about 9pm to 9 am with still two naps during the day. (Usually about 2 hours) He will still fall asleep in his car seat or stroller pretty easily, but he definitely sleeps in his bed the best. He likes to sleep on his side mostly. We put him down on his back but he always rolls over and nuzzles into his blankets.

Plays: He LOVES to roll. He rolls everywhere and back and forth. He pushes up on his arms and tummy and reaches for things. I feel like he may begin scooting sooner rather than later because he will already reach and roll for things. He plays really well with his toys- he likes to study them and really concentrate on playing. He would really rather be on the floor rolling from toy to toy than being held most the time. He also likes to stand. He's not very sturdy but he likes to stand if you are holding him or stand in his saucer toy. He also discovered his feet this month! Probably due to the fact that we were on vacation and he didn't have to wear socks and warm shoes all the time. He likes to play with them.

Likes: He likes his tongue lately. He is always sticking it out or twisting it inside of his mouth or trying to chew on it. It's cute to see his tiny little tongue sticking out. I also think it's because of teething (no teeth yet but I know they are on their way!) He also likes the ladies. Usually a girl can get a smile out of him way quicker than a boy. And of course he loves his own personal groupies here at home: Caitlin and I. He also likes playing airplane and "wrestling" daddy. He has this little grunty/chuckle laugh that is so funny.

Dislikes: Sitting up. He's just not into it. I think it maybe be uncomfortable on his big belly to bend. He will sit for a few seconds then fall over.

Other: He had his first trip out of the country, first plane ride in first class (pretty sad that his first was also my first), first Christmas, first New Years. He is wearing 9 month clothes, and still some 6-12 month things. He still wears mostly sweats for pants because he needs the elastic waistband all the way around. When we were in the airport traveling we put him in his carseat with one small blanket on teh suitcase scale: 33 lbs! That's what I'm lugging around on one arm everyday! I still take him in his car seat a lot because since he doesn't sit very well he likes to just lounge, and also he is warmer in there. His hair is growing so nicely! It's getting long and even growing over to tops of his ears. I love doing his little faux-hawk but it never stays for very long.