Such a big boy

Tyler is sure growing up. How do I know this? He has a sudden urge to do everything himself. Whether it is climbing things, eating, or whatever, he has to be the one to do it. The result? Bruises, sticky fingers and messy faces! He also has started saying things like "Don't do that" or "Tyler do it!" So opinionated!




We decided that now was the time to move him into his 'big boy' room. We tried to talk it up as much as possible while we organized and such. By the time we got to building his new dresser and put on the Ikea bedding, he was totally on board with the big boy room. The first night in his room, he didn't get out of bed once and slept for his normal twelve hours. When we went in his room the next morning, he said very enthusiastically "I like it! Tyler sit on the big potty." Further proof he is coming into his own. We of course encourage the big potty whenever he wants. Since then, he has only gotten out of bed twice shortly after we tuck him in for the night.



This last adventure was at the Hogle Zoo carousel last week. Tyler was unsure at first, and he kept reminding me that we needed to hold on tight. Once the carousel started moving he roared like a lion and waved to anyone and everyone. He loved that lion and asked for "one more time." I just love watching him grow up!

I'm a firm believer in celebrating my Birth Week!

The past week has been so busy and fun, this is the first chance I've had to sit down. Last Wednesday, my sister, her husband, and little boy drove up from Phoenix for about a week. Us girls wasted no time in getting to the fun stuff. Both Kristin and I got our hair cuts in Salt Lake. Following that pampering, we ate a quick dinner then Kristin, my mom and I all went to get pedicures. That is my true guilty pleasure. I LOVE having cute toes!

Thursday and Friday the girls went to Women's Conference at BYU, while the husbands watched the boys. Thank you Steve and Jay! This was only my second time at the conference, but what a treat. Two things stuck out in my mind the most after the Conference. The first, the wonderful influence music can have in your life. Some of the most spiritual experiences I've had have come because of beautiful music. The second is that I'm not alone. My Savior is there to guide me and help me every step of the way. Like most mother's, I really do struggle sometimes. I wonder how in the world I'm going to teach this little person everything I need. The answer is that I can and do have help. That is a very comforting thought.

Saturday, my actual birthday, was so relaxing. After a delicious breakfast (thank you Kristin!), I visited Ikea, DSW shoes, and Nordstrom Rack. We found some super cute things for Tyler's Big Boy room at Ikea, and I found two new pairs of shoes. There's nothing better than getting a sassy pair of snake skin peeped-toed shoes on your birthday. Thanks for not complaining honey!

The next day, to continue the birth week festivities, we headed up to Kaysville for a big family dinner. It was great to see Tyler having fun watching the lightning storm with all the boys, climb like a monkey with his best buddy, and help mom and dad blow out our candles. After the little ones went to sleep, my family 'let' me win Phase 10 for the first time in years. Not a bad end to a week long celebration.

Happy Birthday love!

This post is dedicated to Steve. Today is his birthday, and he is spending the morning taking a final, and the rest of the day (and probably into the night) writing a paper. That's no way to spend your birthday. The amazing part is, he has the best attitude about it all. I've just been so proud of how hard he has worked all semester, and yet still been a supportive husband and father. Here are some of my favorites of Steve. The first picture just makes me smile. What a handsome little man!

Happy Birthday babe. I love you!

Easter weekend

Even though this was technically Tyler's third Easter, it sort of felt like the first one for us. He was only five weeks old for his first and barely walking for his second. The Easter festivities started on Saturday afternoon with an egg hunt at my aunt's house. It was so fun to see Tyler get excited about each egg. If he had had his way, he would've opened each egg as he found it and eaten whatever was inside before moving on to the next egg. I could hardly get him to hold still for a picture he was so excited. He made out like a bandit with all his candy. My family single-handedly keeps the candy companies in business!

On Sunday morning we made the mistake of letting him find his basket before breakfast. After like 9 gummy worms and 20 M&M's, he barely had room for a banana. It was great to see him say "wow" or make sounds of awe as he opened the eggs. He would even say, "mom look" and show me what was in each egg!

As we all know, Grandma's are made for spoiling. She found the cutest Easter Sunday outfit for him. He just looks like just a little gentleman in these pictures. I was so excited to have him go to church looking so handsome...but alas, he was coming down from the sugar overload of the weekend. Let's just say we learned not to give him candy until after church. Thank goodness for nursery! But overall, our Easter Sunday was wonderful. It was a good time to reflect on our Savior and blessings of the gospel.

On a non-Easter related note...I'm in my second trimester today! I'm one third of the way done. The best is yet to come!

Think Spring!

There is just something about the sun, flowers, and birds that puts everything in a better light. While I love all the seasons for different reasons, Spring is wonderful. It is the time when I get to see Tyler discover and use his imagination. He thinks all twigs are swords! And he is fascinated with bugs!

Spring also means that school is almost out for Steve. He has been so busy studying, reading, going to meetings, and doing church and family stuff. I can't wait for him to be done so we can just be together as a family. Good luck honey, you will do great!

I also love spring for the walks with Tyler, fresh fruit, tulips, and General Conference. Like I said, Spring brings out the best in everything!