One of the Most Important......

People in my life has always been my Aunt. She was the first person to show me how to shave my legs. She also taught me how to properly (and loudly) belch! When I was younger I spent every couple weeks of my summer, up until I turned 15, with her and my cousins. They are some of my most special memories. She and I have always understood one another. Growing up, my Grandma used to say "You're just like your Aunt". And I always took it as a compliment. This Monday marks a BIG birthday for her. I won't say exactly what bday (I want to live). But I wanted to post this, because she lives in Missouri. And I won't get to see her on her special day. So to her, I say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

10 Years

I'm not quite sure what made me think of this. But 10 years ago in the month of January I met these wonderful people. I had no idea back then that these people would be some of my greatest friends, and 1 would end up being my husband. After high school I made some bad decisions (which I will not go into), but those decisions led me north, to live with my dad. At the time I was so scared and nervous. I had no friends and I wasn't all that close with my family. But I owe EVERYTHING to my family, and my brother Brandon. He introduced me to all these people, and to Jon, and I will always be thankful for that. He and I were not so close growing up, but moving up here, changed that, and we became good friends. I just wanted to say I am so grateful to have such amazing friends and family in my life! Without both I would not be where I am today. I love you all!

Update

So I realize it's been a while since I actually posted about how we all are. And also about Christmas!

To start off, both Jon and Aiden have successfully finished their 1st semester of school! I am so proud of both my boys. Jon is surpassing even my expectations with how well he is doing! I mean I knew he would do fantastic, but he has also been nominated for President of the whole Pharmacy school! Elections are this month, so you can imagine how busy he is. He is also helping to plan a Gala for the school, that is in February. So until the end of February we won't be seeing much of him. I know I say this often, but I am soooooo happy for Jon. He is finally living his long life dream! Some people never get the chance to live out their dream, and I am so thankful that his time has come!

Now on to Christmas! We had an awesome one this year. And it's surprising because we toned it down with the gifts this year. Aiden's big gift "from santa" was a Nintendo DS. He was/is so stoked about it! He also got pj's, hats, and some books. As well as games to go with his DS. Owen's big gift was a Geo Trax train track set. Which to this day he has not stopped playing with it! Santa did a good job. Owen also got pj's, hats, and some books. Now Jon and I had an agreement that all we were going to get each other was stocking stuffers. So imagine my surprise when I have a gift under the tree, that ends up being a Kindle! I was so excited, and leave it to Jon to get the upper hand! All he ended up with were some hats, scarves, and pj's. Lame!
Christmas was also different this year, because usually we go down to SLC to my Uncle's Christmas breakfast, but it's getting hard to get down there. So Jon and I decided to have breakfast at our house, with my dad's family. It was so nice not to have to go anywhere. We all stayed in our pj's the whole day! But I was upset to find that EVERYONE else from my mom's side was at my Uncle's breakfast. Cousins I haven't seen forvever, and even my own 1/2 brother's who I haven't seen in over a year were there. So that was a big disappointment, but my boys were ecstatic not to leave. So they could play with all their stuff.

We had a nice break with Jon off school ,and it was awesome to spend time with him. But now both Aiden and Jon have gone back to school, so it's back to my daily grind. Owen is back in Preschool, and he is having a hard time. He has been really clingy lately, and with Jon being home for 3 weeks, I think he got used to being home. So going back to Preschool/Daycare was not his favorite idea. He has also hit the Terrible 3 stage in his development. Which I am absolutely thrilled about! (Can you sense the sarcasm?)

We are all now just getting over having colds. Owen's of course turned into croup. But with his asthma, he doesn't get just a cold. And he is taking the longest to recover, as usual. But at least we are on the upper side of recovery now. We also have a new addition in our house. A new kitty, her name is Ellie. We are so happy to have a kitty in the house again. Now we just have to teach Owen the meaning of "being soft" with her.

Well I guess that's enough for now. I'm sure there are things I forgot to mention, but if I remember I will save that for the next post.

New Camera

We decided to get another pocket camera. I still have (and use) my Canon, but I needed something I could fit in my purse and take with me. I actually found a good deal on one! Usually Jon is the one that finds everything like that. So we now have a Polaroid 10MP camera. The best part, for me, is it's red! It's also got a really big touch screen, that hopefully won't cause too many problems. I've only taken a couple pics with it so far, I'm still getting it figured out. I was just about to post those couple pics, but apparently I need to figure out how to plug in the usb cord to the computer first. So, sorry, pics will have to come later. As well as updates, with us and Jon's school.

Our New Addition

This is Ellie. Our new kitty. At first we called him Eddie. We were told by the lady who gave her to us, that it was a boy. Um, ya, no. So Eddie is now Ellie. We love her, and it is a comfort to have a kitty in the house again.

A BIG Day for Our Boys

This is the 1st book, Aiden read to us! I can't believe how fast he is learning, it is amazing! I had to help with a couple of the longer words. But he was able to sound most of them out on his own. I am so proud of him. And also, Owen learned how to do a perfect somersault! He was so excited about it!!!

The Polar Express

For Christmas, my wonderful MIL bought us tickets on the Polar Express train. Also known as the Heber Creeper. Jon and I didn't say a word to the boys about it. So when we showed up at the train station, imagine their shock! Owen especially, because he is a train addict. Anyway, we had 1st class tickets, so we were in the 1st car hooked to the engine. Which, btw, is the only running steam engine in the United States. We got seated, then the fun began! Mrs. Claus showed up and gave all the moms and grandmas her "secret" cookie recipe. Then we were served chocolate chip cookies, and hot chocolate. We got to keep the mugs the hot chocolate came in. Then the conductor came by and punched our special Polar Express tickets. Then they had an announcer guy, who read the Polar Express book to all of us. Once we reached "The North Pole" Santa appeared! The boys were so excited! Santa gave each of us, a bell from his sleigh. On our way back to the station we all sang Christmas carols. It was so much fun, and I think that will become a family tradition for us.

A Letter to My Wonderful Husband

Dear Honey,
I just wanted to say how excited the boys and I are to have you to ourselves this Christmas break. You have been working so hard, and I am glad to see you have a break. I am so happy that you are finally living your dream, and that you are loving every second! This is what you were meant to do, and I feel so lucky to be able to share my life and love with you. I know you will want to relax, and you will, but just remember our boys will probably be climbing all over while you try. :) They are so excited to spend time with their daddy. Especially Aiden, it seems like that's all he talks about lately.
I also wanted to say good luck this week, with finals. I know we won't see you much, and that's ok. I just want you to know, that we love and support you. And we can't wait to start this holiday break! Hopefully you can handle 3 weeks with us!!!!!

Love,
Me, and the boys

Snow!

With all this snow, I remembered that I never posted about Owens first time sledding. We took him and Aiden last year with my brother, his wife, and my 2 nephews. It was so fun. I was worried Owen might be afraid, but like his older brother, he has no fear! Aiden wanted to go by himself (head first) of course. Hopefully we get the chance to go again this winter. It is by far our favorite holiday sport!

5 of My Favorite Guys

Here are my 2 boys, and 3 of my nephews. From left to right it goes: Aiden, Owen, Spencer, Gabriel, and Chandler. Christian, and Oliver weren't born yet. I love these boys. They always make me smile, especially when they are together. This was also taken about 2 years ago. So I think they all still look like our babies!