A Visit to Morocco...I wish!

Last night, while Hayden was at a family party with his dad, Kyle and I went out on the town (that's a big deal when you're a single, full-time working mama). We started the night out at Cedars of Lebanon. I have always wanted to try the food there, but I (yes, probably me more than Kyle) was really excited to see the belly dancers. Sadly, we didn't get to see them even though we were there durning a good time I thought (6:30-7:30). However, we were lucky enough to sit in the dining area under the indoor tent and the cushioned seats. Our table was more of an ottoman with a huge tray on it for our food. It was comfy and it felt much more authentic than eating in the regular dining room.

I tried to get pictures of our food. The problem was that everytime we were served anything, I was so excited to try it that I didn't get a picture beforehand. Needless-to-say, all the food pics were taken after partial consumption. Oh well, I guess you still get the idea.

Our hummus appetizer with super soft pita bread.

This doesn't look as yummy as it tasted. Apparently, this is the moroccan version of moussaka...one of my favorite Greek dishes. I expected a layered dish, but this was delicious and incredibly healthful (I had already eaten half the veggies before this pic).

Kyle got the pastilla...because of me! I think he originally planned on ordering something else, but then I mentioned that I wanted to try this dish the next time we came so he went ahead and ordered it. This isn't the first time he has done this either. Ever since our first dinner together (our second date) we have always shared eachothers food. Sometimes he asks me what I plan to order and if I am torn between a couple of options then he goes ahead and orders the one that I didn't (I know, he is incredibly sweet). Afterwards, we went and saw one of the non-mainstream movies "Win Win" which was playing down the street. Loved the movie, too! All-in-all it was fun night.

On a side note: Earlier in the week we finally had a chance to meet Lucy, Kyle's new dog. Kyle got her from one of the Mike, a trainer at the gym (I met Mike awhile ago when he was mentioned in one of the tabloids for dating Michelle Money from the Bachelor). Mike got it from Derron Williams whose wife was the original owner. Lucy is a French Bulldog and I guess she cost a few thousand dollars. Kyle got her for free and he has the papers showing that Derron was the first owner.

We played with her outside for the longest time...she is so cute. Hayden loved her and even got her to fetch a little bit.

Happy Birthday, Brooke!

My sister, Brooke, turned 23 this past week and we spent the weekend before her birthday celebrating. After having a delicious dinner at Goodwood, we came back to my mom's house for cake and ice cream. I asked my sis what kind of cake she wanted to which she first replied, "I don't know." So I told her that I need some kind of direction in terms of flavor and then she said she wanted a chocolate cake with some kind of white chocolate icing/frosing and raspberry incorporated into the cake somehow. Geesh, I would say this girl's originial response was a little off because I think she might of given this whole cake thing a little more thought then she led me to believe ;)

Now I know this isn't a masterpiece of cake, but I was more concerned about the flavors this time. The inside is a two layer chocolate cake with a raspberry/white chocolate/vanilla filling. The frosing is a vanilla/white chocolate combination. It was yummy, and I hope my sis liked it.

The girls...me, Brooke, and our mom

Brooke and her hubby Travis

Kyle and I (Hayden was with his dad, so that's why he isn't pictured)

My cute nephew, Gage, enjoying some cake

"Out of This World" Saturday Night

This past Saturday Hayden and I went to Pleasant Grove super early to help babysit Gage. We had a great time, and then my poor sister needed us to come get her because her Jeep wouldn't start. After we picked her up, we headed to my mom's for Brooke's birthday lunch. After lunch, Aaron picked up Hayden and I decided to go get my roots colored (I was beginning to look a little like an 80's Madonna--not a good look for me). I also got brave and added some bangs, too. The pic above (which I'll explain more in a moment) is probably the only one that I will have with the full-on bangs. Now I am already pushing them over to the side. Anyway, that night Kyle and I went to dinner at the new Christopher's in Draper. The food was delicious, and I would definitely recommend it (although it is a bit pricey, but I had a gift certificate). Then we headed over to the planetarium and posed in some of the settings--like the moon in the this picture. Afterwards, we watched the U2 laser show. It was fun, but I could feel my eyes getting tired by the end from all of the effects. All in all we had a great date night, and I even slept in the next morning until 5am (ok, so it was 4:46 am).

First 2011 Visit to the Farm

Last Thursday Hayden and I made it over to Thanksgiving Point's Farm. The weather was great that day, and we both enjoyed finally being able to do something outside (without coats). Above is Hayden enjoying the pony ride (the biggest one named Elvis), and below is a pic from our wagon ride.

Riverton Half Marathon

So in preparation for Boston, I wanted to get another half marathon race in 3 weeks beforehand. It just so happened that Riverton had their city's half marathon on March 26 and the the registration fee was pretty cheap (so far, so good). A couple of my friends, Michelle and Cathy, also decided to sign-up, too. Now everything sounds like it is working out and going according to plan, but there is always one factor that I will never have control over...the weather! The morning of the race I could hear some wind, but I just kept hoping that it wouldn't be bad by race time. Also, it was supposed to rain at some point, but I would honestly take the rain over the wind any day. So I got to Michelle's house by 8 that morning to pick up Michelle and drop off Hayden (he was so excited to play with Abbi and Ty). When we got to the race site, I saw Cathy and she joined us in my jeep so we could chat and stay warm before the start (oh, did I mention that it was in the 30s, too). As we approached nine o'clock, we all mustered the courage to get ourselves to the start. There were about 300 runners, which I thought was a pretty good turnout considering that this was earlier in the season and the weather can always be so unpredictable. The race overall ended up being pretty challenging. We ran through some neighborhoods and on the Jordan River Parkway. There were more hills than I had I expected, but those didn't compare to running against the wind. I would say that 3/4 of the race I was racing against the wind and almost lost my hat a few times. Some of the great things about this race included: knowing that I could find the strength to keep on running despite the wind, seeing Hayden with Justin, Abbi, and Ty cheering us on, and crossing the finish line with Michelle. We both finished in 1:43 (not a PR for either of us, but we were both happy considering the conditions) and then got free massages afterwards. Overall, the race was harder than expected, but I appreciated the challenges because it's better for training. Later that day, Hayden got to go back to Michelle's for Abbi's birthday party. I so admire the fact that Michelle could do that race and host a party within the same day.

St. Patrick's Day Festivities

The day before St. Patrick's Day was the beginning of Hayden's celebration of green, food, and fun. He went on a leprechaun hunt at school, and it turns out that the leprechauns were feeling a little "cheesy" this year. Unfortunately, those silly leprechauns were too quick for the kids to catch, but they left behind some cheese balls for snack time. After school, Hayden, Kyle and I went to what used to be Incredible Pizza. We went just for fun (not because the following day was St. Patty's Day). We all had a great time riding the bumper cars, playing arcade games, and enjoying a round of glow-in-the dark mini golf.
The following morning, Hayden woke up to find some green stuff sitting next to a little pot of gold. The leprechauns even left some pots of gold to distribute to some friends, family, and teachers.

Later that day, Hayden had some "green" dinner which consisted of a turkey and cheese sandwich on green bread with some green milk. Afterwards, he had some of his chocolate gold from the leprechauns.

Cutie Pies, Surgery and the Melting Pot

This picture of Hayden and his cousin Gage was taken over a week ago after my little surgery. I had a difficult time getting both boys to look at me at the same time, oh well, still a cute pic. Btw, my surgery was a success and I should be done with that--at least for now.

This past Saturday night, Kyle and I went to the Melting Pot for dinner. I had never been and I was really looking forward to the experience. Here we are before eating anything...but you have to know that didn't last for very long.

This is our spinach artichoke cheese appetizer served with bread, chips, veggies and apples.

These are our delicious salads.

This is our entree. The meat and vegetables obviously haven't been cooked yet. I have to say that it was all yummy--especially the duck and the chicken.

Gotta have a picture of us actually eating.

This is dessert!!! We had the chocolate turtle fondue to dip all this goodness in.

Valentine's Weekend/Day

( These are the flowers Kyle sent to me at work. They became more beautiful and full as the buds contined to open up and blossom even more the days following Valentine's.)

As we all know, generally a one-day holiday usually turns into a multiple-day holiday event. Of course, Valentine's isn't any different. We began by having a party with some friends on Friday afternoon (Feb. 11). Frosting and decorating cupcakes along with making cards is always fun for kids (and even adults, too). Then during the weekend we made more cards and treats. Above are the now traditional holiday sugar cookies I love to make, naturally heart-shaped. In the box are protein peanut butter balls. They are pretty healthy except for the fact that I added M&Ms to them. I went to Eden Saturday night with Kyle and met a bunch of his friends while Hayden got to play with his grandma and grandpa (he ended up going to the dinosaur museum with grandpa). Sunday was spent with Hayden--I love my little crazy kiddo.

On Valentine's morning Hayden got a fun Valentine basket filled mainly with art supplies. There were also a few activities/games and just a little bit of candy (I knew he would get more later on).

Here is Hayden at school making Valentine cards. They also got to pass out Valentine's, frost cookies, and play games.
After school I had an early dinner date with Kyle. He took me to one of the nicest places...a place so nice that I had never even been. So here we are in the foyer of...waiting for the drumroll...LA CAILLE!

Btw, I really didn't have a huge spot on my dress. I guess something just happened when the pic was being taken. The whole property that houses La Caille was stunning and we even got to see some swans, ducks, and peacocks while we were there. Kyle requested we sit by a fireplace, and that is where we ended up (not the one above, a different one).

This is our vegetable appetizer.

This is Kyle's dinner.

And here's mine.

We also got these chocolate tuxedo strawberries at the end because it was Valentine's day. Hmmm, looks like someone ate theirs.

After dinner, my parents brought Hayden back home so he could join us for dessert.

Hayden just wanted icecream, but I made this for Kyle and me. It's inspired by the Applebee's blonde brownie dessert. The bottom is more cookie than brownie-like with white chocolate chips and nuts. Then there's the icecream, and then I made the maple butter sauce that we drizzled over the top. Oh my, it was delicious!! I still don't know how we had room for it after all the food we had for dinner.

Dining Out

(Dinner with Kyle at the Five Alls--medieval 5 course meal)
So here's what "normal" or maybe I should say "mature" people look like when they are dining out. Food is either on their plate, mouth, or stomach. We know how to stop eating, smile, and pose for a picture.

Then there are other ways to dine...

(Hayden at Santa Monica Pizza and Pasta)
This is how Hayden ate his spaghetti the other night when we went to dinner. On the plus side, it took him all of dinner to eat this way so the rest of us could enjoy our dinners. You may notice that not only is the food in his mouth and plate, but it's on his face and in the air--not sure the "mature" people can get away with that one.

Spaghetti and sauce mustache and beard. Hmm...looks like one side is a little longer there mister.

Of course, you've got to try and eat the giant meatball all at once. I hear that it tastes better that way.

(Dinner at Noodles)

After the spaghetti experience you'd think that eating regular mac & cheese would be nothing. However, have you met a kid who ate it with chopsticks? This is quite the timely endeavor. Actually, I was eating my dinner with chopsticks (love to use them anytime I can and it's appropriate) and Hayden liked the idea. Eventually, he did switch to a fork.

January 2011

St. George Half Marathon
January 22nd was the St. George Half Marathon and it was nice to just getaway to warmer temperatures (about 30 degrees warmer than slc). I went down with my friends, Michelle and Justin, and we all had great runs. We drove down the Friday before and hit the Dixie Center for the expo and packet pick-up. As we walked through the expo, I spotted the Red Rock Relay tent and pointed out that I was wearing their shirt from the last race. The guy told me that since I was supporting their race and all that I could try to win a free hat if I could hit a target from a certain distance with a nerf gun. Let's just say that I need a little more practice with nerf guns because I missed (however, I almost hit a few people and I think that should count for something). I did get free chapstick and it's always fun to talk to race directors/event coordinators to hear about plans for the next race.
After the expo we headed to Cafe Rio for dinner and then to the hotel. We ended up at the Wyndham Wingate which we got for super cheap and it was way nice. It was kind of fun having a room all to myself...now that's every mom's fantasy vacation!
The next morning I met up with Michelle and Justin for breakfast at 7 and then we made it to the start of the race by 8. We got to hangout in the Dixie Center until five minutes before the race start (which was 9), and I have to say that it was such a nice change to use indoor plumbing as opposed to a port-a-potty. The race started on time (always good) and it was a pretty congested start (there were over 1500 half marathoners). I swear the first mile went on forever and I think it was because I felt trapped inbetween so many runners. The course had us running on the street, through neighborhoods, and eventually we made our way to a trail which we had to loop around and run twice. There were a few hills, but that's always good for training purposes anyway. I finished in 1:41 which wasn't my fastest time, but I was honestly just happy to finish (that is my goal for every race...just to finish). I did have to stop and tie my shoe during the race, I ran without music, and there were a couple of other things I ended up doing differently before/during the race. The good news was that even making a few changes didn't affect my run so I was pretty happy with that, too. Michelle and Justin had great runs and both set pr's (Michelle did a 1:42 and Justin did a 1:21). After the race and talking with some other runners, we dashed to the hotel to get in a quick shower, checked out, then drove Justin to a starting point along the iron man bike course so he could ride one of the loops (which is like 44 miles). He is doing the iron man race in May--all I can say is I admire the amount of dedication and training that takes. While Justin was riding, Michelle and I grabbed lunch and shopped at the outlets. The temperature was in the fifties and did reach sixty that day--so much better than slc. After we met up with Justin and picked him up, we started to head back home so we could get back around 7ish.
Kyle was great and met me at my house just after I got home, then we picked up Hayden and had dinner. We were all pretty tired so we called it an early night just before 10.

Jungle Jim's

On MLK Jr. Day, Hayden and I went to Jungle Jim's (it was Hayden's first time). He loved it--he did the jeeps, carousel, swings, bumper cars, and the play area with the slides and stuff.

Some of the kids had a hard time figuring out the bumper cars, but Hayden caught on pretty fast.

Bob's 50th Birthday

For my stepdad's birthday, Bob, we went to Rodizio Grill in American Fork. It was so yummy and everyone loved it! Above is a pic of the birthday boy with Gage.

Here's our group: Bob, Gage, Brooke, Travis, my mom, Hayden, me and Kyle

Hayden's Art Work

Above is a picture of part of the pre-k bulletin board. The teachers had three of the kids draw their heads to be in the picture and Hayden was one of them. Hayden loves art and draws everyday. I am hoping to find a drawing class for young kids for Hayden to take during the summer...if anyone hears of anything let me know.