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.

Christmas Time, Baby!!!

This year ended up being an interesting Christmas due to the fact that there was some illness leading up to the big day. Despite all of that, we still had a wonderful time and enjoyed every moment with our family and friends this year. A few days before Christmas, Hayden and some of his friends decorated gingerbread houses. Hayden's is the one in upper left corner where you can see a wreath on the side and licorice lining the roof. Since he had been sick (and continued to be off and on) he didn't really have any desire to eat the candy. The following day, Hayden's friends, Abbi and Ty, came over to play. Then their parents (Michelle and Justin) along with Kyle came over and we all enjoyed dinner together. It was nice to have the kids play together so the adults could take a moment to relax and chat.

We went over to my great aunt Lila's house on Christmas Eve to celebrate with her. Hayden is holding a little stuffed dog that he gave her (which he named Talent despite the fact that the dog doesn't really have any talents...maybe its talent is to just look cute).

The whole family...I love that Gage is trying to grab Hayden. Those two get along so well. Hayden loves to entertain Gage, and well, Gage loves to be entertained.

Hayden posing by Gage in his new Christmas pj's.

In the kitchen with the fun aprons my mom made us. Obviously the one Bob is wearing is supposed to be my mom's, but I think she may have to make herself a new one now. Bob just looks a little too comfortable in this one.

Most of you know that I love to bake. This is just a small sampling of what I made this year: pumpkin bread, cranberry bread, sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, gingerbread cookies, magic layer cookies, peanut butter m&m bars, mint chocolate cookies, chocolate m&m cookies, spice cookies, pumpkin cookies, cranberry walnut biscotti, and chocolate covered ritz crackers with peanut butter and marshmallow creme sandwiched between the crackers. Below is the Christmas cake that I made for Christmas Eve. It also ended up being Gage's birthday cake, too since he shares his b-day on the same day as Christmas. Inside are the two jello poke layers: one is strawberry and the other is lime.

Poor Hayden had been sick off and on the Sunday before Christmas and everyday up through Christmas Eve. After dinner, he just wanted to lay down even though my mom had a gift for him to open early. Now you know that your kid is really sick when he says that he doesn't feel well enough to open his present. Fortunately, that was the last time he was sick and he's been doing well since. Christmas morning he came out of his room just after 7 with his Santa hat on and said, "Merry Christmas, mommy!" Who couldn't love this kid...seriously.

The before picture...before everything is unwrapped. Hayden's stocking is always the first thing he goes through and Santa makes sure that most everything inside is wrapped, you know, it just makes the morning last a little longer. Again, Hayden is a little different from other kids in the sense that he does enjoy getting new clothes--as long as the shirts have long sleeves and that he approves of the design. So when he unwrapped his "Cars" socks he got super excited. Let me just say that he got pretty excited over everything he unwrapped (no, it wasn't just the socks), but to hear a child exclaim "Oh, socks! Yay! I love them!" in a non-sarcastic voice is something that a parent has to appreciate on Christmas morning.

The nice thing about opening presents with Hayden at home is that he takes his time and likes to look at things along the way (it is a different story though when he opens presents elsewhere). Above is a pic of him checking out the book I made him of his 5th year.

Presents from Santa and some from mommy. Hmmm...I wonder if Hayden got the thing he asked for this year.

Well, not yet, but it looks like Santa left Hayden some clues so he could go on a treasure hunt.

I wonder where the clues will lead him.

Wow, look at that big present!

I wonder what it could be.

It's as air hockey table!!! Whoo-hoo, this is one of our favorite games to play.

After doing Christmas at home, we headed over to my mom's for presents and brunch.

I am in my Christmas pj's and my mom and sis had the same outfit on (minus the vest). Hayden really liked his new hotwheels shirt I gave him and had to wear it, so no jammies for him.

Hayden loves his new Leapster and he figured out how to play it pretty quickly.

Posing with the shirt from Brooke, Trav, and Gage (and happy b-day to my cute nephew who is 1 now).

I bet there won't be any cheesy smiles this Christmas...

Oh, I take that back. Hey, at least we know he's happy. My mom and Bob totally spoiled us this year. We are so lucky, but the most important thing is that we all have eachother and it was just so nice to spend time enjoying our family.

In the afternoon, I took Hayden over to the Holladays so that he could do Christmas with them. I missed my little guy for the rest of the day, but it was nice to see him get comfortable and to start playing with his cousins on that side of the family right away. I took this opportunity to do a little bit of relaxing, and what better place to relax than inside of a hot tub. Kyle and I got a chance to spend a little bit of Christmas together, too. However, you know how I mentioned that this Christmas was surrounded with illness. This time it was Kyle's turn, and he started to get sick that day...poor guy. He was such a good sport, though, and didn't complain at all. As a side note, I did go to the doctor earlier in the week to do some blood work. It turns out that I do have anemia so I am taking some iron supplements in hopes that it will help and that's all that I need. The past couple of months I have been extra tired, feel like there are moments where I might pass out, eating tons of ice, been struggling with sleep, and I have been extremely cold this season. There are worse things that could be wrong, so hopefully I will feel more normal in the next few weeks. Anyway, we did have a fabulous Christmas!!!

December Festivites and Other Things

Christmas Celebrations with the Jaco Family

We were able to go up to Layton after our breakfast with Santa outing and visit everyone (minus Colton who is on his mission) and celebrate Christmas together. It was so great getting to see all my sisters and their cute families. Hayden had a fantastic time playing with his cousins, the two dogs, and the cat (the poor cat).

There is no doubt that Hayden likes Scooby Doo...he is a dog person afterall.

Cousins-Hayden, Luke, Layna, and Gage. This is a moment to capture on a camera...everyone is still and there aren't any tears. What a cute bunch of kiddos!

Breakfast with Santa

After doing breakfast with Santa last year at Millennial Falls, I decided to buy tickets again for this year. This costs about the same price as what you would pay to get pics with Santa at the mall, but obviously you get a lot more for your dinero here. We started off with choosing between antlers or a hat (Hayden went with the antlers again and later in the day we discovered that you can bend them down to look like dog ears). Then had a yummy breakfast while Hayden composed a letter to Santa. Oh, and Kyle came with us. He is so awesome and is always willing to do stuff with BOTH of us...I love it!!!

Then Hayden got a balloon animal snake...yeah, not the most complicated of animals but it turned out pretty cute (sidenote: the balloon lady made some pretty fantastic creations so I was surprised that Hayden went with the simple snake). Later the snake turned into a sword while Hayden was playing with the other kids.

Posing with mom...what a good sport. Btw, I have to say that Hayden has been such a good kid the past couple of months. It's like something has changed and he seems so much happier and well-behaved. I have theories about what's sparked the change, but I won't post them. I am just glad to see him smile.

Singing Christmas songs with the kids and Santa.

Hayden got a cool snowman painted on his cheek.

Visiting Santa Claus and reviewing the letter Hayden wrote to him.

I did sit on Santa's lap with Hayden, but I liked this picture with Kyle on Santa's lap even more.

Cute Cousins

Here's a fun pic that I got of Hayden with Gage (Herrud).

Hayden's Preschool Xmas Program

So I am wondering if I have a little bit of a clown on my hands. As the kids walked out to the stage, Hayden kept sucking air up his nose so that his nostrils would stick. He must have just discovered that he could do that because I had never seen him do it before. Despite his goofiness, he sang and did all the actions...happily, too.

This is him blowing a kiss at the end of the program.

Waiting in line to see Santa after the program.

Christmas Festivites

Above is Hayden at the Elves' Gift Show at the South Towne Expo Center. It was fun, and later that day we met up with Kyle for lunch, a movie, and then lights at Thanksgiving Point. The night before we were with some of my friends from high school (Geri and Cami) and their kids for dinner, dessert, and just hanging out. I wish I would have taken some pics...all the kids played so well together.

We also visited the zoo for Zoo Lights. I had to really bundle up to make it bearable since I am always so cold. Hayden loved it and it was fun to have Kyle with us, too.

I laugh at this pic because I look huge with my layers underneath my puffy coat, but you gotta do what you gotta do to stay warm.

They even had a couple of real reindeer at the zoo, too.

Other Kinds of Fun

So the first time Hayden met Kyle was at Chuck-e-Cheese. We all met up there and Kyle even brought Hayden a gift (a couple of those fun little remote controlled Hex bugs). The meeting was a huge success...yay! A few days later Kyle invited us to go to a movie with him...Megamind. Hayden loved the movie and got past his fear of movie theaters. Good thing because the following weekend my work had their Christmas party at the Megaplex where we saw Tangled (and yes, Kyle came with us there, too).

This is what happens when Hayden takes the picture. He doesn't always let you know when he is going to actually take the picture.

Another fun night with the three of us: bowling and then dinner.