Pregnancy so far.

When I was pregnant with Kyle I didn't document anything. Partly because I didn't have internet access, and partly because I just didn't want to. This time around I think I want to document a bit more, just because I want to remember more. So here is a little recap of the first half (give or take a week or two) of this pregnancy.

I found out I was pregnant in early September. I had gotten up at 4:30 as usual (usual for then...not so much now) to go running and thought I would just take a test even though I thought it was too early to tell. Bam. Positive. I was shocked and SO excited. I woke Ryan up and told him, he was thrilled, then I went running as usual. It was a fun run. And yes, I took a picture with my positive test. This is one picture I did take with Kyle, me holding my test the night we found out. Why not make it a tradition? (funny side note...later that day I ended up in instacare because I saw a snake, hyperventilated and had a full on panic attack. so much excitement for one day, and yes, I am THAT afraid of snakes.)

We didn't tell anyone for a few months. I liked having a secret. it got challenging to hide when I got so sick. So much more sick than last time. It was a rough few months, but always felt worth it of course. Around Halloween we shared the news with our close friends and family. We mailed everyone the picture I posted here and on facebook later.

My sickness lifted quite a bit around 14 weeks. I was so happy to have an appetite again and to not throw up so many times each day. It was wonderful to feel a bit better.

I haven't had many specific cravings. I couldn't stand fast food for a few months, and I also couldn't eat meat. But now everything is pretty normal. I can't sleep through the night, and I am tired a lot, but I really can't complain. Nothing I can't handle living with for a few months. No complaints at all. I am not a person who LOVES pregnancy like some, but I am very grateful for pregnancy, and that feeling of gratitude usually trumps any discomfort or complaint I have. It all seems like such a small sacrifice for what you get out of it. I am just happy to be pregnant, whatever that includes!

How about a few pics? I feel like I was showing more at 7 weeks than at like 15...major bloating (tmi?)...anyways I think you always feel bigger than you look for the beginning. I feel like a fool taking these pictures...for the record.

What the awkward face in week 17? Creeper.

Then today we found out we are having a GIRL! I can't say I was surprised ..I was so sure of this one being a girl I had already purchased a few small girl items. But even though I wasn't shocked...I am terrified. Girls stress me out. I went to buy a little "it's a girl" prize today and after 3 minutes in the girl section I found myself overwhelmed and headed back to Kyle's department for comfort. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited...but I honestly find it scary. That's all. I am really excited for this whole new world.

The ultrasound went really well. I was really nervous for it with Kyle, and again with this one. I feel so blessed to have a healthy baby on its (her!?) way. It still hasn't really sunk in yet, but I do get overwhelmed with gratitude often when I think about it.

So I think that is about it so far! Just about half way there! Here is today's pic...seriously I don't ever know what to do when taking these. I get awkward.

The day he turned two

On Kyle's actual birthday we had a lot of fun. We started the day by meeting his good friend Emmett for donuts, which they both quite enjoyed. Then Kyle and I headed to the mall to play because he loves it so much. It just so happened that Jr. High choirs were performing live there all day! Kyle LOVED listening and dancing to the music and I got a kick out of the fact ten years ago that day I was probably doing something similar to those little kids singing.

After Ryan got home we took Kyle to Chuck E. Cheese. He had gone with his cousins while we were in Texas and loved it so, so much. He loves the rides, the games, and getting to run around "being a kid", as their slogan says. It was also funny for because 9 years ago that day I was probably the girl at the register...day of flashbacks for me I guess. It was so fun to go just the three of us and play all night there. Kyle is such a fan.

We ended the night with presents, which ended up being an hour long one on one basketball game between Ryan and Kyle. Funny details? Kyle "dribbles" the ball...I will put a video on maybe. It is so funny. Also, at one point Ryan accidentally hit Kyle in the face so he said "I'm sorry Kyle"...Kyle's reply? "say it again Daddy." So Ryan apologized again...this went on about ten times before Kyle said, "its ok" and moved on. So funny.

I think Kyle had an awesome day. I know I did. I love parties, but spending the day just with Kyle, and then the evening as our little family of three was magical. I love both those guys so much, it is a treat to get to spend time with them. Love you K! Happy birthday!

*It should also be noted that Kyle started potty training himself, and stopped napping completely on his birthday. One I love, the other is tragic for me. I loved my nap times. But he stays happy all day, doesn't even act like he needs one. Heaven help me. He is 2 going on 20 sometimes...

2 Years Old

Today Kyle is TWO! I'd say I can't believe it, but I totally can. Time does fly, but at the same time it is hard to remember life without Kyle. He just fits. I am obsessed with this age. He is SO much fun, such good company, and just my favorite person to be around. This list of favorites might be a long one...

• His singing. He sings Itsy Bisty, Sunbeam, Do as I'm doing, Once there was a snowman, The ABC's (his version), Taylor Swift songs, and also some originals of his own. I love when he sings maybe above all else. Especially when he sits at the piano and plays and sings at the same time.
• The things he says...some of my recent favorites.
• "Im sorry you're not chocolate"...said to a cough drop
• "Take two Papa!"...said to Grandpa while taking the sacrament at church.
• "One more time!"...said after anytime we sing a song.
• "Ok, Daddy fix it"...when anything isn't working.
• "I love love love love my ____" fill in the blank with Mama or Daddy depending on the time.
• "Go Ky, go Ky, Go Ky!"...chanted regularly while dancing.
• "Wooooo!"...just anytime he is excited. You gotta hear it.
• "Chicken, hot dog, grapes, dip!"...every meal time this is his request.
• "Oh cute Mama!"...everyday when I get dressed.
• "I so handsome"...everyday after he gets dressed.
• "Fish are friends, not food", when saying goodbye to my uncle we call Bruce.
• "Ew yucky!"...his reply anytime you ask him if he likes babies
• The sweet way he asks for things, says please and thank you, bless you, yes, no...I just love how he talks.
• His fake sad face, which is just funny.
• His love of Mickey Mouse, and their daily phone calls.
• He has sort of started potty training himself...it is crazy.
• He loves to play games, especially Don't Break the Ice.
• He loves to laugh.
• He loves pillows, and often builds piles of them to lay on.
• He like to do flips.
• He loves his cousins, their house might as well be Disneyland.
• He is very sweet and caring. If I say something hurts he always says "Oh I sorry Mama".
• He is very opinionated and hard to sway.
• He is a bit dramatic. Collapses into a pile sobbing over small things.
• That being said, he is almost always happy and pleasant. 
• He loves people.
• He loves nursery. Loves.
• He loves cars, balls, blocks, and coins.
• He loves books, and to be told stories. No matter how many read he always wants more.
• He LOVES his dad. Playing with Ryan, cuddling with Ryan, anything with Ryan is great.
• He is usually very good at listening and doing what he is supposed to. Usually.
• He likes his food cold. 
• He loves to dance. Always busts a move.

Can't say enough about this guy. I know it is probably because we are his parents, but we can't imagine a more fun, pleasant, awesome kid. 

Blue Party

One of Kyle's first words was "blue". He always picks blue when there are color options, so I thought he would enjoy a whole party celebrating him and the color blue. We kept the party WAY smaller than last year, and I loved that. It was a "friends" party that was more like a "cousins" party, and I let Kyle make the guest list himself. He chose cousins, and Emmett. He also listed some of his adult friends, who were kind enough to spend a Saturday evening at a two year old's party. Cousins, pizza, and cake, seemed to be Kyle's main requirements as we planned the party. Simple enough!

A bit of decor, plus some blue velvet cake and an all blue candy buffet.

I was so grateful to everyone that came. It is so awesome to know that people love and care about Kyle. He has so much love in his life, and it meant so much to me to see people come out to celebrate with us. My mom also told an original story about the land of blue which Kyle and Wesley especially loved. Then we did presents (spoiled little boy) and cake and called it good. Aside from two injuries, Kyle was happy and loving it the whole time. I worked hard this year to have him help make all the decisions, pick out decorations, make the guest list/menu, and keep it low key enough he would have a great time. Mission accomplished I think. And wow was he impressed by "blue cake"...totally worth it.

Afterwards he crashed hard after reading his new Mickey books a thousand times, and cuddling with his new stuffed Mickey. The next morning I woke up to him saying "woohoooo!!!!"...as he had rediscovered all the new gifts from the night before. Love it.

Gonna party like it's my birthday

I had a birthday that felt like it lasted a week! Besides my pants being tighter, this was fabulous! The weekend before, Ryan took me downtown overnight and Kyle had a sleepover at my parents. This was magical. We stayed within walking distance to City Creek and Temple Square. It was rainy. My favorite. We had dinner at The Garden where I enjoyed the best shrimp of my life, then enjoyed the lights and fountains (that part made me wish K was with us), then headed back to our room to watch cable (I have never had it at home, so I obsess when we go somewhere that has it), ate some treats, and slept as late as we wanted to the next day. Then we did some shopping of course.

After hours of shopping we still had some time on the babysitter clock...so naturally I chose to go to McDonalds. Judge me all you want, I adore that place and when it is my birthday? You better believe I go there. Then we picked Kyle up early and headed home for sweats and gingerbread train making. He loved it more than a little.

The next day my family threw a little party for me. My dad made the BEST steak. So yum. And Kyle and I got to blow candles out together.

THEN on my actual birthday we partied some more. Becky took me to lunch which was delicious AND fun. Can't beat that. Then that night we went to the Riverwoods, ate magical pizza (wonder why my pants are tighter gees), saw the lights and Kyle visited Santa. He made fast friends with Santa and still talks about how nice he is, and that he gives out candy. Though this is Kyle's third Christmas, this was his first Santa experience. It went so well. Anyways then we came home and watched Hunger Games. Love it.

Last but definitely not least later in the week my wonderful friends took me to dinner. To say I love these girls is an understatement. We don't get together super often, especially just the girls, but holy smokes when we do? I love it so much. I laugh so hard. I drink so much Diet Coke. Life is just good with them. 

I can't forget to mention all the cards, calls, and text that came in too. I felt so loved. It was a wonderful birthday....week? 

And THAT my friends, is how you turn TWENTY FIVE!? Woo. Thanks to everyone!!

Personal Penguin

This is a self indulgent post. When Kyle was only a few days old a good friend gave him the book Your Personal Penguin, by Sandra Boynton. I loved it right away, and it soon became a favorite of Kyle's. At three months he would laugh and dance to the song that goes along with the book. Now he is almost 2 (best age so far in my opinion) he knows the words and sings along. I love it. 

Well now it is still a regular in the daily reading routine. But today, as I finished reading it to him I was overwhelmed with this emotional little feeling. Allow me to share this brilliant little book...

I like you a lot, you're funny and kind.

So let me explain what I have in mind...

I want to be your personal penguin.

I want to walk right by your side.

I want to be your personal penguin.

I want to travel with you far and wide.

Wherever you go, I'll go there too,

Here and there and everywhere and always with you.

I want to be your personal penguin from now on.

Now, lots of other penguins seem to do fine in a universe of nothing but ice.

But if I could be yours, and you could be mine, our cozy little world would be twice as nice.

I want to be your personal penguin.

I want to talk with you night and day.

I want to be your personal penguin.

I want to listen to whatever you say.

Look at these wings, so perfect to hold you.

I'd like to say again what I have already told you.

Let me be your personal penguin.

Imagine me, your personal penguin.

I want to be your personal penguin, from now on....please?

The illustrations are my favorite, and the song is so fun. I love everything about this book. I remember as I used to read it to the baby Kyle, I always sort of felt like he was MY personal penguin. We were a team, I had him and he had me. But today when I read it? I realized it is now me asking to be HIS personal penguin. He is already outgrowing his need of me all the time. It is now me longing to be with him day and night, listen to everything he says, and have his perfect wings hug me. He is my little sidekick and my best little friend, and I love it that way. It won't always be like this.  The older he gets the more I will become the one requesting to be the personal penguin.

We can only hope I don't get this reflective and emotional on every one of his birthdays. Good heavens. But gees, he is my favorite. 

Holiday Weekend

 After Thanksgiving we kept the party going. We put up TWO Christmas trees this year, which was big for me. We have two family rooms and I just couldn't decide which one deserved a tree...so thanks to a Black Friday deal they each get one. Kyle had SO much fun decorating the tree. He can't start the day now without making sure the lights are on. He has also been caught giving the ornaments "rocks" and high fives"...they are close friends I guess? My favorite is when we heard him say after his fist bump "rocks! rocks to my christmas tree!"

We also hit the BYU Women's soccer game with Kevin and Erin. It was intense! They lost after two overtimes, but Cosmo sat by us for a while so Kyle had a dream come true. He always looks from afar at football games and wants to get down to him so bad. When he showed up literally right next to us, all the kids seemed star struck. It was great.

Then on Saturday morning we were eating breakfast and last minute decided to head up to Heber to spend the night with my inlaws on their mission. We had SO much fun. The sled tied to the back of an ATV is seriously the most I have laughed in forever. Kyle had a blast, and we always love seeing Ryan's parents. So glad we got to go.

Now back to reality for a few more weeks I guess!

Thanksgiving

We had a great one! I hope you did too! Highlights.

• Hiked the Y with my Dad for the 11th time! In the last 14 years we have missed three for things like my acl replacement, being 39 weeks pregnant, and that time I was in Disneyland. It was a blast as always, though I swear steeper than I remember :)
• Delicious dinner at my parents
• Croquet for Ryan and my Dad
• Looking through ads while Ryan watched football
• BLACK FRIDAY shopping. Such an adventure. My mom made a great companion this year. We hit Toys R Us, Target and Walmart and still got home before midnight. Amazing. Call me crazy, I think its fun.
• Having Kyle ask for seconds on the corn, and coconut cream pie, naturally.

Staycation

Ryan had to got to go to San Diego to present at a conference. Though I was really excited for him, because it was sort of a big deal, I am never happy to see him go. But really, I was so excited he got to do it. Anyways, I decided to plan a staycation for Kyle and I. Here are a few highlights.

• Disney On Ice with my family
• Cafe Rio date with Kyle
• Dance parties in the humidifier
• Sleepover with cousins!
• Girls outing with a few sisters in law
• Getting new make up on said outing
• Visiting Amber and Mila in Logan
• Making turkey crafts with Grandma
• Lunch with Aunt Diane
• Kyle and I sharing a bed (only a highlight for Kyle)

The best part of all was really when Ryan called to say he was back and ready to be picked up. All the fun activities in the world don't really make up for his absence. No one fits in quite like him. We are so glad he is back! Thanks to everyone who entertained Kyle and I for a few days!

Family Date

A while ago we decided we wanted to go out and do something. We thought dinner would be fun, so we hopped on the freeway. On our way up we noticed that the new outlets at Traverse Mountain were having their grand opening...change of plans! We pulled up right as the fireworks started. It was such a fun night of shopping, a little snow, and being with my favorite people.

Thankful

I am very grateful for so many things, but this news has been topping my list lately.

We are so excited. I have SO many people close to me who struggle with all types of infertility. While I can't begin to understand their pain, and would never claim to even kind of truly understand, I hope I can be sensitive to them, and I feel so grateful for this gift we were given. I have learned from them to never take any part of pregnancy, or parenting for granted. We are so grateful. Now we are just working on making Kyle grateful, he sort of hates babies. Oh dear.

*picture taken by Amanda Peterson

The weekend

This past weekend was so great. Few things make me happier than snow, I was SO excited to see it start falling Friday morning. I knew it was just going to be a great little weekend. Highlights.

• The snow. Duh.
• Kyle playing in the snow for basically the first real time. He loved it. 
• A real live date with Ryan. Dinner AND a a movie AND great company. Dinner was yum, James Bond was great, and we always love hanging out with siblings sans children. 
• A Saturday morning deal at Old Navy. Half priced coats, and mini snow pants make me happy.
• Baking in the afternoon that made the house smell great.
• BYU football for Ryan Saturday night, Kyle and I decided it was too cold for us, but they won without us.
• Getting tons of Christmas shopping done without leaving my house.
• Playing in the snow as a family. We set out to build a snowman but Kyle only had eyes for the sled...and lucky for him he has a dad willing to pull him super fast. Such joy on Kyle's face...I couldn't capture the best of it because I was running along laughing all at the same time. SO much fun though.
• Delicious and different flavored roast for dinner on Sunday, with one of our favorite people as a dinner guest.
• We got out TV mounted on the wall finally thanks to Ryan's brother! It changed the whole room downstairs, I love it. And I love that Kyle can't touch it:)

It was a good one. They usually are. Sad to see Monday had to end it, but the party around here always finds a way of carrying on, thank goodness.

23

Another month, another list of favorites. I can't get enough of this boy. I recently told Ryan I think I would be ok with babies going from birth to two in a month. Not that I didn't love Kyle as a baby, but man. I LOVE this toddler thing. I have mentioned before how my transition to motherhood has not always been very smooth...had I known what a treat this phase was? Definitely would have been the light at the end of the tunnel for me. Here's what I like best right now:

• His little face. It has always been little, but it is just so sweet.
• His "singing face". He opens his mouth wide and shakes his head whenever a song has a long note...this comes out mostly on Sundays listening to the MoTab.
• He combs his hair while saying "I handsome, so handsome". And he is right.
• He has recently started sitting at the piano and sings while he plays. 
• He always says bless you when you sneeze, even if he is half asleep. Recently when he sneezed I forgot to bless him...he got in my face and yelled "bless me!"
• Every morning after he gets dressed and has his hair done he comes and poses for me and says "so handsome"...vain? But still right.
• He sings himself to sleep sometimes...his attempts at the ABC's are my favorite. He gets to about D, then makes random sounds and holds the last one out. Then he cheers for himself.
• He loves to do flips, dance, jump, or simply strike a pose and then say "taduhhhhh" and will keep saying it until he gets applause.
• He has a new love of clementines. He will eat as many as I will peel for him.
• He always eats all but one bite of his oatmeal in the morning. Without fail, the last bite never gets eaten.
• He always says "oh thank you much" unprompted when you do something for him. Love. 
• He loves to dance. That never changes.
• He has favorite songs and requests them regularly. These include..."ever ever" (We are never ever getting back together by T. Swift). "Skyfall" (Adele's new james bond theme song..Ryan is proud). "Woo woo song" (Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani). "style" (Gangam Style)
• He will do anything for chocolate milk
• On that note...I told him we were getting Ryan something special for Christmas and he looks at me so serious and excited and says "oh chocolate milk!?"...that would be the ultimate gift for him I guess.
• He loves to collect money. 
• He loves going to "Gamma and PaPa's house" to play.
• He loves to cook.
• He lives for days we play with friends. He used to be shy but is now quite social. Wants to be around people all the time.
• He loves nursery. He even begs to sit with his nursery teachers instead of us in sacrament meeting.
• He still loves to watch shows, but doesn't have any real favorites right now.
• He is really obedient.
• He is stubborn and has a one track mind...it is hard to talk him out of things.
• He loved playing in the snow! Especially sledding.
• He is a man who loves his nap. 
• He almost always uses full phrases and sentences now.
• He prefers picking out his own shoes from his drawer.
• He loves his books, and has his favorites.
• He often says things and then say "I funny"
• when he gets in trouble he comes over for loves right after.

Next month is birthday month. Get excited!

Photo Shoot

The other night Kyle handed my phone to Ryan and asked him to take a picture of him and Elmo together. Here are the results. Funny. 

Why Rexburg is cool

Rexburg is ripped on quite often. And while I can't say I am sad I will never be a resident there, it has some definite perks! Last weekend I went with Ryan's sisters/inlaws to visit another sister and her husband. I thought it was fabulous. Here's why.

• Best ice cream of my life...seriously why has no one ever put caramel in grasshopper ice cream before now? And so creamy.
• They have that magical chocolate milk with potato flakes in it. Seriously good, and seriously bad for you I am sure.
• Katie and Jeff live there. And they are some of my favorite people.
• Jimmer, their new dog is now there. I am not an animal lover but that little guy is too cute to handle. Holy smokes.
• The Marriott is quite nice. Good breakfast.
• They have a new DownEast clothing store...with a lot of Anthropologie stuff. I scored $300 boots for $35. Hello. They deserve their own post.
• Nothing is more than a few minutes away, and traffic was never bad.
• The temple is really pretty and wasn't too packed on a Saturday. Nice.
• You can go to a Saturday movie minutes before it starts and it isn't sold out.
• It feels cozy. The whole town.
• The ice cream. I'm telling you. I want more.
• You can see the Tetons on a clear day. (thanks Kate for pointing that out)

I had so much fun on our little weekend away. Katie and Jeff were nice to show us around, and Jeff was a good sport to hang out with five girls all the time. I love any excuse to spend a weekend eating delicious food and doing fun things, but Kate and Jeff really are some of my very favorite people, so seeing them was the best part (but maybe the ice cream...). So lay off Rexburg, it's cool yo. 

This is how we do it!

Remember how I LOVE Halloween? Well I love most holidays...but I so love this one. Here is a recap of our month of celebrations.

We started out with the annual Taylor Family party. I love it so much. There was delicious food,Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory apples, fishing and cousins!

Then there was a Lundgreen dinner we made some festive treats for. Cupcakes, ghost cookies, and pumpkin cheesecake!

Then we had the annual black and orange Lundgreen dinner with all the cousins dressed up!

Not all cousins are in the pic...

Then another time we carved and painted pumpkins for family night. So fun.

On the actual day of Halloween we started out the day with donuts, then decorated sugar cookies with Emmett (bff), then headed for some trick or treating at the mall (LOVED IT!!!), then had a relaxing night in sweats with pizza and the Wynn's were able to join for a bit! Thanks to Mel for the last minute football costume...is was much more comfortable to trick or treat in than the iPhone.

Not pictured: ward party where Kyle won the costume contest!

And that's a wrap! We so love Halloween, and its even better with cool Kyle. We loved watching Kyle have so much fun. The holidays have begun!!!

The longest run of my life...

So I have this good friend named Mike. I have talked about him on here before. Anyways, a while ago Mike started running, and expressed interest in doing a longer race, like a half marathon. I was so excited for him! But he kept not signing up for a race so I finally made him do it and said I would join him. I was excited to be a part of his first race!

So the day finally came and we hopped on the bus and headed for Sundance. It was 20 degrees when we arrived and we had THREE hours before the race started! Burr! It was fun to see everyone's costumes and get excited to start.

 (Robbers...Partners in crime...running like we stole something...)

The time finally came and we were off! Mike is about twice my height so I didn't plan on staying with him very long, and my shoe cam untied early so I sent him on his way. Well about mile 3 I started getting a migraine. I started seeing spots and losing my vision...by mile 4 is was pretty much gone and stayed that way for a bit...then it cleared up and I had a good mile...then the pain of the headache came along with the nausea. Holy mother. If you are a sorry soul who suffers from migraines you know the kind of pain I am talking about. Then I started throwing up...so I resigned to walk...I just wanted to keep going. The race wasn't well marked so I never knew how far I was...so I just kept hoping I was only a few miles away. At one point I considered just sitting down and calling for a ride...but I wanted to finish so badly so I pressed on. After about the third throw up stop the pain in my head lifted a bit taking it down to a "normal" headache. This was seriously a miracle. My migraines never get better without strong medication or sleep. Miracle. Anyways I was able to hobble into the finish...with by far my slowest time ever.

My family had started to try and call me and my Dad said he was about to head up the canyon looking for me because I was so much slower than usual. Poor Mike waited FOREVER at the finish line for me, I felt so bad! I was supposed to be his big support to finish this goal and I barely finished myself! But GO MIKE! He did awesome! I was so proud. I hope it is the first of many races for him. And hey, I wasn't the last one across the finish line!

It was definitely the longest run of my life, and by far the hardest. But I am glad I did it! I never regret a run. Thanks for getting me out there Mike!

 We did it!

On my mind

I have been thinking about this topic for months now, and then Pres. Uchtdorf (my favorite) addressed it in the most recent conference and said things better than I have ever been able to. I have been thinking about being busy. Everyone always says to me, usually when asking me to do something, "I know you are so busy!". I always reply with, umm not really. But it is almost like admitting you aren't "busy" is the same as saying you are lazy or unproductive...and that is not how I see it.

Life comes in phases and some are more busy than others, and right now I don't happen to be highly stressed out or very busy. My days are full. I accomplish a lot each day. I never feel lazy or unproductive, but I am very flexible and my schedule doesn't cause me anxiety or stress. I make a point to simplify as much as possible to create this feeling of peace in my life. I know it won't always be so easy. But for now, I enjoy it. And though I think this is a good thing, I find myself feeling sheepish when I say I am not busy. Almost like  in our world you have to be busy to be worthwhile...kinda like this..

Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.

Told ya he says it better than me. I feel like you can be the busiest person in the world and yet not do one truly productive thing in a day. Now don't get me wrong. I know life is busy. Insane work hours, kids, school, or other things fill life up and make it plenty busy and stressful. It isn't always in our power to simplify it to a point of peace. But for me? Right now? Things are simple, and I am just going to admit that. Like I said, I don't just sit around all day thinking of things to do. I have a full list, and often don't get to everything I want each day. Like ever...but I no longer feel the need to create extra stress and tell everyone who will listen how BUSY I am just so they think I am a productive person. I have nothing to prove...and I am happy this way.

Another quote along these lines I love is this:

Good friends will always make room in their schedule for you in your time of need. Great friends don't even glance at their schedule in your time of need.

I  hope I can be the kind of person that is there for people, especially my own family when they need me, without announcing to them how much I have to move around in my schedule to make it work. Priorities.

So my last little tangent....

I am usually a morning person. Like a 5:00 am morning person. But lately I haven't been feeling it, so I sleep until Kyle wakes up. This stage won't last much longer, because I do miss my early mornings, but these last few weeks have been so fun. Sometimes...we lay in my bed for like an hour after we wake up and just chat and play and lay there. The old me would have never done this, and if I did I never would have admitted it...but I love it! Moments like this won't last forever. He won't always be two and want to lay there with me. It won't always be the two of us in the morning. We won't always have such flexible timing in the mornings. This has become my favorite time of day with Kyle. I won't always be lucky enough to have this time. And one more quote...

Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories.

*read his whole talk here

Highlights

Since I use my phone to take pictures now I have noticed thing pile up and I don't blog as much...which makes me sad. So here are a few highlights of the last few weeks.

1.Australian visitors brought amazing prizes! 2. Zupas with Beck and Jack 3.Kyle's new perch 4.Ryan watching Arrested Development. 5. Jeff and Kate came to visit!!

6. Monopoly with Jeff and Kate. Love. 7. BYU fam 8.JCW before game 9. Homecoming game 10. Playing at the mall.

11. Cupcakes for Emmett's half! 12. Wedding reception date night 13. First steamer of the season! 14. Kyle singing with the MoTab. 15. K working out while eating sugar cookies

That's what we have been up to!

Hee Haws

Family night took us to Hee Haws last night! We had such a great time. Kyle LOVED mingling with the goats and the hay ride too. I was alarmed when I was hustled by a group of hungry goats...but couldn't stop laughing the whole time. Afterwards we headed to Cold Stone where Kyle picked "blue with cookies"...sick. He also kept blowing kisses to the table of college aged girls next to us. Trouble.

Take a hike

This Fall weather is my favorite. We just had to get out and enjoy it a bit so we headed up Rock Canyon for a little hike Saturday morning. We had such a great time. Everything was SO pretty, and Kyle was in heaven with endless leaves and rocks to play with. Our only regret was not doing it sooner. 

I grew up hiking a ton and it is important to me that my kids have the same experience. Kyle proved to be a great little hiker and didn't want to be carried for any of it. Oh I just loved it.

22

Another month, a few things to remember.

• Kyle has always loved to dance but it seems the older he gets the more he loves it. He just can't contain himself when a good beat comes on...and he definitely has certain music preferences. He shouts new song! in the car if he doesn't like the one playing.
• He loves to count. He tries to count everything he can, and gets a little confused sometimes.
• He likes to sing the alphabet...though after the letter g who know what he is saying
• He is obsessed with the whole Gangham Style craze.
• He loves BYU...wearing it, going there, and especially singing the fight song. "Y U Y U"
• He has a bigger sweet tooth than me, and that is hard to do.
• He loves lights, or anything else powered by electricity. 
• He loves to do the dishes, vacuum, and wipe up messes. He also can't stand playing if there are too many toys out at once...he starts yelling "clean up" and puts everything away and then carries on
• He hates, HATES, if I hold someone's baby. 
• He recently started saying "cookies" correctly and it makes me sad. He used to call them "cook cooks". Loved it.
• He loves playing with friends and cousins. He asks for them every day. I guess he is lonely with just me?
• He loves to go out to eat....shoot.
• He loves. LOVES. pumpkins. "punkins"
• He is using full sentences a lot now, but it still surprises me every time. 
• He is so attached to an empty sippy cup he calls his "bodit"...it is essentially a pacifier to him. 
• He loves egg nog. Atta boy.
• He likes to cheer for the Cardinals, especially "yadi yadi yadi"
• He is almost always pleasant and so fun to be around.
• He glares at me sometimes. Only me.
• He loves to play with dry lima beans and popsicle sticks more than anything else. 
• He likes to help load the washing machine.
• He says "I got you!" anytime you tickle him
• He announces everything he is doing..."playing...walking...running...jumping...spinning...eating..."
• Still loves Nemo, but I think his counting show is taking over.
• Every morning he says he slept good...then asks for a sucker, show, and cake. None of which he gets...especially first thing in the morning. But he always asks.
• He loves to tell people "happy birtday!"
• He loves to sit on his little toilet, but has never actually used it.
• He loves to cook with me.
• He pushes chairs around everywhere to get to what he wants.
• When he gives kisses or tries to blow on things he never covers his front teeth...they always stay sticking out.
• He loves animals.
• He stays in nursery the whole time by himself! Praises.
• Blue is definitely his favorite color.
• He is left handed...I think.
• He is the sweetest.

I really just consider myself lucky to be friends with such a cool guy. 

And some proof he loves to dance....Gangnam Style...

Not another Manic Monday

Though I don't dread Mondays as I once did as a student or disgruntled employee, there is still a bit of blah that comes with them. I sort of feel bad for Mondays sometimes. So last Monday, Kyle and I set out determined to make Monday wonderful.

We started out picking some pumpkins and playing outside. Next was playing on the tree house at the mall. It is on his top three favorite places. This is where Stacy and baby Kenley joined us. Such a treat. Then we went to the food court for some Chick Fil A, which we both share a love of. Next? Next we went to see Finding Nemo on the big screen. If you have ever spent more than ten minutes with Kyle, you know it is is favorite movie. Favorite.

So last Monday? Last Monday was great. It kicked off a pretty great week in general. Tomorrow? Probably not quite as great, though I won't rule it out. But it sure was fun to ditch all responsibility and do a few of our favorite things all day long.

*yes our drink looks bigger than him...it sort of was.

Zoobilee Zoo

Am I the only one who remembers watching that show? Because whenever I bring it up no one knows what I am talking about. Looking back at it now on youtube I realize it is totally creepy. Anyways. Cousin Jack had his big SECOND birthday a few weeks ago, and we were lucky enough to join him and some other cousins for a day at the zoo to celebrate!

Kyle had a wonderful time really. He loved the animals, and thanks to a braver cousin than I, he even got taken in the reptile house. The polar bear was insane. Diving and splashing and getting nose to nose with Kyle through the glass...that bear made the whole trip totally worth it. The bird show was also impressive. We had a great time!

Kyle's Fight Song

We had a great time at the game this weekend. Couldn't ask for a more beautiful night for football, and even if it is only because Hawaii is terrible, it was nice to see our offense get something done. It was also fun to watch how much fun Kyle had. He behaves better at a four hour football game than ten minutes shopping. Boys. We also love how he dances to the fight song...the end of the video is my favorite. Great night!

*thanks dad- for the vintage sweatshirt straight from your 70's wardrobe

Dream On

I have mentioned publicly before things about my battle between choosing a bachelor's degree and a cosmetology license. I have said before how I grew up torn between choosing what my parents wanted, and what I wanted. But it isn't that simple. 

It wasn't just my parents who wanted a bachelor's degree for me. I wanted it. I wanted it bad enough to work hard to put myself in a position to go out and get it after high school. I wanted it bad enough to spend two and a half years of my life, thousands of my own hard earned dollars, endless hours studying, and so many sleepless nights trying to get to that finish line. But there was another dream that I couldn't get out of my head.

I wanted to do hair. I wanted it so bad. I knew I had a talent for it. I knew I would be great at it. I felt like I was meant to do hair. Like the higher power in the world wanted that of me. It might sound dramatic...but this is how I felt. But it tore me so badly until it didn't anymore. One day I just knew I was supposed to go do it. It was a dream. I was lucky enough to fulfill that dream.

But what about the other one? BYU was my dream too. As much as I claimed it was just my parents' dream...it was mine. It was all mine. When I announced to my Dad I was temporarily stopping BYU to go to hair school he said, "you can't have everything Julie. You need to choose. Hair school, or BYU." I didn't want to believe him at the time. I had a plan. Turns out my plan didn't quite work out. I loved every minute of hair school. LOVED IT. I don't regret for one second EVER the choice I made. I knew I did the right thing. But I have spent every second of the last three ish years talking myself into being ok with giving up on my other dream.

At times I have found total peace with not finishing. I have felt that is hasn't been right for me to finish. I was needed elsewhere and my dad's comment of not being able to have it all has stuck with me. I saw not finishing BYU as my sacrifice for what I wanted more. I made my choice. I get to live my dream by doing hair. But fighting this battle with myself for years has been exhausting. I always come back to it. I always, always, always come back to it. 

A few months ago I changed. I decided the time had come. With Ryan deciding to go for the PhD that gave me three extra years of living next to BYU. Three years to finish three semesters worth of credit. The time had come. It was different now. Why? Because for the first time in this whole process, I am going back for me. Not because I want other people to be proud of me, not because my parents will be so proud, not because when people ask I can say I am in school, not because I feel like a failure otherwise, not because I feel like I need this to be a worthwhile person...because I am tired of arguing myself. I am tired of talking myself out of my dream. I am ready to finish what I started.

I had to apply as a new student since it has been so long since I left. I just found out I was accepted. I am scared. I know it will be hard. I know my family is going to have to make sacrifices for me to be able to do this and for that I am feeling guilty, but I know it is right. There are times this hasn't been right, and I am not saying finishing school, or even going at all is for everyone. But for me, right now, this is right. When I think it isn't right I realize it is only because I know it will be so hard and that scares me. But I can do this. I'll get by with a little help from my friends. Three semesters to go. Let's do it!

The weekend

We had an eventful weekend! It was a lot of fun, and left me feeling like I needed a few days to recover. I didn't take many pictures, but here are the highlights.

• Ryan's family coming down for a party Friday.
• Rich and Erica and their adorable girls sleeping over Friday night.
• Cutting Evie's hair to her chin. So cute.
• Crepes from Ryan Saturday morning.
• A wonderfully fall feeling long run Saturday morning.
• Attending a little carnival and watching Kyle get his first face painting. (except it was on his arm because he would not let the lady near his face...but he LOVED the spider on his arm. Loved.)
• Winning the bean game....well I tied for first with Ryan...a Lundgreen victory all the same.
• Kyle getting stuck in the Chick Fil A play place and bribing a three year old to talk him into coming down.
• Ryan getting to go to the BYU v Utah game Saturday night (thanks Kevin!!) despite the outcome...they still had a good time they said.
• Finding some great deals FAST with Erin plus our children (though I think I would choose shopping with all three of hers over just Kyle) at H&M.
• Eating Leatherby's with Erin. I could drink that hot fudge by the gallon.
• Watching the game...and riding the emotional roller coaster that came with it. I think Erin and I were both on the floor at one point...
• Watching Kyle have so much fun with his cousins.
• Driving the Alpine Loop Sunday, taking a wrong turn and ending up in Heber...then deciding we might as well visit my inlaws while we were there! Gorgeous drive.
• Going to the very sweet baby Knox's baby blessing Sunday.
• Arriving home to find my brother's family playing outside our house...and Kyle getting even more fun time with cousins.
• The best Philly cheesesteak sandwiches ever made by the easiest recipe ever.
• NFL is back.

I love watching Kyle play on the farm. The dirtier he gets the happier he is...when I went to give him a bath after this night his diaper was stuffed full of rocks...he had been stashing them there all night!