Aaron:Courtney:Gabe:Dillon

FOR SALE-SHOES, PURSES, and HATS!!-Updated!

2011-03-09T10:29:00.083-07:00

Hello All and Welcome to my online yard sale. Just trying to simplify and get rid of things I never use. Hopefully my loss is your gain. I am willing to entertain all offers so if you see something you like, email me at ascsmith@gmail.com or leave me a comment.

Happy Shopping!!!

Steve Madden Nude Pumps-$40
-Bought them off SteveMadden.com
-Worn them literally 3 times
-Size 9
-Slight scuff on the front left toe

Jessica Simpson Black Square toed pumps-$30
-Worn probably 8-10 times
-Purchased at Nordstroms
-No Scuffs
-Size 9

Michael Antonio Gladiator Wedges-$25
-Purchased off Kim Kardashians site ShoeDazzle
-Worn maybe 3 times (too tight for me)
-No scuffs
-Fabulous on!
-Size 9

Tan/Burnt Orange Faux Croc Handbag-$15
-Don't remember where I got this
-Haven't used it in years
-GREAT condition, barely used
-Large, with pockets on each side

Black Slouch Bag-$15
-Purchased at a store in the TI while in Vegas
-LARGE LARGE slouch bag
-Used only once for about a week

Western Inspired small Handbag-$15
-Purchased I believe at Nordstroms, but can't remember
-Small, but SO cute
-Turquoise beading and one pocket inside

GUESS Pewter Handbag and Wallet Set-$50
-Bought at the GUESS store in LA
-Originally paid close to $140 for both
-Used for a couple month period and never again
-Roomy with magnetic closure

Black Slouch Bag with "O" Ring-$15
-Purchased at Nordstroms
-Roomy with Flap Closure

Brown Textured Chain Handbag-$25
-Purchased at a purse party 2 years ago
-Used for a couple months and never again
-Tall and wide, with middle pocket inside

Urban-ish slouchy Hat-$10
-Purchased at Nordstroms
-Only worn twice
-Grey in Color
-Has brim, but rest in slouchy

Military Inspired Hat-$5
-Purchased at an at home shopping party
-NEVER WORN

Michael Antonio, Pink Vintagey wedges-$20
-Purchased from Kim Kardashians site ShoeDazzle
-Small scuff on one of the buckles
-Black scuff on back on right heel
-Worn once, too tight for me
-Size 9

PREVIEW Black Peep Toe Pumps-$30
-Purchased at Nordstrom Rack
-Worn 4-6 times
-No scuffs
-You can see sticker remnants inside from The Rack
-Size 9

CHARLOTTE RUSSE Red Satin Peep Toe Pumps with Ankle Strap-$8
-Wore these twice
-Too tight on me but super cute with a back pencil skirt
-Very Sex and the city-ish
-Size 8

Thanks for stopping by!! I really will look at ANY offer. Please contact me! Thanks!

Lesson learned......

2011-02-20T19:04:00.001-07:00

So Aaron, I, and Dillon we're all laying in our bed having a little lazy fest. I got up to go to the bathroom and in the dark stepped on his dumb legos. So I turn on the lamp and tell him to clean them up, to which I heard, NO! Well just as I walked into the bathroom I hear a little rumble and.......OW! Mom it hurt me too! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah! So funny! Maybe next time he will pick up his legos............

Tepanyaki

2011-02-10T10:30:00.001-07:00

This is one of our favorite places to go with the boys. They both love the food and it's always fun to watch. If you haven't taken the kids there you should!!

Pirate Island

2011-02-10T10:23:00.001-07:00

Funny boy

2011-02-10T10:15:00.001-07:00

This kid is such a ham these days. I love him so much and can't get enough of him. These are just a few faves from the last couple months.

Funny faces

Before swimming at the legacy center. He thought he looked so cool.

These used to be Gabes pj's.

Happy New Year!

He put Gabes hat on and wanted me to take a picture of him,

Bowling!

This is how you can find him pretty much all day long now. He is always on the phone or the iPad playing "dames".

He sleeps with a million toys. Drives me crazy, but whatever he wants.

That shirt he is wearing is a 5, yes people a 5 from Gap. He just turned 2 in October.

He loves to help feed the babies. So funny how concerned he gets when they cry.

I taught him how to do the peace sign.

This pic looks so much like my little brother when he was little.

He loves brother and asks for him everyday, all day.

This kid is one of the coolest little dudes I have ever met. I am not trying to be bias but really he is hilarious and already is saying the funniest things. I love him so much and i am so lucky to be home with him every day.

VDay Decor

2011-02-09T15:36:00.001-07:00

I wanted to add to my vday collection this year and wanted to spice things up a little but so here are a few of my new items integrated in with my old ones. Here is a little tour around my house.

Saw this idea on Infarrantly Creative. It turned out SO good!

I don't have my steps for this project, but I just used a 12x12 piece of wood, painted it, cut out my letters on the cricut, and mod podged them to the board.

This wood tool box if you will was from my SIL and I couldn't believe it when she gave it to me. She said she found it in here basement and didn't want so I took that tool box and I made it my own. I added glass jars, treats, a ribbon, and a cute home made tag.

Here I just cut out the letters out of paper, added mod podge, and added on the glitter. I strung it up with some vintage lace and wah-la!

Same idea with those blocks as the love ones at the top.

This is my not entry way

Fun FREE printables I found all over blogland.

For now that's it. I may have a fees more tricks up my sleeve but we will see.

Valentine's Bunco

2011-02-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

I held Bunco at my place last night and wow was it fantastic!! We had great friends, great food, and great fun! We decided last month that everyone would bring a valentines box and valentines for everyone like we used to do in elementary school. Everyone went all out and it made it so awesome!

I cut these little boxes out with my cricut and they turned out SO cute!

Cookies from Kneaders and cupcakes from The Sweet Tooth Fairy.

Mmmmmmmmmm Kneaders!!

Everyones Valentines.

Thanks Mal and Cass for the lips!! Hahaha!

I made these for my valentines gifts. I took soup cans and dazzled them up a bit. I unfortunately did not get a picture of all of them, but this one was mine.

This was my valentine "box". Cute huh!

Until next year my dears!

Conversation with a 2 yr old about getting a phone...Ha!

2011-01-31T14:56:00.001-07:00

So I was laying in bed with Dillon this afternoon trying to get him to go down for a nap (unsuccessfully) when he asked to play "Birds". The famous "Angry Birds" game found on many phones and devices world wide. This kid is addicted. That is all he does now is play games on the iPhone and iPad. It's nice because now he doesn't want to watch TV all day, but now he is just playing games all day. Don't worry I do have the educational games on there as well.

Back to the story. ( I am writing this just as he says it as well). "Mom, I pay birds?". No honey mommys phone is in my bedroom, it's time to go to sleep. "Mom, I buy phone?". What?! Do you have any money? "No" Then how are you going to buy a phone? "I hae money" Oh you do? Where did you get your money? "Brother". Hahahahahahah! Great so I already have my 2 year old trying to buy a cell phone. Which most of the time he claims mine is his anyway. What is this world coming to where my 2 yr old knows how to play any and all games that get downloaded by Brother(Gabe) or by Dad.

What a funny kid!

New head wraps-lots of pics

2011-01-29T14:10:00.001-07:00

I have a new seller of these head wraps. I am now selling them at Season's Salon in Orem and Quincee's Boutique in Provo. Here are some of the latest that I have made. I am still doing custom orders and they are $18 each. Let me know if you want one.

Christmas at the Smith Household

2011-01-02T16:53:00.001-07:00

Christmas was such a blast this year! Dillon is at such a fun age and we had stuff going on like every night. That is what the holidays are about. Being busy and being with family.

Here is our tree.

Rawlings family Christmas party. (Luau theme)

Decorating Gingrebread houses at Maryam and Freds house. Dill on is quite the creative soul. He Wasserstein very particular about what went on his house and where it went on it.

Handsome boys!

The finished products!

We spent Christmas Eve at my parents house. Since they were in Mexico for Thanksgiving we had turkey dinner and it was amazing!

All the grandkids in their new pj's.

Since we only had Gabe until 2 pm on Christmas we decided to give him a special gift on Christmas Eve. He begged and begged for a Hamster and even though I am not totally keen on the idea seeing as I have to take care of it all week while he is not here, we wanted to get it for him.

His name is Sniffles (they don't see well, just use their noses). Dillon and I call him Squilliam Fancypants though because he is a fancy hamster.

Christmas Eve back at our house. I was actually just to the left of them asleep next to the fireplace.

Santa Came! We definitely were spoiled this year!

Christmas morning! Tradition of taking pictures on the stairs before they can see what Santa brought.

Yeah a kitchen set!!!!! Dill on has played with this non stop!

Airsoft Gun AK-47. Also wasn't too excited about this but what can you do.

Aaron got money and gift cards to get new clothes as well as new luggage and a fees other things. He of course always surprises me and I got an iPad! Which i am currently laying in bed typing in. It is SO great!

Cute new apron I made for him for his art easel.

What a great year we have had and its been so nice having Aaron home the last week. Sad we all have to go back to reality, but excited to see what 2011 has in store for us.

Few new crafts

2011-01-02T16:34:00.001-07:00

These are some new head wraps I have been making, I am currently selling them for $18 and can do custom orders. Just tell me the colors you want and I can whip something up. Let me know if you are interested!

So I saw some gold sparkly Christian Louboutins on the Sex and The city 2 movie and I was obsessed!! I just took a pair of old Steve Madden heels I had that weren't in very good shape and put mod podge all over them and them put gold glitter that I got at Hobby Lobby. They worked out WAY better than I could have imagined and I have been wearing them everywhere.

I bought a small apron for Dillon at a Boutique and I just took the pattern off of it and made an additional one for him for Christmas. So Cute!!!! I love it!

I helped my Sister in Law put this cork board together for my niece. It ended up SO cute and works perfect in her room.

Dillon's 2nd Birthday!

2011-01-02T15:39:00.001-07:00

Dillon turned 2 in October and we had such a good time! We did dinner at 5 Guys since he loves fries and then seenu to build a bear? He totally loves stuffed animals so it was a blast seeing him run through the place totally excited. We also did a Spongebob party but I will be posting that on my Craft Blog so to see that go to "She's Crafty" on the right hand side.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

He also got a tee ball set which he can hit the ball right off it clear across the room. Dill on is the light of our lives! He is soo funny, loves his brother like crazy, loves sports, treats, and anything to do with Spongebob and Toy Story. He is talking so much and is growing like a weed. Since i am late in doing this I am just going to write his stats now.

35lbs
Over 3 ft tall. (He was 36 inches tall in October)
He wears a 4T in shirts and a 3T in jeans and is already in a size 9 in shoes. I love having a big boy that is growing fast, next step POTTY TRAINING!!!!!

Bowling!

2011-01-02T15:27:00.001-07:00

We love us some bowling here at the Smith house. We have been a few times in the last couple months and Dillon continues to beat all of us. He is quite the athletic child.

EVERYONE PLEASE COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-20T13:54:00.005-06:00

I will be selling a bunch of my craft stuff here, so if you want anything come see me!!!

Publish Post

Smith Family Reunion

2010-09-12T13:36:00.021-06:00

There are literally 600 photos from all the families of the reunion so I only picked a few out randomly. It was a BLAST this year and we LOVED having the Johnson's in town. Until next year...........

Craft Blog!

2010-09-12T13:35:00.001-06:00

Just updated my Craft Blog, Check it out!

http://courtneyscrafty.blogspot.com/

Boondocks 2010-Thanks Mindshare!

2010-07-30T00:46:00.027-06:00

Starting off our evening.
I stayed as far away from these as possible. Key it to drench everyone around you.

Misson Completed!

I know this looks bad, but I am really not choking him. I just happened to put my hands right there on his shoulders.
This is Dillon's typical summer face. Due to his eye condition he always squints. So Funny!
He was all about the flowers. He just kept roaming around smelling them.

I love how dark I look in the cave. I am now going for another nationality.

This was so funny! He first kept stealing our balls and trying to just throw them, then he finally grabbed the club and went to town.

Oh yes that fire-breathing lizard was because of me, thank you very much.

All tuckered out.

It was such a fun night and we all loved every minute of it. Thanks again Mindshare!

Happy Pioneer Day!

2010-07-30T00:25:00.017-06:00

Oh what a good day the 24th was. Thanks to Grandma Kaye and Staff for throwing a killer party!!

Dillon is our little fish. We literally go swimming everyday and he can now jump in all by himself and swim back to the side. He of course has his life jacket on at all times, but this day in particular he was only out of the pool for about 30 minutes out of a 5 hour period.
Helping Staff hammer in the stakes. We get Gail force winds there in Lehi.

My handsome boys!
Samantha is so creative! She got this little pool and folded down the arch on it and made it a "Carriage". She pulled the littles around EVERYWHERE.

As soon as Gabe and the other boys laid down, Dillon went right over and wanted to be right with them. He loves those boys!
This is his "Favorite" chair. Everyone can attest that if someone else sat it he would try and push them out. This is what he does everyday after getting out of the pool.
This little funny guy filled this whole tub up with water and then sat it in it.

Watching the fireworks! Dillon was SOO tired so he just laid on my lap and relaxed. Yes I really am that tan. I told you we go almost every day.
Staff got some fireworks when he was in Wyoming for our little party, but it was quickly interrupted with the Lehi Police. Guess our fireworks were...illegal??? Ha!
Look at those JUICY lips.
Most of the Smith Grandchildren.

Thanks again Grandma and Staff, It was a blast!!!

Haynie+Pratt Reunions=LOTS O FUN & TONS O PICTURES!!!

2010-07-13T15:11:00.035-06:00

This whole last week we had a family reunion. It started off in Brianhead with the Haynie Reunion and then finished off up at Heber Valley Camp with the Pratt reunion. So many pictures and stories!! It was so fun and thank you to everyone who helped plan.

And we're off!
This was a rest stop close to Beaver. Dillon had, had enough of the car so we got out and ran around for a bit.
This was after Grandma had given him a ring pop. He was trying to "scare" mommy.
Coloring with Grandma at the cabin.
Sitting by the fire.
We sis a service project and tied some baby quilts. Dillon was all over it and sat and helped my mom forever!

This is him actually pushing the needle down through it.

These next 2 pics are a pictures of one of my dads family pictures from growing up. That is him and his twin brother in the front. Doesn't it look SO much like Dillon?

My cute boys up in Heber.
Dillon wanted to do nothing but play in the dirt. He kept just sitting right in the middle of the road so he could throw rocks and make piles of dirt.
So handsome! He is growing up SO fast!
Cousin Brixton helping wash the dishes in the huge kitchen. It was hilarious!
Thanks to Uncle Jared, Van and Gabe had on the same shirt. Jared frequents the Quiksilver outlet in Provo and buys for us all.
At the family talent show.
Again playing in the dirt and wood chips.
Love diaper crack!
At the family dance, this was how he wanted to spend his time. Hanging, not dancing.
Amber and Aubrey groovin'.
Gabe is really getting in break dancing and is getting pretty good.
Max was doing to the worm and I caught him mid-wiggle.
On our way home after the first night of Heber. Him and Gabe were exhausted.

2nd day in Heber.
Watching Daddy play Volleyball.
Going out on the canoe. Daddy kept telling us that we were safe and that we wouldn't fall in. Mind you this lake is NOT FOR SWIMMING! It has tons of Algae, leeches, etc. Well Aaron almost lost his sunglasses so when he reached for them he went one way and we went the other and our whole canoe overturned. We all went under. It is funny to think about now, but is was definitely NOT funny then.

It's Gorgeous up there!
Right before going overboard.

And yes our camera is pretty jacked now since I had it with me in the canoe. Hopefully we can get it all fixed up and not have to buy a new one.

Until 2012...........

America the Beautiful

2010-07-13T00:22:00.010-06:00

We had quite the fun filled fourth of July weekend. We spent it with my family and Aaron's, did lots of Fireworks, ate lots of food, and just enjoyed being together.

Happy Father's Day/Zermatt

2010-07-13T00:15:00.006-06:00

We have the best Daddy in the whole world! He is so good to us and sacrifices so much for us. He is one of the hardest workers I know, so smart, handsome, charming, etc. We don't know what we would do with out him. For Father's Day I took pics of the boys holding the letters D A D and then put them in 3 frames for Aaron's office. He loved them! We actually stayed the weekend up at Zermatt for Father's Day and it was so fun to just swim, relax, and enjoy having Aaron with us.

Happy Father's Day Babe!

Strawberry Days!

2010-07-13T00:01:00.011-06:00

Since I am playing catch up I am just doing lots of pictures and not much talk.

We hit up Strawberry Days of course and had a blast. Dillon loved it this year since he knew more of what was going on.

Here are my crazy boys at the rodeo. This is really the only good pic we got.
The boys at the carnival.

FACE PAINTING!!!! Dillon LOVED it. He sat there the whole time and kept trying to hand the lady her sponges to help her out. It was hilarious to see him close his eyes when she asked, etc. I posted the video on YouTube of her doing it so if you want to check it out just search asmith5678 and you can see all our videos.
So funny!!!
Gabe's freaked me out!

Only good pic of the parade as well. Dillon wanted to be right in the mix if everything and was the best candy-picker-upper. I am pretty sure he ate it all before we got home as well.

Till next year......

Goodbye Uncle Jaden

2010-07-12T23:58:00.002-06:00

My little brother Jaden left on his mission June 9th. He is serving the people in Ventura, California and we are SO proud of him.

How Neat......

2010-07-12T23:06:00.004-06:00

Normally I would never ever post a picture this grainy and horrifying of myself, but at this point in time I am SO glad I even took the picture. I just had one of the coolest and neatest experiences I have ever had as a mother to date and wanted to make sure I documented it.

Dillon at about 10:15pm tonight grabbed the blanket and crawled up onto my lap as I was watching TV. He does this sometimes, but it is a very short visit and he is off to play again. He had a late nap today so I wasn't planning on putting him to bed until about 11pm so I figured I would see how long it lasted and catch a quick pic to send to Aaron to show him how cute our little man is. Thus the graininess in the pic is the "mood lighting" in our family room and a camera phone.

Some of you I may have mentioned to before that Dillon is a "hummer". He is always humming some tune. Usually it is one he just made up, but occasionally he hums whatever song we are listening to on the radio. Now seriously it is ALL the time. When he is in the bath, playing, swimming, running, you name it. Tonight when he laid in my lap he started to hum and so I asked him if he would like me to sing to him. I used to do this all the time when he was a baby, but since he just goes to bed on his own these days it is a rarity. He of course did his usual "uh ya, uh ya" so I started singing. We went through probably 20 songs (some repeated) and he laid in my lap for 45 MINUTES and after each song he would say "Nen, Nen" for again. He just kept looking up at me with his gorgeous brown/green eyes. I literally could get lost in them. I would tickle his face and he would giggle and then he would hold my hold on his chest. Never in the past 21 months (tomorrow) has he and I ever shared such a spiritual experience. I was so moved by his gentleness and his love for me as his mother. I love him so much and would die without him. Some days I get so wrapped up in teaching him how to be nice and share and listen that I sometimes don't let him be who he is. He is so loving, so sweet, and besides Aaron, my best friend. I am SO lucky that he is mine and that I get to share so many hours of every day with him. I was totally being selfish though as he was lying in my lap yawning, I didn't want to put him in bed because then I couldn't hold him anymore tonight. I finally gave in as his eyes were fluttering because they were so heavy with sleep. Being the good little boy that he is I just have to lay him in bed and kiss him and he goes right to sleep. What a treasure I have.

For all you out there that may be like me, a control freak, and you just want your child to be perfect and listen to you and do everything right, just love them, just let them be who they are and let them shine. I learned a big lesson tonight and I hope that Dillon and I get to have so many more of those neat experiences.

Love you Bubba!

Happy Anniversary Babe!

2010-06-02T20:28:00.006-06:00

This weekend was our 4 year anniversary. We have not really done anything besides dinner since our 1 year anniversary so Aaron surprised me with a trip to Vegas. More to come on the rest of the trip, but this was just our actual anniversary day. We got up and went swimming and did a little shopping and then Aaron surprised me with tickets to see Phantom of the Opera. I had seen it like 8 years ago when I lived in NYC and LOVED it but Aaron had never been. I was SO stoked though and couldn't wait. We got dressed up for the evening and saw the show at the Venetian and then headed to dinner after at Beso (Eva Longoria's restaurant). I had been to the one in LA last November and it was SO good. The Vegas location did not fail us. It was phenomenal!!! THe location was amazing as well. It is right in the center of City Center which is next to the Bellagio. It literally looks like you are in a city, beautiful! I love Aaron more today than ever and I love our life together. He spoils me death and I know that he will love me forever and for always. He is my best friend and I would be lost without him. Love you honey!

Memorial Day a couple days late.....

2010-06-02T20:14:00.006-06:00

I have posted about Aaron's dad before, but he passed away of a Lung disease just months after Aaron and got married. Aaron and I just celebrated 4 years of marriage, so his dad has been gone now for almost 4 years. That is SO hard to grasp! I can't believe he is gone and I can't believe it has been that long. We were in Vegas over the weekend and got in late night and Aaron worked last night so we went over as a family tonight (minus Gabe). The small white and pink flowers are actually Oleanders that we picked and brought home from Aaron's parents house they have in Vegas. We stopped by just to check it since its in the process of being sold and it brought back SOOO many memories. I had to bring some of those GORG flowers home for his grave. I think he would have been really happy to see them:). Sadly this was the first time we have ever taken Dillon over there. I don't know why because we always wave as we drive by, but he has never actually seen the stone. I know that Dad was with Dillon before he came to us though so I know Dillon knows who he is. It makes me sad he will never know him on this earth. We love you and miss you Dad!!!

I know, I know Slacker, right?! First day at Nursery

2010-06-02T20:01:00.005-06:00

Well I am sure that not many of you have been awaiting a new post from me but I am sorry. I have just been SO busy lately with life that blogging was the last thing I wanted to do. I am back though and ready for action.

Well this little handsome devil was super excited for Nursery. He has seen the toys MANY times and has tried and tried to slip in before. He did great and was only hesitant for like 2 seconds. Aaron on the other hand was having a nervous breakdown. No lie he checked on him 3 times just during Sunday school. He said this is big he going to nursery and next thing we know he will be going to college. HAHAHAHA! I was dying. Anyway Dillon still does pretty good and of course he always looks SO handsome.

Gabes FIRST soccer game

2010-04-16T16:37:00.005-06:00

It was 8:30am on a Saturday a few weeks ago and it was FREEZING!!!! Gabe and his team did AWESOME! They won and have already done so good at their other games as well.

New do'

2010-04-16T16:28:00.008-06:00

Well the little man got a new do'! He loves getting his hair cut so he just sits there and does what I tell him to. Except for moving a few times and I almost cut my knuckle off. You can see blood in a couple pics.

We did the faux-hawk with the rat tail down the back. We are trying to keep him as hip as possible. Yes the sides are shaved so I guess it is more like a real mohawk but doesn't look at punk.
Had a little cold at the time, but he sure looks cute still.
This is the "Mom are you serious?!" face. He makes it often when I am telling him to do something he doesn't want to.
Please excuse the no-makeup look.
SO CUTE RIGHT!!!

He always gives mommy the best kisses!!

Can't get enough of this little monster

2010-04-02T18:12:00.023-06:00

So I wanted to remember all the CRAZY things my child does so that in the future I really can look back and say that is why I am NOT having any more babies. Haha! I am totally joking. Even though the kid is such a Ham, full of crazy antics, and has more energy than I have had in my life he is SOOO cute! It is SO hard for me to discipline him because every time I get mad I just scoop him up and kiss and love on him. I could bite his cheeks and squeeze him forever. Thus I assume is the reason he is still doing the following......
(Sorry for the poor quality, most of these are from my phone)

The kid is a climber! This day I left him sitting at the bar eating breakfast because he REFUSES to sit in his high chair anymore. I went to the bathroom and came back to him rifling through the Fruit Loop box ON the counter. If he wants something watch out he will do anything to get it. Don't you love that Cheeser of a smile.
He LOVES apples and is constantly eating them down to the core. Pretty soon he is going to start sprouting buds in his belly because of how many seeds he has eaten.

Dillon LOVES his doggies and as you can see does not hold back his affection. He is constantly sitting on Mercedes, hitting her with swords, grabbing her ears, and of course hugging her to death. Poos Mercedes just lays there and takes it.
This is a new and NOT fun thing he is doing. He will undo just one side and then he runs over to us because he can't figure out why his diaper keeps sliding down his other leg. SO FUNNY!
Again climbing on everything!
Usually when he is in the bath I am right there doing my makeup or hair. I OFTEN find that all of a sudden the tub is FILLED with bubbles. I have come to realize that he has been dumping out the shampoo. Lovely! Really funny to watch him with the bubbles though. He loves to get them on his hands and have us blow them off.

This is one of my fave pics. He LOVES to put glasses on. These are 3D ones from a movie I went to but we have a pair of NERF glasses he always wears as well. I can't wait to get him a cute pair for summer. Look at that body too, THICK! Aaron calls him "Frank the Tank". Anyone seen Old School?
Mom's best helper at the store. He REFUSES to sit in the front of the cart. He has to sit in the big part and then continues to throw out everything that I put in. Quickly getting to the point of not being able to shop with him.
The kids LOVES coins. We have this Coke bottle filled with money and he loves to have us dump it out and then he puts it all back in. This day he was like swimming in it, throwing it in the air, etc. Easy Richie Rich.
The Spiderman hat is a MUST these days. He wears it almost everyday.

The kid needs a haircut, but its so cute when its styled, see below.

Big Boy bed!! This is big time. He was climbing out of his crib so we had to take the front off and turn into a big boy bed. He LOVES it!! He fell out a few times the first 4-5 nights but since has been really good. He goes right to sleep and won't even get out of bed until we come and get him in the morning. I am working on the bedspread and sheets, so more on that coming soon.
This was a fun day........He can now open doors and I came down to him "feeding" the dogs and feeding himself. It was ALL over the floor and his breath stunk SO bad. He LOVES to feed the dogs, but doesn't realize he can't feed them by himself. We now have safety handles on all the doors.
Scooters!! Since it as been warm he and I will go out and scooter in the driveway. I also bring out his 4-wheeler and he just rides it all over.
He LOVES to brush his teeth. This is usually a 20 minute process and he FREAKS out if his time is cut short.
My 3 cute boys. Dillon ADORES Gabe and Aaron both. He will go to them over me any day. I am so happy for my little family and grateful they chose me for their wife and mother. Love you guys!

Mmmm so Handsome!

2010-02-27T23:00:00.002-07:00

I know, I know SO cute right! Oh I just want to kiss his face off! Yes those are skinny jeans!

Hahahahahahaha!

2010-02-27T16:39:00.011-07:00

I turned my back for 2 minutes and this is what I turned around to. He had taken all the pudding out of the cup and then wiped it all over and then clapped his hands so it splattered everywhere. I am still finding pudding on the walls.

Look at those eyelashes!!

He finally got mad at me for taking so many pics. Don't you just want to kiss his face right here! Look at that mouth of teeth. Even the Dr said WOW he has a lot of teeth.

Uncle Jaden

2010-02-23T12:52:00.007-07:00

Uncle Jaden has always been a big hit with the nieces and nephews and he is not disappointing with Dillon. Dillon LOVES Jaden! The other day Jaden came over to hang out me during the day, help me with some projects and ended up staying and playing with us all night. We could not get Dillon away from him. Jaden probably read that book to him 30 times. He just kept nustling right up to him. He was quiet FOREVER! It was so cute to see! We love you Uncle Jaden!

New Vids on YouTube-Check them out!

2010-02-23T12:51:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=asmith5678&search_type=&aq=f

Cereal Lover and an age update

2010-02-20T15:18:00.005-07:00

Our little one is quite the cereal lover. He has it every morning with out fail. He has to have his fruit loops, milk, bowl, and spoon in hand. He is so fun right now!!! He is almost 17 months and crazy as ever. He still goes and goes all day long. He is getting so big, he is a whopping 32lbs right now and is only wearing 2T clothes. Even some of his 2T shirts though are getting short because he is getting so tall. A white LeBron James?? Wouldn't that be nice?! Here are a few things that Dillon loves and that we love about him......

He loves:
Alvin and the Chipmunks more than anything. He knows when his favorite parts are coming up and he starts dancing and jumping up and down.

He also loves to just play in the playroom all by himself. He will bring me toys he is playing with and show me how he "thinks" they work.

He LOVES dart guns. We have a lot around the house and he loves to load them up and have up help him shoot them.

He loves candy still and knows where every little piece is. Even if I hide it he seems to find it.

He has the greatest laugh! He is such a happy kid and loves to just laugh and play all day long.

He has all his teeth besides his very back molars and so he eats everything. He goes to the fridge and has me open it and he knows right where the apples are. He loves to take it and sit on his fave leather chair and just nibble away.

We love our little man so much and would just die with out him. He is my very best friend next to Aaron and I love being able to spend all day every day with him. Love you Bubba!

Update: Taking away the bottle.............

2010-02-20T15:10:00.002-07:00

Quick update on our adventure the last few days. Yesterday he only cried for 5-10 minutes when going down for his nap and then last night he only cried for like 3 minutes and he was out. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! Today at naptime we had people over so it took him about 15 minutes but he still went down fairly quick. I think its official I no longer have a baby, he is a full-on toddler.

Taking away the bottle.........

2010-02-18T20:22:00.002-07:00

I am writing this as I am listening to my child scream and cry because he wants a bottle. I have wanted to ween him off for some time now but am just barely getting the "Kahonas" to do it. I hate seeing him cry and scream like he does when he wants it. I was up watching a movie last night with my husband until like 2am so I was already super tired and then of course as soon as we turned off the movie he starts crying for a bottle. I decided right then and there that I was just going to do it seeing as I was already up and not in a sleep/groggy state. I listened, went in and consoled him a couple times, tried to rock him, but ended up being up with him for 2 HOURS!!!! I finally just turned the monitor down so that I could still hear him but it wasn't blaring and at some point I fell asleep and I guess he did to. He then woke up at 7:30am for some strange reason and was ready to start playing. Oh heavens! I am running on 3.5 hours of sleep and I am running out of steam. He was a disaster all day today, I am sure because he was tired. He slept for 2.5 hours this afternoon which is normal but he should have slept more to make up for the loss of sleep last night. We had a PERFECT schedule down and there I go and just screw it up. Am I crazy?! I mean really people......Is he too old for a bottle? I have mixed emotions. When I put him down for his nap today he cried for 1 HOUR before finally falling asleep, but I suddenly hear the sounds of silence so that means he only cried fr 25 minutes tonight. Progress?? I sure hope so. I have already packaged up the bottles in a box and have it labeled and ready to put with the rest of the baby stuff in the basement. I told him today he was a big boy and he didn't need bottles anymore. Hopefully he understands.........

On another another note, he is starting to sound out words. He said brother twice this morning, but I can't get him to say it again. So cute! Anyway thanks for letting me vent and I would love any advice anyone has for me.

P.S. As soon as I get a free minute this weekend I will be posting a TON. I have been crafting like crazy and doing some fun stuff with the fam so stay tuned.

New Blog!!!!!!!

2010-01-28T15:48:00.002-07:00

Hey all I have wanted to for a while and had a few people tell me I should do a craft blog. Well I am finally doing it! Thanks Andrea Boshard for finally pushing me over the edge. The address is below and I will be posting only on the crafts I am working on. This blog will still be all about the fam. Hope to see you all watching!

http://courtneyscrafty.blogspot.com/

Let's Barter is a bust!

2010-01-28T15:07:00.001-07:00

Well all I am sad to say that I only had a few responses to my "Let's Barter" party. I am going to cancel it but would love to do it again. Start collecting all your stuff and I will try and have one in a couple months.

Let's Barter!

2010-01-08T23:07:00.005-07:00

Ladies,

Its the beginning of a new year and everyone has stuff lying around they no longer need or want, I know I do. So lets get rid of it and get things you really want or need........

LET'S BARTER!!

Bartering is a medium in which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods and/or services without a common unit of exchange (without the use of money).

I saw this somewhere and I know that a few wards have done it in the past(My moms is doing it soon), but I thought what better way to get really good stuff and have a great time then to have a Barter Party. So I would like to cordially invite all my friends and family out there that read this to my Barter party, details below.

WHEN: January 30th 2010

WHERE: My house-If you would like to come, RSVP me at ascsmith@gmail.com and I will send you directions

TIME: 11am-1pm

HOW IT WORKS???

Gather all the items you have laying around that you no longer want or need. These items need to be of good value and in good condition. Something that if you were somebody else you would want to trade it for something. There is no money involved, strictly trading. You could bring anything from shirts, jeans, shoes, crafts, Kids clothes, Purses, Jewelry, Mens clothing(asking your husband first would be wise), Home Decor, Etc. The list really could go on and on. Anything that you don't trade just goes right back home with you. I will have a little section for each person that comes so that you can lay out your stuff. This way you can walk around and look at everyones things and then let the bartering begin.

"One Man's Junk is another Man's Treasure!"

I am SUPER stoked about this idea and hopefully I am not the only one that will be there. Can't wait to see all the goods!

Who's gonna be there?

Videos

2009-12-18T15:52:00.002-07:00

I can't ever get my videos to download fast on here so check on some funny vids of Dillon on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/user/asmith5678

Zermott Weekend #2/Happy Birthday Babe!

2009-12-18T15:09:00.021-07:00

First off I want to wish my Hot hubby a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It was actually on the 12th but its been a little crazy. Friday the 11th I actually had a Surprise bday party with some family and friends and Aaron was TOTALLY surprised. I was so happy it worked out because he was being REALLY resistant to the plans I had set up for him. I just wanted to say though how much I truly love and enjoy my husband. He can still get me laughing harder than anyone and I still just love spending time with him. I love you so much babe and I am so happy I get to spend all the rest of your birthdays with you!

So ZERMOTT #2............We went up for Aarons birthday and decided this time to bring the kids. It was so fun when we went just the two of us but even funner with the kids.Always has to pull the cheeser face. This was when we first got into our room.
Gabe LOVES to take pictures so he always like to take on of us. Funny that Santa "made" him a Digital camera last year for Christmas and he has literally used in one time! I bet Santa was a little frustrated by that.

On our way to the pool in the elevator.

The beautiful indoor pool.

Seriously?! He is such a ham!

Oh he would not get off this thing. He loved it, was making car noises, and turning the wheel.

Bowling!!!! There is a new plave called Jupiter Bowling in Park City and it is AWESOME!!!!!!!! By far the swankiest and coolest place ever to go bowling. I would recommend it to anyone who wants something to do up there.

We woke up to a foot and a half of snow. lovely!

They actually made these ice sculptures. Crazy, right!
The drive home. Scary!

Such a fun weekend with my family! Love them to death and Happy Birthday again to my hubby!

Temple Square Lights

2009-12-18T15:00:00.006-07:00

We braved the cold with the Haynie family and went to see the lights. It was yes, FREEZING, but we enjoyed ourselves and loved going to Jordan and Cayleens after for Hot Chocolate.

What we do during our days together.......

2009-12-18T14:43:00.013-07:00

It is funny to look through your pictures after you have put them on the computer and see how many randoms ones I have. Dillon, my little BFF does the funniest things all day long and we have such a good time together. I love our shopping trips, trips to Cabellas, etc. Here are just a few examples.Seriously found him sitting on this ball against the door one day. Just park it I guess, right?

We love to go to Cabella's to look at the fish and the animals. Alright Alright and the yummy almonds.......

Dillon always goes up to the windows on the side of our front door and knocks on them. ONe evening Aaron decided to put him up there. We placed him on the little ledge and he thought it was awesome. His own little seat.

"Canny" Also known as Candy. No he cannot say it, but this is how I say it in my funny mom voice. Like his mother he LOVES candy. Suckers, M&M's, Ice Cream, Cookies, etc. Its hard having his birthday in October because then you have all that Halloween candy. Anyway I will usually give him a sucker or a little something after lunch. Suckers are always the "funnest" to watch him eat though. As you can see he still loves to do his cheeser face.

Daddy was watching Dillon one night when I was gone and they set up a whole little bed for Dillon to lay in to watch a show and have a bottle. Love that daddy thinks of these things because I sure don't.

FINALLY Gabe's new room REVEALED!!!

2009-11-27T12:22:00.027-07:00

So I have been working for MONTHS on Gabe's Revamp for his room. We did Dillons room but we never really did anything with Gabe's. I thought long and hard about everything going in here, took ideas from magazines (esp. Pottery Barn), and did a lot of Yard sale, KSL, and DI searching to find the perfect pieces. I am super proud of my work so I am going to brag a little about my results.

BEFORE:

New bedspread, sheets, etc. Found these Lacoste sheets on Macys.com and knew I had to have them. I got them and then pulled everything else for the room from them. I made the 2 big striped pillows in the back and then the sleep pillow was actually 2 placemats I found at Walmart for 50 cents each. I sewed them together and then stenciled "Sleep" on the front.
This drawer was already in there but needed to be brought up to date so I just took the handles off and sprayed them with a brushed nickel spray paint and ta-da....Fixed! (They were Gold before)

We wanted to add a little paint but nothing to crazy so I matched the red on the bedspread and we painted just the one wall his bed was going to be up against for an "accent" wall. Thanks babe for painting it. He is such a perfectionist and always does an amazing job painting.

This shelf I found at Roberts. It was unfinished at the time so I painted it white, distressed it, and then added a little stain glaze. I always have been somewhat collecting "G's" over the last few months so that I could have numerous ones for this shelf. I painted and or did something each and everyone of them.
This one I actually wrapped in twine and it took FOREVER, but I LOVE it.

The cute truck I just found at the Roberts clearance center in Lindon.
This painting we purchased a few months back as well from some students that were here from Israel. They were studying at BYU and going door to door selling their paintings. This is a one of a kind from one of the artists and we knew it would look awesome in the room. Just still trying to figure out how we want it framed.
I took a picture my brother had gotten at DI years ago and painted the frame, and then flipped it over and painted the back with chalkboard paint. I glued this other G on it and wah-la a chalkboard. This is his little work station.
Gabe specifically asked for a desk with drawers and after searching high and low I found this desk and chair on KSL for $20!!! I was so excited!! I painted it Red and the chair white then added new brushed nickel knobs and a few office supplies and we were set.
I also made this pillow.
This lamp was previously in his room before but was a sports one with denim and it was just horrible. I covered it with burlap, added a ribbon, and button, painted the base and LOVE IT! These jars I actually modpodged fabric on the lids for office supply holders. Then I created a coaster by modpodging a piece of tile with fabric as well. The tray i found at IKEA for like $2.
The chalkboard.
I saw in PB they had corkboards on each side of the bed and I had to have it. I found the corkboards at IKEA for $5 each and just hung them up and added pictures. The chair I found at DI for $10 and I just painted it white and whipped up another pillow to match the others.

This bed tray I also found at DI for $3, but it was an ugly blue with some painting in the middle?? I painted it the same red as the desk and mod podged some cute paper in it, and distressed it. I actually did all the desk drawers with this as well.
This lamp I found at Kohls for like $6 and I loved it. This end table was in his room before as well and it was a 2-toned black and wood so I just painted it and added the same knobs as the desk. I also made a coaster with fabric and a tile for this table as well.

This is it!!!! End results. Gabe freaked when he saw it and said it was one of the best surprises he has ever had. That made all the time and effort totally worth it. The bed was in our guest bedroom so we just swapped them since its a little bigger and more of a big kid bed.

Oh how busy we have been..........

2009-11-27T11:37:00.022-07:00

Well this past month or so has been SOOOO crazy! You will see from the post below that we were just trying to have a little fun.

Aaron and I went up to Zermott Resort in Midway for a little R&R. It was a weekend full of good food, funny movies, massages, swimming, and a lot of fun with my hubby. Thank you to my mom again for watching Dillon.

This was Dillon at the Neurologist appt. He said everything was fine and the cyst was totally normal. Nothing to worry about and not even a need to follow up. YEAH!!!!!!!!

So most of you know I have been getting pretty crafty the last year and these are a few things I have been doing over the past few months. On top of all my DIY re-do's to all my DI stuff and old stuff around the house I have mostly been doing these for gifts for friends. These 2 are ones I gave to my BFF Teresa(who is in the pics below) for her B-Day.

A few weeks ago I headed to LA for a little by myself R&R. Teresa and I have been planning this for literally 5 years and it finally happened. We had a blast hanging out, eating, shopping, and shopping some more. We say Stanley from the office, who is sitting right behind us in the restaurant picture. We were actually at Eva Longoria's restaurant, Beso. It was phenomenal food and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. We say Frankie from "The Hills" at the Grove and we shopped at the Kardashians stores in Calabasas. I got a KILLER scarf at one of their stores. I put up the "sbe" pic for all you Hills fans as well. That is where Heidi works or worked?? Anyway it was one of the funnest weekends ever and I can't wait to go back. Love you T and the Hodges!!

This was yesterday at my parents house but I thought these were hilarious and so cute of my brother Jaden and Dillon.

Dillon's first and I am sure not last trip to the Instacare......

2009-11-01T14:54:00.003-07:00

Thursday night I was over at my moms and Dillon was playing on her quilting machine. On the side of the machine there are little wheels and the kids always play on them and act like they are driving. Well Dillon reached his hand up at some point and his middle finger got pinched and it cut it pretty good. He was bleeding all over so I called Aaron and my mom and I cruised over to the instacare. They said it was not that deep (I didn't agree) and that they were just going to put Dermabond (SuperGlue) on it and that was it. So we went home and within 2 hours it had completely come off and he was bleeding EVERYWHERE again. I bandaged it up and put him in bed for the night. Friday morning he woke up and as soon as I took the bandage off it was gushing again. WHAT IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!! So I called Instcare and they said to bring him down again. When I got there the Dr. took a look at it said, "Oh that is really deep clear to the middle of his finger, that is why it is still bleeding." Hmmm and 2 people the night before could not tell that. Anyway they wanted to do stitches which I was scared they were going to say that. I asked them if there was ANYTHING else they could do because of Dillons experience a couple weeks back at the hospital. He is already so traumatized and I knew that he would just FREAK OUT the entire time. So what they ended up doing was gluing steri-strips onto the wound and and then bandaging up his entire hand as you see below. They said they totally understood and if I needed to bring him in everyday to be re-bandaged so that it could heal they were willing to do that. HOW GREAT ARE THEY?! Thank you so much to Randy Archibald who was the great Doc that took care of him at the Tri-City Instacare in Lindon. He even called that night to make sure that Dillon was doing ok and that the bandage was holding up.

Dillon is doing good, we can't let him play in the bath or get the bandage wet so that's been a little tricky but our little man will be just fine in 4-5 more days. Love you buddy!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T14:37:00.013-07:00

We signed up to decorate our car for the ward Trunk or Treat and it was SO fun. I had been planning for a couple weeks and I think my bat cave came out really well. There were eyeballs, bats, spiders, and my Witch Potion. Halloween is one of my fave holidays and this year did not disappoint.

Aaron took the boys out trick or treating around our neighborhood and they had a blast. Dillon was of course wandering the streets and Gabe just couldn't wait to get to the next house.

This was our candy to hand out and he kept stealing the bucket and carrying it around. He definitely understood the whole getting treats idea.

Dillon with his owie finger. Another post on that coming.
Lego man (Sam)
All the kids
Lego man and Snake Eyes
Nacho Libre, Captain Hook, Alien, and Raggedy Ann

Bunco-Halloween Style

2009-10-29T17:19:00.013-06:00

It was a blast! Thanks Corinne!
Before the party
Killer lashes, Right!
Killer Cape my mom made.
Kanye West and Taylor Swift
The Group
Cassie
Jocelyn
Jocelyn, Millie, & Karrie
Millie, Sam
Karrie
Kanye aka Heather

Gardner Village with Friends

2009-10-29T17:10:00.008-06:00

Carving Pumpkins

2009-10-29T16:59:00.011-06:00

We had a BLAST carving pumpkins as our little family this year. I am not going to lie I think we did pretty good.

Once again Gabe snapped this picture. He only does it for Gabe.

Scary guy??
Skull
Owl-I have been obsessed with them lately
Blue from Blues Clues

Old Chair Makeover

2009-10-14T18:06:00.004-06:00

I believe this old chair came from DI or Savers, but I am not sure as my brother bought it. My mom has just had it at her house since he didn't want it anymore and I saw HUGE potential.

I need to remember to take step by step pictures but I just get so excited. So this is how it started old, boring, and drab. I took off the seat and spray painted the chair black. Then I measured and cut out some burlap for the seat and stenciled an "S" for Smith on it. I then covered the seat and by the time I was done with that the chair was dry and I was ready to put it back together. I am not sure where this little gem is going but as for now it is my chair in my craft room.

Home Made Burlap Sign

2009-10-14T17:37:00.006-06:00

If you look at the post below you will see this sign was part of Dillon's Birthday decor. I of course got the idea from a gal's craft blog I follow and had to try it. I bought the burlap at Walmart for $2.78 a yard, some black acrylic paint, and the scraps of ribbon I already had.

It turned out to be a little bigger project then I intended but I am SO pleased with the outcome. I printed out each letter and then cut it out and used the normal "scrap" part as my stencil. I then made a template from a manila folder for my squares and I went at it. It took the most time to cut the stencils and fabric but once I was done with that the painting was so quick. I then hot-glued jute twine to the back and ta-da here is my sign. I measured my kitchen before I glued them on as well so that I didn't use more than needed. Once I got it up and hung I tied the scraps of ribbon in between each letter. I felt like it looked too plain for a birthday party so I just dressed it up a little. What do you think?

Dillon's B-Day Party-Lots of Pics!

2009-10-14T16:54:00.021-06:00

Last night we had Dillon's 1st birthday party. It was a huge success and we want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes and fabulous gifts. He was totally spoiled!
Invite to Dillon's party
My cute boys! We had a little birthday lunch at Wendy's.
Gabe captured this little beauty while I was getting our food. He LOVES Gabe!
3D ALL the time!
Birthday Party Set-up! P.S. I made the Burlap Sign and will be posting about it later.
Cute party hat I made as well.
Suckers for party favors.
Opening Gifts
Thank you to everyone that came!
Jordan and Cayleen
He LOVED ripping open the gifts. I am super excited for Christmas.

He did not disappoint yet again.
Mmmmmm!

New little 4-Wheeler. Thanks Andrew and Shauna!!
He thinks its the greatest thing ever!

Happy Birthday Dillon!

2009-10-13T13:00:00.006-06:00

One year ago today I was in the hospital recovering from having this little guy. I just can't even comprehend its been that long. He is the love of my life along with my husband of course and is such a joy to have in our home.
This past Friday at the Hospital when they weighed him he was 28 lbs and 30 inches tall. He goes for his one year checkup on Friday so I will give more info later. We just started him on the D Milk a couple days ago and he didn't even flinch. He LOVES it like his daddy and brother and is now totally on Milk and no formula. YEAH!!!! He has been walking for about a month now and frequently goes up the stairs and fast I might add. He loves to play with toys and knows exactly how to get to the playroom. Gabe and Dillon are still best buds and Dillon gets so excited when he even hears Gabes name. He loves Goldfish, applesauce, yogurt, and of course any kind of treat. He loves to dance to music and taps his leg in the car. He is also clapping, FINALLY and is just a total Ham. He loves to put on a show for the little girls in the neighborhood when they come over. He is a big fan of Reagan Wilson (Watch out Cammie Jo).
We love this little man to death and are so happy he is apart of our family. Love you Bug!

MRI and The Results

2009-10-13T12:34:00.012-06:00

Here is an email that Aaron wrote to our families. I think he puts everything so well into words. I have added my thoughts after.

Last Friday, Courtney and I took Dillon in for his MRI and we just found out the results so I wanted to let everyone know. The MRI was not a fun experience for our little boy as it took 2 hours for the nurses to thread an IV as they tried both hands and feet multiple times. Courtney and I and multiple other nurses had to hold Dillon down while he was getting pricked numerous times and screaming bloody murder. However, after two hours and multiple nurses trying to get the IV started, they were finally successful and Dillon was sedated for the MRI.

Today, I spoke with the doctor and he confirmed that Dillon has Optic Nerve Hypoplasia which means that he is nearly blind in his left eye. However, the main issue we were wanting to determine was if he had any midline brain abnormalities, which we are happy to report that he does not. There was one thing that did show up on the MRI which the doctors were not originally looking for which is a cyst on the left side of his brain. It is small right now and will need to be monitored so we are meeting with a neurologist in the coming month to determine how often it needs to be monitored and if it continues to grow, what the procedure entails to drain the cyst so it does not cause too much pressure on his brain.

So bottom line, Dillon’s brain looks good, his vision in his left eye is very impaired, and we will have to continue to monitor this cyst so it doesn’t get bigger and cause any other issues as he gets older. We, unfortunately, cannot do anything about his left eye, which is very sad, other than just make sure that his vision in his right eye is okay so he can see and we will have to monitor the cyst on his brain to ensure it does not grow. Both of which we can mitigate. The one thing that we wouldn’t be able to remedy is if he had abnormalities with his brain which is not the case. Even though every parent doesn’t want to hear any of this we are very grateful that it is not worse than it is. We appreciate everyone’s love and support in fasting and praying for our little boy.

**Word cannot express how many emotions were going through my vains that day at the hospital. I was just so sad that my little boy had to go through all that pain and suffering. Ultimately it was a huge blessing that we did the MRI or we would not have known about the cyst and it could have caused major issues later. Dillon is such a strong boy and I know that he will be able to face the world with what he has to deal with. He will live a normal life and live it to its fullest. I love that little man so much it hurts sometimes! I want to personally thank all of our friends and family that prayed, fasted, and thought about Dillon and our family through the last month. We have been truly blessed and we love each and every one of you.

Before the procedure in the waiting room. He was SO happy!
He totally loves paper and pens.
After 2 hours of hell. My face is puffy and red and so is his.

Finally got it in his foot.
Them putting him on the table and strapping him down.

These 2 pics above break my heart........
After the procedure sleeping off the sedation medication.
Trying to get him to eat and drink afterwards. He was pretty much totally drunk and couldn't even keep his head up.

Newest Projects

2009-10-05T16:48:00.013-06:00

So I am all about doing projects that are CHEAP, EASY, and CUTE! These are a few things I have done recently to spruce up my house. I wanted to get some fun Fall and Halloween decor around the house and I got a few ideas from some blogs and from my own brain and wahla!

Here is an old black caldron I have had for a few years. I never really did anything with it so this year I thought I would add a little ribbon to make it look appealing for the holiday.

This is a plant that I have in my entry way and that I also wanted to add a little something too. Ribbon is the cheapest and easiest way to make something look so good and so different.

This little gem was a 5am wake up from my sleep idea for our family pictures. This was yellow at first all over and I spray painted it white and recovered the back and the seat. I am sorry I am not good at remembering to take a picture before. I will work on it.

My mom picked these beauties up from the Roberts Clearance center in Lindon for like $1.25 and so we got some paper and mod podged them up.

I like it!

Here I wanted just some fall decor that I could leave up clear through November. I had seen on another blog a lady had done this with some grass in her own yard. Well I didn't have any so I went to a field by my house and chopped some down.

I also bought some small pumpkins, gourds, etc at Walmart.

And the base I found at DI for $3.00. I thought it was a steal and couldn't pass it up. Now I have this little number on my front porch.

I used more of the grass for my next project.

Used as old vase I had lying around, some ribbon, and ta-da!

A cute grass something to put on my fireplace mantle.

Really what I try to do it look around my house and see what I have that I am not currently using before I go and buy stuff. That is my favorite thing to do seeing as then I don't have to spend money on the actual items just on what I need to spice it up. All of these things have literally cost me no more than probably $6 or less. I have done a few more projects and have tons of ideas so keep watching for more.

New Family Pics

2009-10-01T17:28:00.011-06:00

Before I explain our pics I have to first give a shout out to Nichole Burdett who was going to do our pictures and went into labor Tuesday morning. Congrats Nichole!!!!

So I was scrambling to find someone else to take our pics and I called and called and everyone was booked out for months. Well I called Jennifer Eliason who had done some of my in laws pics and she said she was booked out as well but if we wanted to do that night still we could. WAHOO! I was so happy because I had everything ready to go. So we headed out and this is what we came up with. Thank you so much Jennifer! She did a great job and I would highly recommend her. (Don't worry Nichole I still plan on using you next time.)

Sorry their kind of blurry. When the file is so big and blogspot has to resize them they sometimes come out weird.

Here is her website.
http://www.jennifereliason.com/

Car Carts

2009-09-27T21:40:00.004-06:00

If you ever go to Smith's Marketplace to shop you MUST use one of these. I didn't hear a peep out of him the WHOLE time.

Goose Egg City

2009-09-27T21:35:00.005-06:00

The other night Dillon leaned over to grab a pillow and got off balance and went right into the corner of the wood around our fireplace. It swelled up immediately into a HUGE goose egg and has been black and blue for a week already. He cried for just a few minutes but was fine once Dad walked in from work. He is getting to be such a daddy's boy lately and its fun to see him run to the door when he hear's the garage door open.

A sad day at the Dr's office.......

2009-09-27T21:20:00.004-06:00

For a few months now we have noticed that Dillon has a little bit of a lazy eye. Since Gabe has one we thought we had better take him to an opthomologist to be safe. After getting a recommendation from our pediatrician we had to wait a couple months and then were off to Primary Children's for our appointment. They had to dilate the poor guys eyes and that is what the pictures are of. He was pretty silly because it made his eyes blurry and he was acting like a little drunk baby. I felt bad but still laughed a little. Well once we were able to get in to see the Doc we were completely caught of guard when the Dr immediately said that the nerve in Dillons left eye(the lazy one) was dramatically smaller than normal and said that he has a condition called Optic Nerve Hypoplaysia. It is a birth defect and his nerve never developed completely and he is legally blind in his left eye. We don't know the severity of the blindness because he is so young but it is something that could potentially get a little bit better but we won't know until he is older. His right eye though is great which was REALLY good news. If that wasn't bad enough the Doc went onto tell us that because the nerve was SO small and this is the nerve that takes the info from his eye to his brain they are concerned that his pituitary gland in his brain may not have completely developed as well. We are scheduled for an MRI on October 9th and that will tell us if he will have issues with his brain or not. For those of you who don't know the pituitary gland is a major component in your brain and controls A LOT. This was a HUGE shock to us and we are very nervous about having our baby have to go through this. The odds are in our favor for a lot of things, but there is also a 30% chance that he could have issues. We are optimistic that all will go well and it will strictly be a vision issue which means he could lead a normal life. He will never fly planes or anything but will be able to do pretty much everything else. We would like to ask for everyone thoughts and prayers at this time and we will also be doing a Family Fast October 4th if anyone would like to join us. We just love our little Dillon so much and wish him every great thing in life. Wish us luck!

Bed Head

2009-09-27T21:11:00.004-06:00

I love seeing what his hair looks like every morning from sleeping on it. I know you can't see it real good, but it was pretty funny this particular morning.

11 Months Old Today

2009-09-13T20:29:00.005-06:00

Well our little tiny baby is another month closer to one year and has made so much progress in the last month. As most of you saw in the earlier post that he is walking and sometimes practically running. He loves being so much more mobile. He won't eat baby food anymore and he lives on Easy Mac, Fruit, Yogurt, Gerber Cheetos, etc. He loves water and any kind of juice and has been doing the sippy cup thing for quite some time now. He LOVES to dance and starts jammin' every time music comes on. He still continues to climb out of the bathtub regularly and tries to climb up anything he can. He can go so fast up the stairs and will sit in the his room for an hour and just play toys. He can say Mom, Dad, and Sadies (our dog), and we are working on saying Gabey. He is such a happy kid all the time and LOVES to laugh and tease. He plays peek-a-boo with us and thinks he's so funny. He can also sign a few things as well.

He has been sick the last week or so and one night Aaron was out of town and he woke up and wouldn't go back to sleep and seeing how I had the flu as well I just brought him in bed with me. The next morning I woke up to a big WET kiss on the cheek and a big hug. I couldn't believe the little guy had done that and realized he was excited to wake up next to his mommy. I continued to get mauled with kisses, hugs, and pats for another 30 minutes. What a way to wake up, eh?

This little man brings so much happiness into our family and I am LOVING watching him grow up. I can't wait for his first birthday and being able to give him a big birthday bash.

Love you baby!

Dillon is walking!!!!!

2009-09-13T02:31:00.002-06:00

Everyone check out the video I posted on YouTube. Its short but sweet and yes he really is ALL OVER now. He literally walks 99.9% of the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5r8sce30Bg#watch-main-area

New Dresser

2009-09-12T13:38:00.007-06:00

So there have been a few other projects I have been wanting to tackle and have not had the time to do them. This is a dresser I have had in my craft room that has been great for organization but didn't look that great with all the other pieces I have redone. Last night I finally got to it and here are the before and afters. What do you think?

I read this gals blog regularly and she owns or has something to do with Mod Podge. Here is a link to her blog so you can see what some of my inspiration was. I think for my first piece its pretty good.

http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/search/label/Furniture

http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-studio.html

You should buy one too!!!!!!!

2009-09-03T14:27:00.005-06:00

I am normally not one to just take pictures of myself but today I really wanted to do a little advertising for my good friend Heather. Her and her friend have started making headbands. Now the fabric they use is YEARS old as well as some of the sequins and other parts. So when they say Vintage, they mean VINTAGE. They are super cute, affordable and as you can see I am wearing my new purchase today. I wanted to tell everyone because they are way too cute not too. Thanks Heather and hopefully you didn't want this one Cassie because I bought it after you left, hehe. What do you think??

If you would like to view more you can click on the link that says "Steve and Heather Farnsworth" and from there you can click on their Headband blog or their Etsy site. Happy Shopping!

P.S. Please don't critique the pictures, just look at the headband.

What have I been up to?????

2009-09-03T14:07:00.012-06:00

I have been a Mod Podging Fool! I have had a few people ask me to post the projects that I have done lately. I have really been trying to get in touch with my creative side so I have been doing lots of research and really letting my creative juices flow. No as a disclaimer almost all of my ideas are things that other people have done and I have just copied. I have found tons of really good blogs of women that do this sort of thing all day long and are the brains behind these hair-brain schemes. I have LOVED doing them and will continue to create.

Project #1 TABLE for my Craft Room

My mom gave me this 25 year old Oak table because she no longer needed it. I decided to make it a little funner and prettier to look at. I will be putting my sewing machine on one side and using the other end for other crafts. (The legs aren't on it yet, just waiting for the husband to do it.)

Project #2 Magnet Board

My mom also gave me this magnet board a while back because she was no longer using it. I took to it with the mod podge and created a fun piece to look at when you walk in from the garage.

Project #3 Corkboard

I also had this cork board laying around. I had in it my bedroom at my parents house years ago and finally decided to spruce it up for Dillon's room.

Project #4 Small Table

My mother in law gave me this little wicker table when she moved here from Vegas. I love it but never had a place to put it. Well since I have now transformed the guest bedroom into my "craft" room I now need space to put things. You will see in the above picture it matches with the table I did as well.

Project #5 Little bathroom decor

I really wanted a cute sign that I could hang in this vintage bathroom. I had looked around and never really found what I pictured in my head so I decided to make my own. I took pages from that same book as well as cut off the back cover (hardbound) and mod podged the pages to the cover. I them printed off the computer the letters, cut them out, mod podged them on and then took some pearls from an old piece of jewelry I had and here you have it. There really is a method to my madness I guess.

Project #6 Canvas

We had an old piece of art that neither Aaron or I like so I just mod podged over it. I got some OLD books from my Mom that she had picked up at the library YEARS ago and ripped the pages out. I loved that the edges were already brown and worn so it made even better looking than I thought. I then got a brooch at an Antique store and glued it to the corner there.

Project #7 Vase

With this project I took some graphic art that I pulled off of a website, printed it out, and then tore out the little squares and then mod podged it on to the vase. The bathroom this is located in is somewhat vintagey and so a lot of my Mod Podge products have been for here.

Project #8 Hot Plate

This is a 12x12 piece of ceramic tile that I have mod podged and then sealed with a granite sealer to make it heat resistant.

Thanksgiving Point Farm

2009-09-03T13:55:00.007-06:00

Yesterday Dillon and I were invited for a little play date at Farm Country. We went with some really great girls and their kids and had a blast. Thanks so much for the invite and can't wait to do it again.

Heather and Holland, Cassie and Phoenix, Heather and Macie and Millie.

Dillon and I on the Hay Ride.

Asher and Macie on the Hay Ride.

I LOVE this picture. I guess they can sleep anywhere.

The animals all moved out of the way before I took the picture, I promise there were some behind him.

He was tuckered out after a hot day at the farm.

Build-A-Bear

2009-09-03T13:49:00.005-06:00

So last weekend was my first experience at Build-A-Bear. I can now say.....I think I am hooked. What a FUN place to get a stuffed animal as a child?! We went with my cousin for her little girl's birthday and had a blast. Gabe was a veteran and knew just what to do but Dillon was in AW. I wasn't sure if I should do one for him but he helped pick it out and it is now one of his fav toys. We named is little owl "Hoot" and Gabe named his Batman Wolf "Shadow. Thanks so much for the invite Janae.

Before

After

Good hugs little man.

This is Allie my cousins little girl.

Cali and Nate's Wedding

2009-09-03T13:30:00.008-06:00

My lil sis got married last Friday the 28th a killer guy named Nate. He is so great and PERFECT for my sister. I can not even think of anyone that would fit her style any better. We love you Nate! Welcome to the family!

Dillon gives VERY tight hugs these days and he LOVES Gabe and hugs him all the time. Here he almost forced Gabe right into the flowers.

Once again was not into looking at the camera.

Best pic we could get of our little family. Dillon refused to look.

Look at those bucky beaver teeth. He has 8 total now.

I love that it looks like he is like dragging Dillon. haha!

My Cute Boys

2009-08-25T16:40:00.007-06:00

Now that Gabe is back in school we have not gotten to see him as much as we would like. Aaron and I miss him a lot but Dillon does especially. These 2 hooligans gets together and its a blast. We had a such a good weekend a few days ago and looking at these pics just really makes me miss Gabe that much more. He loves his class though and is already loving being back in school.

All dressed up to go to the Temple dedication. He is such a little man. I couldn't believe how handsome he looked. He was pulling a goofy face here though.

Please don't mind my hair or the no make up but I love how Dillon is standing in this pic. Belly pushed out and everything. He is SOO big!

This is him just watching Gabe and his cousin Christian.

Gabe can get him to laugh so hard.

He wanted to be a big boy and sit at the table and eat dinner like everyone else. Scary how tall he is sitting on the chair isn't it?

Bridal Shower for Cali

2009-08-25T16:11:00.007-06:00

This last week we had a bridal shower for my sister Cali. She is getting married this Friday the 28th and I am super excited for her. We had a great time at her shower with fun games, food, and definitely some "Good" gifts. Good Luck Cali and Nate!!!

The advice table.....

Playing the interview game......Hmm lots of gum in there. How well do you really know someone? Lets just say Aaron and I dated for a year and I got TONS wrong.

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas............

2009-08-25T14:33:00.019-06:00

I play in the greatest Bunco group EVER and once a year we a Bunco overnighter. This year it was Mallorys turn and she chose VEGAS. We have been planning this all year long and boy was it a SUCCESS. We had a blast staying at my mother in laws home, swimming, eating, going to a Hypnotist show, shopping, and playing Bunco. Which I might add came down to Jocelyn and I having a Bunc-Off and I ended up taking it all. Sorry "JJ"! We will definitely remember this year for years to come. Hopefully next year will be as good as this year, no pressure.

The beautiful Adrienne

Rain Forest Cafe

Hypnotist Show

This is the GOOD life!

Look at those HOT Babes!! Isn't Millie like the Hottest pregnant girl you have ever seen?!

Olive Garden

Doesn't Heather look so HOT?!!

Mother/Daughter Weekend in Park City

2009-08-25T14:24:00.002-06:00

For the last couple years have gone once a year and done a Mother/Daughter Weekend in Park City. It is so much fun and I am so grateful to have the Mother, Sisters, and Sister in laws that I do. The weekend was full of eating, laughing, hot tubbing, and of course shopping. A special thanks to Cayleen who go the house for us. It was awesome!!! Love all of you!

Special Shout Out

2009-08-06T14:04:00.002-06:00

Today is my mom's bday and I just want to give a special shout out to her. She is SOOOO amazing. I have definitely used and abused her over the years. I know a few things I did caused some greys (I am now making up for it by coloring her hair, ha!). Anyway she is ALWAYS willing to watch Dillon, help me with a project, or just come over and hang out. She always has treats for us and makes such great sunday dinners. She makes me proud everyday to say that she is my mom. Her grandkids love her, Her children and spouses love her, neighbors, friends, and of course my dad. She is the kindest, sweetest, most giving person I know. She would give the shirt off her back to anyone. I can't believe how many things she has done for me in my life. I will be repaying till I die. Love you so much mom and I hope I am half the mom that you were.

P.S. The only pics I have of her since this one are wedding, etc. so an old pic will have to do.

Deep Sea Fishing

2009-08-06T13:55:00.007-06:00

I mentioned in an earlier post that Aaron and Gabe went Deep Sea Fishing in California while they were there. I was waiting on some pics from Aaron and here they are. Aaron caught the largest fish on the boat once again. Seriously since I have known him he has every single time. The time was very special though. He caught a BAT RAY! Well I guess that Gabe snagged it and then Aaron took over and it took him 30 minutes to reel in. He had blisters all over his hands that I had to nurse when he came home. It is a narley(sp?) looking thing. The black holes are his eyes and mouth. They are underneath it. So crazy!!! Anyway they all had a good time and I can't wait to go again myself its been a few years honey (wink, wink).

9 Month checkup a few weeks late

2009-08-05T12:33:00.007-06:00

So I took Dillon the other day to his 9 Month Checkup. Our insurance changed and so I had to wait 30 days until I could take him in so technically he is almost 10 months. Anyway this little kid just keeps surprising me everyday with the crazy things he does. We love him so much and just so happy he is in our lives. I can't imagine life without him!!! Here are his stats and a few things he is doing right now.

Weight: 24 lbs 12 oz. (Yes you are reading that correct, just 4 oz. shy of 25 lbs)
Height: 30 1/2 Inches

1. I OFTEN find him at the top of the stairs. He is SOOO fast and just crawls so fast up them. I am so scared he is going to fall down them some day.

2. One of our bathrooms has a door to the shower and toilet room and then the sinks are separate. Anyway I was grabbing something in the cabinet and had the door open and all of the sudden I heard this thud. I look over and I see Dillons head poking around the door. He had full on jumped out of the tub to grab a toy he had dropped. I was dying laughing, it really was hysterical. This kid will do what it takes to get what he wants.

3. He is already tormenting the dogs. He will grab on the Sadies ears and not let go or hug her and not let go. Sadies is good though and just growls under her breath so I know to get him off her.

4. He eats EVERTHING. He can eat an entire banana. He usually eats at least a jar of food if not another 1/2 of one for meal time. He loves the little Gerber treats, especially the cookies.

5. He spits all the time with his lips. Not sure how else you write it. He blows and his lips vibrate and make noise and spit. haha!

6. He loves BOOKS! He usually eats them and tears them up but he will look through them and play with them forever.

7. He has taken 1 step twice now. He also will stand up by himself and sit there for like 8 seconds before he falls down. Not too much longer before he is walking.

8. He LOVES swimming!! He will seriously get mad if I try to get out with him and he is not ready. We will be in the pool for 2 hours sometimes. If I hold him by his tummy he will wave his arms around in the water like he is doggy paddling.

9. He has already mastered the limp noodle tantrum move. He will lift his arms all the way up so he slides right through my hands while kicking his legs and arching his back. I had no idea that could start at such a young age.

10. Last but not least he gives the BEST kisses. He will grab on to my face with an open mouth and kiss my lips and then he switches and does the spitting/vibrating lips thing. He is hilarious, stubborn, cute, and just an all around great baby. I love his guts and still can't wait to see him when he wakes up from naps. Which by the way I better go shower before he wakes up right now....Until next time......

Summer Days Drifting Away.........

2009-08-05T12:11:00.010-06:00

So this past week we headed to Boondocks for a little end of summer fun. Gabe goes to year round school so he started a few days ago. We invited Shauna, Christian, and Tobin and had a blast! Thanks for coming guys!!

Gabe totally got a hole in one!!!

Love these 2 boys!

Gabe and Christian both ALMOST got it in the lizards mouth. It would go in and come right back out.

What a mom, eh? She sat and played this shooting game with Tobin FOREVER. She is so great!! Love you Shauna!

Hot Hot Day

2009-08-05T12:07:00.003-06:00

This is Dillon and his cousin Ava relaxing by the pool under the cabana. You can tell their faces are red because it was so hot. SOOOO glad we have Grandmas pool to cool off in.