My Wonderful Birthday!

My birthday crept up on me this year. With Tayden to take care of, it never occurred to me that my special day was coming up. However, it turned out to be a wonderful birthday. Here is what happened:

My mom treated me to a pedicure. Something I could easily become addicted too! ... I LOVED it!

My I went out with my amazing friends (who NEVER forget my birthday) to lunch at Red Lobster. It was so much fun. Thanks Linds and Amanda!

My sweet husband got me tickets to David Cook (my boyfriend)! I am going with some girls from my ward and he is going to watch Tayden. By far the best part of my birthday!

This is the jacket my in-laws got me! So cute! I love it. They keep me hip and up to date!

I also got an awesome card from my family in Texas, (I love to get mail, thanks guys!) and ton of birthday wishes from an array of people! It was the best birthday I have had in years! Thanks to everyone for making it great!!!

My Bright Idea!

The other day I went around the house and made a list of everything I wanted to change. Mostly, because I am a major list maker and the more lists I have the less stressed I am. Don't get me wrong, I love my house, there are just a few little adjustments that I want to make. Like anyone else, home improvement is a never ending process. Which I don't mind. Anyway, the list includes everything from repainting a corner to replacing the cabinets. I know the bigger stuff is going to have to wait (most likely for quite a while...and that is if it even gets done), so I have settled for the free and cheap fixes first. I have reorganized some of my stress areas such as the bathroom cabinet and hall closet, but here is my first project.

We have matching lamps through out the house. I don't love them as much as I used too, so I decided it was time for a change. I redid the one in Taydens room first. It doesn't match the decor of the rest of his room and kind of sticks out. I didn't take a before picture of the actual lamp, but this is one in our front room. It looks the same, just bigger.

Before

After

I covered in ribbon. It matches his room better and is more personalized then the rest. I am going to try to find a round ball shaped base, but this one will do for now. After having done it, there are a few things I would have done different. But, I think for a first timer, it turned out cute.

We Have Cement

After a few long days of hard work, we finally have cement! Its funny how when you get married, buy a house and start a family, the things that are important and make you excited change. I never knew I would be so stoked about cement. It looks really great.

I had to throw in a picture of Scotts new car. We sold the Passat and bought him a Vibe. Its a fun little run around car.

Our new sidewalk. Don't mind the 'family portrait'. Tayden was snoozing and I think Scott was to tired to even move.

The awesome driveway. It's wet so that explains the spots. Scott also made the retaining wall between us and the neighbors.

My new walkway! WOO HOO!


The sidewalk got fixed so we have even flower beds on both sides.

The final project. There are still a few things we have to do, like bring in dirt for the flowers, level some grass and so on. But the hard part is over.

And of course a picture of our little man. I was trying to get him to open his mouth and show his three almost four teeth. This was the best I could get.

Finally Phase Two

This post is going to be short and mostly pictures, but I was so proud of my husband I had to brag. Between two jobs, scouts, preparing for school, home improvement (which I have learned never ends), a needy wife and baby, there is hardly a free moment in his schedule. Scott and I have been talking about getting our new cement poured for about four months, but sometimes things don't work out the way you plan. Scott decided he wanted to get it done before school starts, so today was the day of truth. I have to admit, I was a little nervous with the undertaking of this project, but after seeing it today, my mind was at ease. He is the such a hard worker and I appreciate it so much. Also, a thanks to everyone that helped with the project today. We definitely could not have done it without the help of Dave, Fred, Miles or Matt. Thanks guys!

Ripping the driveway out.

The sidewalk ripped out.

We expanded the sidewalk 3 feet. We are going to put 1 1/2 foot planters on each side. (Notice the pizza boxes on the steps?... Gotta keep the workers working!)

All the boys working together!

My brand new walkway from the driveway to the stairs. We didn't have that before, so I am so super excited! It is my favorite part of the whole project.

Only one minor mistake. The planter on the right isn't supposed to come up to the steps. It is supposed to be even with the planter on the the left and cement for the rest. Does that make sense? No? That's okay, we'll take pictures when we are done.

After all the hard work...look how nice it looks! Ready for cement!

Grocery Deals

First of all, according to my husband, I need to be much more prompt in posting my couponing pictures. (Sorry Tracy!) And second of all, I need to thank my super awesome sister in law, Sharlee, for helping with this excursion. It was definitely one of the more frustrating trips and there is no way I could have done it with Tayden without her. With that said... here is this weeks trip.

4 Boxes General Mills Cereals
2 Boxes Premium Betty Crocker Brownies
4 Digiorno Pizzas For One
3 Wishbone Salad Dressings
1 Pillsbury Simply Cookie Dough
2 Best Food Mayos
3 Stouffer Frozen Entrees
2 4-Pack Yo plait Yogurt
1 Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 Country Crock Butter
2 Chips A-Hoy
1 Family Size Wheat Thins
1 Ritz Crackerfuls

For a grand total of...$15.13(rebate included)! There is a really awesome Kraft Special going on right now. Spend $25, get a $20 mail in rebate and a $5 off coupon. So basically free. If you want more info let me know and I will email you the link.

My Happy List!

A little challenge from my sister in law to right my own happy list. So here goes, things that make me happy- despite the craziness of everyday life.

1- A sleeping baby boy. Nothing is sweeter than looking at my little angel taking a nap.

2- Getting to shower! Being a stay at home mom can be pretty hectic, but a shower...ahhh. It washes away the stresses of life.

3-Seeing my husband pull into the driveway. I don't know why, but that is my favorite part of the day. Watching him pull up to our house.

4-Girl time. Getting together with friends to do absolutely nothing but chat and spend time with each other.

5-A good book. Taking a break from my life and peaking into someone elses. It allows my brain to get a much needed work out.

6- Sitting in the shade enjoying the fresh air. I can just close my eyes and thank the Lord for everything he has given me.

7- The prospect of hope in the future. Scott got into school and I know our future will be much brighter after he graduates.

8-A couple of ice cream dibs in the afternoon. My new addiction.

9-Training my dog. Silly, I know, but there is something about our training class and working with him that is so therapeutic.

10-Trips to the store with Scott. It gives us a chance to hold hands and enjoy each other. They are the best dates.

Thanks for the reminder Echo, (and Zoey.) I too pass the challenge. Look at your life and remember the things that make you happy. Can't wait to see your list!

Tayden's Latest Checkup

*(I couldn't decide between the two. You know me, I had to post them both!)

My baby is growing up! I can't believe Tayden has hit the 6 month mark already. It is scary to think how quickly time has flown, and in that time doubled he will be a YEAR! Nuts. This is definitely my favorite stage so far. He is interactive and into everything. He has figured out how to use his super long arms to grab all he can get his little hands on. He laughs all the time and talks even more. He is rolling over and working on crawling. (Hopefully that is a few months away.) He loves his daddy, but can't get enough of his mommy...my favorite! He has two teeth! He knows his name and Tanners too. He is nice enough to let me sleep 9 hours a night. Ah, he is just the funnest little boy I know. I absolutely made the right choice staying home.

***

We went to the doctor today for his 6 month check up. Everything is perfect. Tayden is a big boy weighing in at 20 pounds ( I think he is finally slowing down a little bit) and 27 3/4 inches. That is the 90th percentile for everything. Head included. I think the doctor used the word 'stout' to describe him. He did really well during the shots and only cried a little. After they were over he put his head on my shoulder and gave a few little shutter sighs. In that moment an overwhelming sense of motherhood came over me. That is the best word I can use to describe it. Its an emotion full of love, protection, gratitude, happiness, strength, pride, humility. Its the craziest thing ever. To say I love him is not enough. Through out the day he did great. He was his regular happy self and went to bed without a fight.

***

I'll say it again. I can't believe it. Time has gone so quickly. When he was younger I wanted nothing more than for him to grow up. Now it is happening by leaps and bounds and I can't do anything to stop it. I have to cherish everyday and enjoy the memories we are making. I can't wait to see what is in store for us over the next 6 months!