What we've been up to.

Our Tree

Milo got his first haircut right before Christmas. We went to the Dollar Cuts store, and a lady, all goth'ed out in black lipstick, did a scissor cut for Milo. Of course, we think he's all grown up looking, but I don't know if you can really see the difference....

After:

Before:

Well, we had a very good Christmas...a lot of driving, but it's always so fun to see and visit family and friends. On Christmas Eve, there was a pretty good sized snowstorm. We had planned to drive up to Huntsville to visit over chili with my family and to then go to Snowbasin to see a light parade, fireworks, and rumor had it that Santa would be there. But the storm was just getting to be too much, and although it had quieted down a bit, it was windy and we just weren't sure how Milo would do outside in the cold and windy snow. So, we took Olivia and headed to our house where her mom waited for us. (Maggie didn't make it up it was snowing so bad....)

The drive was pretty crazy, the good ol' Ford Escape is great in the snow. There were a few times when we could barely see from the snow blowing over the guard rails. But a little over an hour later, we made it home. Maggie and Oliva stayed for awhile, and we talked over some yummy and very sweet hot cocoa.

On Christmas morning, we were lazy. We took our time and played with our new toys. Milo got a few fun toys from us and Santa. He also learned how to open presents, though he didn't seem to care what was INSIDE the package...LOL!

We headed down to Payson and Spanish Fork to visit with Cole's grandparents, and then made our way to Santaquin for Christmas and dinner with his family. My mother-in-law practically got me a new wardrobe! LOL! Lots of pretty shirts, and some notecards that I asked for. Milo got a ton of clothes, his first Tonka truck, and some more toys, and Cole got some DVD's and clothes as well. Milo discovered golf clubs. My father-in-law's birthday is the 26th, so he opened a new club from all of us. Milo was fascinated by it...is it a sign of what's to come?

We then headed back up to Salt Lake to hit my parents house. There, we had dinner, again...lol! And opened presents. It was a mad house, but so much fun! Everyone was busy and talking and just having fun. Lydia and Milo both had presents from Grandma Norma that she bought before she passed away. I have yet to wash the shirt she got him because I swear it still smells like her, but the little boy doll that she got for Milo, well, it's one of his favorites. I got the Golden Compass books I asked for and a great hat/sweater/glove set that I asked for too. Cole got some drinking essentials. LOL! We got a lot of other neat things too...all in all, we all made out pretty good!

We got home around 11. Poor Milo was so tired. The next day, he took a 4 hour nap!

Cole has taken the week off, and won't go back to work until after the New Year. It's been weird having him home. It always seems like a Saturday over and over and over again! We've just been taking it easy....doing things on our time and just having fun. It's been nice.

Santa Claus!

We went down to South Towne Mall to see Santa with Anita and Lydia, and Maggie and Olivia. We took all three kiddos last year, I think it's a great tradition. Milo did very well...he was a little scared when Cole first placed him on Santa's lap, but he soon calmed down. Afterwards, Santa asked Cole, "What's his name again?" And Cole told him, "Milo" and Santa said, "I know someone very well with that name!" and then pointed at himself, as the little girls were still around. While we were waiting for the pictures to come, the girls and Milo ate some candy canes and played with their reindeer hats.

In Loving Memory of my Grandma

http://www.legacy.com/saltlaketribune/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=99103686

Most of you know that I lost my precious, sweet Grandma Norma on the 2nd of December. She died of natural causes, that all started with a damn broken hip. She fell on the Thursday night/Friday morning before her death.

My mom asked me if I wanted to speak at her funeral, but I just couldn't do it. My heart felt that it had been shattered to a billion pieces, and I had no idea where to start picking up the pieces. Every little thing that reminded me of her caused me to break down and cry. I rarely slept, and when I did, it wasn't restful. My little Milo sure helped me through this, he is such a joy.

Grandma's funeral was the 7th. There was a viewing on the 6th. They really did an amazing job, she looked as if her herself had applied her makeup, ever so meticulously as she did in life. Her hair was perfectly teased...she would have been happy with the results.

My grandma was so important to me. My sisters and I were lucky in that we grew up just around the corner from her. We were always over there visiting. She had a stack of photo albums for each of her children full of pictures. We would sit on her bed for hours and look through those albums. When we would spend the night, she would let us wear her silky PJ's (which were entirely too big on us little girls) and make us hot cakes for breakfast in the morning. Hot cakes...lol...always caused a bit of an argument. You see, they aren't called hot cakes, they are pancakes we would say to her. She would put the syrup in her fancy glass bottle, and we would talk over breakfast, or read the newspaper.

It was her house that we went to when we were meeting our dad for visitation. He would pick us up and drop us off there every Friday. And just about every Friday, she was there for us...waiting. There are only a few times that I can remember her being out of town. And then, she would walk us to the corner, flashlight in hand, and wait for us to safely enter our home before she turned around to walk back to her house.

Come Christmas, the little bedroom was turned into gift central. The bed was covered two to three packages high with gifts for every member of her family, and of course, covered with an afghan so as to deter peeking eyes (which only led to more peeking).

There wasn't a birthday she missed, an Easter, a Christmas. Every holiday I can remember from childhood...she was there. She always told you how much she loved you, how proud she was of her family. Her place was always clean. She always had cookies for us, always had an open lap. We would lay with our head in her lap and fall asleep or just get really relaxed while she tickled our faces and necks. And when we would try to return the favor, near her mouth, she would come alive and pretend to try to bite us, always resulting in screeches of laughter.

I remember the songs she would sing to us. I remember the funny shows she would watch on TV. Or the journals...she would write in every night, diligently recording the temperature, sun rise/sun set, barometric pressure, ect.

When I got into my older teens, she moved away to Nevada. It was hard not having her around, but I had so much going on as well. Her visits were always a joyous occasion, we would sit at the table, holding hands, and just talk about stuff, life in general. We started writing letters back and forth, though, I think I ended up dropping the ball on that. I remember one letter said, "So are you still working with that DNA stuff?" :)

She moved back to Utah about a year or so ago and was living with my Aunt. One day, at my mom's, we were talking. I asked her, "Grandma, do you really love everyone in the family? There are ones that steal, most smoke and drink (she was very LDS), some have done prison time....how can you love that?" She sat and looked at me, and then said, "Well Sarah, those are the ones that need the most love, don't you think?"

And those words ring with me all the time now. As hard as it is to support those who can not seem to get their feet under them, and it seems easier to turn your back to them, by her example, it's not the answer. Without love, no one can prevail in this world anymore.

My grandma taught me a lot. She taught me to reach for my goals, to love everyone and to forgive those who wronged you. She taught me what love is, how to be a strong woman, and how to be the best person I can.

The last time I saw her in a coherent state was at Milo's 1st birthday party. I was so happy that she made it, and felt bad that I didn't get to spend more time with her. I just found the card she gave to him, and it opened the flood gates once again. I am so sad that Milo will never get the chance to know her as I did. He will, at least, have her as a distant shining star. Her memory will live on, because I will always talk about her to him.

How I long for her touch, her comfort. My heart is heavy. She is so missed, and so loved by so many. She was a wonderful person, they don't come much better.

I love you Grandma.

Leave me presents!

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Cole's birthday

My dear husband had himself a birthday last week. Milo got him a subscription to Urban Climber and a very cute card, and I got him a pair of nice Merril shoes. There was a wreck on the freeway, so he stayed home in the morning. I made a nice breakfast of coffee, eggs, and pancakes. Then he left on his merry way.

Milo and I had a play date with Denise and Jaxon. We had already planned on The Cracker Barrel for brunch. I wasn't sure if Milo would eat, but he proved me wrong. For breakfast, he had 4 Eggo mini waffles, two pancakes, a fried egg, 6oz of milk, and some toast. He proceeded to eat some ham, hashbrown casserole, a buiscuit, part of a banana, and more eggs. I thought kids were supposed to eat you out of house and home when they got older! Here are J and M at the CB...lol

Then, we went to our house to play. Milo was showing Jaxon how to ride the zebra, showed him his book, and tried to get him to help him escape. haha! Besides one head slap, and some pushing, the boys did very well together. It will be fun to get together again!

When he got home, it was a tossup between going to good ol' MacCools or to Ruby River Steakhouse. The lure of a ribeye won, so off we went. We had a great time. The waitress was so fun, and of course, Milo turned on the charm and got some crackers out of it. We got Milo a jacketed sweet potato, which he loved. And, then for the birthday boy, this HUGE slice of cake...the three of us managed to eat most of it though!

The last nice day of the year

A Saturday in November that's in the 60's. Why not go and have some fun? And as always, never forget your camera!

Wordless Wednesday

The walls in the mall are totally tall

Milo and I had an excursion today. We went to the mall to meet up with Denise and Jaxon. We haven't seen them since Milo's party a month ago! We got there a little early, so we cruised on over to Mervyns...and low and behold...a SALE! On cute boy clothes...$30 later, Denise called. We walked over to meet them. Jaxon was smiling sooo big! He was sporting his new stroller!

We decided on Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Milo, the usual piggy, was too busy watching Jaxon to really eat very well...though he did manage 4 nuggets and a few fries. The mall has a play area for lil' kiddos. So we went there (after a stop at the shoe store and Gymboree). The kids had a blast! Crawling, walking, tunneling. It was a grand time.

We've had a busy week so far this week. Monday, Milo started being watched my my mom and other miscellaneous people at her work as my BIL has started a new job and is unable to watch Milo. Luckily, this is a temporary situation until the end of the school semester. I'm not sure what we'll do next semester though. I had a test in my physiology class, which I feel pretty good about...but her tests are hard to guess at how you did. So far, every one of her tests, I've scored an 83...I'm hoping for yet another repeat. :)

Last night, we went to dinner with Poopader to our favorite, MacCools. Of course, Milo is so well known there. We did the half-price appetizers again and ordered Milo a children's grilled cheese. The pig ate most of the sandwich, the applesauce, and had quite a few bites of the potatoes. He also snaked on cheerios and dried fruit before dinner came out. Milo and I went to the shuffle board after dinner to play for a bit. He wasn't as into it as he was the first time.

He has also started to give kisses! Well..he licks you...but it's all in fun! I love it.

On Saturday, we went to the park. Oh what fun! We had a bit of excitement when we sent Milo down a big slide by himself. He hit a hump on the slide and almost flew off! It was kinda scary! But, he had a great time playing, and loved the slides even after that incident.

Milo the Monkey!

I'm cold

I suppose I could turn up the heat, but I'd rather not. Maybe just put on a jacket...hold up.




There.


So, today was fun. I had a pop quiz in one class (4/6...not bad for not studying) a test in another (I'm hoping for at least a 70) and then we got to disect a sheep heart in my lab. And I almost lost my cookies...twice. If I didn't know better, I'd suspect something implanted in my uterus. Stuff like that usually doesn't make me queezy. Oh well. LOL!

Milo is 100% off of bottles with the exception of a water bottle that he curls up with to sleep...no sucking, just likes to hold it. He's weird...what can I say? He's walking more and more, getting more and more independent. It's so much fun to watch.

We (Milo and I) went to lunch with our friends Becky and her little girl Amelia. We went to the Cracker Barrel, where both kids made a fantastic mess of mashed potatoes, corn, carrots, juice, milk, cornbread, and biscuits. And I somehow managed to eat some stew...don't know when that happened. Our poor waitress...complete with broom, mop, and a full pregnant belly, was awesome. I wish I could have tipped her more than the 20% I gave. She went above and beyond...even bringing Milo a cornbread muffin while we were waiting (I think she sensed melt-down point approching).

We are going to go to MacCool's Public House for dinner tonight with my Poopader. Every Monday night (at the Layton location) is 1/2 price appetizers. Here's to banger and mash, finn skins, pierogies, and bbq chicken wings.

Oh yeah, I should be cleaning too. Fun stuff, I tell you what. I'm thankful my head is attached to my body. One less thing to remember. W

e are going to try to get out to get us some pumpkins tonight, either before dinner or after. I'm sure that will make for some fun pictures. I wonder if Milo will like the insides of pumpkins? I always hated it...made my arms itchy!

Anyhoo...here's a vid of Milo walking and going down stairs. LOL! I'm such a proud Mommy.

Milo looks more like

Travel anyone?

I saw that Emily had this on her blog...and what fun! I need to get my butt out there and get some more traveling done. If you are looking for a great site for help on hotel reviews, things to do when you get there, and just advice, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ rocks my socks!

What's new?

Agrh! So, needless to say, we've been busy.

I started school at the end of August. I was origianally signed up for Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Physics, but dropped physics because I really thought that I might be getting in over my head. So far, so good. I love my physiology class, we just took a test, I have no idea how I did. I'm hopeful though. My anatomy class is kinda boring. The professor cackles all the time and it drives me bonkers. The labs are fun though (this is the dork in me).

We are almost done with our remodeling. Cole and his buddy Eric got the tile done. It looks fantastic! Cole then did some additional tile on the window sills, and then did a tile mosaic over the oven. I just have a few more areas where I need to paint, and finish some touch ups. The new carpet is in too. Cole is still working on the downstairs bedroom/bathroom.

Milo is doing so great! He's learning things all the time. He started walking last a little more than a month ago! He just motors through everything! . He has 6 teeth now. The lovely boy in him has figured out how to blow spit bubbles. At his 1 year appointment, he was 19.6 lbs and 30.7 inches long. He's a skinny long boy! It's just amazing how quickly they grow up. It's hard to imagine, just a year ago, he was laying in my lap most of the day.

Here he is at his first football game, University of Utah with my grandfather, my uncle, and Cole. (Cole took this picture, that's why he isn't there)

The end of an era

Today, we finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was an amazing book and I am quite pleased for the most part. A part of me feels so sad though...there's nothing better than the anticipation of a book in which you really feel a part of.

Once upon a time, I made fun of those "Harry Potter freaks". I just didn't understand, even though I was totally emmersed into the Earth Children series by Jean Auel (completly different genre though). Honestly, who cares about a boy wizard?

And then, my dear husband finally got me to listen to the first book. My commute to work was about an hour long, each way. I figured I'd give it a try, besides, I was sick of listening to the radio, and repeating news every half hour. And....I was hooked. I listened to each book we had until then, up to the Order of the Phoenix. And then, I reread/listened to them...I was hooked. I am completely sure that I would have been in Ravenclaw and that my best class would have been Potions and Charms...lol! I never would have thought that I would get so wrangled into the lives of these fantasically imagined characters.

I suppose, I feel a bit depressed though. No more adventures, most of my favorite characters gone. At least, JKR gave us a bit of insight to keep us from wondering, "but what happens???".

I can not wait until I can read these stories to Milo. I hope to see a spark of imagination in his eyes when we read the first book.

Congratulations JKR. You have opened the imaginations of countless children...grown up or not...:)

Our summer so far

This summer has been quite the full one...lol!

Milo and I did swimming lessons (Mom and Tot). They were for two weeks. Milo did great, he loves the water, loves to kick in the water and loves to splash. While we were there, we met Denise and her son Jaxson. Although Milo makes Jaxson cry...cause he's a bully, we've gone to lunch quite a few times. Hopefully, Milo will stop yelling at him.

We started doing some renovations on the house. We tore out the carpet from the front door to the kitchen nook, and put down some backer board to do tiling. We picked out our tile, and now we are just waiting for it to show up. We are also repainting the kitchen and nook area, and are planning on refinishing the cabinets.

My father was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer earlier this month. Luckily, they found that it is very superficial, and the doctors are quite sure they can remove it all with surgury.

Anyhoo, that's about all for right now. I'll try to be better at this blogging stuff. It's all new to me!

Perfect Timing

Just as I sit to write, Milo wakes up and is crying...oh well...I'll get caught up later!