Christmas wrap-up! (Picture after picture)

I can't believe how quickly it all went this year! Probably because we barely had time to sit down and enjoy it...between traveling to and from Price, last minute gift getting, cooking and cleaning- it was a Christmas marathon, more or less!
Here are some pics of our fun week!

Cutest picture of Carter (I think)

Carter and Dad take a break from zoomin around on the snowmobiles

Dawson anxiously awaiting for his ride

Opening presents at Grandma Neeley's (Nilly's as our kids call her)

THANK YOU, THEY LOVED THIER GIFTS!!

Opening presents at The Rasmussens on the 24th

Christmas morning- Dawson and his Buzz Scooter

Carter with his guitar Christmas Day...HE LOVES IT!

Even holds it right and sings with it.

Part of the Christmas feast at our house. I think we did the Food Network proud.

Props to my mom and I.

Christmas Day/night cousins Kaylani and Riley slept over.
Dawson and Kaylani slept in the

playhouse downstairs...snug as 2 bugs could be.

Merry Christmas!

Much Improvement....

"Ho Ho Night" 2009 Most Improved Award

We were completely shocked and relieved by both of the boys, especially Carter. As soon as Santa came pouncing in, both of them perked up and Carter even applauded! He went right over, climbed up on his knee and was happy as a clam...the candy cane was an added bonus and he even went back 2 more times for the sugary reward. Dawson couldn't believe that Santa knew his name, he said "I hope he remembered to put me on the nice list!" and I assured him that he was.

(Frozen) Temple Square

As it were, before Jason and I got married- his family had the tradition of visiting temple square to see the lights. As a family, this expedition hasn't happened in 6 years...so this was a grand event. I spent the day buying hats and gloves and those awesome little heating packets for our shoes. I won't lie- I know how my kids can be in extreme weather conditions, they don't fare well at times. So I braced myself for the night ahead. Once we arrived it was time to bundle everyone up. Dawson did just fine, excited to have a beanie hat and hold his Missing Link toy. He didn't utter a word of complaint. Carter however, cannot be forced into ANYTHING and was ticked off at his daddy for forcing him to put on gloves and a hat.

So for the next 20 minutes or so, we listened to his discontentment. I finally took him into one of the visitors centers and as soon as we walked in he said, "It's hot now mommy!" We took a seat on a couch and watched the Pineview high school perform. ( which is something I actually miss very much from the high school choir days, so I was happy) Carter took a fascination with the touch screen t.v. that played a video on the importance of temples. There was one particular chapter that he loved the most because of the image of Christ. Everytime he knew it was coming he said " Here comes Jesus mommy!!" It was so cute.

Then after all the unhappiness, Jason came in to see how things were going and Carter pointed outside and said, "lets go!" So we ventured out into the bitter cold and walked around with him. Dawson in the meantime was with the rest of Jason's family, touring the sites.

(LOVE this picture by the way, thanks for the real smile babe)

After walking the grounds, we were all starving and Olive Garden was on the menu. Too bad the downtown restaurant was flooded with post Nutcracker audience members. So we drove over to West Valley and ate a delicious Italian feast around 10:00 pm. It was a good time! Both Dawson and Carter fell completely asleep on our laps, just as our food arrived...it made for some interesting dining. We headed out a little early and drove home.

Jason's parents spent the night at our home and then stayed the whole day to go shopping. We started out with all you can eat french toast at Magleby's (YUMM-O) and had a blast going from store to store. By lunch time, the weather had taken a turn for the worse, which kinda stunk, but we were safe inside the doors of Chuck-E-Cheese!! Whoo!! It was a nut house in that place! All that matters is the boys had fun and Jason finally conquered the Simpsons game (after a year of trying). Both boys got a ball from the prize table and haven't put them down since. Thanks Nana Kaye and Grandpa Doug for the FUN, FUN day!

Paging Dr. Rasmussen and SANTA!

We have been really lucky this year, to have had pretty great health considering all the H1N1 hype. It wasn't until we came home frome Disneyland, to have Carter be the first to get the tummy bug. It only lasted about 12 hours and then he was back to running and jumping around. Then on Monday, Dawson was the benefactor to family sharing and spent the day, with his head in the "barf bucket." I explained to him that he could use the big plastic bowl that was right next to him, instead of having to make a dash to the bathroom. This plastic bowl served its purpose about 13 times that day.

Well, as luck (and virual infectious bugs all over our house) would have it, I woke up this morning with it too. I have tried to stay inside and keep to myself, but the motherly duties, do call. Jason offered too stay home, but really I didn't feel to terrible until about 5 hours ago. As I was laying on my bed after dinner, Dawson came in and the following conversation transpired.

Dawson: Mommy, you are sick, huh?
Me: Well, yes, buddy...thats what happens sometimes. I'm okay though. Just had what you had."
Dawson disappears for a moment, returns with his KFC soda cup from dinner.
Dawson: Here mommy, I drank all the sprite really fast, so you can have it by your bed, so you can throw up in it. Now you won't have to run to the potty when your tummy feels bad. When it gets full, I will come and put it in the sink and bring it back. Then you can throw up some more. Does that sound like a plan?
Me: Wow, Dawson you are so nice, honey. Thank you for taking care of mommy, I love you!
Dawson: I love you too mom. Now don't forget to use the cup, okay?
He leaves, back to watching cartoons.

By this point, all those yucky aches and chills went away. I really had my heart melted by his incredibly thoughtful gesture. After that I really didn't feel as bad as the moments before.
Dawson has the touch!

AND...
if that wasn't cool enough, watch this super fun video! Thanks Lindz for showing me this! Click on the link to view.
Santa's personal message to DAWSON!
I can't wait for his reaction!

Disneyland 2009

It seems a tradition is in the making...
Disneyland has always been a place I've wanted to visit- from the time I was little itty-bitty, all through high school and then of course now with my family. Last year was a blast with Dawson, he got so excited when we told him what we would be doing. This year however, was a whole new ballgame! He knew which rides he liked, what toys he wanted to look at, and where to go on his map.  It was incredible to see the change in just one year, he was totally involved in the daily planning. We decided long ago, that these trips were not for Jason and I, they were for Dawson (and Carter when he's ready to enjoy the magic). It puts a whole new perspective on the trip when you are looking at things through their eyes! We rode the Buzz Lightyear ride approx. 10 times and waited in line for the Toy Story ride for far too long...but it was all for him! I am already looking forward to next year's trip- with Carter!
Here are some memories we made along the way...

Waiting for the Pixar Play Parade (awesome parade)

Uncle Sean, Jason and Dawson ready for more fun after dinner.

Mickey Mouse himself! Dawson commented on his sweater...

"it wasnt even cold mom?"

Waiting in line for the best ride ever invented. The Toy Story Mania ride...its SO FUN!

YEP, Gilles Marini from Dancing With the Stars! I couldn't resist.

AND he was seriously so nice and willing to take a picture with me. Gave me a hug...blush!

the CARTER BUG!!

Just minutes after entering the world! 6lbs. 1 oz. 19.5 inches long.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~ NOVEMBER 25th!

I know every mother says this, but I really mean it... I cannot believe Carter is two! Wowza.
His stats at his 24 month appointment:

Height: 89 % tile
Weight: 10% tile
Head 35% tile
Gross Motor skills: Excellent
Fine Motor skills: Excellent
Communication: Excellent
Behavioral Interpretation: Excellent

I was quite impressed by how thorough Dr. Cornish was today, he took a long time to ask questions and basically said Carter is above average with his communication and behavioral growth. For those out there questioning his behavorial growth, he is a lot better off than most 2-year-olds! Yes, he has is moments...but what person (or toddler for that matter) doesn't? The doc was very impressed with the the scenarios we discussed and told us not to over punish him, over exaggerate his tantrums and to basically let him be a kid. Whew! I guess we are doing something right afterall. He said kids like Carter often times socialize better than we think and that he is right where he supposed to be. We love Carter so much. He keeps us laughing, frustrated and overjoyed. He melts our hearts with his "Love you Mommy. Love you Daddy." and his crazy little laugh. He is the perfect compliment to our family and we are so grateful to have him! Dumped cereal, popcorn fights, bullying his big brother, 5:00 am cartoon requests and all!
Here are a few of some fun memories of our Bug....

Crawling into the shower at 5 and a half months.

Swimming lessons with Pam, 7 months.

 Kiddie Kandids, 8 months

Thanksgiving Point, using the window instead of the door. Typical.

All of his bumps and bruises. He is 100% boy!

"Thats MR.STUD to you!"

the BEST!

On Saturday night, I had the honor of being apart of the Best Buddies of Utah "Dancing with the Starzz" event. It was held at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and catered by the Roof restaurant. AMAZING! Marisa and Whitney were both celebrity dancers and both had adorable partners. The event raises money for individuals with mental disabilities. It was such a magical night! When we were given our table assignment, I quickly realized we were seated with the Mayor of Salt Lake County, Peter Cahoon and Kerri Cronk from Fox 13. I was immediately nervous for the 2 hours of conversation that were ahead. I sat directly next to the Mayor and he was VERY nice. He didn't have a 'date' so I felt bad that he was just sitting there. So we actually talked about a lot of various things. Then Marisa and Whitney danced, both with the whole room cheering for them and their cute partners. Such a great experience for them.

I also got to meet one of my Utah idols- Angie Larsen from Good Things Utah. SHE IS A DOLL! She sat and talked to us for a while about all sorts of things. She is a truly genuine person. I was even more of a fan after that night. Marisa's mom was able to come with us and we had a great time...black tie events?? heck yeah!

give THANKS!

I love having heart to heart moments with our kids. On the way to get a treat tonight, Dawson and I struck up a conversation about the things we are most thankful for. In preschool they had discussed some of the things that were important to them and why we should be thankful. Dawson of course told his class that he was thankful for his Monsters VS Aliens game and DVD. (glad the materialistic side of him could be expressed so freely). After he told me this, I said "You know what I'm thankful for? I am thankful for you and Carter and Daddy and for the nice, warm house we get to live in... Did you know that some people don't even have houses??"
He quickly interjected and said "Yeah, that's because the wolf blew them over!"

I guess in the eyes of a 4 year old, those are the facts. Of course there are homeless people (and pigs) all because of that big bad wolf.

I suppose the life changing talks about gratitude will have to wait a little while longer.

Really!!??

"Madam Festiva"

About a month ago I received an email announcing the annual Halloween party and contest at The Primrose Retreat. I have been a faithful client of the Primrose and I got really excited for this one! I told Jason that night, that I needed to find the perfect pumpkin and that I was going to win the contest.... He looked at me from across the bland, boring dinner that I had attempted and said, "You can't say that you're going to win, it's not up to you if you do or not." I kindly reminded him, that while I was a lousy cook, I did have some shred of creativity running through my blood and that I wasn't going down without a fight. I began sketching my design and about 29 hours of painting and decorating later- (and some help naming her from my daddy) Madam Festiva was born. The contest was on the 29th of October- which happened to be the busiest night ever... between trunk-or-treats, Miss Utah board meetings and the party, I didn't know if I could pull it off. I walked in and was greeted by the owner. She bluntly told me I was the winner and that I was getting a FULL DAY OF BEAUTY. Really!!?? Okay!

It includes the following: 30 Min Body Polish, 50 Min Signature Massage, 50 Min Signature Facial, 30 Min Buff and Polish Manicure, 30 Min Buff and Polish Pedicure, Shampoo and Style, Makeup Application and Gourmet Lunch...ummm. yes. amazing.

Needless to say- I am pretty stinkin excited!

p.s.

Jason took back of his criticism as soon as I asked him to help me draw the checkered pattern on the punk-in. Once he was in the game, the competition turned into a family affair. Jason even put the kids to bed on several occasions so I could stay focused on painting and gluing. When I text him that "we won," he replied, "I knew you would."

That's my Jase.

Boo! at the Zoo

Whitney (Miss Utah) me and the kids, Marisa (Miss Teen Utah) and Jason.

On Saturday, we spent the day with our two amazing Miss Utah's at the Hogle Zoo's Halloween celebration. The Boo at the Zoo as they call it, is a fun day for business and local organizations to set up booths all around the zoo and hand out candy, pies or whatever else they think people might enjoy...yes they gave Marisa's mom a whole pie! The girls stood at the Meadow Gold booth (one of the Miss Utah sponsors) and they smiled for pictures and signed autographs for hundreds of little dressed up kids. It was really fun for them, so much fun it made their faces ache with all the smiles.

Our kids were dressed as Iron Man and The Hulk. Unfortunately, when I (the absent minded mom that I am sometimes) apparently didn't get the correct size of costume for Carter. I have laughed hysterically at the picture on him above. We eventually took of the embarrassing, cheap piece of flame retardant fabric and let him run around in his regular clothes...he was MUCH happier after that. Neither one of them even cared that there were animals all around them, including baby Zuri, the new elephant. She was adorable! Carter liked the Zebras, Dawson enjoyed the monkeys. That's about the extent of their wildlife excitement, I would have thought with all of the Diego watchin in our house, they would have been more excited? I guess when you put costumes and candy in a zoo, the animals are going to be overlooked.

The other AWESOME part of our week was the purchase of our very first PIANO! Because I am a "client" of the Covey Center, I was invited to a private showing of the end of the year pianos they get rid of each year. Its a dark cherry wood, Young Chang. We got a screamin' deal on it! We paid about $4,000 less that what it would retail for in a large store. It has already gotten some play time at our house, Dawson and Carter have used it as an alarm clock for their sleeping parents the last 3 mornings. As long as they can harness that love for those white and black keys in about 5 years, we're good.

the H DAY PARTY

Over the weekend we traveled to Price to visit with our families. On Friday we went to dinner with my mom while my dad was on his way back from his last motorcycle ride of the season. Then on Saturday, we headed over to Jason's partents house for a full day of Halloween fun! The activites started out with coloring, pumpkin painting, pizza making, obstacle course, cookie decorting and the grand finale, a candy hunt. Both boys were completely pooped after it all. They had so much fun and their Nana Kaye, Grandpa Doug and Unlce Ryan put a lot of work into making the day fun. As if the party wasn't enough, they were each sent home with a huge bag full of goodies and toys. Wow- grandparents really do have the best jobs in the world... wear 'em out and then send them home pumped full of sugar!

On Sunday we went to our nephew Colby's baby blessing- WHAT A CUTE LITTLE GUY! Not many babies have that affect on me, and I couldn't stop staring at his cuteness! Ugh! His little face is just too much, such kissable little cheeks! Dawson got to run around with Kaylani while Carter and Riley played and played. It's been a pretty busy weekend...thank heavens (literally) for Sunday nights!

the PUNK-INS

Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of year. Halloween decorations are always up before September is through, which only fuels my desire for orange glittered leaf garlands, pumpkins, scarecrows and "Hillbilly Homebrew" melting on the Scentsy. So with the boys in jackets and the back of the car empty, we headed out to find the perfect pumpkins to adorn our porch during this awesome time of year. Dawson of course had to find the biggest one of the bunch, but we told him he could buy one that he could carry. He settled with a nice shaped, plump one with a huge, fat stem. Carter was just happy to throw dirt clumps at the fence, but did end up picking out one that contrasted Dawson's (much like they do in most things).

Carving pictures in the near future.

We then ventured down to Spanish Fork main street where the Scarecrow festival is in full swing. We collectively decided that the Charlie Brown display was our favorite, go #8! Each year the business here decorate a "theme" scarecrow and then you can vote on your favorite. Some of the honorable mentions for the Razz Family favorite, included the Michael Jackson scarecrow (which was quite accurate to the real man) and the Peeking Opera scarecrows. But because the Charlie Brown Halloween special DVD plays year round at our house, its no wonder why the Great Pumpkin got our vote!

the QUEEN!

Congratulations to Marisa Nielsen, Miss Utah's Oustanding Teen! She is going to be awesome! I've had the last year to get to know her and I am thrilled with the judges selection. We are already busy buying cocktail dresses, lining up speaking engagements for her and of course...hours of texting each night! Until the grace of heaven allows me my own daughter, I can "adopt" a full grown teenager each year, without all the pre-adolecent worries. Marisa is personality + and I am delighted to have her join the MUOT family!

the DISCOVERY!

If you haven't been to Discovery Gateway- I highly recommend going! last week we took the day and went with my brothers family and my parents. The kids could have stayed from open to close if we let them! Dawson blew me away with his incredible little mind. I think we may have a rocket scientist on our hands! He was building, building, building and was doing a really fantastic job too! Carter on the other hand just ran around like a crazy person...making everyone laugh in the process. Good thing we all took a chaperoning job over each kid...heaven only knows what would've happened without one on one attention!?