Snow

We had the first big snow of the year a few days ago and I decided to take Calder out to experience it. As you can tell it started out very well. He was so excited to be outside. Then he touched the snow and it went downhill from there. Maybe we're just not cold weather people. I'd be okay skipping winter and it sure seems like Calder would be too.

GPS?

Hi Friends,

I am going to be getting Jason a GPS for his birthday next week and was wondering if any of you had recommendations. (Jason doesn't read the blog, I don't think). If you have a GPS and love it, tell me. If you hate it, tell me that too. Or if you've been drooling over one and have done all the research, tell me that too!

Thanks,

2009 New Year Resolution Review

I am teaching a lesson about setting goals to my young women tomorrow and thought it would be fitting to review my 2009 New Year Resolutions. In case you can't remember here they are followed by my report of how I did.

• Read the Ensign every month So, I read the Ensign every month until we moved and then I was a bit spotty. Our subscription ran out in November and I found it weird to read online. I'm getting better though. So, not a total failure.
• Be a better friend / listener I've tried to be more mindful of others and remember small details about conversations and my friends preferences. I think this one was a success.
  
• Have a house that is visitor ready all the time I have actually done pretty good at this one. Calder loves to help clean and I've learned to let a few things go. I think this was a great success.
  
• Lose 10 lbs. (would it be a resolution list without this one?) Yep. Done.
  
• Read to Calder every day I did this one too!
  
• Get back to doing creative things regularly I feel like I did this. Once Calder started sleeping longer it was a lot easier to start creative projects.
  
• Wear makeup more often Yes! Thank you all for your makeup remover tips. I'm glad I'm not alone. I have been doing better at this one and I feel good about it.
  
• Find a fabulous pair of jeans to replace my favorite ones that are falling apart I have found a few pairs of jeans that I really love. This one was probably the hardest one. My weight has changed so much this year and all of my old favorites are now too big. I'm not complaining. There are much worse problems to have. I've actually started wearing more slacks instead of jeans and I really like it. I feel like they are just as comfortable but look a little dressier.
  

Look for my 2010 New Year Resolutions in the next few weeks!

Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas! We hope each of you are enjoying time with loved ones. We move and miss each of you. Our Christmas was beautiful and special. It was very low key but also full of traditions that we love.

We started our morning with cinnamon rolls. They were delicious. Then we got down to the present opening. We were able to take it at Calder's pace. He opened his last present at 7:00 pm which was just fine by us.

Calder has bronchitis and has been under the weather for the last few days. So, if he we look tired, there is a reason for that.

Here is Calder checking for Santa. (Lets be honest, he is probably checking for the garbage man)

Dr. Calder is in the house. If you come visit he will check your heart. He's very good at it.

One of his favorite presents... a garbage truck. He's asking 'where is it' in reference to the real garbage truck.

Attacking the stack.

Playing his new harmonica with daddy. He got a whole band set, which he loves.

A fishing pole. He used it twice in the bath today.

Break time. I love the way he has a toy in each hand and string cheese in his mouth.

Snuggles with mommy.

Another break. This Christmas business is hard work.

Taking the trash out at the end of the day.

Calder's Perfect Day

Last week I think Calder had the perfect day. The day was started by frosting a few sugar cookies. You can tell by the serious expression on his face in this first picture that I told him he has to put the frosting on the cookie, NOT in his mouth.

After all the sugar in the frosting he thought it would be best to wash it down with a little Coke. Actually the can is empty but he does love to pretend to drink it.

After that it was time to wash the dishes. Calder LOVES washing dishes. Actually he loves washing anything.

Including his tongue.

Houseguests

Last week we had such a treat! Our good friends from Chicago came to visit. They came for an interview but I like to think they came to see us and the interview was just and added bonus! It was so fun for Calder to have a buddy staying at his house for a few days. I think I can honestly say it would be fun to have twin 1 year olds. I don't know that I could say that about any age younger than 1.

I love this picture because Calder is sticking out his tongue and Owen has his hands down his pants. Good times.

Christmas Decorations

I LOVE decorating for Christmas and getting into the spirit of the season. This is the first year we've had a tree in our 5 years of marriage. Prior to this we've had our festive Christmas swag that we hung ornaments from. This is such a sweet tree. It is about 4 feet tall and rather sparse. It is as artificial as they come. Everything on it is something Calder can touch or move to his heart's desire.

I feel a theme emerging for my Christmas decorations. I'm glad because prior to this year I haven't really felt like it was cohesive. So, the theme is slightly Scandinavian, winter white and gold. I want to get a few things at the after Christmas sales to really make it obvious.

I just bought this advent calendar and am so in like with it. Next year I'm going to not only include candy but also a slip of paper with an activity for us to do each day. I've seen various lists online and am so excited to try it.

Clever

Calder is so cleaver. The other day after I put him to bed I walked by the front door and saw this. Those are his keys that he left in the mail slot. I just love that he understands that you can't leave without your keys and it seems like a convenient place to store them.

Where have I been?

Here's what I've been up to:

• Addressing hundreds of invitations for my brother's wedding
• Eating more sugar cookies than I should
• Christmas shopping
• Hosting awesome house guests
• Having Jason's coworkers over for game night
• Playing with a very fun little boy
• Working with the young women at church
• Baking fudge, aforementioned sugar cookies, o'henry bars, mounds bars and banana bread
• Visiting the post office weekly
• Wrapping presents (with help from a very fun little boy)
• Watching it snow
• Drinking hot cocoa
  

Calder 14 Months

Calder,

What a little man you are becoming. You have been running all over the place and doing a darn good job wearing your parents out. You are mischievous but sweet. You like to push the limits and see exactly when I will tell you 'no'. You are also very cuddly and tender at times.

I love your ever emerging personality. You are so kind hearted and sweet. You love the garbage man and recycling man and can't wait to see them every week. I love seeing your little body sitting on the back of the couch looking out the window. You patiently wait there until the trucks come down our street. Then you wave like your life depends on it. Our garbage man knows your name and always waves back. I know it makes your day.

Your daddy and I love you so much.

Love,
Mommy

Thanksgiving 2009

We had such a great Thanksgiving this year. My parents and brothers came from Sunday through Thursday. We had Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday. I love that my family sacrificed so much so we could be together.

My mom got her hair cut while she was here. Isn't is awesome! I LOVE it.

Jayme is a trickster. He tried to convince my parents to just give him the money instead of making him come to Columbus. I think he had a good time though.

And Cody. I love Cody. He is so much fun. Calder really loves him too. This was Cody's last single person Thanksgiving. He is getting married THIS MONTH! Yay.

Jason would be so mad if he knew I posted this picture. This is his post-Thanksgiving gut. :)

My dad is so great. We had a great time walking around our neighborhood and talking. He also fixed my closet door while he was here. Thanks dad!

Here's our table. I LOVE my fancy china and don't get to use it often enough. It sure makes any meal feel special. I am going to try to use it more.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you all have a fantastic day!
Here's a quick list of the things I'm thankful for:

• An amazing husband who works so hard for our family.
• The opportunity to be a mommy to the coolest kid ever.
• Our awesome families.
• Friends, new and old and all over the country.
• Modern conveniences such as electricity, plumbing and airline travel.
• Good food, good naps and good weather.

Calder at 1

About a month ago, when Calder and I were in Oregon, we met up with our friends Max & Danielle from Chicago. We had a great time together and had a marvelous dinner. Danielle was gracious enough to take Calder's 1 year old pictures. I have talked about Danielle's amazing abilities before. You can check out her last photo shoot for us here.

Danielle has this amazing ability to capture someone's personality in her photos. I love the facial expressions she caught that I see every day but don't happen that often with Calder. I love having the whole CD of pictures and could not possibly choose a favorite. This does make choosing one to blow up and frame quite difficult. I may have to do a large photo collage or something.

I'm so thankful for Danielle and her willingness to share her talents. And I'm grateful for Max and his encouragement of Danielle's talents. We greatly value their friendship and miss them tons.

You can check out Danielle's website for more information about her and to see additional photo shoots she's done. You'll love each and every one.

13 Months

Calder,

You've learned a lot over the past month and I'm so proud of you. I can't believe the number of milestones you've mastered. You can walk, gently pet Deebo, give kisses and hugs, blow kisses and have interactive play with your friends.

I feel so blessed to be your mom and get to watch all these things happen. I know we've been having a rough go at nap time lately. I think you're ready to drop down to 1 nap and I'm not. I see the advantages of one nap but I feel like big kids have 1 nap and I'm not ready for you to be a big kid. Although, based on the last few days I don't think I have a choice.

You make me so happy. I love being with you and taking care of you. I know Daddy is a little jealous that I get to see all these new things happen throughout the day. But I also know he loves that you know when he gets home from work and want to get out of bed to give him loves. You're the best!

Love,
Mommy

Vintage Rocking Chair

Check it out! I went to Goodwill the other day and scored this awesome rocking chair. Sorry I don't have a great picture of the top. It has a rocking horse on it. I payed $6.99 for it. This chair was made by Storkline which was a Chicago company. From what I understand they stopped making such chairs in the mid 1950s.

Before doing a bit of research I was considering painting it but now it seems like a bad idea. since it is in such good original condition. Would you paint it? If so, what color?

The best part of the chair for Calder is that it has an old music box in the back so when you rock it plays music. And it still works! I'm not a big antiques person but I feel like I stumbled on something cool. I certainly wouldn't have bought it if Calder wasn't totally in love with it.

Happy Halloween

I'm sure you can all guess from the pictures that Calder chose to be James Madison for Halloween this year! Actually Jason and I knew this was probably the only year we could have total control over the costume so we went all out.

I had a blast making the costume. It wasn't hard at all. It did take a lot of time though. I especially love the wig. Calder didn't mind it at all. He kept it on the whole time.

We went trick or treating at Jason's office. It was so fun to see Calder's enthusiasm. Instead of candy he received matchbox cars. He got to knock on everyone's doors (there's only 6 employees) and they each handed him a car.

He loves his trick or treat bag. He wears it around the house and collects his toys in it.