Trains and underwear

Can you tell where we are in this picture? Remember how I fantasized about going to the SYTYCD concert at the beginning of October with my Brad in Ohio while his wonderful mother watched the kids? Remember how my hubby is awesome and got me tickets for an early (very early) Christmas and birthday present? Remember how he went with me and even enjoyed it and squeezed my hand when I got a bit teary (only twice)?
Yep, he's the best.
And the concert was great, minus all the cheesy dialogue in between each number.

Things have been pretty chill around here lately, and as the weather has turned colder we've been entertaining ourselves more and more indoors. And the longer we're inside, the more clothes are shed. Pants are optional at our house these days (but only if you're 4 years old or younger).

I really can't believe how old this boy is getting. He's talking up a storm now and is rather obsessed with chocolate milk, which he pronounces as "choc-da-do." Those are the first words to come out of his mouth in the morning and after his nap.

Sometimes I could swear that all these two do is bug each other and fight, but every once in a while I get to witness these precious moments. Love these two.

Merry Christmas

Oh, sorry. I mean Happy Halloween. I'm just a little confused from all the SNOW we've been getting here. So confused, in fact, that I've been listening to Christmas music for 2 days now. I love the first snow fall of the year (even if it is a bit too early this year). It just feels Christmas-y outside to me. Come January I'll be cursing it and this wretchedly cold town that I live in (that I actually really love...I just hate being cold). But right now, I like the snow. Even if it means that we had to go pick our Halloween pumpkins in it.

Brad and Nick on the wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch. It was freezing!

It started snowing on Thursday, and as soon as enough had accumulated on the ground Nick went out back to go sledding and make snow balls. This boy is happiest when he's outside. And lately, when he's happy, I'm happy.

Chase, on the other hand, prefered to watch Nick from the patio. He's not too sure about the snow yet, although he loves being outside, even in the cold. Doesn't he look so old in this picture?

And in response to my last post, I just want to let it be known that I have better friends and family than I deserve. Thank you.

Nick

In the last few days...

I have cried 3 times

And prayed a lot more than that.

I've been swung at

and kicked at

and yelled at

and whined to

I've comforted meltdowns

and had some of my own

I've cleaned up thrown food

and toys

and dishes

and thrown food

and toys

and dishes

I've taken temperatures

and given medicine

and reassured and held and kissed

I've threatend and yelled more than usual

And I think he might have spent more time

in timeout yesterday than out of it

I've contemplated child psychologists

and therapists

and some[more]good self-help parenting books

I've felt like a failure

and I've questioned myself

and what I've done to this kid

to make him act the way he does sometimes

And I've wondered why in the world I thought it was okay to live

so far away

from my mother and Katie

And while the moments seem few

I've also read books

and cuddled

and played with toys

and taught valuable life lessons (right?)

and instilled responsibility

that actions have consequences

I've smiled

and laughed

and felt proud

that he is mine

And I have hope

that this is just a phase

that this too shall pass

And it will all be worth it.

Did you know?...

My little brother Daniel is the CEO and founder of a company?

Guess how much he makes? Not a penny. That's because he's awesome and has just started a legit (really, he set it up with a lawyer and everything) non-profit group called "Good in the Hood." Daniel has a love for other people that is unreal. It really is a gift. Now he's inspiring others to serve and love in the way he does. You can start your own chapter where you live or join the original group in good ol' Salt Lake. You can also join their group on facebook (590 members in under a week). I'm a proud big sister.

http://goodinthehood.weebly.com/index.html

Nicky boy...

Two weeks old

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

I love October 6th. Happy birthday to my baby boy. I'm so proud of you and I'm so glad you're mine.. I love you to outer space and back (that's what Nick said to me last week)...

Already?!

At the ripe old age of 27, I'm afriad the grays are taking over. I think it's time to say good-bye to my natural hair color for FOREVER...

A look back; Utah...

I've come to accept the fact that this blog is my (and my family's) journal. I don't know why that bugs me but it does. No, I do know why; it bugs me that I'm not motivated to record stuff on my own but I'm motivated to do it if everyone in cyber space can read it. It means I'm l.a.m.e. Anyway. I'm off topic already. So since this blog is our journal, I have to post the rest of our pictures of the trip to Utah, even though we've been home for a month! Let the fun begin...

Ahhh. Millcreek Mondays. We were there for 4, and each was awesome. Retta and Nora, my moms best friends and second moms to me, always brought presents and stuff to entertain my boys. Such thoughtful and FUNNY people...


Chase Clark with the man he was named for... (I love my dad)

Nick's preferred watermelon eating method...

Jack and Nick LOVED the bridge...

Part of the group around the fire...er, the fire-pit...

Painting rocks...

This is "Grandma Retta" as my boys call her. A lot of my best childhood memories include her. She deserves her own blog-post. Hilarious. Brilliant. Talented. Thoughtful. Love her. Stinks that the picture is side-ways.

The whole group (plus my Grandma and Grandpa Smith who were able to join us that night)... My favorite part of this picture is Tim and Katie. If you know them, this will be funny to you...

One Saturday we took the boys to my favorite farmers market and to the fountain at Gateway. Love the stroller brigade...

So did Mara...

I also was there for the Dudley Family Reunion, the first that's been had in awhile. It was great to reconnect with cousins and aunts and uncles. It seems that we've grown exponentially in the last few years, and this isn't even half of us.

I got to spend an afternoon with my best friend Jen in Park City. I hope she's still my best friend after she sees that I posted a picture of her pregnant, in her bathing suit! Doesn't she look great, though? Jen has introduced me to many important things throughout the years... for example, spray butter. And 'So You Think You Can Dance.' And blogging. And substituting applesauce for oil when you bake. Oh yeah, and Brad. :) I love everything about her. And I wish she lived next door.

I had lunch with my bestest Oakcrest friends, which is always wonderful and hilarious. Love these ladies. My favorite thing about this picture is that we were all too chicken to ask someone in the restaurant to take the picture so NICK volunteered and took it. He pretty much rocks.

I also got to see Amy a couple of time, my amazing friend that sends me constant packages and emails that keep me sane and feeling loved. Again, another amazing woman in my life who I greatly admire.

So not only is my sister-in-law Katie beautiful and an amazing photographer, decorator, cook, and friend, but she's also a killer soccer player. We went to one of her games while I was there. She's the one in the middle. I think this was right after she scored a goal.

Daniel and Nick watching the game. I've always thought Nick looked like Daniel. Aren't they the handsomest?The four Dudley grandkids, cheering Katie on...

Playing around after the game...

Another highlight of the trip was seeing the amazing Melissa. Sometimes I feel like posting an add on Craigslist that says this:

Wanted: A blonde, hilarious, thoughtful, and kind woman to go to the gym with me at 5:30am with, grocery shop with, roam the aisles of Target with, be my next-door neighbor, and hang out with everyday.

Really wanted? Melissa to move back to PA! On a bright note though, she sent me a POTATO from Idaho last week! :) Love it.

Wonderful Morgan with Nick. Nick still says he's going to marry her...

The beautiful Mikayla with Chasey. These two were new babies together and now they're growing up so fast!

It was a GREAT trip to UT. It was crazy busy, but well worth it. Not pictured, but equally important, was a playdate with Heidi (a best friend since junior high) and Em (a best friend since 1st grade), a fantastic camping trip to Mill Hollow, and a lunch with some other friends from junior high that I hadn't seen in forever.

The week after we got home was Brad's birthday, and his parents came in town. Nick is rather obsessed with his Grandpa Jeff, and had to be with him at all times, even when Jeff was taking a nap and Nick and Chase were watching a show.

Last week was Nick's first day at his "real" pre-school, and he's doing really well. I wouldn't say he loves it, but he has yet to cry when I drop him off, so I consider it a success.

And last but not least, Chase turned 20 months old today and celebrated by throwing an all out I'm-almost-two-and-I-know-what-I-want-so-I'll-arch-my-back-and-yell-and-stomp-my-feet-for-10-minutes-until-you-give-it-to-me FIT! It was as lovely as it sounds. But to make up for it he sang every word of "I Am A Child of God" tonight, unprompted. We were shocked. It was heart-melting. He was forgiven. :) This is the longest post I've ever done. If you're still reading, you really are a true friend...