Happy Tummy, Busy Hands

I signed Ian up for a cookie decorating class at Mother Mousse Bakery. My kids don't usually take to the arts and crafts so this was a gamble. He surprisingly loved it. He was very attentive to the teacher and was helpful in reminding her the details she lacked.







Let's face it though, we could all persevere any task when you can snack on it in the meantime. I caught him being sly as he convinced his instructor that she had to decorate his birthday cake shaped cookie...mama didn't raise no dummy.

The finished products. Dessert that night was an especially nice treat as we had our cookie connoisseur explaining each piece.

Spiderman 4

In honor of his request, we tried to give him the best Spiderman party that we could. Recent holiday celebrations had us worn down to feel like we could take on a big party. Luckily, Ian is so easy to please, so we knew whatever we did he would be so excited for. Just invite some friends, play some games, and call it a party, and he is happy. Oh, and it's also all about the cake for him. So with some help of some fondant, I think we pleased him.

Your Day of All Days

For Ian's actual Birthday, we met Dad for lunch at Nunzio's Pizzeria and let Ian satisfy his tastebuds with his favorite meal. We then walked over to Mother Mousse Bakery and let him pick out any dessert his little heart pleased. I was secretly hoping he would choose the full size chocolate cake, but he opted for the Spiderman cookie, of course. We ended our day at Dad's work, where all the assistants, fellow residents, and front office staffers delighted in his presence. They showered him with the best toys from the best patient prize drawer, and got a little tour of Dad's work.

Dedicated to My Blue Eyed One

Thinking back to the moment I give birth to him, it's hard to put it in words, as I'm sure all of you mothers feel. I just read the Red Tent and there was a page in the book that was relatable. "Just as there is no warning for childbirth, there is no preparation for the sight of a first child...I could not get my fill of looking. There should be a song for women to sing at this moment, or a prayer to recite. But perhaps there is none because there are no words strong enough to name that moment."

I love him. I would've never known how sweet the moment would be when I met him. Crazy that that was only 4 years ago, because my life without him is no longer. He has made my life better than I was able to dream up for myself. I've heard this before and said it before, but you never know the love your heart has the capacity for until you have children. And just so you could attempt to love him as much as I do. Here are a few of the reasons I love him.

• He has the most tender heart you would meet on a 4 year old. He is so sensitive to feelings and surroundings.
• He is the best big brother to Colton. They laugh, play, talk, hug, share.
• Ian puts others first. Even when I'm trying to reward him for good behavior, he will selflessly give up his gum or treat and give it to Colton so he could have it first.
• His descriptive language is very entertaining. For example, when getting out of the bath tub he says that he's got "grassy" hair and Colton's got "roller coaster" hair.
• The lovingly way in which he talks to his individual fruit snacks before he eats them
• The much love he has for his family, near and far.
• The way he is able to make friends wherever we go.
• His innocence. To him, the world is just good.
• His sweet reminders to read scriptures every night, say our prayers, bless the food, have family home evening.
• His super cool dance moves.
• His peacemaking abilities. He knows what to do to keep everyone happy.
• His contentment with life.

Happy Birthday, Buddy boy!! You are oh-so loved.

Our Christmas Stuff Is Packed Away

But our memories of a delightful Christmas are not. Here are a few highlights from our last couple of weeks. We started with an early Christmas celebration at home before we headed to Utah.

Ian showing off his remote control car Santa brought him.

Nana's ginormous present she sent the boys from Arizona.


Christmas morning. Ian picking out his presents already, and Colton just picking his nose.

The real Christmas Eve at Grandma's house

A go-gurt mishap.

Colton's naked morning eating doritos and playing Rock Band.

New Christmas pj's and all the Seare couisins.

A lovely Nativity pageant. Ian was a very reverent Joseph while Colton was a very appropriate donkey. It was humbling to be with such great talent with a beautiful presentation on why we celebrate Christmas.

Enjoying a bubble bath in a tub bigger than our New York crock pot tub.

Fondue: A New Year's Eve Tradition

Bringing in the New Year with slight confusion. Why is everyone screaming and banging pots and pans?

Family snow time. Disregard some of the feminine snow attire my male family members are wearing. All of it was on loan to us.

Serious sledding at the Johnson Cabin.

The last two weeks were magical. The only way we can describe it is Christmas Perfection.