Nothing

That's what I have in my head.

I've been trying to think of something to post for today -the last day of nablopomo. I got nothing.

I suppose since I missed a couple of days anyway, I should have just let it go.

But I didn't. So now, we have a post about nothing.

Knock or Ring

This isn't meant to offend, just curious.

I'm a knocker. I hardly ever ring a door bell. Maybe it was because as a kid we'd get in trouble going to friends house and ringing the door bell and waking up the baby.

I have a baby.

Maybe that's why I still knock before I think about ringing the bell.

Happy Birthday

It's the last of your 20's...

Hope you enjoy it.

Wrapped

I didn't leave the house for Black Friday today. At all.

I decorated for Christmas (which didn't take long, since I decided to limit the decorations to places the Little Man couldn't reach -the mantle).

Bought a few things online -4 Christmas presents, 2 birthday presents and a new car seat.

I just finished wrapping about a dozen or so Christmas gifts and 4 or 5 birthday gifts.

Lucky for me [insert sarcasm here] half of our family and friends have birthdays within 30 days of Christmas.

We do a lot of shopping around the holidays.

Out for the count

So Melanie has been consistently blogging on track for this National Blogging Month and...well...unfortunately, she's out for the count right now. Too much exercise and too much food in one day is what I say.

Melanie, Jodi and Jessica all went and ran some 4.5 mile thing this morning. I admire these girls who can get up early enough to drive 40 minutes and run 4.5 miles - I should have gone too since I knew then what was coming for Thanksgiving dinner.

Once again, I was trapped in that awful tradition of eating too much and feeling sorry afterward. You'd think I'd learn after 28+ years of consistently shoveling in the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes and gravy, salad, rolls (plural), not to mention the pieces (plural, again) of pie.

Nope.

At any rate, it appears that something didn't sit perfectly well for Melanie and she needed to go to bed early. I checked out the blog and thought she might be a bit disappointed that she didn't post. So here I am, illegally using her login to - in the very least - put a placeholder in for a future update from my beautiful wife.

In closing on this wonderful holiday I have to declare my gratitude for Melanie and all the things she does for me that I sometimes don't recognize as frequently as I should. Just to name a few: She works hard to keep Hyrum happy and he loves her so much. She always looks for a good deal at the grocery store and usually comes home with extra stuff for our food storage (yes, we have about 24 boxes of cereal, but I can live on that for several weeks). She puts up with my eccentricities (who me?). Basically, she's beautiful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks

I guess I'll jump on the bandwagon and get into the 'spirit' of Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for...

-Gym time. Even though it cuts into my sleep time, I really need my gym time.

-My son. Just about everything about him. I'm pretty sure he was a 'better-than-average' baby. He slept pretty well, didn't spit up a lot or have a bad tummy very often. And, I know it's not 'normal' for a kid his age to still take 2 or even 3 naps a day, but I love those too.

-My husband. He may have a million things going on, but he's determined to create a safe and secure life and lifestyle for our family. So, even if we buy a new business without me even knowing about it, I suppose it's better than a guy who spends his time watching sports or playing video games all of the time.

-Being a stay-at-home mom. I'm thankful that we've made choices in our life before and since having the Little Man that allow me to stay at home.

-Our home. We're lucky to have a new home where we don't have to worry about needing a new furnace or roof. We have enough room for our family, with room to grow.

-My car. My 18 year old car. It runs well and we haven't made a car payment for years. Also, with the 3 or 4 auto repair shops we own, it'll be running for as long as we need/want it to.

-Friends. I love the occasional lunches, eyebrow waxing, or trips to the park that keep me sane.

-My testimony and membership in the church.

-Access to affordable health care. We are so blessed to have good insurance that we can afford every month and see doctors that we like.

-My cell phone. The blackberry may just fuel my addiction to 'staying in touch' but it's nice to have.

-Laptops.

-Digital Camera's

-DVR

-Online shopping and free shipping

One year stats

The Little Man had his one year check-up today.

Height: 31 in 84th percentile.

Weight: 22 lbs 8 1/2 oz 45th percentile.

Head circumference: 19in 92nd percentile.

Yep, my kid has a big head.

He survived his shots, and had a nice long bath when he got home. Now he's fighting sleep in his crib, but happy.

Introducing

Our little one year old.

Let him eat cake.

I didn't post yesterday. I thought about it when I was finally crawling into bed, and didn't care enough to crawl back out. I'm pretty sure I'll get an A- for this nabloplomo thing, but I can live with an A-.

Today is The Little Man's birthday. Happy birthday Little Man!

He had a great (and busy) day yesterday and I'm so grateful for all of the family that made it. To be honest, I'm sure a few more of you would have enjoyed it, but my house is just not that big!

Our house is filled with new and noisy toys -which he loves, by the way. And my kitchen has the remains of a lot of sugar. A LOT. Lucky for us, we're taking a few dozen cupcakes and cookies to church today to get rid of them.

He also loved digging into his cake and trying his best to get it all over his hair.

What a fun and amazing year we've had, thanks Little Man!

So far

I've baked 1 huge cake (I did a small one earlier in the week) and 24 or so cupcakes.

I've crumb-coated said large cake and small cake. I haven't touched the cupcakes or done the decorating (that's for later).

I've made 2 Quiches. (Asparagus and bacon) I need to make 4 more tomorrow morning, but all 6 wouldn't fit in my oven.

I've made 6 cups of buttercream and a couple cups of chocolate cream cheese frosting.

I've iced a couple dozen cookies (baked 2 days ago) with color fast frosting. I still need to ice a couple more dozen tonight.

I've filled and emptied the dishwasher twice, and I'm sure I'll do it once more.

Despite trying to clean up after each project, my kitchen is an absolute mess. That'll have to wait until later too.

I ran 5 miles. Mostly ran. I walked about 10 minutes throughout the 65 minutes. Who knew I would miss a 5 K. What kind of race is 5 MILES??

I'm not quite sure why I was determined to make everything from scratch for the Little Man's birthday, I'm beginning to come to the conclusion that I won't for the next one.

What a difference a year makes

I was planning on doing this a little closer to the Little Man's birthday, but looking at my 'to-do' list to get the ready for the party, I thought I should at least get started.

One year ago today I was pregnant. Very pregnant. I was miserable and was trying everything and nearly anything to induce labor. I was excited and nervous and was certain that even natural child birth had to be better than being 9 months pregnant.

I was wrong.

I didn't sleep well and had intense heartburn constantly. I hoped that once I was no longer pregnant I would no longer have to get up 3 times a night (to pee).

I was wrong.

I was pretty sure we were having a boy and had convinced myself I could make it through labor without drugs.

At least I got a couple things right.

Now, a year later, I sleep through the night. I no longer have heartburn, and other than my dumb hip and knee (trying to train for a 5 mile run) I feel pretty good.

And of course, our lives have changed forever because of this Little Man.

Along the way

I've picked up a few things during my nearly 30 years (gulp). More than a few of those things have come from other people. These are just a few.

Tooken is not a word. Neither is boughten. (Jodi & Justin)

Don't ride your breaks coming down a hill. (Taft)

Always look in your rear-view mirror when pulling out of a gas station. Just to make sure you haven't left the hose in your car. (April)

If you don't know the words to a song on the radio or cd, just sing louder. (Aaron)

Don't ever turn your cell phone off or be without it. (Kathy)

Pretend to have fun. You might start actually enjoying yourself on accident. (Rick)


I know there's plenty more where that came from, but that's all I can think for today.

Pre-birthday

The Little Man got a preview of his birthday on Sunday. We had a pre-thanksgiving (must be a theme) dinner on Sunday with Justin's family (his mom). Since his mom and step-dad will be out of town for his birthday party they gave him some presents a little early.

He was more interested in the presents than I thought he would, and he actually really likes the toy. They got him a cute Sock monkey 'jack-in-the-box". It's much cuter and less clown-like than the one's a remember as a kid.

At first he and his cousin were a little scared of it, but the next day he figured out how to open it (without the music) and loves it.

There's a first time for everything

Yesterday the Little Man did something that he hasn't done since he was probably 4 months old, or younger.

He fell asleep in my arms.

It was wonderful.

The rest of D.C.

Our last day of our vacation was just as wet and windy as Wednesday.

We started out at Ford Theatre where President Lincoln was shot, and across the street at the home where he died.

We visited the Holocaust Museum which was very moving.

We spend just a little while in the American History museum -about enough time to eat lunch and see a couple of exhibits and then it was off to the Supreme Court building.

I forgot the cardinal rule of souvenir shopping -if and when you see something, BUY IT! We spend the last hour in DC trying to go back and find a few things for other people and ourselves. We ended up just getting colder and wetter until we gave up. I guess we'll have to get a few things the next time we're there.

Thursday evening was the real reason/excuse we went to Washington, which was to see a couple of Justin's friends be sealed in the temple. Ricardo and Sara have a little 15 month old boy, Logan, and another little boy due in January. It was a neat experience to be with them in the temple and meet a few of their family and friends.

Other than being pretty wet and cold for a couple of days, we had a really fun time and saw just about everything we wanted to, and a few unexpected things too.

Say Cheese

Gough Family Pictures.

8 adults, 3 kids, and 2 dogs.

It's a miracle we got ANY good shots.

We should have the final pictures sometime next week.

His outfit is pretty cute, huh!

I missed...

-The Little Man

-Walking barefoot on the carpet (I can't do it in hotels)

-Listening to the Little Man talk to himself

-Craig Ferguson's monologue's and emails


(If you don't watch the whole thing start around minute 3)

-My car

-The Little Man's smile when he first wakes up

-My pillow

-Eating at home

-Full size hair and facial products


There was something else...

Ida

Thanks to Ida, we got dumped on all day again in D.C.

My country, 'tis of Thee

What a way to spend Veterans Day! If anyone has the chance to be in Washington DC over Veterans Day I highly recommend it.

We went to Arlington Cemetery today. President Obama was scheduled to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and they had a program in the amphitheatre. It was rainy and cold (all day) but I really enjoyed myself. I can't remember ever getting emotional while saying the Pledge of Allegiance, but standing there surrounded by Veterans and Active Duty men and women, was very moving.

We walked (did I mention it was rainy and cold -and windy) to Lincoln Memorial from Arlington, stopping on the way to get a hot chocolate and be shielded from the wind, if only for a moment. We walked by the other war memorials, including the new World War II monument on our way to The Mall.

After a very nice late lunch at the Capital Grille (Thanks Dave and Lisa) we spent the rest of our day at the Museum of Natural History.

We're expecting another rainy and windy day tomorrow, but hopefully we'll be a little more prepared for it.

Good Timing OR Naked Tourists

When our day started out I told Justin the title of today's post would be Naked Tourists. But, our morning turned out too good to not lead with that -so Good Timing it is.

First of all- Boo on the White House for not allowing you to bring ANYTHING other than your phone on a tour. How are you expected to look and act like a tourist all day if you can't bring your camera. I felt naked. I got over it though. I figured we're going to be in the same area for the next 2 days so I can snap some photo's then.

We were REALLY lucky a couple of weeks ago and scored some tickets to tour the White House (along with the Capitol and Supreme Court). We only asked about 2 weeks in advance but one of Senator Hatch's many minions answering emails recognized "Lafeen" and figured out she knew Justin. The next day we had tickets to the White House. (One of the benefits of having a unique last name I suppose).


We showed up early (better safe than sorry) and figured we'd be waiting awhile before they let us go through. A couple of minutes later someone from the Secret Service told us that she would be making our day. The President was scheduled to leave the White House for the memorial at Fort Hood and we could go out to the lawn area to watch him take off on Marine One (the helicopter that takes him to Air Force One). AWESOME! We were so excited. About 30 of us, along with Press, waited outside while Marine One landed and got to see President and Michelle Obama come out and get on the helicopter. It was seriously cool and such an unexpected experience.After that, things just kept going our way. We visited the Washington Monument -got right on the elevator (showed up early again), when we came out there was a huge line. From there we walked up The Mall towards the Capitol. We stopped at two of the Smithsonian museums and the Conservatory on the way.


The only time where our timing wasn't great was at the Capitol. Since we were there early they got us in at an earlier time and we just happened to draw the short straw when it comes to tour guides. Man, she was ORNERY! I'm not sure why she was under the impression that we were a bunch of high school students (could have been the fact that Justin and I were the only 2 people in our group that were not from high school) but we were treated as such. She all but called our group a bunch of idiots because we weren't aware that in the year 1800 our nation was trying to decide if the capitol should be in Pennsylvania or D.C. Granted, the kids were from PA and still didn't know it, but it got a little uncomfortable when no one could produce an adequate answer. So, when the next quiz question came up and none of the kids said anything Justin spoke up and just about got asked to go sit in the corner. Apparently, she wanted the KIDS to answer the questions. Like we didn't pay good money and fly across the country to be on this tour, instead of get on a bus this afternoon and miss the rest of our classes like the rest of the snotty teenagers.


At this point in the day we were starting to lose steam, but managed to take the tunnel to the Library of Congress before getting on the Metro to come back to our hotel. We've had dinner and are desperately trying to stay awake until at least 9.

It sounds like the Little Man is enjoying his time at Grandma and Grandpa Hardcastles and they're keeping up with him too.

Oops

I bugged Justin all night last night to get a picture of our evening -for the blog. And what did I do when we got home? Cleaned and packed (getting ready for tomorrow's flight) and forgot to blog. Oh well.

A few months ago Justin and I hosted a dinner for some people from the Middle East. I can't remember the name of the organization, but it's a state run program that brings people from all over the word to a few cities in the United States. The travel for 2 weeks and visit 4 different places and get to have dinner with one family during their entire stay.

Last night we paired up with some friends and hosted a few people for China. It was a fun evening and, as before, full of interesting conversation.

Here's a photo from dinner.

Me time.

Compared to most mothers in similar situations, I have to admit I think I have more 'me time' than most.

I came to this conclusion this morning driving home from my sisters at 11:30. I had been to the gym (yes, 6:30 even on a Saturday), showered (I was really gross -today was a running day), ran to the grocery store, met the Young Women at the church for an hour to help clean, and did an hour of Pilate's with my sister.

My husband works a lot. Although, I think he works 'smart' not necessary 'hard', if that makes any sense. The majority of his work is done from home, so I think that affords me some extra 'me time' throughout the day, most days. That, and my kid STILL takes 2, some days even 3, naps.

In fact, I know the hour I spend at the gym in the morning (before the Little Man wakes up) is my salvation, and I notice it if I even miss a single day. Not so much in my body, which is still very much a work in progress, but mentally and emotionally I need to work out everyday, or things seem to fall apart very easily and often.

Since I try to avoid all things 'mushy' and sentimental in my life, but knowing that Justin doesn't read the blog very often, I think I can safely say that I appreciate the extra time he spends with the Little Man so I can spend some time by myself. Thanks honey, I love you.

Upon request

It's not long, and he's a lot more stable now, but here's a very quick video of the Little Man stretching his legs.

Monkey walk from Melanie Lafeen on Vimeo.

More practice

I'm feeling a little anxious about leaving the Little Man for 5 days.

5 days, 4 nights. That's a long time for a little man to be without his mom. (I'm sure it's a lot longer for the mom though)

So, today I decided to go up to Grandma's house, ya know, to practice. He's taken plenty of naps there, he's comfortable, and the house is pretty much baby-proof and friendly already.

Today? He decided to scream uncontrollably during both attempts to nap. And get into things he previously didn't touch.

Today's practice didn't go so well.

Practice makes pefect?

It won't be perfect, but at least I know what to expect. Hopefully.

The Little Man's first birthday is on the 22nd. Is it normal that I've been thinking about his party for the last 4 months? Normal or not, I'm making everything from (nearly) scratch and I've done a few practice runs.

Cake number one. I liked the colors, but the elephant was too small to do a very good job with the frosting.

Decided to try Marshmallow fondant. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make and work with. I think the final elephant will be made out of fondant.

Elephants on parade. I love colorfast frosting. To be honest it doesn't taste great, but I think it looks cool. I think I'll do half frosted and half like these. Mostly because my hand cramped up so bad while doing the outlining I had to literally pry my fingers out of the the 'claw' they were stuck in. Oh, how I love arthritis.

The Little Man's cake to eat himself. I might try to write something on it, or doing something else with the colors, but I think it'll work.

Let's just hope I can get everything done by the time our family shows up!