Like Father, Like Son

What happens when you don't behave...

Some cuteness...

No special reason for posting these other than Nana wanted to see "one picture a day in December!" Here you are:)

Standing in the crib by himself. Ok, maybe with a little bit of help.

Want I Want for Christams...

Please excuse my annoying voice, but I couldn't help posting this.

Handbell Concert

Last night we went to enjoy the only handbell choir in Utah Valley. Note that Amulek could not take his eyes off them.

Christmas Decorations

Amulek is enjoying our Christmas decorations. The other day I found lay him down to play, then came back a few minutes later to find him sacked out among his toys. Thanks Nana for the lovely nativity scene!

I'm Thankful for...

...my baby's health. I recently read an eyeopening post on a bog I follow. The woman's child has a neurological disorder and his development has been a struggle. As I read it, I kept thinking how grateful I am that my baby is healthy and developing well.

Enjoy some pics from long ago....

What we affectionately call "gorilla arms."

Deep in prayer.

One cute kid.

Enjoying In 'n Out in Vegas!

Work again!

Weekend Fun - The Mall

The mall is often our hangout spot. When in doubt for something to do, head to the mall. This weekend we enjoyed a family event at the Woodbury Art Museum in the mall. We enjoyed the exhibits and the activities: focused on Latin American traditions, there was writing "dichos" on truck bumpers, iSpy games through the museum, make a carnival mask, decorate retablos, and making paper flowers and skeletons for Day of the Dead.

Making carnival masks. Amulek preferred to rip his apart and didn't want to wear the one I made.

Making pipe cleaner skeletons.

After the exhibit, we walked around the mall but soon left because it was so crowded. Must be Christmas shopping season.

(may need this in a few years for the cold weather...)

Date Night!

Oh, the days when it was just Mommy and Daddy on dates....No, we really like having Amulek with us on Friday nights. This time we went to campus to watch a trombone recital but found out that it had been moved to the end of the month. So, we decided to go visit the campus aquariums in the biology building. I didn't even know these things existed but Amulek loved it. He made fast friends with that turtle in the background, and we have a super cute video of the turtle following Amulek around but for some reason it won't upload. I'll try again later.

Well, he didn't love the part when we took him away from the fish. As soon as we turned him around, this is what happened.

Bean Museum

Lamoni had a test in the Bean Musuem of all places so we all enjoyed some time looking at the wildlife in the Bean Museum. It's always been one of my favorite places on campus, but also always struck me as a bit creepy. Have you ever been down to the basement where they have all the specimens in jars? Creepy. But I love the Bean. Amulek did too.

This is how Amulek enjoys the vista.

We had to get a shot with the jaguar of course!

Surprise!

We had a big surprise waiting for daddy when he got home!

(his first time laughing!)

Walking

First of all, thanks to those that gave your words of support and encouragement about me going back to school. It really means a lot to me that I have such wonderful examples!

We like to take walks in our family. I like the exercise and Amulek gets cabin fever so sometimes we just have to get out of the house for his sake. As it was evening yesterday, Amulek was tired and peacefully enjoyed his walk.

And here is a little video! Lamoni keeps telling me that Amulek is going to be walking early.

Back to School

I finally submitted my application to go back to BYU. I have mixed feelings about this. First of all, there could be a chance that I won't get in...hopefully a small chance since I'm a former student. But if I am accepted, I'll be starting classes in January. Since my husband will also be studying and working, and neither one of us wants to opt for day care, we will most likely end up taking our baby with us to some classes. I think the main reason it took me so long to apply to school was for this reason. I find the idea of taking my baby to class extremely intimidating. I remember as a young student watching with horror the occasional young mother with her baby in class, wondering why on earth she had the baby with her, why she was even taking classes, and why was she disturbing everyone around her? And let's be honest, my baby is not easily entertained and requires a lot of hands on time and care. Regardless, I am determined to get my degree while I'm still young and before it becomes even more difficult for me when I have more children.

What are your thoughts about mothers who bring their children to class? Any advice? Words of council?

Tummy Time

Amulek's tummy time usually goes a little like this:

(please forgive my annoying voice. I try...)

Start 'em young...

...ok, just kidding (mom!). Our child is not going to be a boxer. However, it is no secret that his dad loves boxing. So it was only a matter of time before these pictures were taken. Enjoy!

(story commentary by Lamoni)

You want me to fight?

Ack! Don't hit me!

Alright, you wanna piece of me?

(one KO later) I'm the winner! I knew I could do it!

*No baby (or daddy) was harmed in the process of this post*

Denim on Denim

I know this is a fashion DON'T but I still think he looks pretty cute. What do you think?

P.S. You'll have to excuse the hair. We hadn't brushed it yet.

A Rainy Day

Sometimes, we just need to sit on the porch and watch the sunset through a drizzle of rain. And take pictures of cute boys.

Mr. Darcy and Korean Restaurants

Yesterday, some friends from work came over and we watched the A&E Pride & Prejudice. That's right - the whole thing! All 5 hours. Lamoni thought we were nuts. But we had fun and laughed and sighed and drooled over Mr. Yummy, I mean Mr. Darcy.

After the movie we went to Sam Hawk, a Korean restaurant in town. It is one of Lamoni's favorite places and we've eaten there several times. But the occasion this time was that Julie, one of my former coworkers, is obsessed with Korean culture and had never tried Sam Hawk (easily the best Korean food in town). It was doubly fun because she was so excited to eat there. We had a good time there, then went out for ice cream.

The Weekly List

I am a list-maker. Countless times I have found sticky notes around the house with lists for groceries, things to look up on the internet, recipes, projects to work on, chores, etc. That's why when I saw this post at Feathers Flights, I just had to steal the idea (sorry Heather, but I couldn't pass up your inspired idea!) I love using my weekly list so far.

That being said, does it ever feel like you are working all day and then when the evening comes around it seems as if you have nothing to show for the work you've done? Just saying...

The Petting Zoo

My husband has a nose for finding interesting events (and free food!). We attended an event for families put on by BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) where we enjoyed hamburgers, talking with the volunteers (all bikers of course), and watching a tug-o-war between the big scary bikers and a bunch of little kids. There was also a small petting zoo which Amulek enjoyed...sort of.

Zentangle - Diva Challenge #37

A few months before Amulek was born, I got into a fun art form called Zentangles. It's kind of like a glorified doodling mixed with relaxation. I love the different patterns and the complexity of the designs and yet they are surprisingly easy to do. Let's face it - there's something just so enjoyable about abstract MC Escher-esque art:P Anyway, you can learn about about Zentangle here.

One blog that I read has a Zentangle challenge every week. I've been doing them for a while but never actually got to post my results. Here is this week's challenge, "Kiss my Grids." Enjoy:)

Airsoft

Lamoni enjoyed his first airsoft game with Brian and some friends.

Sporting the Swimwear

Papa gave Amulek this adorable swimwear and we have been dying to get him in it. He didn't actually do any swimming though. Maybe next time...

In the hot tub (look at that contented face!)

Wary of the camera...

My hubby:)

All the swimwear from Papa.

It's hard to be so cute.

Fourth of July

Our first Independence Day together as a family!

At the parade! We caught the very tail end of it.

We love Amulek's outfit:)

It was so tiring.

Amulek