James' First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving crept up so fast this year! Jill and Rob flew in from California and so all my siblings were able to be together. Both sets of my grandparents also joined us. We had such a big feast. I made 7 layer dip as well as pumpkin cookies which were a big hit. Rob made stuffing from scratch which was new to all of us. Wow, it is much better than boxed stuffing. It had sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, peppers, etc. and was phenomenal. Rob also made homemade cranberry sauce which is much different than our norm of just opening a can. Although I typically don't dip my turkey in cranberry sauce, I decided to give it a whirl and it was delicious. Rob's trick is to put cherries in with the cranberries, so the sauce tastes a little more sweet. My Mom added Mac and Cheese to the menu this year and I'm glad she did. After eating so much, we went on a little stroll to the park with the group.

Right before I lost in knock-out.

Isn't Daddy the best?

Feeding the ducks (and James) bread

On Friday, we went hiking because the weather has been crazy warm for this time of year. (I couldn't be happier about that!) The hike was a bit steep, but lead to a pretty waterfall. The hike was called Upper Falls and was up Provo Canyon. It felt good to work some of that Thanksgiving meal off.

James enjoyed facing out

Saturday we went and saw the movie, "Wonder." I have been dying to see this movie. I read the book to my fourth graders both years I taught for a reason. The movie did not disappoint (neither did the popcorn). Andrew hasn't read the book, but still thought the movie was well-done. After the movie, my Dad made "turkey hash" with all the Thanksgiving leftovers. Mmmmmm. The night went by quickly playing games.

As I reflect on all of my blessings around this time of year, I'm overwhelmed. Everything I dreamed about for my future as a little girl has come true. I'm married to the best husband and father, I have the cutest son, and get to stay home and watch him learn and grow. I also got to teach for 2 years which is something I always wanted to do. Cheers to having James around every Thanksgiving from now on.

October Festivities

It has been a beautiful October. The weather has been dreamy and I'm trying to be better at enjoying the now. I'm trying to push the "winter is coming, and it's only going to get darker" thoughts to the back of my mind. I am also taking advantage of not having to wear a jacket to the gym in the mornings. (even though I probably could use one.)

I even made a wreath with my friend. I'm not a very crafty person, and was proud of myself. Our porch looks much more festive than usual with a wreath AND a pumpkin. I think this year we're even going to get a Christmas tree which will be a first for us.

I don't feel like the picture does it justice, but that is probably because I spent longer than I'm willing to admit making this wreath.

For Family Home Evening earlier this month we went to a pumpkin patch with friends. We went on a hayride, picked out a pumpkin, and spent a lot of time warming up by the fire. It was a chilly night, but memories were made. Andrew was in heaven when his favorite author, Brandon Sanderson, happened to be at the pumpkin patch. Our friends we were with are also huge fans, so they enjoyed talking to him. Brandon was everything I imagined a Fantasy author to be.

Proud of the pumpkin we found in the picked over patch

Bundled up in 2 jackets and a blankie.

James can sit up now which is amazing, especially when shopping. When I took this picture, he didn't quite have it down, so he is buckled in tight. He has always wanted to move so much he never wants to sit still. 

My sister-n-law is an amazing photographer and took some family pictures for us in the mountains. They turned out better than I could have imagined and I can't wait to send out a Christmas card. Lindsey scouted out the best spot that still had beautiful colors and leaves. We owe her big time. Here is a sneak peak.

Pre Picture Selfie to check our outfit colors

What a big boy

This week for Family Home Evening, we made sugar cookies and used Halloween shapes to cut them out. We even attempted to turn the frosting orange, but it ended up having a pink tint. The sugar cookie making process ended up being quite an ordeal. I ended up having to remake the frosting and re-bake a couple batches of underdone cookies. In the end, we got the cookies delivered just before it was too late. We didn't take any pictures of our beautiful pink frosted Halloween cookies (or the kitchen which is still recovering from all the flour).

We can't wait to share our Halloween traditions with James on Tuesday! Having a baby definitely makes this time of year even more special and he will look pretty darn cute in his costume.

How to Survive Without Your Husband for 8 Days

Andrew recently returned from a trip to the Philippines. He went there for work to train some people. I think I would have been fine alone, but was happy to live near family because they helped the time pass by more quickly. Here is what I did each day in hopes of fast-forwarding time:

Friday, September 29th---Andrew Left
After taking Andrew to the airport around 11:00am, I went to my parents house with a suitcase packed for James and I. We went to spend some time there for conference weekend with plans to stay at least through Tuesday which is when I teach piano lessons at their house.

Friday night, I had dinner with Logan, Julia, and Henry at the Pie Pizzeria in Midvale. They were in town for general conference and I enjoyed seeing them and of course eating pizza.

Saturday, September 30th---General Conference/Ladies Night
I spent most of the day watching General Conference. I loved all of the messages and felt especially inspired this conference. I am enjoying re-listening to all the talks now.

We have the tradition on Saturday night while the boys are at the Priesthood session of conference to have Ladies Night. This year we went to Blue Lemon--a restaurant I had never tried before. Lindsey, Simon, and Esther came by and we talked/played with them for a while. Later, we had pazookies (basically gooey cookies with ice cream on-top) and Jessica and I went shopping at Old Navy and Target. We missed Jill!

Sunday, October 1st---General Conference/Family Dinner
James' nap schedule lined up perfectly and he slept during both conferences! I made a scarf while I was listening. We went on a walk in between sessions and for dinner Grandma and Grandpa Denning came as well as Jeff, Lindsey, Simon, and Esther. (Jess stayed the night Saturday.) Of course Sunday morning we had cinnamon rolls which were phenomenal as usual.

Monday, October 2nd---Lunch With Grandma
I went with Grandma Denning to Cubby's which she had never tried before. It has become one of my favorite restaurants and I can now say I'm a fan of sweet potato fries. Grandma seemed to enjoy it and we had a good time catching up. On our way home, we got Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies from Potbelly's. I ate way too much.

Monday night Joel and Jeff came over to watch Star Trek and I made dinner. I did not watch Star Trek with them. I have no interest in that show. (I tried watching 15 minutes of the first episode this season and was bored out of my mind. Sorry Andrew.)

Tuesday, October 3rd---Piano Lessons and Sodalicious with Mary
My afternoon went by quickly teaching 4 students. Mary came over shortly after I was done teaching and we had a lot to catch up on. She was my best friend in high school and had never met James before. While we were chatting, we organized music in folders with my Mom who is the Stake Music Chair and had a lot to do. We ended the night with drinks.

Wednesday, October 4th---Pizza and Bull
My Mom is in grad school, so she is in class during the day at BYU, but we had fun in the evenings. We got pizza and enjoyed watching the T.V. show, "Bull" together which is one of my favorites.

Thursday, October 5th---Alpine Loop and Piano Lessons
I went back to my house pretty early Thursday so I could hangout with Shaylee, Josh, and Philip. We drove the alpine loop which was stunning. The fall colors are unreal and we brought picnic lunches. It ended up getting kind of cold and I probably shouldn't have worn sandals because my toes went numb. I taught 3 students piano when I got back. (We're taking family pictures in these gorgeous colors this weekend. Can't wait!)

Friday, October 6th---Jessica's Concert and Girls Night
I had plans to babysit for a friend, but they fell through. It worked out well because I was able to go watch Jess play a viola solo. Things with James turned out to be quite chaotic. James and I arrived almost late to hear Jessica after trying to find a parking spot for over a half hour. When we got into the building I noticed that James had a blowout and immediately had to change that. I went to 2 different bathrooms to find a changing table and had no luck. Seriously, BYU? I finally changed him on my hands and knees on the floor. My parents texted me that my sister started playing and I immediately darted out of the bathroom and James was only in his diaper. Next problem... James was hungry which is why I came so early, so I would have time to feed him. (Booo parking) I fed him while listening to Jess play. (It was very informal in the lobby.) Jessica sounded amazing and I'm so glad I was able to come and watch her, even though things were crazy. I haven't heard Jess play a solo in a long time and she is getting so good.

After that, my parents, Jess, and I met my cousins Sam and Allie at Cubby's for lunch. (Yes, I had Cubby's twice last week.)

Friday night I had a girls night with 2 friends. They came over to watch a movie, eat yummy food, and do nails. We had a good time, but one ended up getting sick and throwing up which I felt bad about.

Saturday, October 7th---Sick
I woke up and my eye was quite pink (I was hoping it would go away while I slept) and had to wake James early so I could go get some medicine for pink eye before playing for stake baptisms. After that, we spent most of the day relaxing. James had a cold, I had pink-eye, and I cleaned the bathroom my friend threw-up in to try to avoid getting those germs as well. I joked with Andrew that he probably didn't even want to come home to our house full of germs. Andrew got in Saturday night and being united as a family again was fantastic. Andrew was worried that James wouldn't recognize or remember him after being away, but that wasn't a problem. It would be pretty hard to forget the best Dad in the world!

Although it was a great opportunity for Andrew to go to the Phillipines for work, I sure hope it doesn't happen again soon. I love my Andrew, especially when he is around.

Piano Lessons

I started advertising in June that I teach piano. NOTHING HAPPENED. Well, let me take that back. After talking to several people in the area about piano teachers, they agreed that we need more piano teachers in the area, so I felt confident I would accrue some students. NOPE. Suddenly I heard about several teachers that live very close to me. I also discovered that people don't want to pay a lot of money for a piano teacher in UT county. ($10 a lesson or about $40 a month seem typical around here. Stingy) I was discouraged and nearly gave up after not having much luck.

I'm so glad I stuck it out. The wait was worth it. I started teaching piano at the beginning of this month and am enjoying every second of it. I love feeling like I do something and having something to put my mind on. I teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I have a total of 7 students. Back in June, I thought it would be easy to teach while James was napping. He is much more mobile now and having him sleep or lay in the same place on the floor isn't really an option.

Luckily, I have family nearby and they have been so helpful. On Tuesdays, I actually drive to my parent's house in South Jordan and teach 4 students there. (All from my parent's ward.) It works out well because my Mom watches James while I teach. On Thursdays, Jessica has offered to help a couple of times a month and the other weeks I pay a babysitter. I teach 2 students who found me on Craigslist and my next door neighbor, Drake. Having a break (even if it's just for a little) from motherhood is so good for me. I also have been going to the gym more and James goes to the daycare while I workout which helps keep me sane.

It has been difficult to work with students who came from other teachers. I feel like with time things will get easier though. Not every teacher teaches the same way and I'm slowly learning what my students actually know. It has been fun for me to prepare games and type up piano policies and payment reminders. I also love bringing in a little income. Now I don't feel as bad when I spend money on "wants."

I'm adjusting to this whole staying at home thing and can even say I'm learning to love it. I think I owe a lot of this love (of staying at home) to teaching piano again. (And of course, adorable James.)

So Long Lake Cavanaugh

Originally we weren't planning on going to Lake Cavanaugh this year. Through a turn of events we decided to go. I'm so glad that we made the trip. This was the last year that Andrew's family will go there because the lake cabin is being sold in the Spring.

This year we were treated like royalty because we have the youngest baby. We actually got a bedroom in the cabin. Not just any bedroom either, but the master bedroom with an attached bathroom. We definitely didn't miss sleeping in the loft on 2 separate twin-sized beds scrunched together. 

Lots of James' cousins had never met him before and he sure got plenty of attention. Anytime I walked outside with him, James was greeted by like 10 cousins. It was adorable. At times I think James was a little overwhelmed by how loud it was and everything that was going on.

I promise we were happy and having fun

Andrew was in heaven and got to water-ski lots.

When we arrived it was chilly! In fact I was worried because I didn't really pack us ANY warm clothes because I was anticipating sunbathing by the lake. Luckily only the first day was cold and it continued to warm up over the course of our stay. I didn't end up taking James in the lake though mostly due to the temperature. James did enjoy his boat ride watching Daddy water-ski. It put him right to sleep.

There was lots of time to relax.

A highlight of the trip for Andrew was getting to jet board. (I think that is what it's called?) This usually is pricey and Andrew has never done it. A neighbor to the lakehouse (Mike) has a jet board and offered to let Andrew give it a try. Andrew got at least 20 feet above the water. It is hard to tell in the pictures.

I'm always amazed at how delicious the food is when the crowd to feed is over 35 people. I think I gained weight that weekend and I definitely will be gathering some recipes. We ended up flying and I'm so glad we did because it would have been about a 14 hour drive for us (I believe). After flying to Massachusetts, flying to Seattle was a breeze. We then rented a car and drove the hour and a half to the lake. Unfortunately, on our way back to Utah, we missed our flight. We thought our flight was at a different time, but it was earlier. We didn't have wifi or service at the lake and didn't even think about double-checking our reservation. Luckily Alaska Airlines worked with us, and we were able to get on the next flight for a grand total of $50. (Could have been much worse.) We did have to kill about 5 hours of airport time on a Sunday which was not ideal. I was happy our gate was by a nursing trailer/booth (is that what you call them?) in the airport though because it made feeding James so convenient. 

Enjoying his own seat (This was his backup outfit. When I got him out of his carseat to check-in at the airport there was poop everywhere.)

All tuckered out

As usual, after a vacation it was good to be home. We did lots of traveling right in a row and when we were finally back home, I just wanted to stay and not go anywhere for a while. This is what the month of August looked like for our family:

August 12-19: Cape Cod, Massachusetts for Jill's Wedding

August 24-27: Mt. Vernon, WA with Andrew's family for some boat time

August 30-September 3: All Brothers Hike in UT (the brothers stayed with us for 2 nights)

We even missed the Ditto reunion which was happening in this month of craziness (from August 10-13). I was bummed that all of our summer fun fell in the same month. We did have a blast though and James was a trooper. We don't really have any travel plans until December when we will head to Spokane, and I am okay with that. Oh, well except for the fact that Andrew is leaving for the Philippines next week and will be gone for 8 days! I'm trying not to think about that though.

I will miss going to beautiful Lake Cavanaugh and am glad for the happy memories I have there. (Thanks to Birch and Sara for taking most of these awesome pictures of our time there.)