Christmas 2016

We had such a great holiday season this year. This is the first year since we got married that we got tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert since they changed the way you get tickets from raffle to first-come-first-serve. No pictures of that unfortunately but it snowed/sleeted that night so it made for a cold walk. 

Below is the night we made it to temple square to see lights, it was about 15 degrees that night so after only twenty minutes on temple square we retreated inside for warmth, good food, and fun company with our friends from Las Vegas who were up visiting. 

Hilton's last day in nursery (I may or may not have wept when I dropped him off knowing it was the last time). Also his second year of refusing to dress as a character for the manger scene. He was an assistant :).

We took Hilton to see Santa at Station Park in Farmington as everyone says 'he's the real Santa'. As we were walking back to the car after meeting him, Hilton very thoughtfully asked me, 'Mom that Santa is different then the Santa that came to Preschool. Why are there two Santa's?' My jaw about dropped at how a three year old has already got suspicions. Either we're not very sneaky or he's incredibly wise. I responded as carefully as I could that, 'the Santa's we see aren't the real Santa, they're his elves who come down from the North Pole so that all the boys and girls can tell them what they'd like for Christmas'. Hopefully we get a couple more years at least before we have to tell him about the Magic of Santa in place of the literal Santa. 

We also took Hilton to see the Christmas in Color light show in Kearns and while it was very pretty for about five minutes, it was unfortunately an uncomfortable experience in my opinion for the money. It was a dirt road that had a ton of pot holes in it, the cars were very crowded and you were forced to go at the speed of the traffic. Hilton enjoyed it at least, but mom was very carsick by the time we got out.

Our Christmas eve tradition of making homemade pizza and then watching a movie at home. This year's movie was Toy Story (Hilton's choice of course).

After Hilton went to bed Santa's elves went to work putting together his mini trampoline and tricycle.

Christmas morning was very magical and exciting watching Hilton see what Santa had brought and be so excited that he had come. I think what comes he really loves though is not so much getting gifts but opening them. He helped open Graham's as well as Adi and Aspen's gifts. Hopefully next year it will be just that much more fun to see his reaction.

His tricycle bell was probably the biggest hit of it all, we're still working on the actual cycling aspect of it.

We had a white Christmas indeed! It snowed 15-16 inches (!) Christmas morning, Jared had to snowblow our driveway TWICE. Hilton was more than happy to help and go play in all this new snow after the excitement of opening presents. After snowblowing we got pulled together and went to my parents for Christmas at their house.

After nap for Christmas evening the Smith crew came over and we had a wonderful Italian dinner with Pasta Carbonara, pear and brie caprese slices, breadsticks, salad and tons of pie and martinelli's. So yummy and fun to be with family and cousins. I was the odd man out in my choice of clothing color though.

All the men wore red so we had to get a group picture although all the kids were squirming so this is the best we could do.

The day after Christmas we went sledding to enjoy in all the new snow and let's just say that the rest of Bountiful and North Salt Lake did as well. Pretty much we had a great time but it didn't end well so we'll just leave it at that. Love my husband and his refusal to take photos.

But Hilton had a great time and that's what matters. Love my little man and his enthusiasm for fun activities.

Last but not least we went to the Smith Fiesta Christmas party with all the extended Smith family. Unfortunately this is the only photo I got but my little nacho burrito munchkin is pretty darn cute so it's all good. Merry Christmas everyone!

Halloween 2016

Hilton man learned to growl this year and delights in doing it to 'scare' people (and invisible monsters) all the time. We figured being a lion would be a perfect fit to show off his new skill. Instead he became a little bit of a cowardly lion while trick-or-treating because he was afraid things would jump out at him on the doorsteps at houses, but it was a fun time and I love seeing him so cute and into being dressed up...even if I did have to bribe him with candy to put on his costume.

Poor Graham was going to be a monkey, but he ended up napping through Halloween which was OK because it meant we got to have a bit more fun with Hilton

p.s. I'm not entirely sure why I had a stink eye in this photo, but we'll just say I was super excited to smile for the camera...either that or Jared was pulling some kind of shenanigans from behind the photo taker...

We have a 7 year old in the house now

After a great day yesterday, full of a long walk, lots of sniffing, cuddling in bed, getting a hamburger for lunch, a trip to Petsmart for some new toys, and a yummy peanut butter carrot cake complete with candles, Adi officially turned one year old, seven in dog years. We're big on birthdays around here. Don't judge.

Sorry, you may have to turn your head sideways. Who knows how to rotate movies when they import horizontal?

She was such an adorable little pup on her first birthday and only one with us so far...obviously. The only thing missing was our birthday hat, but I knew she wasn't going to wear it so we bypassed that trouble.

Happy birthday Adeline! We love you!

Peanut Butter Carrot Cake for Dogs

1 cup white or whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) Mix together flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into a ring mold sprayed with a nonstick spray for 40 minutes. Frost this cake with low fat cottage cheese and decorate with carrot pieces. Store in refrigerator.

Swimwear Favorites 2012

It's that time of year again when all the cute swimsuits come out even though its snowing outside! And I'm jumping on the bandwagon early since I'll need some for our second Hawaiian trip in APRIL! Of course to celebrate my parents coming home in July, and graduating from BYU in August. A little out of order, but oh well.

Bows are big this season

And so are stripes

But one thing I'm head over heels for is ruffles. Ruffles add just a bit more femininity to some of these swimsuits that can show every little crease and line.

Two trends I am seeing everywhere that I think it really appealing is more sweetheart necklines vs. triangle bikinis and thicker swim bottoms vs. string bikini bottoms. How refreshing that we can have cute swimsuits without worrying about everything falling out!

Any great swimwear finds? I would really love any suggestions.

easter PRESENTS

a little update on my phone. Well a huge update. It survived. Yay for the whole rice technique! It worked. 

Bad news. As some of you may know (lucky you) I am a rather impatient person. So after a whole 24 hours of being without a phone (which is stinking hard I tell you) I decided to give up, and go buy a new phone. It really was an impetiuous move. But I did. Specifically I got this little gem

But I'm still not sure how I feel about it...any advice or tricks to change my mind?

Anyhoo, right after I got home with my new HTC inspire, new two year contract, and added internet on my data plan (stupid rule p.s.), I took my iPhone out of the rice, gave it a good charge and voilà it worked. Of course my heart was torn. Brand new phone that I had just spent a ton of money on VS. my trusty iPhone. Well, I couldn't bring myself to return the new HTC so...yeah.

My husband called first dibs though on the iPhone. Sorry guys.

On a completely different note, I got my first opportunity to give my canon rebel a real workout taking pictures of these cute kids of a friend:

Aren't they so cute in their Easter clothes?

Adorable I tell you. 

And no, they do not make me want to have children anytime soon 

(at least that's what I tell my husband...kidding honey!)

Can I just interject how difficult it is to get a screaming baby 

and a bored little boy to be happy at the same time?

Impossible.

However feet, are a lot easier to photograph. 

Happy Sunday!

~M

{One year older and wiser}

This next year of my life, I want to not take one single moment, day, and experience for granted. I want to live life to the fullest, and do everything I can to make the best of every chance I have been given in this life. So the day before my b-day (Sunday) I put together twenty one goals I want to accomplish or change this year to better my life.

1. go (and continue going) to a chiropractor. My back often has a lot of aches and pains from my work, and I'd like to be feeling the best I can which means going to get my knots and ribs put back in place
2. go to yoga at least once if not twice a week. We recently watched a movie in one of my classes called The Mastery of Chi. I really REALLY think there's something behind the chinese philosophy
3. go off chocolate/ice cream/candy/cake for at least three months in the next year. Enough said.
4. stop eating out as much. Maybe twice a week. I haven't eaten a home cooked meal at our apt. in weeks...
5. go on one weekend vaca. each month
6. keep my garden pots alive
7. get a puppy....or two
8. make a budget
9. build a better savings, like one that a bank would accept for a house down payment
10. stop online shopping except for things I can only get online. Like cheap scrubs
11. do more crafts. they are so relaxing for me
12. start going on walks with my hubby each week
13. go back to not drinking carbonated drinks anymore. My BP has changed from 100/60 to 120/80. Not unhealthy, but I don't like how much its changed since I start working more
14. go visit Hawaii, New York, and California
15. Convince Jared to go to Disneyland...THIS YEAR
16. do my own manicures- acrylic nails are just to much money for what they are
17. get a hair cut at least every two months
18. start reading scriptures by myself EVERY DAY
19. only work one sunday a month
20. don't negative self talk myself
21. find new ways to love my husband, and myself.

I think that if I follow through with all of these, in a year I will be so much LESS stressed, and so much more happier!

Here are some pics from the day. Mom took me for a girls day out and we shopped till we dropped! Literally, PC, Gateway mall, Fashion Place as well.

Started off the day at one of my favorite places to eat for lunch, Rainbow Gardens. Isn't it quaint?

Yes, I'm still thinking about my glittery TOMS from Nordstroms

 Stopped by Sephora, and bought a little somethin' somethin' for myself

{Poppy by Coach if you can't tell}

and I got the best thing a girl could ask for - my long lost favorite Aunt Diane stopped by with a handmade quilt made especially for my by her and Aunt Vellis. Love those ladies!

Do you have a family member you absolutely LOVE seeing or getting visits from?

Happy Tuesday!

~Melissa

the BIG 21

The reason I've been so excited for today was that it was a monumental day...cause I turned 21! Since I had school, work, and a trip to the DMV to take up my day, its been more like a birthday party weekend instead of a birthday day. Saturday my sweetie took me to my ultimate fav. restaurant Red Rock Cafe (go there if you haven't!)

 {Yes, that is my sweetheart making faces. Can you tell he hates posing for pictures?}

and ordered my ultimate fav. food... fried green tomatoes. Mmm! Then we went and saw limitless, which was a great movie in the fact it was fast paced, but I hated HATED the ending. Oh well, not all endings are as amazing as Inception's was.

Today for my actual birthday my hubby took me to Cafe Rio which is just divine. Pork Salad, yes please! It just breaks my heart when I hear that its only in a couple states. People don't know what they're missing out on! Then I helped Jer hand pick some lovely birthday items for me from Cherry Lane Boutique.

{Cute scarf and earrings that I am going to LOVE!}

Love that place! I can always find great things. In general, I just love boutiques. I completely prefer them over department stores, and shops at the mall because everyone goes into those places, and boutique are more indigenous to the area.

Ah thanks honey, SUCH a surprise!

 {Just fyi, it was NOT that much.}

How was this for a cute outfit to go to the DMV?

{See those cute shoes? They're from DSW via my momma}

All in all, a great birthday so far! Tomorrow: shopping with my madre ALL DAY in PC. Any good places I should go? New stores other than those in Tanger Outlets?

{New Years Resolutions}

Even though we weren't together NYE to make our new years resolutions together, we both have some big ones. This year I don't want to fail at mine like I normally do. And what better way to have people informed so they can motivate me other than the blog? SOoo I figured it would be a great idea to let you all know that....

MINE:

     1. I want to only work a little over 20 hours a week. The last two months of 2010 I was working about 45, almost 50 hours a week between my three jobs. And it was killing me.

     2. I (as always) want to do stellar on my grades this semester. That's going to mean lots of dedication and studying.

     and my big one this year....

     3. I want to train and run a 5K by my birthday (March 28th) and a 10K by the end of the year.

I have never run a race in my life, and I'm kinda afraid. I just bought some winter gear so I can run outside because I hate tracks so hopefully it will all work out. Any advice? Suggestions? Motivational tips?

JARED:

     1. Wants to get in shape.

     2. Start building a better savings.

     3. Do well in school

and of course....

     4. Go fishing more (He didn't say that, but I know its true.)

This year has been an amazing year for us (a lot to do with getting married), and we want this next year to be just as wonderful. No we have absolutely no family plans except to spend more time together, and to be better about weekly dates and more weekend getaways.

Happy 2011!!!

.Our sweet New Years' getAWAY.

I worked on NYE this year at one of my facilities so Jer and I took the advantage of a couple days off prior to New Year's and went down with my parents for a nice little getaway. We stayed at my parents condo in St. George, spent one whole day in the Forum's shops in Las Vegas shopping, and slept in until ten three days in a row. It was GLORIOUS.

We ate at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville which was delish!

Browsed in H&M for over an hour!!! (I have missed this store soooo much!)

Ooggled at some wonderful, very expensive stores...

and posed in front of large nude statues...gotta love Caesar's Palace!

All in all it was a wonderful advenure that I'm very grateful we got to take. It was a nice way to end our wonderful 2010 and ring in the new year, even though I couldn't really physically be with my sweetie. More to come soon on our New Years Resolutions. I've got some BIG ones this year!