Kiddie Kandids

Landon and I went to the mall with my sister eariler tonight. Just as we were rushing to leave the mall and head to Kohl's before it closed, a lady working at Kiddie Kandids asked me if I wanted a free portrait done of Landon. I hesitated and looked at Brittany but after she promised it was free and would only take a few minutes, I agreed. Landon has been sick and won't even let me take pictures at home when he is well so I was afraid he wouldn't let me go. However, the girl taking the photos started playing catch with him and he did awesome. They had some techincal difficulties trying to pull up the pictures of Landon on the computer so needless to say, we didn't make it to Kohl's but ended up with a very adorable photo of Landon! I think he looks so grown up. Now if only I had a more appropriate oulfit on him!

As we were leaving, I was given a 30% off coupon for our next visit! They told me since it was Landon's birthday recently, I could receive a free 8 by 10 and 10% off any package, which is even more cool. I was going to get his 2 year pictures done pretty soon and was going to go to JcPenny since I have a free 8 by 10 there but I like Kiddie Kandids so much more. They actually play with the kids and have fun props and everything. I got Landon's pictures done there when he was 6 months old (I also got free photos then too!) and they are too cute. So next time you take your kiddo to the mall, make sure you dress him up! The single photo is the actual 5 by 7 I took home with me. It's from the picture of Landon sitting, they just zoomed in and added a border. The coloring doesn't look so great because I took a picture of a pictures. I added the border to the two photos from their website. I love free stuff!

Nothin' like a good book.

Over the last several months, I read almost every book that Nicholas Sparks has written. Most of his books I have found at the D.I. for 50 cents. Talk about cheap entertainment! Brittany has been into them too. With most of his books, I pass them to her when I'm done if she hasn't already picked them up at the library. Anyway, I LOVE his books. He is such an easy-going writer. I usually get them read within a few days, reading at night before bed or on my lunch break at work. Today, while Landon napped and Chris was working on the basement, I was able to make a huge dent in 'Nights In Rodanthe'. I am anxious to finish it so I can go see the motion picture that just came out on September 26th. Chris agreed that he would see it with me,YAY! He usually refuses to see any kind of chick flick with me. He usually ends up liking the movie though. Of course he added that maybe he would get to go see a movie that he wanted to see..fair enough! Sometimes seeing a movie from a book I've just read kind of ruins it but for Nicholas Sparks, that isn't the case at all. My all time favorite movie is 'The Notebook' and I absolutely loved 'A Walk To Remember'. I've read 'A Message in a Bottle' but haven't seen the movie yet but am dying to. Hopefully his new movie won't let me down. I am stoked! I can't remember a time I haven't been more excited to go see a movie.

**If you haven't read any of Nicholas Sparks' books, I highly reccomend that you do. You won't be disappointed! Oh, and I have all but two or three of his books that I could loan out if I like you enough. :) The above picture is missing like one or two. Landon loves novels for some reason and runs off with them. I hope he enjoys reading when he is old enough.

General Relief Society Meeting

Alisha, me, Brittany, and poor Jade who kept getting cut out of the pictures!

I had the opportunity to go to the General Relief Society Meeting on Saturday-thanks to Cody! I went with Brittany, Alisha, and Jade. Of course it's special to be able to go to such an event but it was extra special because Jade is not yet a member but wants to be. She was super excited.

I am so grateful for the Relief Society and for all of the help it has brought to me. I am also grateful to be a member of the LDS church, although sometimes I think I take it for granted. The meeting really opened my eyes to see what is important in life. I should be setting a good example to not only my family, but others as well. I hope I will get to help others in the church as they have helped me over the years.

It was a fun and spiritual night-thanks again Cody.

The Greatest Show on Earth

On Wednesday night, Cody took Brittany, Landon, and me to the CIRCUS! Cody had won the tickets and was nice enough to take us along. It was Landon's first time at the circus and I think he had a really good time. He loved the animals and ESPECIALLY the motorcycles (circles!) It was kind of dark and we were a little high up so the pictures aren't all that great but we still had a BLAST!
Landon and Mommy at the pre-show. They had clowns, jugglers, and even an elephant painting!
Brittany and Cody clearly excited for the show!

The elephants were SO cute!

One of Landon's favorite parts. Crazy stuff!

The grand finale!

Thanks Cody and Brittany!

Update

I thought I should probably do an update on our family since I haven't been good about blogging lately.

Landon
Landon is such a funny kid. He is learning words daily and has really expanded his vocabulary since we've moved to Utah. HIs favorite word is "no" and although I think he knows what it means, he says it to pretty much to any question asked. We are working on getting him used to a "big boy bed" so that when we move downstairs, we dont have to worry about setting up his crib (it's stored at the Cook's). Right now, he is in an older crib that my parents have and flipped out of it for the first time the other night. He has been taking naps on the twin in his room and seems to like it. I've enjoyed taking naps on it with him as well :) He LOVES his grandparents and is having way too much fun with them. He has been pretty picky about eating but in his defense, he is two years old.

Me
I started working August 26th at Bountiful high school in the functional skills classroom. It has been challenging but very rewarding as well. I feel good knowing I am helping a student with their work that they wouldn't otherwise know how to do. There is never a dull moment in the classroom so I can honestly say I'm never really bored or anxious to get the day overwith. They keep me on my toes! I work three days one week and two the next which still gives me plenty of time to spend with my boys. I have also started scrapbooking up again with some encouragement from Alishka and I am setting a goal to have all of Landon's pictures done by the time we have another baby. I have a TON of pictures so it will keep me busy. Too bad scrapbooking can be so expensive though. It's worth it, I guess! I am enjoying being surrounded by family although it would be nice to get our own place.

Chris
Chris still has yet to find a job so he has been helping in the basement with most of his free time. He has applied to a few places but nothing seems too promising. He has an interveiw at another grocery store on October 7th so we will see what happens. If anyone knows about any job opening or has any suggestions, we would love to hear about them. He has found a new favorite show, Man Vs Wild, and watches it every chance he gets. Although he misses his family and friends in Washington, I think he is liking it here. He has made a huge sacrifice for me and I love him!

So not too much is going on, as you can see. Just everday life! We all have a little bit of a cold but are doing okay.

I am sick and our froggie died last night. Sad day.

A Little Angel

Exactly 9 years ago today, my 3-month old cousin, Taylor, died of SIDS. The day of his death still is clear in my mind. He was such a sweet, innocent little baby and I couldn't understand why he had to be taken. I took his death really hard. Even though my aunt was going through an extremely rough time dealing with the loss of her precious baby, she called to tell me that she would be using the blanket I had made Taylor to wrap his fragile body in to be buried. To this day, it still means a lot to me. When I found out I was having a boy, I immediately wanted to use Taylor's name as my babies middle name. I wasnt sure how my aunt would react to that so when she told me she would be honored, I was glad. My aunt and uncle and their son all share a special bond with Landon and I feel like maybe that has something to do with it. Even though what happened was tragic, I know in my heart that Taylor will be reunited with his family some day and that he safe in the arms of the angels.

Little Critters

My mom wanted to get Landon another fishey for his fish tank today so while we were out with Brittany and Cody (Landon was home napping and Chris was helping with the basement) we decided to run into PetSmart. They had the CUTEST puppies and dogs up for adoption. I haven't wanted a dog since I've known Chris but today, you could of talked me into it. Brittany was also in awe of the dogs and was really loving an adult pup named Spot. They asked if she was looking to adopt and she said, "No, I'm just wishing." They then asked if we wanted to take the dog for a walk so Britt held on (he was strong!) and we walked around the store a bit. He was happy to get out of his kennel, sniff around, and mark his territory...twice! Then I thought maybe I was sure I wasn't ready for one!

So no, I didn't get one of those critters but I did purchase one dwarf frog and three tiny shrimps. The frog is pretty small and just chills on the bottom of tank and should eat whatever floats his way (fish flakes and such). The shrimp eat anything on the bottom. The frog is so little and cute! I want to name him Kermet but Brittany and Cody insisted on Domonick. Ew. When I asked Landon what we should name the shrimp that was in sight, he said "Boy!" I don't know if he knew what he was saying but "Boy" it is little man!

Anyway, the shrimp help keep the tank clean and are pretty awesome as well. I'm glad Cody told me about them! They are fun and only 33 cents each. The frog didn't cause a hole in my wallet either. He was $2.99.

We went to the store to get another fish and ended up with four other guys. I forgot all about the fish! Sorry Ma

Here is the frog going for a little ride. This was hilarious! What kind of frogs sit in the absolute funnest place like this? He is the coolest frog ever.

Party Time

We had a small family birthday party for Landon on Saturday, the 6th. We had a BBQ, opened presents, ate cupcakes, and attempted some wheel barrow racing. Okay, Brittany and I attempted...everyone else that participated could do it. After that, a few of us went to the park. While Daddy and Uncle Travis shot some hoops, Landon ran and ran and ran all over the court. It's so stinkin cute when he runs. He liked his presents but I think he was more excited about having cars on his cupcake.

I hope Landon had a good birthday. Hopefully, he will be able to tell us more by his next birthday. I can't believe our baby is TWO!

Birthday Fun

Landon got this sweet new ride from Mommy & Daddy for his birthday yesterday. He really likes it. I didn't take a lunch at work so I could come home and Landon could open his presents. When I got home, no one was there! My mom had taken Landon out to Red Lobster with Chris and Travis. Not fair! Good thing I came home when I did though...My parents bought Landon a fish tank and two goldfish and they looked like they could barely breathe. We think it was from the chemicals they told us to put in the tank. I took the fish out and put them in a vase with new water and now they are so happy! Anyway, when they got home, Landon opened his car from us and presents from his Grandma and Grandpa Brown. He got a new oulfit and an awesome car track with battery operated cars. He played with it all night!

After Landon's nap, my mom made dinner and we had carrot cupcakes with vanilla frosting. We gave Landon a cupcake with 2 candles in it and he kept saying "HOT HOT!" but when we blew them out for him, he got kind of scared. Maybe next year he will know more about what is going on. We had fun anyway though!

Happy Birthday to You!

I can't believe our little boy is already two years old! We love him so much. He has brought so much joy to our family. We are trully blessed.

We love you Landon Taylor! Happy Birthday!

Ready to Run

He was so sleepy and cuddly!

I love new shoes!

The past couple of nights it's been kind of chilly and I LOVE IT! Landon was finally able to wear his new warm jammies that I bought at the beginning of summer at Costco while we went on a little walk. I didn't go out for as long as I wanted because it was pretty late and dark and when we passed the house and Landon saw Grandpa and Grandma getting off the motorcycle, he was ready to go in and play with them!

@ the Lake

My family and my mom's side of her family went to the Lake this weekend up by Park City. We left around 10:30 and got home around 7ish so it was a long, fun filled day! My aunt brought her canoe and we had a pinic lunch. Landon entertained himself by throwing rocks into the river. My grandpa's tire blew while he was driving to the lake spot so my dad had to go rescue him so we sat around eating lunch while we waited for them. Also, my grandma got stung by a bee and is allergic so I didn't get to ride in the canoe because I was sitting with her making sure she was okay while my dad rushed to get some medicine. Other than that, it was a perfect day! Well, until the storm set in but we got out just in time :)

Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids

My brother went to highschool and is friends with one of the players who plays for the Rapids so he got my family tickets on Friday. It was Landon's very first soccer game and he loved it. We were sitting pretty high up and then my cousin called and said she was in the front row and had empty seats around her so we got to go sit in front of all of the action so that was pretty awesome.

Of course Landon had to pound it!