November 2012

Thanksgiving

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Jason's family in Salt Lake City.  It was a great trip with lots of fun with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas.  The boys hung up Christmas lights on the house, the cousins had a fun sleepover and we all went to Temple Square.

Color Me Rad 5k

Jack and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k with some friends.  I thought for sure Jack would sit in the stroller most of the time - but he and his little buddy Max surprised us.  They wanted to run!  I would guess that Jack ran almost 2 miles on his own.  Good job my little runner!

Christmas Story Family Home Evening

The last Monday night in November, we decided to have to family night with the Nativity.  We talked about the story of Jesus' birth and I really felt like the boys were listening.  Then at the end, Jack slowly pics up the Baby Jesus - loudly burps - and says, "Did ya hear that Baby Jesus?"  Sigh . . . oh well . . . boys will be boys I guess!

Jack

This month Jack was the start student in his preschool.  He is growing up and doing so well with his numbers, letters, colors, days of the week, etc!  He knows how to spell his first and last name and even Owen's name.  Now if we could just get him to not have any more potty accidents in preschool . . . 

I asked Jack what he would like from Santa this was the response I got: "I would like a magic wand or a witches' broomstick to fly on."  I sure hope Santa can pull that one off!

Owen

Owen has loved all the Christmas decorations!  Especially Rudolph's nose (as you can see. . .).  He loves to sing "Frofy the Snowman" and "Sunbeams."  He is just a very happy and pleasant child with lots of hugs and kisses.

He does get sad when Jack leaves for preschool in the morning though!

October 2012

 

Mexican Rivera Cruise

At the beginning of the month Jason and I went on an AWESOME trip with super great friends and no kiddos!  That's right.  A full week of just adult time.  The girls and I calculated we had 21 meals where we actually got to sit and eat without running around and force feeding children.  I missed the boys so much, but we had so much fun with our friends and with each other!  It was a great time full of SO many funny stories and a lot of time relaxing on the beach and deck drinking (virgin, of course) strawberry daiquiris, laughing, photos and reading books.  It was a great week!

 Halloween Festivities

We spent a large portion of our weekends at Halloween festivities this month.  My two little pirates did trick or treating at ward trunk-or-treats and went to a few parties as well.  We went to pumpkin patches, carved pumpkins, went to the Spring Preserve and attended awesome Halloween parties.  Jason and I dressed up as a tooth and the tooth fairy - you know we can't pass up Halloween without dressing up for the adult party as well!

 Gavin's 5th Heaven Day

October can be an intense month for our family as well.  On the 28th, it was 5 years since our sweet baby Gavin passed away.  I remember thinking that I would never make it a year - let alone 5 years.  It's amazing what time does for healing.  There are still painful moments and I still miss him so much - but our day was filled with so much peace.  These past five years have been such a learning experience and a wonderful opportunity to grow.  I feel peace when I remember Gavin's passing now.  It is a beautiful and sacred memory for me.  It is mixed with grief and pain - but somehow, the Atonement and the mercy of our Heavenly Father has changed the memory to be filled with peace as well.  It's amazing how our Savior can help us carry our burdens if we will let him.  I am grateful every single day for a sweet baby who has blessed our home and has taught me about true love.  Yes, I miss him.  Yes, I still cry some days.  And yes, I have bad moments.  However, peace has been filling my emptiness and I am grateful for the part Gavin still continues to play in our home and our family. 

Jason and I spent the morning on the 27th at the Temple and then went to lunch together.  I am beyond greatful for a husband who has stood by me.  He is an amazing man who blesses my life so much. 

 These Boys . . .

Here are a few snapshots to show how these boys are growing . . . I adore them.  Never a dull moment in the Bailey home!

September 2012

The Big 3-0

Ahh!  I turned 30 this month!  Crazy how I still feel like I am 17 . . . sigh . . .

I spent the weekend with my wonderful family at my parents' cabin in Southern Utah.  We hit up the Iron County fair, mom made scones for breakfast and we had a great time hanging out with the whole family.

I guess turning 30 isn't as bad as I thought it would be . . .

 Jack's 1st Day of Preschool

My sweet and crazy Jack started preschool this month!  He cried a bit the first day, but has loved it ever since.  He goes twice a week for 2 1/2 hours.  He loves it and I can really tell he is starting to pick up writing.  It's amazing how quick kids learn. 

Check out what he wrote on his "About Me" poster . . . UGH!

 Time Out for Women

I went with my mom and some friend to Time Out for Women.  It was really an uplifting experience.  I needed those two days for my own "time out."  It helped me reflect on what is truly important in my life and the things that matter most.  The biggest thing I learned that weekend was "God doesn't want cookie cutter women."  Meaning - we are each individuals and need to develop our own strengths.  We don't have to be it all - we just have to be trying to improve ourselves and our families the best way WE can.  It was just what I needed to hear.

 Wicked

We went to see Wicked this month - and once again it was fabulous!  Such a fun date night!

 Family Pictures

We had these FABULOUS pictures taken this month too!  Love 'em!

 And here is a little more of the craziness that resides in the Bailey home . . .