Monster Jam

As a Christmas gift, I bought Aaron and Hank tickets to the Monster Jam! For the past three weeks, Hank has been super-excited, counting down the days until the big event--and Aaron and I have not missed the opportunity to use it as leverage for good behavior: "Eat all of your breakfast or you can't go to the Monster Jam next week." Mean, I know.

1.11.11

Last year, when I turned 28, I revealed my theory about "epic" years occuring once every four years, and proclaimed that 28 was sure to bring me "big things." It seems that my prophecies were fulfilled, just not quite in the way that I had envisioned. So, if I get to put in my order again for this year, forget "epic" and "big," I'm saying up front that I'd like a calm, peaceful, and positive 29th year.

Some of my very sweet girlfriends surprised me with a birthday brunch get-together. Besides the fact that our millions of kids wreaked havok on Liz's poor house, it was so nice to celebrate with dear friends.

Believe it or not, I chose to go out for sushi for my birthday dinner--its not ALL raw fish people, trust me!

One of my favorite parts of the day was my 'birthday hug' from my boys. Hank and Max gave me hugs, sang me "Happy Birthday," and "helped" with a sweet card.

As tradition holds, I challenge Aaron each year to make me a birthday cake of my choosing. This year, I chose a throw-back from my childhood, a favorite we called 'yum-yum cake.' Aaron whoopsed and forgot a few key ingredients, so Sue saved the day and made the cake--it was a team effort.

If I told you what I wished for then it wouldn't come true, but I'll give you one hint: it starts with a 'Ben' and ends with a "Jamin."

Interview with Hank about Me:

1. How old is Mom? 29 (true)
2. What is Mom's name? Courtney (that's me)
3. What is Mom's favorite color? pink (I wouldn't have been able to choose)
4. What is Mom's favorite thing to eat? sandwiches (wrong-o. Chocolate!)
5. What is Mom's favorite thing to do? play with us (of course)
6. What is Mom's favorite song? Twinkle-Twinkle (hymns)
7. What is Mom's favorite book? The Book of Mormon (right!)
8. What is Mom's job? to take care of us (yep)
9. Where does mom like to go? Go to Old Maybe's (I think he meant "Old Navy." I do like to shop, but I would have said be outdoors, go on a walk, or go on a date with Dad)
10. What is your favorite thing about Mom? you are loved (thanks Hankie:)


If I have learned anything in my 29 years, its that I have so, so much more to learn. I'm looking forward to another year to figure it all out, to mess up, to keep on trying to get it right, to try to do my best, and to just keep moving forward. Its going to be a great year, I know it!

A Little Comparison

THINGS THAT WEIGH 27 LBS:

6 law textbooks weigh 28.2 lbs

A giant bucket of cars and trucks weighs 24.5 lbs

4  #10 cans of long grain rice and three bottles of spaghetti sauce weigh 27 lbs



A random google search found this fisherman and his 27lb catch



My loveable, squishable, oh so adorable just-turned-9-months-old baby boy weighs 27 lbs!

Yesterday my sweet baby boy turned 9 months old! At our appointment with our pediatrician yesterday my suspicions were confirmed: Ben may not exactly be "petite." At 30" long and 27lbs, Ben is in the 90% for length and off the charts for weight. Bonus for me: I have no need for a gym membership because carrying Ben around everywhere gives me plenty of exercize!


NINE THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM BEN (to name a few):

- There is NOTHING more important in this world than family.
- Life is precious. Don't take anything for granted and don't waste time sweating the small stuff.
- Live each day with gratitude.
- I may make mistakes, I may not be perfect, but I will try my best to be the best mother I can be.
- Miracles Happen.
- Have faith--even when its hard, even when your prayers aren't being answered the way that you'd like, even when you're angry--Trust in the Lord and His will. If you look for His hand in your life, you will find it. Seek comfort in Jesus Christ. He is perfect friend.
- Enjoy the little things. Secret: the little things are the big things!
- Some things can't be measured. Some things don't need to be quantified. Some things don't fit molds. Some things are different. And its ok.
- Just LOVE.

Boys Will Be Boys

For as long as I've known Aaron, I've had concerns about the fact that he seems to be contantly belching or passing gas (sorry, honey!). No offense to my dear mother-in-law, but once when I was annoyed with Aaron's stinky habits, I asked, "didn't your mother teach you how to be polite?" Aaron said that withe four boys in his family, his mom gave up trying to teach them any manners a long time ago. Hmpf! Right then I made a mental note that if I ever had any sons, I would certainly teach them manners. Well, Sue, here is me eating my words: I give up! My boys are hopelessy, and innately, disgusting. The other day I was sitting on the couch when Hank rears up next to me. When I asked him what he was doing, he said he was "tooting" on me! Who taught him that?? Then last night while we were making dinner, Hank asked, "what is that smell?" and Max replied, without missing a beat, "my bum!" I am making a formal apology now to my future daughter-in-laws--I tried, but I give up!

Out With the Old...

...In With the New! Good riddance, 2010! We're feeling guardedly optimistic that 2011 has great things in store for our family--there's nowhere to go but up!

Being the wild party animals that we are, we had a family New Year's Eve pizza party.

After dinner, we got really crazy and made some homemade icecream!

Well, it was more like "icecream soup," but the boys weren't complaining!

Cheers! We toasted our sparkling cider to "miracles in 2011!"

The night ended with the kids getting tucked into bed and Aaron and I cuddling up together to watch a movie.

I've never been a big fan of New Years--the whole self-assessment and end-of-year evaluation always stresses me out. Nonetheless, I'm always up for setting new goals and, boy, do I have some new goals for 2011. Among other spiritual, physical, social, and financial goals, I have made the personal resolution to be done with guilt! Done! At the end of every day, I lay in bed and feel racked with guilt for what I didn't get done, for what I wish I had done differently, for not spending enough time with the kids, for not giving someone enough attention, etc. Certainly I can always stand to improve in these areas, and I will continue to work hard to meet all of my responsibilities/duties/expectations. But, I am done feeling guilty! All I can do is try my very best, and if that isn't enough--then I'm off the hook! Here's to trying my best...and forgetting the rest!

Stir-Crazy

Well it wasn't exactly enough snow to build a giant snowman, but mom was feeling stir-crazy and the boys were needing to burn off some energy, so this little skiff of snow provided some entertainment on our nature walk the other day. How am I going to get these boys the exercize they need all winter long?? Bust out the treadmill...

Anniversary

Its Always Better When We're Together....

On 12/28, Aaron and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary. I wouldn't have cared if we had spent the evening watching paint dry! With time at a premium these days, it was a special treat to spend the evening together--without the kids!--at our favorite Italian restaurant, watching a movie, and eating cheesecake for dessert. I am so lucky to have Aaron as my partner on this crazy journey of life. I love you, Aaron!