Three's Company

My life circling around

2011-11-17T23:44:00.002-07:00

I was reading through my blog tonight and got to the second to first post and thought it incredibly ironic that it applied to me today. Three years ago, at the same time of year, I was going through some personal struggles and having a hard time coping and dealing with my issues in a healthy way. Now, years later I am going through something incredibly similar and find it so interesting that this post applies to me today. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never the same. Life will go on, and the days will continue. Maybe this is me starting my new breath.

Friday, October 24, 2008

I had the weirdest dream last night. My life has been overflowing right now with life. Specifically people coming and people going. Recently I have experienced some great loss, and also some new life. Having lost my little brother only months ago, I have been looking at things now in great detail and with constant question. Also, having many friends and people that are constants in my life reproducing, I can't help but connect the two.
Fall and the onset of cold weather always makes me reflect. I have so many things to be grateful for. I have the cutest, smallest little family, that I often feel is all I have. And because we like to be to ourselves a lot, enjoying our own company I can't help but love the two boys in my life so much.
I feel like it is fall in my life. Not the start of school, but the end of a year, the end of a way of thinking, and maybe the end of a period in my life. This might be a period of ignorance, not sure. I never thought of myself as ignorant. Although, when there are parts of life you never understand until it happens to you, that is a sense of unknown ignorance.
I have never truly dealt with loss before, not in this way. The easiest thing for me is to put my worries miles away. If the problem is not close to home, it is easy to overlook in every day tasks. The hardest thing is having those days when you turn the music on to clean, the baby is asleep, and the words speak to you. I try to think that it is about something else, not what I am going through. I can't help but break down and let myself feel. Tears are dangerous, they make you feel alive, human... vulnerable.
I have discovered that I am someone who bottles things up. Wow, that was hard to admit. Putting on a smile is so much more important to me then showing people who I really am, and what I could be feeling. Okay, that was way too much self therapy today.
In the dream, I died. I was at war. Not sure why. My platoon was captured, and the enemy was disposing of all of us. When it was my turn, I sat in a chair and I was shot. What stuck in my mind was not the pain (which can be very real in a dream) but the quiet functioning of my organs. My breathing slowed, and just as I "died" it paused for a second and then started again.
My bodied had died, and it seamed to be my spirit that was breathing now. Even in the dream I remember very vividly questioning what was happening. When I realized that I had indeed died, but it was my spirit breathing, I got a huge feeling of relief. As I calmed and relaxed into my breathing I slowly realized I was dreaming, and tried to hold on. Slowly, I came out of it and felt strangely at peace. My body ached all over. Just the knowledge that the silence did not take over after my breathing stopped is what I hold on to.
I am happy to know that the end of a breath is not the end, and that people that leave us are starting something new.

Posted by Jamie Caitlin at 11:23

2011-09-03T22:19:00.003-06:00

Yeah... Blogging gets put on the back burner when you are suddenly a single mom working full time raising two baby boys on your own. Sad face. Don't expect any new posts anytime soon. Sorry to all my hundreds of readers who check my site everyday for updates.

-Jamie

The big 4

2011-06-26T09:41:00.009-06:00

Happy Fourth Birthday Nick!

I can't believe this boy has been in my life for four years now. He is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. He keeps me busy, laughing, smiling, annoyed, on the edge of my seat and always coming back for more. He never ceases to amaze me with his incredible personality. He is caring and so in tuned to what is going on, and what is said. He remembers everything. I don't know what I must have done to deserve him, but whatever it was, I'm glad.

I sure love you Nick. I can't imagine my life without you. You are the best big brother, and genuinely love your little Gibson. Happy Birthday Kid. I will love you forever.

-Mom

2011-06-08T16:31:00.002-06:00

YES!!!

This:

just made the beginning of my summer that much better. :)

Nick's Room

2011-04-16T14:52:00.005-06:00

Finished a big project last week. I made this wall hanging quilt for Nick's wall. It has pictures of all of his grandparents and his parents of course. :) There are 4 four generation pictures on the quilt too, which I love! Nick is such a lucky little boy he has so many families that love him so much.

On the quilt are pictures of McFarlands, Springobs, Merrills, Brockbanks and Hills. And pictures of Nick with me and Zack. And I printed everyones names on the quilt as well, so when he gets old enough to read he will remember who everyone is. I can't imagine what it would have been like to have grandparents and great grandparents on every side to keep track of! :) He sure loves them all too.
Here is a picture of where it hangs in his room. Also, a picture of the quilt I made him for Christmas for his new bed that Great Grandpa Hill made him. I LOVE his room. It's hard to see in this picture, but there is an alphabet in the form of a train on the wall there above his bed.
Just wanted to share. :)

Nick Hill at Ski School

2011-04-06T13:52:00.013-06:00

We are so proud of our little skier!
This year Nick got to go to ski school! It was five weeks long, every Saturday, all day at Snowbird Ski Resort in SLC, UTah. He always came home exhausted, and eventually told us about all the neat things he was learning.

Zack told me when he got to see him ski he was always racing down the mountain. One particular time Nick was skiing with his instructor and (what looked intentional) skied him into a large group of people and took off around them and zipped down the hill. Little stinker.
Above is his instructor Greg (AKA Cody). Nick on the left. He alternated taking Nick and this other little boy(?) out to ski. Below is a letter that Greg wrote to us telling us about Nick and his progress in the program.
And lastly there is his "report card". It is all pretty accurate, other than "I know my instructors name." I asked Greg what Nick called him during the day, he said Greg. I said, well... he calls you Cody at home. Not sure why... hahahah Such a funny boy.

To enlarge any of the pictures to see them better, just click on it, it will open in another window and you can enlarge it from there.

Congratulation Nick! We are so proud of you.
-Mom and Dad

Brothers

2011-03-21T10:41:00.004-06:00

I just love this picture of my boys. It's the very beginning of a lifetime friendship. :) They just love each other so much already. Gibson smiles and stares at Nick whenever he is where he can see him. And Nick is always kissing and hugging his brother... and squeezing his face with both hands and talking baby talk to him. They are so sweet.

We are having a lot of fun as a family of four. I can't wait for the warm weather so we can start camping.

By the way... anyone want to buy me this:

Thanks!!!

Lovin' my boys

2011-02-14T14:38:00.006-07:00

Cute Babies...

Cute Toddlers...

With lots to say...

He is only 7 weeks old and already so talkative... I'm really in for it.

Sorry for taking the video sideways!

I love my boys. :)

Birth Announcement

2011-02-08T12:27:00.003-07:00

This is Gibson's birth announcement:

I made it myself and just printed it out at home on photo paper, it turned out pretty cute! I took the first two pictures and Nick took the third one, he was goofing around, but I think it looks good. Hopefully we can get a family picture soon, we still haven't taken one with all four of us. Let me know if your volunteering! :)

Ground Hogs Day - 5 years

2011-02-02T15:49:00.013-07:00

Grandma McFarland

My Grandma has been gone for five years now. I miss her everyday. It's getting harder to remember all the details of our time together. Most of my favorite memories are when I was little and visiting her house with my siblings, swimming climbing trees and having fun in the sun. I wanted to share a few pictures of her before I knew her, and as the Grandma I remember.
Here she is as a late teenager (?), it's the picture they used on the program of her memorial service. She was so beautiful!

Below is a picture of her at 16, probably in either Hurricane Utah (where she was born) or California... Dad would know.

And here is the Grandma I remember!!!

Here is a picture of her and I at the memorial wall they put up in town for a weekend. Vietnam memorial wall?
Below, me and Jena dressed up in her scarves and flower hair pins.
Eating breakfast in the living room at our tiny table.
Here we are dressed up in her dresses and hats and purses and high heels. Jordan was always a willing participant too, although we never seemed to get any pictures of him in her clothes. It looks like we didn't wear the wigs this time, however they were played with all the time! (The wigs in the closet.)
And finally the swimming pool in the front yard. We would swim round and around making a whirl pool. One time Jordan had gotten in trouble, and Grandma was after him with a pin, and he got in the middle of the pool. She said, "You think I wont come in there after you?" She didn't even pause to pull up her pants, she just hopped right in and went after him!
We always had the big beach towels to lay out on the small hill in the front yard and get warm after swimming.
So many memories that I cherish are associated with this wonderful woman and her influence in my life. I hope with the passing years her memories stay with me, and I can think about them from time to time and smile. I can't forget her for too long, since she is my new baby boy's name sake.

Iris Gibson McFarland
June 7, 1924-February 2, 2006

-Jamie

My Sewing Space

2011-01-21T16:44:00.003-07:00

Wishin this was my work space...

http://livingsocial.com/cities

This could actually be very feasible for me. My sewing area is packed in my 2nd bedroom right now. I have always had my own room for my sewing, until now. I have an unfinished bedroom downstairs all framed up, and electrical roughed in, ready for sheet-rock, which wont fit down the stairs. :( BIG sad face!!! Any ideas appreciated!

The closet holding all my sewing stuff right now is in my baby's room. And my toddler has his own room, which leaves me stuck in the baby room closet... no biggee, I think I should use this idea and create myself a closet studio until my downstairs room gets done (somehow) .

What do you think?!?! Any suggestions?

Jamie

Gibson Ski

2010-12-23T11:03:00.004-07:00

Welcome to the family Gibson

We welcomed our new baby boy to the family on December 19th, 2010 early on a Sunday morning. We arrived at the hospital Saturday night between 10:30 and 11:00 PM... it was so late, there was no one to even check us in, we just went right up to delivery. Since it was the middle of the night, it was quiet, peaceful, and we were the only ones there. We got a lot of attention, and everyone helping us took their time and did a good job. Around 3 in the morning the nurse said she expected us to have a baby within the hour, fifteen minutes later she came back and we got the ball rolling, and she went to wake up my doctor. Five or six pushes later and we welcomed a life into the world; 3:43 AM. Gibson Ski Hill was 6 pounds 14.7 ounces and 18 1/2 inches long.
He came out so darling and perfect. We named him for my Grandma McFarland whose maiden name was Gibson. His Dad graciously shared his middle name with his second son; Ski (which I couldn't get him to agree on until we were driving to the hospital).

We are so grateful for our new addition, and love him so absolutely already. We have had lots of support from all of our family that we really appreciate. Zack's Mom and family watched Nick for us for four days, and brought him to the hospital to meet his little brother. Thanks also to the neighbors for bringing meals. My parents will be here to visit in January, and we look forward to seeing them as well. The whole experience went extremely well for us, thanks to everyone who helped in any small way. :)

Expect far less posts, I will be super busy snuggling my new baby!!!!

Nick's First Day Skiing

2010-11-20T18:46:00.006-07:00

Here are some videos of Nick skiing for the first time today. He had such a great time, and did really well!!! Four generations of Hills on the mountain this year. :)

Sewing

2010-11-03T20:00:00.007-06:00

This post is for my MOM

Remember that fabric you gave me a while back? See what I made out of it?! :)

I made it fit pretty cute for now, while I'm fat... and when I get my rock hard abs back, I will put more buttons down the front.

Don't mind my silly pose...

Here is the back, with a cute draw string.

Some of my other recent sewing :
This is my hospital bag...

All ready to pack with a cute baby outfit and whatever else I might need.

The inside has two compartments, and two pockets. Also velcro to keep it closed. And a pocket on the front with a zipper to keep important things.
Next, I'll need to photograph all the cute baby clothes I have been making. I need a serger!!! I am half way there. I have found the one I want, and will hopefully have it for christmas, now my clothes will look more like clothes in the seems. Well... you will see.

Halloween

2010-11-03T19:40:00.007-06:00

Happy Halloween!

This year Nick decided he wanted to be a rock star for Halloween (mostly because of the influence of a certain best friend, that always seems to convince him, thanks Steph! :))

It's hard to tell but his hair is black. And he let me put make up on him! My little Billy Joe. :)

Here, we went to the pumpkin patch on the Saturday before Halloween. Everyone in Utah knows it poured that day! We had so much fun stomping around in the mud though! We went through a corn maze (which was harder than Zack and I expected) and picked our pumpkins out. There were also some animals there we got to see.

Here are the two (soon to be three) men in my life. I love them both so much.

Such a character.

My attempt at a smile... I have been feeling rather fat, and not pretty lately!

We ended up visiting the ski resort on Halloween eve and several grandparents to trick-or-treat. When we finally got home, Nick had been out in the rain and his black hair had run everywhere! We got him cleaned up, and he didn't even want to go trick-or-treating, so we just stayed home and answered the door. We got a lot of kids! And, the next morning had one of our pumpkins smashed in the road. Who does that?!?! Anyway ... it was a great holiday for us. :)

My growing belly

2010-09-30T10:25:00.003-06:00

Belly Picture

7 months

Thanks Nick for the photo shoot. :)

Decorating Baby Clothes

2010-09-26T21:55:00.006-06:00

More onsies! I am having so much fun with this machine.

A sneak peak of the name we chose. No middle name in mind yet.

The above is just for Zack. :) It could almost be his silhouette.

Doesn't this make you want to get one?? ( a silhouette)

Silhouette - - Birthday

2010-09-26T12:14:00.002-06:00

Silhouette Fun!!!

My big birthday present from my sweety was a SILHOUETTE. I am loving it. I have already cut some vinyl trains for Nick's room, and recently tried the heat transfer. Look how cute!!! "Big Brother" is ready to iron on once we get Nick a new shirt that will fit him when the baby comes.
How fun!!

Thanks so much Zack, can't wait to decorate the whole house, and all of our clothes, and make cards and maybe even get into scrap booking?!?! We shall see...

Recent Developments

2010-09-09T10:26:00.010-06:00

What I have been up to...

I have been getting ready for baby. Zack and I are so excited for this baby to come! Nick is also getting excited about the idea of the baby in my tummy coming out. He talks about it all day, and what the baby will do when he comes out. :)
We have all been enjoying the summer, but not taking many pictures. I guess when you are having so much fun, it's hard to stop and think to document it. I can't believe it is already September. I'm almost seven months along already (at the end of the month). I have to find a new doctor too... mine is giving up his practice to work one day at a hospital u[ in SLC, so I have to find someone new to deliver this baby. He delivered Nick, and I really liked his style. I'm not looking forward to getting used to a new doctor so late in my pregnancy. Pooh.

Below is a sleeper I made for baby. I LOVE the way it turned out. It's crocheted, and tightly, so he will be nice and warm during his winter naps.

Below is a sneak peak at his baby blanket. I usually crochet one and sew one. Almost done with this one, if I could find more of that yarn I used, having a hard time with that.

I have also made several baby hats with my loom. I plan on making several more, one yellow, and another blue one. Since it will be winter when he comes, I want to have plenty of hats on hand for his little head to keep warm.

Just a few bibs I whipped up. Then, I realized I had over 30 from Nick that I washed at straightened out. We will not have a shortage of bibs in our house anytime soon.

And here is the quilt I made him. I love the colors. I did mostly green with Nick, and this baby is turning out to have lots of blue. Sounds good to me. :)

This is a hand made mobile. I made it from drift wood I got at the ocean out by Forks, WA. My mom's idea. It turned out so cute! Thanks Mom!!

We are getting ready for you baby!!!

I have also been busy with a quilt for my Mother in law. She is turning 50 on Sunday, and I wanted to do something special for her. I made her this picture quilt with a picture of each of her 13 kids, and their first and middle names and birthdays. My mom helped me with the embroidery. And I got dad of 13 to get me the names and dates, most if which he had to look up! That is a lot of dates to remember!!! Here are some pictures of the finished product. Hope she likes it!!

I don't worry about her seeing this before she actually receives the quilt, she doesn't have much time for surfing the internet. :D

So, as you can see I have been rather busy. And, I have also been getting rather fat. (Because I'm pregnant) hahahha No pictures yet of me and my belly. I can't seem to get a good one so far.

Comments

2010-08-07T17:15:00.000-06:00

What?!?! My comments work?

Thanks for those that have commented. :)

On the Potty

2010-07-28T09:35:00.001-06:00

And so the potty training adventure begins. Day three - and still no accidents.

Does he have to wear underwear?!?!? He does so well NAKED!!!

-Cross your fingers for the days to come.

2010-07-08T08:44:00.011-06:00

Camping at Buraston Ponds

For breakfast, a wrapped hot dog and a pop tart! Hahahha

We went with our good friends Ryan and Hallie and their three friends, so much fun!!

Until next time, rope swing. I love this place!!!

2010-06-26T21:25:00.003-06:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to my dear sweet Nick today!!

Your parents love you so much!!!!

Pictures of the many parties to come...

Merry Christmas

2010-06-20T21:42:00.004-06:00

Does it look like a little teddy bear?

Sweet little baby number two is on the way. We are so excited! Our due date is December 25th. Merry Christmas everyone!

2010-06-01T09:04:00.010-06:00

Up American Fork Canyon ---- Finally the sun is starting to come out for summer!

Ode to Zack

2010-05-11T12:03:00.003-06:00

Ode to Zack

Zack and I just celebrated our 5 year Anniversary. I wanted to devote this post to him, and his awesomeness. Did I ever tell you all how we met? We were both Freshman at BYU and it was his first semester there, my second. He had just returned from his mission in Taiwan, and could speak Mandarin Chinese (what a turn on!). The first time we met was the day he moved into the complex. Stephanie and I had been long boarding down the hill, and were returning home when he and his roommates were moving all their stuff in. He and John Colver were taking a break and kicking a soccer ball around. We walking up and joined right in, kicking it around in a circle. (I like to joke with Zack that he married the first girl he met at college. )
So, that was the first encounter. I watched him several other times, like at ward prayer, he would always speak to this older Chinese girl that lived in the ward. And I ran into him a few times while I was coming home on my bike, or my motor scooter. I'm not quite sure what he thought of me, but I was scoping him out already!
The first time we actually spoke, or interacted was when he came over to the girl's side of the complex to ask the girl he home taught to sew his pants. She wasn't home, and our door was wide open... it always was. He asked if any of us knew how to sew, and I said, I will sew those pants for you. So, he sat down... I got out my little sewing kit from my mom, and fixed his pants right up. I even ironed them for him! They were jeans, and he had torn them at a concert (the really didn't need to be ironed.)
From then on... we were pretty much inseparable. We were out every night together, until the wee hours of the night ... usually climbing a tower somewhere or getting into trouble.
Although his two best friends and roommates, Jon Bennion and John Colver (my home teachers) will often take credit for us getting together, it was really when I sewed his pants that we really hit things off. They can have the credit tho. :)
Thank Goodness for my sewing skills, and also for the crazy concert Zack went to and ripped his pants. I got my tall, blonde, blue eyed boy. :)
Here is to another 5+ years of happiness Zack. Love you!

2010-04-27T10:38:00.005-06:00

Some skiing pictures ...

Grandpa Hill and I doing some spring skiing. Thanks Grandpa!!!

2010-03-21T10:00:00.016-06:00

Washington Trip in December

Our day trip to Victoria, Canada.

Painting ceramics with Mom and Theresa, a yearly tradition. :)
The plane ride.
Nick growing up a little too fast at Papa's house.
Riding the gondola at Silver Mountain, Idaho.
Skiing at Snowbird with the whole family.
Zack and me.
Dropping Nick off at the daycare. He will probably start skiing either this spring, or next year.

Zack, me and Grandpa Hill on his mountain.
Up at Silver Mountain, after my first time skiing. I love it!!!

Jamie

2010-03-16T14:23:00.002-06:00

New Blog for sewing:

http://onelittledress.blogspot.com/

This is not a replacement blog, just a blog dedicated to my sewing. Enjoy.

Jamie

Late, Late, Late New Years Post

2010-01-24T08:44:00.002-07:00

This may be my first post in a year without pictures... sorry for the boring facade. My camera is broken, and I can't get the pictures off of it from our last trip.

I just wanted to recap on this year and share some of our adventures with you.

This last year was my last year working. Zack has been asking me to stay home with Nick for some time, which I can appreciate. I am just a bit of a work-a-holic. I'm not sure why. I just love to work. I have always worked. All through high school, four years, and summers, at the Duty Free. Through college, all one year (hee hee) at the Malt Shoppe and BYU Catering and then, when we starting building our house I starting working at Mentoring of America selling Real Estate Coaching, and teaching at seminars, working on the website. Four years ago I starting working there. Met some amazing people, and learned a LOT!!! And In November of this year they moved their office to CA, and I was unemployed. It was a convenient time to become a stay-at-home Mom, so here I am.

So- In this post I would like to highlight the last years activities, a large part with that job, and other adventures with my family. :) A lot of firsts, and a lot of fun.

This last year, I was able to travel to 6 Buying Trip seminars to speak as a Tax Foreclosure expert. In the beginning part of the year, it was in CA twice. Then we went to Pennsylvania, Illinois and New York State twice. I have never traveled so much in one year. As a family, we were also able to travel to Washington to visit the family twice. Once in the summer, and once for Christmas. Through the summer, I went with Nick and Stephanie and Chelsea and Carson. We drove through Idaho to pick up Chelsea and Carson (my sister in law and nephew) and had a blast on the way there. Also- on the way home, we got to stop off in Spokane at Zack's Dad's ski resort, and he got us a room, and we played in the water park. It was an excellent week! At my folks place, we were able to go to the lake, visit a lot, go to arts an action... all the things I love to do when I am home in PA. Makes me really miss that place.

On our Christmas trip, my folks took Nick for a day, and Zack and I got to go to Victoria, thanks Mom! We also spend a week with Zack's Dad, and I learned to SKI!!! I love it, and can't wait for Nick to learn next year, and we can all go as a family.

In April last year, Zack and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary. Stephanie took Nick for the weekend, and Zack and I headed south. We camped at a water fall the first night, went shopping and golfing and headed to Vegas! My first time!!! We stayed at the castle hotel (forgot the name) and had the best time!!! We watched a piano duo that was hilarious, and had an all you can eat sea food buffet, and went on the roller coaster. It was the best anniversary trip! So... on the count, we have been to Nevada, California, Idaho, through Montana, Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, and Canada. We were really lucky this year to see so many places!

Moving on from the spring, we had a really hot exciting summer. We went camping several times at our favorite place, Burriston pond. We did a lot of swimming and fishing. It was Nick's first time camping, and he did great! This last summer, Nick also turned 2! We had a big party at the Hill's house. Lots of family came, and even my fav girl friends from high school, which really meant a lot to me. Thanks Steph, Katherine and Christy! Zack also turned 26, I think, hahaha, and for his birthday he got to go flying over Utah Lake strapped to Dell Schanze! (Google Utah State, and his name, he is famous here.) I really surprised him with this gift, and he absolutely loved it! :) I did good on that one.

After the summer, I had my birthday, and Zack got me a sewing machine. Much needed, I used my other one into the ground. And, that is what I have been up to all year with my spare time, sewing! I have made a lot of things this year. It's hard to always take pictures of it all before I give it away, especially with my camera broken... My largest project this year was by far my Mom's 60th birthday quilt. My sister, and sister in laws and I made it for her for her birthday/ christmas. We all did a corner, and then I took a large part of the year assembling it, and making it cohesive. It has pictures all over it. I'm not too modest about it, it is pretty amazing. I'll try to post some pictures, or you can go to her house and see it. :) It was a huge accomplishment for this year. Another sewing milestone for me, was having a booth at a craft fair and selling my little dresses, and other things I have made. We ended up getting rained out, but it was a great experience with my neighbor Jessica, and we are planning to attend again this year.

Zack has also had an excellent year with work and life, and all of his many talents. He is still playing music, and still boxing, and writing, and still skiing (as we speak actually). He had his best year at work, he has now been there for three years. He was top sales man last year, and by a large margin. He loves his job, and loves what he does. Since we shared so much of the parenting last year, and he watched Nick for five days while I would travel every time, he didn't travel as much with his job. This year, he will be traveling more, and working more. And we appreciate his sacrifice. To be fair, he is incredibly good at what he does, so hopefully he wont have to work too hard. :) He takes really good care of us. :)

Nick has also had one of the funnest years of his life. We took him along with us to a lot of new places, and he is so adaptable, and easy going. We have a lot of friends come over a lot, and he loves it!!! He is talking a lot, and has the most hilarious personality. He just seems to make everything more fun and life more enjoyable. We can never get enough of him, and end up letting him stay up so late, because we don't want him to go to bed yet. We enjoy his company so much. He is definitively spoiled. Oh well. hahaha

We are looking forward to an exciting 2010. We will celebrate our fifth anniversary. Nick will turn 3! Zack will be 27! I will be 25! (OMGosh I'm getting old.) Zack will have a great year at work. I will get used to being a stay-at-home Mom, and find some way to contribute. Our goal this year as a family is to finish the basement. We have already started, and have two rooms and the bathroom framed. Thank goodness for Zack's Grandpa - he is our mentor with everything we don't know how to do, and is pretty much amazing! When we are finished we will have a six bedroom house... and then we will start on the back yard. So much work to do!!!

This is by far my most lengthy and wordy post ever. Sorry no pictures. If you made it to the end, you don't mind my rambling.

Thank you all for even reading, and caring. :) We appreciate all our family and friends, and couldn't be nearly as happy as we are without you.

2009-12-06T09:25:00.009-07:00

Attempts at a Christmas Card Picture...

2009-11-28T19:41:00.009-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving.

I didn't take any pictures of the holiday. We spent it in Salt Lake with some family. We were also able to watch our niece and nephew while their parents were away for the holiday. It was really fun! :) These picture are of the day after Thanksgiving, we went and got our tree and decorated.

The day before Thanksgiving, Zack had the day off, so we went shopping and also over to the Pirates Restaurant in Orem. We all had a lot of fun playing the games, and collecting tickets.

This train was in the Provo Mall. Thank you Erin.:) Nick got to ride it with his two uncles and aunt. He loved it!

Fun times at the mall and out having fun with time off work. We have had a great holiday week!

Jamie

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T19:41:00.002-06:00

Happy Halloween Everybody!

Nick dressed as a Dragon this year. :) He loved it. We went to Trunk or Treat, and his favorite candy was the pixy stick. Check my FB for some videos of the day. :)

2009-10-09T19:26:00.017-06:00

What we have been up to for the last few months...

Below is the cutest sweater I got for Nick on my last trip to NY for a Real Estate Seminar. It was at a booth at the local Pumpkin Festival in downtown Oswego, NY. The whole booth was home made sweaters, hats, ear warmers, it was great! I got Zack a bright orange hat for skiing with a Mohawk!!! He loves it.

Nick is cooking Sunday breakfast with Zack. He loves to help. He drags a chair up to the counter and helps in any way he can.
Nick decided to climb in the dryer for the first time. When I started to sway it back and forth, he freaked out and got out.
Next are the pictures of Onion Days in Payson. Nick loves the train, he rode on it like 3 times. He has his sun glasses on, and is Mr. Cool Guy.

Our last camping trip for the week was at Burriston Pond. It was also Nick's first experience camping. He did really well, stayed out of the fire, loved swimming and watching us all jump off the rope swing, and even slept reletively well.
The cutest thing was that right before we were headed to bed, he asked if we were going home. It was adorable. I think he was a little worried about staying the night.
Cute picture of me and Zack. :)

We went with our friends Ryan and Hallie and their dog Molly. They were so much fun to camp with, and we had a great time at the rope swing. I never seam to get any pictures of that though. We have been three times this summer, and I have no pictures to proove it. Oh well, next summer.

I also went fishing in the pond, and had a lot of bites and caught two tiny little fish. Nothing worth eating.
And finally, Nick is learning to smile for the camera. :) He is talking up a storm and just making us laugh every second of the day. He really is a cool kid, and very polite might I add. :)
That's all for now. Check back for some pictures from my trip to NY. :)

2009-09-01T17:33:00.016-06:00

Illinois Trip...
Here I am at the auction in Vermilion County, Illinois, helping some clients out and talking about the properties they bought.
Here I am looking clueless at the auction, waiting for it to start.
Deep dish Chicago pizza!!!! Look how deep that is!
This is a funny joke that I found at the wall in the County Office. Maybe I will be an Assessor some day. :)
Group Picture! The four "staff" are in the front row: Me, Miranda, Daniel and Todd. And John Beck is in the top right of the picture.
Me and Miranda out on the bus trip!
I would like to buy this house. The starting bid was $600.00.
We broke into one house to check out the inside, and one of the neighbors called the cops. John explained to them what we were doing, and they were really nice to us. That was a first!

Two pictures of me teaching at the seminar.

A nice old truck. :) Just a cool picture. We also were able to go up in the Sears tower... pictures from that to come, if I can get them from Daniel and Todd.... hahaha

Bytheway... September is national sewing month. Yeah!!!!

2009-07-07T21:52:00.011-06:00

Not Yet Sold...
From my carnival a few months ago, I had a few things that did not sell. After giving away a lot of it to friends, I have a few things left over. Some things it was hard to part with, or hard to just give away. If there is any interest in one of these dresses, or the bag at the end please contact me. It is also really fun to do custom orders. I can make whatever you like, in whatever size, color, style ... so feel free to ask on that too.

My email: iamjamieb@gmail.com

Dresses are 10-15 dollars. Make an offer. Bag, also make an offer.
They are just sitting in the closet on hangers.
Or, try your chances at getting one as a gift! hahaha

This dress is lined, and will fit 0-12 months.
This dress will fit 6-18 months.
This dress is so, so cute. Size: 6-24 months.

This dress was very popular at the carnival, but people really weren't there with intent to buy... that's what I think. Size: 0-24 months, would look cute at any age in that range.
This is the biggest dress I have available, size: 12-36 months.
Very cute... size: 0-24 months. (Lined)
This dress has the softest material ever! SO SOFT. Very comfy. Size: 6-24 months.
Bag. :)

Thank you for looking. I just want to see these on cute little girls, and know that someone is enjoying them.

More to come, I haven't shown you any of the blankets yet...

NEED A SHOWER GIFT???

-Jamie

Give me your positive thoughts...

2009-07-01T17:43:00.002-06:00

367...

367...

367...

Please send your positive thoughts my way. I am in a drawing for a new sewing machine. I figured I would ask for some help from anyone and everyone out there. Please send your positive thoughts my way.

It's for a JANOME 6600 P!

It's a dream machine.

I will be focusing on the #367 until Tuesday of next week. (That is my number to win.)

Check it out: oldredbarnco.blogspot.com

Send me your positive vibes, and think about my number as often as you can. This will ensure me a victory...

367...

367...

367...

Thanks,

Jamie

Nick's Birthday

2009-06-29T21:27:00.009-06:00

Happy Second Birthday Nick!

Nick got a big Thomas the Train Birthday party this last weekend. He even had 5 relatives travel from out of state just for his party! So neat! It was a great party, and we really appreciate everyone coming and all of the wonderful gifts. It was a really special day for us to know Nick has so many people that love him. Thank you all so much!
As far as this dude.

The Birthday man.

He is one of a kind. Of course I am not able to judge fairly. Zack and I love him so much.

2009-06-24T10:04:00.018-06:00

Happy Birthday Zack...

Here is the cutest picture we took the whole night. He started out with a blind fold over his eyes and me driving him down to the lake to fly with Super Dell. He had no idea! This was the first time I have ever really been able to successfully surprise him! He always finds out my surprises!
Enjoy the pictures. It was a great evening. Flying, dinner at Sundance, Rides at Strawberry Days, and then a Rodeo to top it all off!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeC5qdjC4uM check out the video on YouTube!

2009-06-19T23:29:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Husband!

26 years and still kicking...

CONGRATS!

Love you.

Jamie

(Pictures of the adventures of the day to come. Thanks to super Dell for an amazing day!)

2009-06-11T20:42:00.006-06:00

Please Come Support ME
(if you are local)

Saturday June 13th, 2009
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Harvest Hills Park Carnival
Saratoga Springs, Utah off of Redwood Road

Free Concert at 8:30 by Peter Breinholt!!!!!!
Come buy my little dresses, aprons, blankets, bags...

2009-06-09T21:10:00.020-06:00

Catching up...

Been so busy lately I have not blogged in a while... What have I been up to? Oh the usual... Nick, Zack, sewing, work, traveling for work - and a trip to the zoo.

Watertown, New York
An old chair in a field by a property we went to see.
A creapy mask in an old shed at the back of some land for sale.
The old shed for sale.
A totem pole on the same land.
Nick on a tricycle.
Playing at Great Grandma and Grandpas.
My two boys.
My super rad son. He is so chill, and knows how cool he is.
The sister in law graduated from high school, wanted to make her something really cool.
A blanket and pillow case.
It really doesn't taper, it's just the way the picture is taken. Thank you Mina for doing such a great job quilting this, and Mom for sending it to me after it was done. :)
Nick mowing the lawn.
Another blanket. This one for my good friend Theresa who just had a little boy names Teagan.
Theresa with the quilt.
Nick at the ZOO! He loved the giraffe.
The elephant scared the crap out of him!

There you are, an update.

2009-05-18T10:59:00.007-06:00

Out at a Track Meet - Fun at the park

Dad and Son - Nick has started this new thing where he sticks out his bottom jaw like a bull dog, kinda cute. Not sure why he does that. :)
And bites his top lip.
I am on top of the world! This was so cute! I can't believe I actually got this picture fast enough. This play ground equipment faces the lake - he is looking over his domain and sticking his chest out. So funny.
Don't jump.
What a beautiful day it was. That's all for now.

2009-05-08T23:52:00.009-06:00

Baby Girl Quilt for Kylie Rose

The softest quilt I have ever made... The back is this really soft velvety material that is actually quite stylish. Brown and pink patterned. I love the way this quilt turned out. It is the 3rd quilt that I have free style quilted with my machine, more and more practice will make the future quilts better... I also have two more quilts I need to post. I am learning to take better picture of them. I need to post Teresa's quilt and Storie's quilt. The first I free styled, the second was done by a long arm quilter up in Washington, my best friend's Mom did it for me. It turned out great! I will post those soon.

Here is the backing that is really, really soft! And I didn't use any batting, so it is a thing slinky quilt. Perfect for baby.

I love to make things cute and presentable. The presentation can sometimes make the gift even better than it actually is. :)
I am currently preparing for a bazaar of sorts, it's our City of Saratoga Springs carnival, I think. A girl at church approached me to do a booth with her and sell things. I am really excited! I will be making little dresses, and maybe decorating some onseys, and whatever else I can figure out in a month and a half.

Work has also been pretty busy. I am working on a new website : www.propertybuyingtrips.com
it is showcasing the Buying Trips that I have been going on, teaching clients how to research, view and buy Tax Foreclosure Properties at an auction. The last few have been in California and Pennsylvania. We are looking at New York for June, and I am excited to go there again! It has been like 9 years since I have been there last. It is upstate New York, near the border of Canada. Maybe since it will be so close to the border, my co-workers wont make fun of me for saying bag funny. Oh well...

Life is great. Now that I have a digital camera, I will be able to get some pictures up of Nick soon. I know Grandma (papa) and Grandpa (poppi) would like some pictures of the little guy. I will try to capture some of his hilarious "looks".

Until then...

2009-05-04T10:41:00.017-06:00

An Anniversary Vacation with no sleep... :)

These pictures are in order chronologically in reverse... hahaha. Oops. We went camping Friday night at Toquerville Falls. It was the longest off road drive in the dark ever! We pretty much drove up the face of a cliff for like 20 min, could not see where we were going, if it was the right way. After three forks in the road, and miraculously choosing the right way... we made it to the falls! We set up camp, ate some smores and called it a late late night. It rained and stormed all night long. We were both afraid of a flash flood happening and didn't really sleep. Plus our tent almost blew away because the ground was like rock, and we could not stake it down, I tried.
After that night, we were still full of energy to actually have a vacation, even if it was only 48 hours, exactly. We went shopping at the outlets in St. George, and then off to vegas!
Actually we stopped in Misquite to drive some balls on the range, and make reservations for the next morning. Once in vegas, we found a room, eventually, and get settled and headed right out to have some fun. First on our list was the roller coaster at NY, NY. We were really excited for this! I already had a headache from all of the sun, I get heat stroke SO easily. Let's just say that after the roller coaster, my headache was 20 times worse. We headed back to the room, and I rested for a few hours to get rid of my headache. That roller coaster really threw me around!
We went out to all you can eat sea food for $40 dollars each, and I was still sick, and didn't eat one thing, what a waste... I made Zack eat enough for the both of us.
As for night life in Vegas, we went and watched the piano twins play for hours! We had something more to eat, and watched a few live concerts on the strip here and there. Very fun! There was a water show and pirate ships... the trip ended up being really really fun! After the outlets, and shopping in vegas and all of the charges to get everywhere... vegas is expensive!!!
So glad we went, we woke up early Sunday and missed our Nick and rushed home.
Thank you Steph for making this vacation possible. :) Enjoy the pictures...

Zack does not like mornings, he did this face on purpose. hahhaa

Age Old Friends

2009-04-23T20:33:00.002-06:00

It's been what, almost 7 YEARS!!!

Isabel, my best friend in my year in Germany as an exchange student my junior year of high school, was in the States for a tour with her church choir. We were both so busy the entire month she was here, we only got to see each other ONE NIGHT! I was able to attend her concert on Temple Square last week. It was a beautiful night of German music. She had a beautiful small duet during one of the songs ... and I could hear her voice here and there. We sang together in Germany in the school choir and at church. Our ward was so small (15 people) we would sit together every Sunday and take turns harmonizing. She would take Alt one verse and then switch to Sopran the next. It was the most fun singing I ever had. We also sang about 3 concerts together and played in the music school together. She played the violin, and me the oboe of course.
It was excellent to see her. While I lived in Germany she was the one person that I could always count on, she was always there; school, church, music school, class trips, choir...etc. I was so excited to see her, I rushed to where the choir comes out to see the audience, and she came out and didn't quite see me... she was hugging all of her family here in the US, and SLC ... and finally saw me while she was hugging her family, they kept bombarding her - I just could not hold back the tears when I finally saw her. Then she pushed through and said my friend, my friend! It was so funny. We hugged like three times! I only had a short while with her, maybe a half hour. It was so wonderful to see her. We are just the same as we were at 16 years old talking at school, or just hanging out - and yet so different, so grown up.
I just hope she knows how much she willl always mean to me. Having such a wonderful friend as she was and has been to me is so rare, especially when I was in a country all on my own, she was always a constant for me with same beliefs in a place where people would rarely hold back.
Hab dich ganz doll lieb Isa. Wann wir uns mal wieder sehen.

Jamie

2009-04-09T21:23:00.012-06:00

Pictures from our trip to St. George and Cove Fort...

No captions yet... maybe to come, and more pictures to come. :)

2009-04-08T20:11:00.003-06:00

Kirby!!! From The Best Two Years

It was conference Saturday and my folks and I were at Deseret Book in between sessions ... and from across the store I saw someone that looked awfully familiar. It was Kirby! If you all have seen The Best Two Years, a Mormon classic, you all know who I am referring to. Made my day to meet a Mormon Celeb... hahaha. This goes out to all my LDS friends out there.

2009-03-29T20:33:00.006-06:00

More Dresses... Surprise, Surprise!

The dress above is about the size of 0-6 months. I have made it for someone else that I work with whose wife is having a baby girl. The ones I made for my other co-worker's wife made me want to make some for everyone in the office that has a baby girl coming. Only those two right now.
This one is also for that same family, but for their two year old daughter, I didn't want to leave her out. :)
And, this last dress is for my host sister's daughter in Germany. Her name is Theresa. She just turned three, I think. All I know is that she is 3 1/2 feet tall! It's hard having never met her. HA! Hope this fits. :) I can't believe it has taken me this long to make her a dress. Hope she likes it!

So I have been quite busy. I went two whole weeks without sewing and almost went insane. I guess because I went so long, I had to pump out more dresses than usual. :) Also, the folks will be visiting this week, first- that is motivation to go pick up a digital camera (mine is so far back ordered I am not waiting any longer) and second- I will be able to post some pictures of their visit, and our trip with them in the bus to St. George.

That's all for now...

2009-03-28T18:49:00.003-06:00

Zack Ski

I am always posting pictures of my hobbies... I guess its time to share what Zack does too.
The picture above speaks louder than words. Amazing. Ski really is his middle name.

2009-03-22T20:16:00.004-06:00

Scandalous Little Dress

Email me if you want this dress... and I will send it to you!!! It's probably for a 0-12 month old.
You will have to find my email address, or search for it in past posts. :)
I will send it to the first one who responds.

2009-03-06T23:52:00.005-07:00

For Mae

This is my first dress with sleeves!

Close up on the buttons.

This turned out to be a pretty fun dress, a little different from what I would usually make. Hope she likes it! :)

2009-03-03T19:51:00.004-07:00

Quite Possibly the Cutest Thing He has Ever Done!

It was close to bedtime today, and Nick was playing alone in his room. My phone starts to ring, and I look up trying to hear where the ring is coming from. It sounded like it was in Nick's room. I got up and started towards his room to answer it, and the ringing stops. I hear Nick saying, "Hello?" and just start babbling. My Dad had called and was carrying on a conversation with him.
He is only 20 months old and knows how to answer the cell phone and pace around the room fondling things talking. He truly observes like a master, and knows what to do.
I am shocked that Nick answered the phone today and held his own.
This is quite possibly the cutest thing he was EVER done. :)

2009-02-28T21:47:00.003-07:00

For Gwen...

This is a little dress I made for my niece Gwen, the husband's brother's daughter. She is 3 weeks younger than Nick, and actually born on my brother's birthday. I have never made her a little dress, so I thought it was about time. And, in the background you can see a poster I got in college from a dear friend; Jackie Kane. I love it, and there it is hanging in my sewing room for me to draw inspiration from. :) Gotta love "Dumb and Dumber".

2009-02-26T20:35:00.003-07:00

Before---------------After

This is one wall of my laundry room. I was so bored with this wall, I decided to add some shelving. The before picture shows the bare wall, I added three shelves and some hooks and such. I love it. So much more storage, it is really nice. That was my project for today. :)

New Quilt

2009-02-25T20:02:00.007-07:00

New Project

This is a quilt with the material the husband got me for valentines day. There is this book store in the mall, Deseret Book, and they have the nicest most expensive material I have ever come across. So, I never buy material there, it is way too expensive. Anyway, the husband knows that I don't so my habit does not cost too much money, and he knew how much I loved their material, so he took me there to buy some on V day. So sweet! (He really knows what I like, no jewelry, no chocolates... material!)
On this quilt I learned how to do an applique. It is so cool!!! I love it, and now that I know how to use it, I will do it much more, on everything!
I just love the colors of this package of material, it all came together, sort of in a package deal, and I am actually following some of the suggestions on the pattern.
The flower above is really cute!
Here is a pic of the whole quilt. He also bought the family a really nice digital camera for valentines day, but it has not come yet. You will all have to suffer through my web cam pictures for another week or so. When we get that camera... I wont have to edit all my pictures in photo shop before I post. :)

So, this is just the front of the quilt. I am now working on the back and then will be putting it together. Maybe I will even quilt it before I bind the edges. There you go Ma. hahaha

2009-02-19T19:12:00.002-07:00

Alisha's Girl's Dress

Front and back. Hope she likes it! She will probably see it here first, because I won't be able to send it until tomorrow... :) This is for a 1 1/2 year old, and I think it may go all the way to her ankles! I guess that is okay, it just means she can wear it longer.

2009-02-18T21:57:00.005-07:00

Two More...

This one on the left turned out cute. It is light and a little see through, but with a long sleeved onesy underneath, and some cute tights, it will make a cute ensemble.

This one below is for my friend Holly that is having a girl at the end of April. It matches her blanket, pictured below.

That's all for now. I am looking forward to my friend Isabel visiting from Germany soon... hopefully I will be able to post some pictures of that.

I am working on another dress I will post soon.

Until then...

2009-02-17T20:03:00.004-07:00

"Hi Daddy!"

Today when Zack picked up Nick from the sitters house, he said his first sentence, "Hi Daddy!"
How exciting! He has been talking a lot, but has not been able to string more than one word together until today. He says lots of two word phrases, but not sentences! He says knock knock, choo choo, beep beep, and lots more... but a sentence!!!

Congratulations Nick, and welcome to the English language.

Love Mom and Dad

2009-02-11T21:33:00.003-07:00

Another project finished!

This little dress is for a three year old, hopefully it fits! I am not sure how big three year olds are, but I think this looks about right. :) haha This is one of three dresses for the wife of a guy I work with. They have two girls and one on the way! How exciting! Sometimes I wish that were me.
Anyway, she likes pink, and all I had were scraps of pink, and this is what came out of those scraps. Recognize that pink poke-a-dot material, Mom? :)

The flower at the top is a head band.

Hope she likes it!

2009-02-10T21:03:00.002-07:00

Hand Quilting

This is a quilt I have been working on for a few months. It is the first quilt I actually used a pattern on. I found a great pattern in this sewing magazine I got, and copied the pattern with some different styled material. This quilt is for my friend Holly, she is having a little girl in a few months. The turquoise material in the middle is my favorite. I also plan to make a little dress with the same material. Anyway... I am hand quilting this blanket! It is all put together with the edges and everything sewn and done... but it is not quilted. I really wanted to find a machine quilter to do it for me, but had no luck finding someone in the area. So, I am hand quilting it myself. It is rather interesting and challenging. I will post a finished picture when I get it done. Let's see how long it takes me!

P.S. Sorry I cannot get the comments working on this blog... I did everything that you are supposed to do to make it work, and it still does not... sorry. You are always welcome to email me. iamjamieb@gmail.com

Jamie

2009-02-06T21:59:00.002-07:00

In L.A. on BUSSY-NESS

This is Jessyca my partner in crime on this trip to L.A. for a Seminar. We are here working and having fun too, before 6:00 A.M. and after 8:30 P.M. It's fun being able to teach side by side with John Beck. We are preparing for the L.A. County, CA Tax Foreclosure Auction on Monday, where there will be aprox. 1100 properties sold for pennies on the dollar. I love what I do.

Working is super fun, but not seeing the hubby for 8 days and the baby for 4 is torturous.

2009-01-30T22:35:00.002-07:00

This dress may be my favorite so far... might.

I am so stressed out with work lately... I am having to sew more than usual to release all of my aggression, and tension. hahaha But, it is so fun, and rather addicting as well. A lot of you may wonder why I make so many little girl dresses when I don't even have a girl! Well... I really like making quilts too, and dresses are my new fun hobby. I have tried to make clothes for boys, but the material has to be so boyish, and it really does not look good when a boy is dressed in fabric... girls look just adorable with these cute little dresses. I make Nick other things, like a Thomas pillow and blanket, recently. It's okay. By the time I actually have a girl, I will be a pro!

Signing off....

2009-01-27T21:17:00.003-07:00

Darling Boy

Nick is getting so big, and not so much a baby anymore. This is a post for him. I can come to grips that he is starting into the phase of "todlerism." The way that I know that is simply because he has taken the biggest leap thus far in his life. He has gotten up the guts to start jumping off things. It's hard to let him grow up. I would obviously rather him stay a baby forever. Here is to his leaps.

Love you kid.

2009-01-24T20:11:00.003-07:00

On a Roll!

I caved today and bought a pattern. This is only like the second pattern I have ever used, I think it turned out okay. I little wide for my liking. That is what is nice about just making up all of your own pattern, and flying by the seat of your pants... you can just alter and change anything you want. :) I am going to see how many other versions of this pattern I can create. :)And the matching shoes. Anyone having a baby girl? Email me: iamjamieb@gmail.com

2009-01-24T14:54:00.003-07:00

Little matching shoes...

This is that free pattern online that you can find at Stardust Shoes. They were fun to make. You all should go there and get the pattern, and make some, they are fun and easy... and you can make them however you want, with any fabric. Cool.

2009-01-22T20:31:00.004-07:00

My newest accomplishment...

My Mom gave me some material when I was home at Christmas time, and this is what I made with it. :) I just love it. I made the pattern myself... so next time, I will make a few changes, but I think it turned out okay. The next friend that has a baby girl will most likely get it. hahaha :) It's a race! Go and make a baby!

2009-01-20T21:33:00.002-07:00

The Inauguration

Well, at work today we were able to tune into the Inaugural Address. I missed the swearing in, but was able to listen to the speech. I have to be honest that I really have no preference on the president, as I would have equally disliked McCane for President as well as Obama. I admire his persistence to obtain such a high position in government, and life, at such a young age and seemingly unfavorable race (as some think.) But to be quite honest, I enjoyed his speech today. I thought it was very well worded and spoken. If it is true that he writes his own speeches as I have heard I am impressed. I hope his energy carries across into his work. I think presidents get kind of lazy having someone else map out what they are supposed to say. Anyway... against my expectations I liked his speech. I cannot say the same for the poet following him. I don't think I have ever heard a worse poem in my life. I think not only was it written without a consistent thought process, but it was presented in an appalling way. Hope I spelled that right. No feeling, no passion. It was utterly embarasing. I could have faked a better peom and presentation then that. I am awefully uneasy about the times to come, in result of this new leader or not. I just hope he can do more good for our nation then bad. This country was built on the freedom to worship, and specifically acredited to God, it is a shame he does not believe in either of those principles, or so his actions and vibes lead me to believe.
That's all for now. I remain optomistic.

On a lighter note I am so totaly stoked for LOST tomorrow!

Signing off.

2009-01-18T22:29:00.002-07:00

Wonderful HusbandI have the sweetest Husband.
It is the coolest thing to get flowers for no reason at all.
A night of beautiful music, a private concert of original lyrics and compositions just for me.
Thanks Zack. :)

2009-01-05T10:24:00.011-07:00

Our year in review...

One thing I have really enjoyed this year is watching Nick grow really big, and really cute. (I am bias as the Mom) He has only gotten like four teeth this year, a beautiful scar on his forehead (thanks to a Halloween Party) and his right eye is now a little more hazel/brown than blue. :(

We have gotten to do a lot of fun things this year, including visiting six states other than Utah in just one year. We got to take a fun trip to California in the motor home with family, travel to Washington a few times, and road trip back from Grandpa's house in Spokane. Zack has also traveled to another few states with work... adding a few to the list for all three of us.

This picture is in California. My Mom took it.

People say he is a happy baby.

Nick sure is getting big. Walking dogs all by himself?!?!

We had a lot of fun in the new yard this year. We finally got the grass in early summer.

I have been busy with a new hobby this year... well not that new. I have been sewing for a long time, but recently found it to be a good escape, and to keep my mind occupied. These are just a few of the little baby quilts I have made for friends.
This year has been a challenging one for me in a lot of different ways.
Work has been very fun this year. I have gotten to do a lot of different things in my company, and I have enjoyed having some variety. Also, recently having finished a website before a huge deadline, that was a good feeling for the whole team.
Take a look: www.johnbeckwiki.com
It was a lot of work, but really fun, and super rewarding when we got it all done. Now, I am working on another website for work, developing content, and doing graphics and such.
Take a look: www.johnbeckclub.net
So... that is what I have been working on this year.

Zack is doing awesome at work. He has hit a huge milestone at work this year. Go Zack.
His brother also left this year on a mission to Costa Rica. It was sad to see him go. But duty called, hahaha. That should be super fun for him.
The husband has been writing some pretty amazing music lately. He really is a talented musician. And if you want to hear any of his music, just ask. He would sing it for y0u in a heart beat.

But, his even bigger talent is Skiing. I have heard by everyone that he skis with that he is the best on the mountain. I have never seen him, because I do not ski. I wish I had some pictures to post. He really is rad. He hopes to get sponsored soon.

So... that is what we have been up to this year. The only trip Zack and I really took this year was to Moab for our anniversary. That was such a blast. This year in April we will have been married for four years. Moab was so cool, we went mountain biking, hiking and swimming... lots of fun.
To top that we will need to do something really cool this year.
This next June Nick turns two! That is something I am also looking forward to.
I don't have any resolutions this year per say. Zack and I are pretty content with the way we live. But I would like to find the energy somewhere to work harder and be a better Mom. By better I just mean more fun! :) I hope I can teach our boy all he needs to know, and love him even more than I do. That might be impossible.

As far as family goes... I hope this year takes better care of those I love than last.

Signing off.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T22:07:00.015-07:00

Snow Falling behind us...

Merry Christmas Poppi

Merry Christmas Grammy

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family.

We love you all...

2008-12-18T18:58:00.008-07:00

Our newest adventure: Luis

We got him for free outside Wal Mart.

It is interesting watching he and Nick interact. Nick is learning to be nice to him. :)

This is Nick's cute new outfit from Old Navy (After Thanksgiving SALE!)

Stylin.

Daddy and son.

I have two very handsome boys.

2008-12-17T22:06:00.011-07:00

Fun Fun Fun in Washington State

It is a white Christmas for us!

We recently took a trip up to the Olympic Peninsula, and were pleasantly surprised with snow! This is not the best picture of Nick, he has some wonky eyes.

Christmas is a week from tomorrow. I am so excited. This year Nick will be old enough to actually appreciate his presents. So far we have gotten him some small things; books, toy cars, more books and a small four wheeler. I think he will enjoy the wrapping the most.

We still have not gotten a Christmas tree! Nick and I have been gone for a week and a half and since we have come home we have been running all around being so busy! Tomorrow maybe, I hope.

Nick got to do some ceramics for Grandma while we were visiting. He painted her a beautiful plate for her birthday.

He put his hand prints and foot print on it and made it into an angel.

Nick also got to see his two cousins his same age.

They had a lot of fun together.

He and Jonah went to play at a kids gym one morning and had such fun. It really tired them out.

Below are a few pictures of that.

All the boys playing the piano.

Nick is looking into the light.

These are the weirdest animal things.

Grammy with the boys.

I love when Nick frowns like this.

Looking at Christmas lights.

2008-11-10T20:58:00.004-07:00

Does this picture scare anyone?

It does frighten me a little.

Halloween is a scary time of year, people's costumes somehow exhibit who they would want to be, if fantasy were real. That may or may not be true. Hahaha

I guess judging by this picture I would like to be some sort of European prostitute or something. Okay, that was a joke.

Its funny what you can come up with when you don't feel like buying a costume. :)

2008-10-29T22:08:00.002-06:00

I just love the photo booth program!
Look how long my nose is!

Well nothing too deep today. Just a fun note telling the world that weird photographs like these make me laugh, and it is one thing in the last five years that has made me laugh so hard I started to cry a little! Or at least that I can remember.

These ones may not be that hilarious, but the ones that I took of myself, that I would never post, made me role on the floor laughing. Pathetically... I was all alone when I did it. SO, I was free to squirm and giggle as much as I liked. How nice that is. No one watching, not having to be conscious of anything for a change. Nice.

Sometimes, it is just nice to be my weird self.

2008-10-24T11:23:00.002-06:00

Pictures Please

2008-10-17T23:02:00.004-06:00

Having a baby makes you question everything you ever did with your free time and everything you thought defined you. What defines you? It's so common for people to run after a dream that they fantasized about when they were wee ones and never give it a second thought, then ten years into their courier determine they hate their job. Another half of the population follow the crowds to college and change their major four times, endlessly deciding on some major that they could never support a family with. The heated debate is which is good and right? Do you fill your time with something you love and let your family live in rags and scrape by? Or, do you grit your teeth through a painful number of years so your family is provided for in a comfortable way, but your own self worth and sanity is in question?
I have a passion for sewing. I am really not good at the details if you look really close, but I love to create with my hands. I love the look on someone's face when I put hours into a beautiful baby blanket and they accept it almost knowing what I went through to give it to them. This is one of my simple joys in life. So, the question becomes, do I exploit these talents and sell myself to make a quick buck? Then does this wonderful hobby not become a chore?
I think that one of the first ways to define who you are, is to separate work from play. I think your work could very well be something you love to do. The thing we love to do most should be our "play", should it not? If our profession is our one true passion, where is our outlet? How do we not go mad? I would go mad if I sewed baby quilts all day long till my fingers were raw.
My play is sewing. My work is my work.
Having a child makes you think about your priorities. It makes you separate your tasks into priorities. It makes you take every minute you have to yourself as the only minute that ever was. Time becomes a rarity. I have come to cherish every minute whether it is spent sewing, working, or with my son.

My first post...

2008-10-17T22:43:00.003-06:00

I am starting this blog in response to some really rad blogs I have seen lately. More importantly, I am starting a habit of blogging to figure out what my name is. One of the most important things in history is the records that were created and left behind when the times kept moving forward. If I am to leave something behind, I must first understand who I am to better tell someone else how I lived my life, and for what purpose. In search of self discovery; I post my thoughts, feelings and awakenings for those to read who might also be encountering the same journey.
In the depth of all that is confusing, I am not quite sure what this blog will bring out of me; maybe just ramblings and nonsense. I might end up finding my one true and undeniable purpose in life. Those of you who know me well, the few of you, know I have been searching for the center of my onion for some time. This has not always been an active search, but underlying. Excelling at many random things is something that I do well. But what defines me? Have you ever known anyone that has no idea what to do with their life? Yes, I am a Mother and a Wife, and I have a job that I am really good at... but there has got to be more. Sole purpose is what I seek. If you know, give me a hint.

Signing off.

Jamie