3 Year Anniversary

*Note: I've been kinda going post crazy the last few days. So scroll down if you want to see more about my wonderful family!*

The 20th of January was our 3rd Anniversary. I can't believe that it has been three years already. As that day came I contemplated all the huge decisions we've come across in such a short amount of time. Probably the biggest things you do in your lifetime happened in just a few short years. First of course was the decision to get married.

Then the decision... Well actually I guess the surprise that we were going to have a baby. We was such a sweet addition to our family.

And how can I ever forget another one of the amazing decisions we made. On Feb 9, 2008, a few months before Nixon was born, Blake and I were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. What an amazing blessing that Nixon was born into a forever family. We have the wonderful opportunity to be a FOREVER family if we but keep the commandments and repent.

Then the decision to build and buy our first new house! It is such a great feeling knowing that one day this house can really be ours and not just the banks. I do cringe every month when I see how much is spent on our mortgage. I cringe even more to know that most of that payment goes to the interest and not so much to the principle. Oh well Gotta love it!

(Sorry no pics)

So our Anniversary didn't seem like such a good day to start with. We both had to work, Blake got stuck in a broken down truck near Wellsville so we didn't even get to eat lunch together. Then to top it all off I had to go to school. Well after school I came home to a wonderful surprise from my sweet husband. The baby was pawned off to Grandma, I had these sitting in my CLEAN kitchen....

Beautiful aren't they, I just wished that they would never die and last forever!

And my wonderful husband was cooking a gourmet dinner of Lobster tail, crab legs, steamed asparagus, potatoes, and noodles. He even got sparkling apple cider! It was such a wonderful surprise! And it was delicious to boot! So I give major props to my wonderfully romantic (when he wants to be) husband.

Blake I am so thankful that the Lord put you in my life. You are my rock when I feel like the whole world is crumbling beneath me. You always are so positive in every situation and find the good in everyone and in everything. I am so proud that he is the father of Nixon and the rest of our future children. I don't think I could have asked for anything more. He does more for me then I ever realize. I love you Blake and I can't wait to spend the rest of forever with you!

18 Months.... and Nursery

I can't believe that Nixon is already 18 months old... (I guess now he is closer to 19 months, oh well) Time has just flown by so fast for me. I am going to admit that I was looking forward to the day when he would be 18 months old so he could go to nursery. It helped me to not dread church so much. Once he started walking, he was too much to handle in Sunday School and in Relief Society. We spent most of the time out in the hall because he was very loud and distracting. He is also such a busy boy that it was very hard to find anything that would catch his attention for more then about 3 seconds. It didn't help that Sunday School fell at the same time he normally naps. So needless to say it was a bitter sweet, but mostly sweet day for me when he finally reached the age to go to nursery. Here are some pictures I took that morning in one of his cute church outfits.

The fist time in Nursery I was actually kinda worried that he would scream for me, so I stayed with him the whole time. I was wrong, he could have cared less and I could have totally just left him there. I think it helped that his sweet cousin is in nursery too. Jaycie took him right in and showed him the ropes. The best toys to play with and how to sit quietly during singing time etc... Now whenever I take him he just runs right in to find the toys.

(Is this one of the sweetest faces you've ever seen or what!!)

I am so thankful for my sweet boy and the joy and happiness he brings into my life each day. I am so thankful also that the Lord trusted me to raise one of his most precious angels. I hope that I can be the kind of Mother that the Lord sees in me!

Christmas 2009

Christmas was so fun for us this year. Nixon had a lot of fun and started to actually realize what was going on. Much funner than last year!

The traditions start for us on Christmas eve. We always go to my Uncle Mark's and eat home made clam chowder. (Yummy)

While we are gone we always come home to a special surprise. The Elves take a break from helping Santa Clause and leave us a special present to open up before we go to bed.

Nixon and Daddy opening his gift from the Elves.

It's always the same thing every year. PJ's to wear to bed that night.

Nixon on Christmas morning seeing what Santa left for the first time.

SANTA CAME!!

By far Santa scored big time with this art desk, that also doubles as a white board. This is probably Nixon's very favorite thing that he got. When he saw that and how cool it is, he wanted nothing to do with any of the other presents. I think next year I'm going to tell Santa not to wrap so many presents for Nixon cause I ended up opening most of them too!

Happy boy drawing "Pitchurs" at his desk with his new crayons.

More "Circles"

Drawing even more circles on the white board. He loves drawing on his white board so much. It's not my favorite because for some reason the marker doesn't only stay on the white board. We've gotten it all over our clothes and the carpet. (Knock on wood it hasn't touched the walls yet... I hope I didn't speak too soon!!!)

Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Corrie came over Christmas morning to help us open up some presents.

Grandma helping Nixon open up some books from Mommy and Daddy. I scored big time on the books. They are the best books for little kids. I got a steal of a deal on them as well. You need to meet with my really good friend Devyn, who is a consultant for Usborn books, she'll hook you up too. I think I need to take a picture of all the books I got for him for Christmas for a pretty reasonable price. Not only were they priced well, they are so adorable!!

Grandpa helping open more presents.

After all the presents were opened up at home we headed over to Aunt Tauna and Uncle Chad's for even more presents. Nixon got this cool toy that pops balls up. He loves to chase those balls all over the house.

Here is the cute Christmas church outfit that Nixon got from Grandma Corrie. You can't really tell cause he wasn't really cooperating, but it is so so cute!!

Another of the faves, this one was from Daddy. It is a tent that also has a.....

Tunnel! Nix loves crawling through the tunnel and putting things in there.

This is one of my favorite gifts I got from Blake. A SNUGGIE!!! Nixy had to try it on. I think that sadly he'll grow into it. By the way Blake did inform me that he was going to get me the Zebra Snuggie but he decided that it would look funny on him when he uses it. I shouldn't have admitted to me that he bought it more for himself then for me!!

I am actually quite impressed with the snuggie, actually I'm using it right now!

After we went to Tauna's house we headed over to Grandma Nancie and Grandpa Bob's for even more presents and fun. Sadly I didn't take any pictures there for some reason.

One of the highlights was we were able to talk to my brother Colten who is serving a Mission in Missouri. He is doing so well and teaching lots of people. Its amazing how grown up he sounds already even though he's only been gone since Oct. It was so neat to hear him bear the strong testimony that he has gained while serving the Lord.

This time of year is also a great reminder to think of our Lord, Jesus Christ and all the many wonderful things he did for us. That he was born in such humble circumstances, was sinless, and yet made the biggest sacrifice anyone could have ever made for us. He made it possible that all mankind may be forgiven of their sins that we may be able to return to our Heavenly Father one day. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I may be able to be with my sweet husband and the rest of my family for all eternity.

Every Christmas Blake and I have started another tradition that I really enjoy. We watch a movie called "Joy to the world" that is about the birth of Jesus and talks about the true meaning of Christmas.

It was such a wonderful year and I am so Thankful that we were able to spend it with those we love most. Our wonderful family and friends!

These are a few of my favorite things.....

Stockings...

And Mirrored Balls....

And Funny Faces Snowmen.

Polka Dots...

And Jewels...

And Ornaments on railings...

These are a few of my favorite things!!!! (Christmas things that is)

And here is the finished Tree!