Tender Mercies

I'm not going to lie... church is hard for us- don't get me wrong- I love going to church and when we don't go I miss it and my entire week is a mess.  But that being said, it is hard for us (well really ME)
Ari is at this age where the hour long sacrament meeting is just too much - we have tried everything: quiet toys he only sees on Sundays, crayons, snacks, etc., etc, etc.   nothing works.  The few minutes I do get to spend with Ari is sacrament meeting he is usually being LOUD, trying to crawl under the pews, or trying to get other people in the meeting to start up a conversation with him.  He pretends to have no idea of what it means to be quiet or whisper.
This last Sunday, Team Williams was down a player to begin with (Ryan was at the office all day preparing for an audit)
We made it to church almost on time and I was optimistic that we might make it through a decent part of Sacrament- BUT from the moment we walked into the chapel - Ari started screaming - screaming....
Agh... I panic, I know most people have gone through this, I try to tell myself that no one is judging my parenting skills because of this outburst and we exit as quickly as possible.
Now anyone who knows me knows I am not a super spiritual person- don't get me wrong- I am spiritual - but I don't get up and bear my testimony monthly (or yearly....) so what I am about to share with you, may seem small- but felt like a mountain moving to me.
I broke down in the Mother's room, I couldn't take it anymore, I felt broken and defeated and like the worst Mom in the world, I mean what kind of mom can't keep her two year old quietly entertained for an hour?  And worst of all, I was angry at a two year old... and I was mad at myself for being angry... I was pleading
with myself to be a better mom, and pleading with my Heavenly Father to help me be a better mom.
And just then, screaming Ari went silent, and laid in my arms, and looked up at me with his big brown eyes and said "love you mommy" and laid in my arms for the rest of the hour and just stared into my eyes ...
And there was peace in my heart- and I knew Ari meant it, and I knew I was a good mom and I knew my Heavenly Father listened to my prayer...
I don't remember what the talks were about on Sunday, but the hour I spent in the Mother's room did more for my spiritual well being then any talk I have heard in a long time...
I love this little boy... and all the tender mercies along the way

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer:

Did you know that three million women are living with breast cancer -- and one third of them don’t even know it? Even more startling, breast cancer kills approximately one woman every 13 minutes, robbing us of our mothers and grandmothers, our sisters, and our best friends. No one knows what causes breast cancer or how it can be prevented and there is currently no known cure.

Knowing these statistics I feel even more compelled to do something to bring us one step closer to finding a cure. This September I will join thousands of others in the Santa Barbara area to walk 39.1 miles in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

As part of this commitment, I have agreed to raise at least $1,800 for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. Since 1992, the Crusade has raised and awarded more than $525 million for the cause. That money is used for medical research, clinical care, support services, education and early detection programs. While researchers have made significant progress in the last few years, there’s still more that needs to be done.

I know that the journey I’m about to take doesn’t begin to compare with the challenges that cancer patients and their families endure. So, for each step I take and for every time I think I can’t possibly go any father, I’ll be humbled… recognizing the small sacrifice I’m taking on behalf of millions of women everywhere. I’ll think of those who have lost the battle and of those who fight fearlessly everyday. Victory for me will be crossing the finish line and surpassing my fundraising goal, and I hope you’ll be a part of it. Please take this opportunity to honor the women you love by donating to the cause. Give whatever you can - every dollar really does help.

I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement in this big undertaking. When I hit the road, I’ll know that you were a special part of my journey and of the journey of so many others along the way.

If you would like further information on the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, please visit www.avonwalk.org.

Please also visit my personal walk page www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams – to see the progress I am making as I prepare for my walk or make a donation online. 

In It To End It,

Joy Williams

p.s. If you would like information on how you can blog for the cause, please email me @

joylinwilliams@gmail.com.  It doesn’t cost you anything and hotels combined will donate $20 for each blogger I get to spread the word.  Email me or visit http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx for more information.  

your reading this So......

your reading this so I am going to assume that you are aware of the blogging world.... and being aware of the blogging world is what I need.   Now here is your call to action.... go to http://www.hotelscombined.com/Charity.aspx and follow the blogging directions
copy the pre written code and paste it into an HTML/Code box in your blog layout... just make sure you change the part that says World Vision to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
then send the email (just like the blog directions state... giving the address of your blog and the name of the charity you want your donation sent to which is www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams
then ... so I can include you on my shirt of sponsors post a comment to this blog post letting me know you did it

Hotels combined will donate $20 for every blog that does this - 65 blogs and my goal is made.... but I need to make sure it gets done with enough time for the money to show up in my account so please don't wait ... do it now....
p.s. I don't have 65 friends that blog ... but I have you and  I know you have atleast 5 friends that blog and they have atleast another 5 friends that blog that you don't know and so on and so on... so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE .... spread the word  - wouldn't it be awesome to have like 100 blogs post this widget .... that would be $2000 .... easy !!!!! all for a really really amazing cause

don't forget to visit my walk page and check out my progress!!!! My walk is less then 100 days away !!!!!

I have this really talented friend

I have this really talented friend and she just opened an etsy shop with her really talented mommy  - so check it out its really cute

and while you are surfing the web, check out my walk page and check on my progress, and join my army of 1000.  Already a member... check out Spread the word for charity    and see how you can raise another $20 for my walk - and it won't cost you a thing

and then tell ALL your friends about this really cute etsy shop, my avon walk and spread the word for charity

don't forget the charity this is all going for is www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams - you have to let them know so the money goes to the right place...

now what are you waiting for... go go go

5 years ...

  

Has it really been 5 years... (well 6 if you ask Ryan).  Yep, that is right Ryan and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on May 14th.  I can't believe we have been married 5 years, it seems like just yesterday- but they have been 5 amazing years.  I love being married to my best friend and I love that no matter where we are or what we are doing - I always have a good time if Ryan is there with me.  He is the best husband, and partner and Daddy I could ever ask for. He is a hard worker and he knows how to have fun.  I love his relaxed, carefree attitude, and I love watching him play with Ari.  

Ryan and I have been missing Utah a lot lately.....WHAT.!?! okay not really Utah - but Utah dining.  Seems to us, that while we lived in Utah we had restaurants that fulfilled all of our cravings, - and well since moving to California - that just isn't as easy to do.  (Funny little side note- when we used to visit Cali or even Vegas we HAD to go to IN-N-OUT, we would eat there all the time while on vacation.... now that I live here and it's down the street - well- I just don't really crave it anymore.....) 

Oh, but lately I have been missing pupusas from center street in Provo, burritos from bajio, pork salads from Cafe Rio or Costa Vita, pot stickers from David's kitchen, sticky rice from 5 star restaurant,  and Mongolian BBQ from China Buffet.  

I talk to Ryan all the time about how, even though the weather here is 100% better and we have Disneyland and etc. etc.  every once and a while I get Utah sick .... 

So for our anniversary Ryan surprised me dinner at Cafe Rio!!!!!!! 

That's right - Ryan found out that a Cafe Rio had opened up in Manhattan Beach which is only like an hour away - so we drove down there for our dinner.  Cafe Rio pork salad has never tasted so good.  It may not have been a fancy dinner - and it definitely wasn't our most expensive meal- but it was perfect - exactly what my Utah sick heart needed.  Now we just need to find a pupusa place ???

I love you Ryan - I love you more today than I did yesterday, if that is even possible - and I will love you forever, without a doubt.  

Then to finish off our completely un-fancy but PERFECT evening - Ryan and I went to see Iron Man,  - it's a little known fact that Robert Downey Jr. is my #1 celebrity crush - (what you think that is weird... well I think you're weird!!!) 

   

  

But even on his best days..... I crush on Ryan more..... 

yeah, you might say I am pretty happy with the way things turned out 

Here's to forever Ryan.... Love you !
p.s. have you joined my Army of 1000 strong - well, I think you better  1000 Strong
p.p.s.  it would make a great anniversary gift.... you know, if you haven't bought us anything yet- hint, hint.... go now!!!!

Ari & Mary

On Friday, I babysat for a friend of ours, who has a six week old little girl named Mary- Elizabeth.  I was a little curious about how Ari would react to the baby - and I was pleasantly surprised.  (Although I don't know why since he is so gentle with everything else - of course he was going to be gentle and helpful.) but he was down right adorable...

 Ari helping Mary- Elizabeth play Legos with him. 

Ari showing Mary- Elizabeth how tall he can build.

Ari and Mary-Elizabeth

Sweet Kisses 

such a sweet boy - he was a great helper! 

Love you Ari.... you have such a sweet heart ! 

here's the deal

Some of you may know that I am participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  This is a two day 39.1 mile walk.  I know it will be hard- but I also know it is nothing compared to the battle cancer patients fight to survive. I wanted to be a part of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer because I wanted an opportunity to be part of something so much more important than myself- I wanted to really make a difference and I feel that this is an important and worthy cause.  I have pledged to raise $1800 for the fight against breast cancer by September - and I can not do that without the support of my friends and family and to be completely honest .... complete strangers who want to help.
Which brings me to this - My birthday is July 22nd - and I have been brainstorming on how I am going to come up with the money and ways that I can get all the emotions support needed to walk 39 miles - and I started to think about those who donate to the cause in my name.  I thought about how if I got 39 people to donate- in my head I would have 39 people cheering me on mile after mile, so if I got 50 people to donate ... WOW what a cheering crowd - I kept thinking about how while I am walking I will be thinking of all those effected by this horrible disease, and how I will feel all the support and love from those who have donated and it hit me --- WHAT IF I COULD GET 1000 PEOPLE TO DONATE - what if I could get 1000 people to donate just $1.00 each for my birthday - with all that love and support - I am sure I could do anything
SO that is the challange I have decided to take on - I want to see if I can get 1000 people to donate by my birthday July 22nd.  Now I don't even think I know 1000 people and that is where YOU come in.  I need you to be part of my Breast Cancer Army - I need you to send links to this post to all your friends and urge them to send it on to their friends ... All I am asking for is a $1.00 donation  (If you feel inspired and have more that you can donate.... please do - this cause is so worth it)
I will be writing the names of each of my "sponsors" on my shirt for the walk - and I would love to fill it up with a 1000 names of people who are in it to end it too.
If you were planning on sending me a birthday card, present or well wishes please do so here  What were your going to spend on a birthday card $2.95 ?  How about a donation of $2.95 towards something so amazing instead....

This is my challenge - to get 1000 donations by July 22nd - it's my own way of proving that ever LITTLE bit counts - and small steps can make a big difference - it's my way of giving 1000 people the opportunity to be part of this amazing cause - and it's my way of having my own personal cheering crowd, 1000 strong - as I cross the finish line on September 12th....

Pass it along -

Crazy little thing called LOVE

Sometimes when I look at Ari - I am reminded just how much I love him and how no matter what - seeing his little face and hearing his voice can make everything better.  It's a crazy little thing - the love between a mommy and her little boy - a bond I hope to share with Ari his my entire life.



Here are some really great things about Ari -
1- he LOVES his momma, sometimes I worry that he loves me too much, recently he has taken to kissing me a little too passionately - it's really funny - and I am sure it is nothing but he turns his little head and strokes my face while he kisses me on the lips- not every time - but when he does it always makes me worry "what is this kids watching on TV?"
2- he has mastered the word NO but maybe not the meaning- and he hasn't figured out yes yet -
Here is an example:
Me: "Ari do you want to take a nap?"
Ari: "No"
Me: "Ari do you want to cuddle on the couch?"
Ari: "No"
Me:"Ari do you want to go do the mall?"
Ari: "No"
Me: " Ari, do you want some chocolate?"
Ari:  silence .... silence.... "Chocolate"
yep that's another thing about my little guy - he is a chocolate ADDICT - and he does not discriminate - extra dark, milk, semi sweet.... he loves them all

Here is my little Hugh Hefner .... it's official Ari out grew his bathrobe.... (he probably out grew it months ago but we usually use this great towel my BFF Kate made for Ari when he was just born... but the other day I tried this on him and well it was a little short ..... his little baby cheeks were hanging out the back














3) Ari may LOVE his momma - but he wants to be just like his daddy - and lucky for him he is well on his way. (We found more old pictures of Ryan when he was little and Ari is a dead ringer for his twin - it amazing how Ari looks EXACTLY like Ryan.  Ari has learned how to open the back door - which means it has to be deadlocked all the time... the other day, before we knew he could open the door, Ryan was out mowing the lawn and Ari ran out - dragged his lil mower out of the garage and "helped" daddy ... it was so cute

He is just too cute - anyone who meets Ari can't help but love him.  4) Ari loves to say Hi - to EVERYONE Sometimes we will be in a store and there will be somebody in the same aisle as us and Ari will say "Hi" and if he doesn't get a response from the person he continues to say "HI" louder and louder and louder.... until he gets some sort of reaction or we change aisles. It's really funny - also Ari loves to say Thank you - its too cute - we will be at the store ( I swear we do other things besides shop) and when I finish paying Ari always says Thank you to the cashier and the bagger.... its adorable 

  Ari is go, go, go - from morning til way to late at night!!!!!

 The other day Ari was outside and he saw a bee on the ground - he laid on the ground and just watched the bee who's little legs were covered in pollen - it was so fun to watch his so interested in his world - he kept saying "Bee, bee" "BZZZZZZ"  - I reminded him not to touch and he was having a blast watching the little guy just take a break from his busy bee work 

 He is so curious and so smart - a little naughty and VERY MISCHIEVOUS

   You just can't help but love this little guy!!!! 

Ari has also recently taught himself how to put CD's in the Bose and turn it on - he loves to Dance. Ari loves doing flashcards - he will pull them out and bring them to you and say "Cards....Cards"  He gets so excited as he gets them right he jumps up and down and his voice gets louder.  

Oh and yesterday - without prompting - Ari took a picture of Jesus and said "Jesus" ..... awe... Ryan and I are doing something right - (or the nursery is!?! ) we'll take the credit for that one though 

P.S. Ari wanted to remind everyone to go and DONATE to AVON WALK - Ari knows that his mommy is doing this walk for all the boys and girls who's mommies are battling this very horrible disease and for all the mommies's who have lost their fight - No kid should have to lose a parent to cancer - GO DONATE 

What we've been up to

Sorry - I now I went AWOL for the last oh I don't know - ever - but between school and Ari and everything else - well blogging just feel to the wayside.  Ryan's little sister Kristin got engaged over Thanksgiving and since about Christmas we have been in wedding count down mode.  In March I helped throw a baby shower for my friend Bethany - and it was a HUGE shower - way over the top - and it was right during mid terms and it was stress - But Bethany had a great time and her beautiful baby Mary Elizabeth was born about a week later - so just in time.  Just about as soon as I took a breath from baby shower prep it was time to start in on Bridal Shower prep -
When I married Ryan, I was so excited to get little sisters, having never had a little sister - and so I was thrilled with the opportunity to throw Kristin a shower for her wedding - it was really fun and I am glad she had a good time - she is going to be a beautiful bride -

Here is the tree of Knowledge I did for Kristin - all of her shower guest wrote her a little advice and hung it on the tree







Here are the Cake Boxes that I made for her favors - Inside I put a little bath and body works hand sanitizer and some bliss chocolates - the note inside said "Its been so much fun to reminisce, and hear all about Kristin & Macky's first kiss- Thank you for sharing in Kristin's bliss."

View from the top of the cake boxes ......

Kristin & Whitney opening presents

Kristin 

Some of the delicious food we had - it was so good - Thanks Sharon, Whitney and Ellen - could not have pulled it off without you foodies! 











Oh and cake pops .... you are especially delicious - so glad you are out of the house .... such a temptation!!!!







The shower was so fun - both of them really - but I think I am done throwing showers for a while, luckily I don't know anyone else getting married anytime soon and I don't have anymore prego friends out here - so I think I should get a little break

Now on to the actual wedding prep stuff ....... AGH

Fooling myself into believing that blogging is what I should be doing right now...

I am desperately trying to fool myself into believing that blogging is what I should be doing right now- Not working on one of my 4 MAJOR projects due in the next week, not doing the loads of laundry that are piling up in my bedroom, not going to the store to buy a baby shower present for a shower that is TONIGHT, not dressing my son, (it's only 9:20am its totally acceptable to still be in pj's if you are under the age of 3), not cleaning our bedroom which is a disaster area due to the 4 MAJOR projects due in the next week and my son who is still in pj's.... and not the million and five other things that I really should be doing - NOPE - I have successfully convinced myself that all these things can wait while I blog - if only I could use my willpower for something a little more meaningful, ( well maybe for the 2 followers out there - this update will be really inspiring- like Oprahish in a way!!!!!)

So amuse me while I ignore the rest of my world right now and go on a bit of a blogging marathon.....
(oh and come to think of it I should be fundraising for MY WALK - so here is my little plug - this is a cause I really believe in and as I work towards my goal of a) raising $2000 for Breast Cancer research and support and b) train my butt off (hopefully) to be physically ready for the 39.1 miles I will trek in 4 short months- I have been so inspired to really make a difference- So I am inviting you to take this journey with me, all from the comfort of your home - just donate - I will be representing you all while I walk - and your support will help me along the way - I can NOT do it with out your support GO DONATE NOW

I know its been a while....

I know I have been absent from the blogging world and I have a ton of pictures I need to post on here too- but we have been super busy.
School for me has been crazy - and I was so excited for Spring Break - although it went way too fast and didn't feel much like a break but more of a whole new set of assignments....
We did get a chance to take Ari to Disneyland and Ryan and I got a much needed fun little date at California Adventure
Ryan's little sister came and I threw her a Bridal Shower - so glad that is over, but now it's on to getting everything ready for the big day.....
and then for reasons I am having a hard time remembering - I started boot camp... I had been thinking about doing it for a really long time but was having a hard time talking myself into it and finding a time that worked in my schedule - and finally after we got our tax return - I just signed up - this has been a total lifestyle adjustment already, Ari usually sleeps in until 9 or 9:30 so I sleep in til then too - not anymore - I now wake up at the crack of dawn with Ryan so that I can get worked to the point of exhaustion all before Ari wakes up - and I am loving it
805 Boot Camp

So this is my first week of boot camp and it is kicking my butt- but I feel great and I love getting outdoors to work out - plus I know this boot camp is getting me one step closer to preparing myself for my 39 mile walk in September... speaking of which - don't you have some donating to do???? My Avon Walk Page

I will do the hard work ... but you can make the difference

www.avonwalk.org/goto/joywilliams

I have made my commitment.
I am going to train
I am going to walk until I can't walk any further... and then I am going to walk some more
I am going to wake up early and lace up my shoes
My feet will blister and crack from the pain
but I will do it

what will you do ?

A lot of you may be asking yourself - why is she doing this?  Believe me I asked myself the same thing about a hundred times.  I don't personally know anyone who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer - I AM LUCKY
I realize just how lucky I am that this horrible disease has not effected me more personally - and I want other people to be as lucky as me.
So why and  I doing this walk? Why have I committed to spend my summer training to walk a marathon and a half ?
I am doing it for my son, and my husband - While I have been lucky enough to not be personally effected by Breast Cancer - I am doing this walk to help keep it that way -
I want Ari to grow up with out the fear of losing his mom, grandma, wife, sister, aunt, cousin or daughter to this horrible disease.  I am walking for my husband- and for your's too.... Let's face it - they need us- as little as they sometimes like to admit it - they NEED us- and I don't want them to have to live without us.
I am doing it for every person - who, because of this horrible disease - can't do it for themselves... they were brave and I owe them this much.
and lastly - I do it for myself- see while I have been lucky so far - I still fear that someone close to me, will be personally effected by breast cancer - I am doing this to gain the strength I will need to face breast cancer head on and fight when the time comes.
I am doing this because I can make a difference -
AND SO CAN YOU


I  can't do it without your support - please visit my personal page and donate for the cause - if you would feel more comfortable sending a check - send me an email and I will get you the information.  I am counting on you all to be my little Army - I have sent you emails and now I have given you the link - now forward those emails and pass on my link to everyone you know-  if you are willing to forward a joke or a funny picture - I am sure you can forward an email about an amazing cause

I love you all - know that when I walk - I will be thinking of all of you - you are my strength and my inspiration!!!

Checking in on my resolutions....

Ok -  so its almost been a month since I posted my resolutions - so its time for a check in

I am proud to report that I have done really well so far.

I have successfully broken up with soda ... it was HARD - and I am not going to lie about a week into our "break" I fell off the wagon - soda went out and got a brand new fancy ..."made with real sugar" and I just had to give it a try - but half way through the night it was the same ol same ol bickering and blaming and I remembered once again why I had broken up with soda in the first place - since then I have not looked back

water and I are becoming really close - I can't believe it but I actually crave water now... who would have thought???

Fastfood and I are barely speaking - I don't even make eye contact when I have to run into "the king" for nuggets for Ari .... Go Me!!!

Healthy Eating -- well its a slow starting relationship - but we are getting there - and me and breakfast, well we are really starting to enjoy each other

TV - don't even miss the lame shows I thought were cool -  Now I am down to 3 Bachelor and Idol and Make it or Break it

I have started to write more often then I was before I made the resolution -  I have cut down on my candy (although that was really just a seasonal thing.... its not like I eat a candy bar a day or anything)
 I think  I am doing a much better job at enjoying Ari - which has been such  a blessing to me.  We are going through an especially tough time with our little guy right now- he used to be so easy to get down for a nap and for bed, but now it takes everything I have to get him to bed.... but rather than dread it - I have started to love it - I love that it takes an hour instead of the previous 15 minutes to put my little guy to bed. I love that he wants to sit on my lap and rock with me in the dark while we listen to music... I love his sticky kisses and how he wraps his little arms around me while we read books...

BUT THE COOLEST PART OF MY RESOLUTIONS AND THE ONE THAT I AM THE MOST EXCITED ABOUT IS...........
I am going to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer  I wish I could take credit for this - but I owe it to my amazing friend KATE   I really really wanted to do the walk but was to apprehensive to take it on all by myself. Kate is going to fly in for the weekend ( September 11-12) so that she can walk with me.  It's going to be so great to be able to do something so amazing with one of the women in my life that I find to be so awe inspiring... and we will get to catch up on life.  
Now I need all of your help - while I am definitely getting a lot out of this walk (fitness, a weekend with my BFF, etc) I am really doing it to help find a cure to this horrible disease.  I am doing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer all of those people who can't do the walk because of the toll this disease has taken on them.  So here is YOUR call to ACTION - I have committed to raising $1800 for breast cancer research and funding - and that is where I need your help.  I am going to do the training and the walking - but I need you to do the donating.  Every little bit will help - So for the next eight months I am going to update you on my progress and remind you to donate to this amazing cause.    In the next week or two I should have my donation web page up and running and I will post it here on the blog and on Facebook and in the multiply emails I will be sending to you and the letters you will receive in our mail box....
I have committed and I am In It To End It....

While I have a minute ....

Ok ... While I have a moment or two I am going to try and update this blog- I don't have nearly as much updating to do as I should - since for one reason or another I have once again have failed to take pictures of almost everything that has happened lately. (There are two basic reasons why I don't take pictures...1- Our camera eats batteries like nobody's business and 2- my son NEVER holds still and the blurry results just depress me)

So sit back and enjoy a little thing I like to call my blogger cram session.

Merry Christmas

We had an awesome Christmas this year - the entire Williams clan was under one roof for Christmas for the first time in 5 years...

The last time everyone was home was the year Ryan & I got engaged.... (and Lindsey & Brady)

Holding true to tradition - Our little Kristin had something new and shiny on her finger this Christmas- we are all so excited to welcome Macky into the family. (They actually got engaged a few days before Thanksgiving.. but since we hadn't seen her since she got engaged... it was exciting for us)

So the house was full - Ari had a blast spending time with his aunts & uncle & uncle-to-be.

We all seemed to get exactly what we wanted for Christmas this year -

We thought we had learned a lesson from last year - and decided not to go "overboard" on presents for Ari this year - I think we did a decent job at that this year

For Christmas Ari received:

-Clothes ... (his least favorite present but hey I had to take advantage of my seasonal Macy's discount)

-Duplo blocks ( to add to the ones he got for his birthday) *** These were actually a birthday present from Ari's Sievert Cousins - but he was pretty overwhelmed by presents at birthday time so we just wrapped these up for Christmas, it's nice that he is still little enough that we can spread out his presents

-Dinosaur puppets from his far away puppy Berkelee

-Converse Chuck Taylor shoes just like his mom and dad from Santa

-books from Kristin and Nana& Papa

-these awesome cars from his cousin Cambren

-a Dodger's Ball and bat set from his soon to be uncle Macky ( I am already planning my pay back for that gift.... Ari + bat= DESTRUCTION

- the Tag Jr reading system and books (which has been such a hit with him) Thanks Nana & Papa and Oma & Opa

- A new BYU football jersey from his Kristin

AND - last but not least ..... the gift Ryan and I were the most excited/stressed about

We searched everywhere for the "perfect" tricycle. I read reviews online, we went to Target, Walmart and Toys'r'us... but once we spotted this one we just fell in love with it- It is so AWESOME - it's the original Radio Flyer Tricycle - with rubber tires and a bell (and the double step so Ari can take his lady friends for a ride....

Ari LOVES it (sadly he is a little to short for the peddles so we are working on getting some blocks so he can truly cruise in style

I do have really cute video of Ari on Christmas morning - coming down to see his tricycle for the first time - and I promise someday to get our videos on to our blog - (we got a replacement USB cord- now I just need to figure out how to use it)

Ari taking inventory of all his AWESOME gifts

Ari was so cute the day after Christmas - as soon as he woke up he ran down stairs and climbed on his trike again - it was like he was saying " it wasn't a dream... I really am the luckiest boy alive" and every morning since Christmas he has done the same thing..... love him

The Sunday after Christmas Nana, Kristin, Macky, Ari and I went up north to Paso to visit family up there. We had such a nice time visiting and got to see the elephant seals again and I was finally able to tour Hearst Castle. It was so amazing

It was a great holiday season and we miss everyone already .....

Hello/ Goodbye ....

I don't think I have ever actually made a New Year's Resolution - I mean sure come New Year's Eve I often find myself thinking - "Next year I'm going to ________ or be better at _______", but I never put it out their publicly or write it in my journal - sometimes I doubt I give it a second thought New Year's Day.

So this year that's my first Resolution - to make New Year's Resolutions ....

So there it is Resolution #1 - Make Resolutions (or lets just call them goals)

Along with that there are going to be some Hello's said and Goodbyes yelled

Here it goes.........

Goodbye Soda - Farewell for GOOD - I am not saying that I will NEVER have another soda - that is unrealistic for me - However there was a time I refer to it as B.R. (before Ryan) - when soda and I were not so well acquainted.... So for this YEAR I am saying Goodbye to Soda - and after I have accomplished that I will decide what my relationship with Soda will be. I will miss you coke from McDonald's with no ice - "it's not me.... it's you"

Hello Water- Hello water- pleasure to make your acquaintance - I think we met a while back ... yeah I should have called more often - my fault - I was kind of seeing someone else - BUT that's over now... I look forward to having a long lasting relationship with you

Goodbye Fast food - It's been a good run - but all good things must come to an end- and it's going to be hard, what with school starting up again and all the fast food restaurants on campus and my late night classes. But we just can't keep seeing each other the way we do- it's not healthy - I finally figured out I deserve better.... take care

Hello Eating Healthy .... where have you been hiding? Oh ... Breakfast ... what is this breakfast you speak of?

Goodbye ABC, NBC, MTV,WB and TLC - Sorry you have become something of a monster in my life and I just can't do it anymore - I have finally realized that it doesn't matter who the biggest loser is or what the Littlest Couple does, I hate those Real Worlders who are so far removed from reality its a joke and I really don't care who the next apprentice is... So we aren't going to be able to spend as much time as we have been spending in the past - I'm sure you will get over it.

Hello Fitness.... sorry I have been a flaky friend - you deserve better and I am going to make it up to you

Goodbye Candy - I know we don't really hang out much as it is - so this might come as a surprise to you but lately we have spent WAY to much time together - So I donated my stocking stuffers to Ryan's co workers (he is now the most popular guy in the office) I am sure I will see you around candy - but I won't be looking for you anymore - it's time for you to just move on

More Resolutions

Ok - I said my hellos and goodbyes for 2010. I have a few more "resolutions" so since my #1 resolution was to make resolutions - (and what is the sense in making them if you're going to keep them a secret?) Here they are

I used to write- I used to write A LOT (some of you might know that) - I don't really know why I stopped - All I can figure is that I did my most writing when I was at a college where I never really felt like I fit in and I desperately wanted to fit in, I wrote volumes when I was repeatedly falling for the wrong guy. I wrote and I wrote and I wrote - and it was my thing- and I loved it. I guess maybe I was a little dark and tortured - and maybe that is what inspired me - Because that is when it stopped - I met Ryan and no matter where I was - if I was with him, I felt like I belonged. I didn't care about fitting in - because I didn't want to fit in - Ryan loved me for who I was so it didn't matter anymore. But I miss writing - and it's no ones fault but my own.. I got distracted by love and life and my little boy - but I miss writing - so that brings me to #2

#2 - I am going to write again - I am going to set up a blog and just write

I love being a Mom - I had no idea how hard it was going to be before I was a Mom - NO IDEA - but regardless.... I LOVE BEING A MOM

I had to put that out there

I (more often then I would like to admit) get caught up in how "naughty, clever, active" Ari is or how "uncreative, uninspired and uninspiring" I am and forget to enjoy these moments I have being a mom. I am ashamed to admit that I have sat in the rocking chair with Ari rocking him to sleep all the while wishing I could be watching TV or updating my status.... I have caught myself on too many occasions wanting to be somewhere else - when what I have is so fleeting..... I read my journal entries from when Ari was first born and being away from him was physically painful - I read my entries from when I went back to work and I felt like I was dying those first days, weeks and months..... In my journal and my prayers I promised that if I could be with him all day I wouldn't take it for granted - I would be a good mom, I would be creative and inspired and inspiring ..... but I got off track - I don't know how I went from feeling like my heart was breaking while I walked to my car to sitting in a rocking chair and wishing I could be watching Glee - wishing my baby didn't need me to read three books and sing one song and rock him for 30 minutes to go to sleep some nights.... HOW DID I GET HERE ?!?!?

# 3 - I am going to enjoy the moments, messes, mistakes and madness that come with being a mom -

# 4- I want to do the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer - it's September 11th-12th in Santa Barbara. My favorite Sister in law did it a while ago and I have always been super impressed with it - So this year I want to do it... However I am very nervous/scared/chicken to do it myself - so I am putting it on Facebook and hopefully someone, somewhere in Facebook land will want to walk with me- I don't think I can do this one alone - (and Ryan doesn't seem to interested)

So there they are .... my New Year's Resolutions

WE ARE FAMILY .......

Finally - we had family portraits taken - and it went as good as could be expected since it was a last minute planning... (i.e. I was running around the mall Monday morning/afternoon trying to find outfits that worked for all of us, Ryan had to get a hair cut and I had to try to get Ari to take a decent nap, be fed and in a good "picture taking" mood.

So here they are:

Ari has the best curly hair but we never photography him on his curly days -

so I made sure Ari was having a curly day (I didn't brush it when it was wet)

so everyone could see my sweet baby with his curls...... LOVE HIM

And I have some really cute video from Ari's birthday which I would love to upload however the USB cable for our video camera has grown legs and walked away (probably looking for a better home that would use it more often) so until I can find a replacement card - no video - sorry

We didn't order a ton of Christmas cards (mostly because they due to our last minute photo shoot they will not be ready until the Tuesday before Christmas.....) so those of you who will be getting one will share the same blood as atleast one of us (that is how limited our order was) and they will most likely be late ..... so here it is for you to see if I don't get one in the mail for you

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARI BURTON

Happy Birthday Ari Burton. We love you so much. You have changed every aspect of our lives for the better- When I dreamed about the little boy we would have someday - you were the little boy in my dreams (although I do think that little boy in my dreams was a little less of a picky eater!!!!)

Some Fun Facts about Ari:

His favorite foods are

Burger King Chicken Nuggets

Ocean Spray Crasins

Dried Cherries

Trader Joe's Yogurt (the creme kind yum yum)

Pancakes "cakes"

French Toast

French Fries

Words Ari says (that we understand) :

Car, Color, Sponge Bob (not thrilled about that one), Dora, Kai lan, Hair, Duck, Moon, oh no, wow, Dog, Mama, Dada, Papa (Ryan's Dad), Juice, NO, Book, Eyes, Teeth, Star, Spoon, Shoe, Two

Funny things that Ari has done: (well they are funny now... to think back on.....now that the mess is cleaned up)

- Walked on the piano keys (more like danced)

- Got Dewey's treat box down from the counter and gave the dog multiple treats....(no wonder they are best friends)

-Went in the laundry room, opened the dryer, climbed on the dryer door, got the laundry soap and dumped it on the floor (all of it) - then he came out with the dripping laundry soap to show Papa what he had done

- Got into my make up and successfully applied mascara to the eye area, blush to his cheek area and bit my chapstick......

- snuck in the pantry and helped himself to Reese peanut butter cups.... he even opened the wrapper

Ari's Favorite Toys:

CARS

Legos (somehow he found Ryan's old little legos and no matter where we put them he finds them and dumps them every where - but today he is getting Duplo blocks and those little legos are getting tossed)

Playdoh

We love you Ari !