We went with our good friends to go see the temple lights last night.  It was so beautiful seeing everything lit up!!  I think the highlight of the evening was seeing Sam’s reaction to Jesus Christ.  He couldn’t stop staring, pointing, and oohing over him–as it should be.  Of course I forgot my real camera, but luckily the iphone does a great job…

..however I am a bit disappointed Jesus got cut off, cause these pics are just beautiful.  He loved His hands.  He loved His feet.

I hope he learns early that he can always turn to Jesus Christ.  He is our rock, our constant, our best friend.  He will always be there for us.

And the instagram pic of the night…

Sam has really gotten into guitars.  His golf clubs are now used more as guitars, and the other day he threw a fit over a clothes pin cause he wanted to strum it.  And the tupperware as headwear, I’ve got no explanation for…

We had a great weekend with the perfect amount of activities and relaxing.  Finding babysitters here in the city is a hard task; and when it’s December it’s even harder!  I was lucky to reserve one for Friday night.  I had this nice date planned with Mick and I, but some friends invited us to a show so we opted for that instead.  We had a lovely evening catching up with friends and laughing our heads off at the comedy show.

Saturday we had another party with a Santa encounter that went as expected.  I’m hoping next year Sam will be excited?! And later in the afternoon we relaxed with football watching and fort building.  Kind of perfect.

Thank you all for sweet congratulations.  We are really excited for our little girl to come.  We’ve agreed on the name and once Christmas is over the bow making and dress shopping will begin. :)  Wahoo!!

I realized I may have come across as a scrooge when it comes to decorating for Christmas.  While we don’t have a real tree, I do like to get something fresh so I can bring the smell of Christmas into our home.  Depending on the year it’s either a wreath, garland, centerpiece, or all. :)  This year it’s a fresh evergreen garland that sits awkwardly upon our mantel.  I’ve always dreamed of having a fireplace…and we’re slowing getting to one.  This year Santa will be coming down our furnace and stuffing the stockings.  Let me tell you, there’s nothing more romantic and festive than cuddling up in front of a decorative fireplace listening to the roar of a furnace…

Sam woke up to a newly decorated fireplace and some serious bedhead.  I think this is the one time he’s actually worn a hat.  Perhaps it was the new decor that distracted him (hand-me-down stockings from my mom.  Mick thinks their too old school.  I love the beautiful needlepoint work)…

or perhaps it was the oatmeal cookies…

Just don’t try and take them away.

An afternoon at the park turned out to be a bit chilly.  But then as the sun started to set, it warmed up and was so beautiful.  The leaves were golden and the mountains a majestic purple/gold/and everything in between.  I’m glad I had my sweet mother in law and camera to capture some fun moments.

In addition to our wedding anniversary, there was a celebratory Zinch party that brought us to Utah earlier than planned.  It was fun celebrating with everyone that helped make Zinch what it is today.  And what would a Zinch party be without kid-friendly grilled cheese and hired babysitters there to allow the adults to mingle?  There was a fun hip-hop band there that Sam had WAY too much fun dancing to.

You know it’s a good party when cupcake is left on the lips all night…

When Sam gets high on cupcakes and hip hop his dance moves result to The Carlton.

Oh Sam, I love how it’s the simple things in life that make you *so* giddy and excited.  Doggies, balls, and fresh air.

I found while going through my computer.  I’m not sure how old Sam was here, but I know it was before Christmas.  Oh he’s growing up.  Gone are the days of his toothless little grin and sort-of baby chub.  Even though my heart tugs a little while looking at these, I do love how fun he’s getting.  The table are turning, and he’s starting to make us laugh.  It is so. much. fun.

We went to the museum yesterday where some guy randomly started dancing.  At first I thought it was really cool.  Then I learned he brought his own music and speakers and shoved all the kids aside.  He went from sheek to geek in .5 seconds.  Lets hope Sam never does that.

I don’t know when I’ll learn my lesson: my side of the city is warm and pleasant.  The ocean side is cold and windy.  Whenever I plan on going to the other side of the city I think to myself, “oh it’s a beautiful day!” And then it’s always cold.  It was a beautiful day, but it was crazy windy.  Sam wasn’t enjoying himself much; luckily admission to the zoo was free.  Of the three animals we saw, the zebras and penguins were his favorite.  I’ve learned I’ve got a thing for penguins.  They’re so cute!!  I wouldn’t mind having one waddling throughout my home one day.

Lesson Learned: skirts on windy days aren’t a good idea.

What is it about a lovey that brings so much comfort for babies?

We try and keep Sam’s blanket in his crib, but when it’s a hard day (teething), it’ll come out and be carried/swept throughout the house. I think it’s fine for him to like something to cuddle with.  And having something constant when we travel is nice.  But I really don’t want him to get too attached and become that kid.  And suggestions on how to balance the lovey?

Peek-a-boos!

It’s never a good sign when the little guy is quiet.  Sam has discovered opening drawers and closing doors.  Both devices perfect to get any little fingers smashed.  Is it wrong for me to let Sam pull out every single piece of clothing?  It gives me time to get ready, and I actually think it’s kind of cute (for now).

Now go in the corner and think about your actions…

Just don’t look so darn cute while doing it.

She has stayed by his side and protected him…

she’s there by his side during play time…

and has coached him during his work outs…

she’s the first to greet him when he wakes up…

Why wouldn’t his first word be DOG?!  It’s only appropriate.

Ho Hum, not much happening here.  Aside from Brad Womack choosing Emily, and a disappointing After the Final Rose episode (poor couple doesn’t stand a chance. sad).  I’ve taken on a few clients and have been keeping myself busy.  Here are the recents taken on the iphone:

We got all Jimmerfied and watched each game suspensively.  The last game was (clearly) disappointing, but Sam seemed to enjoy the company of Charlie.  {Thanks Grandma JoJo for the outfit!}

We’ve found a decent BBQ place.  Being a born and (mostly) raised Texan, I feel like I know everything about consuming BBQ.  Their brisket isn’t shredded, and it’s not like Jimmy Boy’s, but it works.  It has quickly become one of our regulars. Mmmmm, look at all that meat.  I smell like smoke for the next couple days, but I suppose it’s worth it.

Sam’s hair is getting to the point where it needs to be styled.  I guess I got his little brush a little too wet and this was the result.  His father’s reply, “He looks like a Trump!”  Luckily it was mostly water (with a hint of hairspray), and in a couple minutes it dried.  But it was fun to see our son all greased up.  I can seem him now: pulling the clear plastic wrap over a newly restored fire-engine hot rod, shaking his hips, and singing Greased Lighting…

I will end this rather random post on a better note.  Sam is still fun.

Toodles!

Two of my nieces had birthdays and Sam asked if he could add a personal touch to their presents. So we pulled out the chocolate pudding and basting brush and got to work.

**gasp** I’m speechless.  His work is a masterpiece.

Hopefully his cousins enjoy brown paper packages tied up with strings.

“Will you accept this flower I picked from my mother’s garden?”

-Sam takes these decisions quite seriously…or maybe his upper teeth are coming in and he’s just ultra cranky.

Happy Valentines Day. :)

Sleepy eyed, crusty nose, and some serious bed head we can never seem to tame.

I had way too much fun with my family this past week.  Already miss them like crazy.  I FINALLY got some good QT with my cute little niece Claire.  She and Sam hit it off SO WELL! It was so fun to see them interact and play together.  Sam would play with a toy, Claire would take it, and promptly give it back (even though he’d already move onto something else).

Sam and Claire just chillin at Alamo Square.

They thought they’d see the Tanner Family, but were too busy chatting away to look.

Taking a bath together.  I don’t know what it is, but cousins bathing together is just too cute.

I’ll be sure to embarrass the both of them with this pic once they’re older.

(sam is such a modest little fella, isn’t he?! momma taught him well.)

Sam Bam helping me garden.  Or should I say weed?  Is weeding still considered gardening?  Just trying to get things ready for Spring! Yes, perhaps I’m jumping the gun a little…

Notice the teeth! Lets hope his cranky/demanding /neediness will now wear off.

One of my new favorite pictures.  Thanks so much Trevor for capturing one of my favorite expressions of Sam.  I love his excitement when he sees something new.

In typical boy fashion, Sam only gives kisses when his dad’s not looking.  Nor will he give his dad any.  He will, however, sneak in a few smooches in front of other adorning moms.  Go figure.  These boys, I don’t know what to do with them.  Although, I will take being sandwiched in between any day…