It's almost Christmas!

We're having a lot of fun at Daddy's house. It's nice to all be together for the holidays. AJ's daughter Aaliyah was here the whole weekend and we loved hanging out with her. Jaden and Kaylie love their big sister. They have also enjoyed getting to know their Granddaddy and Grandma.

Jaden is so excited for Christmas and for Santa to bring presents. It's so much fun this year because he understands who Santa is and what goes on. Sometimes when he gets something or I hand him something (even if it's a sippy cup) he'll say, "I got this for Christmas."
Kaylie loves to walk around and look at the tree and all the cute decorations in the house. She will point to things and say what they are.
"Santa!" "snowman!" "tree!"
We went to the mall the first day we were here and the first thing Jaden asks is if we are going to see Santa. There was a really long line and we were tired, but I couldn't resist, he just loves Santa. When it was Jaden's turn to see Santa he walked right up to him and just stared at him in amazement before he sat on his lap. It was really sweet. The people behind us were just dying over how cute his expression was. Even after three times this year, he is still just as excited to see Santa. He asked for a car again. Oh boy if he only knew what he's really getting for Christmas!!! (I think I'm the most excited for his present.)

Jaden wrapping a present for Daddy


they were so excited to see Aaliyah in the morning, they had to wake her up.


waiting in line to see Santa Claus

Road Trip!!!

Our road trip started out on Wednesday. We left around 4:30 pm and got to Reno at around midnight. AJ's parents paid for us to stay in a hotel (thank goodness) so we were able to split up the long drive to San Jose. The kids did soooo awesome on both trips. Neither one of them ever had long crying spells or anything like that. Only a couple of times they got whiny and ready to get out. I only had to stop 2 times on the first day and 2 on the second day. Jaden was really excited about getting to stay in a hotel. I explained to him where we were going and a lot of the car ride he sang that song "Hotel" by Flo-Rida where he says Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn! It's really cute when Jaden sings it. I was so worried when we got to the hotel room that Jaden wouldn't go to sleep. He was extremely tired, but so wound up. I had to call and ask for another crib so they both slept in a crib and after about 30 minutes finally went to sleep. We slept until 8 am and then had room service breakfast. Then we left for San Jose at around 11. The kids were so excited to see Daddy. I'm glad we are here and having a fun time with Daddy and the rest of the family. I really hope the kids do so well on the drive back, too!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I am writing you this letter to ask you for a big favor. Would it be possible to move my house and everything in it (including us) to Arizona or California?
I hope it's not too much to ask, but I'm really ready to get out of Utah. We need some diversity and warm weather in our lives!


If that's too much to ask, here are a few simpler ideas...










Thank you!
Love,

Lauren

Up on the Housetop!

Tonight my friend Ashley invited us to the church Christmas party in our neighborhood. My sister Megan came with us and we had so much fun. Jaden was so excited, he talked about it all day because he knew he was going to meet Santa Claus. I asked him what he wanted to ask for and he said a new car and a choo-choo train. Uncle Ryan told Jaden to tell Santa that Ryry wants a new car and a computer and Megan told him she wanted a Wii and I did, too. On the way over there he kept saying over and over what everyone wanted as if he was trying to remind himself to tell Santa. The party was a lot of fun, great food and great people and of course Santa...

We were told we had to sing "Up on the Housetop" to get Santa Claus to come so we all started singing. Then we heard some bells and Santa appeared! The look on Jaden's face was priceless! I wish I would've taken a picture. It almost brought tears to my eyes because he was so happy and excited. His mouth was wide open and he was gazing at Santa like he was the greatest thing in the world. It was so awesome to see him so happy. Jaden was eager to get in line and wait to meet him. I took Jaden and Kaylie in the line and we waited. Jaden kept telling everyone to wait in line and wait their turn. Finally when it was their turn to go he took off running so fast and hopped right onto Santa's lap. Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas and Jaden told him a car and a computer. Kaylie was hesitant at first, but I picked her up and sat her down on his lap next to Jaden and she just stared at his big white beard and smiled at him. Santa asked Kaylie if she would like a new doll for Christmas and Kaylie nodded her head and said "yeah." After they had their turn they got a little treat from Santa and said thank you and we went back to our seats. Nights like tonight and seeing their faces just light up make being a mom even better! I love that I get to experience all these amazing things with them and be right there by their side. Christmas is much more fun and exciting with little kids that understand what's going on now! :) I can't wait for Santa to come and we can leave him cookies and milk and open presents!

Thankful Thursday

• cell phone insurance (freakin' water damage, again)
• that my kids go to bed so well - no hassle
• Jason changing my oil and checking all the fluids
• Christmas cards with photos on it - I love seeing all my friends' cute families
• my t.v. shows - One Tree Hill, Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, 90210
• we are able to spend Christmas in San Jose with Daddy
• Nivea chap stick
• yummy cherry rainbow candy canes
• the sweet text messages I get daily from AJ
• my daily phone or video chats with my mom
  

2 1/2 years old!

My little boy is officially 2 1/2 years old now. (as of Dec. 2nd)
I know I am not biased when I say that he is extremely smart. His teachers at the child care tell me that all the time as well as complete strangers. I am amazed at how awesome his memory is. He remembers things from months ago. I'm so proud of him and how much he loves to learn and ask questions.

Some of Jaden's favorite things...

cuddling with mommy under his Cars blanket
playing with Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks, Doc, Dinaco Blue
watching Cars, Dora, Dinosaur Train, Jungle Junction
apple juice
taffy, chocolate, suckers
"firetruck" hat
playing football in the house
reading books
drawing
listening to music
singing songs

I love you Jaden Aristotle James!!!

Happy Birthday to Nicole!

Nicole and I...

This is when we became close friends. Summer 2002 right after graduation. I let her chop my hair off after her being in cosmetology school for only 6 weeks. She did awesome!

November 2006 I was visiting from Arizona. This is her in their new home as newlyweds.


Here we are at my baby shower (the first one) Jaden is in my belly, March 07


Brindley and Jaden meeting for the first time @ Pizza Factory, July 07

September 07 - first month I moved back to Utah


Baby shower #2 pregnant with Kaylie, February 08


St. Patrick's Day 08 - me, Nicole and Jess


April 11, 2008 my little Kaylie was born. Nicole was there in the room with me playing my "husband"/"partner" haha! I am so thankful that she was there for me through that whole labor. She is a true friend!



Tulip Festival April 2008


August 2009

Happy Birthday Nicole! I love you tons and tons. I am so grateful for your friendship. I love all the good times and hard times we have had together. We have been through a lot and I'm so glad we are still so close. Thank you for all that you do for us and for being an awesome best friend.