A FATHER'S PRIDE...

There seems to only be a few things in life that always holds my attention...at times classes bore me, books don't hold their attractiveness, and worldly topics feel superficial. But there are constants in my life that never see this type of fate; the first is my wife, and in a close second place in importance to me is my son Christopher. I can spend hours watching him scoot around the front room pulling things down from shelves and exploring all the cracks and crevices of the couch. He has a thirst for discovering everything around him. My son can always hold my attention, he doesn't bore me and my experiences with him are anything but superficial. I am the type of guy that is always looking for change and looking around the corner for what's to come, but I wouldn't have my son any other way. Fatherhood has definitely led me to the clichés...of course I think that he is the most handsome, funniest and smartest baby there out there. Sorry guys but he will always be the best in my eyes! (as we speak he is trying to stuff one of mom's chocolate wrappers in my ear! haha)

Here is little Christopher after a spaghetti dinner.

Playtime!

Here's What We've Been Up To

We have been busy this past month or two, and here is some of what we've been doing:

• Chris and I celebrated our third anniversary by spending the night in Park City and had a great time (we stayed in a nice resort, enjoyed an amazing meal at a super nice restaurant, relaxed and toured the Olympic Park.) Thanks to Chris for planning it and our parents who made it possible!


• With some birthday money Chris received, he bought a 10 gallon fish tank and all the fun stuff that goes with it. He says it will help me warm up to the idea of getting a dog. We'll see...


• We were able to go to BYU to watch Marie and Tia and Jessie in the biggest ballroom dance competition of the year, Nationals. (I wish I had pictures to show.) I always LOVE watching and cheering them on and, as usual, had a great time. And Chris is ever supportive and awesome to go and cheer them on as well. :)


• Chris found a new job as a welding instructor at Ogden-Weber ATC, and enjoys it much more than his previous job, so we've been grateful for that.


• Chris joined his dad and brothers in a "man trip" near the family cabin and had a great time snowmobiling and snowboarding the day before. He lives for these kind of adventures and had a great time.


• Christopher David is as fun as ever, busy, learning and growing. He loves playing with his dad as the first video shows. He gets really excited about walking and will take steps between us. This video shows the extent of his walking. (I'm not in any hurry for further progress- he gets into cupboards and drawers quick enough already!) We love his sweet hugs and are having so much fun with him in this stage.
  

Way Behind

When I started this blog, I decided I wouldn't let a long period of time go by without updating it. I've had things I could blog about- a fun anniversary, a new fishtank, get-togethers with family, udpates on Christopher, etc, but I obviously haven't done anything about it. Sorry to those of you who actually visit my blog. But I will do an update soon. Very soon.

A New Look?

Last night during dinner, Christopher got banana hands all over his hair:
After washing it out, he had a crazy hairdo...
And then I had some fun...

I haven't decided yet which is my favorite look. Which is your favorite?

(I should give credit to my sister, Becky- some hairdos were inspired by her ingenious creativity and special touch).

Christmas Activities

We have had a wonderful month, filled with fun Christmas activities. We enjoyed making yummy treats, decorating our tree, listening to awesome music, looking at the lights, attending some concerts, seeing family and friends...most of the typical, fun traditions. One of our traditions growing up was also going to see Santa, so I of course had to take Christopher. I expected him to cry, but after staring at the beard (which was real) and studying him for a minute, we got him to smile. (We decided to pass up the option of getting the 'Rudolph Package', complete with 5x7s, wallets, a CD, etc for $47.95. And the cheapest option was $14.95 for 1 5x7. Fortunately they allowed you to take one picture with your own camera!)

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow!

Our Little Mover

Christopher has recently discovered the joy of being mobile! He has been doing the army crawl for a while, but just a couple of weeks ago he started actual crawling. Not only that, but he is also using just about anything to pull up to a stand. He thinks he's pretty neat and bounces up and down, smiling, once he's standing up. Unfortunately he hasn't figured out how to get down safely, so he either stands there and cries or loses his balance and topples (leaving some sad little bruises on his cute face.) He also likes playing on his knees, which cracks me up!

We are definitely loving this fun stage he's going through!

(Next post will be more Christmas-y). :)

Attitude of Gratitude

I have so much to be thankful for every day, but I often take what I have for granted. So I decided to make a little list today, it being Thanksgiving Eve and all.

• My supportive and loving husband


• Christopher David, who always makes me smile


• Testimony and membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints


• My health


• My own piano


• My mom, who has always been there for me


• Awesome sisters


• Brothers who make me laugh and care about me


• My ward


• Living in a free country with the rights to worship and with opportunities to become who I want


• Good music that uplifts and inspires me


• A warm apartment


• Marrying into a great family


• Employment for Chris and jobs on the side for myself


• Good friends and cousins I had growing up


• The opportunity I had to go to BYU-Idaho


• The Internet


• Testimony of life after death/Looking forward to being with loved ones who have passed away


• Being able to watch and interact with children


• Ancestors who sacrificed so I could have the things I have today


• Supportive extended family


• Good food, like I will be enjoying tomorrow!


• Each of the seasons


• Latter-day Prophets


• Cell phones


• Nauvoo and early Saints


• Beautiful nature


• Temples


• All my friends and family who support me now!

I could go on and on; this is just a short, kind of random, list of things I am grateful for.

Oh, and I told some of you I'd post a picture of Christopher in his Halloween costume. Sorry it took so long!