Some things to smile about

The snow came. Real snow. Not a light frost on the grass. Or the stuff that is somewhere between real snow and rain, that melts as soon as it hits the ground.  This was the kind of snow that comes down in big flurries, that if you time just right you can catch on your tongue. The kind that packs well, and is ideal for making forts. It was a blanket of white over our little Logan. And although it warmed up and melted a bit, we still see this when we look out of our window.  

Hockey is in full swing. If you are in Logan and haven't had the pleasure of attending a USTATE Hockey game, go. It proves that crazy Aggie fans can be found outside the Spectrum. We stand. Sitting is for squares. 

Walmart had a killer sale on all things cold and flu. And since both of us have had MAJOR colds recently, we took full advantage. Tis the season and all.

And this brought a little perspective and made me feel, a little bit better :

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/statement-on-election-result

I love, I Love Lucy, and other stuff too

Back to blogging. Where to start?
I know I am a little way late on this one, but Happy Fall!

 

We had a killer October. Haunted houses, forests, circuses, hayrides, corn mazes, and more scary movies than I can count. Not to mention the long walks in my sweaters and scarfs I missed all summer, watching Dax ran around chasing the leaves that were picked up by the wind, and Parker making me laugh. It's been pretty perfect around here. 

Speaking of perfect. Little Tayla finally got to go home to her sweet family. We finally got to be properly introduced. And Parker held the smallest little human he had ever seen. Its a good look for him. 

We are the coolest Aunt and Uncle ever. Ask anyone of our nieces or nephews. 

In other irrelevant news, while we are committed to (more than) a few shows this time of year, we unexpectedly found ourselves hooked on an old classic. 

Two words. Quality Television. 

Welcome to the world little Tayla!

. She is here! My sister is doing well, and although baby had to go straight to NICU, she is considered a healthy premi.
We are so happy your here, Tayla Rae!

She is a whole 5 pounds 10 ounces. And considering she was 29 days early... that is great news.  

She weighs enough, but her little lungs just haven't developed all the way. They will keep her in NICU until she can breathe on her own. 

And if that didn't melt your heart.... here is mammas first time with baby. It will be awhile before she can hold her, but Tayla grabbed onto her finger right away. 

 Congrats Jill, Kyle, Landon, Colter and Oaklee. She is beautiful. Our hearts are so full of gratitude that Jill and Tayla are both well.

Just like my mom

Recently my mom and I went to the movies. Down the row from us there was a lady who really liked the movie. She was laughing, quite loudly, and her laugh was a little funny. (REALLY funny if we are being honest) 

I looked over at my mom, to see if she too had heard this laugh. She was already looking at me, with an expression I know so well. Her eyes were open wide saying "Jessica can you hear that woman laughing? Do you think she knows how loud she is laughing?" Her hand was cupped over her mouth and nose because she always feels bad when she is laughing at something that isn't meant to be funny. I started to smile at the familiarity when I noticed , my eyes were open wide. My hand was cupped over my mouth and nose, just how it always is, when I am laughing at something that isn't meant to be funny. In that moment we mirrored each other perfectly. 

Funny how the ones who raise us rub off on us. 

It may seem insignificant. Like how we both love Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew. Maybe if I can mirror her in enough of the little things, I'll start to mirror her in the big things too. I'd be pretty ok with that. 

Want to see something terrible?

Wednesday morning Parker calls me and leaves a very calm message that went something like this...

"Hey Jess, it's me. I am going to swing by the hospital- I am probably going to need a few stitches. Cut my finger at work. Totally fine. Love you, I'll call you later..."

My first reaction was to get all worried. But then, I thought to myself, I am not going to freak out about this. Just a few stitches, not a big deal. He said it wasn't a big deal. He would tell me if I needed to be worried.
So what did I do? I finished my book. I folded some laundry. I started to get ready to go to work. Finally he answers his phone. I learn that he didn't just cut one finger, he cut three. OH and he had cut through his tendons. He still protested that I didn't need to come. But when I got to the hospital this is what I saw.

Lets just say no matter what he says the next time he gets hurt.... I am going to freak out anyway. Ended up with 12 stitches in all.  Lucky for us he took his wedding ring off right away or the doctor would have had to cut it off! Look at how swollen those fingers are!
Don't worry the swelling went down and he is all splinted up. But this is going to be one long recovery! Complete with help from a plastic surgeon and lots of hand rehab.....

Not a lot of use out of that hand right now. Don't worry Park, I've been there. Remember this?

We should probably try to be more careful. 

The worst part of all of this? We had one awesome Laser Tag birthday party planned for Parker next week... Wish me luck for a last minute birthday re-plan. 

Camping, Moving, and the in-between

Life has been a whirlwind lately! I feel this way every summer. My birthday comes and the next thing I know, school is starting.

We are packing like crazy getting ready to move (again) (already). 

We just got back from a really fun vacation with my family. We went camping in Sand Hollow (almost like a mini Lake Powell - red rocks warm water- near Saint George).... it proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are not campers. I have never been on a trip with so many disasters (example: a truck breaking down in the middle of no where, red ants attacking our camp site, 110 degree heat, a rolled four wheeler,a massive windstorm in the middle of the night that whipped tents out of the ground, snapped poles, and was followed by pouring rain) and still had so much fun. Needless to say we ended up in a hotel. 

We surprisingly had no issues with the boat. Thank goodness! My parents used to have a boat, but haven't for several years now. It was a real treat to be back on the boat with my sisters. 

Sand and water = hardly any pictures. 

I'll see if I can steel some from Jill. But for now....

Yep. That is a picnic table out in the lake. 

I was in charge of the games. I split the family into 4 teams and they all had different color bandannas. That is why Parker is wearing a pink bandanna in the picture. The games were a huge hit! 

We spent the summer crashing in my parents basement, both of us working for Security National Mortgage Company (along with my dad and all four of my brother in-laws) Parker worked at the Corporate Office, and I worked in the Draper Branch. We both really loved our jobs and we got to do this....

Company Softball Tournament 

My parents are probably excited to get us outta here! Can you blame them? But I am pretty sure if my dad had his way Daxter would stay right where he is. 

I don't know who will miss who more. These two are BFFs. 

Busy week. Next post we will be back in Logan. Thanks mom and dad for letting us stay! It has been a great sumer. We crossed our 1 year mark and had all sorts of adventures. 

Caden and Me up in the Park City area. 

It was supposed to be our practice run camping for Sand Hollow. But it didn't really prepare us at all!

Back when Dax was little. He still likes to sit like that. He just doesn't fit as well. 

The Secrets of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel

I picked this book up for a quick fun summer read. And it was. So I picked up the second book in the series  and liked that one too. Maybe I read all 6 of these books over a couple weeks because I got so hooked. (Maybe it is a little sci-fi a little fantasy and a little historical fiction, perfect for nerds of all ages)
I finished book six tonight.... and was just a little sad. Not because of the ending, just because it ended. Do you know the feeling?
Now I am on the look out for another good summer read. I have a few more weeks of summer and a vacation coming up to read to my hearts content. Suggestions?