24

Saturday birthdays are the best kind of birthdays. There is no greater present than spending all day with my boys. We found out you can get a free grand slam breakfast at Denny's on your birthday, as long as you show your ID, so to breakfast we went... and boy, it didn't disappoint.

Chad surprised me with a 3 hour (!!!) spa package. I don't know the last time I spent 3 hours to myself, let alone at the spa, so it was pure heaven! It started with an hour in the sauna, which normally I'm not a huge fan of, but it was exceptionally nice because I had it all to myself, so I turned the heat to the lowest setting, so I wasn't sweating to death, and just relaxed. Next, I had an hour massage, which has SO needed. Carrying around an almost 30-pound baby is so tiring on my back. The massage therapist said my back was super tight. It was definitely needed. Last, but definitely not least, was an hour facial. It was my first time having one and I don't why I've never gone before. It was AMAZING. My face felt so rejuvenated and exfoliated after. I definitely want to start getting one on a monthly basis.

A cleaning lady came to our house while I was gone, so I came home to a spotless house, which was the cherry on top of my already perfect day. Chad then surprised me with gift cards to Soel, Victoria's Secret and Dick's Sporting Goods. It was such a thoughtful gift because I'm in major need of new clothes and workout clothes.

We went to the Riverwoods and let Duke run around to get some energy out, then we walked around Provo Beach and got lemonades at Blickenstaffs.

If you sign up for Red Robin's Royalty program, you get a free burger on your birthday, so we decided to keep going on our "free food bandwagon" and go there for dinner. Chad's mom came over to watch Duke so we could have a night out on our own. We stopped at Dairy Queen for some blizzards on our way home. We decided birthdays are pretty much revolved around food, and we definitely took advantage of it. We both overate big time, but it was worth every calorie :)

It was a more than perfect day. I'm so grateful for such a sweet husband that spoils me more than I deserve. Cheers to making 24 the best year yet!

12 Month Update!!!

As I reflect on the past 12 months, there is so much I could write. If I could tell myself one year ago today, as I was in the delivery room about to start pushing, I would say this... no one can prepare you for the amount of love the moment you hold your baby for the first time, the cutest little giggles, the first time he says "mama", how he lights up when you walk into the room, and his precious little cuddles.  Moments like these are my treasures and there is nothing I would've rather been doing this past year than raising our sweet Duke. He is the greatest blessing that has come into our lives. It feels as if he's been a part of our lives this entire time. I can't imagine a single day without him. He is our everything. We love you Duke, happy birthday!!

Clothing: Some 9-12 months shirts, 12-18 month pants

Bedtime: 7 pm

Sleeping: Such a solid sleeper! 12 hours during the night, babay! Two - 1 1/2 hour naps during the day.

Development:

-6 teeth (4 on top, 2 on bottom)

-give high fives

-taken 2 steps in a row

-copies any noise we make (growl, cough, blow nose)

-drinks well out of a sippy cup

-mastered the stairs, can go down them backwards now

-can climb up onto the bench in our entryway, bed

-still says "mama", "dada", "baba", "nana"

Likes:

-taking baths

-playing in mom and dads room (crawling on the bed, playing with moms make-up)

-getting into the cupboards and pulling everything out

-walking with his walker

-when we sing ABC's to him while changing him bum, it calms him down immediately

-playing with Bruno's food bowls, especially while Bruno's eating

Dislikes:

-eating (I know it sounds crazy, but he has hated it lately, which has made things interesting. He throws everything we put on his high chair onto the floor, and hates to sit in it. I'm hoping this is just a phase that he'll quickly grow out of).

-carrots
-He has been in this very clingy phase. I'm not sure if it's just stranger anxiety to the max, or what, but he won't let anyone else hold him if I'm in the room. Sometimes even at home he won't won't let me put him down, and jsut wants to be held. Don't get me wrong, I secretly think it's cute, but c'mon, a mama can only carry a 25 lb baby for so long.

This little clip pretty much sums up all my thoughts on parenthood. It makes me cry every time, because it's SO true!

Happy Birthday Chad!

I have anxiously been waiting for this day in a long time.... Chad's birthday!! I absolutely love birthdays. I love any chance I get to craft, bake, and buy presents... three of my favorite things. Since this is his golden year (he turned 27 on the 27th), don't worry, I just found out what that meant today... I decided the day needed to be full of surprises... cause, this is only a once in a lifetime thing!

To start the day off on a good note, I woke up early and made Chad breakfast in bed. Pancakes, eggs and bacon... our favorite! 

If you would like to try it out for yourself, here's the recipe....

Cake Batter Funfetti Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups yellow or white cake mix
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk
• 2-3 tablespoons sprinkles
for the glaze
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• more sprinkles

Instructions

1. Combine flour, cake mix, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. set aside.
2. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla.
3. Add milk mixture to your dry ingredients, mixing well to remove any large lumps (little ones are ok.)
4. Preheat griddle to 350 degrees or if using skillet, use medium heat. Griddle/skillet is ready when sprinkled water "dances" on hot surface.
5. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour batter, approximately 1/4 cup, onto hot griddle, lightly add a few sprinkles to each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until batter starts to bubble around edges, flip pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden. Remove from griddle and repeat with remaining batter.
6. Prepare the glaze, combine ingredients and whisk until no lumps remain. If thick add a bit more milk. Pour over hot pancakes, add some more sprinkles on top and enjoy

During lunch, I picked up some cupcakes at The Sweet Tooth Fairy and surprised Chad at work. We then went to Terra Mia for lunch. 

If you haven't been to Terra Mia, you're really missing out. We absolutely LOVE the margarita pizza... definitely our favorite.

After work, I rushed home to set up the 27 balloons in the bedroom. At the bottom of each balloon was a picture of us, and on the back was one reason why I love him. He was definitely surprised. He said this was his favorite surprise... how cute!

I got Chad some new Nike Free Runs, a Brave's hat, and a vacuum so he can change the oil in our cars.

One of our favorite restaurants is the Chef's Table. Since it is pretty expensive, we only go there on special occasions. Chad ordered a filet mignon and I ordered a New York Steak.... so good!

Next on the agenda was the Lego movie. We have heard so many great things about this movie. Not only that, but it received like a 90% on rotten tomatoes, which is really good, so we decided to give it a shot. Let's just say, it definitely wasn't our favorite movie of the year, but at least it kept us sort of entertained. 

Surprisingly, I have never made a cake before, so I decided to go all out on my first one... a 4 layer cake! Thanks to Pinterest, I was able to come up with a fun one.

 I am so grateful for my genuine husband, I really am the luckiest girl in the world to have him. He is the most selfless, loving, caring and kind man I know. For the 3 years I have known him, I have never seen him angry or upset... he seriously is the sweetest guy I know, and I am so grateful to have him for eternity. Happy Birthday Chad, 27 never looked so good. Thanks for being my partner in crime!

Happy Birthday Dad!

My Dad is the best father a daughter could ask for. He is the most supportive man I know. Growing up, he never missed a single sports game, piano recital or science fair. One thing I admire about my dad is his love towards Christ. He has always put The Lord first and that has made a major impact on my life. I am so grateful for my sweet, funny, outgoing father. Happy birthday dad!

Thanks to my cameo, I made a "chocolate box" filled with See's candies to give to my dad. My cameo has seriously been one of my favorite gifts from Chad. I absolutely love it!