Sewing MACHINE! And other fun things.

Awhile back, Mike and I decided to get a sewing machine.  We wanted to be able to do projects and just have fun learning.  Mike's objective was to sew his own hunting masks that he could also sell online. We bought fabric online and then went to work!  

Mike hard at work

Mike still needs to work on his sewing skills, but it was nice to see him using a sewing machine! Although, he actually knows how to knit, and does a pretty good job at it!

My main objective is to make blankets, fix rips or tears, and one day make quilts! I have a lot of learning to do, and will eventually take a class or learn from my mom, but for right now, sewing in a square will be just fine.  The first blanket I made on the sewing machine is pictured below. What you don't see, are the mistakes...which there are a lot of, but thankfully a two year old doesn't care if things are even or if there are gathers, etc. I was pretty proud of myself!

The finished product

Another fun thing I did with Aiden was go to "Get Air" in Salt Lake.  Basically an indoor trampoline playground! He had so much fun, and actually, so did I! I felt like a kid again! It also doubled as a pretty good workout. I was running around, jumping, and making sure my kiddo was safe. There was also a big foam pit that he loved to get stuck in and was just laughing and laughing.  I jumped in there too, and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get out!!

Crazy trampoline hair!

Another thing that we did was go to the library for story time.  Aiden was the only one who didn't stay by his mama, and wanted to be in front of the crowd! I love his confidence, and his rhythm.  He is quite the explorer. He wanted to go look at all the books and just take in everything around him. I'm hoping that this is something we can do on Tuesday mornings before I drop him off at daycare. As you can see from the video below, he was pretty happy to be dancing along to one of the songs from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse".

Tragedy Hits Close to Home

Today, my heart is so broken.  Yesterday, Mike and I were driving home from the store, and my eye caught something in the street in our neighborhood.  There were a few people gathered outside, and what appeared to be a little boy lying in the street.  I went home and dropped Mike and Aiden off, but felt the need to go back and see if there was something wrong that I could help with.  Mike didn't know why I would want to go back and see that, but I really did feel compelled to go back to the scene.  I drove back, and there was a woman screaming and crying out in the middle of the road.  A man was on the phone crying, and there were a few other people gathered around the child.  I ran up and saw the boy.  There was a pool of blood around his head, and his eyes were half closed, and he just looked gray.  I won't ever forget the look on his face.  The wind was blowing his blond little hair, and he wasn't moving.  My first instinct was to go to the woman screaming, because I knew there was nothing I could do for the child.  I wrapped my arms around her, and she continued to sob, and scream, "I hit a kid!" She finally got out of my arms and started running in the street screaming, "Where is the ambulance?" We finally heard the sirens.  I asked the people around if there was anything I could possibly do that could help.  They all solemnly shook their heads no. I looked at the man's face who was on the phone, and I knew it was the father, most likely talking to his wife.  There was such a pained look in his face, and I could feel his heartbreak.  I knew there was nothing else I could do, and I felt so helpless. The police arrived, and I got back in my car.  There were a couple of children that were trying to see what was going on.  I called out to them, "I don't think you should look at this," and they started walking away.  I didn't want them to have that image in their little minds.

I went home and immediately posted on Facebook what I had seen and how we should be so careful with our cars and our children.  We should really try to educate our children on street safety, as well as car safety.  This was a tragic accident, and really there was nothing that could have prevented it, except for maybe the awareness could have been higher. I wish things like this never happened. I actually didn't cry until this morning, when I read the mother's post.

"I have laid awake all night reading every post I possibly can, every comment on a post, every email and text message, and every PM. My heart is FULL of gratitude for the outpouring of love and support I feel and at the same time my heart is also completely broken. He was the glue that held us all together, always happy and always bringing a smile to all of our faces. He made each one of us a better person and helped us to see the good in life with the beautiful spirit and personality that he had. We were told when he was an infant many times that he would not make it and tonight my husband pointed out to me that he very well could've been take during the first few months of his little life. Heavenly Father blessed us with almost 3 years and it will be years that I will treasure in my heart FOREVER, He will be sooo much more than missed!!! I know that my own strength is not sufficient for this trial so for every single one of you who have in anyway bore this burden with me, who have mourned, reached out, shared our page, called/text, or left words of comfort, I hope you all know how much you mean to me!!!!. It has in noway been bothersome or intrusive, but rather has very much been a tender mercy and appreciated by all of us. My heart has felt every prayer on our behalf and I can not thank you all enough for helping me bare this burden. I'm SOO sorry I haven't written any of you back specifically to share that with you but please know that I NEEDED EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU TONIGHT. Thank you all for helping me get through tonight! -- taking it one day at a time."

Can you imagine what this family is going through? These are words of a saddened woman, but at the same time, don't you feel her strength coming through? She must be feeling anger and every emotion in the book, but she doesn't come across that way at all. She feels the love and support from her friends and family, and also complete strangers, me being among them. I don't know the family, but I already feel somewhat connected to them somehow.

I also feel so horrible for the driver. She is going to have to go through this guilt for the rest of her life knowing that she killed a child. Obviously, not on purpose, but it did happen. I only hope that this woman has the love and support on her side, as well as the child's family.

I can only hope that if something like this happened in my own family, God forbid, that I could be just as strong as this woman, I don't have enough faith in myself to think that I might. I do know that at times like these I'm so grateful for the Savior's plan of atonement. This family will be together again and these strong parents will be with their son. I know that that little boy is with his Heavely Father and will be taken care of.

When I got home, I went straight to Aiden and hugged him so tight. He hugged me back a few times which doesn't happen every day, but he must have known I needed it. I'm so blessed and grateful for my little family, and I can only pray that we never have to experience anything so tragic.

If anyone reads this, hug your kids a little tighter and appreciate every moment with them.

"But Jesus called them unto him and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."  

UPDATE:  I read the scene all wrong that Saturday. The next day in church, I was talking to neighbors and they said the driver was actually the mother of the child.  The man on the phone was the father and the husband of the driver.  How awful to go through that as a mother. That's every mom's worst nightmare! I think she has handled it beautifully though.  I went to the boy's funeral on April 2nd, and there was such a sweet spirit. You could definitely feel the Holy Ghost in that room.  The whole chapel and cultural hall were filled with people.  I started bawling as soon as I walked in the room.  I lasted through most of it.  It really was beautiful.  It also gave me closure to the experience, I think.  I had been picturing Aiden's face in place of the boy's and I was really haunted by the whole thing.  Since the funeral though, I have felt much better and haven't been thinking about it as much.  I know that the boy is in Heavenly Father's arms and is watching over his family and just waiting for the day he can be with them again. Prayers and peace to the family.

Love My Saturdays

I love Saturdays. We usually have the day  all to ourselves and can spend it as a family. This morning, we went to one of our local neighborhood staples, Citris Grill by Millcreek Canyon (find out more at http://citrisgrill.com/). We have loved that place for years, and it has great food at decent prices. They recently moved and their new look is very industrial, but homey. 

I usually get their smoked salmon benedict, which I love, but today I got their huevos rancheros. 

Mike got their A-mazing crunchy almond French toast. 

My two boys

We also spent some time at the park, which is Aiden's happy place, but we didn't stay too long 

because one little girl kicked Aiden in the face, and one other little girl pushed him down. Poor guy. How do you show compassion and worry to your son while also wanting to teach him how to brush yourself off and let it go-toughen up?? He did get a few good runs on the slide though!  

We also spent a good portion of the day looking into getting some bikes. I'm so scared of bikes because of the accident I was in in the third grade. And I'm a clutz. And I have horrible balance.  I love the idea of a bike though. I'm definitely not against them. Mike should have one. Aiden will have one someday. I don't think we found what we were looking for though. Save a big purchase for another day!!

Mondays and Fridays

I work Tuesday through Thursday, so Mondays and Fridays are my days to clean the house, get projects done, go grocery shopping...but usually I just set that aside and spend the day doing something fun with my boy.  This Monday was my mom's birthday, but I made her come to Wheeler Farm (read more about the historic farm here! (http://www.wheelerfarm.com) 

When I got there, I realized I left Aiden's shoes at home! I cursed myself for being so air headed. Well, he was going to have to go barefoot. Mom fail. We really did have a good time walking around, riding around on the wagon, seeing the animals, just discovering new places. I remember going there as a kid, and although no specific memories came to mind, it was still surreal having my kid walk exactly where I walked as a child. He had a blast, running around shoeless. He LOVES trucks and tractors, so he was in seventh heaven! 

He also liked to explore the outhouse...

Friday, I had to run an errand to the mall, so since I know that is not the first thing he would like to do, I try to make it fun for him at least. After I did what I had to do, we went on the carousel.  First, he wanted to go on a horse with flowers on it... Interesting choice, but who cares? 

He was so excited! Saying "Wee!", "Giddy up!", and "Go!" I love watching his face when he is experiencing something like this, whether it turns out to be boredom, or pure glee! He was pretty happy. I had a couple tokens, so once the first ride was over, we did it again. This time he picked the dragon! 

Ta-da!!

He was so proud of himself. He loved it. After the ride, I got him Hot Dog On A Stick, his first one. He actually really liked it, thought having food on a stick was pretty funny. For how picky he is, I'm glad he actually ate it. 

Nom-nom-nom

It was a fun outing, and he really is fun to be with when he is in a good mood. So happy to be his momma. 

My Boy, My Life

I wanted to write a post about my boy, Aiden I am going to start by going through some of his favorite things. Right now, he is 21 months and just full of life!

Aiden, and his permanent smirk that is on his cute face.

Favorite Foods: Pancakes and cookies

Favorite Stuffed Animal: Stuffed dog

Favorite TV Show: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Favorite Movies: Monsters vs. Aliens and Big Hero 6

Favorite Book: Moo, Baa, La La La

Favorite Thing to Carry Around: His blanket-any blanket

Favorite Activity: Playing outside on the slides and swings, loves balls, and cars

Best Friend: Daddy, and doggie

This list could go on and on forever. He loves so many things! He wants to walk everywhere, do everything himself-he is such an independent. He loves using a fork to eat everything. He babbles on and on, so much that most the time he is having heated conversations, whether it is with us, or himself. He gesticulates with his hands and just screams like he is trying to make a point that we just can't see. He is a pretty picky eater, unless I convince him that what he is eating is a cookie.

I can make him giggle like none other-recently the thing that will crack him up the most is saying the word "Blue". Um...what?? What is so funny about that word? Only he knows. He can start laughing at any time of day, and most the time I'm wondering what set him off.

He is usually happiest with one of his stuffed dogs in one arm, with his blankey in his other. His other happy place is with Daddy. He is SUCH a daddy's boy, that oftentimes I get a twinge of jealousy. But honestly, it is the sweetest thing, especially since Mike didn't have that as a boy. I love that Aiden loves his dad so much and he has such a great example to look up to. He lights up whenever Mike walks in the room, and vice versa. Who knew that either Mike and I could love a little boy so much?

Aiden, along with being happy most the time, is very easily frustrated and can throw little tantrums, as I'm certain 100% of toddlers all do.  I'm sure that a lot of the frustration comes from his wanting to know how to tell us something, or is inability to do certain things.

This pretty much sums up his personality in one picture.

I'm so grateful to be this wonderful boy's mother, and I cannot believe that it has almost been two years since he came into my life. I can't wait for the next two years.

Fun Things!

I wanted to write about a couple of fun things Mike and I have been to in the past couple of months.

First, we went to the Festival of Colors back in March. It was so much fun! The music was great, everyone was so fun and nice to each other.

                         

Here's what their website says about the history of it:

"Holi is the Festival of Colors, a traditional Indian holiday celebrated in our own innovative fashion.  By far our biggest festival of the year, during Holi 2011 50,000 revelers flooded the temple and grounds for 2 days day of brightly colored powder, mantra, music and a bit of "holi" mayhem.

The Holi Festival takes its name from an evil witch who lived thousands of years ago. Her name was Holika. She had a boon not be burned even if she stepped into fire. She misused this benediction to burn many babies by carrying them into fires. However, when she tried to do the same to a five year old Krishna devotee named Prahlad, she got burned instead, while Prahlad emerged from the fire unharmed. Prahlad's constant habit was to chant the names of God, Hare Krishna Hare Krshna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Thus taking shelter of the Lord through His Holy Names the Supreme protected him." Read more at http://utahkrishnas.org. 

Just a few minutes after we had entered the vicinity of the Krishna Temple

After the throwing of all of the colors!

This was such a fun thing to do, and I would totally recommend it. People even brought their little kids to it! I really want to go next year too. (Hopefully I can convince Mike to go with me again!

A couple of weeks ago, we also had a really fun date night! I've wanted to go hang out downtown for awhile now, and we had the perfect opportunity. First, we went to Lamb's Grill on Main Street. I remember going there when I was younger with my mom before we went and saw a ballet. I've always wanted to go back, and we finally did! The atmosphere inside was so fun, with dim lighting, fun booths, and a lounge singer serenading us throughout the dinner. 

Outside Lamb's Grill

We then took a walk down the block to Keys on Main. It's a dueling piano bar! Basically you write down what you want the pianist to sing/play, and if you give them more money, they're more likely to play your song. If you hate the song, you can outbid the previous bid and have them play that song instead. It got a bit adult towards the middle of it, but the artists are so hilarious, and so talented that they can just play things just at a moment's notice!

Drinking my Miami Vice! (Strawberry/Pina Colada-non alcoholic, much to our waitress' dismay :D)

I hope that Mike and I have lots of fun date nights ahead of us! If anyone has any ideas they would like to share about what you do, please let me know!

Institute, Here I Come...Again!

So, I have really waited until the 11th hour to register for the teacher training for the Suzuki method this summer. I am finally doing it though! I've put it off for so many years because I was afraid of going through with it, and also being judged.  I started playing when I was 5 years old, and I've always felt that I had to live up to some expectation of what others felt about my so-called "talent". I really think now is the time that I need to have a little faith in myself as so many others do.

Me at one of my first institutes

I still am quite afraid though, because I haven't sent in my audition tape yet.  I have to play a couple of songs and the Suzuki Association of the America's has to approve it if I'm going to get credit for the class. I'm just going to try to get qualified to teach the lower books, and that means I have to play two songs from Book 4.  This may sound easy, and it should be, but I am having a hard time finding my fingering and my technique is not up to par. I'm just hoping I'm being rough on myself and it will all end up being okay.  It's just awful to think that when I was in 2nd Grade, I was able to play these songs perfectly, and now at age 26, I'm having a rough go of it. Here's to hoping everything will turn out for the best! Wish me luck!