Dresden's One! Halloween's Fun! What a Run!

WARNING: This is probably the most pictures I've ever put on our blog, but for those of you who love pictures, I know you'll appreciate it. (Plus, this was a very exciting month). For those who like words there are those as well. But I think the pictures take the cake!

Up until a year ago, fall was my second least favorite season. That one year ago was the day that I delivered my beautiful little baby boy. I think actually started when I was pregnant with him during those fall months that I realized how much I love the fall. I love the leaves all over the ground, the cool breeze, the nice weather (quite unusual around Halloween, let alone November), the smells (pumpkin spice and anything spice) and most of all the recollection of the day that I new I would be holding my baby in my arms very soon. I remember the day I went into labor and the way it looked and felt outside. My sweet husband were anxious to meet our little guy and we went on a walk on the Provo river trail. I remember those yellow leaves that were crunching under my feet and the cool breeze (all things I listed as what I like about fall now) and my arm in my husbands as excited as ever. Now Dresden has been in my life for a year now and I love him even more than the first day I held him. Tonight I held him in the rocking chair and couldn't believe how it wasn't long ago that he was just a tiny little baby. I LOVE BEING A MOTHER! I love everything about it, but most of all I love the way it changes me and helps me to realize what really matters in life. And it's not school, it's not that new bike I'd love or the lifetime supply of Barnes n' Noble gift cards to buy books on all the topics that fascinate me and it's not the delicious sweets I've eaten tonight (thanks Tamera and Stasha). It's about the moments in life where you pause and realize how lucky you are to have those wonderful people in your lives. I have so many wonderful people in my life how teach me about life, how to love and the importance of laughter.

Initially I had to help Dresden delve into his cupcake....

...he then realized how delicious it was, and then...

...he devoured the whole thing, and I mean the whole thing. He tried to eat the wrapper.

My most recent experience I had that will stand out to me forever was the trip I took down to St. George for the Snow Canyon Half-marathon with my lovely sister-in-laws (Beth and Kristen), my friend (Megan Smailes) and my (what I now call) Mentor (Mama Smailes) who taught me more about life and answered more of my important questions in two 4 hour car rides than I think I have ever had. She shared a lot about parenting, Adam and Eve, the Temple, the Gospel and religion, the marriage relationship, family, the problem with women, and the problem with public schools. I HAVE BEEN ENLIGHTENED! And I don't even know if Mama Smailes even knows how big of an impact she has had on my life but I want to publicly thank her for opening my eyes to a lot of things. I feel like I can live better, love better and laugh better. My dear friend Stasha (the one in the picture below where we're holding our Halloween crafts) mentioned the importance of "the little things" and in a way they are little, but they make a big difference. I thought I wanted to be a psychologist, but after having someone dear to me make a difference in my life (and I'm only one person) I think that that would be good enough for me. So once I'm done with my degree I'm not going to worry about type of psychologist I want to be all I'm going to focus on is raising my son and being the best wife, friend, daughter, etc. that I can be. I'm going to read a lot and most importantly ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS! Life is about discovering this world and the things and people that are in it. But we must focus on the fundamentals: love and laughter. "Life is too short to be anything but happy!" I now want to turn finding positive things in everything into a game. I want to laugh more and love more and I'm glad I have two boys in my life who I get to learn how to improve on those things. They are my stars in my sky. I'm so grateful to be living and especially with such wonderful people. I AM SURROUNDED BY WONDERFUL PEOPLE!

This is my sweet mother who had she not been there I couldn't have made the party happen! Love you mom!

And my sweet mother-in-law was a ginormous help as well. Especially when her and my wonderful friend/sister Beth surprised me and had my kitchen all clean when the party was done. And Beth also came to the rescue with Dresden's cake (it hadn't been decorated and the party had already started).

I've got about three or so weeks till I'm done with my degree...I can't wait for the next adventures that will be coming my way once I'm not worrying about papers, required reading (even though I love the things I'm reading) and the 2 hour commutes. Till then I'm enjoying every minute I'm dedicating to learning. Dresden and Scott are so wonderful to come home to and to have in my life. I AM THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD...ACTUALLY, IN THE UNIVERSE! Look below at all the wonderful times we've had and the wonderful people we love.

Love,

Me

For Halloween Scott was Popeye, Dresden a can of Spinach and I, Olive Oyl. It was so much fun even though I stayed up till 4 am finishing our costumes and preparing for Dresden's Party the next day!

I was surprised how well he was able to crawl in his costume. Isn't this picture cute of him!

Since Halloween was on Sunday and we couldn't wear our costumes I wanted at least me and Scott to be festive in our Sunday getup. I thought orange and black seemed very fitting.

I love my Popeye! I had a blast creating our costume. Scott even helped a little. I love how he is so willing.

We went to a Chinese restuarant with all of our wonderful friends after the ward party. Check out Mr. and Mrs. Halloween (Klint and Mary-She's got quite the doo). And did you see the Alligator hunters with their Alligator (Beth, Bryce and Smith). We have the best friends. They always make us laugh! We love you guys!

I and darling friend Stasha made these cute Halloween lanterns (all Stasha's idea). I love getting together with her. She is such a good example to me and she is certainly one of the reasons I've loved moving to Provo. She is one of the sweetest, kindest, and thoughtful persons I know.

Dresden loves his uncle Jon. Even though he doesn't know it he won't get to see him for two years the first of December. Jon's deciding to go and serve the Lord on a Mission to Baton Rouge, Louisiana . We are so proud of Jon! I especially love being there for when he went through the temple. I'd never seen a soon-to-be missionary go through! I love my cute little brother!

Dresden's watching Jon fix his bird trap. I can't wait for when Jon gets back so Dresden can learn how to be a falconer like his Uncle.