Merry Christmas

It's finally feeling a little bit more like Christmas now that the cold weather has decided to blanket Salt Lake. Now it needs to warm up about 25 degrees and snow a little more so we can go play. I took Finn out to shovel the driveway the other day and he had a blast. I think we are going to have a little skier on our hands this Spring, he is already eating the snow every chance he gets. I caught him sitting in the middle of the yard with a handful of snow going to into his mouth. I put together a card this year so I think we're going to do Christmas cards and actually send them out, so send me your address and you will get a little card in the mail! If you want a card designed I would love to do that too, give me a call and we can put something together.

Gateway Discovery Center

So for Finn's big Christmas gift we didn't want to buy him just another toy to sit on our floor and clutter even more, so I picked up a 6 month membership to the Gateway Discovery Center and I'm already hooked. We have gone twice in the last 5 days. Such a great way to poop the little guy out and let him run free in a kid friendly zone where nothing can be broken. If you have not been there, it is a great place for any age really. They have everything from a real helicopter that the kids can climb into, to a climbing wall and mini grocery store with plastic food and a mini house and farm. They even have a stage with costumes that children can put on and an airplane making station, recording studio, news room and a 3 and under room with all soft toys. So I took Rob this weekend so I could show him what we were giving him, I think he was less impressed than me but to get us through the winter and cold weather this will be a perfect place to take Finn to run around. If anyone ever wants to come please call me I have two extra tickets for guests.

Finn after playing hard for a couple hours.

First Hair Cut & First Drawing

Finn discovered how to use a pencil while Mom went to the store!!! Rob was all proud of him for coloring on the paper Rob had placed on the floor. We gave him the pencil because of course it would be easier to draw on the paper. Rob and I got in a conversation and realized Finn had disappeared...We found him under the kitchen table drawing on the wall. I have to be honest, I was a little proud that he took an interest in coloring. Now we just need to teach him where to draw.

Finn has had quite a few hair cuts from me but this was the first time to actually go in and get it cut by a professional and trust me it looks so much better! I was a little concerned that he would wiggle his way out of the chair and his haircut would be all over the place but he actually sat pretty still. Bree is amazing and cuts in Salt Lake if anyone needs a cut or color!!!

Thank you Bree, we love you!

Ba Humbug

I had more pictures to share from a third camera that I have been using all weekend so here it is. Finn actually understands a little more what is going on this year than last so I count this as his first real Christmas. I mentioned earlier that I was pretty anti getting the tree out due to Finn's wondering hands. When I was about his age I figured out how to pull our family Christmas Tree on top of me, so I see Finn doing the same if not worse to our tree! The tree is up though and it has been a day and Finn seems to not care too much it is there. Small factor may be that I have not decorated it yet. The ornaments will be at least 3 feet off the ground due to his curiosity.

Poor Rob had to rewrap the entire tree which took up most of his day, I have to say it looks really good and despite my griping it came out so beautiful. His gifts are wrapped and I am actually done shopping for the little guy! I'm sure I will find a few more things to grab while I'm out but we are so full of toys from his birthday I didn't really get him any toys, more books, clothes and DVD's. I guess the next thing on the list of things to do this month would be to visit Santa and get a picture with him. Now most kids are quite freaked out by this experience but I'm feeling he will be quite the opposite. I guess now I just need to put this to the test. We saw Santa while shopping the other day and he just looked at him and walked off like he had people to see and things to do. He is keeping me busy this month and I am having a hard time keeping up. He has now learned to push himself off our bed, climb onto a chest I have in the living room, climb the 2 step ladder we have in our kitchen and climb onto the top of his high chair while I'm not watching.

I just added this one because it was too cute - look at that love

Turkey Day Weekend

Thanksgiving was both exhausting & wonderful this year. I cooked dinner for 14 people and ended up getting some wonderful help from some friends at the last minute that opened their mouths and offered to help! They may have regretted asking once I actually put them to work for about 3 hours. My family flew into town and the weekend was jam packed with one event after another. We spent most of our time eating and watching Finn run around playing with anyone who would show a little interest. (which was everyone) Nana spoiled him and bought him some wonderful and much needed clothes & shoes for Christmas. We even managed to put the tree up. (which I have been dreading since Finn began walking two months ago) The night it went up my family was playing a card game around our coffee table and Finn planted himself under the tree while he drank his bottle. I have to say it was pretty cute. I still need to decorate the tree starting about 3 feet off the ground so not to be in Finn's grabbing radar. For how much I love Christmas (which I got from my Mom) I have been pretty bah humbug this year but I'm getting into it. I even have all of Finn's Christmas gifts wrapped already! Santa (aka Mom & Dad) helped us get a new flat screen and I can't wait to get it on our wall.

Dig In

The helping hands in the kitchen

Finn sharing his vegis with Papa

Finn made himself comfortable on my Mom's back while she recovered from dinner.

Uncle Hunter & Finn

We went to the mall to pick up a few things and Finn was making friends with anyone we would walk past. How can he not just melt your heart. You should see the kisses he passes out, full open mouth with a little tongue. If you haven't had one you are truly missing out.

cookies cookies cookies....

I love this little boy to pieces but today he was extra cute. I gave him a cookie and he was proudly carrying it around the house munching on it slowly as if he were savoring the sweet taste. We have been having so much fun lately now that he is as mobile as he is. He is such a boy and throws things, pushes things and makes car noises while playing with his little match cars. It must melts my heart. Thanksgiving is in just a few days and my heart is full of gratitude and happiness. I can't wait for my family to come into town to celebrate. I will be cooking dinner for 12 and am looking forward to it.

snow snow snow

It's finally snowing here in Utah and actually sticking to the ground!!! I took Finn out to play and he thought it was pretty cool. Now that he has gloves to keep his hands warm he can actually pick the snow up and play. Finn has been 1 for two days now and he thinks it's a pretty big deal. Such a big boy.

It's finally snowing here in Utah and actually sticking to the ground!!! I took Finn out to play and he thought it was pretty cool. Now that he has gloves to keep his hands warm he do actually pick the snow up. Finn has been 1 for two days now and he thinks it's a pretty big deal. Such a big boy.

Happy 1st Birthday

We celebrated Finn's 1st birthday a few days early because of a funeral for Damon Faust that we have to go to. So basically it's going to be a week long of festivities for him but he's having so much fun! We went and bought balloons and I decorated the house while Finn walked around saying ohhhhh and pointing at everything! We celebrated with a small family party last night and really it wasn't all that exciting for anyone who didn't really love him a lot. He is incredibly spoiled and we are so grateful for the love that our family gives him. I have to say that I doubted Rob in the gift that he bought Finn but it turned out to be a huge hit. A corvette that plays music and moves all by a push of a couple buttons. Why it's for 3+ I cannot figure out. I guess a childs first birthday party really is more for mom and dad but I have to say that it has been a really good year. November 12th is not only his birthday but a celebration of me as a mother being able to give birth to such an amazing little boy that Rob and I created ourselves. Nobody can ever take that from me and I am so proud of our little boy.

Ice Cream Cone Cup Cakes

My attempt at making a really cute cake for Finn to destroy while I took pictures didn't really turn out all that well. He was amused for about a minute and then he wanted my water. But here are a few to share of what I was able to get.

Happy Halloween

The weekend started off with a little getaway to Snowbird with Rob & Finn. I have to say that I was hoping Finn would have been in bed early and Rob and I would have been able to watch a movie but no Finn was wired and high on crack bouncing off the walls until about midnight, so we partied with the little munchkin until then and crashed. Luckily he slept through the night or I might have freaked out. We slept in and had breakfast in bed while watching a movie and then out to the snow we went! You could not have asked for a more warm and beautiful day. Finn had his first real experience in the snow up at Alta where hopefully in the Spring he will try skiing out for the first time. He was pretty proud of himself until he slipped on the slick surface and face planted it into the snow leaving him wet, with a bloody lip.

Rob came home from work early and we got started on the festivities! I cooked a yummy dinner while Rob and Finn carved a pumpkin. Finn was less than interested and just wanted to play with the knives that were out so we put him on his way and dressed him up in his little tiger outfit. We had only planned on stopping by a few friends houses in the neighborhood but once we got going Rob was having fun collecting candy for himself by using our child to bring it in so we went to several houses and filled up. Plus I felt bad for the old ladies that had prepared BAGS of candy for each person who knocked and decorated their homes with cute lights and music. We couldn't leave them heart broken as we walked past their houses so we knocked and Finn used his charm and we were proud. Probably the best Halloween I have had and we can't wait for next year.

Little buddies

Great place to carve a pumpkin...on our leather couch, why not!

Finn wanted to give people his candy and Dad was not happy about that.

I think Isabel and Finn might be in love!

Happy Halloween

the fall, nana & snow.....

My life has been a little crazy the past couple of weeks between my mom being in town, Deanna moving to Utah, tons of fall portraits and filling in at Peak. I have to say that having my mom in town was wonderful and I love her so much. She filled our house with food and even more love for her grandson. We even went shopping for Finn's first birthday. My little guy will be one in just a couple of weeks, man where did the time go. I feel like it was just last week that I was huge and about to have him.

The fall has been amazing in the valley this year and our yard was especially colorful this year so I could not help but take a few photos of Finn in the yard. We had the first snow of the year in the valley today and Finn was not quite sure how he felt about the entire situation. One thing he is sure of this week is walking and he does it constantly now. We got him a little basketball court for the living room and he has been practicing with a little dancing in between sessions. We can't seem to get enough of the little guy these days, what a fun stage he is at. He's my best little buddy and we do everything together. He got the swine flu shot this week and didn't even cry, so tough.

First Snow of the Year 2009

Much needed week with Dad

Rob took the week off from work for a well deserved vacation, we decided to stay in town and do a whole lot of nothing. Here are some photos from the week.

We went to Hogle Zoo

(Finn was in love with the monkeys)

Finn made sure to say hi to the giraffes

Dads version of playing vs. Moms version of playing

We actually got family portraits done professionally, I of course had to take some of my own.

(anyone want to get their pictures done? I want to go back to this orchard)

Finn is walking

Just like his father...he loves orange juice

Father - Son talk

The end of a very long day...

Finn hangs out with Dad for the day

Goldfish Time

Rob had the day off and I had booked a newborn portrait for the morning so I left the two boys to fend for themselves for a couple hours. It has been quite some time since Rob has been able to just hang out with us and do nothing. Of course on his day off he is working in the yard and throws his neck out and we end up in the doctors for the rest of the morning. By the afternoon he was a little medicated and feeling much better so it was play time! By 8:30 PM Finn was walking on his own and we are two very proud parents! Actually I don't really know how I am feeling about this new milestone in his life, but it has to come at some point so I guess I have to welcome it with open arms and a child leash!!! More pictures to come of our little man walking, unfortunately we were without a camera and not at home when he chose to take his first steps.

walking & pointing

I just had to share a few photos of my little man. He cruises around the house now with his little bike, pushing from behind and going anywhere I will let him. I think by next month he will be walking, he will take a step or two on his own and then realize what he is doing and drop to the ground. He's picking it up and getting smarter by the day, we are in amazement by what he has learned. Rob is finally done with the LSAT and so I actually have my husband back. We have gone out on a few dates and spent a ton of time just hanging out as a family. It is so nice to have him back.

Fall is here!

We went to visit dad up at Snowbird and went for a little walk up White Pine. I'm pretty sure Finn will be walking in the next few weeks. I cannot keep up with him but he's just the best little buddy to have!!

Good Morning

I couldn't resist this morning & had to share what I get to have every morning. Finn and I were eating some apples for breakfast in the backyard. It has been a good morning!

a tragic weekend for me....

My heart is broken over the tragic accident that occurred Sunday afternoon just outside of Reno. Barbara (my birthmother) and her wonderful husband Damon were hit from behind from a man that had been drinking and driving as well as high on meth. He walked away from the accident with a few bumps and bruises and was arrested at the hospital. The car was hit from behind and rolled multiple times. Damon died on impact and did not suffer at all. Barbara held on for her life and is still in ICU at this time. She has multiple broken bones and the family decided today to go ahead with the surgeries that need to be done. She will remain in Reno until she is able to breathe on her own.

A trust fund has been set up for the Faust family at Zion's Bank.

To contribute or make donations, you can visit any Zion's Branch Office.

If you aren't near a Zion's Bank, you can mail checks or money orders to the following address:

Zion's Bank Provo University Office
1060 North University Avenue
Provo, UT 84604

Please, include a note or letter stating that your donation is for Dr. Damon Faust. If you want a reciept for your donation, you must mention that in your letter.

If anyone can help out it would be so greatly appreciated. The community has come together and have been so amazing to the children while they are patiently waiting for their mother to come home. Please keep the prayers and thoughts coming because they are deeply needed. There is also a website people can look at for updates on Barbara and her recovery. damonfaust.blogspot.com

Faces of Hospice Photo Exhibit

I am honored to have been invited to participate in the Faces of Hospice Photo Exhibit. One of my pieces will be displayed November 7th through January 2010 at the Walker's Gallery in San Marcos, Texas. This is what Faces of Hospice is all about.

Celebrating life displayed through Faces of Hospice Photo Exhibit

CTMC Hospice Care is honored to present Faces of Hospice featuring the patients and families of CTMC Hospice Care.

This is the first time an exhibit of this kind will be shown in Hays County thanks to the gracious support of local photographers who volunteered their time and talents to help create this unique gallery.

“The main goal of Faces of Hospice is to educate our community about hospice and how CTMC Hospice Care brings peace, dignity, respect and comfort to our patients and families,” says Alicia Taylor, project leader and Licensed Master Social Worker at CTMC Hospice Care. “Faces of Hospice portrays our patients living their life to the fullest, despite being terminally ill; being true to themselves until their last breath.”

Faces of Hospice will be featured in the new exhibit at the Walkers’ Gallery, “See What I Mean? Interactions of Image and Text,” beginning November 7 with an opening reception from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Art exhibits at the Walkers' Gallery are sponsored by the San Marcos Area Arts Council and the city of San Marcos with support from the San Marcos Arts Commission.

Gravity Tested...Gravity Works

Finn and I were headed to our back porch to eat lunch today, he was sitting on the top step while I placed the food on the table. He thought it would be a good idea to stand up and try to walk on his own. Gravity pulled him down 3 concrete steps right onto his face. I caught him but was a little too late. He has a nice black eye now! I had to add the other photo because it was too cute. Finn loves chewing on carrot slices when he is teething!

Welcome to the world Matini....

Over the weekend Rob and I headed down to Provo to meet Matini and have a little photo shoot. I have to say that Chelsea and I had a really good time cramming her poor child into bowls and baskets but he was a sport. I don’t think he cried once. I just had to share a couple photos because he is so cute. Welcome to this crazy world!

I will be using this picture in an upcoming ad that will be coming out in October.

Finn wanted in on the action, Matini was not so sure of it!

ever growing world...

Finn is 10 months old today!

I know I know no one will appreciate or enjoy these as much as Nana & Papa but that’s why I do it. So just enjoy the pictures because they will keep coming. Time flies when your hands our full of cooking, cleaning, working, studying & watching a baby all at the same time. Our lives have been busy but I swear each month with our little man keeps getting better and better. He wants to walk so bad but crawling will do for now. It is amazing to watch him figure out this crazy world as each day it grows a little bigger for him. I can’t wait for what’s to come this month!

Finn's Toy Box

Rob picked these artillery casings up at Snowbird last Spring and we had been meaning to make a toy box for Finn out of them. The ammo that was in them is used to blow holes in the mountains to help any avalanches that may come down naturally, come down before the resort actually opens. We thought it would be a fun thing for Finn to have in his room but never got around to it. I was out of town awhile back and came home to it finished! Finn discovered the treasures in it today while we were getting ready for our day.

Breakfast time

Ebi has made a new friend in our home this month! Finn is more than willing to share any of his food with her and I can't help but allow it to happen. These two have become buddies as Finn grows and learns what he can do to get Ebi's attention. Throwing the ball and sharing food are his favorites.

Look at those lips

Rob wake boarding

I see London I see France I see.......

I couldn't resist. These days Finn is a little taller as he is pulling himself onto everything in site. It seriously happened over night and now he is EVERYWHERE. The poor little guy is in the 10% for weight and luckily 75% for height so he is skinny and long. Not even his diaper will hold up his size 6 month pants.

play time...

Finn was peacefully playing in the living room today so I decided I would pick up a little and ended up in Finn's room cleaning. It is unusual for Finn to stay quiet for long so I grew a little concerned when I had not heard anything from him in about 5 minutes. I quietly walked into the room to spy and found him sitting in this block box that I just bought him last night. He somehow had dumped all the blocks out and decided to take a time out on the box to play for a bit. I scrambled to grab my camera but was busted while walking in. Finn will be 10 months next week and this has been such a fun month for us. He started crawling last month and is now pulling himself up on everything and trying to walk a little as well. He is also talking up a storm and lets be honest you can never tell what he is saying but it seems to make sense for him and is so cute to listen to. I think the last phrase he said was "oh dada boo pfff woooo wooo"

Enjoy for now..............