Introducing Sandra Day O'Thompson

(We call her "Sandy" for short). I've been waiting for months expecting Charisse's next post to be about Sandy. I'm starting to think that Charisse might be a little jealous...It might be because Sandy likes to hold my hand with her paw...Or it could be our long walks as the sun is setting. Charisse, don't worry baby...She means nothing to me...She's just a dog!

Anyway, we adopted Sandy in March from a family in Highland. It was kind of awkward when Rafe and I stopped in to pick her up. Apparently, the family's eight year-old daughter did not concur with the decision to put her up for adoption. She initially started whining a little and then it turned into an all out tantrum with screaming and wailing. Meanwhile, Rafe and I were just there looking like the worst two guys in the world as we put her in the back of the truck and drove away.

Well, now I can see why she was upset. Turns out Sandy is a great dog. She likes to fetch, she is great with Easton and she is very obedient. (Unlike my old dog "Goose" who was difficult to tame due to his insatiable appetite for affairs with any female dog in the greater Highland area). Rest in peace Goose...One day the Chinese will pay for poisoning you.

I digress. Welcome to the family Sandy. Just watch your back. Who knows what Charisse will do if she sees you licking my face.

Project Makeovers

Before: Rocking Chair $10 from the thrift store.

After with a fresh coat of creamy white paint: Before: Two mirrors and a frame all from the thrift store.After a good spray paint job:

Easton's Bedroom

I am finally posting some more photos of our new house. The following are pictures of Easton's room. He loves airplanes and cars so his room is very fitting for him. Plus, each room has a walk-in closet which I love. There is so much storage space for his toys and things. The lamp got a little beat up during the move. Hence it's misshapen shade.

Easton Extravaganza

Over the weekend we experienced Easton Extravaganza as we celebrated out little guy's 2nd birthday. We started the weekend off by meeting my family at Seven Peaks Water Park. Easton absolutely loved it. He was not the least bit afraid to stick his head under the waterfalls on the lazy river and then squeal with delight.

The following day we had a barbeque celebration at our home. We would like to thank all of our family & friends who came to party with us. Thank you for the many wonderful gifts he received.

I took Easton for his two-year check yesterday and he is in the 36%tile for his weight at 26.9 lbs. He is in the 31%tile for his height at 33". He received his Hep A shot and didn't cry at all when the nurse gave it to him. In fact he actually laughed when she put the purple dinosaur bandage on his leg. He is such a tough little guy.

Easton is saying a lot more. He says "Where's Sheese?" (Where's Charisse?) I don't know why he calls me by my first name but whenever he is looking for me he always calls out "Sheese." He says "Popicle" (Popsicle); "Gook" (Juice); "Choc" (Chocolate) and many other things. He knows his animals and all of their sounds.

He's working on learning all of his colors and can identify orange, green and blue so far. He enjoys dancing, going on bike rides, playing in dad's tools, exploring the backyard and playing in the dirt. He is a mischief maker and manages to break or damage something on a regular basis. One day he spilt half of my 25 lb bag of sugar on the floor and then tried to mop it up with the dish towel in hopes that myself or Clint would not find it. Nice try bud.

His favorite foods include Cheetos, mandarin oranges (he can eat up to two cans daily), popsicles, raisins, pasta and corn. He loves candy, especially peach rings which his Grandpa Dyreng always spoils him with.

Now that he can climb out of his crib he feels as though he is big enough to sleep in the queen size bed in our guest bedroom so that is now where he takes his naps and sleeps at night.

Easton is a darling little boy who always is doing something to make us laugh. We love his sweet yet mischevious personality and are so grateful to have him as our son.

Our Little Guy is Two!!!

The following are a few pictures I took for Easton's two year photos. "Water gone?"



Easton is a very difficult subject to photograph. I spent most of my time trying to make sure he didn't drown in the nearby creek. I can rarely get him to look at me and smile. Most of my shots are side views or the back of his head as he runs away from me.

How to Climb Out of Your Crib as taught by Easton Thompson

If you want to ensure that the bedtime process now takes a mere 2 hours to complete and naptime is near non-existent unless locked into the bedroom, please follow the subsequent steps. Step 1. Gracefully lift the left leg onto the crib bar making sure the foot is pointed and a mischievous smile is on face.
Step 2. While maintaining a mischievous smile, lift body onto the crib bar using the right arm to maintain balance.
Step 3. Continue the mischievous smile while carefully lifting the right leg onto the top of the crib bar and dangling the left leg over the edge making sure to maintain precise balance.
Step 4. Now slowly fling body completely over the front of the crib and lower to the floor.

Step 5. Finish with a happy dance! You have done it once again. Bedtime will never be the same.

A Little Behind

Well, as you may have noticed I have not been blogging for awhile. I have received a few complaints about my lack of posts and I would like to apologize. I have been in Europe the last few weeks and just didn't have a chance to post anything. Actually- not true. I don't really have an excuse as to why I have been missing other than I just simply have not had the time. Lame-I know. I would like to catch up a bit by first honoring the men in my life whom I failed to mention on Father's Day.
First off- my husband. I love this picture of us because it truly captures our relationship. Clint is a very funny person and he is always making me laugh. I love to laugh and to be married to someone as quick witted as he is makes me happy. My Dad. You couldn't ask for a better dad than mine. He is a great man who has always been such an example to me. My dad is very thoughtful, patient and funny. He is constantly making those around him laugh by the funny things he says. He is very intelligent and such a good handyman because he can figure out how to do anything . I know I can always count on my dad. Plus he is an exceptional Grandpa. Easton loves his Grandpa Bob because he gets spoiled with treats and attention. Grandpa can play in the dirt with Easton for hours. My Father-In-Law. I am grateful for Mark and the manner in which he has raised his four son's. He is such a hard worker and never ceases to help others. He often gives of his time and means to ensure others are provided for. He is a great man whom I am fortunate enough to also have in my life. Easton loves Grandpa Mark because he takes him on tractor rides, wheel barrow rides and wagon rides. He knows he can count on Grandpa to take him outside and play with him.

Baby Steps

Last Saturday was Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover event. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Dave Ramsey he is amazing. He has a daily radio show, lots of books and many other tools to help people get out of debt, save money and become financially secure. I must say that I am very impressed with him.
My cousin Colleen and her husband Don were also at the event with us.There he is, Dave Ramsey. His event was not only informative but really funny and motivating.

Dave has a 7 baby step program. Clint and I are on step 4 but after seeing him live it just gave me the extra motivation I need to keep moving forward and reach step 7. We really had a good time.

On This Day

On this very day ten years ago, I graduated from Central High School. I never imagined at the time how many wonderful people I would meet, the things I would accomplish or the mistakes I would make on my journey forward in life.Last week we had the opportunity to go and watch my little sister Danielle graduate from the same high school I did. I can't wait for her to go out on her own and experience living the awesome college life. She will be attending Utah Valley University, along with my brother Sean who has already been attending.In ten years' time it looks like my dad's hair got a bit lighter and my mom's hair got a little less poufy. We are so proud of you Danielle!!

A Mother's Love

On this Mother's Day I am so grateful for a wonderful mother. My mom is a very talented women who can do almost anything. She keeps such a perfectly clean house that Mr. Clean himself couldn't surpass my mother's cleaning abilities. Her cooking skills are to be highly sought after. She makes sure she has dinner on the table everyday by 6:00 p.m. No exceptions. If only I had inherited that same ability, but alas, I have not. She is very creative and can whip up any kind of craft project that would rival Martha Stewart . She can sew a prom dress in no time flat. (She does all my sewing projects for me. If only had listened to her when she tried to teach me how to sew when I was younger.) She is always willing to serve others. She is very knowledgable of the scriptures and can teach a great Sunday School lesson. I also think my mom is gorgeous to boot.
I have also been blessed with a great mother-in-law as well. Debra has raised four boys. The three oldest of whom are each only a year apart. After having a son of my own I am in awe at how she managed to do that.
She is one of the most patient people I have met. Not to mention one of the hardest workers. She also makes a very delicious Sunday dinner. I am grateful for the manner in which she has raised her son, my husband, for he is a good man.
That good son of her's let me sleep in this morning while he got up at 6:30 a.m. with Easton. He made me breakfast and surprised me with tickets to see Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover event next Saturday! He knows me so well.

Debra also celebrated her birthday yesterday so a big Happy Birthday shout out goes to her!