Our Holiday Season-Starting with Halloween

The Holidays started off a little rough this year. When fall rolled around it was time to get back to reality. The Lunds funds were running dry and it was time for Brian to find another "real" job. We were very against a corporate 9-5 job but we realize now in this economy, that it would actually be a little slice of heaven. We had a vacation planned in October so we decided to wait things out until after our week of fun! So we headed down to California in October. Never been during the fall but I loved it. Still busy, but so much fun...

Hayden refused to get near the characters at first. You will see that he warms up later!One of the kids favs. Of course we drove hundreds of miles to ride a carousel several times!We all loved the new Toy Story ride. Of course, who wouldn't when you can sport these sexy glasses.One of the days we were in California we visited San Diego Zoo. We LOVED it. We needed more time there for sure!Taking a tour on the sweet busTeagan LOVED these guys. He would stand up by them and when they moved around next to him, he would laugh hysterically and get so excited!



Hayden loves his uncles!

Hey, I know it's another lame picture of just me, but to tell you the truth, I am just flattered to have made it on the vacation, in front of the camera, to "make" the family photos!

On a ride. It was nice to find a ride everyone including babies could go on.
And again, the carousel. Trenton looks thrilled. You can get my brothers to do ANYTHING for their nephews!We all felt this way but only these guys could actually do anything about it at any point of the day.This little guy was actually pretty decent on the trip.
And now he likes them!


Shopping around Downtown Disney. They had this awesome lego store. Hayden loved playing there.Surprised the stroller isn't floating away? A couple handed us a whole bunch of balloons while walking around. Thanks peeps!
We bought tickets to the trick or treat party at California Adventure. It was so fun. They even had some rides open and they weren't busy at all!My cute boys in their costumesThe craft station

The water bottle was a favorite toyHayden didn't want his costume on too long. That is why he is pictured in these ghetto fabulous sweats. They were UNDER the costume!Waiting for the paradeThe face was fitting


It's not a Disneyland trip without the classic photo right?


It's a Small WorldMy cute sister-in-law found out she was pregnant before the trip so she spend lots of time with me and the kiddies. I am SO excited for them.


Our friends, The Larsen's, live close to Disneyland so they met us there on our last night in California. It was so fun to see them!Grandma and Grandpa took Hayden and David Jr. on one last ride.

I guess this was a snoozer for my Dad!

So After our big trip we celebrated Halloween again, here at home: While my family enjoyed the Utah game, we stayed in our hood and did some trick-or-treating with the kids and then had neighbors over for some soup.







Also, Brian started working at Discover Card full time. It was actually a pretty sweet schedule. I thought so anyways. He was working from 6-2. It was nice to have him home in the afternoon and we finally were able to get good benefits again. Problem was, we were still short money so....

He started another job in November. He is the General Manager at Madelines Steakhouse and Grill in South Jordan Utah. LOOOOOONG hours. I can't say I am yet adjusted. In fact, have had a few breakdowns but are getting closer to affording our modest home, one car, groceries, clothes, etc. Still no health insurance, t.v. service, second car, etc. I feel bad complaining because I realize we aren't in the worst situation we could be in, we are healthy, and hopefully this money situation and economy is only temporary. Brian really enjoys the job, it's just hard hours.

We celebrated Teagan's first birthday on November 24th, his actual birthday. I'm weird like that. I know they don't know a difference, but I do! We had a mini photo shoot and then had friends over for some pizza, cake, ice cream, and presents! It was fun and he was much happier to turn 1 than his older brother. I was so good at giving an update every month for awhile then I slacked off. Ugh, sorry! I will try and post some of his monthly portraits.

And the celebration begins...The Uncles, they love parties (can you sense the sarcasm)
I hate to stick a label on this boy but he is trouble. I think he is very curious and inquisitive. He will be smart but there will be lots of "fix ups" and "clean ups" along the way. He is a busy body and doesn't have much time to donate to others lovin' on him. Although, when he wants to be loved on, he is a much more cuddly boy than Hayden was.Hayden and Cooper are always pretending to be something or another. However, it is usually a superhero!
We bought Teagan this wagon for his Birthday and speaking 3 months later, it's been a huge hit. While it's been snowy, we have rides inside or in the basement. It has made an appearance outdoors a couple times as the weather has been warming up.
Teagan amongst his gifts. Thanks to all his generous friends, neighbors, aunt and uncles, and Grandparents!Teagan had an overload of helpers while opening gifts. Thanks to the little boys!Teagan really did love all his gifts. Both my guys are pretty easy to please (for now).

I had to stick this picture in here because it appears as if Brian is trying to nurse our friends baby. Haha!Here is a better picture with Grandma Lund
I was raised on homemade cakes. They may not be too fancy, but they are a heck of a lot cheaper and tastier too!
Loves being the center of attention!
"Hmm, and how do you suppose I could get to that flame thing there?"
The anticipation is killing him.
Face of pure pleasure
Teagan was more than willing to dig into his cake. It was fun to watch since Hayden just looked at it and cried.


When push comes to shove...you gotta shove!Teagan adores his Papa!
The babes in the wagon. Teags decided to impress Ashlyn by going shirtless. I'm not sure she is too impressed

Thanksgiving was with my family this year. We went over to my Uncle Dave and Aunt Sherry's house. Brian joined us later. He "lost track of time" and was a bit later than I was hoping for, but he enjoyed playing a couple games and watched the kids while I mapped out my plan for Black Friday shopping. I cannot express what a thrill that day is for me!

I, of course, spent the next days trying to clear out and rob those stores blind by my "awesome deal" shopping skills. It was a success. It always helps kick off the Christmas season for me. LoVe it!

My handsome boys in their Christmas church outfits.This is pretty typical around our house. Teagan is definitely our rough and tough "all boy" kind of a guy.

Christmas Eve was again lonely for me. I made all Christmas preparations by my lonesome, ran a couple last errands, jam-packed our car full of stuff, dropped a car off to Brian, and headed to my parents. We then headed to the G-parents house for our classic french dip sandwiches. Mmmm Mmmm Good!

Doing some straight relaxing on Christmas EveIgnore the red eye and check out his new jammies!Hayden has wanted Teagan to have some superhero jammies so Buzz and Woody are the closest I could find.
Matchy Matchy
A happy coupleYou can find my Dad in this position most "down" timeSome of the conversation's up at my grandparents can get pretty heated. Here is a picture of my aunt Kris and my grandparents. There is Grandma in the back pretending to know what is going on. Sad.

Back at my parents, I set up my bed, wrapped presents (I did ask Brian to join in), and hit the sack! The next morning we woke up and started our busy Christmas! We had our little dudes open their loot first and then the rest of us took turns. It was nice to just sit and watch everyone open their gifts. It made it last longer. It was a great Christmas and I enjoyed having my brothers home from their missions. I hate figuring out the phone calls and coming up with conversation topics.

The traditional "coming down the stairs moment."Hayden's first glimpse of his giftsTeagan's first glimpse.I see Brian was more excited for what Hayden got than Hayden probably was!

Hayden had so much fun and so did his parents. He is the most appreciative 3 year old I know. He even gets excited about clothes and socks. Haha! Christmas is so much better when you have kids!

Teagan was spoiled too!

Yay for Christmas!He doesn't fall asleep very easy so this was quite unusual and funny. He pretty much passed out after a couple hours of Christmas fun!I am pretty sure Hayden helped just about everyone open presents. As if his stack just wasn't enough.Me opening gifts. This has to be one of my favorite gifts to get... Some may not think having your mom working at an orthodontic office has its perks, but it does. Her and one of her co-workers have made one of these for me each time I have a baby. So sweet!

Helping his PapaThe kids loot

Them with their lootOur cute gingerbread house this year.And finally. The door covered in cards. We got way less than last year. Economy has got the best of most of us, but are so thankful to those who thought of us this year.

Wow!

So I realize that I have a lot of updating to do and tt should come before this, but I was so touched by a blog I found that I had to share. I don't share a lot of spiritual experiences on here, but all I can say is, "Wow!"

My mom called me the other night telling me about a blog she had found from a blog of my friends. All you blog hoppers know what I am talking about. She told me the gist of the story and I thought, "I will check it out for a second and then take a closer look tomorrow." That was until I was captured by the story. I spent well over an hour on this blog while my eyes just welled up with tears and all who know me, this doesn't happen too easy.

Word gets around fast so you may have heard about the story of the little boy who drowned at the end of January. He is the same age as Teagan which is why this story has affected me so much. I also learned she is a photographer, has all boys who's names all end in "N". She also calls her baby "Tiger." I also usually throw my kids in the shower with me, it's just easier like she says. I don't know, just seems like a lot in common. I encourage everyone to go to the blog and read the story from the beginning. She has a ton of updates so you will have to scroll down quite a ways. The blog is: www.stakerzxposed.blogspot.com.

Not only was the story amazing in itself but was a gentle reminder of several things to me. First of all, WATCH MY KIDS IN THE TUB! Not that I don't already, but I have ran to get a diaper and onesie.

Secondly, we spend too much time worrying about things that don't matter in this life. I am so much at fault for this. We take for granted the gift of life and how blessed we are to wake up everyday healthy and alive.

Lately, I have been down, losing hope. I am not one to lie and say everything is fine and I am "good" every time you ask me. I am real. I will tell you how it is, always have (doesn't always please my mom or husband.) We have struggled financially since Brian lost his job almost a year ago. I Still can't believe it's been that long. We have exhausted all money resources and still have one car, no tv service, just a few outfits that fit me, etc. I am also lonely most days with Brian working 60 hour weeks and nothing to show for it. Teagan is a hard baby right now which leaves me exhausted by the time the morning is over. I get about 6-7 hours of broken sleep a night. I feel so sad throughout the day until I go to bed and say my prayers. When I hit the pillow after a hard day, I realize the things I am so consumed with don't even matter.

I am just SO grateful to have two healthy boys, a hardworking husband who is willing to provide for us, and a home even if it's hard to come up with the payment every month. It keeps us safe and warm. I am also grateful to have an operating car to get us around even if I spend lots of time running Brian to work or making other arrangements. I have clothes on my back and I have never had to tell my kids there is no food to eat. These things are the most amazing blessings.

One night as I was up with Teagan in the night, it hit me. Sara Staker would give anything to be in my shoes, at home, with my baby, who has working lungs. I just smiled as I put him back to sleep. You never know how much time we have with our loved ones and my boys will only be 3 and 1 once. I want to spend quality time with them, this is one things I always strive to do. I know how fast they grow and I don't want to wake up one day with regrets.

My third thing is how grateful I am for eternal families. I am so grateful Brian and I were married in the Temple. It seems that less and less people realize the value of temple marriage. It makes me sad. I can't imagine a day without my boys or Brian. I have lately questioned my beliefs as I have felt abandoned and alone. I have thought how much more fun it may be or how much easier it would be to just throw in the towel. However, I am always brought back to reality by thoughts, experiences, and stories of others. I think of this family and one other. If you don't shed enough tears, check out another blog, www.babymckallister.blogspot.com. This is a girl from my stake growing up who had a stillborn baby. I can't imagine not having the knowledge of eternal families. Both Sara and Cali are amazing women with tremendous amounts of faith and strength.

I believe that during trials, we can choose two paths. One, we can accept it and become better because of it. We can push through and have faith that it will all be okay. Or, we can go down the other path, which maybe makes us feel like we are getting back at a "higher being". We can be miserable and keep finding ways to bring us "temporary happiness."

I have read the stakers blog and have seen the power of the priesthood, prayer, and fasting. That baby had no pulse for 11 minutes plus. Doctors said he should not be making the progress he is making. There is no "earthy" explanation for this.

I am so grateful for my life and all my loved ones!

Who Else Wants Some Free Dessert?

I know it’s been forever since I’ve posted, sorry! Things have been kind of crazy over the last while. I don’t know if you are aware, but Brian and his friend Steve started a website about six weeks ago called www.SaltLakeRestaurant.com where they help restaurant owners get new customers and they help people find new restaurants that they may not have known about. It’s kind of a meeting place to find new places to eat out, and get discounts and coupons and win free stuff. They’ve had lots of people inquire about it and they’ve had a lot of fun with it. (But it has been a lot of work!)

They figured that everyone always likes a nice little discount when they go out to eat, and they also thought they could help restaurants get the word out. So they put everything they’ve figured out about Internet marketing to good use and have started to work on it.

So far they’ve had a really good response, but they could always use more people seeing it and telling their friends about it. I know I’ve a got a few people that read my blog and I am wondering if maybe I could ask you a favor!!! (If it’s not too much to ask)

Here’s the deal: One of the restaurant’s they’re working with is Madeline’s Steakhouse and they’re willing to give a free dessert to anyone who is willing to visit www.SaltLakeRestaurant.com and then write a post on their own blog about what they thought about it. It’s a win win!!! All you have to do is write the quick post, put a link for www.SaltLakeRestaurant.com on your blog and then you’ll get a free dessert that’s worth $9.00 and you’re doing me a huge favor. After you write the quick post about it, just send an email to saltlakerestaurant@gmail.com and let them know and they will send you the gift card for a free dessert at Madeline’s.

Thanks everyone, I hope everyone is doing well.

Summer Adventures 2009

I am playing a little catch up here. I have pathetically been working on this one post for a couple sad months now. Wow! I have so much to post and my hope is to catch up and keep up. I cannot tell you how many blog posts of everybody's I avoid because of my own guilt on keeping up with my own. I also have more computer time due to Brian's new job that keeps him occupied most of the day. Details on that will come later. For now, lets focus on what kept us busy during our summer.

A trip to Lake Powell:




Many of trips to the pool:

Loads of shopping anywhere and everywhere:



A baseball season:

Races:








Celebration of Freedom:






Canyon Parties:


Bug Hunting:

Welcoming home my brothers from their missions:





The classic Lagoon:



Getting educated and graduated: