Because I’m to lazy to write my own post, I’m going to direct you to Jason’s site. He did a fabulous job documenting everything so…enjoy!

While we warmed ourselves by the edge of the pool, I noticed that we had a perfect view of the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple! And yesterday just happened to be the day that the steeple went up (it’s been resting on the ground for months). Our timing at the pool couldn’t have been more perfect because at that moment, we were able to witness as the crane placed Angel Moroni (or Ramoni as Jaryn likes to call him ) on the steeple! What a cool thing to watch! I would love to admit that I had purposely planned our memorable occasion to a T, but it was sheer luck. That will be a day that my little family will remember for a long time.

He also enjoyed tearing the wrapping paper…he seemed to know exactly what to do! He enjoyed the paper just as much as the gifts. When we brought out his new wagon, he had to first examine the wheels (just like any male would) then he and his cousin Isaac went for a spin. They were full of smiles (although we couldn’t catch Beauen’s on camera).

Yesterday really was a perfect day. Beauen was so happy - it’s as if he sensed it was his special day. I’m still in shock he’s already one! Time seems to fly by but honestly, this past year has been the fastest one yet! It feels like yesterday when I brought him home from the hospital and now, he’s walking everywhere! I love to watch him reach each new milestone, but with each one comes the reality that he’s growing up too fast! He is such a delight in every way. I feel so blessed to be his mommy.

So, I finally gave in to the American Idol frenzie! Tonight was my first official night of watching it! I know I’m a little late in the game. But hey, not only did I watch tonight’s final episode, but I also watched the past 2 episodes (love tivo)! David Archuleta is fun to watch because he has a cute personality, a beautiful voice, and it would be noble to support someone who lives in my old stomping grounds. But let truth be told…I am a David Cook aficionado. I LOVE his deep, raspy, sexy voice. And with some eye candy on top of that…Mmmmm. I told Jason that I have now officially added him to my Top 10 famous-men-I-could-kiss-if-I-met-them-in-person list. He just rolled his eyes. Had I made this discovery sooner, I would have been a regular viewer! Sorry David Archuleta fans…the best man won!

Let’s just say, my jaw has not ached that much from laughing that hard in a LONG time. The pageant was planned to a T with evening gown and an on stage question. While all 5 contestants were absolutely radiant, I must admit I was quite partial to Miss Germany who wasn’t afraid to show off her very muscular legs adorned in fishnet stockings and who shared her belief that “everyone should be a gentleman”. After the scores were tallied, I had the honor of witnessing as Miss Germany was crowned the new Miss Spectacular!

I wanted take a moment to thank my friends and family who were there to celebrate with me. I feel so honored and blessed to know you. Each of you have touched my life in a unique way and in doing so, have made me a better person. I also wanted to extend an extra big hug to all those who took countless hours to make this evening so wonderful for me! Allison, who spent the last few weeks with the phone glued to her ear ensuring I would have a good turnout. Jenn, who has added yet a new skill to her repertoire - pageant director, along with her lovely co-director/MC for the evening, Courtney. Emily, who beautifully transformed the sterile meeting room into party central. My 5 beautiful contestants whose poise, radiant smiles and willingness to wear high heels, bras and pantyhose has just generated world peace. Bren, whose talent never fails to impress me - the invitations were amazing! My sweet mother, who prepared my home for the after-party party (amongst many other things). Annika, who sacrificed her time (and sleep) so Jason and I could rendezvous to a late night showing of Ironman. And last but not least, the master party planner - my wonderful husband, the man I adore, my best friend…my everything! You have given me the best birthday present of all - a memory that will bring me a lifetime of smiles! I love you! The evening could not have been more perfect!

Turning 30 is really old to my five year old - feeling old when my back suddenly freezes while picking up a cheerio - not so old when I talk to my parents - and still a baby according to my grandparents. Regardless of how this milestone is viewed, I don’t mind my new decade advancement. In fact, I’m actually looking forward to it! I know I have so much in store for me, so much to learn and experience. Being 30 won’t be so bad. But turning 40, now…that will be a different story!

We’re back after yet another exciting trip to my grandparents Rockin’ R Ranch. With all good intentions on leaving first thing in the morning, we left late Friday afternoon for our 3 1/2 hour trip down to Antimony, UT only to encounter nightfall halfway through our trip. Anyone who is accustomed to traveling in rural areas knows that you are destined to have at least 5 near misses of the local animal life. After swerving away from a few jackrabbits, Jason thought he’d spice things up a bit and started swerving towards them instead. I didn’t find the thought as humorous as he did. We drove slowly through 3 herds of deer (all exceeding 15 at least) stopping entirely for one deer in particular, which stood 6 inches away from our car, looking in every direction but ours to see what all the commotion was about. After a minute, she finally noticed us, became startled and hopped away. That instance prompted our next topic of conversation - why blonds and deer have so much in common.

I made the mistake of telling my children a month ago that we were going. Everyday, we had to revisit the countdown calendar for proof that we weren’t leaving “tomorrow”. Going to the Rockin’ R has become more enjoyable now that we have children. They find excitement in everything down there, except for bedtime. Brianne and Jaryn spent the majority of their time on the swingset and playing in the dirt. They enjoyed decorating Easter eggs and adding to their stash of candy during the town Easter Egg hunt that my grandmother puts on each year. Jaryn especially loved the free reign he had with his cousins. Brianne danced around all weekend in her flashing tiara she got from the Easter Bunny. Beauen explored the ranch with Jason, who backpacked him around everywhere. He got to see the horses, play with a little puppy and had his cheeks kissed and pinched by every passing relative. I enjoyed the late night visits with my family, listening to my grandparents sing while grandpa Black played his guitar, eating Easter treats, and coming home with a box full of organic beef steaks, compliments of grandpa.

Despite the lack of sleep, the mystery hole in Brianne’s new capri’s, and the inevitable dirt that becomes caked just about everywhere, I always leave wondering how the time managed to slip by so quickly.

Good music, good laughs, ogling at beautiful talented men play the guitar, what more could I ask for?

Allow me to introduce them to you.

Jaryn (5) is my never ending fountain of knowledge. He has advanced from asking all the questions to being the expert in….well….everything. He loves to learn! When he’s not busy trying to solve all the mysteries of the universe, he enjoys practicing his Star Wars Jedi moves on Brianne, being a yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do, singing silly songs to Beauen, roughing with friends, riding his bicycle on the big hill by our home, Saturdays filled with playstation time, trips to Disneyland, and cake batter gelato.

Brianne (3) is my little sweetie. She has a smile and laugh to brighten any room. She’s my girlie girl, although she’s learning to hold her own next to her big brother. Throughout the course of the day (or the hour), our home will be graced with the presence of Princess Aurora, Belle, Cinderella and Tinkerbell. Brianne also enjoys tea parties with her cousin Cali, movies parties, eating chocolate under the couch where I can’t see her, Friday night sleepovers in Jaryn’s room, Dora the Explorer, playing peek-a-boo with Beauen to make him laugh, dancing with all her “sisters”, and sour cream.

Beauen (9 months) is just the best baby - what more can I say? Like his father, as long as he’s had a good meal, he’s happy! Beauen enjoys climbing the stairs, pulling on Jaryn’s playstation controller, being tickled above his elbow, splashing in the tub, seeking out lost treasures off the floor, long afternoon naps, practicing his walking skills with his push toy, door stops, and late night snacks.