Weekend in Utah

Our Internet hasn't been working for the past week, so I haven't been able to make any new posts, so I have to play catch-up. Last weekend we decided to go down to Utah. Originally, Taylor was going to go to a cabin with his brothers/sister, and I was going to stay with my sister-in-law. (Because I didn't think the cabin was the best idea to take Isaac to...anyway...) Last minute the cabin fell through, but we still wanted to go down and see the family.

Before I get into the weekend in Utah, here are two pretty funny things that happened....My mom got one of those Baby Einstein movies, and I've never really had an opinion about them, but we decided to stick one in and see if Isaac even cared. Well it was hilarious, I was making dinner and he was glued to the screen. It was so comical.

Well, he was so intent about watching it that it exhausted him. Taylor fed him and while he was burping him, he fell asleep. I always love it when babies fall asleep in the most random places/positions. This was one of those moments, but unfortunately, the picture doesn't capture the extent to how funny it was.

Alright...so our week in Utah...we stayed with Taylor's brother, Theran, and his wife, Kim and their two adorable kids--Alexa and Theran. We pulled in pretty late on Friday and it was so funny when Alexa comes up to me right away and says, "Can I tell you a secret?" So I get right down on my knees for her to whisper in my ear and she whispers, "What took you so long to get here?" It was so cute. Well, Saturday morning we had some plans to meet up with some WONDERFUL people in Provo. We got Isaac all dressed up and ready for his outing, he was so adorable....

He's "going through this stage" (That's at least what I am hoping) where as soon as I turn the camera on he will stop smiling and become more intrigued with the camera.

So those wonderful people mentioned, whom I love and cherish, were Stephanie and Lindsey (and Lindsey's boyfriend :-) )!!!! We met at Cafe Rio and sat for hours talking. I LOVED IT! And Isaac was of course spoiled with attention. (Again, camera shy little boy). Steph's husband couldn't come because he was sick (lame!) but we luckily got to see him right when we were leaving. This was the first time I've seen Steph since she GOT MARRIED! Ah, I was so ecstatic to see her! I love you Steph!

And Lindsey! She got back from her mission in September, so my opportunties to see her are limited, but when they come they are always great! I love you Linds!

The three of us plus Isaac...
And Linds with her boyfriend Josh....such a cute couple! And now the three of us minus Isaac....

I LOVE this picture of Isaac. It has so much personality, it's definitely one of my favorites! He just looks like such a little man I can hardly stand it.

And after lunch we went to Taylor's sister and enjoyed spending time with her adorable family. The girls put the adults' shoes on, it was cute.

And I thought this would be a classic picture--the oldest and youngest grandchild! Isaac is classic--haha.

It was a great weekend--a fast one, nonetheless--but good. The drive home was nasty. We left about 3 and we're glad we left early. The roads between Centerville and Ogden was not so great, but once we reached Tremonton we had an uneventful drive.

We were definitely grateful to Kim and Theran for hosting us and putting up with us! I felt so bad when Isaac would wake up at night and cry--even Alexa, who is 4 1/2 never once complained about hearing him, she was so good! Taylor asked her the next day if she heard him and she simply said "yes" but didn't seem to care or mind--what a big girl! And Kim and I were able to talk a lot and chat and vent and laugh and etc, etc, etc...:-) It was a great weekend! (Minus the fact that I never got to see Cam and Jen--that was definitely not fair! I miss you guys!)

What this last week has entailed...

Isaac pulled some pretty cute faces this last week...

I love this one, but then again, is this a foreshadow of whats to come?? Trouble at the wheel!

So you may ask, why are we taking all these pictures in the car...?!
It's because we are saying goodbye to the Jeep...

And saying HELLO to the TRUCK!

The first picture isn't the greatest since it's dark, but it's a black 2004 Nissan Titan Crewcab 4x4. We bought from a guy in Logan, so we met him halfway in Malad (I'm sure 90 percent of you don't even know where that is, but it's between Pocatello and Logan...). We both love the truck...and I think I will love it more once we finally sell the Jeep! Know anyone interested in a Jeep?

So, back in December I mention that Isaac has his picture taken with Santa. We received the picture this last week, it turned our ADORABLE!!! I love it. This is a picture of the picture... (His hat says "My 1st Christmas" and too bad Santa's hand is covering his outfit...oh well!)

Here is latest development of Isaac:

He's starting to roll over...hopefully it will just be a matter of days before he rolls over completely. I love it! We were just at a friends house on Saturday and he was laying on the floor and it was as if all of a sudden Isaac discovered he could roll onto his side. We looked down and both Taylor and I go "Whoa! Look at that!"
Isaac: "How many fingers can I fit in my mouth??"

And for those who were asking...yes, my back is doing MUCH better. It's hard to believe I was in so much pain I could hardly walk last week. After going to the chiropractor on Friday, I iced it all night and practically woke up feeling great Saturday morning. I continued to take it easy over the weekend and haven't had a problem since! It was such a random thing...

Tribute to President Hinckley

I had several new posts I was planning on doing today, but none of them seem as important as paying tribute to President Hinckley right now.

My heart is full as I think of what a wonderful man he is and how much good he has done for the church over the past 13 years. I know he was a prophet of God, who received revelation from our Lord and Savior. I know he taught true principles to our latter-day and had a great love for the Saints and for the Gospel. I pray that I may continue to follow his teachings throughout my life.

Chiropractor Believer

So, I threw my back out on Wednesday. Don't ask me how--it literally came out of nowhere. It was the end of the work day and I noticed my back was hurting, by the time I left work (about 10 minutes later) it was hurting more, and by the time I got home (5 minutes later) I couldn't walk up our stairs. I couldn't pick Isaac up, I couldn't pick my left leg up to walk, I literally couldn't walk, sit or stand. It was TERRIBLE. I couldn't pick Isaac up without pain but I wanted to hold him so bad, it was a bad combination. Then yesterday I brought a heating pad to work--nothing had changed other than the fact that I could at least walk. There were things I could do that wouldn't cause any pain and then there were things I would do that could bring me to my knees in pain. Well, I woke up this morning and was in so much pain that I called into work and said I would be late which I haven't done since I was hired last summer. I was "talked into" going to a chiropractor...I say that because I don't know why, but I just have never had a good taste in my mouth towards chiropractors. I went to one while I was in middle school or perhaps the beginning of high school and I left in more pain than when I went in. Anyway, I made an appointment with the chiropractor and about an hour after doing so I wanted to cancel it. BUT...I didn't.

Turns out I have a sacroiliac sprain. Ever heard of that? It's pretty much where the bottom/side of your spine meets your pelvis bone. I had some therapeutic things done and then an adjustment. The adjustment was...interesting to say the least...for those who have never been, the doctor pops your back in ways I have never seen done. I didn't know if I should laugh or say "ow." Basically I don't think I knew what to expect, but it was one of the best things! I left the room feeling sooo good. However, it was only a temporary relief, because 30 minutes later it was back. I've been icing it to reduce the inflammation, so hopefully within a day or two or three...it will be better. :-)

I SURVIVED!!!!!!

This is big news. And a big deal.

I went to the dreaded dentist today and I survived!!! I hate, hate, HATE the dentist. With a HUGE passion. I cross my legs and hands and just cringe the whole time. I can NOT stand it. It has been two years since I've been to the dentist--the last time was right before Taylor and I got married and my mom made me because I would no longer be on their insurance. So as soon as I got married I made the "internal" rule (if that even makes sense) to never go to the dentist again! Just kidding, but it was definitely not on the top of my list. I had an appointment with a dentist back in August and just decided not to go--bad, I know. So, literally, I was dragging my feet today. I honestly told Taylor on my way to the appointment that I would rather go through child birth again over going to the dentist! I hate the dentist!!! (Have I made that point clear now?)

But I had a pleasant experience--the first gal who cleaned my teeth was very nice and very gentle and the dentist is a guy in our ward who Taylor home teaches--Taylor personally warned him of how I feel about the dentist, so he was super good.

To make the day better, Taylor sent me flowers at work! It was sooo sweet! (I'm sure it was for other reasons than the dentist appointment, if it was for that at all!) The girls at work brought them to my desk and stood there, "What does the card say?!" Ahh...girls will be girls! :-)

Starting to play...

Just because I think it's cute...

He's starting to play with toys and grab things, I love it.

The "Mother Bear" is coming out!

Last night I went visiting teaching--Taylor had class, so Isaac went with me. We went to the first lady's house--she just had her fourth child, and long story short, she has a 6-year-old daughter who is really into her new little brother, but he is still a little bit too small to be held and to play with....but....Isaac isn't!!! AHhhh....

Well, we're sitting on the couch and she is holding him and I've got my hand "ready to go" behind Isaac....just in case. My companion senses my anxiety that she kind of teases me by saying, "You a little worried Val?!" and I respond, "Oh well, just want to be there, just in case." (She's a mother of 4 under the age of 5 or 4, so she knows full well...) Well this little girl props Isaac up on her legs (so Isaac's head and shoulders aren't touching anything) and she lets go of him and goes "Look mom, he can hold his head up!" I about died!!! He's only 3 1/2 months, his head control is not perfect, he's still a "bobble head." So seriously, I know that those who have kids, or have played with nieces/nephews or have just seen people with children--what is the best way to say something in this situation? Isaac had a little burp after that and I said something to the effect of I better take him in case he spits up...(and just in defense, when the little girl took her hands off, I was right there holding him...) But, it seems to be an awkward/sticky situation when the parent is right there and not saying anything...so really, what do you say? What have you learned in your experience?? Another example--at church, some random kids will come up to Isaac and want to touch him and pat him and hug him, etc...I have no clue who they are and if they are sick or not, etc...so what is the best way to avoid these situations without acting or sounding too over protected?? Help! I need some good lines and phrases in mind for situations like these....

P.S. I've got two recipes to post....they will be coming shortly...

We don't say the "D" word in our house...

Yeah, today was not the best day for the Housley's--all Housley's. The Dallas Cowboy's lost. BIG UPSET. Taylor was born in Texas, so he and his whole family are HUGE Dallas fans...hence, the "D" word is not allowed in our house right now. And I will admit, after 2 years of marriage, a.k.a. two years of watching EVERY Dallas game, I am admitting that I am a Dallas fan.

But on the flip side, we had a fun weekend (besides the football game, of course). On Friday night we had some friends come over to play games and hang out. It was really fun--we're grateful for good friends in our ward.


One of Isaac's latest....sucking on his hands. He'll look at his hands and then slowly bring them up to his face and start sucking on them, it's so funny. I'll have to get more/better pictures of it later....

So, I am going to start doing something new on our blog. What got me thinking about this was when I was facing graduation back in April I kept thinking and wondering about what I was going to do after school to occupy my free time...I kept thinking that I would start reading books that I wanted to read...and here I am, more than eight months later, and I haven't finished one book. SO...I am starting something new. This is my thought thus far: every week I am going to focus on something that will "better me spiritually, physically, and/or emotionally" and post it. For example, this week I am focusing on cooking...cooking something new or just cooking something. :-) Then my thought is to post a picture of the finished product and the recipe for others, (because, every recipe should be accompanied with a picture!) because I know that I am always looking for fast, easy and good recipes. So I'll do that this week periodically (I was thinking everyday, but, there's a point where I need to be realistic, right?!) :-) So, here's to week number one:

This recipe is called "Sticky Chicken" I don't know why or how it was named this, but nonetheless, it is VERY GOOD (and really, I'm one of the most picky eaters) and it's accredited to my sister-in-law Heather...she gave the recipe to Taylor two years ago and he made it for me on Valentine's Day, and it's "stuck" ever since....hahaha...no pun intended. :-)

Sticky Chicken

Ingredients:

Chicken
1 c. Apricot Jam
1 c. Russian or Catalina Salad dressing (I used Russian)
1 envelope of dry onion soup mix

In large fry pan, heat chicken (raw) over medium high heat and lightly brown on all sides. Combine the rest of the ingredients and pour over chicken. Bring to a boil, turn heat to low, partially cover (angle the lid) and simmer 15-20 minutes.

Serve chicken and sauce over steamed rice.

YUMMY!

Oh yeah....on a side note...funny thing happened today. I've been covering the phones at work, because the girl who does answer them is on maternity leave, and mind you the phone rings a lot. So at home today, the phone rang and it was a number we didn't recognize. I don't know what was going through my head, but I answer it and go "First Horizon, this is---oops, hello?" Haha...needless to say, the person on the other line hung up. Taylor and I just started laughing.

Rexburg Open House, Three Months and Thoughts

Taylor, Isaac and I had the opportunity to go to the Rexburg Temple open house on Saturday...and I must say, it is gorgeous!!! (But really, which temple isn't?? So that's not new news...) We took the YM and YW up--which I think would be such a neat and special opportunity as a youth--and they all really enjoyed going. There were SO many people at the open house, so it was a bit rushed, but wonderful nonetheless. Despite the freezing weather and wind, it was a great experience, and Isaac did so well through it and looked at all the chandeliers. It was pretty cute.
Then Sunday came, which is, drum roll....Isaac's three month mark! For some reason I feel like 3 months is a milestone...perhaps because that's how the clothes are marked. (O-3 months, 3-6 etc). It's AMAZING how fast time flies. We took our routine "sit on the couch, in the same spot, with the same teddy bear" picture, and like always, he was SO not interested. So here they are....

This is at two months....

And this is yesterday...

My little boy is growing up!!!!

I wish he was wearing a onesie so you could see his feet and legs like in the two month pictures... (I thought about it when we were taking the pictures, but changing him was definitely out of the question) Ok, and isn't this the cutest position you've ever seen? His arm up on the arm of the couch! Taylor tried to cross his ankles but that didn't last long.

Since he was so "camera shy," Taylor tried to make him smile, and we got some cute pictures from that.

This next one is my absolute favorite. I think it's foreshadowing what's to come...his fun personality seems to be showing!!! :-) Oh, I love this picture!!

We had a good Sunday yesterday. One lady bore her testimony in our ward and what she said really resonated with me, and I thought I'd share it. To preface, she has a little boy, who's probably four, and he is a handful!! And she's the first to admit it...another girl has said that you just sit behind them and it's great birth control. So, the mom said that this past week she was about to wring his neck because he keeps getting into stain spray, this was the fourth bottle apparently, and it didn't matter where she tried to hide it, he kept finding it. Regardless, it was a rough week. So she was talking to someone and they mentioned something they had heard from a general authority (don't know who it was though, sorry). And he said "You cannot raise the Lord's children Satan's way." And what's Satan's way? Force, coercion, anger, tension, yelling, etc. And let's be honest, everyone has those moments. But when I thought about that phrase...."You cannot raise the Lord's children Satan's way" ahh....it just is so...I don't know...true!!! There is a reason why Satan's plan and Satan's way was not the chosen one...and yet, we can fall to those ways so easily. This mom went on to say that these children that we have been given are entrusted to us that we may raise them so they can return to their Heavenly Father. It was just such a wonderful reminder and so beautifully put that I wanted to share it as if to journal the day and thoughts. Instantly I was thinking "Oh how could I put that on a plague?" or "Where could I hang that phrase?" :-) I love it!!