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..............

Ever growing world

Life for Finn gets a little bigger every day!

Finn discovered the step into our laundry room today. He took the plunge this afternoon which ended in tears but he is learning. A few nights ago we were laying in the grass in the backyard counting the stars waiting for Rob to come home from school. I would point to each star as we counted up to 10, Rob pulled up and laid in the grass next to us. Finn then realized that he could also point so he showed Dad what we had just discovered. Now Finn points at everything, especially when we are in the backyard watching the birds fly overhead.

Guys trip to Salulita, Mexico

My dad called Rob just a couple weeks before the trip and told him to pack his bags. "we're going to Mexico for a surf trip" They had a really good time surfing every day with a little eating in between. Rob only brought back a few photos from the trip so here they are! They had heard of this small town in Mexico called Salulita where the fish tacos were amazing and the surfing was great for beginners. Rob found the hotel where they paid 90 bucks for a 2 bedroom 3 bath suite. This was definitely a guys trip and I am glad that I was not invited. Ok maybe there was a little envy but not for where they stayed!!!

From the balcony of their room

{ Tourist Trap }

visiting dad & a little hike.....

I just wanted to share this because of my love for the mountains and Little Cottonwood Canyon. Another year and our lives will be changing forever. We can go anywhere we want so I cherish my days in the mountains for now.

Family trip to Spokane & Post Falls

Rob was out of town on a boys trip with my Dad and Hunter the week before we left, so I was running around with my head cut off trying to get the car packed and ready to go by the time Rob flew in from Mexico. (That trip will be posted next!) We got a late start but made it to Spokane in 11 hours. Every year Rob's parents rent a lake cabin out in Post Falls, Idaho near Coeur D'alene and have it for three weeks, so most of our time was spent on the lake or on the boat. For the past 2 years Rob and I have wanted to go hiking out at Priest Lake so we finally set aside a day to go out there, it was well worth the drive. We hiked out to these rock water slides that were about 200 yards long which would dump you into shallow pools of water. I opted out of actually doing the slides but the hike was amazing. We hiked along this creek that would bring to one large waterfall after another. I have never seen a forest like it in my life, you could pretty much walk anywhere without needing a trail really. There were huckleberries every where and if you have never had one you are missing out, so good!!!

Finn fell asleep on the way back to the car in Robs hand, it was pretty cute.

rock water slide - it actually is much steeper and longer than it looks

Campfire at the lake cabin

Finn & Grampie

Finn - Hunter - Piper

Home Run Derby (yes that is duck tape)

Now back to reality and Rob working full time and going to school 4 nights a week. I just have to say that the drive back to Utah took 13 hours and Finn did not cry once. He is an angel and we love him. Come to find out he was cutting another tooth and had a cold on top of an ear infection.

the pictures will do the talking.....

sometime earlier this week....

This is a daily activity for the 2 of us, we are looking for birds, planes and anything else that may fly overhead. Then onto rolli pollis on the patio.

I love these two so much - for them it's a love hate relationship

I got up early one morning so Finn & I could take Ebi for a walk before it got too hot to do anything outside....this is the cuteness that came out of it~ 

~ Goodbye for now ~