A Lover's Cruise {as told by my iPhone}

As the title implies...this post is filled with iPhone pics because some sand got in my camera right where the cord connects it to my computer...so I haven't been able to download any pictures of the cruise from my camera to the computer :( But LUCKILY phones are so convenient now days and can capture some decent shots...and you'll notice that I found a few new favorite photo apps (Instagram & Pocketbooth). So enjoy the iphone pics as they tell the story of our cruise...

Enjoying paradise, just the 2 of us :)

THE SHIP:

Royal Carribbean ~ Mariner of the Seas

BON VOYAGE!

CABO SAN LUCAS

SCUBA DIVING IN CABO

I loved the festive tree at this restaurant :)

and the massive, painted map of Mexico on the wall.

MAZATLAN

(actually just before we got off the ship...all the pics from Mazatlan are on the camera)

PUETRO VALLARTA

I love all the [mostly handmade] treasures at the shops...

Christmas in the air!

BEST fish tacos & coconut shrimp EVER:

BACK ON THE SHIP

You'd think eating near a STUNNING chandelier you'd eat all proper...

and I put a spoon on my nose...that's me ;)

That week brought back sweet memories of the days when it was just the two of us. Just with a change of scenery :)

I. Loved. Every. Minute.

But it also gave us a better appreciation for our little family and how true happiness is when we're ALL together.

it's oh so good to be back...

Adam and I have been talking about a specific vacation with just the two of us for quite some time...and just a few months ago Adam surprised me with getting us plane tickets to LA...where we'd take off on a cruise!! :)

That's where we've been this past week...at sea, escaping Utah's chilly winter and visiting Mexico's beautiful and sunny cities of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan.

{relaxing on a lovely little beach in Puerto Vallarta}

Brooks stayed with Grandma Kjar for a few days, our good friend Penny for one night, and his Grandma Stum (my mom) came into town to stay with him the last few days. They are all ANGELS to watch out sweet Brooks.

And let me tell you,

I have never missed a human being so much as I missed my boy. On the cruise, Adam and I talked about how we knew we'd miss him immensely, but we were surprised (especially me) by how much we really felt that we were missing a part of us. Honestly, it was hard to fully enjoy the first couple days...I drove Adam Ca-Razy by wanting to check my email (news about Brooks from Grandma K) about 25 [thousand] times a day.

But overall, Adam and I soaked up some wonderful R-and-R time together...and enjoyed every minute of it being just the 2 of us. I LOVE THAT MAN!...and I was reminded constantly of why he makes me the luckiest girl in the world.

But it is SO GOOD to be back with this little guy...

{picture of Brooks my Mom sent me while on the cruise}

Can't wait to record the rest of our trip! But for now, unpacking and doing loads upon loads of laundry are at the top of the list...right below catching up on my snuggles with Brooks!!! :)

PS - that little sore on Brooks' right cheek is a patch of eczima :( Do any of you Moms have little secrets of how to get it healed up??

xmas movie delight :)

So this music video is actually from last Christmas Eve...you can tell because of my baby bump :) So fun to think my little B was in my belly dancing with me!

My parents and 2 younger sisters came from WA & stayed with us for Christmas.

This is my beautiful sister, Corrie (in the red scarf)...she's the best. Adam, Brooks, & I love her to death :) We decided to be spontaneous and provide some entertainment on the Eve of the best holiday ever. We went with the classic Drifters' version of "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"...we used COMBS for our microphones and our glasses are 3D. oh yes.

Every time I watch this I laugh so hard I cry...i love it :)

Hope it makes you smile!

Out little Drummer Boy & a Cowboy Christmas

"Little Drummer Boy" is one of my favorite Christmas carols, especially Josh Groban's version. So I loved it when Brooks got into the spirit of things and made little version himself...

Rock on little man :)

drum a little... chew a little...

...chew a little...drum a little

We love our little drummer boy!!!

********************

Last night we went to a Cowboy's Country Christmas party at ourchurch.

Yeehaw! ;)

They handed out festive green & red bandanas to get us a little more cowboyed up :) [made me want to go to the rodeo again]

{Mom, Dad, & Brooks, in his footy-PJs (we're classy, i know)}

What's on the menu? A cowboy's dream of a Christmas dinner!

Cornbread muffins w/ honey, [ridiculously moist] smoked chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad...and after hayrides for he kids, there was hot cocoa, cider & donuts. Brooks's favorite was the potato salad :)

{I thought the festive cowboy boot centerpieces on the top right were pretty awesome}

They created this unique little handout...

"35 Things To Do With A Cowboy's Bandana"

Some of my favorites listed were:

- a mask or disguise to hide one's face--like a robber -

- a handkerchief to dry a lady's tears -

- knapsack for clothes like a hobo would use -

- a strainer for muddy water or coffee -

- a swatter to kill a pesky fly -

- a ground covering to keep her dress clean -

We even had some live entertainment,

countrified Christmas carols :)

It was a fun night! And I loved that the planning committee went off the beaten path with the cowboy theme for a Christmas party :)

Upon getting home,

we put our little PJ-wearin' cowboy to bed,

and watched The Office on Hulu: "Classy Christmas" parts 1 & 2.

Oh it was epic. I'd even say up to par with Jim & Pam's wedding...or when they had their baby. And that, my friends, says a lot :)

"ma-ma"

{Brooks getting loved on by Adam the day after he was born}

A while back, our little Brooks found the letter "D" and started saying "da-da-da" when he was really happy or excited. I couldn't get enough of his new little talent! When Adam was home I'd encourage him to say it more...trying to teach him to associate "da-da" with his father :)

And just these past few days he has started to say "ma-ma-ma"...oh you can only imagine the smile on my face just writing this!

However, Adam and I have to laugh because he still says "da-da" when he's thrilled about something, and when he's tired or wants or needs something he'll say "ma-ma"...only to start saying "da-da" as soon as I come to his aid.

I guess I can take it as a compliment though, and hope that it is because he knows that I love him [and his father] more than anything in the whole world and will do anything for him...he can depend on me...he can feel safe knowing he [and his father] are my number 1 priorities. And isn't that how it is sometimes?...we'll go to our mothers when we're in dier straights (even as grown ups?), or we just need someone to talk to. It's still surreal to me that I am a mother and will be forever...my children will depend on me, learn and grow up, but I will forever be his "ma-ma."

{Brooks snuggled up to me the day after I had him...oh such tender memories}

gimme some suga'

Today we were over at my awesome friend Penny's house.

We love their girls.

And apparently Brooks reeeeeaally loves their dog.

(a little too much? who's to say...)

Penny & I were dieing!! bahaha

Boy, you make me laugh :)

Random Thursday

I grew up with a radio station called Rosey 105...and their morning show had "Random Thursdays." I randomly thought about it yesterday, and thought I'd share some random thoughts here.

First, I have a disclaimer for a past post...

Modern Family is my absolute favorite show.

And I'm an ashamed fan...How did I forget to put in on my list?? If you watched last night's [hilarious] episode you'll know what I mean when I say,

"Oh she just bit me, it's like Twilight back here!"

which was later followed by,

"So now I have a daughter that bites, and partner that stings."

and you can't forget,

"Oasis for *spritz* men??"

That show keeps my funny bone healthy & strong.

Next thought,

I'm slightly obessed with all things sweet & SALTY.

And a new favorite of mine, and Adam, is dipping pretzels in Nutella...a heavenly snack! try it :)

{plus little B is in the picture...doesn't get much sweeter than that}

And here are few more of my favorite sweet & salty delights:

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These are actually cashew toffee (how good does that sound?) but I can't get enough of my Grandma's peanut peanut brittle...

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These may seem revolting to some, but trust me, you'll fall in love:

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And lastly, I'd like to share this a.w.e.s.o.m.e.l.y creative music video by Lenka :) After watching it I thought, "so true!" I saw the video on this fabulous lady's blog a few days ago...ENJOY!

PS - Happy Friday EVE :)