Christmas in Cali

After shoveling snow in the freezing weather we decided to head to California to visit Chris' side of the family for Christmas. (Yes, I am writing this as we are here but I just don't want to forget anything and if I don't write it down day by day I will).

Long story short Owen doesn't do planes well. Actually he doesn't do traveling well.

 After O punched a little girl in the face (he's going to be one of those kids) while waiting for our delayed airplane at the airport we finally boarded.(only about an hour later). Until they had to shut down the runway to "de-ice" all of the planes. So we sat there with a tired, whiny toddler for another hour on the plane. About halfway through the flight, Owen was done. Kicking, screaming, crying, you name it and he did it.

We were that family.

This was before we took off. 

Luckily we sat next to a guy who told us he has three boys so he know's how we feel. And every chance he could, he tried to help in some way or another. He was so sweet!

Finally ( I say it like it was a six hour flight, it sure felt like one) on our descend my ear wouldn't pop. It hurt so bad. I had never had that happen to me before. And then Owen grabbed his ears and started wailing. Screaming like he was in serious pain. By that time we were so past the mean/judgy looks from everyone around. I felt so bad for him.

Then the tires hit the ground and Owen fell asleep. Just our luck. Chris and I were exhausted! Apparently so was Owen, but this kid doesn't go down without a fight.

We got home and went to bed. The next morning I woke up with the flu. 102 temperature, the chills and all. So I spent all day long on the couch watching old Christmas movies while Chris mowed the lawn with Owen.

Then we went to check out Downtown Disney. Oh I love it.

Carillo in-law family (Sean, Shannon, Aarilynn, Lexi and Issac)

 The Lego store- man these people are talented!!

Yes, that dragon is made out of legos.

This is the main reason we went.. the beignets. The environment and music makes me feel like I'm in the middle of Princess and the Frog. My absolute favorite!

 A little creepy..

 Papa, Grammy and Owen

So far this is our trip.. we are only three days in to a thirteen day vacation and it's been great! Pictures of Owen's mouth full of sand are still to come.

Festival of LIghts

I had to get this post in before Christmas considering it happened on Thanksgiving night.. we went to see the little Festival of Lights in Spanish Fork. All ten of us hopped in Jeff's tiny truck and braved the freezing winds to see the lights. So fun! 

Susan and O

 My moms long time friend Kim and her daughters Miranda and McKayla joined us. 

Me, Susans' friend Kelly, Bec and McKayla

14/30 Strengths

14/30 What are four of your strengths?

This has been a lot harder than I thought it would be.. I have had this blog post open and ready to write for weeks now. I am pretty good at pointing out my flaws.. and I'm so bad at this I looked up a couple lists of strengths to help get the juices flowin'. 

1-Communication

Obviously everyone can talk. Some people are more shy and that's not really my cup o' tea. I can talk to anyone, stranger or friend, about just about anything, good and bad. It's kind of a gift I think; and I like to. I have been known to be confrontational. Which I take as a compliment. I don't think talking to someone face to face about an issue or problem is a bad thing. I don't think it needs to end badly either. Another thing that I thin helps is I call it like I see it. I'e always been this way. I don't understand people that hide their true feelings or avoid confronting someone or even experiences they've had. Sometimes I think that's why I can talk to people and they listen, because I'm honest.

2- Passionate

I tend to get very intense, eager and emotionally involved in things.. anything/everything. It's just my personality. Pretty self-explanatory.

3- Learner

I have developed a great desire to learn. I think this is a great strength. Knowledge is power right? :) I am interested in so many things; history, humanitarian projects, motherhood, children development, home improvement, seriously anything. I am so willing to learn. (Where was this in high school?)

4- A woo (er)

What? I know. Like I said, I looked up a couple different lists of strengths and came across this one. When I read the description, I thought it so described me. haha "Love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with another person." Basically sums me up.

Festival!

Last week my mom took us (Susan, her bf Grace, me and O) to the Festival of Tree's in Salt Lake. And my forgetful mind forgot to bring the camera. Luckily my mom brought her phone and took a couple pictures. Funny enough, we didn't get any of a tree, we were sidetracked with the gingerbread houses. They were incredible and I may have added that to my bucket list..

Not the best pictures but I'm glad we got some!

My favorite!!! 

I would recommend going to see this next year! It was $5 to get in and the best part is that all of the money goes to Primary Childrens'! Awesome!!

Temple Squared

Chris' parents and grandmother drove up from California for Thanksgiving. They stayed with Chris' aunt and uncle that live in Lehi. Lucky we are so close and were able to visit a lot! One night, we went to see the lights at Temple Square. We forgot it was the opening night, which means all of the United States was there. It was SO busy. We won't be doing that again. It was still as beautiful as ever so it was worth it. And we have to go before we leave town for Christmas.. we are going to California! I haven't mentioned that before right?

Owen getting ready for the cold

Chris, O, Jill, Scott and I

A little blurry but it's still gorgeous!

Owen's happy place

 Some of my favorite girls! Wendy, Tiff, me and Jill

Another" blurry but goodie" haha The Migdat's 

Tiff and Wendy, Mike and Kim (missing Tyler and Matt)

Nice angle right? ha 

In front of City Creek fountains

 So the title is squared because we have gone twice so far and it's only the 5th. The second time we went with my family but didn't get any pictures of all of us together.. meaning we will have to go again. :) You can't get enough of the temple lights.

Owen trying to stay warm with Chris' beanie

15/30 Animal

15/30 If you were an animal, what would you be?

 A bear without a doubt. You threaten, scare or hurt my cub and I'll break your legs.

13/30 Weaknesses

13/30- Describe five weaknesses you have.. (Why five? That seems like too much.. )

I don't have any.


Alright..



1- I care so much what other people think of me- as a human, my clothes, my hair, my weight..

I have always been this way. As long as I can remember I have always based my self confidence on what other's think of me. It's mostly people I really look up to. If my mom doesn't like my outfit I'll change (not she has ever made me feel this way, just an example). It's totally lame and I am working on not caring as much. I think what happened is in high school, I had so many friends and things to do and in my twisted mind, I thought that was because they thought I was cute or had nice hair. (Remember high school, when you had no brain? Don't judge) Pretty much what I'm learning is that people are not going to praise you your whole life, (dang it) you have to do things that make you feel accomplished. You have to impress yourself so to speak.. Teach a class, sew a blanket, play on a sports team, be a mom and don't care too much what others think of you.

2- Patience

This is probably my very worst weakness.. "I am not a patient person" is a huge understatement for me. I am very high strung but I am cooling off on the high-maintenance part. Patience is just not a strong suit (I got it from my daddy). Owen know's exactly where my buttons are and he know's exactly how to push them. I try to keep my cool but most of the time, it doesn't work. Living in Hawaii helped a little bit with this. I remember getting so angry and losing my patience with the way the people do everything there.. it's so sssssllloooooooowwwwwwww. From driving (speed limit 25) to talking. Believe it or not, I have calmed down a lot since living there.

3- Choosing to be happy

Like I mentioned above, I am just learning to be happy. Like truly happy. It's just so easy to be mad/sad/upset/jealous,etc. I am learning to like motherhood but let me tell you it is not easy. Well, maybe for some. Finding the happiness in trials and honestly just everyday life is hard. Someone once told me to laugh about it..when the toilet paper roll started in the bathroom and is now down the hallway, and when your kid craps all the way up his back at Olive Garden (with no change of clothes). I am seeing it now, that it's actually easier to laugh than to be angry. Doesn't mean that's always the case, but I'm working on it.