Goodbye January, Hello February

Was it just me or did January fly by this year?

I looked at the calendar today and was shocked to see that it had slipped right by without my noticing. December brought vacations, family birthdays, day trips to play in the snow, visits to grandma’s houses, decorating, Christmas festivities and more! So many wonderful events were crammed into that short 31 days that I honestly felt a bit exhausted when January rolled around.

I started the month with wonderful intentions and goals—some of them only made it to theory. I feel a little bit like I was sleepwalking and just woke up shocked to find that February is just around the corner. Luckily, February is just as wonderful a month for making positive changes as January.  I pulled out the neatly written list of goals I started at the beginning of the month and did a little review to see which I was on track with and which needed more attention. It was a nice chance to re-motivate myself and get excited again about the goals I had set. I think goals are such a wonderful thing. I always love to have something I am working on to improve myself—Isn’t that why we’re here??

Anyway, January wasn’t a total waste. In fact, even though there were “bursts of busyness” throughout the month, there was a lot of much needed down time and it was nice to just be home. Looking back, last year held some kind of trip almost every month starting in June. That was wonderful but, I appreciated a month to complete some projects, do some cleaning, and spend some time together in our own home. 

A few things that happened in January…

Emma cut her first tooth! FINALLY! I mean, not that I was in a hurry for it to happen or anything, but I was starting to wonder if she was going to need dentures at some point. We’ve been affectionately calling her “toothless” (Like the dragon on How to Train Your Dragon) for the past few months. We couldn’t see it until the day she turned 9 months (on the 28^th) but it’s there, barely peeking through those cute little gums! Our little toothless is toothless no more. (P.S. Teething is NOT our favorite thing…teething blog to come soon.)

I took on a big project—not just a wedding cake but a wedding cake, grooms cake, and dessert order for the reception. I was so grateful to my parents for spending the day in Cedar City on the day of the wedding so that they could watch Emma while I baked, frosted, stacked, and decorated all day long. It was a bit nerve racking and there were a few bumps but, overall successful.

I also had 2 other small cake orders this month; one for a smash cake photo shoot and another for our wards baptism preview.  They were a lot of fun-I always enjoy a chance to be a little bit creative.

Lots and lots of fly-tying for Sam. It’s that time of year; too cold to go fishing but nice and cozy inside for fly-tying. Sam got a new desk this month and excitedly worked on his new setup for hours. Framed pictures propped up on the shelf of different catches and memorable fishing trips, unique flies arranged just so, equipment and materials perfectly placed within reach--He can be really organized when he wants to be. He then proceeded to spend hours at a time tying flies in preparation for this year’s adventures. I think he’ll be pretty well stocked. I’m amazed at how his talent has developed over the last couple of years.

Sam also worked lots of extra hours this month at both of his jobs. We were sure grateful for the work because, like many, we are playing “catch up” from Christmas but, Emma and I have spent lots of days and nights on our own missing daddy. We took walks, cleaned the house, played with blocks, and watched “I Love Lucy” and basically all of the Disney princess movies to pass the time. Sam also got recognized at work as the featured employee of the month. They make a board all about him so that his patients can get to know him better. 

We took a few trips to St. George to visit both grandmas this month. We had a wonderful time celebrating Grandma Mary’s birthday with dinner at Black Bear Diner, cake, and a fun game of cards with Mary, uncle Jake, and Jake’s girlfriend, Skylie. At Grandma and Grandpa S’ this month, Emma discovered Grandma’s curio cabinet, read stories with Grandma and aunt Livie and spent some time with uncle Beau and Grandpa. We always love to visit.

Daisy visiting her Sister, Lily at grandma's house

Emma learned how to clap! That was a lot of fun! She claps often and for all kinds of things but consistently claps when she sees daddy in the morning. She also learned how to wave and does it with her own little flare. She doesn’t actually move her hand but instead just holds her arm up high, stiffly outstretched towards the person she is waving too—often showing the number four with her fingers. She’s a funny one. At the end of the month, she learned how to point too! She points at her snacks as if to count them when I give her a few. She can also point out noses on the faces of her toys! It’s so cute.

Emma has moved up into mostly 12 month clothes which meant that I spent some time this month packing up her old clothes into boxes—I always get a little (okay, a lot)  sad as I fold her little things and put them away, realizing that she will never be that small again. I also spent some time baby proofing our little house! I may have known our house was small before but it has never seemed so small as it does now as Emma is crawling in hyper-speed around the house pulling movies and books off of shelves and getting curious about outlets and cupboards-I’ve still got plenty to do. Anyone have any great baby-proofing hacks up their sleeves?? I wish I could get that girl to stop growing so quickly!

I started a few “home improvement” projects this month. I have decided that my house needs a little “face lift” this year since I honestly haven’t paid much attention to the house at all since the first day I woke up with morning sickness about a year and a half ago. I finally painted the frame of the mirror in our bedroom, painted our coffee table, switched around some of our wall hangings, and reorganized a few of the rooms. I still have a lot I’d like to do but, one step at a time. I wish I had more of a “knack” for decorating. I know what I like but, I have such a hard time figuring out how to execute it. Of course, money is sometimes the issue. Unfortunately, I’m not usually very good at the DIY type stuff. I’m learning as I go.

Daisy May got another groom-FINALLY. Poor thing was ignored during the busy holiday season. 

Sam and I met our new primary class and I’ve gotta tell you, that is one amazing group of little spirits. They are incredibly insightful and tender-hearted. I teach every other week by myself because Sam works in St. George on those days and I was so worried that I would have a tough time with trying to teach the lesson and keeping Emma happy at the same time. Our kids listen and participate so reverently. They are excited about the Book of Mormon and that excitement has really strengthened my own testimony. To top it off, every week after I wrap up the lesson, the kids immediately help me gather Emma’s toys, erase the chalk board, and clean the classroom. On the weeks that Sam is absent, I find myself walking out of the classroom with my hands completely free because each child has grabbed something of mine to carry; my scriptures, lesson manual, diaper bag, and even Emma. This is all without being prompted! They are amazing and have made my Sundays such happy days.

January was a month of planning, goal-setting, relaxing, family time, and keeping warm inside. I am looking forward to a fresh, new month to refocus on my goals for self improvement, continue to watch Emma grow, and create new memories. Goodbye January, hello February.