Is that the cutest thing you've ever seen?

I asked Jaiden as we un-peeled his peanut butter and jelly sandwich from the heart mold, revealing a perfectly shaped heart "sammy". "No, the cutest thing I've ever seen was a kitten in a bowl that was smaller than it's head". I asked him how that was even possible and then he went to explain, but I still don't really understand, but I guess it was the cutest thing he's ever seen.

He's hilarious. Aren't kids great. If only I'd documented more of the adorable things he said and did when he was younger. I like many parents, think I will always remember and as each new year passes, I remember less and less of those memories from the past. When he was a baby, I remember having the camera in hand and taking pictures and short videos all day everyday. Yet now I look back through those videos and it doesn't seem like very many at all, I wish I had more, many more. It's so easy to forget to write something cute your kids say down, or to leave the camera at home, and is also easy to forget all these special moments.

You can never take too many pictures or videos of your kids (or your fur kids if you don't have human children). You probably won't remember every cute thing they said or did, so document it. Keep that camera/video camera in hand, and take pictures, even when you feel like you've already taken a million, take a million more.

You will be so glad you did when those precious younger years are gone forever.

Moments like these are the good stuff life is made out of.

Last night we decided to go to bed early. I haven't been sleeping well since I arrived in Florida and after a few nights in a row, I'm pretty spent and it really starts to wear on me. The last time this happened I actually fell asleep on the living room floor and couldn't get up to get myself to bed for more than an hour of dozing on and off. Me and my weird sleep issues.

Anyway just before turning in early last night, I went to check on Jaiden and remind him to get his teeth brushed and Jaiden said "Mom, you are a good Mom" with a gentle, content smile. Then as he and I were walking back to his room so I could tuck him in and give him a hug goodnight, he turned to me and said "I love you."

This has hasn't happened in a long time. Usually I always tell him I love him, and to that he replies, "me too". Usually he is angry at me and thinks I'm a bad Mom because I won't let him have sugar or buy him toys or have his way with things.

He is growing up though and I think he is starting to understand why I do the things I do, and it is because I love him so much and want the best for him. I'm so happy that the transition from Utah to Florida has been such a good one for him, and the he is enjoying his new house, new school and new environment. He has such an energy of peace about him. I think the limit of sugar in his diet is finally working, no more nasty crashes, just a more loving, even and balanced little boy that I adore.

What a great kid. It's these moments, that make all the hard stuff worth it, and you know every challenge and every sacrifice you make for your little one(s) is paying off. I had a thought the other day that someday I might be a grandma . Jaiden will be an adult in 10 short years. I find it hard to believe that it's already been almost 8 and a 1/2 years since he was born. It is true what people say, they do grow up too fast. One minute you are changing diapers the next they are going to third grade, and well I can't bear to think about anything past this.

Just thinking that someday in the not so distant future I may be a grandma to Jaiden's kids, is just too much. He is already so independent, and he has been his own person from the day he was born. Right now I just need my only child, my little man, to stay little, for a little while longer.

Cs Potluck fun and a tasty dish!

I haven't posted in ages, and many things have changed. We just moved from Salt Lake City Utah, to Daytona Beach Florida and are getting settled into our new lives here. It has been a dream come true. I'm starting a new blog about our lives and adventures. I'll post the link once I get an entry or two added. I will still update this blog as well as this blog is connected to auto-post to my facebook and I find facebook's status update character limit, much too limiting so I've decided instead of always having to limit what I say I will just blog instead, and do my status updates as blurbs from the blog. That way those who don't want more than a blurb, have their blurb and those who want more can get all the details. I hope it will be enjoyable for our friends and family back in Utah who would like to stay updated with what is going on with us since we are now about 2500 miles away.

Jaiden started his first week at his new school and is really enjoying it there. I'm now starting my job search which has me both excited and nervous. Hiram is loving working here in Florida!

Last night we had a wonderful opportunity to re-connect with the wonderful friends that were our couchsurfing hosts in St. Augustine (back in June when we came out to scout places/cities to live and work) at their monthly potluck. We met some new friends as well and had a really wonderful time. It was our first real social event since the move and it was just what we needed. Jaiden came with us and was quite the superstar. He was very engaged in the activities. He enjoyed swimming and playing volleyball with everyone. Hiram would have played but he had to sit out because he hurt his neck riding some pretty rough waves from Hurricane Earl and he is trying to let his neck rest. I hate volleyball due to a very unfortunate incident when I was in Jr. High, so I hate to play but I enjoy watching everyone else play. The sunset last night at the pier was absolutely gorgeous too, and of course like I always do, I tend to forgot to take pictures because I am just having fun socializing.

I took a dish that is vegan and was a huge hit. It was my first time trying it because I love roasted potatoes and it turned out great! I got it from this: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-specials/anns-roasted-potato-salad-recipe/index.html

I managed to snap one quick picture before we got on the road for the drive up to St. Augustine. I will have to add my review to the site as well because I love this recipe so much!

I made a few minor adjustments to work with the ingredients I had on hand (after reading many of the reviews on the recipe). I used regular white onions instead of shallots (I couldn't find any shallots when I was at the store), and honey mustard instead of dijon (totally forgot I didn't have dijon on hand). Italian seasonsing instead of the fresh rosemary and thyme (and it worked great but use fresh if you have them because I bet it would be even better) but I did use fresh basil, that IS a must! If there is one ingredient I think you should not change it would be the basil, it is a key ingredient in this salad. I also did a 3:1 ratio of regular russet potatoes to sweet potatoes to add color and sweetness. The salad was a hit and went fast! It makes a smaller amount of servings than I'd expected, so if you have a really large group I would recommend doubling or even tripling the recipe. I would guess if people took small servings you could probably get eight out of this recipe as is, but I would highly recommend making more because it is so delicious, people want more than just a taste! I know I did. This was an instant favorite and I am thinking about making some more for lunch or dinner tonight, it was really that good.

I am a huge fan of both vinegar and mustard and I really enjoyed the added sweetness of the honey mustard and sweet potatoes paired with the tanginess of the vinegar and the slight minty bite of the basil and onions. It was absolutely delicious and I am so pleased everyone enjoyed it. I didn't have enough pans to make a larger batch (from our recent move) but hopefully I will for next time!

I'm looking forward to next month's potluck and seeing our new friends again already! I love the Couchsurfing network, it has been such an integral part of our move here in many ways, and many great things that have happened for us as hosts back in Salt Lake as well. I've made many wonderful friends and look forward to making many more along the way.