Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas together. This year was the first year for Neacel, well first as in, he can open presents and participate in things. He ran into the living room and went straight for the presents! About 3 presents into the giant pile he had he was angry!! He started to realize that there were toys wrapped up, which he was mad about. We would hand him a present and he would start throwing a tiny tantrum! So, needless to say, we had to help a ton, and towards the end we just started opening things for him. I made pumpkin french toast that morning for something new. We all were spoiled and got everything that we wanted. Nick got me a mixer which I have wanted since we got married, just never bought one. I love baking and since I haven't had a mixer, I haven't been baking...thats going to change though. We all got some clothes of course. Neacel got more toys then I ever thought imaginable. Our living room has completely been taken over by toys. Im in the process (slowly) of redecorating his room so that I can fit everything, if not most, can go in there! We spent the evening with Nicks family. Some of them went sledding, I stayed behind. Nick said Neacel would run down the hill, face plant into the snow, and lay there and laugh. Then just do it all over again! What a nut! He was so tired after all the excitement in one day. We didn't get home till about 10 that night and he was wide awake...poor thing!

I have a ton of pictures, but we know you only want to see the cute Christmas ones of Neacel...so here ya go!

Merry Christmas Eve

We wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. We hope you get to spend time with family and friends. We hope its everything you want it to be.



We are so excited to watch Neacel this Christmas; watching his face light up, opening his gifts and experiencing all the joy that comes with the season. We will have the opportunity to have Christmas thru his eyes.

Tonight we are going to Nick's parents to spend some time with them. When we get home I think Nick and I are going to read the story of Christ's birth to Neacel, or at least try to. Then we are going to watch some Christmas movies together. I figured if Neacel stays up later he will sleep in, which he usually does, and I could get some extra sleep!

We are so excited to have Neacel with us to share Christmas with. I'm so excited to start new traditions with him. I can't wait to do the same one my parents did with me. Christmas eve my Mom would bake a cake and write Happy Birthday Jesus on it, we then would read the story of his birth, while drinking hot cocoa. Then eat some cake, open a small present and then off to bed. Sometimes we would watch a Christmas movie before bed!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Prank-mas

I personally think this is hilarious and would love to come home to this.
What does it take to get this job done?
10 people
8 hours
35 rolls of wrapping paper




They got everything wrapped! Even the everything in the fridge.I saw him on an interview this morning and he said everything is still wrapped except things that he uses. He said they even went to the extent of wrapping things inside of things, like he had some bottled "rootbeer" in the fridge they wrapped each bottle and then the whole thing as one! He had some Christmas presents for friends and they also were wrapped and now he can't find them!

So Unbelievably Behind!

Thanksgiving was wonderful. It was nice to spend the day with everyone and just relax. Nick made some yummy meatballs and I made some sweet potato casserole (brown sugar, marshmallows and a few other yummy things) and deviled eggs. Thanks Mom for that yummy recipe! It's so nice to be with family and to just enjoy time together, watching the kids play, eating until you are ready to die, etc etc. Neacel loved playing with all of his cousins.

Nick's birthday was on Thanksgiving this year. So of course, it was spent with family. Neacel got him some pretty cool gifts and loved helping Daddy open things. We didn't do much more than that, only because Nick didn't want to. He didn't want a party, he didn't want friends over or anything. I was going to have a Jazz cake made and have a few friends over to just sit and watch the game while eating cake but he figured it out and said he would be upset if I did that. So we didn't.

We are so ready to have a fun little Christmas with Neacel. We are excited to sit there and watch him open presents and play with all of his fun gifts from us and everyone else. My Mom sent us two very large boxes of gifts, Neacel can't stay away from the presents, he is ready to tear everything open. Nick said the other day that as a kid you are so excited for Christmas, you love Santa and the decorations and everything else about it. As you get older you loose some of that love and enthusiasm. Once you have your own child you get to watch Christmas through their eyes, and live it all over again; leaving cookies out for Santa, carrots for the reindeer, the letters to the North Pole, etc. Of course we aren't to that point yet, but we are still looking forward to his first Christmas where he will actually know what is going on. We plan on video taping him opening everything. We can't wait to see the look on his face Christmas morning with everything under the tree! I'm crossing my fingers for snow, so we can go out and play for a little while before going over to Nick's parent's house for the evening.

Nothing much has been going on in the little Burt home. I'm still working for a family in South Jordan and loving every minute of it. Nick is still waiting patiently to hear from a school. Recently, he found out that UNLV "lost" his GRE scores and they don't have record of his reference letters, so we are doing that process again but everything has to be in by the first week on Jan., so he is cutting it close. I personally say forget that school, they can't even keep track of things, not organized, and have no record of important things. It's so frustrating! I just pray that one of the 5 schools accept him, I'm personally crossing my fingers for Seton Hill in PA. A new experience for both of us!

We went to Nick's work Christmas party earlier this month. It was at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, on the 8th floor, with a great view of the temple. The food was yummy, and we got a gift basket full of goodies.

Neacel is growing a little to fast! It's like over night he started understanding alot more and just grew up. He now has 5 words: Mama, Dada, ball, book, and sometimes dog (it doesn't sound a whole lote like dog). He is running a little more, and always wants to play, play, play. He has more energy than Nick and I combined. He is such a wonderful blessing! It's so much fun to watch him grow and learn. Can't wait to have another one some day.

We also had Reelika take some family photos, which was nice. Neacel was in a bad mood because it was naptime, and cold outside. So, needless to say, we didn't get to take as many as we wanted. Here are some of the better ones of Neacel:

Neacel's First Birthday!

Happy First Birthday Neacel!

I know his birthday was over a week ago but this is the first chance I've gotten to go thru pictures, edit them, and get them on here!

*Warning, this post is going to be long due to a lot of pictures!*

For Neacel's birthday we kind of had a monkey theme ("Little Monkey" is one of the names I call him); plus, if you know him you know he is full of energy and into everything. The cakes were made by my friend Michelle and I love the way they turned out! If you need a cake made seriously look her up! (http://www.cornellcakes.com/) It was chocolate cake and blue icing. Mmmmm so yummy! I made the cupcakes because I was afraid that I invited too many people and wouldn't have enough cake. We ended up having more than enough! But the cupcakes were a BIG hit with kids.

Neacel got tons of new toys: A Leap Frog play table that sings 123's & ABC's and everything in between, blocks, a classic Fisher Price telephone, a puppy hat and gloves, a Mickey Mouse plane (one of those sit and stand toys), a helicopter that counts and has random things on it, a tool set, a car, some farm soft blocks, books, flash cards, clothes and tons more! He loves everything he got. Every morning he can't decide what to play with first! Also, those of you who got us loud toys, thank you, those seem to be the favorite toy, first thing in the morning! Just wait till your kids turn 1; we are already on the hunt for loud toys for you! Haha!





Neacel loved having his own cake. He was only able to eat half of it. It went something like this: shovel it in as fast as he can, slowing down, bottle, shovel, slowing down, slower, slower, bottle, a few more bites... ugh can't handle anymore sugar. He was even grabbing the fondant and eating that. He didn't care, he was thrilled that he had his own cake and we weren't telling him "No."

Thank you for everyone who came to celebrate with us. It means so much to us and Neacel. He had a great time with all of his cousins and friends. I can't wait for Christmas with him this year! He kind of understands the whole unwrapping presents thing, but at the same time he just loves the paper!

Also, I took Neacel to the doctor on his birthday. I know that was mean but it worked just fine; he doesn't get cranky or anything from shots so I wasn't worried. He weighs 22.14 lbs, I think he was 29 inches but I'm not 100% sure and I can't find the paper. I just remember he is no longer short, and chunky with a big head. He is now medium in height and weight, with a big head! He needs to get off the bottle, especially at bed time, so we are working on that. She was impressed with him walking and his balancing skills already. Then came the shots. I had to hold him on my lap and hold his arms; I hate doing that. I thought I had him well enough but apparently I didn't because the first shot he grab and ripped it out of his leg giving him a good size scratch from the needle. I felt so bad, so the nurse helped and we got the other 2 done quickly. He was having a fit, but we gave him his much loved bottle and he was fine. He slept for a while and then it was PARTY TIME! I'm so proud of him and yet I'm sad at how fast he is growing up.

Now for some pictures!

I tried putting them in some sort of order.























He was completely done at this point, with everything! People (including mom and dad), food, other kids, and toys. He was on such a sugar high, yet so tired that he had a hard time getting to bed that night. We finally had to just let him scream and cry himself to sleep.

Hope you had a wonderful birthday Neacel! Mommy and Daddy love you so much <3

9 more days!

Neacel is going to be one in nine days! Can someone tell me where time has gone? This is crazy! It feels like just last week I had him. In what seems like just a week, he has started crawling, eating everything, walking and quickly became my little monster. And yet, next week we will celebrate the BIG #1. I'm so proud of Neacel and the little boy he is becoming.

Fun facts about Neacel:

• He loves his red bouncy ball that Nick got him at the dollar store.
• He loves giving stuffed animals, Mommy and Daddy, big, sloppy kisses.
• He adores Nick.
• He loves to wrestle with Daddy. Nick just lays on the floor and Neacel crawls all over him.
• He loves SpongeBob SquarePants.
• He has now has 5 teeth, with two more soon to cut through.
• There isn't 1 food out there that he doesn't like.
• At 5 everyday he gets whiney and sits at the door until Daddy comes home.
• He loves getting into everything he isn't supposed to touch.
• He loves the vacuum, when it's off. He plays with the attachments, and tries to eat it.
• He loves pulling all of the toys out of his toy box, but doesn't want to play with any of them.
• He loves being outside, and playing in the dirt.
• He growls when he plays, or when you growl at him.
• If someone is in the kitchen, he will beg for food until you give him something.
• He already enjoys watching sports with his Daddy, even though he has no idea what is going on.
• He is just an all around boy, growing and eating everything!
• He now sleeps with a big boy pillow, and loves it.
• His favorite foods are cheese and fruit.
• He weighs over 24 pounds.
• He can say da-da, ma-ma, and ba-ba. He has no interest in learning anything else.
• He loves animals, especially dogs and monkeys.
• He likes to go shopping with Mommy and Daddy. He will turn sideways in the shopping cart, with one leg propped up on the seat, one arm on his backrest, while looking forward.

Here is an invite for anyone that I haven't sent one to. I'm getting them in the mail today for those that I have addresses for otherwise you will get one Sunday, or by e-mail.

Anyone is welcome to come.....

Neacel's One Year Old Photos

Neacel's birthday is November, so Mandy had her friend Shelli take some pictures of Neacel. They turned out great. Just click on a photo to make it bigger.

The Catching Up Game

Its been a while since I have posted anything, but I have plenty to write about.

Most exciting thing first! Last night, (Oct. 16Th) Neacel was chasing a balloon around the living room. All of the sudden Nick tries to get my attention. I look over at Neacel, and there he goes taking his first 3 steps! He did it a few more times and will only do it if Nick or I are telling him to come to us. I cried like a baby. He is really going to be walking soon, he isn't a baby anymore. He is growing so fast.

I'm also in the middle of planning his First Birthday!!! I've ordered the cake from a baker friend. Here is kinda what the cake will look like. Only its going to be a 9x13 and won't say "Happy Birthday Reuben." I'm also going to make cupcakes for the kids, and whoever else wants them of course!

It's turning out to be a big event, people that I wasn't expecting to come will be joining us for Neacel's 1st birthday! I'm just hoping the weather is nice. If it is then that morning a group of us (my mom, step dad, my dad, step mom, stepsister, Nick, Neacel and I and whoever else wants to join) will go to the zoo. If it's yucky then the aquarium. Then home for naps and baking/decorating cupcakes! I'm just so excited for the whole day. Neacel's big day!

What are some good gift ideas? I don't know what all to get him. He has a ton of toys and everything but getting new ones is always fun. Any "big hit" toy ideas for a first birthday!?

It's kind of sad to think the first year is already coming to an end. We will never go through this many milestones in one year with him again. I'm so proud of him though. He is a happy healthy boy. He loves to play and get into things he knows he shouldn't. He loves animals and loves playing with other kids. He has grown up so much. Neacel is definitely an independent child, but as soon as he wants your attention he will do anything to get it! I love him so much!! I love watching him play with Nick. Nick will lay on the ground and Neacel just keeps climbing over him. Sometimes Nick gets a knee in the face and a full diaper on his face, but he is a good sport about it. Neacel just loves spending time with Nick as soon as he is home from work!

Nick and I went on our first "date" since having Neacel. It was very hard on me, I'll be honest, I even cried a little. Nick got tickets for the BYU vs Colorado State football game, since I had never been to a game he really wanted me to go. I tried everything to get out of it so I wouldn't have to leave Neacel.

We left him with Nick's parents, but called a few times just to make sure everything was going ok. The game was a lot of fun, but BYU fans are crazy, loud and it's a lot to take in at your first game! I just felt so overwhelmed most of the time. Plus, the guy next to me was pretty annoying, that didn't help at all.

Nick bought me my first BYU shirt and bought himself a really nice BYU hat. I really enjoyed the game and time away to relax but was so happy to get Neacel back. I was expecting to walk in and him come crawling over and see us. Instead, we walk in and he is in the bedroom playing, Nick and I walk in there and Neacel just looks at us and continues playing. I wasn't too happy. He did well for the most part, wouldn't take a nap so Nick's Dad had to sit there and rock him to sleep. Neacel doesn't do well in pack-n-plays, he freaks out for some reason. Although it was nice to be without a kid for a few hours, we haven't gone out anymore since then.

October 10th was a fun day for us also. All 3 of us got up early and walked in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk. I was shocked that Nick got up. I was so excited to do this and Neacel was a MONSTER that morning. So we were only able to do about half of the walk then had to leave because Neacel was throwing a tantrum.

After, we went to Bradbury Cross for doughnuts, I didn't love them, but I guess everyone else does.

We came home took naps and then Nick had to go shoot his new gun. I hate guns, I hate everything about them, but Nick wanted to have one for when the world gets worse, he doesn't want all the "bad" guys and military to have them and then for us not to be able to protect ourselves. So he bought one and LOVES it. So we drive west of Utah Lake in the middle of no where to shoot this thing I hate! Nick loved it. I shot the gun once and immediately started crying! I felt like I was committing a crime and was going straight to hell for it. Nick was in heaven though. We were out in the middle of no where with other insane people with guns. I didn't feel safe at all. I was worried about some weirdo being out there with a gun and to start shooting at people. My imagination gets the best of me.

Since we were close to Thanksgiving Point we went over there and took Neacel to the petting zoo. He got to ride a pony and loved it. He loves animals, he was talking to them the whole time. He was having a blast. But I definitely think the pony ride was the highlight for him. He just sat there and was talking and smiling, and patting the pony on the head. Nick said when he first put Neacel up there that Neacel started growling at the pony (something he does when he is really excited). We had a great time though, I love taking Neacel places that he will enjoy!

Now the news I need help with. Neacel seems to have a temper, I have one too, but he is really starting to get mean. I'm hoping this is all just a phase he is going through. Lately, he will come over and just bite you! Toes, hand, leg, foot, anything he can. It hurts too! Those 4 little teeth are working just fine. He has started hitting other kids and when told "NO" he throws himself down on the ground and throws a tantrum. I need this all to stop before it gets worse. How do I get him to stop? Did your kid/kids do the same?