Sledding Master

This was Oliver's first sledding trip and let me tell you we have quite the sledder on our hands. Everytime we would get back up the hill, Ollie would sit back down in the sled and say "ok, again?".

Getting ready for a ride with mom.

Thinking happily about how much he loves sledding.

Dad and Ollie before taking the plunge. Luckily, the suit Aaron and Meg got us fit perfect this year. If you can remember the pictures from last year...think A Christmas Story. So maybe we're not the most stylish out there but not everyone gets a rad 80's suit in the snow. My cheeks are COLD!
This is when it became not so fun anymore. Everyone has a breaking point.

Luckily, my friend Salena was prepared with hot cocoa after, so this is his hot cocoa face. He chugged mine and his in about 5 minutes.

If you listen carefully, you can hear a squeal of glee out of Oliver, so funny. We will definetely have to do this again.

Snow!!!

This is the first time Ollie ever understood "smile" when I said it for a picture. Pure cheese and totally wouldn't have it any other way. Also don't mind that we both look a little scary in this picture. I guess that's what a flash does in a dark car.

A few of the sights. Ollie was in heaven seeing all those lights. He just screamed "lights, lights!" probably a million times.

So Spanish Fork, it was a good time, and totally worth 5 bucks considering we looped around twice. You gotta get your money's worth:)

And in other news, we had our first real snowfall of the season yesterday. It snowed a lot! So we decided Oliver needed to be exposed to the joys of playing in the snow. So here's a video for your viewing pleasure of the experience. It was cold. Gosh he's cute.

And one last but very important detail! We have figured out a way for Ryan to take his remaining credits for summer term online, which means we will be out of here in June instead of August!!! SO Hawaii or California here we come, in approximately 5 1/2 months. And Ryan's tickets are bought for the Hawaii competition so fingers crossed that it all goes well. And we're headed for California next week for Christmas. We can't wait!

Oh Christmas Tree

This tree was totally calling our name at the lot, or was it the 12 dollar price tag:) Either way we love it and Ollie loves that it's just his size. One of my most favorite things about Christmas is getting up in the middle of the night and seeing the glow of the tree. There's probably not a more comforting feeling in the world.

Just being goofy

Ollie likes to show us his "tricks". I think this one is especially funny. For some reason, a little body like that trying to balance his weight on one leg. Love it.

What Ollie's been up to lately

Toilet paper really is fun...

especially when you get to drape it over your naked body
Anyone for stacking spices? Ollie can show you how to become a pro.
He's actually getting really good, very impressive.

What's up now Dad, bet you can't stack this high. Imagine what I could do if I only had another foot.

Just thought this was a cute one

Well we had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Boise. As usual the Johnson's went all out to make a fun weekend happen for us all, and it was Mary's birthday to top. I literally had one of the best thanksgiving feasts ever and probably ate way too many rolls, total weakness over the holidays. Ollie and Cash were hilarious to watch as usual. It's so crazy to see those boys together and just think, when did they get that big? They are truly little men with personalities and attitude. We all still fit in one the car, just barely, so as long as no one has any more kids, we're set:) And let's also mention that it is like 60 degrees outside and it's DECEMBER! Oh thank heaven. If it can just hold out like this until we go to California for Christmas I would be a happy girl. I am actually excited for this winter. Knowing it will probably be our last in the snow, it makes it really easy to appreciate. And Ollie is big enough that he can totally go sledding and build snowmen. It's too bad that we neither have the time or money to go snowboarding, or else we would take advantage of the great snow. Ryan and I are more than ready for this semester to be over, it's been insane. Let's hope next semester we'll get to see more of each other. Ryan has a few interviews set up over the break in CA so that will be very exciting. We are also going to do a little house hunting down there to see what the options are. It is such an exciting time. I made a goal on Thanksgiving to deliberately think of specific things I am thankful for each day. I kind of already do this but calling it a goal makes it easier to remember and not generalize. So today I am thankful for a calling to speak in our Christmas program at church, the chance to share my testimony, and for an amazing yoga class this morning, seriously needed. Happy December, hope you're all enjoying the wonderful tunes of the season.

a few pics from the trip

So I hardly took any pictures of the trip but here's what I have. Leah and Steve, I love you guys and thanks so much for the trip. And my sweet hubbie, love you and thanks for watching Oliver, going to school, and going to work...amazing. Carson is adorable and is a welcome cousin to Oliver and I can't wait to snuggle him all of Christmas break:)
Leah and I taking a walk in the glorious sun, trying to get things moving:)I met up with one of my favorite people Courtney and her kiddles John and Sophie. Love them all. Court, I miss you, thanks for coming to see me and fighting the horrible traffic on the way home. Can we live closer?

Bonding time with Sophie. She slept on me the whole tour and I soaked up every minute of it.
This is John taste testing the free sample. Apparently, a few of them did not make the cut.

Just had to throw in a few of Ollie's. This is right after his haircut I gave him. Each time I cut his hair he looks a whole year older.
Trying out life as a child growing up in the cold. Gma and Gpa Facer got him these handsome threads. Overall, the verdict was that Oliver is not much of a cold dweller.

Battery dead part 2

Ok so this will have to be quick considering I'm at the library and I've almost run out of stuff to bribe Ollie with to stay quiet. But basically my trip was awesome although baby boy Bonner did not cooperate. Leah's water broke like 6 hours after I left, go figure. But he is here, go check out their blog, he's darling. So Ollie now is not alone in this family of females! Our computer battery broke, again, so I'm ordering one, again. I asked the dell guy when the warantee expired and he said September, to which I responded, "How convenient for you all". I don't think he appreciated my sarcasm. So until it gets shipped, posting will be near impossible, so patience my friends.

Awaiting Baby Bonner

SO I am at my sister Leah's house in Northern California for the weekend awaiting the arrival of my first nephew! Ryan is back at home being the best husband ever, watching Ollie, working and going to school. I miss my boys so much already. I'll be here until Tuesday so let's hope my next update is pictures of the new little one, due in about a week. Leah says she told him that Aunt Becky is finally here so he can come anytime now. Is there anything better than a new baby...I doubt it.

counting counting counting

If balloons didn't exist...

I would have been able to avoid two TOTAL meltdowns today, one at the mall and one at the grocery store. We're talking throwing himself on the floor and sobbing through the injustice of it all. Lately Oliver is just a crazy person when it comes to balloons. So at the mall today, he all the sudden started saying balloon, balloon and I was like maybe if I keep walking he will forget. Well, 6 stores down he finally couldn't take it and got out of his stroller, walked himself back 6 stores and pointed out to me what he wanted, an attached single balloon to a scrapbook store sign. So obviously I'm like, no I cannot steal this stores balloon Oliver, sorry. Meltdown. So I went to sit on a bench while he was working it out. Well it took a while and I felt bad afterwards and even offered him a treat after he had recovered to which he refused (that's when you know Ollie has really been offended- the refusal of sugar). As we all know that grocery store is filled with balloons and usually the good folks at Smith's get Ollie his own to carry around while I shop. Well lately there have been lost balloons that have floated to the ceiling. And to rub it in, these are the cool balloons with like 3-d images and nemo fish and all. So Oliver stands beneath them pointing and calling for action for someone to be 12 feet tall to get them down. So I tell him that mom is not that tall and I really do feel for him and maybe one day we can get a fancy balloon. No luck. Meltdown #2. And really I think it's not so much that he's crying cause he's not getting what he wants. He seems genuinely confused at why those balloons are stuck up there and bothered that no one can do anything about it, and he can't understand why. It's hard to be a little guy. So I let him have a good cry that lasted throughout the rest of our time at the store. But man, enough is enough and he got fired towards the end when my patience ran out. So I ignored him and tried to get through checkout. As he's crying in the aisle, a lady sees him and is like "oh let's find your mom". I was like, "oh I'm here, I'm just ignoring him". She gave me a funny look and kept walking. Yes folks, the ignoring method does work, although it may make your child look lost and abandoned at times. But mom's always watching. With all that said, I am hoping this infatuation is short lived.

Skate Park

A family pic

Jeff and Ollie checking out the action

Notice Ryan's sweater. There were 2 other guys wearing the exact same sweater. So we were proud that Ryan was so in style with his k-mart purchased threads. Nice one Jeff

The whole time we were at the park, Ollie kept saying uh-oh, uh-oh, because every two seconds someone was falling around him. He is AMAZED with skateboarding.

Oliver is getting another cousin!

Due to the ultimatum I gave Jon and Jill about having cousins close together, they will be having a little baby boy or girl this May! Ok so I'm sure it wasn't ALL me but I think it helped:) Oliver will be so excited. And these two are some of the cutest people I know so it's hard to imagine their offspring. Jill, I can't wait to see your darling pregnant tummy, don't be scared when I talk to it and touch it. Ps- I call a boy!

The glories of Indian Cuisine

So anyone who knows me, knows that I am a crazy person when it comes to Indian food. My favorite dish is by far chicken tikka masala, so I went searching high and low for a recipe that would suit my taste and calm my hunger. Plus, I was so sick of having to pay like 12 bucks for a dish I could very well learn how to make. So friends, this is it. If you are already a fan, you're in luck. And if you have not yet tried it, now is the time. So drumroll....here's the recipe.


1 c. yogurt
1 tb. lemon juice
2 t. ground cumin
1 t. cinnamon
2 t. cayenne pepper
2. t ground pepper
1 tb. mined ginger
1 t. salt
3 boneless chicken breasts (cubed)


1 tb. butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
2 t. cumin
2 t. paprika
1 t. salt
2 tb. tomato paste
1 c. heavy cream
1/4 c. chopped cilantro


*This recipe called for a lot more salt, so I modified it, but add more if you're a salt person. Also, I would recommend if you're not a spicy sort of person, to cut the cayenne pepper in half if not more, and probably only half a jalapeno too

In a large bowl, combine all the top ingredients and add the chicken to the mix. Let refrigerate an hour covered. So the recipe says to grill the chicken on skewers, which would probably be really yummy, but I just don't have access to a grill so I just cooked them on a skillet. Just set aside cooked chicken.


Next, melt butter in large heavy skillet over medium heat, adding the garlic and jalapeno and saute for a minute. Season with 2 t. cumin, paprika, 3 t. salt. Stir in tomato paste and cream. Simmer on low heat about 20 minutes until sauce thickens. Add chicken and let simmer 10 more minutes. Garnish with cilantro. Serve over basmati rice.

*I also learned, never use smoked paprika, SO NOT the same thing. Good luck!

And the verdict is in

Propositon 8 has passed! Not being in California, I had to hear about most of what's going on from my mom. I don't think I can even comprehend the fight that was fought to win this. I am so proud of my family for standing up for what they believe. Plain and simple, this is a really hard issue for many. I am grateful to know that Heavenly Father has a plan that is bigger than any of us can fully understand and he truly loves each person no matter what. I do think that the battle is far from over. It will be brought up again and again and the fight will continue. So for all you CA supporters, thank you for your hard work, and protecting something that is so sacred.

Thoughts after election night

Wow, what a night. I woke up this morning and was like, "oh my gosh, we have a new president". I'm gonna have to be honest and say to the very last moment I was pretty much undecided. After all I watched, researched and pondered, I was so conflicted about this election. In the end I just sort of trusted that the best man would be picked for the job. I know there are probably a lot of people who are really dissapointed at McCain's loss. I thought his concession speech was wonderful and really was probably one of my favorite moments of McCain. He was gracious and hopeful. You can't help but feel for the guy. He would have been a very good president. But even after all those two have been through, it ends with support and love. What an amazing time to live in America. I heard newcasters say last night that they never thought they'd live to see a black man elected president. What's interesting is that race has never once played a part in my opinions about this race so I was like, is it really that big of a deal. But, think about it. I never lived through the civil rights movement and never saw the persecution and prejudice my grandparents saw, and even my parents. So for many people, this was a historic sight. I was brought to tears seeing the emotion and pride in so many faces. So whether you are for or against Obama, it was a huge night. I am nervous for Obama. Even watching him last night I wondered if he even thought a little, what have I gotten myself into. What a huge job and huge problems to deal with off so little experience. It has to be the hardest job in the world, and anyone who would take on that challenge is a hero in my book. I hope that his eloquence in speech, leads to eloquence in office and taking action to do the things that are best for our country. I hope that he will bridge the gap between parties. I hope that he will work hard to gain the support of the millions who are wary and concerned. Just watching the positive reaction from different countries and how the world views him is reassuring that the world's view of the US will start to change. And speaking about the economy, probably the #1 issue. I am ready to see people take responsibility. Like yes, the economic downfall could have been better helped by govt. but guess what, don't live in a house you can't afford and don't pile on your credit card things that you don't need. Government can not and will not fix all the problems of our country. We need to do that for ourselves. I feel like some will be so upset about Obama's victory, that they'll just be waiting and hoping for his downfall. We should never hope for a president to be unsuccessful, so get on board if you're not already. No matter how you feel about it, he is the elect and he needs everyone's help and support. He absolutely has my support and he will have my prayers.

Trick or Treat!

Trick or treating at great-grandma Facer's

Ollie saw a bunch of people dressed up and the excitement begins...

Is this for real! I just knock doors and get candy!

Dad, thanks for helping me knock those huge doors, you can have a snicker's later.


What a cute guy

I tried to get a good video of Oliver saying "trick or treat".

Victory Lap

The other day Oliver finally got the guts up to skateboard all by himself like 10 feet and this is immediately what he did in response to his victory. Sometimes when we go to the store or gas station or something I pull Ryan and Ollie behind my bike with a surf leash while they are on the skateboard, or Ryan just holds Ollie while he rides and skates. So needless to say, this is one of those "cool, big boy things" Oliver hopes to accomplish, and now, true to his name, he has succeeded!!! Next, an actual Ollie, oh I might just have a heart attack. Luckily he only has a longboard to work with at this point.

Halloween is seriously the best

Ollie enjoying his freshly picked garden pumpkins. As you can tell, these little guys didn't make it very far, but just the right size.

Peter Pan, a lost boy, and Wendy. These are absolutely make-shift thrift store costumes, so don't hate.

Prince Eric, Ariel, Flounder, and Ursella. These guys are so awesome, and Sydney just kills me.

Josh and Kiera...aka the baker and his proud product, bun in the oven (Kiera is pregnant:)

Oliver making it out with plenty of loot. You gotta love a byu married student ward party. The odds are SO in your favor as a child.

Cold Season

In my attempt this morning to find ways to keep my child well this cold and flu season I stumbled upon some more info that makes it even harder to help, no medication. Well I just read something interesting on Dr. Sears website. So we all know that the FDA banned cough and cold meds for kids under 2 because it's potentially harmful and even fatal in some cases. Last week they just extended that ban on all children under 4, and they're even looking into research of all children under 12. This stuff makes me nervous. It just reminds me even more about how dangerous it can be to medicate kids and how natural methods should be our first attempt. So here are Dr. Sears tips from his website on what to do:


Run a hot steam vaporizer
Flush stuffy noses with saline
Prop kids slightly upright to sleep better
Drink plenty of fluids
Eat chicken soup or other hot broths
Eat healthy; include fruits and vegetables in daily diet
Use honey for scratchy or sore throats (only for kids 1 year and older)
Take Sinupret for Kids (not a drug but a natural dietary supplement that supports nasal/respiratory/immune system health and function)

I also heard kinda a funny thing, I have no idea if it's true. But I heard if you rub Vick's vapor rub on your kids feet it somehow miraculously clears up their stuffy noses and relieves coughs, worth a try I guess:) And don't worry. It just barely started getting cold and Oliver is already full on sick. It's the worse in the morning, he just wanders around the house in a sad state whimpering, teary, and runny nosed. I don't know how people live in the cold. Maybe their kids immune systems are somehow rock solid. We definitely didn't get that stroke of luck in our family. And does anyone know if Echinacea works? I always give this to Oliver in child drop form and I swear it does nada for him. To top it off, his eczema is getting so much worse with the cold. What's a mom to do!

Pumpkin Patch

The many colors of fall

We asked Oliver where the "gato" was

Indian Corn Mistletoe! Getting frisky as usual.

Since it has been freezing, this patch was on its way out.

Lovin those blue eyes

Family picture!

Oliver apparently thought you just pull yourself through this little opening

These pumpkins were massive

Wheeling our treasures

The goods

Ryan seeks out the most promising pumpkins from the litter