Matthew's very first soccer practice

I was so excited to sign Matthew up for soccer this year. Right when I could in January, I decided it was time. The kid needed the exercise and needed to get out with the other "kids." I found the smallest cleats I've ever seen (on ebay since there was nothing that small in stores) and he was so excited to go play. Ammon got him a soccer ball last year for his birthday and we'd played with it since, but he didn't really understand that other people played too. It was a little cold this first practice and it was before the time change so it got dark pretty quickly. He made some cute friends the very first practice and asked about Baylie numerous times the next week until he could finally see her again.

Creations by Chelsea

I decided to start a business that had to do with my love for making cakes, cupcakes and cake pops. I designed my logo and have a blog up and running. It's just so much fun getting to do something you would do for free!
www.creationsbychels.blogspot.com

Matthew's longgggg hair

This kid needs a haircut as often as Ammon. He better grow up to have amazing hair! We take him to base and he is always so good, never speaks, but sure loves getting a succor afterwards from the nice ladies. How cute is he?!

February 2011

Well since we have 9000 birthdays just in February, it doesn't leave much time for anything else. I did get to squeeze in a shower for a good friend in our ward though. She had a little boy and we didn't get to have the shower until AFTER Baby Carter arrived, but it sure turned out great since he got to be there to show off his cute little cheeks. We had a blue chocolate fountain that I didn't get a good shot of, but I thought it turned out pretty cute and I am so excited for the Polks! I also am so grateful for my mother. We have done so many "events" (that's so...not a good word for the church activities, showers, birthdays, parties, luncheons, dinners, etc that we've done, but it seems like I've been her "on-call" or "honorary" counselor since I was in high school!). This was no different with us doing it together and good thing we know what to do!

Cutest little boy ever! Born 1/1/11 (how cool is that?!)

I had been wanting to make these baby cake pops for a long time. It took me MANY hours to do this and I told Jessica that night that she is lucky that I like her because there are only FOUR other people I would make these for again, for free (my sister, sister-in-law and future sister-in-law when Chris gets married and Joanna. That's it. And I mean it!). Bakerella actually used white as the baby's head color but I made them peach from trial and error. I didn't even get a shot of the inside--blue of course! I have to admit that it was the PERFECT decoration for the whole shower. I sure look up to the Polks! They're such a good family and I learn a lot from them and how they raise their children and how they are themselves. It's so nice when you can have good people who are still raising their children that the Lord would want them to. That's why we always joke that Matthew is going to marry Gigi. I would love that! Why? Because I know the Polks are awesome parents and that they are going to raise their children to be the spouses I want my children to end up with. (Okay, let's not talk too much about marriage. My son is only 2!)

Matthew and his future bride Georgia (Carter's older sister).

After church one Sunday, I caught both my boys lying the same way on the couches. Matthew sure loves his dad!

Matthew made these cookies for me in nursery one Sunday and I thought it was the cutest thing ever. Being a mom is the best feeling because you always feel special with the smallest hug, smile or any gesture they do.

Valentine's Day turned out to be a great day because I got a new iPhone. And Ammon made me chocolate-covered strawberries. I had a very good day and I got to make cake pops (red velvet of course!), got him Sees Candy and a massage.

Matthew's favorite part of his present? The M&Ms of course. He did love his little Brooklyn though.

One Monday night in February, we had FHE over at Shaun and Gina's house. Chris and I decided that we would be cool and wear our letterman jackets over there! Haven't worn it since I think 2005 at a football game for Chris. I sure loved my coat, but really? We really wore this?! It was fun and we liked to rub it in Shaun's face that the only letter he got was in CHOIR! (Oh yeah softball and even wrestling! ha)

February Happy Birthdays 2011

I often complain about February when I really shouldn't or really need to. Here are some of the plus sides to having my whole family's birthdays in one month (other than my dad): 1. I don't have to worry about any other month. Okay that's it. But, it is a good point. At least I know when they all are and it's easy for me to plan that way. I know that a month after Christmas is going to be another tough month!

FEBRUARY 4th

We haven't gotten to celebrate Chris's birthday with him for the last two years so it was a nice different thing for us (and better not having to send things like pens clear across the world!). I got to make his cake and I have to say it is probably my most favorite one I've ever done. Was it because it was perfect? No. But this is why:

I ended up making the NY too big for the cake because you can't even see the NYC skyline or the pinstripes, but it's there. I think one of my favorite parts is the lettering. Edible pens are a great GREAT thing and I loved getting to do the baseball stitching on them. These are two of my most favorite people outside Ammon and Matthew. I'd have to say I'm closest to them over anyone else. (Followed closely by Sloan, Joanna and Cody).

We went to dinner at Claim Jumper and it is always a good choice except I can never decide what the heck I'm going to get. Ammon was a work (like usual--oh the joys of working swing shift on the strip. Never around when any activity is going on), but we got to go with Sloan, Zane and the kids. Fun night!

Matthew sure loves his Uncle Chris.

FEBRUARY 9th

Reesey Reesey. The Reesinator. My favorite little girl. I love her so much. Can she get any cuter? No. No way. She sure gives Gavin a fight that's for sure! I got to make her cupcakes for her adorable party Sloan threw for her that night. These were so much fun because they fit the Minnie Mouse theme perfectly. Black candy melts, a fondant bow and Junior Mint bites as polka dots. Had so much fun and I have been wanting to do them since! Her party was at the Hadfield's house and it looked SO SO SO COOL! Sloan did such a good job (like always).

One of my favorite parts was the tissue balls. And the Minnie Mouse balloon adds a lot.

Everyone had to wear pink. I looked in Matthew's closet. Nothing. Nothing even close. So, I texted Sloan. Please bring something pink for Matthew to wear. She responded. I have plenty of things from Gavin. Hello, look who his mother is! I thought that was funny. What does Matthew wear? Baseball. No Ammon again!

FEBRUARY 16th
My mom came next. She turned what? 32 again. Or was it 31? I think that was it. Yes, because she's the same age as Sloan and Shaun. I always forget! We had a good day for her because her friend Jennean always brings one thing: German Chocolate Cake. Amazing stuff. I didn't even need to make anything because we always know Jennean does not disappoint. Matthew loved giving Grandma her presents. I love my mom and I think she is the strongest person I know. I learn more from her every single day. FEBRUARY 18th
Sloan and Shaun turn the same age as my mom. Next year they'll be older. How does that work? I learned a long time ago not to ask!We took Sloan to lunch at Cafe Rio where Tabby met us. It was kind of crazy with a 9-month pregnant lady (Tabs), four toddlers and a lot of presents, but we had fun anyway. Especially the kids. I was going to make Sloan a cake then I remembered that her servings size would have to be that for a Barbie so I didn't think she would really care!

Shaun came over for his birthday that night since Gina couldn't do much for him either. We ate the rest of Jennean's cake and had pie since Shaun is more of a pie kind of guy (don't remember this other than this year, but you go with it right?!).

It was quite a month and I love all the members of my family, especially the grandkids and my siblings. Ammon wasn't around for any of them, but I am hoping that soon he will have a "real job" that allows him to have a "normal" schedule (which in Vegas is NOT common. I guess we'll just have to move!)

Happy Birthday!

Link-a-Bink

Since before Matthew was born, I have been making binky clips for people when they have children. I finally decided that I would make a little home-based company and do them for money. It's nice because I get to do them while Matthew naps and they are so versitile and can be made in a million different ways. I'm thankful my cousin taught us how to do it! If you'd like one, they're 2 for $15!

January 2011

The first Sunday of the year found Chris and Matthew matching. He also likes to make Chris's lunches for work. This was his first sandwich and he was so proud of himself.

My good friend Shawnta, a wife of Ammon's army buddy, had signed up to be a Beachbody coach at the beginning of the year and she asked me if I wanted to go and work out with Tony Horton at the Marriott in Summerlin. I knew I couldn't pass this up. Since I hadn't worked out in a while, I was SO SORE the next few days. It was a blast getting to see him in person (and meet him and get my book signed) but better to work out with him. He's EXACTLY the same in person as he is in P90X. I LOVED it.

The rarity of Matthew falling asleep in places other than his bed is even more erratic than snow in Las Vegas. This winter day had found the weather un-typically cold outside and he crawled up on the couch and put the pillow over his face and fell asleep. (Feet crossed of course!) Cody came into town with his parents and we decided to go to dinner. Macayo's it was. I hadn't been there in a while and I had forgotten how good it was. It's always good to see Cody and Dennis and Janice; we just wish it was for a reason other than her having to make a trip down here to see a doctor.

Since Las Vegas's fall does NOT come during the traditional autumn season, we got to take advantage of our leaves late in January. It's a sad day when we can wear short sleeves when the rest of the country is carving sculptures in the deep ice found on their windshields every morning and literally trekking to school 5 miles uphill (in the snow). We enjoyed it nonetheless, and especially Matthew, my mom and Brooklyn. Matthew got to take advantage of his new tractor from Grandma Moya and had to do it everyday afterwards.