Smells Like Toddler Spirit - Jump On the Toddler Train!

14 months and growing. Yep, our little man is moving into Toddlerville on a one-way train. First stop? Tantrum Trail. What you'll find here is a boy that can go from laughing to bawling in one second flat, throwing himself on the ground face down kicking his legs. This destination might seem a tad early given it's listed later on our Toddler Tour but folks...we took a detour. On your left you'll find Prayeree Holmes. A nice little family with a boy that has learned when he hears the word "Food" or sees "Food" he folds his arms to pray and gets excited for the part where we say, "Amen!" Lovely little stop right? Speaking of right, on your right you'll see all sorts of lights, shiny things, trees, dogs, birds, the sun, the moon, pop-up books, blocks, stuffed animals,magnets,Christmas trees, Sesame street, cousins, friends and cats. If you pay attention you'll hear "Oooh!" and "Oh!" That's right, we've arrived at the stop called The Wonderment of a Toddler where everything is exciting and new. This is my favorite stop personally because it's loaded with everything and anything we've all grown accustomed to over the course of our lives but get to experience it again, for the first time, thanks to a toddler! Last stop is Dadville where everyday is a fun day whenever Dad is home! Sam prefers to throw his arms around Dad's neck wrap them tight like this, grab his cheeks and give him what? A great. Big. Kiss. {Whistle Blows} Thanks for riding the toddler train--until next time :)

Samuel-Son

Our little family has been doing "themed" halloween costumes since Jake and I were in our first month of Dating. First we were Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, then when we had Sam he went as an Acorn, I was Mother Nature and Jake was an Oak Tree, this year though, topped them all. We went as Mr. Myagi, Johnny and Daniel-son, I mean Samuel-Son. I have more pictures to upload but here's a teaser. Jake was Johnny so that left me to be Mr. Myiagi. Sam was pretty upset when I transformed wondering who this old man was that took over his mom!

Dad Tried to Sell Me

Dad put an ad up on KSL. Just click on it to make it bigger. Yep, he really DID write this. Yep, he really DID do this.

I'm A Travelin' Man and One Growin' Dude

So I guess I'm sort of a travelin' man, a world traveler of sorts. In the past few weeks I've been to all sorts of homes, playing with all sorts of people. Mom and Dad were out gallivanting to some places called California, India and Pennsylvania. Probably not nearly as cool or fun as my Grandma's and Grandpa's, Aunt's and Uncles and Cousins. I did such fun things with all of them but as we all know, fun things eventually come to an end.

When Mom and Dad got home from India I was so excited that I started to laugh and then cried a bit then just hugged Mom then Dad then Mom then Dad...World traveling isn't an easy thing to do so I think I'll put my travels aside for a bit. We all will.

I'm growing so quick! I am a pro at stairs going up and down and I'm pretty close to walking. I can scoot around all sorts of furniture and I'm starting to get my courage up to take some steps. My WWF cousin, Peter, keeps me on my toes and moving quick to get out of the way of his rear reverse choke hold.

I talk all the time. I say "whoa", "buh-bye", "hi", "boon" (short for balloon), "mama","dada" and "meow" when mom asks me what a kitty cat says.


Swimming is the best now. I love it. Going under water is a piece o' cake. No biggie. I can float on my back and look up at my mom's eyes for 3 seconds! I LOVE to have my mom pull me off the slide and help me swim under water.


When I see anything with a decline, I do a major prep half-circle approach to turn around and go backwards. I even did this on the sandy beach when I saw a hill. I also go through all doors backwards. Mom just laughs.

I'm a PB&J guy.

I'm a daddies boy. He's one heck of a guy.

When my girl cousins dress me up like their doll, Dad doesn't like that. Mom tells him to get used to it.

I give out free unsolicited hugs about every five minutes--if you need a hug, come on over.

I went to California for Thanksgiving and I wondered why we didn't just move there already. Life's a beach.

I've jumped up another diaper size. I've now passed my 2 1/2 year old friend Van and joined my cousins size five diaper club.

I have the best little girlfriend ever, Elsie. Now that I don't scare her to death, we have some fun times at the pool and playing together.

Speaking of friends, I LOVE my stuffed animals. They are the best-friends a boy could have.

I think that's it for now.

--Bye--

Here's the Christmas project flier that can be passed around to individuals, groups and/or organizations you might think would be interested. If you would like printed fliers just let me know and I'll get some to you ASAP. Thanks!

Click on the image to make it larger.

It's a Very MERRY Teen Foster Christmas - Post #1

Alright folks here's the post you all have been waiting for...details regarding our Foster Teen Christmas. I thought I'd start with a letter from Tammy Champo, (who really is a champ-o! She's does incredible things for these kids) volunteer and donation coordinator for SL Youth Services.

(*Notice that ALL donations are tax deductible)

September 29, 2009

Dear Kristin Hodson and Supporters:
Thank you for your interest in serving the youth at the Salt Lake County Division of Youth Services. For more than 30 years we have been aiding youth and their families in the greater Salt Lake area. We have grown from our humble beginnings of a few counseling offices and a small home for emergency shelter to now serving nearly 10,000 youth and their families each year. Though we have grown, our overall goal is still the same, to make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and families.

As the holiday season approaches and the spirit of giving is in the air, we value the generosity of community members like you in order to provide those in need with a special gift. Holiday donations are especially appreciated for the youth staying in our teenage group homes between the ages of 11 and 18. Many of the youth are in state custody because of abuse and neglect and are waiting for a more permanent placement, either in foster care or with family members. Many of these youth have been in and out of foster homes for many years and Youth Services becomes a safety net in between those placements. Special gifts ease the homesick and heartache the youth feel being away from their families during a time when most are with their loved ones. We appreciate any and all contributions because it helps the youth feel valued and remembered.

All donations are tax-deductible and are received through our non-profit arm, ShelterKids Inc. More information is available on the web site at www.shelterkids.org. We also invite you to get involved through our one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities. Your time is a gift that keeps on giving and not only will it give you an opportunity to meet the youth but also to make a lifelong impact
as a mentor to a youth in need. You can also stay connected to our current needs and activities on our Facebook Page and our Twitter Account. Find the links on our web site at www.youth.slco.org.

Thank you again for your time and generosity. Feel free to contact me with
any questions or interests.

Warmest Regards,
Tammy Champo
Youth Services Volunteer and Donation Coordinator
801.269.7506 tchampo@slco.org

It's a Very Merry Teen Foster Christmas - Post #2

THE DETAILS YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR

I've been working closely with Tammy and I asked her to send me her "dream list" to give these kids a good Christmas. She told me in years prior, when they have had the funds, they have had approximately $50 per child. However, they haven't always had funds which has meant going to other "children's homes" where donations were in abundance and snagging some of their present overflow. (people tend to think little kids when doing Christmas donations) I think what really stood out to me is a comment she told me about from one of the teens where he couldn't BELIEVE he got more than candy...that he got an actual present. Thinking what I'm thinking?

Alright so here's The Dream list. We've decided there has to be some method to the madness so please read the "How Can I Help" section just below the list. We will keep this blog updated with info and how close we are to our goal so check back often!

Goal: Make Christmas dreams come true for 17 boys and 17 girls - Someone has already signed up to sponsor 5 youth so you'll notice the numbers being less than targeted goal)

Holiday Package Teen Boy:

* $25 Gift Card ** (Target or Wal-Mart) x15
* Hand Held Video Game x15
* Axe Gift Sets (as in the cologne :) x15
* Pajama Set and Slippers x15
* Tech Deck Skate Board Sets (finger skate boards) x15
* Model Car/Airplane x15
* Deck of Cards x15

Holiday Package Teen Girl:

* $25 Gift Card ** (Target or Wal-Mart) x14
* Hand Held Video Game x14
* Makeup x14
* Lotion kits x14
* Jewelry x14
* Pajama Set, Robe and Slippers x14
* Journal x14

** The gift card is by far their favorite because they get to shop for themselves without someone else telling them what it has to be used for, something they rarely get to do.

Other great gift ideas: (these would be our icing on the cake)

* Teen appropriate remote control toys (cars, airplanes, etc)
* Teen appropriate movies (No R rated movies)
* Teen appropriate books: Twilight, Eragon, Fablehaven, Artemis Fowle, Harry
Potter, etc

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP AND GET INVOLVED

We are trying to find MANY ways people who want to be involved can get involved in a way that is best suited to them and their circumstances. Some people have called and are going to make Christmas cards, others are going to make BIG decorated sugar cookies, others are going to get their churches involved...bottom line is the sky is the limit. The point is to give these teens an incredible Christmas.

If you are wanting to get involved, please send me an email to: kristinbhodson@gmail.com or leave a comment on my blog. I will keep a running log about what needs have been fulfilled and what is left. REMEMBER: if you have something in mind outside of what is listed that's FANTASTIC! Just let me know and we'll include it.

THANKS EVERYONE...I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED...LITERALLY :)

Foster Night Out On The Town

A little bit ago I blogged about what the Mister and I were planning on doing for Christmas. This post is part one of our two part Christmas plans for the teens in the Salt Lake foster program. Just so you know, we have chosen the foster TEENS because they are often the most overlooked population when it comes to the holidays. People usually think kids, homeless, families with little children, etc. We wanted these kids to have a Christmas they would always remember.

November 30th we are planning a night that very few of these kids have ever experienced up to this point in their lives...A night out on the town! Complete with dressing up for a dinner at a restaurant downtown followed by attending our local professional dance company's Christmas performance of It's a Wonderful Life. Tammy, the volunteer coordinator for Division of Youth Services said, "Most of these kids have never even had a chance to eat out at a real restaurant outside of fast food! They will love to have a chance to get dressed up, put on make-up and practice some real-life etiquette." Keep in mind, once these youth turn 18, they "age-out" of the system. This means they don't have a home with a family and they no longer can participate with the State. For some, this may be their only chance at a night like this.

After that first blog, most of you wanted to know how you could help. Here's what is entailed with Part I:

1) Odyssey Dance Company has granted us the tickets needed for EVERYONE!!! (By the way if you haven't seen their THRILLER performance, there is still time! You won't be disappointed.)

2) Transportation is all squared away thanks to the awesome Recreation Therapist at the group home.

3) My awesome talentad Mother-In-Law will be creating a fancy invitation to be delivered about a week before the big event.

HERE'S WHAT'S LEFT TO BE DONE

4) Buying and creating gift bags to be enjoyed during the performance complete with: bottled water and a couple of sweet treats.

5) Finding a local restaurant to host 30 Teens plus 8 volunteers for a tasty meal. We are shooting for the moon in hoping they might donate the food, or possible give it to us at cost. If not, bring on the fund raising.

Here's an itemized break-down of items 4, 5. If you think you can help with any of it, leave a comment and/or email me at: kristinbhodson@gmail.com

* 30 Bottles of water (Costco)
* 30 Decorative Sacks
* 30 Movie Size Candy Bars
* 30 Movie Size Sour or Sweet Candies such as: Dots, Sour Patch Kids, Etc.
* Helping to locate a restaurant in the Salt Lake Valley, the closer to Downtown the
better.


Want to participate in our Foster Teen Christmas? Be watching for the post detailing how YOU can get involved :) We are going to provide Christmas for 30 foster teens, giving them a Christmas they'll never forget. The cost? A mere $100 per teen. If we get many involved it could only cost each person what it would cost for a family to head to Cafe Rio for dinner. Most of the years, the staff are having to snag overflow from their child home in order to provide Christmas for their teen home. Do something great this year and join us!

I'm a Gym Rat

Mom and Dad took me to my own Little Gym on Saturday to see if I liked it. Miss Melissa was really nice and had all sorts of things for me to do. I played with sticks, over-sized balls, bells then went and explored the entire gym. Dad put me on the pull-up bar and I was able to hang for 5 seconds! Mom and Dad were so surprised and laughing so hard they missed the photo op. Then they wanted me to do it again so they could take a picture but that's like asking someone to be funny on demand. Maybe I'll do it next time. After that I practiced doing handstands and back somersaults. At the end of class, my teacher blew bubbles all over the gym and because they had sugar on them they didn't pop until I popped them! Some even got stuck in my hair, which was pretty cool. Oh and there was music the whole time but I was the only one who danced. I have a new move that my dad taught me...it's the ladder dance. I'll blog about it in my next post.

 

My Car

Yesterday Mom took me out for a spin in my new car. After watching Mom back her car out of the driveway, looking straight forward, I thought I'd give it a try. I think I did better than she did because I didn't hit my Dad's car on my way out.

Time to pull my own weight

So I'm turning one. Yep, in 9 days I'll be hitting my first biggie. I'm pretty stoked. But my Mom and Dad said it's high time I start I start pulling my own blogging weight. Before you know it they'll have me out walking the dogs and being a day trader to help bring home the bacon! Here's what's new with me.

I can clap, I'm pretty good at it.
I can give five.
Walking around from thing to thing really ain't no thang for me.
If I have something to say I'll say it like: Hi, Bye, Hee (here), Daddy and Momma
Mom took me to my first swim lesson, didn't love it.
My parents gave me a pretty sweet car for my first birthday, I wonder what I'll get when I'm 16.
Saturday Mom is taking me to my first Little Gym class which reminds me...
I'm learning how to flex my muscles.
I sent my parent's on a vacation to California. I just needed a break. I think they had a great time.
Who ever decided to put the dog's water dish on the floor was brilliant, can't get enough of splashing in it or dumping it all over the floor.
Diapers are so 6 months ago. Honestly, me and diapers have a love hate relationship.
Same with car seats. Pretty much anything that keeps me from moving everywhere bums. me. out.

Anyway. One is Fun.

Fig (Dad's funny little nickname for me. He loves it so I'm ok with it)

Tis The Season

It may be early but it's never to early to start getting in to the spirit of Christmas. This year, Jake and I decided we were going to turn our efforts and spirits outwards and give to our community rather than to ourselves. Often we look at all that we have which usually boils down to the fact that we have a roof over our heads, the opportunity to earn money to provide for our family, fresh and healthy food, transportation and simply feel overwhelmed and humbled. I started to do some research, since I know many organizations are starting their Christmas projects now, to see what I could find. Let's just say I feel like I found an absolute gem among gems (there are some incredible organizations out there!) that I am really excited to work with.

We are going to work with the 11-18 year olds in the Salt Lake County Youth Services home. These kids come from abusive or neglected homes and have usually been in-and-out of the foster care system hoping to find a permanent placement. While waiting for a placement these awesome group homes provide a place of safety and refuge while providing them with educational, therapeutic and social activities. Keep in mind, once these kids are 18, they "age out" of the system. So if they don't find a placement, they are left to their own because they no longer can be in the system. With that in mind, these homes may be the only "home" they experience. What really got me was this is a group that is often overlooked when it comes to Christmas donations and often times they don't receive any. Most people tend to think immediately of the homeless or little kids, which is fantastic, but wed' like for these kids to have one amazing Christmas experience.

This year we have A Night On The Town planned for these kids. Working with the professional, local dance company, Odyssey Dance, they will get to attend the final dress rehearsal for the Christmas show and then meet the dancers. Two of the dancers in the company have been in the So You Think You Can Dance top twenty, so that should be a blast! We are going to find a restaurant so they can have the experience of eating out beyond fast food and learn the art of etiquette. Most of them have never had the chance to experience "fine dining." They will be able to have a reason to get all dressed up and hopefully have a break from the reality of their day-to-day life.

Secondly, we are going to collect the gifts for their Christmas morning. I asked the Volunteer Coordinator at the youth homes to send me a "dream list" if they had a full budget. If it was possible, each teen would have $100 dollars worth of gifts for them ready to be opened Christmas morning. One of the gifts on the list was a $25 gift card to a place like WalMart where THEY could find things they wanted to buy for themselves, something that is rare for them. The total price to give these teens the best Christmas morning ever? $3000 total. 30 teens at $100 a piece to fulfill their dream list. In all of my hope and optimism, I think this goal can be met. Why? Because I know amazing people out there that often want to help but don't know who, where and how.

Here's your chance.

I will be posting the details so all of those who want to participate can. There is so much that can be done for both the Night On The Town and Christmas Morning that I'm sure there will be something for you. I know it's early, but I hope that maybe this will give everyone time to consider giving a small percentage of their Christmas to a teenager in need and spread the word.

Here's to kicking off the holiday season with a bang!

This Boy

This little baby
Is weeks from being a one year Old Little Boy
Those Chubby Little frog legs
Are fast crawling explorers going from toy to toy
Those little lips
That give me soft little kisses every day and every night
Love eating the big people foods
they're more than just alright.
And those sleepy eyes
Spend more time awake
Taking in the world around him
and all those messes made.
Those little fingers
that gently cuddle mine
Love exploring all things big and small
and anything they can find.
This little baby will always be my baby
even as a boy and a man
This little baby
his mama as his number one fan.

Calling all Insurance Policy Holders

The time is coming where you are going to want the security of knowing you are insured for this Halloween Season. If you have taken out a policy, please sent payment to: Kristin Hodson, C/O Halloween Insurance 4623 Park Manor Dr. SLC, UT 84117. We will then send you your policy and you.are.set.

Let's get real here now. It's official, I'm off to the Postpartum Training this coming December. Can't wait. Beyond thrilled. Thank you thank you for all supporting and helping me get there. I honestly wouldn't have been able to get there without you all.

Oktoberfest

Always a family tradition for us, we spent the day in the mountains enjoying the German festivities of Snowbird's Oktoberfest. The leaves already showcasing their rich fall wardrobe and the air adorning it's crisp chill, it was one great way to spend an afternoon. Never to be missed are the German festivities in the main tent where the "chicken dance", liederhosen and brats are in abundance. Also, I heard you got a special prize if you have a real friend named Hans, which we do...but there was no prize. Actually, I think the story went that I thought there SHOULD have been a prize if you have a friend named Hans. Maybe I'll throw that out year for next year's festival. I'm sure they'll think I'm brilliant.

 

Utah State Fair

 

Had a great family date to the Utah State Fair last night. With this being my first fair ever I was enamored and sucked in by the Carni's. Those tricks to win a big prizes are rigged I tell ya, but those humungous slides are the real deal. My ears were a buzz with descriptions about the world's smallest lady, to the world's largest crocodile. The grounds were filled with deep-fried aroma's and dancing robots. Jake was a trooper and got in to the spirit of the fair and I Sam seemed to have a great time looking at all of the animals.

Summer-Time Wrap Up

It's been a busy one this year, but honestly I think I could say that about every summer every year. Anytime it's warm it is my time to shine. It's been especially nice to spend time in the mountains, on our front lawn, at the park, at the zoo---OUTDOORS! We've just had a great time. On another note, Jake is getting so close to the LOTAJA (Logan to Jackson) 206 mile intense terrain cycling race. He's really put in the time and effort to do a great job, he also continues to look great in spandex :) But back to summer, it's coming to an end and no matter how much in denial I am about that fact it's happening. Don't get me wrong I am a lover of Fall, but I'm just not ready for the cold that will follow. Until then, we will embrace every bit of warmth we have left. Ta ta for now. -- Kris

POOPY MESS CALLS FOR..

A WARM SHOWER STAT!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

A LITTLE BOY ON A BIG PLANE TO CALIFORNIA

SAM'S FAVORITE PART OF THE BEACH WERE ALL OF THE SAND-WICHES (NOT HIS MOM SO MUCH)

CUDDLING WITH THE SHMELSTER

IF HE CAN'T GO TO THE BEACH, HE'LL BRING THE BEACH TO HIM

ERIC AND ELYSE'S FLORIDA WEDDING

SAM WAS SO HAPPY FOR THE NEW BRIDE AND GROOM HE COULD HARDLY KEEP IT TOGETHER - TEARS OF JOY, TEARS OF JOY

HAPPY TO BE ME!


EAGERLY WAITING FOR HIS DAD TO COME HOME

Number Nine is Devine - Written a month ago, newly posted!

The little bug is nine and a half months. Who woulda thought he would grow up so fast? I suppose all of you who have gone before us have seen how fast time flies with little ones knew just that...time stands still for no one :) 9 months has been pretty fun and filled with sooo many firsts! Sam started

--Being able to sit up but not go anywhere
--Picking himself up when he tipped over, found him sitting up in his crib
--army crawling/scooting
--crawling
--dancing
--waving--looks more like a mechanical claw
--kissies
--Going under water
--Going down his first water slide
--Ocean Waves
--Sleeping Through the Night
--All sorts of talking going on
--Grown out of his first car seat and is on to a big boy chair

Fund Raising

Well, I'm on a mission. Most of you know I am starting my own private practice (www.thehealigngroup.com) offering specialization in pregnancy related issues. This has been a dream of mine for 8 years and now the timing just feels right. Currently in Utah, there are no Mental Health services specific to pregnancy related issues. This includes: postpartum depression, miscarriage, infertility, grief and loss, anxiety, substance abuse and pregnancy, etc.

So my mission is this: There is an incredible 10 hour intensive training in Pennsylvania the first of September. It's done by a well-known expert in Postpartum Depression AND I would be the first clinician in Utah to attend this training and have this specific of training and endorsement. I have a place to stay, I have a plane ticket earned by skymiles, I am just lacking in the funds to cover the fee for the training...$700.00

This is where YOU come in. I am offering you all a fantastic one-time deal: Halloween Insurance. Yes I said it, Halloween Insurance. For you and only you (and anyone you would like to forward this little message to :) I am offering this insurance for a mere $5.00. Halloween Insurance is simply insurance that if anything happens to your home, your cars, or yard by little hoodlums (i.e. eggs being thrown at your cars, your home, pumpkins smashed, etc.) I will personally come and clean it up*. Can't beat that right? If nothing happens to your property...great, but if something does...I'm you're gal. So forward this to friends and family in the SL Valley and sign up for you insurance today!

PS: I am open to any other money making opportunities you may have. Not limited to: car washing, window washing, etc.

*Unfortunately this does not include giving your new pumpkins :) This is just for the clean up.

Thanks,
Kristin

Lindsay Ross Photography

My friend and old soccer buddy, Lindsay Ross, took some Sam and family pictures a few weeks back. We were in a field right by the IFA in Draper which was a HUGE distraction for Sam. He was just so focused on the flowers and shrubbery around him he did not even know we were there. I didn't think he smiled even once the whole shoot but here's where a good photographer comes in and boy was I wrong. She did such a great job of capturing the spectrum of Sam! Thanks Lindsay for completely exceeding our expectations.

Playing Catch-UP

So many pictures to bring you all up to speed. Heeeeeere we go!

Just some intensity while up Millcreek Canyon


This pic is funny because Sam's cousin Lukey really wanted to be in a picture. Here's someone who knows how to be camera ready!


Enjoying and orange


At the Zoo



Playing in Puddles with his cousins--He thought it was so funny when they would run and splash.



Heading down to St. George with friends trying to seek the sun since Utah has some how been teleported to the North West. Sam was sleepy...

Until he woke up and we took a pit stop and found some cute little farm animals :)

This colt played on this hill eating the rocks!

Sam with his friends Van and Elsie

Van wrestling Sam down which is exactly what his Dad tried to do with Jake. Yep, I said it. Zack tries to wrestle Jake. Jake may be "man concentrate" but he packs a mean wigglin', wrestlin' punch!

Bums Up!

Yiddle Bum


Sam's first boat ride, he LOVED the boat...not the life jacket so much.