Captain Jack Sparrow

My little S sure keeps me on my toes. I never know what he's going to say or do next. I love the boy to death but he is a handful. He has been especially ornery lately. I don't know if it's because school is out and he's been staying up late and we don't really have a routine right now therefore he's extra tired and extra grumpy. Or if it's because he's a boy and just extra active ALL the time. I hate getting after him, and yet I want him to know his limits. Motherhood is a very difficult thing, the most difficult thing I've ever done. However it's also the most rewarding too. If only there were a handbook with solutions to problems such as this. And then here's the big problem: he's calling names, or jumping off the furniture, or spilling things, or hitting, or, or, or, and then I look at him and he's just so dang cute. How can I be mad at a face like that for too long. Oh, how he drives me crazy but still I love him.

Enjoying our new stuff!

The kids have been really enjoying the new things that they got this year. S loves to dress up. He got some cowboy gear and some Captain Jack Sparrow stuff. He's loved to dress up for as long as I can remember. I think he has more dress up stuff then my girls do. He wears costumes to the store, to the park, out to eat, pretty much all the time. He's got a great imagination, and I love watching him play.

The girls have become really good friends in the last couple of months. J always wants to do what M is doing and M is so good about letting her. They play house or school a lot. M is usually the "mom" and you hear J walking around calling mom all the time. I often answer and then she just looks at me and tells me that I'm not the mom she's talking about. They also dance, sing, and color together.

T has been asking and asking for an air soft gun. I was a little weary about this, but DH has been wanting him to have one. A lot of his friends have one, and I know that's not a reason to let your kid have something, but I think he's more responsible than some of the kids that I know who have one. So, I caved. And he loves it. He's been really careful with it and keeps it up when he isn't using it. Him and his dad lay on the floor and shoot at targets. It will be much nicer when they can go shoot outside instead of all over my house. We have little orange and blue b.b.'s all over the place. That's another rule, he has to clean up his own mess. But, he's having fun with it, and I'm actually fine with the fact that he has it.

How Many?

How many bottles of these can one family go through in a one week period? All four of my munchkins are sick. Those darn coughs and runny noses just won't go away. Today they were so cranky and grouchy and tired and wild and.......Last night S cried and cried about his ears hurting. And then he cried and cried today. So I took him in to the doctor and he has a double ear infection. How fun! Luckily I convinced the doctor to give some cough medicine that all the kids could take. Surprisingly he did it. That clinic is known for not doing that. They want each kid to be seen, each copay to be paid, but I think the doctor felt sorry for us. Hopefully with prescription strength medicine these coughs will clear up. Obviously the 10 bottles of the other stuff that we've gone through hasn't done a dang thing.

10 Years Ago

Yesterday was my 10th Anniversary. I can not believe we've been married for 10 years. Some days it seems like a lot longer and other days it's hard to believe it's been that long. I feel so blessed to married to such a wonderful man. He's my best friend. Being married to him is the best thing that has ever happened to me. We get along so well. We hardly ever fight, which I'm so grateful for. If we are ever frustrated with each other, DH usually cracks some joke and I can't help but laugh. He really keeps things light.

I was going to BYU and wasn't planning on coming home for the summer. But, at the last minute I decided to go home for the month of August. This was when he came home from his mission. I knew him just barely and wouldn't have even known he was coming if I hadn't run into his brother at the mall. I told him to have DH stop by and say hi. Well, he did and we hit it off right away. We went on our first date and talked to each other every day on the phone (he lived 45 minutes away from my parents' home).

The next week I was going back to BYU and he was going to Ricks College in Idaho. We drove up together and I went to see him on the weekends. Three weeks into dating we were engaged. All my friends thought I was crazy and way too young to be married. I was only 18, but that didn't matter to me. When you know you found the person you want to spend eternity with, then the rest didn't matter. I was also told that it probably wouldn't last. Well, here we are 10 years later and more in love than ever.

Three months after we were engaged, we were married in the Los Angeles Temple for time and all eternity. We had a fast engagement and continued at high speed. We had four kids in five years and I've never felt more satisfied in my life. My kids bring us much laughter and joy, also much headache! DH is a wonderful father. The kids just adore him. He works hard for our family which means he is sometimes gone a lot. So when he is home the kids are all over him.

I feel more and more grateful each day for the man I'm married to. I couldn't have asked for anyone or anything more. I'm grateful for the wonderful 10 years we've had together and look forward to many more!!

Christmas Morning

We had all the kids sleep in the girls room upstairs so that no one would sneak out and peak out the "treasures" Santa brought. The deal was that we would wake up at 6:00 and no earlier. DH and I went to bed at about midnight and 45 minutes later T was awake and had to tell us that Santa had come and could he please just go open his stocking. We told him no way. Next thing we knew he had woken M and now they were both in there asking and pleading and crying. We told them they had to wait because it was waaaaay to early to wake S and J up, plus 6 was the deal. They came in about every 15 minutes until about 3:30 when we finally seperated them and they fell asleep.

DH woke up at 6:30 and felt bad that they were still asleep, so he went and woke everyone up. I very sleepily agreed to go downstairs, but really how could I resist with four very bright-eyed, excited children. They lined up on the stairs, and then came running down. We opened stockings first, and then moved on to the presents.

I think they were all very happy with their Christmas. They got pretty much what they wanted, and didn't complain that they didn't get this or that.

I was totally spoiled this year. DH got me a new jacket, purse, and some exercise stuff (since my goal like a lot of other people is to lose weight). He took the kids shopping to get me gifts, some of which included a cheetah plate from J (she was so excited to give it to me, it was darling) and some very cute socks, some kitchen tongs from S, a colander from M, funnels and spatulas from T. T also got me a necklace with a heart on it that says Mom in the middle. It was so cute to see how excited they were to give me these things, and I love all of them.

We hung out the rest of the day and just relaxed. Grandma D. came over in the afternoon so we could exchange gifts with her. As she was leaving Aaron and Lauren were coming. Aaron is a friend who is renting a room from us. They came with gifts too. So, my kids definitly got spoiled this year. They had dinner with us and then we played games. They got us a really fun game called "Would you Rather". It is so fun. My sisters and I have played this for as long as I can remember. Why didn't we think to make an actual game out of it? Anyways it was a very fun game and a very fun day. And now Christmas is gone and past. I can't even believe it.

Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve we have a very fun tradition with DH's family. We all went to Grandma D.'s house for dinner, games, and fun. For dinner we always have hogi sandwiches on croissants, "pink stuff", nachos, veggies, and lots of goodies. And of course we always stuff ourselves. The food is always very yummy, and we look forward to it every year.

Then we usually have some sort of a Christmas program. Grandma did it this year and each person had a part. We read the Christmas story and sang songs in between certain parts. It was very nice and I think all the kids really enjoyed it. Our cousins also did a little presentation on the different symbols of Christmas.

We got to open our traditional Christmas Eve present of p.j.'s, which everyone always looks forward to. Then, we all changed and got comfy to enjoy the rest of the evening. We put a movie on for the kids hoping that they would settle down, so the adults could play a game. What were we thinking? Kids settling down on Christmas Eve? Fat chance. So, they ran amuck while we played Apples to Apples. Very fun. Then we ate again and finally decided to go.

Space Derby

On Wednesday for pack night they had the space derby. It ended up being a fun night for the boys, but the preparation was a big pain in the neck. I was really frustrated with the whole situation.

Pack night has been a very hard thing ever since T has been in scouts. They have always been so unorganized. There haven't been very many activities planned, and there was no enthusiasm when the boys earned their badges. Luckily things are slowly getting better and there is actually a theme to pack night each month with an activity planned, and they even are starting to do a flag ceremony. I'm very happy about that because these young boys are so excited to be in scouts and to learn and discover new things. I really want this to be a positive experience for T and the boys in his pack.

Now here is where I sound like a hypocrite. Monday afternoon we get a little space derby kit on our doorstep and are told that we need to have our rocket made for pack night Wed. night. With FHE on Monday we didn't even open the box until Tues. after homework and dinner. In the kit is two blocks of wood and the parts to make a propeller. We have no wood glue, and T has basketball practice in an hour. I was real annoyed. So, Wed. morning I go to the store to buy glue so that I can build a rocket while T is at school, so that is ready for him to paint when he gets home. Not to mention that I also have a classroom party to put on that day, field trips, doctor appts, etc. etc., and that it's only 5 days away from Christmas. No problem. When I finally got home, I glued the wood together, waited for it to dry and then began carving and sanding this block of wood into a rocket. It wasn't as bad as I thought at first, and I thought hey maybe I'll add some dimension to it. Well, when I got done, the block of wood looked like a penis not a rocket. How did I do that? I thought there is no way, I can fix this, but I had to try. So I kept on sanding. Luckily I got it to look somewhat like a rocket, and once it was painted and the propellor was on, it looked much better. So, while I'm so glad that they are doing things and planning activities for the boys to do, I also wish that we had a little more warning to build these dang rockets. I think I'll buy a kit now and start building the one for next year's derby.

With all that said and done, the night ended up being very fun for the boys. They had a slide show on the solar system, and learned a little bit about space. Then, they got to race their rockets a couple of times. T also earned his soccer badge and pin. He was so excited. I hope that he continues to enjoy scouting and has the desire to learn and develop new skills.

Snowman Soup

We got this cute little gift from our friends this year. It was a bag full of makings for "Magic Snowman Soup". The kids have been dying to make it, so we finally did. Here's the poem:

Christmas is such a special time of year

Love goes out to all - both far and near.

And so we give this yummy treat to you

The fixin's for "Magic Snowman Soup".

First fill a mug - hot water from a pot

Add the cocoa mix - it's sure to hit the spot!

Add a hug and a kiss - it will do the trick,

Then stir it 'till it's smooth with a "Magic" stirring stick.

Now last of all, here's the scoop,

Drop in some little white snowman poop!

Now lift the cup, bring it gently to your lips,

Take it slow - enjoy each and every sip...

This "Magic Soup" we hope you enjoy-

May your Christmas be filled with love and joy!

I thought it was such a cute idea, and the kids cracked up at the snowman poop part! What a perfect treat for a snowy day.

Cookie in a Jar

This year for teacher gifts the kids wanted to pick out what to give. They had a Santa's Secret Shop at our school, where they found their "treasures" for their teachers. The gifts ranged from little jewelry boxes, to dolphin statues, to glass angels. They were so excited. I decided to also give them something they could really use. So, we made cookie mix in a jar. They turned out really cute, and the kids had a great time making them. Hopefully they taste as good as they look!

Christmas Program

Today T's class put on a short Christmas program. They sang some very cute songs. T had a solo part and I was a little bit worried that he wouldn't actually do it. He tends to get shy when he is in the spotlight. But, he did a great job! His teacher said that when they performed for the school he was the only one who she didn't have to tell to slow down or to sing loud. It really was a cute program. I love his teacher this year. She is such an animated teacher and you can tell she really enjoys what she does.

Last week during class, if the kids got their work done they got to help make a quilt to take to a shelter. They all had a lot of fun doing it, and worked so hard that they got it done in one day! She does lots of things like this and really tries to make learning fun for the kids! I know T really loves being in her class.

D's Wedding

The lovely couple!

D and her mommy!

My little monkeys!

I know the wedding was a week and a half ago but I still wanted to post some pictures. I thought the wedding and the reception both turned out very beautiful. D was absolutely gorgeous, and looked so happy. I wish both of them a very happy marriage together, and hope they enjoy it to the fullest. I'm so glad that they made the choice to married for time and all eternity.

Every time I go to a sealing it brings me back to when I was married. I'm not very good with words, but to know that I can be with my sweet husband for eternity brings me so much peace. I'm grateful for the gospel and for the blessings of temple marriage and eternal families.

Why??

I have no idea why this happens in my house all the time. It drives me absolutely crazy. DH even does it. If you use the last of the toilet paper, replace it for heaven's sake. Don't just leave it there for the next unsuspecting customer. Is that such a difficult request?

Dinner at Grandma's

Grandma D called and said that she wanted to have dinner with each of her kids and their families. We got to choose what we wanted her to make. DH chose tuna gravy on toast, which I guess was a family favorite growing up. I was a little scared by it, but it actually turned out very good. A lot better than I had expected. Luckily I have a wonderful cook for a mother-in-law. She's never made anything that I thought was gross. We also had broccoli with cheese, salad, and mashed potatoes. It was a very yummy dinner and even the kids enjoyed it. She had the table decorated so cute, and was very excited to use her new Christmas dishes.

I feel very fortunate to live close to some of our family. It is a nice reassurance to know that there is someone close by you can count on. Grandma D is an amazing woman, and I'm grateful to have her as my mother-in-law. She always has the cutest ideas for the kids, and really enjoys spending time with them. Her house is always decorated so cute too! We love being able to spend time with her.

For dessert I chose peanut butter freeze. It's very yummy and I hadn't had it for a loooong time. DH had never even had it. I think she made it for me one time when I went to visit her in California before she moved to Utah. She made it in a cute Christmas tree shape. So cute and so yummy! And to top it off, it's not that hard to make.

2 c. graham cracker crumbs
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 c. milk
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 c. peanut butter
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. cool whip
3 Tbsp. chocolate syrup

Mix crumbs, sugar, and butter. Pat into 9x13 pan and refrigerate while you beat together ilk, sugar, peanut butter, and cream cheese. Fold in cool whip. Pour over graham cracker crust. Sptinkle top with crumbs. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Freeze overnight or 8 hours. Enjoy!

We had a great night together. She sent us home with caramels, fudge, chex candy mix, and much more. Just what I needed. But, hey I'm going to enjoy this holiday and then I'll worry about how fat I am.

Brothers

I hope these two boys of mine will always be friends. I have so many hopes and dreams for them. They seem to be growing up so fast. Where does the time go?

Neighbor Gifts

This year for our neighbor gifts we gave out a bottle of Sprite and a bag of popcorn with a note attached that said, "Just wanted to "pop" by to say we hope your Christmas is merry and "Sprite"!" The kids had a fun time running up to each door to deliver the treat. I hope that they are learning that giving is more important than receiving.

4H Afterschool Program

Our school has a very fun afterschool program that the kids were in this fall. They loved it. T did choir and gym games, and M also did choir and cheerleading. I was surprised at how much T liked choir. He is usually pretty shy about stuff like that.

At the end of the classes, they had a showcase of what they had learned. This isn't a great picture, but it's of T and M dancing and singing one of the songs they learned. They performed "We're All in this Together" and "Breaking Free" which are both songs in the movie High School Musical. M had a solo part and they both did so well. It was so cute to see them up there performing. M also did a cheer and dance to the Beach Boys.

I was so glad that they had so much fun. They can't wait to see what classes are offered in the next session, and hopefully they will find something that interests them.

Festival of Lights

One of our favorite things to do during the holidays is go see the festival of lights. We went the day after Thanksgiving with Aunt Andrea and listened to Christmas music as we drove around it several times. The kids have fun picking out their favorite ones and we always try to see if we can figure out which display is the new one for the year.

Then, when our cousins came it was a must that we go again. All 12 of us packed into the suburban and drove around. I think everyone had a really good time, and my kids are already asking to go again.

Little Lucy was so cute. She was all bundled up in her carseat when we started and was almost asleep. We were about half way done with our first loop and she finally noticed all the lights. She started oohing and aahing and pointing at all the lights. It was so adorable. Our trip was a success!

New Found Talent

We had so much left over candy from our gingerbread houses, it seemed to linger around forever, and not because the kids weren't eating it. Simply because we had so much. S, J, and Lucy found the M&M bowl and had at it. They were sugar crazed kids for days!

My sweet sister was on the computer and my darling S said, "Look what I can do!", as he picked up M&M's with his toes. She started laughing and then added, "See if you can eat with your toes too!" So, being the obedient child that he is, he sat on the bed and ate right off his toes. I have such a talented son. Then of course others had to try this new found talent, including me. I could do it! I'm so proud. Who knew I would raise such talent in my home!

Gingerbread Houses

The kids were very excited to do gingerbread houses. When we were at Wal-Mart, they each got to pick a bag of candy they wanted to use, and then share it with everyone else. We had a very interesting variety of candy, but they all had a great time. I love watching the kids use their imaginations to create things and to play together. They all did what they wanted, and everything turned out so fun.

MSL and I thought it would be a good idea to go check our blogs while everyone was so happily decorating their houses. They were being so good, so why not, right? When we finally decided it might be a good idea to go check on the darlings, we walked into a bunch of sticky little girls covered in white frosting. But, they were having a great time, and it's not too often that they get to be together.

I think everyone is having such a wonderful time together. They all get along so well, and we hardly have any arguements. Texas is so dang far away and I wish they could play like this all the time. I hope that someday we might get to live close to each other, so that we can make more memories together, and they can always stay close friends!! We LOVE our cousins.

Our Cousins Are Finally Here!!

The long-awaited arrival of our Texas cousins has finally come to pass. After a very long and tiring two day travel, they arrived late last night. Everyone was pretty sleepy but as soon as they were together they were ready to go. The kids kept wanting to call them while they were driving to see where they were. I think we must've called them at least 15 times yesterday. They just couldn't wait. H and M stayed up giggling and talking for hours and hours and then woke up bright and early. I can't believe they aren't exhausted because I know I am.

I kept the kids home from school so they could spend time together. Right now they are having a blast in the snow. I've already got the hot chocolate made so it's ready when they decide it's too freezing. I hope we don't freeze our cousins to death. They aren't used to this 7 degree weather, but for now they are having fun and we have lots more fun planned for the next week!

I won!

I actually won a drawing !! My chiropractor was doing a drawing, and for every appointment you kept in November, your name got entered into a drawing. The prize was these beautiful hand-carved pilgrims, a $40 gift certificate to Ottavio's and a $5 g.c. to Borders Grill. I was soo excited. I don't usually win things. But, I guess when your family has been to the dr. about 30 times in one month, the odds are pretty good. DH and I have only been to Ottavio's once and it was so yummy. I think I'll save them and use them for our anniversary dinner at the end of December. I guess one good thing did come out of all those appointments.

Another Allergy

Poor M has had kind of a tough time these last few days. Because she had that infection in her mouth the dentist put her on an antibiotic. After a huge break out of hives we discovered that she is allergic to amoxicillan. She is also allergic to sulfa. I feel so bad for her. Her rash really bothers her and she is uncomfortable when things rub against her. But, it's getting better.

Yesterday I took her in to the dentist to have a pulpotomy, where they cleaned out her tooth and put in a new filling. They said the filling was pretty deep and they hope it'll stay otherwise the tooth will need to be pulled. She also needs to go see an orthodontist because she has so many gaps where other teeth have been pulled. So much fun for us.

And then today she had to go to the chiropractor. She's getting better, but is still in pain off and on. I counted this morning and I think between everyone in our family we've gone to the chiro. about 30 times this month. Oh, well we're getting better and that's all that matters. Hopefully M won't have much more happen, she needs a break.

Vinegar, Who Knew?

Last week I was doing laundry and when I went to put the clothes in the dryer they were very stinky. So, I washed them again. Didn't do a darn thing. I discovered that I had some very smelly dish rags in there (a little embarassing to say). While I was getting ready to wash them for the third time I was also talking to my very wise sister. She told me to put vinegar in the wash. It worked like a charm!! Now my rags smell fresh and clean!

First Snow

Last night we got snow. Technically it wasn't the first snow, but it's the first time this season that it has actually stuck to the ground. I think when it snows it makes the holiday season feel like it is actually here. It is also very beautiful.

When we woke up this morning everything was covered in white. We got a good 3-4 inches during the night, which means the snow is here to stay. All the housetops and the trees are decorated with a lovely white.

Although the snow makes everything pretty, it also makes a lot of mess. I wasn't quite ready for the wet clothes, freezing toes, hats, gloves, mud, more laundry, shoveling, leaving early, and all the other "fun" things associated with snow. But, it's here, and we may as well enjoy it.

Christmas MeMe, Come Play With Me!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Definitely Both!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored!!
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Sometimes. We don't have any yet this year, but the kids keep asking when we are getting some, so I guess we better!
5. When do you put your decorations up? After Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? I don't know if I have a favorite because I love holiday food so much. But, I really love sweet honey glazed ham. Also, one of our family traditions is to have those little beanie weenie's in a sauce, so YUMMY!!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Loved going to San Francisco with my family every year. We always had so much fun!!
8. How and When did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember really believing in him. We always opened gifts after Christmas Eve dinner and the packages sat there for days ahead of time so we would rummage through the pile whenever the grown-ups weren't looking. So he never made sense but I didn't mind.(This was really my sisters' answer, but it works the same for me!!)
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We always get new pajamas to open and then we wake up in our cute new jammies. Some years I make them, but I didn't this year.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? With a bunch of different ornaments; ones from when I was a child, from DH, things the kids have made. They get a new ornament every year, so those are also on there.
We don't have a "theme" tree, just a tree with lots of memories and love!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Depends. Love it for those first couple of days. It can be very messy, gets everything and everyone cold and wet. But, the kids love it!
12. Can you ice skate? Yes.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Christmas 1996, my present actually came 2 days later, but I was sealed to my sweet husband for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple!!
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and spending time with the people I love. (Another ditto from my sis!)
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Homemade carmels!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I have a few: We always have a big Christmas Eve dinner with DH's side of the family, and we exchange famiy gifts that night. We also get our new p.j.'s! We make tons of homemade candy every year, and everyone loves helping and eating!
17. What tops your tree? A silver star.
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Both.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love all Christmas music! I really love "Christmas Shoes"

Okay, now it's your turn if you read this please take a moment and share some holiday thoughts and leave me a link so I can read yours.

Gratitude Day ~ Take 11

It's been a while since I've posted a gratitude day, not because I don't have anything to be grateful for, but simply because I've been trying to recover while also trying to make sure my kids are well taken care.

With Thanksgiving just yesterday, I've thought a lot about the things that I'm grateful for. I feel so blessed to live in this land where we are free to choose for ourseleves. There are so many men and women out there fighting for our freedom and I'm thankful for them everyday.

I'm grateful for the restored gospel, and that Joseph Smith followed the promptings of the spirit so that we could have the plan of salvation and work toward celestial glory.

I'm thankful for my family near and far. It was so fun to spend yesterday with DH's family. We always have such a great time together. Everyone was here except for his youngest sister. We had 9 adults, and 13 kids! Very busy, but very fun! It was a blast. Andrea also came and we are always so glad to have her here. D and G came over about 10:30 last night because D really wanted to have apple pie, and they didn't have any where they had dinner, so she said she really needed some. I'm thankful that people feel welcomed in my home.

I'm thankful for:
~family
~food
~prayer
~the innocence of children
~laughter
~games
~huckleberry pie
~friendship
~temples
~an empty laundry basket
~family movie night
~dates
~scriptures
~Gordon B. Hinkley
~DH, T, M, S, J
~modern medicine
~the gospel
~warm sheets
~a hand to hold

The joy of enjoying

And the fullness of living

Are found in the heart

That is filled with thanksgiving.

-Helen Steiner Rice

My Dad

Yesterday was my dad's birthday. I wish I could've been there to celebrate with him. My dad is so awesome. I could never have asked for a better dad. He's always been there for all of us and has always set such a good example to me. He's an amazing father, friend, teacher, leader, priesthood holder, listener, & the list could go on and on. I feel so blessed to have been sent to a family with such loving parents. I really miss living close to him and get so excited when we get to see each other. This primary song fits perfectly for me even though I'm not a child anymore, I still get so excited to see him!

I'm so glad when daddy comes home,

glad as I can be.

Clap my hands and shout for joy,

then climb up on his knee.

Put my arms around his neck.

Hug him tight like this.

Pat his cheeks and give him what?

A great big kiss!!

Happy Birthday Pops!!