Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a fabulous New Years!!! Last night we had friends over & played games...their kids played with the boys. It may sound like a boring way to bring in the New Year but we haven't played games forever & we used to love hanging out with friends & having competitions...I know we sound silly:) Our favorite competitions that we used to have was couple basketball. Each couple would compete with eachother (can't you tell I miss certain things) and the winner would play the next couple. Chris & I made a pretty good team.

Chris & I planned to stay up late after everyone left & get our resolutions down but we were too pooped so we are still working on them. For me my New Years diet doesn't start until after tomorrow because it's my Birthday (I'm getting so old) & who wants to eat healthy on their birthday.

I'm so grateful for all of our blessings and although this year wasn't a piece of cake I like where our family is at in our life & I'm excited to build from there this new year.

I'm really excited to get girl time this afternoon with friends at lunch & a movie...a good way to rejuvenate with all the things I hope to accomplish this year.

I hope everyone has a wonderful year!!!!

Christmas Festivities

What a fun filled week....but oh so busy. Hopefully I can remember all of our events. I'm glad I have a second to post a little bit about our week. Chris has taken these two weeks off so we've had lots of family time.

This week has been FULL of lots of snow. I'll have to do another post of pictures of just all the snow at our home. The night before Christmas Eve I told Chris that I'd like to spend the night at my parents so we don't have to drive that morning. Yes, on a good day we are only 45 minutes from my parents but I really didn't want to make the drive on Christmas morning. Chris gets hotel points when he travels & he'll be switching hotels he stays at & had a few random points he'd be losing so he called the hotel & told them he didn't have enough points but was wondering if they'd comp the rest since they are empty over Christmas. After several phone calls back & forth they called back & said not only would they comp us the points but they'd give us the suite. So Christmas Eve we went swimming at the hotel for a couple of hours as we waited for family to get into town. The boys still wanted to keep swimming so we filled up the hot tub in our room & put Landon in his floaty & Jaden swam around as we got ready to go to the family party at my Grandma Hendricks home. We had a delicious dinner with great company:) & then the little kids did the nativity. All my pages are lacking in pictures because I videotaped everything & struggled to keep up on both. I was a little disappointed when I saw how few of pictures I had. Jaden & Landon were wisemen & I was an angel (still playing the same part that I've played since I was a little girl). The kids also got their Christmas PJ's & we've struggled ever since to get Jaden to take his off. He wanted to wear them to church today. I told my mom that she better not get Jaden fun PJ's anymore...just some plain boring ones:)

I must say I was grateful we didn't go home Christmas eve night because it snowed & snowed & snowed & we wouldn't have made it back. As a matter of fact my brother Jeff got trapped at his girlfriends family's home in Blackfoot & finally got plowed out the day after Christmas. That's not fun when you planned to stay for only a couple of hours on Christmas Eve & they had so much family that there wasn't a bed for him to sleep in. Ok...on to our Christmas. That morning we went to my parents house so that the kids could open their presents with their cousins. Jaden was in Heaven; especially since he's been eyeing these presents for the whole month. The biggest present we got for Jaden was a motorized jeep & he wasn't that excited. We have that on video tape & don't have a picture. His favorite part of it is fixing it with the tool set we got him for Christmas. I think he'll find a lot more enjoyment when he can drive it outside. We had a yummy lunch with my dads prime rib & lots of other great foods. Jaden & Wyatt played & played & played & they are finally best friends & didn't fight a bit. They shared their toys & had so much fun. Landon just took it all in but he had fun notheless.

Friday we also did a bunch of family things & were going to play in all the snow but ran out of time. The girls did dinner without kids & we included my grandma Hendricks. I love my grandma so much & am amazed at her strength & happiness after losing a spouse in August & having knee surgery at the beginning of December.

Yesterday the guys went ice fishing. My dad bought all the grandkids ice fishing poles for Christmas. It was freezing outside but Chris said Jaden didn't seem to notice & enjoyed throwing snow in everyones hole. Sorry those of you who were the recipients of my sons snow! They also had a snow hill at the pond & him & Wyatt enjoyed that too...this is according to Chris. They didn't catch anything (thankfully they never do) but they also didn't stay long because of the blowing snow. We headed home early for fear of getting snowed at my parents home. We had promised Jaden games in Rexburg so we compromised & took him in Idaho Falls. We went to Leo's Place & it cheered him up that we cut the day short with Wyatt.

An Alarming Sunday

Today in Sacrament meeting Jaden needed to go potty. This happens about every Sunday so Chris took him out. They were taking a while & I really want Jaden to sit in Sacrament meeting even if he doesn't like it so I went out to find them. Jaden was playing with a couple of little boys & I told him it was time to come back in....thank goodness I did.

About 5 minutes later something happened that I've never seen before. Suddenly there was a LOUD noise & blinking lights. I then realize that it's the fire alarm. Everyone starts looking around & doesn't know what to do. We were in the middle of singing the closing song so they keep leading & playing the music but it was so loud and we couldn't hear anything. After a couple of minutes the bishop gets up & starts to talk but we can't hear what he's saying but I notice a few people start leaving the chapel so we follow their lead. In the hall we find out it was Jaden's little friend he was playing with 5 minutes earlier & I know Jaden would have helped commit the deed if he were still out in the hall. It took a good 10 minutes for the alarm to get turned off...I think the police had to come & do it.

Needless to say it definatly made for an interesting Sunday.

On Friday we went to our ward Christmas party & it was great! They go all out...dinner was catered & so delicious. They even had professional pictures being taken with Santa; I don't have mine yet. Jaden had so much fun seeing all his little friends & of course Santa & he got a really great goodie bag from Santa too. Landon played with one of the little girls in my class that absolutely adores him. Isabella (Britt, she's a triplet of your teacher from grade school Mrs. Patterson) hung out with me the whole time & would have me come & show her mom how Jaden snuggles with her. It was really cute.

Thanksgiving Happenings!

This has been a busy but wonderful week. Originally we were going to head to Utah for Thanksgiving but ended up going to my parents. Next year I think we'll host Chris's family and see if that simplifies everything PLUS I enjoy cooking (most the time.)

At my parents house we included both sides of the family so we had a pretty good turnout. I made homemade stuffing & it was sooooo good. From scratch is definately the way to go for Thanksgiving. I made hats for the little kids but not everyone wore them.....my boys had no choice. Jaden was a pilgrim & Landon was an indian. I realized that I didn't do very good on taking pictures so I don't have a lot to show from the day but we all had fun visiting & of course eating. My grandma made the most fabulous yams...I didn't even know I liked yams.

That night a few of us came back to our house to spend the night so that we could hit the sales early. So 4 am the next morning me, Jenna, my mom, & Melanie (Jeff's girlfriend) headed to Walmart. I didn't realize the 24 hour walmarts are open all night so when we got there I panicked when there was no line & ditched the girls because I had my eye on the motorized Jeeps. There were only 6 boy jeeps & at the end had to fight for mine but I got it. Wahooo!!! I have to say this was the craziest year I've ever shopped & I honestly was stuck in the store & wasn't able to hook up with anyone else for quiet a while. After walmart was toy r' us, office depot, & fred meyer. After that a nap would have been nice but my cousin got married so we went to all the wedding festivities. I snuck a nap in between everything.

Saturday was TWILIGHT. I think they did a great job. I never got totally into the books but did enjoy them. It resparked my interest though & I think that I need to read the 4th book.

So this week was seriously a blur because there was so much going on so I'm sure I missed something.

A funny story...I darkened my hair & today at church my friend Hillary came & told me she'd went into my class & they were all talking about my hair & wondered how I had did it. They all came to the conclusion that I must have used a marker. So cute; I hope they don't go home & use markers on their hair. I might have some angry parents.

Reflecting

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to reflect on all that we are grateful for & to spend time with those that we love. As I was thinking about our past Thanksgivings I remember Jaden's first one. I think that it was my favorite in my married life for several reasons. First, I had my first child & second, it's the first & only Thanksgiving I've ever hosted. After I had a little one I felt like a little family & I wanted to make sure Jaden's first Thanksgiving was a special one. Traditionaly we've spent Thanksgiving with Chris's family and we've eaten at a Restaurant....it definately makes the day less stressful & lets me prep for the Sales.

On J's first Thanksgiving I really wanted to host. I wanted to make a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pies, all of it. So we invited all of his family to come to our home. This was also our first year in our old house which made me even more excited.

On Thanksgiving day his brother & family ended up staying in Seattle but we still had a special day with yummy food (we smoked a turkey, try it, it is the best). That morning Jaden's little girlfriend Emma (pictured at top) came over with her mom, dad, & grandpa from Japan. I really enjoyed meeting June's (my friends) Dad. He was so in awe of everything & it made me appreciate it all the more. They didn't join of for dinner but spent some time visiting. Notice Emma's cute little poncho...they really got into the spirit.

We had another couple over, Chris sister Tara & her son Anthony & Chris' mom so it was small compared to what I grew up with but very fun. Outside had a fresh layer of snow & it was beautiful to see. I gave Jaden just a little bit of mashed potatoes because he was so young & it gave him a tummy ache. We had pushed his high chair next to the table so that he got to take it all in.

At 5am I hit the stores the next day & met up with June. Her dad had decided he really wanted to check out how crazy us American's are so he shopped with us too. It was so fun to watch him take it all in. He had a blast & even did some of his own shopping.

Last Thanksgiving was special too. I'm grateful that after years of not going to Thanksgiving on my side of the family that this year we did. This was my grandpas last Thanksgiving with us. There were 99 (I think this # is right) that gathered in my grandparents home. All 99 of us were either children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren of them plus spouses. This is how large their family is & how close they are. All their children were there & I think only a couple of grandchildren were missing. The Hendricks Family is soooo fun & we spent the rest of the afternoon laughing & sharing stories & it was wonderful.

Just today I'm thankful for the following:
-A baby that slept until 5 am (6 am if you don't consider the time change.)
-That we get to vote & that we live in free country.
-That Jaden is perfect with directions & told me exactly how to get to Walmart today. This gives me comfort that if anyone ever took him & they didn't get too far that'd he find his way home.
-That my husband provides for our family & scored a BIG one today.
-That I didn't wonder how I was going to pay for our groceries & that I even could afford to Jaden a special surprise.
-That I have a mamma van that gets me where I need to go & that I don't worry about getting stranded (I did almost lose my keys at the store though...that could have made for a bad day.)
-I'm going to turn this negative into a positive=Chris is working out of town these next two weeks & when he's gone I have more time. I have a few extra things these two weeks so i'm grateful for extra time.
-When we arrive home I was welcomed to a very toasty home. It's freezing outside so this is a wonderful thing.
-For all of our friends & family. This time of year is so wonderful to get together & share traditions.

I'm sure as Thanksgiving approaches I'll continue to reflect on all that I'm grateful for. Maybe late tonight if I like what the news tells me:)

P.S....if you are wonderfing why the pictures are kind of funny & not clear. I haven't found the CD to our scanner since we've moved & I didn't keep the electronic file so these are a picture of a picture. I'm grateful I found a way to improvise.

pumpkin & lego

We had such a fun evening celebrating Halloween. Landon was so cute as a Pumpkin. Poor little guys costume was a hand-me-down from Jaden. I loved his little dimples & even captured some of his new teeth. He was so good & kicked his legs the whole time while we pushed him around in his stroller. We went to Snake River Landing around 4pm & then went around our neighborhood. Can I just say I LOVE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. We are still getting to know people & it's huge but the perfect place for Trick or Treating.

Jaden got MANY comments about his costume & by the end of the night he told EVERYONE that he made it. I guess he helped. Some of the homes in our neighborhood went all out & he was excited to see what each one had. He scored at one home when they gave him TWO big candy bars. On our way home he ran into one of his best little buddies Jordan & they were so excited to show each other their loot. Kids are so cute!!! Both boys were ready to go to bed...it was an adventerous night.

Our craziness

I feel like our life is going so fast & I try to figure out why we are so busy but haven't put my finger on it just yet. I finally get a moment to post because Chris & Jaden are taking my brother to Burley to meet his wife...yay. Not yay that he's leaving us, yay that I have a small break (wait, I still have Landon & he just happens to be crying.)

First I should mention after months & months of waiting that Landon finally has not just a tooth but 3 teeth. I tried really hard to capture them on camera but for some reason any time your figures go near their mouths they think they're supposed to chew on them. AND the crawing is soooooo close. He goes in full circles but hates his tummy & I think that is what is holding him back. I'm thinking I should be enjoying this because I don't have any baby gates up yet & I have two full sets of stairs to monitor. It will be a challenge.




If you remember I posted curtains I made a couple of months ago. Well I didn't really like them & they've been bothering me. I think that I was just excited that I actually was able to sew them. I did another take & I think they look much better...the picture not so much. Too much light from the windows. I have been on this HUGE kick lately of trying to reuse, not be wasteful, thrifty, ect. So don't worry about the wasted fabric...I have some ideas. My minds just ticking away.

And speaking of my mind. I really have worried about continuing to use my mind. I don't want to lose skills that I worked so hard to get. For a good number of years I worked really hard at my career (60+ hours a week, pre-kids) & I want to make sure my minds keeps thinking (besides sewing projects & what to make for dinner). I decided to take a tax class & then do taxes one or two nights a week during the tax season. If anyone wants me to do their tax return for $20 let me know. I can do 5 for this price but have to know RIGHT NOW!!!

AND we've finally narrowed down Jaden's Halloween costume. That boy likes something one minute & not the next so it wasn't an easy task. He's going to be a lego. I'm still making the costume but so far so CUTE. I was going to different websites to see what Jaden liked & finally I went to one that had homemade ideas & the lego is the only one that he liked. This was after we had bought him items to be MAX from Max & Ruby. He loved them for like a week & now has zero interest. Anyone want some overalls.

And last of all...we were just "Boo-ed" twice within 5 minutes of each other so I didn't have time to put our sign out. The odd thing was that the second one had nothing on the plate. I did takes a few minutes to get to the door so I'm not sure if a cat or dog ate them but I was looking around to see if someone was playing a joke. NOW I have to BOO 6 houses.

a family style weekend...

Conference was fabulous & it's nice to just slow down & reflect & not run in a million directions on a Saturday.

Listening to the speakers can be difficult with two little ones but just having it on in our home brings a more reverent spirit.

I worked with Jaden on who the Prophet was. He kept insisting that President Monson was School...I was kind of confused. I didn't let him get off my lap until he understood that he was the Prophet, or no longer thought he was school?. I told him that it is who he prays for everyone night. I hope these moments make a small impact on a young mind.

We did take a moment between the Saturday Sessions to go to a pumpkin patch to let Jaden pick out a pumpkin. He started out with some really large pumpkins & settled on a really small one when he realized how heavy they were. We do think he is too young to carve it this year so we plan to just display it on a bench in our front yard. Jaden has other plans & partially buried it in the backyard. We'll see if it ends up in front.



FUNNY MOMENT!!! Yesterday morning I woke up because my yard is ugly & driving me crazy. I needed a moment without kids to dig in the dirt & get something done before conference. I was working in the backyard (chris was at the gym with the kids) & I hear a boy crying really loud. I at first assume that it's a neighbor boy so I ignore it for a while. After awhile I figure I better see what's going on so I go to the front yard to find a little boy from a couple streets over stalled in his motorized car. It was raining slightly and he was very unhappy. All he could do was cry for his dad & wasn't able to tell me where he lived. I asked him if I could push him home. Keep in mind I'm covered in mud. He doesn't say a word the whole time & I only know we're at his house because he pushed on the breaks so that I couldn't push him anymore. I was quite the sight!!!