Ginger Bread Houses

We had fun decoration gingerbread houses as a family and eating
the candy off of them for the next week until I finally through them out.

It was fun watching Ayla eat gumball after gumball
(she would chew it up and then say,"This is yucky, can I throw it away? can I?"
and then she would eat another and repeat the process.
All the kids were worrying
about Buoy getting into the candy. Luckily he never did.

Brent's Birthday

B turned the big 32 on December 28th.
It was Sunday so really not much we could do but we had pie and enjoyed the day together. We went to dinner the night before and to Benjamin Button with the Asays. Tuesday we went swimming with the kids at the Y and then went to Texas Roadhouse where they sang to him and made him sit on a saddle. I missed the picture but it was funny.

Thanks for being older than me so that it makes it easier for me to get older. It sort of breaks in the number. I love you Brent! Happy Birthday.

Christmas

Christmas was better than even I anticipated. We stayed home this year and Brent and I were both very pleased with the outcome. My Dad, Jeannie, Jessica and Ember came down from Denver to spend Christmas Eve and Morning with us. We had stew, cheesecake, opened the kids books(which Dad read to them), read the Christmas Story, and then played games while the kids slept.

Christmas morning started at about 7. The kids were so excited about all the presents under the tree. We had so many because all the relative presents we usually open at all the various parties were still unopened, under the tree as well. Sienna's response to, "Did you have a good Christmas?", is "Yes, the whole parlor was filled with presents!". Which of course is an exaggeration but, I am glad she has good memories of it. We opened presents ate a yummy breakfast and then the fam had to go to catch a call from Scott.

We loved having family to share Christmas with and it made it really special to us, especially me. I think the last Christmas morning I have had with my dad was back when I was a junior in high school. Before that I was probably a baby. It really meant a lot to see him so willing and excited to be with the kids and they really love having him nearby. Brent asked Ayla if he could help her down off the counter and she replied, "No, I want THAT guy!", as she pointed to my dad. Dad is now known as "That guy" and he spent the evening fetching all of Ayla's various animals and tucking her into bed.

Christmas Night we had the Egberts over and we had a delicious turkey dinner. Michelle brought a lot of good food and we were stuffed by the end of the day. It really was a great way to end the day and I am so glad to have family close to us so that days like this we can really relish in each other and what is important, which is family.

We had the best trip in December. We went to Durango, Colorado to ride the Polar Express to "The North Pole". We went with the Elmores and the Nalders. We couldn't have asked for a better time.

We went out to eat at a restaraunt called SteamWorks the first night and Brent ordered a big cajun dinner that they brought out and poured right on the butcher paper. It was a fun, different place, although eating out with the kids is always an adventure.

The next day we went looking through the town and wandered through the fun shops. Then that night we went for a ride on the Steam Engine. The kids wore their pajamas and as we set off they read the Polar Express, served cookies and hot chocolate. We arrived at the North Pole to see elves and Santa waving at us. Then Santa and and his elves came aboard and gave each of the kids the first gift of Christmas which was a silver bell. On the way back we say Christmas Carols and I don't think the kids stopped smiling.

We played Ticket to Ride that night and ordered pizza. It was so great to have great friends there and it made it so much fun for us and the kids.

The next day we drove home in an absolute blizzard. We could not see more than 15 yards ahead of us but luckily we were following a snow plow. We made it home safely with good memories intact. I hope the kids will never forget it.

Purple Belt

Hunter finished testing for his purple belt December 11th and was then presented with it. He loves karate and is glad to have made this advancement. Instructor Doug made a pretty big deal out of it and really made Hunter feel what an accomplishment it was.

Thanksgiving in Utah

We went home to Utah for Thanksgiving for the first time in 8 years. It was so nice to drive without the worry of the weather and to be there for a quick, fun trip.

We got to eat twice. Yummm. We ate at Brent's family's with everyone except for his sis Alison and her family. We had a great time in their new kitchen great room and it made for an interesting Thanksgiving since they didn't have a dishwasher yet!

Then we went to my Dad's new house up above Huntsville. He doesn't live there yet(he is in Denver for at least another year or two until he can retire)so there wasn't a whole of furniture which made it nice for all the kids to be able to run around. It was the first Thanksgiving I can remember with my Dad except for last year when they all came to our house. It was nice to not have to host(though we really enjoy that too). There is something wonderful and spiritual about getting everyone together. I realize how much I love and miss my family and what an important role they play in my life, even if I don't see them as often as I would like to.

I am not sure why I didn't take any pictures at my Dad's. I was to busy talking I guess.

More of our funny one

Here is an old video of Ayla dancing while "oloring" I say old but it was March 21st. She was just barely two.

Lions, Lions, and Lions, Oh MY!

Ayla has had very vivid imagination lately. She tries to convince Brent and I that her bed is too hard, too small, too scary, that lions are eating her or her friends. About a month ago she was constantly talking about lions. Lions were getting her, they were scary sometimes and nice others. Sometimes they were her friends and at other times they were hiding in her closet. I am not sure where the lion fascination started but it seems to be over now. I caught the last bit of it on film one morning the first part that I didn't get went on for about 10 minutes and it was hilarious.

She says the funniest things. The other night I went and laid by her after she had been asleep and she woke up and said, "Mom, you did wake up my guys." I said, "I did?" "Yeah, you did wake up my guys, my friends." She was of course talking about her "mation dog", her tiny dog, and her baby.

Another time one of us called her a baby and she said, Me not a baby, me a oddler. She drops the first consanant of most words. When she want to go to the Y she will ask,"mom, are we going to my wass?"

She was constantly saying, "me farted." so I taught her to say excuse me instead. Well now she says, "excuse me." silence. "Moooom, EXCUUSE MEEE!" with a huge smile on her face.

She is my best minder and will often say, "Yes, Momther." when I ask her to do something. And then she stands there and waits for the praise to come.

I love this girl and her sense of humor. She is one of the funniest people I know.

New posts coming soon.

Brent said to let you all know that I will be back to posting after we finish all the seasons of 24. We are watching season 2 this week. He keeps asking me when I am going to blog and I told him he could do it but he thinks it is too gay...unless it is about hunting of course. So he thinks I should let those that have been awaiting a new post(Amber) know that I will be back when we are caught up to Season 7. It is pretty sad that I am addicted to 24 for it is pretty violent but it is so nice to watch it off the disk and not have to wait a week. Brent and I have been watching a couple episodes a night once the kids are in bed soooo.... no blogging. and before that it was December.

So I really won't make you wait until I am done with the show. I am so far behind now that it makes me put it off even more which is a bad thing. erghh. procrastination.

So here is going to be the feast after the famine.

A day Outside

Saturday was fabulous. I woke up early to go hiking with some friends. We went to the trail that is right by my house and it was beautiful. I love getting up being outside and feeling the fresh air and getting my body moving. It was such a treat. I love Autumn.

Later we went to the Air Force/BYU game and it was again so nice to be outside. I was worried how Elsie would do in the cold but it was a perfect game day. The seats the lady in our ward got our group were great. We were in the sun so we were actually taking layers off. Elsie slept most of the game and was as easy as can be. BYU won and it made for a good game since everyone we were sitting with was cheering for them.

The Big Five

Sienna turned Five on the 14th.

She celebrated by going to Build a Bear Workshop
with the money she received from Grandparents
and chose a cuddly bear she named Hallie
(She names everything rhyming names
such as Hallie, Sally, Kallie).
She insisted on getting it the wedding dress.
Brent and I showed her several other cute options
but she knew what she wanted and insisted on it.

That night we went to Chuck E. Cheese with the Elmores.
She played, opened presents and had cake.

When I asked her if she would be okay with going there
with the Elmores instead of
having a big party with lots of friends
she said, "Oh, that would be just perfect!"
So I didn't feel as guilty for not throwing a big party.

We did decorate the night before so that she would wake up surprised.
She loved ti and they had fun watching Buoy chase the balloons.
We had roll pancakes(crepes), which are her favorite, for breakfast.
She wanted turkey and avocado for lunch
but we were out of avocado so she had a turkey and cheese melt.


It was a great day for all of us and I can not believe that 5 years ago I was on bed rest
going crazy with the decision of what to name her.
Finally I told Brent we had to choose a name because I felt like
she wasn't going to come until we had chosen something, anything.
Brent then out of the blue suggested Sienna.
I thought about it for a second and said sure, whatever.
It was kind of like the 2 names I had wanted, Makenna and Savannah but different.
I then went to bed decision made.
I woke up at 1 o'clock thinking my water had broken and having contractions.
We got ready and went to the hospital arriving at about 4.
She was born that morning with bright red hair, which was unexpected,
but fit her name perfectly.

Five things I love about Sienna:
1. Her kissable cheeks and that she lets me kiss them and cuddle with her.

2. She is very loving.
She loves her family more than anything and is so
helpful and protective of kids younger than her.
She will be a great Mother some day.

3. She is so easy to please. She is happy and appreciative.

4. She has a great imagination.
She loves to play with friends and play make believe.

5. She is spunky.
She makes me laugh one moment
and the next I want to well... you know.
She knows who she is and she doesn't let anyone stop her.

Anticipation, Excitement , Adrenaline

Amy and I drove to Denver yesterday to the beautiful Park Meadows mall

and had 7 hours to ourselves.
It was a much needed trip all around.
A little retail therapy goes a LONG way
and to top it all off we got to see the stars from TWILIGHT
which was the real reason we went:)

We found out once we were there that the wristbands(you had to buy a t-shirt)
started selling at 7a.m. and that people were waiting since 10 the night before.
Only the 1st 750 people got a wristband guaranteeing them a chance to get
a signed poster from the 3 members of the cast.
We still had fun being part of the crazy teenage crowd
peering into Hot Topic trying to get a glimpse of them.
After the signing there was a Q&A on stage and it was crazy.

Victoria, Laurent, Jacob

Screaming girls, on each others shoulders, before anyone even came out.
It was fun to be young again and get that rush you feel when you
are really excited, so excited you are almost giddy.
It is not often that I get to have the chance
to get that feeling anymore
( I get other warm fuzzy feelings that come from being a mother).

Do you know that feeling?
Nervous, excited, happy,
a part of something totally silly
and yet important to you just because you want it to be?

We only hung around for about 5 minutes
and then continued on with the search for the impossible.
Oddly and surprisingly we both found some great stuff.
We left feeling refreshed and accomplished in our mission.

Oh and Elsie is seriously the best angel baby and a joy to take anywhere.

The mind of an Eight Year Old BOY

While Hunter was in his room supposedly cleaning he was really drawing this:

He has thought of nothing but his rocket for about a month and since he
finally got all the parts to launch it I am sure he is now dreaming of it as well.

If you look closely at the picture you can see where the arrows lead to an
explanation of what the actual mechanism does.
Brent and I got a great laugh at how detailed and accurate his drawing is.
T- 30 seconds to launch!

TAG, About my Hubby.

1) Where did you meet? At my apartment at Utah State. His room mate took him there to meet me, although I didn't know it.
2) How long did you date before you got married? 10 months
3) How long have you been married? 9 years
4) What is your favorite feature of his? His smile
5) What is your favorite quality of his?He is usually happy... and whistling.
6) Does he have a nickname for you? No, I have several for him though.
7) What is his favorite food? Mexican, Peanut Butter Perfection Ice cream
8) What is his favorite sport? Hmmm. tough one. Hunting?
9) When and where was your first kiss? At his apartment.
10) What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Watch reality TV
11) Do you have any children? 4 great ones
12) Does he have a hidden talent? hmmm. tough one. Hunting?
13) How old is he? 31
14) Who said "I love you" first? He did.
15) What is his favorite type of music? He rotates from country to modern.
16) What do you admire the most about him? His ability to make a decision and stick with it. Oh and that may have something to do with his self confidence.
17) Do you think he will read this? Yes, he always checks my blog.

8 Things

So thanks to Shanda I am doing this tag. I never do tags. I am lazy I suppose. Here goes nothing...

8 Favorite TV Shows
1. Survivor
2. The Amazing Race
3. So You Think you can Dance
4. American Idol
5. The Biggest Loser( Are you catching on yet?)
6. Grey's Anatomy(not so much now that is is getting even trashier)
7. House(ditto)
8. Life

8 Things I did yesterday
1. ate birthday cake
2. opened a birthday present
3. got lots of happy birthday calls
4. opened home made cards from the cutest kids
5. slept in
6. took a nap
7. relaxed
8. went to bed early

8 Things I look forward to
1. A clean house(hmmm when will that be?)
2. No school tomorrow
3. Thanksgiving at my Dads new house in beautiful Huntsville
4. Black Friday in Utah with sisters
5. December(snow, skiing, hot chocolate, lights, excitement)
6. Taking my kids to Durang to ride the Polar Express
7. Christmas at home
8. Meeting someone I love's baby!

8 Favorite Restaraunts
1. Zio's
2. Panera
3. Good Times
4. Chipotle
5. Zio's
6. Zio's
7. The Melting Pot
8. Cold Stone Creamery(That counts right?)

8 Things on my Wish list
1. A medium format camera, probably the Canon D40 with lots of fun macro and telophoto lenses.
2. Photography and Photoshop classes
3. A treadmill
4. Boots
5. Clothes that are flattering or maybe a personal trainer
6. A maid
7. A cook(so that Brent can have the night off)
8. A bigger garage(doesn't seem like it is going to happen does it?)

8 People I tag
1. Krystal
2. Britain
3. Amy
4. Amber
5. Katie
6. Jen
7. Michelle
8. Melanie

The World's Dummest Criminals

So Sienna has been fibbing lately and I must say she has gotten quite good at it.

Her Preschool teacher even brought it up in PTC.
I have had several talks with her about it but it hasn't seemed to help.
Maybe it is a stage that she will outgrow,
or maybe she will be a chronic lier the rest of her life.
I'll pray for the first.

Here is her latest.

Laurie: Who ever colored on the filing cabinet needs to come clean it off.
Sienna: It wasn't me, Mom!




Let's just say this time I had not doubt about her truth telling.
Notice her name also written in the upper right hand corner!
It is hard not to laugh at this one.

Then comes the comic relief of our family...

Ayla: It was Avery!
Poor Avery gets blamed for everything and has become the family scapegoat.

Along with Hunter turning eight came Scouting.

Hunter LOVES it and is so into his uniform and keeping it looking nice.


He can't wait for Wednesday nights.

I can't say I love his uniform as much because it reminds me of all the patches I need to sew on.
I found this awesome glue, however, called no sew that is for fabric, I hope it works.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I had a great weekend.
Friday we went shopping like I mentioned
and then we went to dinner that night with the Elmores.
We went to Musashi's a Japanese restaraunt
where they cook your food for you at your table.
Our babies slept the whole time in their little corner
while we enjoyed our meal and our company.

The boys wouldn't cooperate for a picture but here they are regardless.

Saturday I went shopping by myself(and Elsie)to Target.
It was so nice to not have a time limit and to just wander.
I got all of Sienna's Birthday shopping done and a bunch of Christmas.
I love that store.

Then Dad, Jeannie, and Ember came down from Denver.
They took us to Saltgrass for dinner which was delicous.
Then Ember watched the kids while us adults went to
adult session of Stake Conference.

Thanks DAD for dinner and Ember for watching the kiddies.
Jeannie always brings cute little things for the kids which
included cheese and cracker sticks.
They have loved them all weekend long.

Well my actual birthday was well...restful.
What can I say it was a Sunday and I wasn't feeling super well.
Maybe all that restaurant food caught up with me, who knows.
We had a good day doing a whole lot of nothing.
The kids each made me a card
and Brent made me a yummy eclair cake.
Elmore's came over and enjoyed it with us
and Amy gave me the funnest slippers and lounge pants.
That girl sure knows me!
I am so grateful for friends and family.
Without them it would have been just another Sunday!

Oh and look and my hubby gave me!

A new kitchen sink.
I am so excited to have a faucet that works and that has a sprayer that works
And I love my new black sink that doesn't show all the scratches and stains!
Thanks Brentley!

Shopping...

So I love to shop. Mostly I shop for the kids(things always fit and I can buy them things without trying them on) or for stuff for the house, but sometimes I feel the need to have SOMETHING new for me. Unfortunately Brent hates or should I say DETESTS shopping and I am not someone that goes by myself. I just don't like to go myself. I like others opinions to much, and yet Brent never seems to agree with me so I don't know why I want his reassurance anyway.

Well today I convinced him to go with me to Denver to the Park Meadows mall, which is absolutely wonderful. We have lived here for 2 and half years and this is the first time I have been able to coerce him into going with me. Granted he pulled his fits out whenever I looked at a store that would involve looking through racks or trying anything on because this trip was meant to "find some clothes for the kids". He says I have ulterior motives and that I trick him into going with me so that I can shop for myself but really, who can just walk past a store they love that has a big SALE sign in the window?

So after a day in Denver and having a productive shopping trip for the kids and even finding Brent a hat he has needed forever, I came home wising I could have looked in the stores that I don't get to go to here in the springs. Stores like Nordstrom, The Container Store, The Great Outdoors, Restoration Hardware(we did go in to look at cupboard hardware but it was just inside the door so I could only look at what I could see out of the corner of my eye.

So I came home to shop on the internet. It is my way of shopping and I spend a lot less money. I have been looking for a good pair of boots for at least 2 years now but can never commit to a pair for the price the stores ask.... but look at these babies...


I love them.

I have more shopping to do but again, Brent is pestering me.

Music Help

So I have had an iTunes gift card since Mothers Day and I still have not used it. I just don't know what songs I want so I haven't used it. Does anyone out there have some advice on songs. Good running workout songs or just music that you cant imagine not having on your ipod? I listen to XM stations in the car and so I feel like I get to hear all the hit songs a lot so I hate to pay money for them when it seems they are a little overplayed if you know what I mean.

Soo0o... what is YOUR favorite?

Trunk or Treat & Halloween

Our ward Trunk or Treat was a big hit this year. The kids got all decked out in their costumes and Hunter's friend, Wade, came making the evening even better. We never did find out who won the decorating contest, but I had no hopes of it being us anyway. There were some really fun cars including a truck with a white picket fence and the inside was made into a cemetery with a sign and a fog machine and all. Hunter had so much fun helping me decorate the car that I am sure we will be doing it every year now.


Ninja and Dr. 12 Eye

Rapunzel

Butterfly: As she closes her bag to the offered candy bar, "No! I want a sucker!"

Carrying all of the bags for her siblings.


Who can say no to that look? Daddy can't!

Sadly, Elsie did not dress up. I found a really cute flower costume but never went back to the store to get it. It is hard to spend money on a costume for someone so small for one night, especially when they don't know the difference. She loved being bundled up on the warm Halloween night as she was pushed around in the stroller. She never made a peep.

Canning Pictures

Canning Pictures