Our Thanksgiving

There is so much I am thankful for this year. But, most of all, I'm thankful for a wonderful family. My little family, and everyone else. The holidays are so wonderful, because we get to spend a lot of time with Jake's side of the family. Even though we live close to each other, and see one another often, it's nothing like celebrating a holiday to bring everyone together. We had such a great time this year. It's getting crazier all the time, but, the older kids play together, and love each other so much. And, the 2 little boys are a hoot to watch, and chase around the house.

Of course, it started out bright and early Thankgiving morning with Jake's Turkey Bowl. I was wondering if he would cancel it because of the snow, but, those guys are die-hards. He puts so much time into organizing these sporting events that will be fun for everyone. I think it was well accomplished this year, as it is every year.

Girlies playing Pollies. We didn't see much of the girls the whole day. They were just doing their own thing, enjoying Grandma's toys and dolls.

Tristan was into everything, as usual, and kept me on my toes making sure he didn't cause a huge uproar.

Early morning football, and a large meal always calls for a nap. Too bad I didn't get one!

Aunt Jessi and her boyfriend, Aaron, sure love to play with the kids. They are so fun.

These 2 are getting to be really good playmates too. Cousins are the best!

Finish it off with a friendly game of Settlers. A great Thanksgiving!

Snow Days

They have been sayin' that it's going to be a rough winter. I have been in denial, by just ignoring the news people, or refusing to believe them. Sure, I grew up in frigid Wyoming when we started getting snow that stuck in October, but, I'm not a fan. Too cold, and I hate driving on slick roads. This past week, we got snow. And, it decided to stick around for awhile. They cancelled school Tuesday and Wednesday, and should have cancelled it Monday. It's not like there was a ton of snow, but, it's very unusual for this area, and no one is ever prepared. It was nice to have the kids home before Thanksgiving, though, not running around to all of their different activities. We drank hot chocolate, and the kids played in snow, and ate a lot of it too. I'm thinking this storm is just the first of many more to come this winter.

Those Boys. . . .

I just knew that cabbage patch doll would be good for something. Apparently, it makes for a very soft pillow!

Just dressin' up. He stayed like this, goggles, and all, for hours. Notice the belt around his waist. What a kid!

How can a baby go from this. . .

To THIS!!


We've been watchin' a lot of "Home Alone" in our house lately, if you can't tell. We love that movie!

Some may call me obsessed. . .

So, I would not call myself a crafty person. I rarely have a project that I'm working on. And, when I do start a project, it usually gets stored unfinished, or thrown in the garbage. I think I am just impatient. I like the finished product, but, I don't like the time or work it takes to get there. I am not a perfectionist, and if it looks so-so, I call it good. Anyways. . . Friday, I learned how to make these cute cute fabric flowers. They were easy, not time consuming, and so adorable. Taylee fell in love with them, and has been wearing them around the house ever since I brought them home. So, today, I've been making more. I've made a lot. And, I like it. I like it a lot. Have I found a new hobby, or am I just obsessed? I haven't figured it out yet.

All the ones I've made so far. Some cute, some not so great. But, once again, if it's finished, it's good to me. I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to crafts. No one looks that closely. If you want to learn, I can teach you. There's not many things I can teach.

The kids dressed up in the fabric, and played "The Good Samaritan." They acted out the story in Sharing Time yesterday, and had such a good time.

Taylee wanted a "really really close" picture of herself.

Around the House

I take a lot of pictures, and if I don't put them on the blog, they just sit on the computer for me only, to enjoy. So, in no particular order, here are some I wanted to share. Along with a little narration of course.

So, Tristan is a Terror. Pure and simple. A Monster. BUT. . . Jake found something that will calm him down, and let us breathe, for usually around 24 minutes. It's the Wiggles, and he absolutely adores them. I think that's what he's watching on Jake's lap in the picture above. Not my exact choice for a 16 month old, but, on those certain days, it's really nice.

Like I said, pure monster. He climbs onto, and gets in everything he shouldn't. The majority of my day is spent removing him from some hazardous situation. This day, he fell off of the counter, (which he had climbed up onto himself), and landed face first onto the hardwood floor. He cut his mouth really bad. It bled like this all day long, every time he tried to eat something. Even cheese would start it bleeding again. I know, the picture is gross, but, he was hungry, so, I had to feed him. Poor kid. I just hope he actually makes it to his 2nd birthday. I wonder sometimes. . .

So, I love dressing up my little girl. I usually spend the night before school, in bed, deciding what Tay should wear the next day, and how to do her hair. It's fun for me. And, I'm glad she usually lets me help her. As long as she doesn't wear pants EVER, except on P.E. days.
Last Friday was Spirit Day, and she could dress up like someone from the 60's, 70's, or 80's. Of course my mother-in-law had this cute dress that worked perfectly. We chopped off the bottom to make the headband, and Voila! She looked way cute, don't ya think?

We love playing with good friends. Especially good friends with great kids. Last night, I attended a Craft Friday at my girlfriend's house, while the husbands and kids hung out at our house. The big boys played X-Box, while all the kids played around, and watched movies. They stayed up way too late, and still got up at the wonderful hour of 6:00 AM. I'm lovin' the time change. . .
Just a sweet picture of Tay, and her little buddy, D. I love it.

Rohne Turns 5!

Haunted House cake. Cute, right?
"Dracula Rohne" in front of the rootbeer cauldron

Last week, my big guy turned 5. It was a big day for him, and he had been counting down the days for weeks and weeks. He loves Halloween, and dressing up in costumes, especially scarey ones. I got him a vampire costume in the after Halloween sales, and he knew that he wanted Halloween Birthday Party so he could wear this costume. It was pretty easy, actually. I just kept all of my Halloween stuff up, and got some pretty great clearance items for decorating, and goody bags. It turned out great. I sent out the invites a little late, so only a few friends could come, but he had a good time, and I think he was satisfied.

The "Mummy" hot dogs. Just hot dogs wrapped in refrigerator breadstick dough. Cute, and not too terrible tasting!

I thought these spiders turned out cute, but no one really ate them.

We had a Frankenstein Pinata that Rohne had picked out, and the kids had fun banging it to bits.

Blowing out his 5 candles.

Here's a group shot of all the kids.

Happy Birthday, Buddy! Although you keep us on our toes with your endless amounts of energy, I wouldn't trade a day of it. We love you!

Where's Tristan?

So, Tristan has taken to hiding. We have found him in some very interesting places!

"Please give me back that paci, Mom!"

Silly, curious, adventurous 18 month old boy!

Halloween 2010

Skeleton, Ariel, and Werewolf We had a good Halloween this year. Tay had a hard time choosing her costume this year, but, after Grandma graciously took a last minute trip to Target, she was happy. These were their costumes for the Ward Trunk-or-Treat which was on Saturday night. Tristan didn't like his costume very much, but, at least he let me get a picture!

This is the only picture I got of the pumpkin carving, and I didn't take a picture of the finished products. But, the kids did it mainly by themselves this year, with only a little assistance from Daddy. Therefore, they turned out looking like kids had done them. But, they were very proud of their work, and had lots of fun doing them!

The kids with a few friends thrown in, chillin' in the back of the van after Trunk-or-Treating.

Just a perfect amount of candy. Not too much.

I thought Tay's hair turned out really good, so I took some pictures. French twists on both sides, then a messy bun with curls in the back. Very princess-y I thought.

On Halloween, we went to church, then went to a Halloween/Birthday party for Jake's good friend, Chris. All the kids came dressed up. We only stayed for dinner, because we wanted to hit a few houses for Trick-or-Treating before the night was up. We just went to Grandma and Grandpa's, then the houses on our little street. It was plenty, because the kids already had lots of candy from the night before.

Halloween the kids switched it up. Rohne dressed as Frodo Baggins, and Tay was a Barbie cheerleader. I couldn't get a smile out of her, because she said she was just too shy.

Now Back to the Heaven

As mentioned in a previous post, we had a heavenly visit from my sister, Natali, and her 5 month old baby, Benson. It was 5 days of pure bliss. She lives in Denver now, so so far away, and I never get to see her. I was so excited when she said she was coming to see me for my birthday. It was the best present ever!! We got to spend some quality sister time, as well as just hang out with our 4 cute kids. Benson is very used to his quiet surroundings at home, so our house was a little overwhelming at times, but, he did pretty good. He loved Taylee and Rohne. And, Tristan pretty much scared him to death, which is completely warranted. That boy is dangerous!! It was so fun having a little baby to kiss and love on. He has the most contagious giggle, and smile, and I just wanted to eat him up most of the time. I went into a little depression when they left, but, I think I'm coming out of it now. It's so hard for me when my family leaves. Come back soon Nat! I love you!

I couldn't get Benson to look at the camera. He just wanted to stare at Jake, whom he really liked actually. Jake has always had a way with babies. He was so great and let just Nat & I go out by ourselves 2 times, while he watched all the kids. We got back from Eclipse one night, and he explained that it was the hardest 2 and a half hours of his life. I think it was good for him though. Thanks, Babe.

Rohne got up every morning, washed his hands, and would beg to hold Benson. He did a really good job of it too.

We found out that Benson really loved this old bouncer of Tristan's. Nat will have to find one of these on Craigslist for her house! It was hours of entertainment.

I mean, who can resist that smile? I Love that baby!!

So cute.

Natali put her fantastic baking skills to use, and made us some fantastic Halloween sugar cookies. Rohnie really liked helping. While Tay was okay just to eat them afterwards.

Of course Tristan wanted to help, and had a great time too!

The fruits of our labors.

Thanks for coming to rainy Washington, Nat. The sun does shine sometimes!! It was seriously the best week I have had in a VERY long time!