Slip Slidin' Away

Kids are so awesome. Hunter and Hayley were trying to keep themselves busy, and decided on the tried and true event of sliding down the stairs in a sleeping bag. Luckily our stair landing exits in the middle of a large room, so there is plenty of skidding space. Who hasn't tried this?Hayley is so stinkin cute! She is happy to be in the middle of anything crazy and fun.This train is leaving the station. Notice that Emmy is in the game too. She is willing to try anything, and was a great sport. It is entirely possible that she has more guts that the other two combined. Hunter was so cute to involve her. He'd take her down on his lap, and no, it didn't look any safer. Go Guys!Emmy was just.....uh what is the right word.....Cackling. It's true. She was laughing so hard.Eventually Emmy was obviously being kept behind, she gave up the slippery bags, and used her own blanket. She was noticeably tumbling and she catapulted head over heels. It didn't slow anyone down. Out of the way! She was a cute little 18 pound missile. I tried to do this with them a while back, and dang it hurt! I don't think I could walk correctly for a week. Ah! The things I miss....Little Emmy is an art apprentice to Hayley. Hayley is coloring non-stop, and we seem to be responsible for much of the global foresting problems 'cuz we go through a ton of paper. Emmy is constantly watching her sister, and they keep themselves busy for hours. Frequently as much crayon ends up in her, as on the paper, and thus she can poop rainbows. BLAH!I asked her to give me a pretty smile, and Voila...cringe? Brent and I were just cracking up.She was trying so hard to cover her smile, and she pulls of being a bit Coquettish? Shy? Coy? Hmmm... not sure, but it sure makes my day to be blessed to play with her. I am so lucky to have such wonderful and nutty kids. Booya!

Crazy Costumes!

We were able to go to the Storybook Cavalcade this Saturday with my good friend Ginger. The kids were so excited to see all the costumes, and the adults were greatly entertained because some of the costumes were quite creepy. There were leprechauns, spooky pumpkin men, and disturbing bunnies. And hordes of other creatures. It was hilarious that the only Christmas related person, was Santa.Emmy was really into the animals, especially Tigger and Pooh...though after they passed, both characters were down from us with their costume tops off. Just a little kooky for Emmy to see.Okay.. so if anyone out there can identify any of these characters please let me know. No one had any idea who they were. Maybe from the fifties?You never know when you need a storm trooper around. Even at Christmas time. The boys were definitely excited about the troopers and Darth Vader.Hmmm....Is there any reason to not have a herd of Shetland Ponies around? Don't they just shout holidays? Seriously, they were very cute.What a perfect topper to the Parade. I can't believe there are only 17 days of shopping left. I'd better get busy huh?
Happy Holidays y'all.

Turkey Trots!

Thanksgiving was just NUTS! We had so much fun with my family, and are grateful that everyone made the drive. We started off with some entertainment, teaching my sisters and their families how to play the Wii board.
Here I am trying to gain the new high score for Hula Hooping. I've been trying to beat the high score (a 10 year old friend of Hunter's has held it) for months. Though it was hard, my superior hips came through in the end. Ha Ha!My cute niece Linnea, is taking on the snowboard. She is a natural born sportswoman, and was very adept at anything she tried. She is a Ketcher.... what can I say, except she will freak out if she ever finds out she has been blogged. Go Lin!
If this isn't the picture to end all others. My mom on a Wii board..Who'd a thunk? Maybe her compact size makes her a shoe-in for Ski-Jumping.Sometimes a bowl just isn't big enough. For real! Here is improvising at its best since I didn't have a bowl big enough to mix the stuffing. We had 4 huge bowls filled with bread, and all the ingredients ready, but there was no way to get it all together. Here my sister, Leslie is applying the elbow grease to get the job done. (The stuffing was divine!)Trying to get all ready for the feast. With 23 of us, it was a little nutty, but all went smoothly.I love this picture, 'cuz it just screams.... " Is the turkey done yet" We all were ready!Apparently, my nieces are fluent in the art of origami. They were creative enough to fold some beautiful napkins for our tables. How fun are they? Thanks guys!Does it get any better? Hayley and her cousin Braden are taste testers for my sister's creations of pies. Yummy. Looks just as good before as it tasted after.The grand kids kept Grandma on her toes. Who knew that a couch could provide such entertainment. All of the kids got along amazingly.This is Emmy with her new buddy Ellie, (my great-neice?) Dang if that doesn't make me sound like a fuddy dud. They were darling together, thick as thieves. Emmy wound up, and Ellie as mellow as could be. It was so fun to get them together. I can't wait to see what adventures these two find themselves in.We all need our down time after the big bird has flown. What a darling picture to come upon. I couldn't help myself. Little Aubrey with Grandma. Perfect!This is apparently the way Emmy feels after everyone left. I think it sums it all up wonderfully.
I'd like to apologize to my family, that no matter my cleaning obsessiveness, my cold seems to have gone from my family to yours. Sorry. Hopefully that means that Stan's Rockin New Years Eve party will be germ free.

I am thankful

On this rainy Thanksgiving day, I want to always remember how blessed I am. Here are my top 5 things, that I am thankful for...

1) I am so very grateful for my husband Brent. He is truly my best friend and the love of my life.
2) I am so lucky to have three beautiful children. They are all beautiful and special in their own way.
3) I am grateful for my family, my mother who is wonderful and my sisters who I enjoy spending time with them.
4) I'm grateful for Brents' family too. They are wonderful to us, and always make an effort for my family.
5) I am thankful to have the church in our lives. It is comforting to know that Brent holds the priesthood, and can direct our family.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families.

"Twilighters"

What could be better than getting to go to a midnight movie with a friend? My girlfriend and I weathered the crazy rush of girlies at the opening of Twilight. Ginger, being a wild and crazy girl, decided we needed t-shirts, so my silly saying was "I am a Twilight fan.....BITE ME! Just a little sass. We ate an insane amount of goodies, but everyone knows that calories after midnight don't count anyway, and the jumbo popcorn, licorice, and nutso size drink were just to keep me awake right?Ginger is going to kill me for this next picture, but dang, we just look soooooo happy! It totally catches the feeling of the night.
Ginger knows so many people. We were able to sneek in with her cute friend who was so darling, and it was awesome 'cuz we were toward the end of the line... by the dumpster. BLAH!Just three wallflowers without our dates. April, Ginger and I, grabbing a quick picture before the "Event Photographer" caught us.
We had a great time, enjoyed the movie, and I'm thankful that Ginger keeps me on my toes! Ohh......and go JAKE! :)

Time goes by....

It was our anniversary today....which makes it 12 years we've been hitched. I was looking through our photos for an old picture of Brent and I, and it was so fun to reminisce about the great times and we have been blessed with many. We still have so much fun together, and he is truly my best friend. We had decided not to purchase anything for each other and to go on a date night, so we were surprised when my good friend Jennie gave us a cute card and some yummy homemade treats. (of which I ate all) Thanks Jennie!! I was teasing Brent that it was pretty sad when the only gift you get on one's anniversary, is from someone else. We're a couple of goofs. Thanks for 12 wonderful and fun filled years Brent!
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Our crazy weekend was devoted to my mom, Ann, and errands related to her new home. In three days, we accomplished an insane amount. I had so much fun with her, and to see a side I don't think any of my sisters or I would have believed she had. What an amazing shopper. Who'd have guessed?These are some pictures of my mom's new house. It is going to be so fun for us to have her close by. Both of my girls were heartbroken when she left this morning. Emmy stood at the door and said 'gama' for an hour. Poor baby.

This is the most color in my mom's house ever. All of the daughters, told her she could NOT paint it white. The house is darling, and just her size. She let me come along to help her shop for some new furniture, and is such a good sport to let my decorating obsessiveness take right over. Here are some pix of her new living room and kitchen sets.How fun are these? I realized this weekend that I can get a shopping fix, just by spending someone else's money. How Fun ! Everything is going to come together and look great. I am so proud of her. She is so giving and sweet, and would do anything for my family. I am glad that she took some time (and money) and treated herself to something she deserves. Way to go. Love you MOM!

Halloween Hullabaloo!

We had such a great Halloween. Hunter and Hayley were expert Halloween strategists this year, it was so entertaining to watch them initiate Emmy, who was ready to do any deed necessary to join in. We surely had the cutest Ghoulies out and about for sure!!!
Emmy was such a sweet kitty. She looks so serene and calm, but underneath her kitty facade she is really a feral cat. She absolutely adored trick-or-treating and was just beside herself that treats were coming so easily. Emmy ran trying to keep up with Hunt and Hayley, and I'm sure would have outlasted both of them.
After a last minute costume change, Hunt decided to be a Dementor....though he truly did not 'suck' the fun out of anything. Ha Ha.! He was able (after much soul searching by mom) to go trick or treating by himself with a friend, so that candy collection and consumption could be maximized. He is truly able to get into the Halloween spirit now.
Isn't Hayley just the cutest CHS cheerleader you ever laid your eyes on? She almost left us in the dust this year, and I could tell were slowing down her MOJO. She could have lasted a lot longer, but never complained one little bit when we were done. I am grateful she doesn't yet understand that you are able to go more than a few blocks. It is true that today, less than 24 hours after, her candy is completely consumed. Dang girl! At least I won't have to divvy it up a little at a time. Gone with a bang!Isn't it common knowledge that black cats are known to frequent graveyards....especially on Halloween? I have darling pictures of all my children in this kitty costume. What wonderful memories, but a little bittersweet that Emmy will be the last.Emmy was trying her hardest to keep up with the other kids, but was always just a bit behind. What a cutie!


I know this first picture is just a little out of focus, but it shows the kids best buddies, Bailey and Brock. After trick or treating, they came over for a late night; we had pizza, watched Journey to the center of the Earth, and just had a dandy of a time until almost midnight. They are darling kids, and mine just love to be with them.
My friend Brandy and her family happened by, and Brent and I could not believe how hilarious their costumes were. Her husband was such a good sport, and I had serious guilt that I didn't even dress up this year. (again)
You may wonder at this picture, that why I would put the Disney Hitchhiking Ghosts on my blog, but just take a peek below........I MARRIED ONE! AAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Brent is such a nut, but a great sport. I almost died when the picture turned out so awesome.
We hope your Halloween was as spooky as ours!