Congrats Shane and Lauren

My brother and his wife had their baby girl on Friday morning. We are so excited for their new family. Lovely Little Lydia Starr weighed in at 6 and a half pounds and is so cute. We can't wait until we can come meet her ourselves.

Merry Christmas to all ...

I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. We were not able to get Christmas cards out this year but wanted to let you know we loved each and every one we received. This is part of why this is my favorite time of year. Thank you! We hope that you have a safe and happy Christmas no matter where you are.

Update.

JJ is still not staying in bed. This has left me with no time to blog or do anything at all for that matter. We put him back in bed for about an hour every night. Right now I am about 45 minutes into trying to get him to bed and I on my 5th cookie (trying to keep my sanity). We are open to any ideas or help that you might have. HELP SUPER NANNY!

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun with my family. However, we somehow managed to not take any pictures. There is a cute video on Youtube and I will try to get that posted if you want to check it out.

We are all just about over the cold that EVERYONE has had lately. You know the one... or you will soon know it.

Joel Started training at Allegiant Air. It takes most of his time. I find I am ready to check out at 6:30. Maybe it is him working long days everyday or maybe it is the fact that it gets dark at 4:30.

Success! At least for now...

For the last month or so JJ has been getting out of his bed 10+ times before we can get him to go to sleep. We have tried everything.

• Early naps or skipping naps all together
• Taking the coveted "blankie" away if he got out
• Not saying anything and just putting him back in bed
• Rocking him
• Saying good night to the house and turning off the lights

We had a busy day and the kids were worn out (JJ didn't get a nap). So I thought if I put them down early then they should be asleep by a normal time. Well, I put Abby in bed and headed out to get JJ -- he ran off and sat on the couch while we were saying prayers or something. Then I took JJ around and said good night to the house and we rocked in the dark. I put him down at 7:00 and walla! he stayed in bed! Quiet and asleep by 7PM I can not believe it! I am sure I will regret this when they are both up early tomorrow but for now I am off too get something.... anything done! It is hard when your night is eaten up by putting your child back in bed.

It's a.....

Thanks to all of you who responded to our survey of if you think it will be a boy or a girl. First off, it is NOT twins. Just 1 baby in there. Also, It was a pretty close race on boy vs. girl. The majority thought it would be a boy. Well they were right. We will have another baby boy! We are very excited and even Abby, who wanted and thought it would be a girl, is OK with it being a boy. She is so excited to tell everyone! So, there you have it... they boys will out number the girls in this household!

Tagged

I got tagged by Laura, so here goes:

The rules:

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.

C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. I Love White Chocolate. I had forgotten how much I like white chocolate until I made caramel apples for Halloween and dipped them in white chocolate. I had leftover chocolate and licked the bowl clean.

2. I over think everything! It's just what I do. I will think about my lesson for church up until I am giving it and then I will think about it all night. I will brainstorm ideas for weeks for parties, outings, and how to make our home a better place.

3. I love my bed! I love my sleep. I am seeing very little of both these days.

4. I love to cook. I like it even more when I can just enjoy it and the time crunch for dinner to be on the table is off. That way when my kids try to help I can let them. I think that baking fits better into my enjoyment cooking category.

5. I love watching my kids. I love to see their faces when they are having fun or on their birthdays. I love watching them when they don't know I am looking. They are really too cute together.

6. I don't think I am that interesting. I don't have too many hobbies. I can't seem to find the time for myself. I am trying to get better about this but for now... not much for me to say.

I tag Lindsay, Ellie, Coralie, Dyan, Marnie, Christine

A yummy soup

I was making dinner last night I really wanted an Italian type soup. However we didn't have any recipes ingredients. So I improvised. It turned out really good and my kids both ate it (always a plus). When I made this it was a little of this and that (again) and so I will do my best.

1/4 cup chopped onion
1 zucchini cut up in bite sized chunks
garlic salt
garlic powder
Italian seasoning
1 carrot cut up
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can vegetable broth
1 cup (more or less to taste) tomato spaghetti sauce
frozen Italian meatballs (i didn't have any ground beef - you could use that too).
rice

I seasoned the onion and zucchini with garlic and Italian seasonings and the sauteed them in about 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. (The carrots were an afterthought so you probably could just add those veggies to the carrots). Cook the carrots in enough vegetable broth to cover, put in microwave for about 4 minutes until tender. Cook meatballs in microwave as directed on package. Put all ingredients except rice in pot and bring to boil. I had cooked rice on hand and added it to the individual bowls. I know t sound like a lot of work but it was not and it is really just what your family likes. You could use pasta instead of rice, add red beans, etc... I am jotting this down more for me because I have a feeling I will crave it again with this pregnancy.

A long day...

OK so my theme for the day did not work out the way I thought. Maybe it will be my theme for tomorrow. We had a few things working against us.
1. Time Change - it just knocked everything out of whack at my house. Kids were hungry at earlier times, naps were thrown off, and Mom who would like to check out at 7:00 now has to check out at 8:00.
2.Stake Conference- I would have really liked to go but with Joel gone I was not about to try and sit through 2 hours with kids and only me. I hardly hear anything in church to Begin with. So, we stayed home. Kids clinging to my legs all day. ( I think that goes back to the time change)
3. I seem to have lots to plan for this month and next and right now I feel I have to plan it all today. I don't know why I get this way sometimes... but I hope it passes tonight while I am sleeping.
4. Dinner did not taste good at all. luckily the kids ate it with no problems. We made homemade pizza and the olive oil taste was so strong tonight. Yuck... maybe I was distracted when I measured it.
But, I have to say JJ gave me a break when he took a nap without to much of a fight and went to bed after only getting out once. (usually it is 10+ time for about an hour). Yippee!

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

I can't believe that my little Crazy man is already 2 years old. He is such a joy even when he is driving us nuts. He is so full of life and energy. He love to see if he can make us laugh. I get so sad to think how quickly time has gone by. My theme for today will be from the words of Simon & Garfunkel "Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning (MOMENT) last" (Just a note: I don't usually have a theme for my day).

I had a hard time finding a more recent picture ( that I didn't need to photo shop) where he had a clean face. He is all boy and doesn't mind a little messy face.

A cute crawler

I love this picture.

My sweet baby boy!

Happy Halloween

I hope you all had a very safe and fun Halloween. We did! Abby has been waiting all week. I think because she know that it is "turkey holiday" and then Christmas. (Her New favorite words are ... "I want". ) Joel got home in time for Halloween last night. The kids were so excited to see him. I told him to stay in his uniform and he could be a pilot for Halloween. He didn't think that was a great idea. Then we ate dinner and passes out candy. Abby and JJ loved the visitors! Then, we took the kids out just around the neighborhood and the sure got way too much candy! I forgot to put the candy up high and out of sight last night and well, they had candy for breakfast. Well, Abby wanted to be Snow White and JJ was Leo from Little Einstein's. They were really cute!

I told the kids we needed to get a picture before we went out to Trick or Treat and JJ kept running off. Abby really wanted to got get some CANDY! I love this picture because it really captured the moment. Abby saying "NOOOOooooo"... and JJ grinning and he takes off!

The cute trick or treaters before they went out.
=

Boy or Girl?

Well, our ultrasound is set up for Nov. 7th to find out if we will have another boy or girl. I thought it would be fun to take a poll and see what you all think. So, post a note and let us know and we will let you know after our appointment on The 7th.

The happiest place on earth

Last week Joel's dad took us to Disneyland. We got up and headed out the door at about 6:30. After a gas stop and Krispy Kreme stop we were on our way. We arrived a little later then we had thought we would but it all worked out just fine. We had such a fun time. Thanks Grandpa Mark!

We started out visit off with a picture with Mickey. Is there any other way to start Disneyland?

Abby loves roller coasters! This is her going with her Daddy up the roller coaster.

This is her coming down the roller coaster. Our little hidden thrill seeker.



We went to watch the bug show at the California Adventure side. This was us with our 3-D glasses on waiting to go it. The kids didn't like the show. It was a little too scary for them. JJ covered his eyes the whole time and Abby started to cry when the bugs moved under our seats.

Abby and Mommy on the Small World ride. She loved watching the "dolls".

This was such a cute picture with Grandpa. He sure enjoyed his ride with his Grandpa.

We got to meet 4 princesses. JJ thought it was great even though he doesn't look that way here.

This was a highlight of the day. Abby was so excited. She is going to be Snow white for Halloween.

Arizona trip

We made a quick trip to Arizona this last week and got home Saturday night. We had so much fun visiting and hated to leave. Thank you to Melissa for being such a great hostess.

We went to a farm where they were having a family day. It was a lot of fun. JJ did not like the cows... can you tell?

Abby got to go on a pony ride. She loved it!

All the "Big Kids" on the tramp.

Cute kids in the tub

OUCH!

We spent our morning in the urgent care getting stitches on JJ's left cheek. He was so good about the whole morning. We left in such a hurry that I had forgotten his shoes so he had to be held the whole time (he did not like that, he wanted to go run around). 2 hours and 2 stitches later we were on our way home. It is official, I have entered the rambunctious boy stage. He was playing on the couch and fell off and hit his cheek on the coffee table. I am sure this is the first of may trips to urgent care. I just love how everything happens after Joel leaves for work.

Sunday snacking

Yesterday we had our friends over for General Conference. They brought homemade cinnamon rolls that we so wonderful. We ate those during the first session. Then we needed something to much on during the second. So we thought we would make a spinach artichoke dip. Well, I did not have any artichoke on hand so we improvised. It turned out so good. Here is the recipe if you want to try.

Sorry we don't know exact measurements. We kinda threw a little of this in and a little of that. I will do my best to come up with some... I really don't think you and go wrong. Just all a little more or less to taste.

Spinach dip
1 box frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 package cream cheese, softened.
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup monetary jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1/8 cup Parmesan cheese

Put in microwave safe dish and cook on high for a minute. Stir and repeat. When it is creamy and warm serve with crackers or Tostitos flour tortilla chips.

Puppy love

Abby has been asking for a "pet" all day. When we asked her if she wanted to do get a fish she said, "No, I want a pet I can hold and feed and give a bone to." Hmmm... a dog? Then she has been coming up with reasons she wants a dog. The sad thing is that, for now, neither Joel or I are going to give in. Maybe she will be happy with a baby when we tell her. That can be her new pet. She can hold it, feed it, and I guess if she would like... give it a bone. Ha ha ...

Pumpkin patch

We are so happy to have Daddy home today and have been keeping him busy. We went to Gilcrease Orchard today to pick pumpkins and apples. We did not find any apples but got some yummy pears, a watermelon, zucchini, an eggplant, and some apple cider. The cider brought back many memories of growing up in New Canaan, CT. The world famous Stew Leonard's Grocery store (they had great cider) and the fall Church barn dances. With the weather being in the upper 80's it was nice to be reminded that it is fall.

Mommy and JJ with some of our goodies.

Abby and Daddy with the pumpkins we picked out.

We also had Daddy fly a kite with us. Abby had been asking for a few days because it had been windy.

Abby and JJ shearing a delicious pear.

Here is the Watermelon that the kids picked. They dropped it a minute later and it split in half.

Are You Smarter Then A 5th Grader?

I think the kids were so excited the Daddy was coming home tonight. They both got out of bed so many times. Drinks, wanting to rock, medicine, bathroom, you name it. So I only caught bits and pieces of "Are You Smarter then a 5th Grader?" One of the questions was about the opening line of a Shakespearean play. I did not hesitate, I knew this one! I have to give credit to my teacher ( not sure if it was 5th grade or not) that made me memorize the prologue of "Romeo and Juliet." I can still recite the prologue for memory. http://www.clicknotes.com/romeo/P1.html .

We have our Young Women memorizing "The Living Christ" (http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,90-1-10-1,00.html) and I realized tonight how much more beneficial this will be for them in their lives then knowing the prologue to "Romeo and Juliet". We have 4 girls that have it all memorized. They are truly a remarkable group of young women.

Allegiant Air

Last week Joel brought his resume into Allegiant Airlines. We Were told that they were hiring and thought we would get the ball rolling to get an interview when he reaches their minimums (3000 total time). To our surprise we got a call 10 hours later. So, Oct. 10th Joel will be back in the hot seat.

From Laurie's Blog

My friend Laurie always has the best links on her website and she is always doing fun activities with her kids. Here are a few things I stole from her site.
1. http://www.blip.tv/file/255494/ This was a great video about visiting teaching.
2. Custom Bingo Sheets - Grandma- I am bringing the bingo cards this year to our Thanksgiving reunion. These are great fun! They would also make a fun family night game.

Thanks Laurie for keep up a wonderful Blog! I Love It!

Baby 3

For those of you who have not hear the news, we are expecting baby #3. He or She should be born around March 30th. This is the most recent picture of the little one (taken 9-20-2007). The head is on the bottom right and then the belly is the other circle. It looks a little creepy, I know... he/she should start looking a little less alien-like next time. We have not told the kids so I am sure we will have a wonderful blog when we do tell them. Abby has just started asking for a baby.... a baby girl to be more specific. She says that Mommy should have a baby girl because I (Abby) already have a brother.

Lazarus lives

This morning we were watching a New Testament story about Lazarus. Abby was watching the story of Jesus healing the leper. All of the sudden she gets all excited and says, "Mommy, Jesus make owies go away!" I love how kids put ideas together in their own time.

Abby's Pre-School

A few weeks ago Abby started pre-school. She loves it! I think this will be really good for her. She is learning a lot and now realizes that the words that have the same sound have the same letters. For example sand and soup and Smith all start with "the letter that looks like the snake." It is exciting to watch her grow.

This is a picture of her on her first day for school. 9-5-2007

A Family First

Well, here it is. We have entered the blogging world! It will take some time to figure this all out but we thought that we needed a better way to keep you all posted. Hopefully we can keep this fun for all our friends and family who visit. I hope this can be a good journal outlet for me as well. I really have not done as well as I would like and feel as though I forget too many cute moments in my children's lives. They do grow so quickly. Well.... we'll keep you posted... literally! Ha ha ha...