The Pushckor Family

New Family Pics

2012-01-04T09:05:00.001-08:00

Christmas

2012-01-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

I wish that I had a great photo catalog of Christmas this year, but it was just too good to sit

behind a camera the whole time. I did catch a few important moments though!

First: Introducing Danny the Elf that lives on our shelf.

He sure is a sneaky little guy. Hiding in plants, hanging upside down, leaving fun little treats everywhere. He also orchestrated a tea party with the Tooth Fairy! (more on that later)

Then Hannah had her Winter program at school. I still can't believe she is a kindergartner!
She had a blast singing all the songs they learned, front row and with the cutest smile!!! (tie in the Tooth Fairy part one)

Then Gingerbread houses with big sister Mackenzie, Here for the first time on Christmas day.

Then finally.... Christmas Day!!!

Kenzie getting her iPod............ Cozy Christmas Pajamas........ New Bikes for the little kiddies!

I think myself and Jason got a few things but I was too busy opening them to take pictures. It was a great Christmas though, and that's all that matters!

The best part though..... Hannah was singing....
All I Want for Christmas are My Two Front Teeth!

I'm a big kid now!

2011-09-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

Ethan is finally a school kid!!! He's been waiting for this day for two years. We had such a good day and I am so happy with the group of kids we've got. They were so well behaved and we just had a great time.

Hooray for Joy School!!!

My first Day

2011-09-09T13:39:00.001-07:00

I still can't believe Hannah is a kindergartener! The second day was so much harder than the first. She lined up with her classmates and walked through the doors without me. She didn't even turn around. I cried. Somehow, 3 1/2 hours went by fairly quickly and Ethan and I got to the school early, waited out front with all the other parents, and heard something so sad. Hannah was crying because she didn't want to leave. I cried. I guess she is more ready for school than I thought!

As she collected her things I started to think about my few first days of schooling. I remember sitting at my desk, a little girl to my right and a boy to my left. The only reason I remember this moment was because it was self recollection of my own personality. My new teacher was handing out pencils, not the boring yellow ones, but the bright sparkily ones with different patterns and designs. She handed a bunch to someone a few seats down and told them to take one and pass the bunch down. Each child looked carefully, made their selection, then passed it along. The little girl next to me did the same thing and handed me what remained. I choose a crazy swirl pattern and pleased with my choice passed the bunch down. I don't remember, here, the exact reason behind it, but I am, still to this day, pretty sure she convinced me that because she got to choose first and she didn't see my choice in the bunch when she looked, that she was entitled to my pencil. Either that or she just stole it. For the sake of making a friend and not wanting to make a scene, my pencil was swapped. I remember the feeling of complete sorrow when I saw the ugliest purple pencil with yellow smiley faces on it.

I was horrified and very sad that it was so ugly that I refused to use it. I did keep it though, almost as a reminder that I had the control and didn't have to let somebody make me feel that way. As I was thinking that I hope Hannah has the courage and strength that I didn't exhibt that day, she was handed a pencil by a friend who was celebrating his birthday (we don't do cupcakes anymore with all the allergies and junk). I was so stunned, almost like I was hit by a Harry Potter spell, as she handed me..... a Pink pencil with yellow Smiley faces all over it!

Fresh Start

2011-09-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, So I've decided that this has gone on long enough. My last post was two years ago when Hannah was in her first year of Joy School. I just sent her to kindergarten this morning and Ethan starts Joy School on Monday. It's time.

Hip Hip Hooray! Hannah started Kindergarten today.

We unfortunetly have been in School Choice limbo but decided that she should start at her assigned school just in case. It was a little scary but I am so proud of us, neither one cried. Well unless you count Ethan!

She is early bird (meaning 8 am) in Mrs. Kircher's class at Montevideo Elementry School. This may change in the near future but for now we are happy.

Hannah is so good at making friends I'm not worried about her a bit. While the kids were playing outside, the parents sat through orientation and at one point a little boy came into the classroom and walked to his mom who was sitting next to me. He said that some girl was chasing him and he thinks she wants to kiss him. Well, I asked him what she was wearing and he said purple with a pink flower in her hair. Oh, Hannah! What am I going to do with you. In her defense, she claims she was just running around with her friends and he just kept running away!

She is taller than most the kids in her class but there were a few boys her height so maybe she won't be the tallest. I just can't believe she's old enough to be in school at all. She looked so pretty in her purple sparkles skirt. Well, one day down, only a few more to go!

What?!? It's January...

2010-01-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Okay so rather than pretend that I've been in a coma, I'm just going to post some pictures with some explanations and just go from there like it hasn't been two months since my last post. The problem really is the fact that the majority of people I post pictures for, I was with. So for the rest of you, sorry for the overload of pictures to come. Hope the Holidays were fun and the New Year a great one.

Day at the Farm

2009-11-06T11:44:00.001-08:00

Our first field trip with Hannah's Joy School was to the Tanaka Farms in Irvine. I think the kids had fun. There was a maze made out of hay bales...

Rows and rows of Pumpkins...

They would let the kids even pick fresh vegetables right out of the ground. Yummy onions, carrots, radishes, and green beans off the vines... Just a fun day out in the sun with friends.

Halloween

2009-11-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

Since we are already a week into November I figured I should post some Halloween Pictures.

As you can see we had Buzz Lightyear and Cinderella.

We got to have a dress rehearsal a few days before because it was my week to teach Joy School so we had a fun little Halloween party.

They had a blast at our church Trunk-or-Treat and then we went around our friends neighborhood in Rancho Santa Margarita.

I love Halloween. Every morning when the kids wake up the first thing they ask for is a sucker.

Wonderful!

Ethan

2009-09-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

While Hannah was away at school I thought it would be the perfect time to take Ethan's Two year pictures. He just looks so cute in that vest! So, these are some of my favorites... What do you think?

Hannah's First Day of School

2009-09-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Here's Hannah all ready to go to school. Today is the first day of our Joy School and I don't know who is more excited, myself or Hannah. She has been waiting for this day for weeks. Every morning when she would wake up she would ask if today she was going to school. I hope this enthusiasm can last the next 14 years.

So my little girl was off with her cute backpack complete with her "Letter A" show and tell item (Ariel the mermaid). The funny thing is Ethan took it harder than anyone - It took me a few minutes to get him in his car seat and he cried for Hannah all the way home. So cute!

Happy Happy Birthday Birthday!!

2009-09-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

Double the birthday, Double the fun.

We had a great day at Disneyland today. I made myself and Ethan matching shirts and it was so funny watching everyone look at us and put together the fact that we both had birthdays on the same day. Any person that walked by would yell out "Happy Birthday" and Ethan would laugh every time. It was so slow at D-land that we went on a lot of rides and the kids were great because they didn't have to sit around waiting. (Look at the picture above, there are only about a dozen people in the background at 10:30 am) Then we went to help Uncle Chris move into his new apartment. Yeah!!! So we had a fun day, no hospitals in sight, and by the time we got home the kids crashed. Perfect.

Here are pictures of what Ethan's shirt looked like.

Hot, Hot, Hot

2009-08-30T09:42:00.001-07:00

So, it's 100 degrees outside and 99 inside so we needed to get OUT! I was trying to think of indoor places we could go that the kids would be good and we would be entertained as well and anyplace that was air conditioned. Well what about a giant aquarium! We even had a coupon and Jason got in free. (It was the only way I could convince him to come). We had a blast. The kids loved it and these are the pictures that Hannah took with my camera phone. (Seriously, she took them herself.)

Growing

2009-08-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast time passes. August has been our growing month and it came and went so fast. First off, Hannah traded in her binkies for this beautiful addition - a unicorn named Heart!

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit and we had a blast.

Even though Ethan has been pressuring me to potty train him for months, I finally took notice and he is officially potty trained. So, leading into the next big step...

Ethan is sleeping in a big boy bed! He was waking everyone up in the middle of the night yelling to go to the bathroom. The bed was supposed to be his birthday surprise but we couldn't wait any longer. (Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!)

Well the summer's not over yet so we will see what is still to come. We still have mine and Ethan's birthday on the 4th and Uncle Chris will be living here soon. We can't wait!!!!

Playing or Cleaning

2009-07-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

It has been so super hot here in California and we just got into summer rates for the electricity so we have started making up our own COOL fun. Now the children didn't realize it because they were having so much fun, but cleaning the balcony was on my list of chores. I grabbed my big bowl and filled it with warm water and soap, put it outside and they did the rest.

Clean Balcony a

2009-07-09T10:16:00.001-07:00

Aunt Cynthia, Thank you for my new floaties! They work great!

July the 4th

2009-07-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Due to computer/camera/human problems this post is coming late, but better now than never, right! Our Patriotic Day began with the wonderful Ward Party complete with flag ceremony, cotton candy, Bike Parade, snow cones, games, brownies. You name it, it was there. Then after a welcome afternoon nap we were off to Disneyland. I can't imagine a better place to go. If anyone knows me real well they know I love FIREWORKS and Disney knows how to do fireworks.

It was Spectacular!

Hannah in the Bounce house and Coloring on the Whiteboard.

Ethan hijacked someones bike and was riding it around.

Yummy Food.

Jason showing off his shooting skills

The kids and I on the tram to Disneyland and only a glimpse into the Show

Mackenzie's Visit

2009-07-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I haven't posted any pictures of our time with Mackenzie. We had a blast going to Chuck E Cheese, Disneyland, Adventure City, and just playing at the park. We all sure miss her when she is gone.

Here's a video of the girls dancing in the new Celebration Parade

Welcome

2009-06-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

We would like to Officially welcome my nephew

BeNTLeY RaY OWeN

Born June 17

8 lbs 10 oz

Can't wait to meet you little guy

Birthday Boy

2009-06-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jason!

Jason and I met on his birthday 5 five years ago. Little did I know then that he would soon become my wonderful Husband, and Father to our beautiful children. We all love him so much.

2009-06-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

I must not be the blogger I thought I was... Two days ago I had a scary 911 incident, complete with blood and Fire Truck, and as I was informing my mom about what happened the first thing she says to me is

Did you take a picture for your blog?

Yes, I asked the firemen to please stop what they were doing so that I could take a picture of a bleeding, screaming Ethan to post on my blog. Smile Everyone!

In hindsight, yes, it would have been a great picture complete with a close up look at a real life firetruck. Unfortunately, I had other things on my mind. So I'm sure you are all wondering at this point what happened. Well, it involved a Cutco knife, a boy who must have had another growth spurt, and a pour little finger. Think a major paper cut and a lot of red paint! All is well now and the only thing left is regrets about not taking that perfect blogger picture.

I hate Earthquakes

2009-05-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

5.0 in Los Angeles. I made a post about this subject not long enough ago. I can't believe we just had another earthquake! Me and Jason were just sitting here playing a game together and the whole room starts shaking. I hate those first few shakes because you don't know how bad it's going to be. You just look at each other like was that it or is there more then there is one more big jolt. We ran into the kids room and Ethan sat up and looked at us like we were crazy waking him up from his sleep. I can't get my heart to stop beating uncontrollably and they slept through it. Crazy! I just hope we don't feel the aftershocks.

Tulips

2009-04-29T07:25:00.001-07:00

We went to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point yesterday. It was gorgeous. There were so many beautiful flowers and it was a great place for the kids to run around and have fun.

I love Spring!

We are Family!

2009-04-26T21:00:00.001-07:00

I should have done a post a few days ago about my brother graduating from BYU but we have just been so busy having fun. So, Chris, Congrats on graduating.

So we are all in Utah together for the first time in a very long time. The funny thing is, when this happens we take a beautiful family photo but someone ends up being pregnant so the photo is already outdated 3 months later! See Shelbi. But regardless, here is our new family photo. Say Cheese!

(left to right: Melissa, Ethan, Jason, Bryant, Shelbi, Hannah, Kelsey, Maxwell, Mom, Dad, Cody and Chris)

Here's a cute one of just us,

and my siblings,

and this is when you know it's time to stop taking pictures!

Heat Wave

2009-04-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

If this weather is any indication of what Summer is going to be like, I want no part of it. I cannot believe that it is 90 degrees outside! Thank goodness for community pools.
So, in order to beat the heat I gave the kids some popsicles.

You know those age progression applications that show you what someone would look like older... This is Ethan in a few years with a goatee!

And this is Hannah!

Easter Fun

2009-04-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

I know it's Friday. Five days have gone by and I haven't posted a single Easter picture yet. Well there's a good reason, I promise. All of the pictures are terrible. It's funny how we have turned into a digital dependant society and pictures just aren't good enough if we haven't tweaked them and cropped them, and got them just right! Well, I'm not exaggerating - my pictures are terrible, beyond touchup repair. But it's not a complete loss! The day we colored Easter eggs was a blast. So, here are a few good shots of the kids.

And the finished product!

The End

2009-04-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

I have to send out congrats to Linda Labrum for kicking our butts in bracket play this year. What a Crazy tournament. Bid stealers, huge upsets, UNC being back on top! Now I'm just looking forward to seeing who's going to enter the draft and which coaches are lying about not leaving their school behind, all while signing agreements behind their backs.

Gotta love College Basketball!!

Easter Egg Hunt 2009

2009-04-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

And they're off!

We had a little Easter Egg Hunt party with all our friends today and it was a blast. It's so hard trying to explain to Ethan though that he needs to just sit there and wait and something really exciting is going to happen. I can just see his mind working and he's telling me, "Mom, what's more exciting than that basketball way over on the other side of the park?"

So then when it was finally time, they yelled go and I grabbed his hand and showed him the whole field covered in eggs - with candy! That was the key word!!

I then started looking for Hannah thinking that she just took off and was going to have a basket full of eggs when I found her. But no, there was poor little Hannah waiting at the starting line bawling! I left Ethan to his hunt and ran back for her. Her reason for crying was simple enough:

"Everybody else wanted to go first!"
Apparently I didn't explain the whole idea very well. But I'm glad she has finally learned about taking turns.

So after a only a little bit of drama, we successfully gathered enough eggs and had a very enjoyable morning with our friends.

March

2009-03-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in a month. Crazy Life. The kids and I got to see my parents on Monday before they took off for Australia. They couldn't leave without an In-n-out burger so we sat on the grass outside of the one by LAX Airport and watched the planes fly overhead. It was really cool but Ethan thought the planes were a little too close for comfort. No matter where he was when he saw a plane coming he would run as fast as his little legs would carry him to the nearest lap.Then we went to Marina Del Rey and walked around the boat harbor where all the expensive Yachts are kept. They actually were filming a scene of Prison Break while we were there. I got my own stalker shot of Dominic Purcell. I don't want to post it though in fear that he would find out I wasn't really taking a picture of my dad like I said I was. (hehe)

So now the parents are off in Australia somewhere. So Jealous. Hope you guys are having a blast!!

Lost & Found

2009-02-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

I Found my Wedding Ring!

after 5 months of searching and crying and tearing my house apart

I went in the kids bathroom to grab the thermometer because Hannah had a fever and there in the bottom of the basket was my ring.

All this time it was right there.

I have prayed and prayed that I would find it and even prayed for comfort after we resolved ourselves that it was lost forever. I think Heavenly Father was testing me. Either I needed to learn Patience or Faith. Either way I am so thankful that it is back on my finger and will never leave it again!

Cypress High Alumni Game

2009-02-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

Jason was invited to play in his Alma Mater's alumni game and it was so much fun. He had a blast seeing some old friends and getting out on the mound again. I had never seen him pitch before so it was fun to hear old stories and watch him try and relive the glory days! He even has a few records that are still standing. I'm pretty sure he's going to be sore tomorrow but it was fun today.

My future Volleyball player

2009-02-21T21:55:00.000-08:00

This should make some of my cousins happy (mostly you Helen because I think you are the only one that reads my blog that would care!!). The other day I was throwing the volleyball back and forth with Ethan because it's his favorite ball and at one point I told him to put his arms out and catch the ball. I can swear on my life that neither myself nor Jason ever taught him to put his arms out, hands clasp, ready to receive. This is a terrible picture but I couldn't get a good one because he won't stand still (Or I couldn't hold still!).

Like I said it's a terrible picture but look at that form! AVP tour here we come.

I also thought I would share a picture of the kids "Forktiss" as Hannah calls it. Please ignore the naked baby. He has recently learned how to remove all his clothing or his mother just forgot to put clothes on him.

2009-02-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

We were married four years ago and in sickness and in health, rich and poor, at our best and at our worst we have loved each other and have grown into a beautiful family. I couldn't have asked for a better man by my side and I hope that I have become a better woman because of him.

I LOVE U!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

It's Grandma's Birthday today. Wish we were there to celebrate with you. Have a great day.

We love you!

Mom & Me Aprons

2009-02-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

My new Project

Sleeping Princess

2009-02-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

Hannah had been dancing around the house all morning in her princess dress and then it got quiet all of a sudden. Ethan was in the kitchen "helping" with the dishes so I went to investigate. I found her lying in her bed,

"Hannah what are you doing?"

Waiting for my prince. He needs to come give me kisses.

"who's your prince?"

It's Ethan. I'm just gonna go sleepy until he comes.

(Ethan comes running in) My prince! Don't give me kisses yet, I'm tired.

It's Groundhog Day!

2009-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Groundhog Day!

This has become a huge holiday in my family, mostly because of the hilarious Bill Murray movie, so I thought that I would post the official word from Phil the Groundhog:

Phil Says "Six More Weeks of Winter!"
Phil's official forecast as read February 2nd, 2009 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:Hear Ye Hear Ye
On Gobbler's Knob this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2009
Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators
Awoke to the call of President Bill Cooper
And greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths
After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,
Phil proclaimed that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were World Champions one more time
And a bright sky above me
Showed my shadow beside me.
So 6 more weeks of winter it will be.

Watch out for that first step, It's a doozy!

Like Father, Like Son

2009-01-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

I wonder who Ethan picked up this nifty trick from?

Fishing

2009-01-17T23:38:00.001-08:00

We went Fishing today at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. It was so much fun. We caught 7 fish with MOM's being the biggest at 4+ lbs. It was such a beautiful day and so relaxing just being outdoors waiting for the Fish to Bite.

My Little Musician

2009-01-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

I forgot that I took Video. Enjoy!

I Hate to Brag

2009-01-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe the weather we are having in Southern California. I have all the windows open and there's a nice warm breeze coming through the house with the sun shining bright. It feels like summer and it's only January! The kids were a little antzy yesterday so I thought we should go to the beach and play. It was beautiful. No clouds, no wind, warm sun, cool water. You can't ask for more than that. I think Ethan even got over his fear of sand. (Yes, I took a baby who hates sand to the beach!) Once he got digging though he liked it. This is just a wonderful heat wave. Everyone should live here!!!

Ethan

2009-01-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

My Son continues to amaze me!

Recently I have been yelling at him to get out of the hall closet because he won't stop sweeping. And regardless of what my mom thinks the house is clean. It's not his way of trying to tell me something! He is just obsessed with the broom and this new Shark vaccum that Sharon and Rick bought us.

And then, no matter how hard I have tried to not let him know where the pan lids where kept, his curiostiy over every cupboard door and drawer finally caught up with me. I have endured three straight days of lid banging and am now regreting the comment I once made to Jason about Ethan's good sense of rythym.

And finally, I was out on the balcony doing laundry and came back into the house to discover this bright gem of a shot. My 16 month old son had removed his diaper, climbed up on the toilet and proceeded to go to the bathroom. I know that he didn't receive help from his ever encouraging sister because she was within eyesight the whole time I was outside.

What Am I Supposed to do With THIS?

Him wiping was even more of a shocker. What is this world coming to when a baby potty trains himself? I swear if I knew how this happened I would let you know. I would be a "Parenting Book" Millionaire. So where do I go from here. Do I encourage this or forget it ever happened and hope he does, too. I think I just lost my baby to the toddler world. Sigh.

2009-01-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

Jesus wants me for a SunBeam

Today was Hannah's first day in Primary. She got to sit in the front row and they sang the welcome song to her class. There are 12 new sunbeams and only 2 girls. Here's a cute picture of her with her crown and new sunbeam necklace. I can't believe that my little girl is in Primary. Only 3 more months and Ethan is in nursery. They are getting so old. Guess it's time to brush up on my primary songs!!

Sister Sleepover

2009-01-02T12:40:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

I thought I would share this cute picture of the girls having a little sleepover. Hannah sure is loving having Mackenzie here. It's fun to have someone else to play with other than mom.

2008-12-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Taller Smarter Cuter

I am Three today!

Happy Birthday Hannah!

2008-12-29T20:45:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Little Girl!

Christmas Day

2008-12-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

I think this picture says it all.

Well we started out our Christmas at 4:00 am in the ER. How about everyone else? Hannah had been battling a fever all afternoon but at about 3:30 in the morning she woke up screaming and burning hot. We decided that whatever we were doing wasn't helping so I packed her up and left. It turned out to be a bladder and kidney infection. They gave her two very unpleasant shots and a Rx and we left. Not the best way to start out but everything seemed to go fine the rest of the day.

It was so fun watching the kids open presents. Ethan would start at his and then realize that Hannah was doing something and completely abandon his to go help her.

She loved the kitchen. We covered it in wrapping paper and she lifted it up and went under it so I couldn't get her initial reaction but I heard a lot of Oooh-ing and Aahh-ing. She immediately started putting the pans on the stove and put things in the fridge. Ethan is even enjoying it. Well another Christmas down. Now we just have Hannah's birthday on Monday. Mackenzie is coming in tomorrow so we are going to have a full house. Should be fun!!!!

Christmas Through your eyes

2008-12-25T02:31:00.000-08:00

I was totally one of those kids that would wake up early Christmas morning and sneak to the living room before anyone else was awake and scope out the presents. Then as if I didn't already know I would act all surprised when we would all go together. I remember one such time that I entered the living room to find the biggest and softest white ballerina bear with a pink tutu and head band. I was in love. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. My brother had to almost drag me back to bed but I couldn't wait to go back out there and just hold her. She was exactly what I wanted. We never wrote letters to Santa. I don't know why that tradition was never started in our household but I almost appreciate it now because as I look back I was never disappointed in Christmas. There were no expectations and yet Santa always got it right. It added to the magic. He just always knew what we wanted even though we didn't really know it ourselves. My mother, I think, was very in tune with her children. This Christmas I sold our changing table so that we could afford and have room for a little play kitchen. It was a great experience for Jason and I to put it together knowing the excitement it's going to bring in the morning. I almost feel like that little girl again and I can't wait to see Hannah's face.

Just as a side note after all the presents were assembled and put under the tree and any evidence of Santa was put away, I sat down with my steaming mug of Wassail and admired the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. Some of my greatest and happiest moments as a child are associated with Christmas. I loved being at my Grandma's house, there's something about being in a very old home with lots of history that brings out the Christmas spirit. I can still smell the wood burning stove, fired up for warmth but more importantly for wrapping paper consumption, carefully guarded by my Grandpa. The tree was always in the bay window with Grandma's two pink chairs on either side. After my Grandma passed two years ago my Uncle Eldon was given the chairs but after I expressed interest in them he let me have them. It makes me so happy to look at them now next to my tree and to have a little bit of those Christmas memories with me. Thank you Uncle Eldon!

I hope you all enjoy your Christmas Day and maybe just for a little bit become a child again.

Gingerbread House

2008-12-16T12:19:00.001-08:00

Sticker Shock

2008-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

We recently had a discussion at our house about where stickers belong. Not on the walls, not on mommy's new computer, not on the toilet (I don't know!), not on the windows, and Not on your brother. So where do stickers go then - the only place reasonable to a toddler...

And as a side note, look at these two cuddling together on the bed watching a movie. It only lasted about 5 minutes into Dalmatians but it was too cute.

2008-12-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

I try not to post everytime we go to Disneyland because then it would seem this blog would just be about that. (Maybe that's a good idea for a new blog... I'm sure they are already out there though!) But I just love "The Merriest Place on Earth". Yes, for all you non-Californians it's the merriest. Christmas Time at Disneyland is the best. The music is playing and there are decorations everywhere and if my children didn't go to bed so early there's even snow at night. I love it!!! Here are a few pictures of us there yesterday. I don't always take my camera because we are there so often and I forget to take pics. We are going to go and actually do the Christmas pics but haven't yet.They don't look happy but it's just the sun in their eyes, I promise!

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

I have to do a shout out to my two brothers, it was both of their birthdays this week. Happy Birthday you two. Hope it was fun. I miss hanging with my brothers. Maybe someday soon we will all be in California together! I love you guys.

Thanksgiving and Christmas

2008-11-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The Matheson Family was here to share it with us and we had so much fun.

All the girls wore Coral colored shirts. No.. it was not planned!

Ethan loves olives just like Grandma

Usually we wait for the day after Thanksgiving to be our Christmas decorating day, but with my mom and sister here to help we did it the day before. So it was an unusual mix of pumpkins and pine!
Here's a picture of the early Christmas Present my mom made for me! It's all Mary Engelbreit fabric. Soooo Cute!!!
And my mom packed all their presents and food in this box that the kids were having a blast playing in. She didn't even realize that there was a train on the side of it. I think that is all the kids are going to get for Christmas... boxes.
I'm so Thankful for my family and friends and all the support and help I have received this year. Hopefully in the next year I can return the favor! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hannah's World

2008-11-18T18:12:00.000-08:00

We have been watching an insane amount of Land Before Time at this house and my imaginative daughter is constantly asking me to be a long neck with her. We crawl around on our hands and knees and hide from "lions" (I guess we've been watching Lion King, too) which happen to be Ethan or Jason, whichever one is around. So during one of our many Littlefoot adventures we started looking for a place to live - as I thought it, The Great Valley. Boy was I wrong. I got a very serious look from my toddler and was promptly corrected that it is called the "Grape Ballet". Just a little lost in translation, that's all.

Last night I was laying with Hannah during our quiet time before bed and I thought it would be a good time to practice our numbers and ABC's. So I started with A and she repeated A back to me and then we proceeded through the alphabet. I said S, she said S. I said T, she said T. I said U, she said Hannah!

For my Aunt Cythina

2008-11-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

Hope you are feeling better. I would have a Strawberry shake there but Hannah downed it before we could even get home.

Ketchup or Catch Up (whichever you prefer)

2008-11-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

The yellow stuff is apparently to "spicy" for some in our family. So we go with Ketchup.

I realize that I haven't posted in a while and it is definitely not for lack of things to say or projects to show. I have actually been busy with little things getting accomplished here and there but have just failed to post. So here is a quick run through and then hopefully I can get back on the horse.

First off this is for my Mom. I did the little picture box by the front door and forgot I didn't send you a picture. The picture is from Hannah's first Thanksgiving in 2006. They looked so cute in those hats. Next, we got the kids room clean and then set up the little playhouse for them to play in. Ethan can't get enough of it. He loves running through the door and then looking out the mesh windows, flattening his nose, and seeing if you can see him. The other night I even found Hannah in there after she was supposed to be in bed. She had moved it over by the nightlight and was reading books to her stuffed animals. Cute but very, very naughty! (one of those I'm giving you the mean angry mommy look but totally laughing inside moments)

Weird picture of Hannah but it's the only one of the whole house.

Ethan has been doing this thing when you point a camera at him. I think he's trying to wink but it's with both eyes. It is so cute but just doesn't register on camera. I guess I could get a video. We'll see.

After getting the room clean I looked at Hannah's bed and reaffirmed that I can't stand fixing the sheets after every sleeping period because we bought this bed from Ikea and it's a weird size so sheets don't fit. I finally resigned to making sheets myself. Turned out okay! Okay and then today... I have been getting all these emails from the FlyLady and Martha Stewart about preparing for Thanksgiving and cleaning things out now and just getting everything ready. So as I was searching in my immensely deep pantry for something I thought I had but clearly didn't, I thought, "That's it. I'm cleaning out the pantry!" Crazy idea. But a little genius did come out of it. I had all these little things I needed to organize and just didn't have the bins to do it. Then I remembered I had these Huggies Wipes containers that for some reason I couldn't bring myself to throw away even though every time I buy a new box at Costco I get a new one. So I figured out that they make great bins for all those envelopes of stuff and all my cake decorating things. So that's what I have been up to. Just keeping busy.

Voting Day!

2008-11-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

It started to rain last night and as I was laying there listening to the raindrops, I began to "ponder on the beauty of an Earth made clean again". Then I got to thinking about how it was election day and all the turmoil and strife that has been associated with it recently. The issues have split neighbors and friends and even households. We are in hard times and are currently fighting a battle against Satan. I can only hope that religious people around the nation have prayed about their decision and that this country will continue to be one ruled under God. And like the rain cleaned our cars and sidewalks this morning I hope that we can come out of today with a renewed cleanliness and fresh start. Happy Election Day!

Halloween Night

2008-11-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

2008-10-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

We just met up with the Hjorth family at Disneyland. I've never been to Disneyland on Halloween, all the little kids are dressed up - It's kind of fun. Here's a picture of all the girls on the ladybug ride. We had a good morning and now the kids are napping so they're ready for nighttime trick or treating! Yeah!

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

We had our ward Halloween Trunk or Treat party last night. Hannah looked adorable in her little witch's outfit just like mommy. I forgot to get a picture of our truck but we had a big spider web over the bed of the truck and Hannah made cute little pom pom spiders to go in it. Ethan had a blast watching all the kids walk by in their costumes. He had no idea what was going on - it was funny!!

Sewing Bug

2008-10-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so I think I got bit. I was just going to make another skirt with the other fabric I bought but it was so cute and I was thinking that I was smart enough to figure out how to do an easy sundress. So here it is. The skirt isn't a perfect A-line and the top was a little low so I added a little detail, it turned out pretty cute though. What should I make now?

Hannah's twirly skirt

2008-10-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a project to do and was reading my cousin Amy's blog and she had found this cute skirt idea. I let my cousin spend the time looking for cute ideas and then I just steal them from her!! Here's the tutorial for it.

And yes I realize that Hannah's shirt doesn't match but it was the one she was wearing when we tried it on. She's going through this stage though where she thinks nothing fits her so we had the battle of trying it on initially but then I pulled up the pictures of Allison wearing hers and now I can't get it off of her. It's so cute I might make an adult version!!

Quarter, Quarter, Whose got the Quarter?

2008-10-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hannah does. Kept very safe in her little tummy. That's right, my daughter is currently worth 25 cents if there are any offers!! We even have the x-rays to prove it. All you have to do is take her to the potty and it's like a treasure hunt. Fun, huh? The doctor said it should come out in a few days. Just another fun thing about being a mom. Has anyone else had this happen?

Fall Fun

2008-10-12T01:54:00.000-07:00

We had a little family outing to the Irvine Regional Park yesterday. It really is a great place to go have some cheap fun. The kids had a great time at the zoo and then we went over to their Pumpkin Patch and had fun druming on all the pumpkins and going through the maze. It's Alive!! Ethan thought it was so funny to stick his head through all the cutouts!
The cutest three little piggies I've ever seen

Why is it that kids are so cute when surrounded by a whole bunch of pumpkins?

Ethan's Pictures

2008-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

We finally got Ethan's one year pictures done. I know they are always funny with the props and stuff but they sure do a better job than my camera can do. (Maybe that's a hint that it's time for a new camera! just putting that out there!)

Wicked

2008-09-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

As an early Christmas present we bought tickets to go see Wicked at the Pantages Theatre. It was so good. We had seats in the orchestra but they were off to the left so anything happening stage left was lost to us but it was still enjoyable. I even caught Jason laughing a couple of times. At least it gave us a reason to get all dressed up and get out of the house.

This is What happens...

2008-09-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

When you leave a baby alone with a bowl of cottage cheese. He was so proud of himself. In all fairness though he did make 3/4 of it in his mouth!!

Autumn Time!

2008-09-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

I have always loved this time of year, when the leaves change and it starts to get cold. I couldn't wait any longer to decorate. We had a fun craft night for Relief Society and look at these cute pumpkins I made! I also put my wreath together and love having our house look a little festive.

Potty Training

2008-09-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

I just made a comment on my friends blog about her daughter finally learning to go on the potty and it made me think...

Is potty training worth it?

When you come in to help your child wipe and find that half of the new roll of toilet paper has already made it into the toilet... Is potty training worth it?

When you're out shopping and after repeatedly asking your child if she needs to go potty you proceed to the dressing room, get completely to the point of indecency, and she announces that now she needs to go potty... Worth it?

When you're standing in the public stall enthusiastically clapping for and praising your child and she asks you to do the potty dance (A celebration dance much like scoring a touchdown!) when you come out and there is a line of women staring at you waiting for you to finish...Still worth it?

When your child, with all the pride in the world and a huge sense of self accomplishment, lifts her dress to inform every passerby that she has on big girl undies...

(Thanks to Ashley!) When you are out at the park with no bathroom accessible and you let your child go on the grass behind the bushes...

When she is taking a nice little car nap while you drive from point A to point B and she must be dreaming of the beach and wakes up in her car seat complete wet...

When she announces to the whole restaurant that she needs to poop...

When she gets up in the middle of the night and needs to go even though you put a pull up on her (I'm really proud of her for getting up but I would also like to sleep!!)...

When she decides that every 10 minutes she needs to go potty and you are torn between completely not believing her but wanting her to know you take what she is saying seriously...

When you can leave the house without a huge diaper bag, leave Costco without a huge box of diapers and wipes, when you can go two days without having to empty the trash can, and when you watch your daughter look into the toilet and wave bye-bye and blow goodbye kisses to her poop as it flushes.... So Totally Worth Potty Training!!!!

Happy Birthday To Us!

2008-09-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well this post is a little late and obviously this blog hasn't been updated in a while but I'm going to try and get back on track. So first things first... It was Ethan's First Birthday on the 4th which also happens to be My 26th Birthday. Unfortunately we celebrated our birthdays the same way we did last year. In the Hospital!! That's right, once again I found myself laying helplessly in a hospital bed waiting for pain medicine. Only this time a tiny little baby wasn't coming out!!! But we still were able to have some fun. My parents were in town so we had a little impromptu birthday party in the hospital cafeteria. Good thing they had an outside eating area because Ethan went a little crazy with the chocolate frosting.
He was so dainty at first, sticking his little finger in and licking it off but it didn't take long before he got the hang of it!
Please excuse the awful appearance of the person posing with Ethan. This crazy lady in a hospital gown just sat down and started posing for pictures.
Here's the Grand Finale ... Chocolate Frosting and Cake everywhere!!! He sure brightened my day!! Happy Birthday Budders!

Mom does not negotiate with Toddlers!

2008-08-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah right!!! So Hannah was dying over this Cinderella Doll. She just had to have it. "Please Mommy I take her home with me?" So I negotiated. We swapped Cinderella.....

For these!

So hopefully she understands what she really got for them. I tried to give her a few times to opt out of the agreement but the second we got home she ran and grabbed her binkies and threw them in the trash! (Mom scooped them out just in case we have a meltdown) We will see how the night goes!

2008-07-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

I HATE EARTHQUAKES!!!!

Fourth Fun!

2008-07-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July started with a bang then went uphill from there. We were unfortunately rear-ended on our way to breakfast and spent the first hour of our day talking to police and filing claims. No one was majorly hurt except some back pain and headaches and the truck isn't too damaged but will need minor repairs. Then after enjoying a very large and yummy breakfast we were off to the golf course, Mini Golf that is! It was a very enjoyable time with hardly a par in sight. At least not with these two little ones around! Hannah gave her Papa and Daddy some competition in the arcade and even won a few tickets herself.
I believe this was a hole in one by way of Hannah's foot and then a dead leaf lying on the green.
We had a good day with the Pushckors and will probably make it a tradition.

Wall-E

2008-07-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

As a reward for being such a big girl going on the potty just me and Hannah had a mommy/daughter date at the movies. We went to see Wall-E and she loved it. This was her first time at the big movie theater and I think she had fun. She got her own little box of "Pocoporn" and a drink and even halfway through the movie she said (very loudly) "Mom - Poop!" so up we ran as fast as we could to the closest potty and she made it! Then we settled down and watched the rest of the movie. I would definitely recommend it.

Potty Party!!

2008-07-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've been putting off the inevitable for some time now. It finally hit me though as I was walking up to the check-out line in Costco with 2 huge boxes of diapers of different sizes. That 10 pack of little girl undies for $8 sure looked a lot more enticing. So I decided that Monday would be the day. We stayed at home with lots of juice and salty snacks and no diaper, and after only a few accidents we have a potty trained toddler. It's day 3 and she's doing great. Hopefully we keep going in the right direction. (Now if I can just get Ethan to stop throwing things in the toilet we'd be great!)

Irvine Regional Park

2008-07-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

This actually happened a few weeks ago but I forgot to put the pictures up. We were invited to my cousins, they're Twins, 2nd birthday party at Irvine Regional Park. I've lived in Southern California for 14 years and not once been here. It is a great little resource. There is a zoo (a real zoo with a bear and mountain lion and birds) a little train ride and a pony ride, plus tons of picnic areas and grass to play on. It's a great place and only $2 for the zoo and $4 for the pony ride. Hannah had so much fun on the pony that she cried when it was time to get off. Which really isn't unusual for her. Mackenzie got to actually trot on the horse but we didn't get any pics. We had a great time and the Twins were so cute!

If at first you don't succeed.....

2008-06-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

I've had fish before. Maybe when I was younger and was barely in charge of feeding the fish which I'm sure I didn't do very often. But I've had fish before. So when we decided it would be a good idea for Hannah to have a fish that she could look at and "play" with I might have been a little too confident in my abilities. Water conditioner? I've never seen my mom put stuff in our water. I'm positive, honey, we don't need to spend money on that. Plants? Why would they need plants. Then they just hide and you can't see them. Don't waste your money! So the children picked out what fish they would like. Wonderful little orange and white ones from Walmart. We fought all the way out to the parking lot about who got to hold them. Mom won! Got them home and filled up the new tank with room temperature water and let the bag float in it a while - I at least know that much! Then the kids watched excitedly as mom scooped them out of the bag into their new home. Hooray! Then we all sat down to dinner. Little did I know that we were also going to have a show. We sat there and ate our spaghetti all watching the new fish. Honey why are they twitching like that? Maybe they need some food. Don't worry they just aren't used to the new tank. I think he's not breathing. Mommy, why is he floating like that. What's he doing mommy? What followed was the talk about death. Hannah took it quite well actually. Mackenzie: "Are we going to flush 'em?" (She's obviously done this before). I think mom took it the hardest though. After Hannah went to bed I took care of the nasty deed. "All drains lead to the Ocean" I thought... realizing that maybe we've watched a little too much Nemo this week. But now our tank is graced with a new occupant, and water conditioner and plants and even a little neon "house" that he can swim through. So we have a new addition to the family and he's already quadrupled the amount of time alive compared to the last tenants. Hallelujah!

Back from the Dead!

2008-06-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so I realize that I haven't posted since April. We got home from Hawaii and nothing was the same. I just couldn't get out of that vacation spirit. Yeah Right!!! I actually have been in Utah seeing my surgeon and doctors. I was having a lot of issues and I think we finally figured it out. So.... Now we are back and so much has changed. I don't know how to catch up which is why I probably wasn't posting because I just didn't know where to start!

So here are the highlights of the last couple of months:

Ethan learned how to crawl. And then learned how to grow teeth! He has four now and knows how to use them. He acts like I've been starving him and every meal is his last. Maybe it's a boy thing but he just eats and eats and eats.

Hannah gardened her little heart out while in Utah. I think she even ate a few worms! Gross!! Also she had a fun couple of weeks while her sister Mackenzie visited from Minnesota. I don't have any pictures because life gets a little hectic when you add another child all of a sudden. We had a blast though going to the park and Disneyland and taking walks by the duck pond. Hannah sure misses her!
I also finally got the kids room organized. We bought a new toy box and bookshelf and got all of their cute bedding up. Now I just need to paint the walls! (BTW if no one knows, my mom made their bedding. It is the cutest. The wings on the bees and ladybugs and dragonflies are all 3-D.)

So I'm glad that I finally feel like a mother now. And it's so good to be home. We sure appreciate all the help My Family has been and don't know how we are going to repay them. Hannah loves her Bamma and Gampa so much. I'm glad we have a camera so that she can see them. So now we are back to the land of the Living. Hooray! and looking forward to a great summer!

Kaua'i

2008-04-25T09:51:00.001-07:00

We just had the best trip to Kaua'i with my parents and sister. It was such a beautiful Island. We also stopped in Honolulu for the first two days and went to the Arizona and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Here are a few pics of our adventures.

The Funniest Thing Ever!!

2008-03-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

I put Ethan in the little airplane jumper and this is what he did. He was actually getting some air. It was the funniest thing. At least I thought so! (sorry it's sideways - I thought I could turn it but I can't)

Easter

2008-03-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

I Realize that I didn't post anything about Easter. It was really uneventful for us. I didn't really even get any pics of the kids in their clothes. Here are some of Hannah looking for eggs and Ethan with his Easter Pail!

I took some pictures of their baskets before they came out.

Egg Hunt

2008-03-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

One of the moms in the ward sponsored a little Easter Egg Hunt today for all the little kids. It was so much fun. I didn't know if Hannah was going to get much of the Bunny Spirit this year so this was perfect for her. She finally learned the concept after last year's hunt and took home the most eggs!! Mom's trying to get most the candy though!Ethan even enjoyed being out in the sunshine. He is doing awesome at sitting up. The Dr told us he has great abdominal muscles! (Working on his 6-pack already!!) He was the hit of the party though- all the kids wanted to play with him and give him treats. That was scary!!

Ethan 6 months old

2008-03-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Ethan is 6 months old. I can't believe it. Time goes by so fast. We just started feeding him some squash and he loves it.

The best way to make him laugh is to have his sister jump around him. He thinks she is so funny!! He has the sweetest little spirit and is always so happy. He also won the "Super Sleeper Award" for finally sleeping through the night. (His sister - not so great at that!)

We are so glad that Ethan made it to this world to be a part of our family. We are so lucky!!

2008-02-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm not posting as much recently because I am trying to recover, but just wanted to wish a Happy Heart Day to everyone. Hope it's full of love.

2008-02-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

This has been my home for the last week. Look on the 11th floor - you can see me waving. If you're wondering, this is the new IHC Hospital in Murray, UT. I am here recovering from my second and (Surprise) FINAL surgery!! I was supposed to have two surgeries but when the Surgeon got in there he said everything went perfect and just decided to do it all in one. I was glad to be done with my ostomy bag but it's been a longer recovery. We are taking things slow and I just graduated to a full liquid diet which means yogurt and milk and pudding.

Hannah and Ethan have been having the time of their lives going to see new friends everyday and being spoiled by Bamma and Bopba (Grandma and Grandpa). It justs keeps snowing here in Utah and I heard that Hannah and Aunt Kelsey built the biggest snowman today but I'm yet to see it. Well thanks to cousin Meghan for coming to visit and bringing her laptop. It was great chatting with you. Go smooch Jeremy. You deserve it!

SNOW

2008-01-28T16:03:00.000-08:00

We just had the biggest blizzard. My sister Kelsey actually got held at school because the Highway Patrol wouldn't let them drive. But when it finally calmed down we had the best time. It's been so long since I actually got all bundled up to go play in the snow. It was even more fun bundling Hannah!

We tried to make a snowman but the snow just wasn't wet enough, but Hannah made the cutest snow angel. And the best part about a snow day... Hot Chocolate!! umm yummy as Hannah would say.

2008-01-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

Today our beloved Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died. He was such an inspiration to the world and such a loss to us all. I am devasted at his loss. I have tried to emulate his utter happiness and love that he was so in love with life. I believe he was truly a prophet of God and is now with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I will miss him as I am sure so many others will.

2008-01-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

Here's the final look.

Utah

2008-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to cold snowy Utah!! And we thought the rain in California was bad. In the following picture there is a 9 ft deep swimming pool under all that snow. Hard to believe.

Here's Ethan on the plane. He was such a good little guy. I'm so glad Grandma and Grandpa were with us this time though. It sure is hard flying with two little ones.

Today is Kelsey's Preference Dance, too, and I had the privilege of doing her hair. I think it turned out pretty good but I think I might be bias.

That's not a Duck - It's a Pelican

2008-01-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

We have a Duck pond behind our new house that is on the way to the mailbox so everyday we get to go and take a walk with the ducks. Hannah loves to see them swim and she will chase them all around the grass. She will pick up leaves that they think are food and just follow her everywhere. It's so fun. On this one particular outing they were swimming back and forth under the bridge. It's the simple things in life that make us happy.

2008-01-17T11:41:00.001-08:00

One of these things is not like the other.

2008-01-10T15:56:00.001-08:00

Do you want to know what the cutest sound in the world is. Ethan when he's hungry. He makes this little snort noise - It's so cute.

It's Time to Potty

2008-01-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hannah went pee and poop on the potty this week! We are still working on getting her to tell me before she has to go though. It is fun to see her squat down and say, "poop" and then "run fast" to the potty even though she's already gone. It's actually kind of a fun learning process. Mom wasn't quite prepared for this to happen this soon but I guess she's ready when she's ready. Time to go to the store for pull-ups!

Yum Yum

2008-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

Ethan had his first bite of rice cereal. Does he look like he liked it? He kept eating so he must have!

2007-12-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

I miss you Grandma.

Birthday Girl

2007-12-29T21:05:00.000-08:00

It's Hannah's Birthday!

My little girl turned two today. She is a bonafide toddler and proud of it. We went to Disneyland today and she just had the best time. It was so fun to see her get so excited over everything we did. The Carousel is her favorite ride. She is such a little Princess but also a little goofy.

I can't believe how the year goes by and how much can change. In the last year Hannah has learned:

1. How to walk

2. How to talk

3. The parts of her body

4. The fun of Gardening

5. How to be a big sister

6. The sign for friends
7. The color Purple

8. How to bounce

The cutest things Hannah does:

-Feeds her baby doll a bottle

-Has to have her keys and phone and purse before we can leave

-Runs up and gives you hugs

-Hides things behind her back

We love you Hannah. You have turned into such a loving and adorable little girl. You are so sweet and caring. You make everybody around you happier. Happy Birthday!

Snowed in?

2007-12-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas today. Hannah woke up and was so excited. The first thing she said was, "Santa?" It was a blast watching her open her presents and see which ones became fast favorites. Then Nana and Papa came over and found out that we had been tree-ed in and we didn't even know it. Last night we had a terrible wind storm. As we discovered this morning four very large trees had fallen in our complex blocking all exits. One had fallen perfectly though through the crook of another and left about a 15 ft clearance under it for those brave enough to go under. Some cars were smashed though- what an awful thing to wake up to Christmas morning. That aside it was a good Christmas. Uncle Randy, Aunt Ashleigh and Nevaeh came over to play and exchange gifts. And dinner was spectacular with a Honeybaked ham courtesy of Papa Rick. Overall not that bad a Christmas even though there was no snow!!

Twas the night before Christmas....

2007-12-24T22:05:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
not a baby was sleeping, not even an ounce.
We put out the cookies and milk for St. Nick
but Hannah thought they were hers, what a trick.
We finally got them all nestled in bed
with dreams of getting some sleep in our heads.
But then we remembered and gasped in our haste
the presents weren't wrapped and we're all out of paste.
We ran to the neighbors, we ran to the store
we couldn't believe it, we were too late
We ransacked the house, behind every door
and finally deep in one drawer we found tape.
So now all the presents are under the tree
we hope that the children will shout with glee.
Hope your Christmas is merry and full of love
and after all of this eating may your clothes still fit like a glove!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!