Thanksgiving and a few Birthdays...

Our Thanksgiving was spent at the Kidman's house. Travis ate himself into a turkey coma, with a healthy side of mashed potatoes. Sienna, bribed Michelle somehow to keep feeding her a nonstop supply of candy. Adyson joined with Rheagen and Padin in teasing Devin for most of the day. And giggled with Rheagen a lot. (Those little blondie's!)I crafted with the girls (I know, I'm just as surprised as you are..."I" crafted??). The kids joined in too, while the menfolk watched some football.

We played games, ate and ate again, and enjoyed the day with each other. We also celebrated Triston's Birthday, he turned 11 years old, and we are all wondering how that happened?? He is a great kid, and it was fun to celebrate with him. And Grandma, his Jazz cake was perfect!

In the evening we went to my parents house to visit with them and Cody and Simon. Sienna and Simon were thrilled to see each other again (it's been a while), and were joined at the hip.

First it was making snow angels in the carpet. They did this for quite a while.

Then it was off to torturing Grandpa. They begged for a horsey ride. Then another. Then another.

Then Grandpa got tired, and collapsed on the ground. And they begged, and begged for more rides. Sienna even gave him a smooch, but Grandpa, in his most dramatic voice ever, said "Horsey's dead kids, horsey's dead."Of course, the kids won. Adyson even pulled herself away from "The Grinch" to go for a ride.It was great to celebrate with both of our families. We are overwhelmed often by how much we have to be thankful for. Today mostly, I am thankful for cherished time with each other, and those beautiful smiles my kids have!

Also today is my dad's birthday, and I just wanted to wish him a good one. My dad is about the most amazing father a girl could ask for. He is always there to support us. He has been so helpful whenever we are in need, whether it is mowing the lawn, or car advice, or just someone to lose at Monopoly...(Just kidding dad, sort of!). He is the hardest worker I know, and is just a lot of fun. I can't imagine a better father.

I love you dad!

FHE: Keeping it Real

Tonight for FHE we opted to put up our Nativity and decorate the downstairs tree.

I had pictured this:

Fire lit, Christmas music in the background, kids grinning from ear to ear, listening eagerly to every word about the birth of Christ. Sienna and Adyson sharing the ornaments, placing them just so on the tree, and afterward, a Christmas movie, why we all snuggled on the couch.

Sounds wonderful, right?

It went something more like this:

Sienna saw the DVD case to "The Diamond Castle", her latest favorite movie. (It sucks, if you're wondering...), and whined through most of the Nativity Story. (Her new favorite phrase, "It's just not fair", she's such a little diva!). Adyson, listened, but not much sunk through I believe, because she was so enthralled in touching the figures, which made Travis and I a little jumpy, because let's face it, Adyson isn't the most graceful child. And she drops things. And falls a lot.

Then came the tree trimmin'. They loved this portion, but goodness, if Adyson found a snowflake, Sienna had to have the same one, or else you would hear her say "It's just not fair...". (A diva I tell you). And they got those ornaments up there so fast that they were then disappointed that they were done. (More complaining came here).
So then Travis and I suggested a Christmas movie, and we did get all snuggled up on the couch.

But then Adyson suggested ET as in The Extra Terrestrial, as her movie of choice. Cause nothing says Christmas like an Alien, and young Drew Barrymore.

Not really what we had in mind.

After putting our stern feet down (we are such tough parents), we finally settled into Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, and we finally lit that fire. And those girls smiled through the whole movie, and their beautiful eyes (blue for Ads, hazel for Ens) lit up.

And somehow, I'm calling our FHE a success.

And have decided that we are going to really focus on The real reason we Celebrate Christmas for each FHE all season long. I'm thinking after 5 or 6, it will all sink in...

Side note:My Nativity is my very favorite Christmas Decoration. It is just like the one we had growing up, and whenever I pull it out I remember putting ours up when I was younger. (We always fought over who got to place Baby Jesus in his spot...it seems wrong now...). When we got married my Mom and Dad painted it for us, and have done that for all of the kids. I need them to do the same for my kids because I can't paint to save my life!

Christmas fun and Twilight

Confession:

I start Christmas early.
I have most of my gifts wrapped, and just tonight put them under the just decorated tree.

I have already lost a little sleep over the excitement of watching my girls Christmas morning.

I just love the magic of Christmas. Love it.

So forgive me for doing a Christmas post before Thanksgiving...

Friday:

I had the bug to get some of the gifts wrapped. Adyson always wants to help, and lets face it, a 4 yr. old wrapping presents isn't really "helpful". So this year I got out my stamps, and some tags and let her go to town. She made tags for her cousins, teachers, and for her friends. It totally made my day to see her getting so excited over the little things about Christmas.

Man, I love this holiday!

Saturday:

The long awaited Twilight! A whole bunch of girls in the nieghborhood went to the Coppermill for dinner, and then to the movie. Once again, I have to brag about how great my friends around here are. It was such a fun girls night! I didn't get a pic of everyone, because a few people came late, and some just met us at the movie. (Sorry if you were there and didn't make it on the blog, I know you are sooo dissapointed...)

I ended up really liking the movie. Edward totally grew on me, and I thought Bella was perfect. There were a few awkward moments, and I think I need to get my hands on Rosalie and Alice's hair (I could have done much better...), but overall I knew that nothing would compare to the books, so I kept an open mind. I do think that the next movie will be much better with a bigger budget, but I am not complaining. It could have been better, but it could have been worse, and it was a lot of fun!

Sunday:

At about 12:30 Adyson woke up with the flu. I am so bummed that it finally hit her because I thought we were in the clear! So today we stayed home from church, and did nothiing. By six o'clock everyone was feeling pretty good, but totally bored, so I made Travis drag out the Christmas and we got the decorating started! Yeah!!! We only got one of the trees done, and thought we'd save the next one for family night tomorrow along with the Nativity. The girls were so excited to get everything started, and just loved it when it was all done, and the tree was lit.

It has begun and I couldn't be more happy about it! Welcome Christmas!

Oh, and I hope you all have a Happy Thankgiving! We will, and have much to be thankful for!

We've still got it.

Guitar Hero anyone?

Adyson with her guitar from Santa, LOVING "Hit me with your best shot."

It's her fave.

Sienna pouting because silly Santa forgot to bring 2 guitars last year.

She wants one.

No, she needs one.

Hopefully this year Santa will follow through.

Notice the Star Power?

That's MY man!!!

Finally Sienna finds her smile.

When we force Adyson to share her guitar.

And Man Alive, can that girl get her groove on.

(Sorry bout the sideways view...)

A weekend with the Wolfleys

Our weekend:

Heather and Jody made an overdue trip to visit.

She shocked me once again with how grown up she is. Always willing to help with the kids, stunningly beautiful, and so smart. How do I get my kids to be like this when they are her age??? She is just so much fun!

He had Travis and I cracking up all weekend long. And apparently he has big plans to be the next Country music star... This one has a knack for making you think you are his favorite person alive. (I love just being around him!)

He....well, I'm not really sure what he did all weekend. He and Adyson pretty much are glued to each other from the second they find one another. I did see them catching ladybugs outside and playing school at one point. I have to wonder when they will realize how little they have in common, he is all boy (he even picked off his flower sprinkles on his donuts, because they were too girly), and she is all girl. But for now they really cherish each other, and it is beautiful to watch!

And this one spent most of her weekend charming all of us! I can't believe how much she has changed in the last few months. She is talking up a storm and she is little miss independent. She smiles at everything, and those dimples, oh they are to die for! And she let me rock her to sleep today, so I will call that a success!

The boys were kind enough to give the women a few hours to shop and lunch together. It was so much fun to spend some time with Heather, who I miss daily! We also all went to Madagascar 2 together (Amy we missed you!) , and that was a lot of fun. It is a really cute movie, and Sienna couldn't stop shaking her booty throughout. (And if you are wondering, the Doc. said she doesn't have pink eye, but gave us some drops and she is starting to look less like Sloth from Goonies, and more like our little sweetie.)

Now if only we could find an awesome job for Jody in Logan....we sure miss you guys! Thanks for the fun.

Pink Eye

Sienna just woke up with what I believe is pink eye.

Tonight Heather and Jody are driving up from Idaho, and we have been excited all week to see them. (It's long overdue.)

If any of you neighbors or close by friends have some medication lying around, I would gladly take it off your hands being that I can't take her to the doc. till tomorrow.

A long time ago

Adyson is really into asking a lot of questions. At Wal-mart she wants to know how all the food gets on the shelves. How does the bank get all the money? How do the elves sneak around so much without me seeing them?

A lot of questions.

Just now the conversation went like this.

Ads-Mom, when were you young?
Me-Laughing.
Ads-Why are you laughing? You didn't answer me.
Me-It's just a funny ? Ady. I was young a long time ago.

Ah, kids always know how to make you feel good.

Saturday

Woke up at 9, feeling refreshed.
Kids are healthy again, Travis feels good too.

House was still clean due to Friday's scrub down.

The credit card machine broke at Cafe Rio, and they gave us free lunch. (AWE.some)

Went Christmas shopping. (I can't wait for the big day!)

Relaxed at home for a bit, and found my husband and the girls doing this....

A tea party restaurant style. Travis was the waiter. His accent was French? Italian? Jamaican???, I'm still trying to figure this out.

He took their order. Adyson (who refuses to eat lettuce. period.), ordered a salad. When asked for her order, Sienna asked for Sour Cream. (They make me smile.)

Pretend ice cream for dessert.

Sienna found a fairy wand. "bipit, bipit, bipit", she said, as she tapped me (a bit hard) on the head. Then she exclaimed, "Your a boy now mom."

Don't worry, she changed me back into mom and then told me "Your bootiful!"

Made Oreo Truffles for dessert tomorrow. MMMM, I can't wait to snack on one.

And Travis gets to talk in church tomorrow, and even better, I don't.

Today was one of those days where I wonder how in the world my life became this way. My husband is one of those hands on dads, who will make a complete jackass of himself just to make them smile, and all the while knows it's going on the blog! My kids were healthy, and well behaved all day long. They played like best friends today, and laughed together a lot. We sat downstairs in our cozy basement, snuggling on the couch, and just enjoying one another. It seems like lately we are always running, and it makes the kids cranky, and then in turn me cranky. Today was the complete opposite of that. I now feel rejuvenated and refreshed for those not so perfect moments that are sure to come this week!

Last one...

I promise this is the last sick post! I just thought this was sweet.

Last night Sienna's tummy was feeling pretty awful. She walked up to Trav with her puppy dog eyes and said, "Daddy, my tummy hurts, I need a band-aid."

So of course we got her one, to which she replied "all better!"

If only it were that easy!

What a doll we have.

Cold Feet

It has been a loooooong week, (I'm adding extra o's to emphasize that fact).

If you read my last post you will know that on Sunday the flu hit our house via Sienna, and yes, it got to Trav and I too. On Monday, Travis and I slept on the couch all day. If you are wondering what the kids did...join the club. (Reason #112 we are parents of the year.) My mom did come to rescue Ad's while the rest of us napped, and brought us some fluids-but this is all I remember. It's blurry.

Tuesday Trav and I felt better, there was much less sleeping, though not much less laying around. This flu kicked out butts. Not too mention that Sienna is waking up sick every night, usually minutes after we fall asleep. SIDETRACK: Does anyone know why she would seem fine during the day, but throw up nightly? Should I be worried? I am. But this post isn't really about that. Forgive my tangent.

Okay, now that you understand how very,very,very, tired we are, I'm going to tell you the secret to Trav and I's successful marriage. Admit it, you've been wondering.

I have cold feet. Quite literally.

During the day I am always out and about, and am usually wearing ballet flats, sockless. But after we put the kids to bed, and curl up on the couch (me with a book or the lap top, Trav with his 2nd love, ESPN), my feet are ice cold.

And at this time of night, Trav lays down to relax, and for some odd reason taking his socks off helps him relax.

So he takes them off, and puts them on my feet. And I get all toasty and warm, and then we are both happy.

The reason I am telling you this, yes, there is a reason, though it's taking ages for me to get there, is that last nights socks were holey. I'm not talking your baby toe coming through, I'm talking falling apart holey.

I put them on, and teased him for a second, and then didn't think a thing about it. Then I crawled into bed hours later. Travis was sound asleep, and my feet were still cold due to those holes. And I got the giggles. Seriously, I was laughing my butt off.

I must be tired. And Trav must be tired too, because the man didn't even budge. And I fell asleep smiling, I'm sure, for the first time in a few days.

And now I realize that the reason he was wearing those "socks" is because he has no laundry. And my smile is disappearing. Cause the laundry is my job. Boo.

Is our Sock Trading T.M.I.?

I stole this pic from the web, his were much, much worse!

Currently

I am missing this spunky smile.

Sienna has the flu, and I am just broken hearted for her. And it's only November....I'm hoping the sick season is kinder on us this year than last! I'm hoping she sleeps all night, isn't dehydrated, and is her beautiful self again in the morning!

Wish us luck. I have the feeling it's gonna be a painfully long week....

Phew!

WARNING: Lot's of Re-cap, Lot's of pics!

It has been a crazy busy week! We have had lots of fun, lots of candy, and not a lot of sleep. I for one, am welcoming a "normal" week next week.

We woke up Halloween morning, and started getting ready for the festivities. I got Sienna all dressed in her Witch costume, and then scrambled to put together a cute costume for Adyson. (Her wig just itched too much...). In the end a neighbor ended up lending us this beautiful butterfly costume, which was right up her alley. (Amy, if you are reading this, thank you!) Have I mentioned how much we love our neighbors?

Notice her slippers? I told her she could pick the shoes. Enough said.

After we got dressed up we met up with Amy to go to Grandmas school and Great Gram's house to Trick or Treat.

At Great Grams, Isn't my grandma darling in her witch costume? Then we were off to Trav's work to go Trick or Treating.

I'm telling you, by the time we got home the buckets were chuck full, but that didn't stop us from letting them experience going door to door.

And while I'm on the subject of Door to door Trick-or-Treating, let me just add that I love my neighborhood at Halloween! It is just chuck full of people, just like I remember from when I was a kid. We ran out of the 6 bags of candy I bought before 8, (and stole from our kids buckets to fill the void...)

Sienna was a fan. She ran ahead of everyone and had to be the one to knock on the door. She could've gone all night, but Adyson was getting tired...

A favorite moment of the night is when my oldest friend (I mean old as in longest), Brittney stopped by with her girls who are just darling. It was so great to visit with her, and see her girls. I only wish she lived closer so the girls could be great friends growing up like we were!

It was a great Halloween, but I am glad it's over. I'm already excited for Christmas, and all the excitement that comes with it.

Today we opted to play catch-up on the yard work we have been neglecting. We weeded some, fixed the sprinklers, dead-headed, and mowed half the lawn before the dang mower broke, (we're not thrilled about that...), then decided to rake the leaves. Oh goodness the girls LOVED this. We put the pile on the hill, and they had such a great time rolling down it through the leaves.

Here is a pic of the girls "helping." And yes, they hit each other accidentally with the brooms more than once.Sienna-a little unsure...

Sienna-Liking it.Sienna-Loving it.
Adyson just loved it the whole time!
Oh to be young again!