Jingle Jam

The boys had their annual Jingle Jam at school. I tried to be in 3 places at one time and it did not work ( I don't know why). Lucky for me they performed again this morning for each other so I was able to go and catch Joshy's singing. We also dressed them up in there handsome Christmas outfits and made them pose for some pictures. Aren't they the cutest or should I say the most handsome boys around? I know I am biased but I am their mom so I have that right.As promised I have also included a picture of the our house all lit up. Eric still thinks we do not have enough lights. I still think it looks good.

From 2009-12-21 dec09

From 2009-12-21 dec09

What is the name of Santa's dog?? Santa Paws!! Ha ha

From 2009-12-21 dec09

Santa Came to visit at Alex's preschool. He was so excited

From 2009-12-21 dec09

"I'm getttin nuttin for Christmas"

From 2009-12-21 dec09

"Clap, Clap, Clap, we are Santa's helpers"

From 2009-12-21 dec09

Its beginning To look a lot like...

Christmas!!! It is our favorite time of year. We love decorating the tree and putting up our lights and everything. Eric started early this year getting the lights up outside. We learned that you put the lights up before it gets cold. We won't turn them on until after Thanksgiving but we had them up well before. He loves to decorate everywhere. Every year he wants more and more lights and decorations for outside and every year there is not enough according to him. He did a great job and I think it looks great. I will have to try and get a picture of it to post.
We also got a real tree this year. I grew up with real trees and Eric grew up with fake. So I always teased him that he never had a "real" Christmas. Of course once we got married and I took over the money we got a fake tree. But I have not liked our tree for years and so Eric said we could get a real tree this year. I looked at prices and was like no way we will just put up our fake one. But Eric talked me into it and I love it. I love the smell of the tree and the fullness of it and everything about it.
This year I gave up trying to make my tree look perfect(it never does) and just let the boys decorate it how they wanted. They loved it and had fun with it and so enjoyed it. That is what it is all about anyways. After looking at some of these pictures I see how big Andrew is getting. He is throwing peace signs and saying "sweet". Oh to be 9 and so cool. he also would not sit on Santa's lap this year. When we asked him why he said, "Didn't you hear the Bishop's story?" He said that he left Santa a note on Christmas Eve and he hadn't told anyone what he wanted for Christmas and he got it. So that is what he is sticking to.

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

Thanksgiving

We headed out to California for the first part of our vacation. We enjoyed a few days with Grammie and Poppa. The boys rode bikes, played with the puppies and we just had an all around good time with Grammie and Poppa. We shared a Thanksgiving feast with them on Sunday and my Uncle Mike and Aunt Tammie came over. It was a great time. We love spending time with them.
On Tuesday we headed out to Eric's sisters house in Arizona. The boys love playing with their cousins. Only in Arizona can you go swimming everyday in November. Of course the pool was 60 degrees but that did not stop the boys. As long as the hot tub was on for the boys to warm up in they would jump in the pool and quickly swim across and then get in the hot tub. They had so much fun. Of course us adults were much smarter and only entered the hot tub late at night after all the children were sleeping so there was no splashing or jumping going on. We had a great time hanging out and shopping and spending money. We always love spending time with Pam and Scott and miss them when we leave.
We truly missed Eric's parents this year. They are in China teaching English so they were not with us. We talked to them on Skype every night but it was not the same as seeing them and having them there. Eric especially missed his mom's pies. Marie Calendars pies were good but nothing beats his mom's homemade pies.

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

From 2009-12-14 thanksgiving 09

Halloween Finally

I Know! I know! It is only about 3 weeks late. But life has been a little crazy over here. We have been running non stop and finding even a few minutes to just sit and download pictures has not happened. The boys had so much fun and got way to much candy. We stayed home and went around in our own neighborhood. WOW! We ran out of candy there were so many kids.Andrew was Harry Potter, Josh was Batman and Alex of course was Spiderman. He was so funny, as we were walking around he would look at the candy and decide then and there if he liked it. At one point he said out loud,"I Don't want this, why did they give me this? It is not candy." I was so embarrassed. This kid, that is all I can say about him. He is one of a kind.

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

Doesn't he look so tough?

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

First Snow

I know this is late but hey better late than never I say. The boys were so excited when the snow came. But can I just say, I detest having to put on all the snow clothes. It takes Fooooorrrrreeeeevvvveeerrrr!!!! Then they only stay in them for a little while before they get to cold, so you take them all off, get them hot chocolate, then they want to do it all over again. Winter,it is a love hate thing!!. The boys did have so much fun.

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

Look at the joy on his face!

From 2009-11-12 halloween 09

One of the rare times he will let us take a picture and he has a smile!

Cents of Style Open House

Calling all women! I am having a Cents of Style open house at my place this Wednesday the 28th. It is from 7-9 pm. We carry, shoes, jewelry, handbags, scarves and hats. everything is under $20 with most items being under $15. So come shop for yourself or come pick out that Christmas gift.
Bring a friend and both of you receive 20% off one regular priced item.
Check us out at www.mycentsofstyle.com

My address is 3502 New Land Loop Lehi, Ut 84043 or you can call me for directions 801-505-3907

See you there!!

Grammie and Poppa's

The boys all asked in the same week when we were going to go to Grammie and Poppa's so I figured it was time to make a trip to California. Courtney and her kids joined us on the trip. It was a fun time. 5 kids in the car for 10 hours can be long and stops are not short but we made it and had a great weekend. The kids had a blast, riding bikes, playing on the playset,finding peach seeds (Josh and Alex), going to Oak Glen and I think the big hit was the beach. They had so much fun there, running and playing in the waves,finding shells, burying each other in the sand and just having fun. And of course eating! You would think I never fed my kids, they are constantly hungry for junk food of course. Grammie has M&M's and gummy bears on hand so they love it. We had a great time and love to go there to visit. Here are some fun pictures from our weekend

From 2009-10-11 Oct 09

The kids at Oak Glen

From 2009-10-11 Oct 09

The Girls

From 2009-10-11 Oct 09

Two of the most amazing people in my life. I love them so much! I am truly blessed to call them mom and dad!

From 2009-10-11 Oct 09

Andrewski

From 2009-10-11 Oct 09

Andrew and Josh

From 2009-10-11 Oct 09

Poppa gettin a good nap in1 Love ya pops!

From 2009-10-11 Oct 09

Look at this skinny boy! He was trying to get warm.

From 2009-10-11 Oct 09

I can't resist this face. Just wish he always had this face:)

My Big Marathon

Ok so by many standards this was just a little nothing of a marathon, maybe it can't even be considered one. But for me it was huge. 3K a whole 1.8 miles. This from the girl who just had knee surgery 5 months ago and was told no high impact sports. Running I think is considered high impact and my knee has definitely been complaining everyday since. I was roped into this by my sister in laws and brothers. They know I just can't say no. Peer pressure it gets to me every time and here I am 34 years old.
Anyway, I started running 2 weeks before the big day and about died. It was pathetic.
The day of the race came and we set out. Courtney, who had not trained at all left us in her dust. I was dying but was determined to not walk ran the whole way. Ok maybe I walked for about 30 seconds. I ran the 1.8 in 20.11.
Courtney and Erin placed 2nd and 3rd in their age bracket. John placed 1st in his(he hadn't trained at all either,punk). They got medals. I took 5th in my age bracket, to many of us old ladies out there running.
Andrew, Carter and Josh also ran. They did the 1K. They had fun. It was a fun day all in all. Even though I spent the remainder of the day laying on the couch with ice on my knee. And guess what, I signed up for...the Provo City 1/2 marathon in May. I think I am insane! Peer Pressure again. My knee is still hurting, I think it is trying to tell me no more, just say no.

From 2009-09-21 alex 4th 3k

The boys getting ready for the 6K

From 2009-09-21 alex 4th 3k

Ready for the 3K

From 2009-09-21 alex 4th 3k

I know I look ready to die!

From 2009-09-21 alex 4th 3k

Not even winded!

From 2009-09-21 alex 4th 3k

This kid cracks me up! He wanted to give us high fives!

From 2009-09-21 alex 4th 3k

All of us minus Andrew. We don't know where he was!

My Baby is 4

Alex is now 4. I can't believe how fast time flies. I must admit though that I have been waiting for him to turn 4 in hopes that it would be an easier age. I love this little boy more than anything and his smile can light up a room but he can test me. He is strong willed and loves to do things on his own and in his own way. These are all traits that will help him in life but right now they test me to my limits on an almost daily basis. Yet, there are those moments when out of the blue he will come up to me and say, "Mama, I love you or Mama you're pretty." and that will just melt me. He has a smile to die for. With two dimples that you just want to squeeze. He loves Spiderman and there for a while he was Spiderman and would talk in the 3rd person. It was funny. He has a great imagination and loves to play outside and of course watch movies.
Alex you are a joy in our life. We love you so much and even on those days when I have reached my limit with you all you have to do is smile and laugh that infectious laugh and I can't stay upset. We waited and prayed and waited and prayed a long time for you you to join our family and we are truly blessed to have you be ours forever. Keep your mighty spirit and let it serve you well. I love you so much snackshack.

From 2009-09-21 alex 4th 3k

From Josh&Alex

Alex starts Preschool

From Recently Updated

The long awaited day finally arrived. Alex was so excited he could hardly contain himself. We went out the day before and bought Spiderman shoes for him in hopes that he would wear them to school. Anyone who knows sweet Alex knows he does not like to wear socks because they hurt him. The seams bother him. It is a big thing with him and it drives me CRAZY!!! But I thought with Spiderman shoes he would be overjoyed and forget about the seams in the socks. Morning started out so great. he was excited and jumping around and had his backpack on and then came the dreaded words, "Alex go get your shoes and socks on." Well he lost it then and we spent the next 30 minutes listening to him cry. I tried to be patient, I tried to be kind, I tried stern. I tried it all and finally left to walk the other boys to the bus stop while he screamed on the driveway. I know I am a terrible mom. But I had had it. Then while I was waiting for the bus I thought why. Why am I fighting him on it. So I went home and told him to put his flip flops on, and the tears turned off and he was happy again. So if you see him with flip flops in the dead of winter don't judge me please, know that I have tried. He has sensitive skin and the little seams on the socks bother him so. Any suggestions would be welcome!By the way he absolutely loved preschool. Not one tear was shed. This from the kid who still doesn't go to Sunbeams without crying. He had so much fun and loved it. I also loved 2.5 hours all to myself. I think I am going to love this school year especially Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

From Recently Updated

First place he headed as soon as we got there

First Day of Kindergarten

The long awaited day of Kindergarten Finally arrived. Joshy was up bright and early and could not wait to get on the bus. The bus does not come until 8:45 and Josh had his backpack on at 7:30 ready to go. He kept coming in my room while I was getting ready just checking to see if I was ready to go yet. He was so excited. He said I didn't need to walk him to the bus stop. I walked him to the bus stop and then and I also followed the bus to school. I even got a little choked up as he walked away. I was surprised at that because I thought I was prepared for him to go. He loved school. The only thing negative he said was that the playgroud was to small. However,on Friday he said he liked the playgroud now. He loves it! The pictures didn't turn out the greatest because of the sun. He is not a fan of the sun and pictures. But here they are.

From Recently Updated

Alex has to be in all the pictures too!

From Recently Updated

In line for the bus

From Recently Updated

The walk to the playground. Be good my little man! I love you!

14 Years and Counting

From 2009-08-25 wedding

From 2009-08-25 wedding

I can't believe that it has been 14 years since we were married in the San Diego Temple. We have grown so much and learned so much about each other and about ourselves. We shocked our families when we called to tell them that after knowing each other only 3 weeks we were going to get married. My parents were still recovering from my brothers wedding and now they had to plan mine. Your parents were moving to Texas. But we did it and it was beautiful.
When you think back over what we have gone through in the last 14 years it is amazing. We have both struggled through school, dealt with me being sick the first 3 months of our marriage. Graduated and found jobs, moved, dealt with the heartbreak of not being able to have children. Blessed with the miracle of adoption and our sweet boy Andrew. Moved again. Waited 5 years and again blessed with the miracle of adoption of our babies Josh and Alex. Moved. Started job and then another job. The list could go on and on. Yet through it all the one constant was us. Our love, our faith, our desire, our testimony. We made it. I would not be the person I am today without you by my side. You have picked me up and carried me through my darkest nights. You have laughed with me, cried with me and been there for me. I would not be who I am without you and our boys would not be who they are without you. You are my rock, my love, my life and my world. I love you Eric. I thank my Heavenly Father for you daily. It has been quite a ride and I look forward to even more. I love you always and forever.

From 2009-08-25 snowbird 09