Christmas 2010







We had a fun Christmas.  With just our little family.  The kids were wound up and bouncing off the walls waiting for the big day.   

Getting the Chocolate fountain ready.





We dipped all kinds of fruits, pretzels, peanut butter balls, crackers and marshmallows. 

This is why we only do the chocolate fountain on Christmas eve.  IT'S  A HUGE MESS.

But it's the kids Favorite thing to do.  They talk about it all year.

It's nothing a little water can't clean up.  It just requires ALOT of cleaning up.

Josh wrote Santa the CUTEST letter. My favorite part is where he was saying in case you were wondering..

We made Santa his fav. Candy cane cookies and Trevor did a gingerbread Santa man.  Also gotta leave out carrots and milk. 

All ready for bed.  The look out man forgot about Jammies until the last min. So he had some slim pickings.  Gavin's were 2 sizes to big and he had to settle for plain white undershirts.  But the boys were happy!!

Waiting patiently for Gavin to open the 1st  present. 



Everyone got a Nerf gun.  Not to sure what I was thinking we already have a ton of Nerf bullets that I'm constantly picking up.  And now Trevor's shoots 100.  Oh joy!!!

Some of the aftermath.
The boys got a Kinect, Skate boards and Gavin got a bike.  As well as a few other little things.

Luckily my Shutters arrived the day after my Birthday and I was more then happy to call this my Christmas. I love them so much.  I told Ryan not to get me anything else.

 



But he's a stinker and didn't listen.
He also got me a beautiful dress and  some heels that he told me to try on and when I came out to show him he said I was missing something and gave me this. I feel weird wearing a real diamond other then my earrings and my wedding ring. I'm always so afraid I'm going to lose them.    It made me cry and I told him to take it back. (I'm a huge tight wad and usually don't buy jewelry unless it's under $20.)   He spoils me rotten.  It's perfect so simple just the way I like things.
Unfortunately the dress was too short and the heels were too big. (the curse of being 5. 7"  cute shoes are usually 3" and it makes me a giant and I can't ever wear knee lenght dresses  because it's always to short)   But it was the thought that counted.  And it was so very very thoughful. 
















The Advent Calander.

I got a Advent Calender this year instead of the creepy Elf I thought it would be fun to do a little activity or have a little treat each night in December.  The boys have been excited to see what is in the little box.  Only some of my great ideas didn't go as planned. 
We went and saw some Christmas lights.  I saw on the news that there was this great place that had 70 thousand lights and it did a musical display.  It was at a cafe so I thought we could get some hot chocolate and see the lights.  Sounds fun right.  Well here's the catch. Not only was it far far away the light show is only on every hr.  We missed it by 10 minutes so we had to wait forever for it to begin.  So we got the kids a treat.  Only Josh and Trevor ordered something they hated and complained for the next 20 mins.  The people next to us were smoking (the cafe was outdoor and on the lake which was pretty cool) but not only was the smoking smell horrible it's was a little something extra (weed) and it was making us all sick.  Finally after we about strangled the kids, and tried to keep them from falling into the lake in the pitch black the light display went on.  Just as Josh had to go to the bathroom so most of it was missed!!!  That worked out GREAT

Next we made a gingerbread house.  Now I'll again claim I'm no MARTHA STEWART and frosting is my demise.  My worst enemy like my boys say when they don't get along with something.  The stinking house kept falling down so I hot glued the sucker.  Only it still collapsed!!!  While the kids were decorating the broken house I made ginger bread cookies for them to decorate.   I forgot to set the timer and was so consumed on the stinking house that I over cooked them quite a bit.  Trevor was sweet and said.  "Mom they are way easier to decorate when they are hard."  I love that he liked them better burnt to a crisp.

Then I had them paint pet rocks.  OK now there is a reason 4 year olds shouldn't use things that said on the package it's for ages 8 and up.  Now not only are all the rocks, the chairs, his clothes, and Gavin red but it's water salable and WONT COME OFF!!!! (sweet)

With this long break the hair on the back of my neck stands when I hear my kids call "MOM".  As it's usually followed by, "Mom so and so hit me."  "Mom so and so peed all over the floor and I stepped in it." " Mom I need, I want, I can't etc."  So today I had a little chat with the kids and said.  " I want you to only say Mom if you are going to say something sweet after it."   A little later Josh came down stairs and said. " Mom can we have some candy,  that's sweet right?'   I love that kid and how he can always can make me laugh.

Who cares that the gingerbread house isn't perfect, and the lights were missed, the rocks are a mess and now Gavin's red.  We are making memories and spending time together and I hope that's what the kids will always remember. And every now and then the name Mom is followed by the words "I love you."  and that makes everything worth it :)...

Until next year Santa!!!!

Tis the season.  To try and captures a picture of my family with Santa.  Oh boy this is a ever challenging task.  All my kids didn't like Santa until they were about 5.  Who can blame them.  I spent days upon days telling them not to talk to strangers then once a year I force them to sit on some creepy dressed up mans lap.

 Gavin had a little preschool party that they had Santa come and visit.  We talked the whole way to the school about how Santa is not scary in fact he brings you presents and you have to tell him what you want or you wont get it.  I had him all convinced and he was actually excited so we peacefully got in line.  He was #3 with the other two being older so I was sure I could use them as a example of how Santa is not scary.  Well Santa came out and kid #1 Freaked out.  I mean FREAKED out he dropped to the floor and was clawing his way out of the line refusing to go. Gavin snuggled up closer to me and we talked again about how he really is nice.  I hoped Kid #2 would be my example.  His Mom went to put him on his lap and he turned into a wild animal kicking and screaming NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!  By this time Gavin had ripped his hand away from mine and bolted.  He wasn't even going to attempt to get close to Santa.  I chased him down and he was hiding under a phew screaming "I DON'T WANT ANYTHING FOR CHRISTMAS I HATE SANTA"  It was so crazy that we all just had to laugh at this poor kid huddling under a phew and would settle for NOTHING for Christmas then sit on this weird mans lap.   So no picture that day.

Attempt # 2.,  Ryan's work party.  This time we all said we would stand in the picture.  I Promised Gavin he didn't have to sit on his lap.  Josh decided Santa looked lonely and so he took him a cookie ( I think he needed extra bonus points he's been a little stinker lately.)  So Gavin saw his brother not afraid and decided he would stand somewhat close by.  I LOVE this picture he's pointing to Santa.  Saying "there's Santa" but he wouldn't talk to him or go anywhere near him.  Hey but at least we got a picture.  I'd complain about the off centered background and that I'm LARGER then life in this picture but it's just to cute of Gavin pointing that it's perfect.

Josh had no problem telling Santa what he wanted.   Trevor thought he was WAY to old to do the Santa lap thing.

Attempt #3.  Ward Christmas breakfast.  I'll let the picture do the talking.

It's my Christmas Miracle.  He didn't look at Santa, he didn't talk to Santa but he sat on his lap. 

Oh my sweet little boy we sure love you!!!  

My digital attempt to a Christmas Card.

http://www.americangreetings.com/christmas-letter/view/5228507488767?source=agfb  (click on this link to see the card Hopefully) 

So this year I haven't been as organized as I like to be.  I haven't gotten in the spirit of Christmas yet. 
Then I was asked to Speak on a Christ related topic.  That got me in the right spirit in a real hurry.  Luckily it's not for a while (more time to stress about it I guess)  I was laughing because every week Ryan always tryes to get me to Speak up and raise my hand in Class.  I can't even do that so speaking in front of everyone is so so hard for me.  But hopefully I'll be prepared and do OK.  I figure if I don't faint I'll be fine right :).

Anyways we got cute Family pictures taken for a Christmas card and I just didn't have the oomph in me to create one and then send it out in time.  So this was my attempt to make a digital one.  I hope the link works.
I do hope you all have a wonderful holiday.  And can get into the true spirit of why we celebrate.

I have so many wonderful people in my life that I'm so grateful for.  I hope you all know how much I love you!!!

Merry Christmas.

DARE

Trevor's Dare graduation was this week.  I knew I was emotional but I never would of thought this would effect  me so much,
I'm really struggling with him heading to Middle school next year.  Those years were pure TORTURE for me.  I'm not ready to have my baby have to face big choices.  I was so grateful that Drugs, and alcohol were never my weakness.  Even though I lost alot of friends because I didn't participate and at the time it was SUPER hard.  I've always been so grateful that I made the choice early so it came easy to me.
As Trevor was singing the DARE song  I started to cry.  The innocence on his face and the pledge he took to never do drugs or drink was so touching.  I pray he takes that pledge to heart and this will not become a temptation for him.  I love this kid so much.  He's growing up way to fast.   I was super impressed with the Mayors speech all about Tracks and Friends.  He talked about how you make tracks in your life with everything you do.  And he talked about how every year he talks to a group of boys in "kid jail".  And the question he always asks them is how many of them did what they did to get into jail was with Friends.  And 100% always say it was a friends influence that got them to do what they did.  So he repeated over and over to chose your friends wisely.  I loved it because his speech sounded like our Family nights.  We always talk about choosing friends and how important it is to chose them wisely and about your reputation.  If you want to do good you have to be good.  It was such a great program I wish they did it every year.

Love you Trevor.  Always remember your pledge.

We are pretty proud of you!!!

If you haven't heard the song click on the Dare song and hear it.  It's pretty good.  Especially when a bunch of 5th graders are singing it!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

The back up turkey breast on the rotisserie.  We brined it with this citrus recipe and it was YUMMY.

The big bird being smoked.  It was also super tender.

Enchanted Rock.  Unfortunately only Diane, Fernando and Josh made it to the top.

The reason the rest of us didn't make it to the top.  He got 4 stitches in the same arm he got 5 stitches in last time.

Enchanted Rock.  They have fun caves here to explore also.  We will have to go back..

Eating GIANT corn dogs in Fredricksburg. 

Eating at the Mighty cone.  Everyone loved their food. 

It was Very unique.

This year I forgot to ask everyone at the table to tell what they are thankful for.  I did ask the boys earlier and here are just a few.

Trevor- My warm bed, video games, my teacher,family, and friends.
Josh- My family, and underware without itchy tags ;).
Gavin- Mom's cooking.  (this one made me laugh because the kid doesn't eat anything.) Bluey (his stuffed dog) and his green blanket.

I'm grateful for a nice home, for warm weather, Ryan's happiness in his job and the success he has in it and   most of all a loving family, and my savior.

As for Ryan I'll have to ask him what he's most grateful for.   He's out of town this week.  I'm sure he's grateful that he got to go back to Seattle with business and spend some time with his family. 


I didn't take many pictures as well my camera battery died.  That's the story of my life I usually forget the stupid card or never have the battery charged.  But here are a few highlights of our holiday.

Diane and Fernando came down from Houston to celebrate with us.  I'm so glad we have some family close by.  It was pretty low key and very relaxing to have them in our house.  They both love to cook and Diane was always helpful with the cleaning up which I very much appericiated :).  Not to mention the didn't complain when we ate Turkey the whole time they were here.

We had the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with yummy sweet potato's and apples, apple salad, rolls, green bean casserole, and two turkeys.  I think I forgot a few items but you get the idea.  Yes I said Two turkeys.  Ryan went a little crazy :).

Then Friday we decided to go to Fredrickburg a place I've always wanted to go.  It's such a cute little town.  But I think I'll go back when it's peach season that's what they are famous for.  And Peaches are my all time favorite fruit.

Then we went to the Enchanted rock to go on a little hike.  Like every holiday that we decide to leave the house and venture out we ended the night in the Insta care.  This time it was Trevor getting 4 stitches.  In the same elbow he got them in last time.  Poor kid got knocked clear out falling on the hike.  Freaked me out seeing him passed out like that.  But the good news I faint all the time so I knew what to do.   Poor kid it really scared him.

Then Saturday we went down town Austin to hit up the trailers yummy food.  We went to the cone place The mighty cone.  The food was really good. Then we went to a CRAZY candy place.  The kids were in Heaven.  Any candy you could think of was there.

Later we came home and everyone watched the BYU/UTAH game.  It was fun to have fans of both schools watch the game together.  I just napped.  I'm not much of a football fan but I don't mind others watching it ;).

It was a very peaceful fun week.  I love Thanksgiving and I'm so grateful that Diane and Fernando could come and share this day with us.

School activities and some cute cupcakes.

We had a fun church activity where a very talented woman came in and showed us how to make these super yummy and fun cupcakes.  I STINK at piped frosting no matter how hard I try I always fail.  It's my demise!!   So knowing that I made these and they actually turned out Cute I was  so happy.  But notice my pumpkin didn't have leaves.  I only did a little vine again the fear of the piping bag got me!!!

 Gavin had a Thanksgiving program and Feast at his preschool.  He was so excited to show me his Turkey  hat he made.  They also made cute little place mats that he was pretty proud of. 

Only problem is when it came time to sing my super outgoing LOUD child decided he was shy and didn't sing at all.  He just stood there hiding behind all the kids.   The feast was well a flop.  I should of known when I was asked to bring NASTY FRUIT COCKTAIL what I was getting into.  But hey it's the thought that counts and Wendy's is super close by.  Nothing a frosty can't fix right .

 Then Josh had a Thanksgiving day reading.  The kids put on a "kind of play" But they got to read their lines instead of just acting them out.  Josh was a narrator and had some pretty big words that he practiced for a week.  I was super proud he  pronounced everything perfectly.

I had to take Gavin with me and he was a NIGHTMARE.  While the kids were reading he put both of his thumbs down and yelled "BOOOOOOOOOOOO"  I was so embarrassed and mad.  Where did he learn that?  All the kids started giggling of course which only encouraged Gavin's bad behavior..  I swear sometimes my kids can be quite the stinkers.

Now we have a 3 day weekend and are prepping for the big Turkey day.  My main oven and dishwasher broke and the repair man came out today.  Well the bad news is the oven still isn't fixed and now needs even more parts and the dish washer is working but is very fragile as we are waiting for the bottom tray.  It's a good thing  that Diane and Fernando are super understanding, and amazing helpers in the kitchen. 

A thankful heart is a happy heart.

I love Thanksgiving and how it helps you take the time to think about the things that you are most thankful for in your life.  I don't think I tell Ryan enough how thankful I am for him. 

When we started dating I wasn't in a very good place.  School was super hard for me, it was the 1st time I was away from my family and I had just gotten out of a not so healthy relationship.  Needless to say my self esteem wasn't much of anything.  Ryan would always say. "we need to reprogram your way of thinking."  He would always encourage me to do my best, and help me through my tough times.  He believed in me the way I didn't believe in myself and always encouraged me to dream of what I wanted for my life.

I'm so grateful that he still encourages me when I feel like I've failed as a parent, or overwhelmed with all that I have on my plate. I get so wrapped up in helping everyone else that he makes me stop and take time for myself.  He's always giving me little nudges to step out of my comfort zone and achieve things I never thought possible.

I feel so blessed to have such an amazing husband.  Not only is he great at being here for me but he is a amazing example to my children.  Having all boys it's so important to have their dad be a good roll model.  If my kids end up being anything like my husband, loyal, hardworking, caring, loving and trustworthy.  I'll know that we succeed in raising them right. 

I feel so blessed right now being surrounded by this amazing family Ryan and I have created.  At times it's OVERWHELMING and super scary to know I'm in charge of these little boys.  But I couldn't be more happier having Ryan as my partner.  Although we are not perfect, we try our best and love each other and these 3 little boys deeply.  Love gets your through alot of tough times.  And I'm so grateful that we have such a loving family.

I can't wait to celebrate the holidays with my family and I'm so grateful that Ryan's sister and husband live close enough to us that we can celebrate with them.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Family pictures

 I love how Gavin is waving here.  And what's up with my button on my pants poking out my shirt?  Guess I shouldn't of got pants that were too big for me. But I didn't want them to tight in the picture. UGH

 

Trevor Age 10.  He's getting super big

 I absolutely adore that Josh has his arm around Gavin.  That's how it usually is.  He's always protecting his little brother.

 Joshua age 7

Gavin age 3 almost 4

 Thank you lip plumper for giving me some kind of a lip. I love Ryan's smirk in this picture. 

 My 3 sons. 

 Gavin has the most amazing eyes.  Love his long eyelashes.

It's no secret that I HATE getting my picture taken.  But I love having a current family portrait.  I always look so awkward and I still feel super chunky.   But it's about the kids and how fast they grow.  We were all sweaty at the end. Who would of thunk in Oct. we'd be super hot.  But Katie does such an amazing job I was super glad that she was willing to take our picture. It's a near impossible  to get all 3 boys to smile at the same time, not to mention hold still long enough to get a decent picture.  So I was SUPER happy with the results.  Thanks again Katie for the amazing pictures I love them. 

Halloween 2010

Happy Halloween!!!  What a great event it was this year. 

On Sat. the 23rd  we went to a Great couples party and had so much fun.  Ryan was Wheres waldo and I was Waldo's girl friend Wenda.  (she is in the new books.)  The host did such a good job.  It was fun to meet new people and hang out with our dear friends.

On Thursday the 28th  Gavin had a pre-school party that I got to help out with. He refused to wear his costume. I liked seeing how he interacted with the other kids that he had never met before in his class. He's so sweet and helpful.   I was so so glad. after the Karate chopping incident. :).

On Friday the 29th.  We went to our Neighborhood Halloween party. (We didn't take one picture here)  Trevor was invited to another friends party at Main Even rock climbing so we invited Josh's friend Cole to come join us.   After the party they came home made pizza, and watched the Karate kid.  I just couldn't do a scary movie for Josh.  After the little monsters situation last year where I slept on his floor for 3 months.  




Then Saturday the 30th we got ready for our Ward Trunk or Treat party.
I made Oreo cupcakes, pumpkin woopie pies and sugar cookies.  It was a sugar filled night that's for sure.

 My cute Crayon.  He finally put on his costume once he got his pumpkins and realized he got Candy if he wears it :). Nothing like bribing your kids.  Funny thing is once he got it on he didn't want to take it off.

 Josh LOVES the FBI this costume was so fitting.

 And my Zombie.  Trevor has to be something creepy. 

Getting ready to go the party.  With Trevor's friend Patrick.

The whole Fam.  I felt so STUPID at the ward party hardly any adults dressed up.  A bunch of party poopers I say!!  But the party was great they always have a carnival for the kids and this year they had a few bounce houses so Gavin was in HEAVEN..

The sad part is we didn't go Trick or Treating.  We all felt it was best and because we made the decision together they were quite the troopers. I'm SUPER proud of my boys.  They  didn't  even complain.  We got TONS of candy the night before and they were handing it out to the kids in fist fulls.  They really liked giving away the candy I was very impressed with them.  Good thing we wont have to worry about that again for 7 more years.