Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas!!!

This Christmas season was wonderful and we all had a great time. Santa visited our home and left a smorgasmored of toys and treats.

We got some new PJ's!

And Kena got play makeup so she can be just like mommy (this picture is not an acurate reflection!)

Then for breakfast, Mommy made some tasty cinnamon rolls and we loved them!!

We also celebrated Mom's 27th birthday and Daddy got her some beautiful flowers, daisy's and lillies!

So I'm not usually one to promote a product, but this one I feel deserves special attention. This weekend end Cory's mother gave me the CD That accompanies this book and I had to share. There is a book, DVD, CD, and website (http://www.reflectionsofchrist.org/) and the are all incredible.I first saw the website about 6 months ago. It was done as part of an exhibit for the temple visitor centers to help people to focus on their relationship with the Savior. I was so moved by the images and music. Now they've produced them for the home and if you could all find a copy I'd highly recommend it.

The images warm my heart and make me feel closer to the Savior and the music...well I've long believed that music can open our hearts and soften our spirits and this does just that. It invites a spirit into our home that even quites my rowdy 4 year old.

It's an amazing compliation.This time of year especially I feel myself focusing on my relationship with our Savior. I'm so grateful for His life and love, that He would give so much for my salvation touches me to the very core. I know that He lives and loves each and everyone of us. What a blessing in my life it is to know this! I love you all and wish you the merriest of Christmas. May we all take a few moments amongst the hullabuloo and remember the reason for the special season, and the miracle of His birth!

Love,

Annie

It's a....

Today we had our ultrasound and I was 98% sure it was a girl. My pregnancy has been almost identical to Kenadee's and we just felt it. Imagine our suprise when the doctor said he was 98% sure it was a BOY! We're overjoyed. Baby is healthy and doing well. Now comes the name game...any suggestions?

HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Have we mentioned how much we love our little town!?! For the second year in a row our fire department has escorted Santa around town to visit all the kids. Our kiddo's love listening for the sirens and then running out to sit on Santa's lap and get their bag of goodies. It's a fun little tradition that we love!

Tinkle Tinkle Little Star...

For those of you who don't know, potty training Kena has not been going well. We've tried 3 different times and always with the same results...lots of frustration and no results. Today, however, I am happy to report that Miss Kena has not had one single accident! I'm so proud of my little star and I'm hoping we'll be all done with this training phase by the time new baby gets here!

Let's hear it for the girls...

This weekend is one of my favorites of the Christmas season. Our little community has a parade of lights and little Christmas festival. It's not a huge event but it's always so much fun for the kids. This year we went to Cory's co workers home and watched the parade through her living room window. Then after the parade we took her with us to the craft fair. It's always a lot of fun to wander the various vendors and this year I hit the jack pot. I've been buying bows for Kena's hair in Salt lake, but they usually cost me about $16 a pair. It's a bit of a splurge and she look so darn cute in them I can't help myself. Well tonight at the craft fair I found a pair of bows for her hair for only $4! And they are just as cute as the ones in Utah if I do say so myself. I also found this cute little flower headband for a new baby. Here's hoping I'm right about this baby being a girl cause I think a little boy would look mighty silly with a flower on his head!

Baby's Headband

Kena's new bows! (pink of course, her favorite color)

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Cougar Crunch!!

Licking the bowl clean!

The decorators and their tree

A cookie!

Christmas has come full force at our home and I thought I'd share some pictures. We've been decorating our tree and house, making christmas candy, and putting together a ginger bread tree (much easier we learned then a house). Enjoy!

A turkey song for Turkey day

Trace learned a new song in preschool this week and he wanted to share it with everyone. Enjoy!

Did I mention that my Dad's the best!?!

Yesterday, after a very long and frustrated converstation about R/C cars and other such Christmas drama, my sweet daddy went into Farmington to Walmart, K-mart, Target, and even KB Toys in the mall (did I mention he doesn't care for the mall) in search of an illusive bounce back racer. While he was searching I too was searching and managed to find one in Albuquerque of all places! So guess what my most amazing Dad is doing today? He's headed to Albuquerque and is going to buy on for me! I LOVE YOU DAD! He is saving Christmas for a sweet little boy and he's officially won my admiration (not that he didn't already have it)! You're awesome Dad!

A mothers frustration!

About 3 months ago a saw a toy that I thought Trace would love for Christmas, a Tonka Bounce Back Racer.

It's a R/C car thats designed especially for kid Trace's size. I've been so excited to get him one and about a month ago I actually had one and was considering buying it but I thought "no I'll wait for a better deal closer to Christmas!" Now I'm kicking myself.

Who knew that this would become the must have toy of the season. Every toy store is sold out of them and the only place you can buy them is on Ebay for, suprise suprise, double the price! As a mother it frustrates me to no end that people will extort those of us who want to give our kids something fun for Christmas! GRRR! So here I sit on Toys R Us's mailing list hoping one will come into stock before Christmas. And if anyone out there happens to find one out there I'd be happy to pay you back for it! Here's hoping your Christmas shopping is less stressful then mine will be. I have a feeling I may have to beat us a few people if I want one by Christmas! hehe

For Grandma

We used your recipe and it came out wonderfully. Thats why half the loaf is gone before the bread even cooled!

A wonderful Day!

We had a stake conference today that included 57 stakes in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. We got to hear from President Eyring, Elder Hales, Sister Dibb from the YW presidency, and Brother Madsen of the seventy. The spirit was amazing and I thought I'd share some of my favorite parts of the talks.
President Eyring spoke about debt and tithing (I'm not sure about you but we've been hearing the debt talk OFTEN). But I think my favorite thing that he said was that Heavenly Father want's ALL his children back, not just the good ones; that we shouldn't forget those who have strayed and that the only thing we need to do is be willing to repent. It was such a strong spirit that spoke to me as he said those things.
Sister Dibb told a story about how she made rolls for her wards YW and they were in awe of how good they were. She told them it was because they were just used to "counterfeit rolls." Then she encouraged us all to not settle for counterfeit anything and to seek the truth.
And my final favorite thought of the day was this, the Lord has put happiness within all of our reach, it is our fault if we don't find it. President Eyring was quoting someone else on that one and I can't remember who, but the thought is good all the same.

A spooktacular evening

Trace the "Scurvy Dog" (his new favorite pirate phrase!)

A bunny

Roar!!!!!

Jack - o - lantern. BOO

Frankie

The kiddos!

This week has been full of Halloween goodness. Wednesday afternoon we went to a party with some other little people in town and it was so much fun. The kids decorated cookies, played the hokie pokie and just had an all around good time.

Then Thursday we went to story time and did some trick or treating at the senior center. Then last night we walked our neighborhood and had an all around good time. The only down side to our night was that some dumb kids looking for a good time smashed our pumpkins! Poor Trace was heart broken! Oh well, what can you do!

All that jazz!

We had a wonderful weekend! We headed to Salt Lake to celebrate Cory's birthday and it was a smashing good time. We started the evening with dinner at Famous Daves (can we say Georgia pulled pork and drunken apples! YUM). We then headed to the Hale Center Theater for their production of Into The Woods. I don't know if any of you have heard of or seen this play, but I highly recommend it!

It's the story of the baker and his wife who strike a deal with a witch for a baby. They have to gather Cinderella's slipper, a lock of Repunzels hair, Red Riding Hoods cape, and the Cow from Jack. At the end of act one you're left believing that everyone has gotten their happy ending, but as act two begins we learn it is not the case. Repunzel develops a bad case of post partum depression after giving birth to twins with her prince. Jack is left trying to decide what to do about the decomposing giant in his back yard. Little Red has an unnatural fear of anything furry and carry's a dagger for protection. But my favorite by far is Cinderella who's prince is a cheat. He and his brother (Repunzels Prince) sing a hilarious song called Agony. In act one it's agony that they can't have Repunzel and Cinderella, in act two its agony that they are stuck with their wives and can't have Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. FUNNY!! It was a wonderful night and we had a blast.

Then Saturday night I had my annual roomie get together with my dear girls from college. We met for pizza and then headed down to Gardner Village for Witches Night Out! I had my camera so I know it's no excuse but I didn't get any pictures. But pictures or not it was a blast. We wandered the shops and visited and just had a great time (I mean wouldn't have fun surrounded by grown women in witch costumes).

We had a good weekend and I can't wait for next year when we can do it again!

And finally a picture of the kiddos! They've been carrying around their halloween buckets "practicing" for halloween! What dolls!

Any Ideas?

I'm going to be throwing a double baby shower in a few months for 2 very dear friends and I want it to be spectacular! Does anyone have any cute idea's? There is a boy coming and a girl and I think I'm having major baby brain because I can't come up with anything! Thank you all!

Love,
Annie

Almost over the hill!

On the 13th of this month Cory turned 27 years old! And I get to tease him about being almost 30 for 2 whole months until I turn 27 as well! I'm a little late but here's his birthday list...without further ado the 27 things we love about Cory and Daddy!

1) He plays with us!

2) He's so good at providing for us.

3) He's goofy!

4) He's the cutest guy I ever met!

5) He holds the priesthood and doesn't hesitate to use it.

6) He leads our family gently but firmly.

7) When he walks through the door we get a chorus of "DADDY". Need I say more.

8) He let's me whine, even when its over silly things.

9) Did I mention he's hot!

10) He makes tasty dinner on nights that I'm to sick to cook.

11) He has good taste in home decor.

12) He let's me escape when I need to, even when he's tired himself.

13) He tells funny jokes.

14) Trace loves wrestling with him.

15) Kena loves his hugs and cuddles.

16) Jaxson loves that when he comes home it means a break from mommy!

17) He's sooo handsome!

18) He's patient with our children.

19) He's patient with me!

20) He's my best friend! I can literally tell him anything and everything.

21) He's so willing to help anyone who needs it.

22) He comes home with "Just because" flowers pretty regularly.

23) He let's me listen to Christmas music in October.

24) I think I forgot to mention how cute he is!

25) Trace loves soccer with daddy!

26) He makes great hopscotch squares (Trace again)

27) HE'S AMAZING!!!

Here's to another year of Cory, the most amazing "R" a girl could ask for!

In the meadow we can build a snowman!

Crazy Wyoming weather! We woke up this morning to a blizzard and ended up with about 6 inches of snow. But my favorite part is that it was warm last week, and by Wednesday we're suppose to be back to the high 60's!

Bibbity Bobbity BOO!

Our kids are so darn cute. Last night they found an unsharpened pencil and had a blast pretending to be witches and wizards. They ran around yelling Hocus Pocus and Abra Cadabra 'and turning eachother into frogs! I tell you I'm really enjoying this imagination stage. What cuties!

Cutest frogs I ever saw!

Kissing Daddy to turn him back from a frog.

Mommies Little Wizard

Cutest Witch we ever met!

A very willing frog

An update!

I had my first baby appointment this morning and everything looks wonderful. Baby has a nice strong heart beat and looks perfect. My due date will be the 14th of May, but expect baby to make an appearance just about a week early since my babies get so big. Everyone else is happy and healthy and very excited for our new addition.

Let's Imagine

Look at all these darling little faces (perhaps the cutest kids you've ever seen) and then picture another little one sitting with them and you'll see what our house will be like next May! Full of stinkin' cuteness and love!

Let the pixie dust fly!

The top 5 Disney characters that I relate to are (in no particular order)...

1. Elliot – Do you ever feel like all anyone ever hears you say is Waa Waa Waa waa waa waa!

2. Marlin – I’m a bit of a worry wart but it’s all because I care about my kids. And I’m learning to let go a bit.

3. Wall-e – Waste Allocation Load Lifter – Earth Class, need I say more.

4. Chicha- She spunky and handles her children well. She’s also sooo in love with her hubby and I completely concur.

5. Mary Poppins- Practically perfect in every way! Hehe not really but close!

Trace's Birthday

Today our kiddo had his big 4th birthday. We had a big party yesterday complete with balloons and Jellyfish cake. He had so much fun playing and my favorite part was that as he opened each present he's say "Oh my gosh, I love that." or "Oh my gosh I wanted that!" It was so much fun now that he gets the idea of a birthday. I saw this on another blog and thought it was a good idea so here I go:

For Trace's 4th Birthday here are the 4 things we love about Trace!

1. He is so funny. I seriously crack up everyday talking to him. He's says the funniest things like last week when I told him that it was good that he got back on his bike and kept riding after an accident he was like "Yup, thats my motto".

2. He loves his brothers and sisters and is so patient with them. Yesterday at his party Kena was upset because she didn't have any presents and he was like "It's ok sister, I will share with you!"

3. He gives the best hugs. There's nothing I love more then having his little arms around my neck!

4. He sings Goodnight Sweetheart to us everynight before bed. I taught it to him after Mom died because I remembered her singing it to us and thought it would be a fun tradition to carry on. He's learned all the words and makes sure we hear it everynight.

Recent Happenings

The last 2 weeks have been hard for our little family. We've had Cory out of town for the majority of it and it's been busy. But we've had some good times as well! Here's some pictures.

This is Kenadee dancing with Colt and Cash (the twins I watch)

Jaxson has become our climber and these are some of his favorite locations. The first is him finishing Kenadee's dinner this evening, and the other is him in the basket UNDER his high chair. We've also found him on our countertops, and on top of the TV. Yes you heard me right, the TV. Who know's how we're going to survive him!
Trace has been loving school and everything that goes with it. He's been making pictures and playing in the water table, but his all time favorite thing to do is ride bikes outside. He thinks school is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's been a little quiet around here without him, but I'm glad he's getting to be a big boy and experience such fun new things.