Snow Trip!!

The Elder's Quorum had their first ever Snow Trip up in Wofford Heights at the Foster's cabin. We googled our directions, got lost, and stuck in the snow--not once but twice. The important thing is that we made it after two and a half hours and it was well worth the trip. We all had fun sledding, drinking hot chocolate, and hanging out in the cabin.

Christmas Galore!!

We had a great Christmas this year! It all started on Sunday with church...the musical numbers were great and our Bishop gave an inspiring talk on obedience. The boys were dressed in their Christmas Sunday attire, they looked so cute in their red ties! But I am a little biased. The rest of Sunday was a relaxing day, preparing for Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve, we hung around the house until it was time to go to our friend's "Soup Kitchen" for lunch. We had yummy homemade soup and rolls. Following lunch the boys rested and then we met up with some more friends for a matinee of "Alvin and the Chipmunks"--it was pretty cute! When we got home I started dinner--Chicken Parmesan, with veggies and garlic bread. Following dinner we each opened our one present--new jammies, read "What is Christmas?" and watched "the Nativity" movie. Then we got ready for Santa, Jacob was so excited!! I was surprised he fell asleep so fast.

The boys woke up around 7 am, not too early. We opened gifts, ate breakfast and got ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa Williams' house for the day. We all had fun playing games, and enjoying each other's company.

Gingerbread House

Last night we had fun putting together the gingerbread kit I purchased, I will definitely do it again! It is much easier doing a kit rather than trying to do the graham cracker house or making your own gingerbread. The only complaint was the candy wasn't very good, to eat or for decoration. Trevor was mostly interested in eating the candy and house...Jacob was a good helper, they both wanted to eat it ASAP. The pictures of me were awful so I opted to not include those...seriously how did I get to look like that?? Don't answer that please.

Today will be spent getting ready for Santa, and spending time together. We are going to our friends house around lunch for a "Soup Kitchen," we will be back by naptime. Then, I am going to deliver some goodies to my friends. For dinner I am making Chicken Parmasean, with veggies and rolls. We will have a little FHE Nativity Lesson, and put the boys to bed early, but not too early, I don't want them up before 6 am, Jake will be the one to wake us all up...Trevor likes to sleep, and won't know any different on Christmas Morning. We will see how that goes...I won't post again until we are back from our Christmas Day Trip to Eric's parents house.
We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!!

Christmas Sunday Best

Not just talk!

This morning the Elders Quorom had a football game...need I say more! It was a lot of fun watching Eric play a sport he really enjoys. The boys chased the Canadian geese, stepped in their poop, and played in the park with some of the other kids who were there. I talked with the Mommies, and I have made a committment to do something I may regret, but in the end will ultimately be for my own good.

Explanation:
We first were talking about how fast a certain guy in our ward ran the mile. I mentioned I used to run a mile between 6:52 and 7:40 depending on the day and used to also run a 2:40 half mile. Then we got to talking about Death Valley, and my friend mentioned the Marathon they have there. She said I should try to run it. I laughed but said, maybe a mini one... and it so happens they have one. The rest is history.
I will need to of course lose weight and begin training for it. But the marathon isn't until December 2009. I have two years to get my butt in shape. I am excited, I haven't run competively in over 15 years. So if anyone wants to join me, I am serious about this, I have to start taking exercising more importantly, so I will be on time to Aerobics class, and will exercise more faithfully at home. Even if I walk for part of the 10k at least I can say I did it! So is anyone else with me?

My Family Comes For A Visit

Once a year the base has an Open House where you can invite family members to tour the areas we otherwise would not be able to go. This year my family made the trip, my parents, grandma, and sister. The highlight of the event was seeing the new EA/18G taxi into the hangar. Those planes are so awesome. It makes me so proud to be an American, and that we have such brilliant people in this country who are absolutely ingenious!!! After touring the areas on base, we went the to the Naval Museum where my grandma spoiled my boys with new planes, not just the little ones, she had to get them the big ones! Trevor got a red and white GB and Jacob got a "Hercules". After dinner we opened presents as we will not be going to Bakersfield until next weekend, they only received half of their gifts, but they had fun opening what they got...clothes and more toys, what more do they need? For two weekends in a row, their grandparents have brought them Christmas gifts, and Santa hasn't even come yet! Here are some pictures from yesterday...{Kerri wearing Eric's cranial, protective headgear he has to wear around the aircraft.}{Dad looking at the JFK tribute, he is one of a handful of Presidents who have visited China Lake}

{My mom with the boys.}

Thank you to my family for coming and spending the day with us!

A Confession

After posting on a friends blog that I strongly dislike carolers, I feel very guilty. I know they are just trying to spread the Christmas Spirit, but I find it annoying. Last night I was reminded why I didn't like them. I was watching a show on KBYU, it was Mary Crafts, and she was baking up some goodies for Carolers, and showing how to create a "delightful buffet". Well, she had good recipes for fudge (which I have never made), pecan shortbread, and an easy potato soup. All of which I am going to try this week, because I am needing more treats to take to neighbors and friends.

Anyhow, toward the end of the show the carolers showed up on her porch, I rolled my eyes and just started chuckling...it was the corniest thing I ever heard and saw. I hated going caroling for a mutual night. I felt like a dork, and the people standing at their door always looked so cheesy. The music sounds horrible, and there is always someone singing off-key. I don't know why, but I find it annoying. Are you supposed to invite them in?? Because I remember the awkward feeling at the end of the song, when we would leave someone's front porch with a "Thank You" knowing they wished they could give us something...I know it is the spontaneity of it all, but I really don't like that, help me figure out why??? Is there anyone else who doesn't like carolers?

So if you come to my house to Christmas Carol, here are some tips so I don't laugh at you...
1) Make an appointment, so I can have Hot Chocolate ready and some yummy goodies.
2) Practice the Carols beforehand---or you can just send the MOTAB, via a CD player on my front porch. I love the song, "Still, Still, Still," I have it on my I-pod.

Our Busy Weekend

Our busy weekend started on Friday, it was a flex (Eric's day off). Eric's parents, and grandfather visited us for the day. They had a nice trip to the Naval Museum while I substituted for the day. After the boys' naps they opened their presents from their grandparents. Jacob got a pirate ship, and a transformer.

Trevor got a Noah's Ark playset and a bunch of "Cars" (from the movie) he is so excited, he sleeps, eats, and takes them just about everywhere!

Later that evening Eric and I went to his work party, the infamous Annual WSISS Christmas party, don't ask what the acronym stands for because I still don't know what half of them are! We didn't win the 47" Flat Screen TV, we were seriously hoping for it. Oh well, we will have to try next year again! After the party we did our Christmas shopping for the boys. We are anxious for Christmas morning to see their faces full of excitement. Isn't that what it is all about? Eric's parents left Saturday morning, thanks for watching the boys, and for bringing Grandpa.

Saturday was another busy day. It was spent cleaning the house, grocery shopping, and preparing for my Annual Cookie Party. This is the 5th year I have done it, and this was my biggest turn out! I was so excited and felt so loved that so many of my friends here came! My SIL and her friend drove all the way from Bako, so that was really nice of her. We stayed up extra late to Scrapbook, so it wasn't a wasted trip. We even had a visitor at 11:15 pm...keep on reading for those details. During the party, my hubby went and froze his tail off being a Wiseman at the Live Nativity, next time we will have to go see him. I missed out on the photo opp, because I was too upset that I had to watch the boys, and entertain my guests...sorry hun, next time I will be better, I promise!

This was our special visitor...it was too hot, but before Frosty melted he left our yard full of snowflakes! This was the latest night our Tricksters have come. My SIL and her friend seem to think it was somebody who knew I would be up late scrapping, so that would mean they were at my party!!! Either way I don't want to know who it was, I am just so happy that they are coming and keeping us on our toes!

Sunday morning started with Ward Council and Church. I have all the ward activities and dates for next year! I am so excited, we have so many fun things planned. Later on our friends came over for dinner and games, we played Risk, and I am a sore loser!!! We won't be playing that game for a while.

Monday came around, and I haven't done the dishes since Saturday...I should have taken a picture, it was a horrible mess! So back to cleaning, laundry, and being a MOM! I still have some shopping to do, and gifts to finish making....and only one week left!

Ward Christmas Party

For the Ward Party we did a "Christmas Around the World"--it was a lot of fun! I had fun putting it together, and it turned out exactly how I wanted it...everyone had fun. The country's whose traditions we celebrated were...Japan, Germany, England, Mexico, and USA. Next time we do this, I would add France, and people could set up their Nativities. The USA was a visit with Santa Claus, here are the picture of the boys...

Jacob is all about Santa, so he went right up to him and sat on his lap. I was taking the pictures and I thought Trevor would eventually get closer to Santa by the end of the night, but this was as close as he got. He played with the children, and didn't leave my side the whole night.

Christmas Card In Your Mailboxes!

Thanks to Jenn for taking the photos and designing our Christmas Card this year. We chose a Navy theme this year for obvious reasons, it is who Eric works for and what we hear flying above us everyday! I will definitely need to ask Santa to bring me Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 and a bigger harddrive, so that I can learn some digital scrapbooking and design our card for next year.

Christmas at the Williams'

I found this on another blogger friend's blog, I thought I would share with you how we celebrate Christmas in our home. Copy and paste the text in your own blog, so we can learn more about Christmas at your house!

1. Complete the following sentence:
Tis the season to be...giving, jolly, and eat yummy food!

2. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Both! Some gifts just require a gift bag. I am not a fancy gift wrapper either, although this year the boys are helping me decorate wrapping paper with some poster paper I inherited from the nice lady at the teacher materials lab, that will be loads of fun! Also, Santa always leaves his gifts nicely wrapped in paper we have never seen before, with a fancy tag and all!

3. Real tree or artificial?
For the most part I grew up with a real tree. We would always go to the tree farm to pick a tree on or before Dec. 7th, my brother's birthday. Later in life my Mom I believe grew wiser, and bought a fake one. Taking six kids and my dad to get a tree that fit her criteria wasn't exactly picture perfect. The first year we were married, that was one of our first big arguments...real or fake, so we didn't have one until about a week before Christmas I told my mom about it, and she bought us a little noble fir from Rite Aid, I loved that tree! The following year I bought a fake one after Christmas and I will never go back to a real one...less mess, easy to put up, already lit...the only downfall is the storage!

4. When do you put up the tree?
The weekend after Thanksgiving, it may not get decorated right away, but it is up!

5. When do you take down the tree?
After the New Year, I love the tree, and the holiday spirit it brings into my home!

6. Do you like eggnog?
Love it, but only in small amounts, it is too rich. Just bought some Pumpkin Spice Eggnog--Yummy!

7. Favorite gift received as a child?
My Barbie Motorhome...Don't ask me why, I really wasn't into Barbies until about 2nd grade but I remember my Grandma and Grandpa bought it for me and I was really happy about it!

8. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, I have two. My in-laws bought me a nice one for Christmas one year, now I would like a creche for it, and the other one is all white porcelain, I painted at a Super Saturday. I would like to buy the Fisher Price Nativity for my boys, so they can touch and play with "Christmas".

9. Hardest person to buy for?
My sisters and sister-in-laws. Some of them I don't know really well anymore because they live further away, and some of them are well, just hard to buy for.

10. Easiest person to buy for?
My boys. I would by them the world if I could.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Don't really know--escapes my mind.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?
“A Christmas Story” hands down. That movie is a classic! Our family watched it every Christmas Eve--the marathon on TBS or some other channel. I just saw a leg lamp at the store last night, I am tempted to buy it for my brother...

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
October-November, I start thinking about what I want to get our parents, my husband, and children. We draw names for the siblings on both sides so then I am good to go after Thanksgiving...I do not shop on Black Friday...that is insane!! The deals are hardly worth the crowd!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes, candles, and ornaments, I have received in the past that don't go with my Christmas decor. Those always worked well for those little work parties I used to go to every year, and do a gift exchange.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
My Mom's Christmas Eve dinner, which we will be missing this year. It is all finger foods, with a salad and main course. The won-tons are a family tradition, we all take turns wrapping them and frying. The next thing I love is my Hot Artichoke Dip!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Clear, and outside too, not the icicle kind just straight clear lights, and I love it that way!

17. Favorite Christmas song?
O Holy Night--sung by Celine Dion. She has the voice of an angel.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Travel, this is a sore spot though. I would like to stay home, but we rotate Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, we may make changes to that however, since we have moved further away.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
"Now, Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen. On Comet, on Cupid, On Donner, and Blitzen. To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, now dash away, dash away, dash away all!" and Rudolph in front! I used to be a school teacher, Oral Language Festival--what can I say!

20. Angel on top of tree or a star?
A star...it is a star that led the wiseman and shephard boy after all.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning always...as I got older my Dad would sometimes cave a little. We stick to that tradition. However, this year the boys will open one gift...their Christmas PJ's.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
When I don't get a lot of Christmas cards. I take a lot of time to send them. It is not cheap, but I wish more people would send them! I think that is one of the most important things to do at Christmas time, use snail mail, and let people know you are thinking of them.

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme?
Yes, red, silver, snowmen, candy canes, and clear lights!

Why I haven't really been blogging??

I have been off the radar for a few days for many reasons:
1. Drove to Bakersfield
2. Trevor had surgery (He is doing fabulous!)
3. Planning the Ward Christmas Party
4. Shopping
5. and more shopping
6. Return Home
7. More planning....the party is tonight!

I will post a few pictures of our trip to Bakersfield. But first I must warn you, Trevor was in his jammies for over 24 hours, I thought he would need to recoup...but he was ready to eat and run around the house almost immediately.

This is Trevor about 4 hours after his surgery. He was pretty chipper, and wanting normal food, by the time he had his 3rd popsicle he was done with that! He ate a hot dog, apples, some crackers (which they said to stay away from) but the kid wouldn't stop eating, he wanted food, what is a mother to do---well, I just prayed he wouldn't throw any of it up!

Sammy and Emily came over for a visit and to bring Jacob home. He stayed over with his cousins since I needed someone to watch Jacob while I was at the hospital at the crack of dawn. They joined us for lunch.

Later in the evening we went to Jenn's house so I could have her help me with a project for Christmas. She and Damian gave my boys these monster trucks that they always enjoy playing with while they are there. This is how I found Trevor asleep that night, the truck left quite the impression on his face--literally! And yes Jenn and Damian, they are blessing our house as they have yours, I already need to change my hiding spot for them...you see these monster trucks are loud, they have some noise mechanism when they are pushed around, we have tile and it echoes. While the boys were bathing last night I put them in the hall closet, they didn't see me put them there. I went to run some errands and when I came home they were in bed with their trucks....how did they find them, I will never truly know! But they love these trucks!

Four Things

My big brother Nathan sent this in an email to me, I was so excited to read about him. I was 13 years old when he left to go away to college and serve his mission. He never really moved back home, so you could say he was sort of a mystery. I was surprised when I read his list because I actually knew most of his jobs, that he loves the movie "Steel Magnolias" he can even quote it, and that he has a love affair with Finland, where he served his mission, and Turkey, where he was stationed in the Air Force. It was nice to know that although we haven't lived under the same roof for over 15 years I still knew some things about him. I love my big brother, and I am so proud of him. I love to tell people that he is a Dentist, and was in the Air Force, because that is pretty darn cool...and brag worthy! (I also tell people about his ice booger story from his mission.) So thanks Nate for reminding me that although years and miles may separate us, your still my big brother, and that is something special!

Four jobs I have had in my life:
I was a school teacher for seven years, but before that I was...
1) Secretary at an Insurance office, and a major Agri-business in Bakersfield.
2) Janitor at the BYU--Museum of Art.
3) Waitress, but I sucked at it so I eventually became a cook at a "Tea" Room.
4) A "Nanny" during my Senior Year in H.S.

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1) Any Romantic Comedy, especially Runaway Bride, and 13 going on 30.
2) Any Epic Film (Historical Drama)...Braveheart, Pearl Harbor, Gladiator.
3) Any Jane Austen movie...Emma, Sense and Sensibility, my favorite is the BBC special edition Pride and Prejudice...I just love Colin Firth!
4) Historical Documentaries

Four places I have lived:
1) I lived in several places before we settled in Bakersfield, California when I was about 2 years old.
2) Left home for a few years to attend BYU--Provo, Utah
3) Moved back home...got married, and stayed in Bakersfield for another 10 years.
4) Currently residing Somewhere in the Desert, CA.

Four TV shows that I watch:
I watch more than 4, but my current favorites are...
1) Crime Dramas...CSI, Law and Order SVU, and Criminal Intent, Criminal Minds, NCIS, Bones,
2) Medical Dramas....Grey's Anatomy, House
3) Comedies...The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Scrubs, My Name is Earl
4) Drama...Smallville, October Road, Chuck
I think that is way more than four...I really have no life once my kids are in bed, Tuesday and Wednesday nights are very busy nights for TV!
Four places I have been:
1) Orlando, FL...Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, MGM, ...and Washington DC, the other half of that awesome family vacation--we even went to Gettysburg, PA--this may sound strange, but that is a sacred place, if you ever get the chance to go, do it!
2) Seattle, WA...and many stops along the I-5, one highlight was the Tillamook Cheese Factory.
3) All over Utah, from Zions National Park to the Green River, near Vernal.
4) I have never left the North American continent, but I have been to Canada (Expo '86), and Baja California (TJ and Ensenada-a couple of times).
My dream is to someday go to Europe, which may be possible with Eric and his job.
Four people who email me1) Do blogger comments count?
2-4) My many friends and family

Four of my favorite foods: in no particular order...
1) Pizza
2) Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
3) Mexican
4) Thai, love their peanut sauce, and Phat Tai

Four places I would rather be right now: this is very hard...
1) in bed watching my DVR'd shows from last night (but I will be doing housework shortly)
2) scrapbooking, and finishing Christmas presents
3) the Swiss Alps, in a chalet, by a warm fire
4) Disneyland, so I can see Jacob and Trevor's faces light up from the magic of that place...

Four friends who I think will (or would like to) respond:
1) Jennifer
2) Emily M.
3) Nicole
4) Melissa

Four things I am looking forward to next year:
1) Eric's Raise
2) More potential piano students
3) a family vacation
4) Jacob starting Kindergarten, because I want to be a room-Mom!

Big Boy Bed!

Today while the boys were finishing a church video in their room I pulled out the trundle for Trevor to lay on...this started a 3 hour event for the afternoon. He was so excited to have the bed, so I called Eric in the room to look at him jumping on it. Eric proceeded to take out the crib, which we have discussed, but I am still not quite ready for, I think he approached it as a now or never situation because I was balling, just a little to say the least, as Eric was taking it down and handing me the crib in pieces to put in the hallway. This may very well be the last time we have it up, so that realization still hasn't officially hit. I think it will sit in the hallway for a few days, because I am not taking it outside!!

Trevor was having fun with his new freedom, as all little ones do when they get their new big kid bed, whether it be a toddler bed or a bigger one. We separated the boys, and then Jacob went back into the room, we threatened and disciplined the boys to lay down and stay in their beds, I laid down with Trev a few times...but to no avail nothing worked. Two hours later, I gave up on Jacob's nap and put him in my room to watch "the Santa Clause" with me, and Eric went in one last time and told Trevor to lay down, that it was time for night, night, and patted his little back, and wallah...he fell asleep. The only problem is that it was five o'clock before he fell asleep, and you all know what that means...we will be repeating this lovely ordeal in a few hours, hopefully Jacob will crash first, but I am not counting on it...I didn't get my Sunday nap, and my baby is not a baby anymore, so I am a little annoyed and depressed...

Deck the Halls

This being our first year in our home here in the desert, we were all a little excited to decorate the house. We started on Wednesday with the tree, and ended yesterday with the outside lights. The boys were both a big help, and each day Trevor was less interested in taking down the decorations. Jacob was particularly excited to put the star on top and help Daddy with the lights, something about a ladder. Yesterday, while Eric was finishing up the lights I went to the Arts & Craft Show at the fairgrounds, I only got through one building and my hands were full of stuff. I found some neat decorations and gifts for people. Then I came home for lunch and ate with the boys and put them down for their naps. Once asleep I went to the movies with two of my friends to see "Enchanted"--that is an adorable movie! Afterwards they went with me to the Arts & Craft show again, this time I found our ornament for the year, and a decor item for our entryway, I will post a pic later... Later on both my friends brought their families over to play the Wii and a little Ticket to Ride...all in all, it was a fun day shopping and spending time with my friends. I love coming home at the end of the day to a house with lights, and a tree in my living room with a fire burning in the fireplace...I just love this time of year!

Wake Up!

Just like me...Trevor cannot stand when other people are sleeping. He was up from his nap for about 10 minutes, before he lead me to his bedroom door to open it. So I opened it and he was laughing and giggling because Jacob was indeed under the blankets asleep, I think he was just really excited to find his brother there, like he wouldn't be under there or something. He then proceeded to pull off the blankets and talk to Jacob, in Trevornese of course.

I will post more later, we decorated the tree this afternoon and that just caused me grief. I don't care if they put all the ornaments in the back bunched up in the same place...just leave them on the tree for pete's sake. We will put the star on top tonight, I promised Jake today, but when Daddy came home from work. Until then...

Finally!!

I have been trying to figure out for months how to change the background to my blog...and finally I did it! After stalking blogs and trying new templates and finding an awesome website with blogger tips, I am happy with my Christmas blog template. It will be easy to change for the seasons and that makes the time and effort worth it! Yeah...

Updates:

Things are slowly starting to look like Christmas around the Williams' House. We have put up our tree and that is about it--tomorrow I am hoping to decorate it! The boys won't leave the stinkin' tree alone, Jacob is worse than Trevor, and now Trevor is starting to copy him. Jake climbs under it, behind it...just tonight I walked into the Family Room to find a mountain of pillows and blankets piled up next to the tree...I think he is trying to get tall enough to reach the top of the tree (I have been promising him that we will put the star on top for 2 days, so I think tomorrow I better do it!). Either way, it is aggravating me, he should be past the whole messing up the tree thing...oh well. Everyday he is asking about Christmas, and presents! Jacob is very excited and so am I...Santa has gotten the one thing on his list so far and that makes me happy because he will be so excited Christmas morning.

Next week the boys and I will be going to Bakersfield again. Trevor is needing his left PE tube replaced, and his adnoids removed. His surgery is set for Thursday, I am a little nervous going by myself. Eric is staying to work and I am a worry wart so I won't have my husband to keep me calm while Trevor is in surgery...I suppose I will have to find something to occupy me, like call my friends...the surgery is at 6:00 am anyone want a phone call??? I am also worried about the recovery...he may have other pain than his ears, oh well, another reason to cuddle and hold my baby who is not so little anymore.

Good news for Eric, he received a significant raise, so we are excited about that. As for me, I have a new piano student starting next week, so that is starting to pick up a little. I hope to have 10 students by Spring...on Sunday I am conducting the Music in Relief Society for a special Christmas Lesson. I am so out of practice I feel like such a dork, I would rather play the piano than conduct. I should consider it a blessing that I sort of know how to do it, right? Oh well, I have the music, so I will use the church website and practice "chopping the chicken".

Game Night at the Hubble's

On Friday night we went over to my sister Kendra's for a visit. We played a little Xbox first and then went to dinner at IHOP. Thanks for appeasing my cravings for stuffed French Toast! After dinner we went back to their house and played the Wii. Eric stayed and played while I went to visit my friend and helped her edit and design our family Christmas card....those pics will be posted soon.
Jacob loves his cousins and they helped him stay out of "danger" while playing Dance Dance Revolution. You can see them helping him by stomping on the correct arrows. He said and I quote, "Mom, I'm such a good tricker!" Eric and I just laughed because we have no idea where he came up with that one! He did a great job dancing, and doing "tricks." He lowered Matthew's bowling score while playing the Wii, but that's o.k. they all had fun anyway! Eric had fun playing Tennis with Whitney, he won one of the matches and so she had to play until she won again, he finally met his match with being unable to return some of Whitney's hits.
Thanks for the fun night, we look forward to the next one!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I only took a few pictures, in fact everytime there was a "scrap" worthy photo my Grandma and Aunt Linda had to remind me to get my camera. Half the time I couldn't remember where I put it either! The boys were most excited about the pie! They climbed up on a barstool to smell it when it was fresh from the oven, and then they were begging to eat it... I took pictures of the food at the end of dinner so everything looked half full except the yummy homemade rolls, my mom went ahead and cooked the rest!

Thanksgiving was a small gathering this year at my Mom and Dad's, but everyone had a great time, and enjoyed each other's company. We played dominoes after dessert and I went to bed at 6:00 pm, no Dr. Pepper could keep me awake. I was literally seeing double and falling asleep as we played dominoes. I slept until 8:30 pm or so then got up for a little bit so I could sleep through the night.

Lots to be grateful for this year, mostly to have a home once again, and that we have survived our first summer in the desert and yet we still love it here! We love the friends we have made, and they have become part of our family here. We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their family and friends!

Tricked Again!!

When I came home from the Missionary Fireside, I found this on our front porch. Eric caught the culprits. We have photos, and I know the car--I used my photoshop program, and I have proof! I left the blurred photo below to protect their identity...we are planning something for our next move as we speak, so be prepared! Ideas are welcomed, send them to my email!

I know whoever is behind these pranks, knows we would have fun with it. So thanks for making us laugh...and bring it on!!

Past 24 Hours...

Last night we had our Ward Thanksgiving Dinner...it was very successful. Lots of food=lots of happy people. I love my committee, and all the members who always offer help, clean up is always easier than set up because everyone helps! Thank you!

Today, Eric was sustained as the 2nd Counselor in the Elders Quorum, he will be set apart on Tuesday night, at the Stake Center. We are so blessed as a family to have a worthy priesthood holder in our home, he will do a great job. He is a little nervous, but nervous is good, it usually equals humility, at least I like to think so.

Our lesson today was on Joseph Smith, here is a quote from President Kimball, "Through the gift and power of God, [Joseph] translated that record, now known as the Book of Mormon. The gospel was revealed, line upon line and precept upon precept, and truths were restored, and power was given and authority was revealed, and gradually enough light and people were there for the organtization of this kingdom of God which Daniel saw two and a half millennia ago...the power was given to Joseph Smith, whereby he could seal on earth and it would be sealed in heaven."

It was a great lesson, I had an epiphany today though--when they martyred the Prophet Joseph, they truly believed our church would fail, but it didn't...look at our church 175+ years later. We are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives!

On a side note, I really do not like that it is so dark at 5:30, and it is only 6:30 we still have 90 minutes until bedtime, what to do? what to do? We have napped, eaten dinner, danced, played, they are now watching a movie, I have blogged, maybe I should write in my journal, I do need to do the dishes, they are piled up! Doesn't sound very restful but it is, I am thinking I should go to the Ward Fireside tonight, that would be uplifting, but it would also require me to get back into my church clothes....I will go...

No Little Boys Anymore!

This weekend the family all went to get haircuts, we found a pretty inexpensive place. I even got a good cheap haircut. I will be going back tomorrow to get my eyebrows waxed--why, you might be asking yourself? We are getting family pictures this week in Bako, plus we all needed one.

The only issue/revelation I have been having with the haircut day is this: Trevor is growing up! He is not a baby anymore. I have been having a hard time letting go of this fact. He has outgrown the use of a highchair, although I don't want to give it up. He is starting to climb out of his crib, which is a whole other issue. He is growing into 2T clothes, which means they don't judge his clothing size by months anymore--just years, with a "T" after it, which usually means Terrible!
Most everyone knows that Eric and I are medically diagnosed as infertile, so the fact that we have two children is nothing short of a scientific medical miracle. We will not be going into debt again for another child, it is risky and expensive, plus we added an hour to our trip to visit our doctor in Los Angeles. We are not going to adopt--again, too expensive, and another type of emotional roller coaster we are not prepared to deal with. So basically unless, I become pregnant, which again would take an act of God, or someone drops a baby on our doorstep, with a note, revoking their parental rights...we are not having anymore children. This reality and the fact that Trevor is growing up too fast, is making it hard for me to cope.

There are five pregnant women in the ward, and I feel jipped. I would love to have another one, but just not going to happen--maybe if we won the lottery, but that would require me to buy a lotto ticket, the jackpot was up to $40 million last I noticed, and the little voice in my head said, "Buy one, it won't hurt anything." Don't tell me you never hear that voice either?!? I accepted being infertile years ago, but it still is hard at times to know at the age of 31, still young by biological clock standards, that I won't/can't/shouldn't/whatever--have anymore children. Oh yeah, after my gall bladder surgery last year, my liver biopsy came back irregular so I had to go to a gastroenterologist for some tests, everything came back negative except for the fact that I have unexplained liver damage, like I'm a closet drinker or something (maybe Dr. Pepper). The doctor seemed to think it is related to my ICP, the liver condition I develop while pregnant. So he said, and I quote, "If you are done having children, and are happy with the two...it would be wise to not have anymore." The done part, is out of my hands, happy with two, yes and no, wise--well I am not stupid, so you could say that. I guess I will go through these emotions every time there is a baby spurt in the ward, at least until I am of an age that it just won't happen.

I am happy to be the mother of two little boys, they are my little princes, and I am the women they will compare all others too--a hard standard for most to live by, I know that is pretty funny--no seriously it is a crown I will gladly wear! So here is one last look, Trevor pre-haircut, and post...my baby is growing up to be a little boy!

P.S. I still like his hair longer, Eric says you should have seen my face as they chopped it all off!

Something to Make You Smile!

I haven't posted anything in a while...I have become quite the slacker as of late...here is something to make you smile, and appreciate those little ones running around your house!!

A Parent’s Thanksgiving List

by Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard

I’m grateful my children demand I talk to them when I don’t feel like talking, feed them when I’m not hungry, and change their diapers even when I’m all dressed up and ready to go somewhere special. I don’t think I’d discover the world outside my own needs without them.

I’m grateful my children haven’t learned how to hold back their tears when they’re sad, laughter when they’re happy, or screams when they’re frightened. They constantly remind me that emotions are for sharing.

I’m grateful my children have broken nearly everything in my home and used a crayon or ink marker on the rest. They’ve taught me that things aren’t important, but people are.

I’m grateful my children start out small and helpless so they don’t become aware of my incompetence until they’re teenagers. By then, we’ve both grown so accustomed to each other, we somehow manage to make it through the rest of life together.

I’m grateful my children get their pants dirty, pick their noses, burp without saying “excuse me,” and quarrel in public so I’ll never be able to get too arrogant, proper, or judgmental of other people’s children.

I’m grateful my children sometimes call me names like “weird” because sometimes I am “weird,” and it helps keep a person humble to be told they’re “weird” when they’re acting weird.

I’m grateful my children occasionally miss the bus at the precise moment I’ve stepped out of the shower, contemplating the well-planned, organized day ahead of me. Experiences like jumping into the car after throwing on whatever’s handy and racing to school have a tendency to loosen rigid plans into something better known as spontaneity.

I’m grateful my children always need new shoes, piano books, prescriptions, haircuts, fieldtrip money, tuition, food, toothpaste, and underwear. That way, I don’t have to waste my time thinking about a new sofa. It’s difficult to get wealthy and think about luxuries when you have to buy toilet paper and milk by the truckload each week.

I’m grateful my children know how to play. My five-year-old asked me to come downstairs so he could “teach me how to play” with his plastic animals. While Jacob demonstrated the subtle techniques for sinking a rhinoceros into couch cushions while pretending it was quicksand, I realized my young son was right. I really do need someone to “teach me how to play.”

I’m grateful my children question my every command and giggle when I get angry. It’s difficult to feel too powerful or self-righteous with kids around to remind you of how funny you look when you’re pointing your finger.

I’m grateful my children insist I hug, kiss, rock, or put my arms around them often. Otherwise, I think I’d forget how the sense of touch is so healing.

I’m grateful each of my children is unique when the same strange, inexperienced mother raised them. Somehow they don’t seem to let me ruin them much.

And lastly, I’m grateful for the gift of children in my life. God willing, I’d like to fill the rest of my days with those interesting people who call me Mom (yes, and sometimes “weird”) but eventually “weird grandma.”

Our House Has Been "Warmed"

We have been preparing for this day since before we even moved in. I have been unpacking and rearranging things, so blogging and other things haven't really taken priority. I am definitely ready to take a break for a little while--but that might be impossible with Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching!

We had family drive from Bakersfield, Huntington Beach, and Castaic to be here with us for our Housewarming Party--for that we are truly grateful. All of our friends were here tonight and that made it even more special. We had so much food, I sent home tons of it with the Elders, and we will be eating the rest of it for the next couple days. The only hitch...I forgot to give everyone their Amish Friendship bread starter. I will deliver it to my friends tomorrow evening with all the directions, and I will keep a starter going for my family in Bako, so on Thanksgiving I can give it to them!

Some highlights of the evening...
*The boys room was a total disaster, their cousin, Matthew helped build a fort-- which as you can imagine was so much fun!
*Trevor loved that he could reach the food, and took what he wanted, when he wanted.
*We received some lovely gifts: a flower vase, a decorative flur de lise, a candle, sparkling cider and a plant.
*My Mom made a beautiful flower arrangement out of the 15 cent cart flowers I purchased at Walmart! *We froze everyone out with our MasterCool, it works very efficiently when it is only 72 degrees outside, but believe it or not, it was hot in the Kitchen! We dared everyone to come back in July to see if it would work as well! When will Fall actually start??

*My neice had everyone against her as she was trying to rally support to go to a church dance 3 weeks before her 14th birthday...nice try Whit! =)
*Jacob was my "little chef" tonight, he helped me make the friendship bread, after everyone had gone home.

All in all, we had so much fun entertaining our guests, and sharing our new home. Thanks everyone for coming and making tonight a special night!