Easter

This year when we woke up the Easter Bunny hadn't come! We got ready in our Easter Best, and went to church instead. Thomas was asleep for our photo shoot, but you can see him in his cute suit here.
When we got home we were surprised to find that the Easter Bunny didn't forget us, but came while we were gone! I think next year he is going to try to come a WHOLE day early so we can focus more on the Savior on Sunday. Thanks Easter Bunny!

We had a great time hunting for Easter Eggs, and of course eating our candy. It was a fabulous day full of fun, food, and family!

Happy Valentine's Day!

His voice is a little hoarse, but I had to film this. Caden learned this song in his Let's Play Music class. He wanted to sing it for a girl he likes in his class. I hope you all have a Super Wonderful Valentines Day!

Also for those of you who had questions about Caden's valentines in the post below.

I got the idea from here, but am not a professional photographer by any means. So I used the same type of concept, but not with a lollipop.

We took the picture.
Then I used photoshop to add different elements to it.
I then uploaded it to Costco's photo service, and had them printed out.
Then taped the heart candy onto the picture.

Like I said...easy peasy! I just liked the idea of having something a little more personal. I really was happy with the way they turned out.

Valentine Cards

For Caden's Valentine Cards this year we took this

and made it into this

It was fun to do, and super easy.

The Fourth

For the past 5 years, we have invited all of our family and friends over to our house for a BBQ, and to watch fireworks from the comfort of our cul-de-sac. The church by our house always put on a spectacular show, and we had prime viewing. I loved being able to be inside our air-conditioned home, not having to fight crowds, and being able to put a cranky baby to bed if it was needed. Imagine my dissapointment when I went to send out an EVITE a few weeks ago, only to find out that they had CANCELLED their show! I was so bummed, and had NO IDEA what we were going to do. I checked into all the local events, but nothing seemed remotely entertaining except for the drive-in...which Shawn vetoed because he didn't want to sit in the heat!
At the last minute we decided to go over to Nancy's house, and use her pool & BBQ with our friends the Macnab's. I am so glad that they decided to come out and celebrate with us! We used to do alot together, but between having a baby, and now Sherry being sick & pregnant...it hasn't happened in a while. It was nice to catch up a bit. The kids had alot of fun in the pool & the food was yummy (thanks to Dina & Ty.) We cleaned up and headed to find a place to view some fireworks.
We ended up in a church parking lot. We got out our camping chairs, found a nice spot in the grass, and waited for the show to begin. Ironically, right when the show began...the sprinklers turned on!! Luckily, we didn't get wet, but we did have to move. They had started the show a little bit later than planned, so Caden got a little tired near the end. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos of him.
So despite our plans being spoiled in the beginning, our day turned out rather well. Oh...and now we have something to look forward to on Labor Day because that is when the church by our house is now going to be doing their fireworks show. Anyone up for a BBQ? Mark your calendars for August 30th, and come on over!

Easter Weekend

I know that I should have taken it easy, and stayed home with little Thomas. I couldn't help but join in all the fun festivities of Easter. The day started out with our Ward Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt. We headed over to the church around 9. We enjoyed yummy pancakes, and then they had the egg hunt. It is always fun to watch my kids as they run around filling their baskets. Sydney wanted to open each egg that she found, and devour it right then and there. Caden was more determined to pack his basket with as much eggs as possible.

Later in the day we went over to a park near my Aunt Sheri's house for BBQ with her family. It was nice to see my cousins and all of their kids. Sheri is my mom's only sister so when I was growing up we spent every holiday with the Whiting's. Now that we are all older, married, with lots of kids...we rarely get together anymore. I really enjoyed catching up with them. The kids had a blast at the park. After a bit we went over to Sheri's house, and they had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard. After the hunt they gathered all the kids for a group photo. I had to laugh so hard because Caden pulled his infamous "I am not going to let you take a picture of me!" He was not happy about this photo opportunity.

After our long day we drove home, and even though it was late we had to give the kids a bath. We are sooo lucky to have 8 am church so it is imperative to get bathed the night before. I then stayed up way too late making Sydney her bows for her Easter dress (yes I am a procrastinator). I was pretty happy at how they turned out.
The next morning came way too fast. Despite my efforts to have everything ready the night before we still ended up being a half hour late to church! I really think that 8 o'clock church should be outlawed! Some people thought I was crazy to bring Thomas to church when he was only two weeks, but I am glad I went. It was so nice to be there for Easter Sunday. I was thankful to be able to feel the spirit, and focus on the real meaning of the holiday.

After church we went over to Nancy's. She hosts Easter every year because Noah's birthday is on April 2nd. She calls it Noah's Easter Birthday party. My sisters house is every kids dream. I love it because once I show up there... my kids are off playing, and I can enjoy socializing with my family, and not have to worry about them. It was great to spend time with my family. After eating we had another egg hunt, and then just hung out some more. My kids played so hard that they passed out within minutes of us leaving Nancy's.

Easter was a great time for us. Thank you for all of your suggestions of what to do to make it more Christ centered. I hope to incorporate more of those ideas next year. I hope that your Easter was wonderful!

When did it change?

I came across this image sometime last year. At first it made me laugh, but then it really made me think. When did Easter change from being a time of remembering our Savior into celebrating the 'Easter Bunny', candy, and egg hunts?

I can't say that I don't really enjoy all the commercialized things that the world associates with Easter. It is fun to watch my kids as they find the hidden easter eggs, and see how happy they are when they wake up and see their baskets full of goodies. Yet, at the same time...I don't want them to think that is what Easter really is about.

I want them to understand how important this holiday is. That without the sacrifice of our Savior, we would not be here today. Every year I struggle to try and do something to help teach them of this importance.

What are some things that you do with your children to help incorporate the Savior into this holiday?

Christmas Blur

Does anyone ever feel like there is so much stuff going on during the Christmas season that when you look back it is just a blur? I really can't believe how the past few weeks seem to have gotten away from me. We had a great and memorable time with family and friends despite the fact that I had sick kids, and then by New Years I got their sickness. I still feel yucky or should I say sound yucky. I now officially have my "deep sexy voice." Hopefully it won't last too long.

Christmas eve was spent with Shawn's mom, and the rest of his family. In the morning we went to Shawn's Dad's for breakfast, made a short trip to Grandma & Grandpa G.'s, and then back to our house to host my side of the families Christmas gathering. It was a crazy couple of days, but we still had fun. The kids got all sorts of things, and Caden said this was the "Best Christmas ever!" I found that funny because he had a temp of 102.5 on Christmas eve and then by the end of the holidays he ended up getting a double ear infection. The poor kid looked terrible, but he kept smiling all the way through.

I have alot more to say, but right now my mind is not functioning quite like it should. I will post more soon...I promise. Here is a slide show of all the fun things the kids got, and the wonderful people that we were able to spend the holidays with!

What we have been doing lately...

With December now here, our life seems a flurry full of activities. We began December with a bang by going to Broadway Palms rendition of Babes in Toyland. We always love going to these lunch theatre plays. It is an entertaining afternoon with food, family, and friends. The kids are always mesmerized by the performers. We didn't stay long enough to take pictures with the cast, but we still enjoyed the show!

After the play we headed over to the airport for my company's Children's Christmas party. They clear the whole hanger out and load it with all sorts of things for the kids to do. They had bouncers, rock climbing, the tall slides that you sit on a burlap bag to go down on, and of course Santa. They even had the fire department, and police department there with thier bikes, and a fire truck. Caden immediately was drawn to the truck and stayed there until the firefighters kicked him out. The kids ran around like chickens, and I was able to catch up with some friends, and coworkers that I don't see as often. The kids had so much fun they did not want to leave. (This last picture that I have here was taken as we were leaving the party. It was a cloudy day, and the sun had just broke through the clouds...so pretty!)

We eventually got our kids out of the playland only to head over to a performance by City Lights. City Lights is a singing and dancing performing group that Shawn was involved in during High School. His good friends mom had started the group, and had invited all the alumni to come to the latest performance. They had a slide show of all the previous performers, and some of Shawn's friends showed up. Afterwards we went out to dinner, and they reminisced about "the good times." (BTW-this photo was taken by Caden...he really loves the camera)

Somehow we managed to squeeze one more thing into that crazy day. Shawn's dad came over to watch our kids while we headed over to a Christmas party that a woman in our ward (church congregation) was having. Thank goodness we had already eaten because she had the best spread of yummy treats that you have ever seen! I seriously would have stuffed myself silly if I wasn't already stuffed in the first place. It was nice to mingle with others, and hang out with some friends.

This day had me tuckered, and I was ever so grateful for my bed in the evening! The following day we attended church. Shortly after we returned home Shawn packed up and headed for the airport for a week long trip to Atlanta, GA. He was conducting a training seminar for his job. I debated whether to go out there with him and the kids, but ended up opting out.

It was hard having him gone this whole week, but I sure got alot done. My house had been suffering, and without him here, I was able to clean up many of the areas that needed my help. He kinda joked that he should go out of town more often! Kudos go out to those single mothers out there. I have no idea how they do it! I love my children, but man I missed getting those little breaks once Shawn would come home from work. I was so happy when Shawn called and said that he would be coming home late Thursday rather than Friday evening.

Last night we went over to Julie and Robbie's and hung out for a few hours. It was so fun to watch Sydney and Gemma play together. I really wish that I would have gotten some pictures of the two of them. It looks like they are going to be good friends. They remind me so much of each other.

Now we are into the weekend, and Christmas is quickly approaching. I still feel like I have a million things to do in order to be prepared for the holiday. I hope to get some shopping done today! And then it is off to Shawn's company party! One thing that I did get done was my Christmas cards...now I just need to drop them off at the post office! If anyone still wants one...just email me your mailing address. Toodles!

It's all in the mail...

One of the things that I absolutely love about Christmas is getting Christmas cards and letters from family and friends. There really is nothing better than going to mailbox to find a real life letter from someone. We have a special place in our house that we put all the pictures, and letters that everyone sends. I just love to read about what has been going on in everyone's lives. It helps me to feel reconnected to those that I care about, but have not seen in a long time.

So I am in the process of organizing all of my addresses. Please e-mail me your mailing address so I can send you our letter! My email is crissybug@gmail.com

Thanksgiving Week

The festivities began on Tuesday when Caden's pre-school class had their "feast." It was so cute. The kids had all made costumes to be either a Pilgrim or an Indian. They also had learned some songs that they performed for the parents. Caden had been singing them over the past couple of weeks. Well, I don't know why this is the case, but the minute there are lots of people around Caden turns into a mommy magnet. His class has had a few party's and he is always so excited to go. Once we get there, and he sees all the parents...he just won't let go of me. He refuses to participate (you can see there are no pictures of him here.) I just don't know what to do. I want him to have fun, but he just doesn't seem to adjust to changes well. He really is a man of routine, and if something is different he completely shuts down. It really worries me. Do you have any suggestions of what you think I could do to help him adjust better?

Then of course, came the actual day of celebration. We started out by going over to visit with Shawn's dad. Shawn's parents are divorced so it is always crazy around the holidays as we try to visit everyone. We don't get over to his dad's very often so this was a nice treat. The kids were able to spend some time with "grandpa" before he had to go into work that afternoon. Lorraine's (Shawn's stepmom) son Brian and his wife Krista were there too. Most of Lorraine's kids live in Wyoming so it was nice to visit with them too.

Every year my sister has "Maya's Thanksgiving/Birthday Party." My niece was born on Nov. 28 so it is always easy to have the family birthday party combined with Thanksgiving. The kids always have so much fun. They LOVE to go to Nancy's house! She rents a bouncer every year, and the kids play to their hearts content. It is nice because I can relax, and just let them run free! The food was great, and I was stuffed.

This year we got a real nice treat when my cousin Artie (His wife, Amber, has a blog & also owns Beauty Queen Boutique) put on a show for the kids. He used to do this skit years ago, and had my Aunt Sheri make a costume for the occasion. The kids got a kick out of it, and I have to say it really was entertaining. We taped it, so here is the debut (if you don't see it here now - check back later, I am in the process of uploading it.) ...Hopefully he won't be too embarrassed that I put this on here.

We really had a great time, and the kids had wore themselves out so much that they were asleep within minutes of driving away from Nancy's!

The next day probably should have been spent running around getting the 'best deals', but I just wasn't into it this year. In fact, I have no desire to go out and buy my kids any more toys! I have decided this year they will be getting one toy from Santa, but the 'present' from us will be something that we will do together. Do you have any ideas of unique gifts that I could give that doesn't involve toys! It may sound crazy, but I am just sick of all the junk. I would rather have something that they can really look back and remember as something special.

Instead of shopping, we spent the day putting up all our inside Christmas decorations (we hope to get our outside lights up next weekend). Caden had alot of fun unwrapping each of the ornaments. One of the things that we have begun doing is getting an ornament for the tree whenever we go on a vacation. So then when we are hanging the ornaments we talk about where we got each one. We also get a new ornament for each member of the family that signifies something about that person for the year. It will be fun as the years pass, and we get more and more to hang on the tree. We do have a "fake" tree. I would love to have a "real" one, but succumbed to the pressure when I realized if I held out for a real one that we wouldn't have it up until a few days before Christmas. Now I set it up as soon as I can so that we can enjoy it all month long! (Thank goodness for Gold Canyon Candles -- then I don't miss out on the smell of a live tree!) Anyway, here are some pictures of our tree. I really love the way it looks when it is dark. There is nothing better than coming around the corner, and seeing the glow. Christmas really is a wonderful time!

One thing that I want to do more for my kids, is establish more traditions that they really can look forward to. Because we live by both of our families, I feel that sometimes we don't have any traditions that we do with just Shawn, me & the kids. I want my children to not only love being with their extended family, but to also realize that we alone are a special unit.

What are some traditions that you have done with your families to help build unity and memories that they can cherish?

Oreo Turkey's

We are back...in fact we were when I wrote the last post...I am still working on a new post to tell you all about our trip. In the meantime, I wanted to let you in on one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions. Every year while I was growing up, I would go and spend the night at my Aunt Sheri's. When we woke up in the morning, Jenny, Lori, and I would make "Oreo Turkey's" while watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now we are grown and have our own families, and it is impossible to do that anymore. Instead, every year I go out, get the stuff, and make them myself. It always gets me thinking about those fun times I had bonding with my cousins. They are great people, and I love them to death. This year we got a little headstart, and while I had Karyn's kids over today (for our kid swap) we made some. With my cousins we always used them as place settings, but you can make a plate of them and give them to your neighbors too. Here is a step by step demo...not professional by any means, but you get the point! (BTW--this picture is of Caden and I --Thanksgiving 2006)

First of all you need the supplies!

1. Oreo's (you can use the generic ones, but I have found that the original's work the best!)

2. Whoppers

3. Candy Corn

4. Chocolate Frosting (do not get the creamy or whipped kind...it is too soft, and does not work well.)

5. Red Hots

Now here is the process you will go through to create your masterpiece!

STEP ONE

Separate the Oreo

Yes, I know for some of you this may be very difficult. No worries! If you are not able to perfectly separate the Oreo...use a knife to put all the "white shtuff" onto one side of the cookie.

STEP TWO

Spread the chocolate frosting onto the side of the cookie that has no "white shtuff"

STEP THREE

Add the "feathers" (candy corns)

Take the candy corns and smush them into the 'white shtuff'. You can put in as many or as little as you like. I usually have about 4 maybe 5. Just make sure that you leave a spot on the bottom of cookie.

STEP FOUR

Place the Whopper (the turkey's body) on the chocolate frosting side of the cookie.

If you can't figure that out...sorry...I can't help you.

STEP FIVE

Connect the the Whopper to the "feathers"

Place it perpendicular to the whopper. Then smush the whopper into the 'spot' you left in the 'white shtuff'. If you have a hard time getting it to stay up, you can apply a little more chocolate frosting to get it to stick.

STEP SIX

Apply the "Gobble" or the Red Hot

Simply put a little dab of frosting on the Whopper and then place the Red Hot on top!

You have now made yourself an Oreo Turkey! Show it off to your friend or gobble it up yourself! It's your choice! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are some pics of the kids while they were doing it! It was fun, easy, and as you can see yummy too!

What traditions do you have for Thanksgiving?

You can get some more ideas over at Scribbit's Winter Bazaar!