Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Smile

Oh no, I’m a cheater again this week!!  But I have to say aren’t you glad I did. Don’t you love this picture? I love my little Hayden. I wish he could stay small forever. But despite my pleading he said he can’t, he has to grow up.


I guess I have to let him too. But I want to remember this smile. He has the best smile and gives it away freely. I hear it over and over again. He has the best smile!! and I agree!!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Rigging Up the Lights

The second thing at Christmas that’s such a pain to me. . . . . .


Isn't that a funny Christmas song. Okay. . . .so today's happy moment was brought to me by Paula. I am so excited that this year. Momma Quick called and told me that she wanted to give me an early Christmas present. She thought it might be fun to give me a gift of  Christmas lights for our house!! She said she’d even  have Carey come over and put them up for me too!! Wow! I love this idea!! (Since Jeffrey feels like that it is definitely one of those "pains of Christmas" in the song above ;) hee-hee. Well, today was the day!! Carey came by during my lunch break and got to work!  Eeee-heeee!!  I'm so excited!!  Thanks Mom & Dad Quick!!  AND. . . . . .

Thank you Jeffrey! I know it wasn't what you wanted to do today - especially because you're not all the way feeling better (he's been so sick :( boo) but you just came out and helped no complaining either ~ thanks hon!

What a fun early Christmas present. It also has given me a boost of Christmas spirit!!



Monday, November 28, 2011

Try, Try Again!

This picture is sorta cheating - although it's a new picture, it wasn't taken today. I didn't even take one today. It's pretty obvious that it's from Sunday. But, this is my 365 and I make the rules. Right?!!


I love this picture of Josh because it shows a bit about his personality. In this picture I told him to make a serious face. How cute it was to me that he had a really hard time doing that. You can see the smile all over his face. I can also see how much he's growing up. Ahhhh!! He's almost a teenager!!!  I love Josh so much!! He makes me laugh. He teaches me how to make things fun. He loves, loves, loves to smile and be silly and sometimes I need to do that more often instead of trying hard to make it serious.

This 12 thing is a tough year. Being a deacon is a little scary and Middle School is a bit overwhelming. Something I'm noticing about Josh is that he initially gets overwhelmed but as soon as he talks it through, freaks it out and stomps his feet a little, he does it. He still does it!!  That's not always easy to do. Often when I get that way, I just give up and don't always want to try, try again. But Josh doesn't give up, he just gets it done. That's impressive to me. He teaches me that even if it's tough, try, try again.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Responsibility With a Smile


This young man takes his responsibilities with a smile. Have I ever told you how impressed I am with how responsible he is. He impresses me so much. I can hardly believe how much he's growing up right before my eyes.  He is a great example to his younger brothers and to me and dad too. I am very impressed with him!! Each and every Sunday since he turned 12. He’s been getting ready without my prodding. Sometimes I don't stop and tell him how great that really is. He's had to be to church early for Fast Offerings, and now to set up for the sacrament. I can’t remember him complaining about it either. I’m grateful for his attitude and his willingness to obey. You teach me obedience and responsibility. You make me smile. Love you.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Best Buds



These two have been best buds all day long. Really. . . . . all day! Something that I want to remember from this day is not only did they play together all day long. They played with play doh, they played outside, they drew pictures together, they played video games together, but I want to remember especially the way they also played video games “live.” Imagine playing like you're in the video game. That's what they do. They make up levels and challenges. They advance from level to level. There are “bosses” to fight and overcome. They have weapons that get progressively stronger and more powerful. I love it. It brings a big ol' smile to my face. I miss it already (even though they aren’t done with it yet, they soon will be). For now I am enjoying moments like these that make me smile. Brothers are the Best!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Time for the Lights

We went to see the lights tonight with Jeff’s family. It was cold, but it was fun. So pretty there. So peaceful even with the hustle and bustle all around. It’s beautiful. It's official winter is here.


Sorry for the grainy picture - I forgot my camera this was taken on my cell phone.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Dutch Oven Turkey

I was so proud of myself today I made a turkey all by myself ~ in the Dutch Oven. I usually need Jeff’s help, but today I did it all by myself.  He’s taught me well, I guess. I think I did good. This picture looks a little over done, but believe me it was juicy and moist. Yes. . . . . .I said moist. :)  LoL :)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Soda Cracker Pie


Have you ever tried soda cracker pie? Everyone I know that has ever tried it, loves it. You really should try it. I'd never had it until I married Jeff. Thought it was a family secret recipe. It's really  not, it's all over the internet. It's simple to make, the only trick is it has to be made the night before you wanna eat it. That way the whipped cream has had enough time to soak in and make it all gooey. Some people say it's a mock pecan pie, but I think it has it's own flavor. Very yummy though, you gotta try it if you ever get the chance.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Shopping Begins

I had about 3 things for Christmas bought so far. Today after shopping around with Jeff we have at least 10, so pretty good start I have to say. I have to say that I wish my shopping was already done, but alas it's not. I've been telling myself that for a while now that I need to go back to having it done by the end of October. I hope I listen soon.



Monday, November 21, 2011

Money for Good Grades

I started with Zachary. Wanted to reward him for his hard work. My kids don't get an allowance so I thought that would be a good compromise. Jeff and I decided that we would pay Zachary $5 for every A. So when Josh started middle school this year, he gets the same deal. Well, Hayden couldn't be left out when he heard what was going on so he asked if he could get money for his 4's. I couldn't resist. Everyone seemed really happy. Hopefully it's a great incentive and a feel great reward.


Lucky Boys!!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Snow Fort Sunday


Oh dear before I even knew it the boys were up, in their winter clothes and outside playing in the snow again. They were up before I was and out before I was. Their plan, to build these snow forts today (I think they were more like walls) and come back here tomorrow, after school, for a huge snow ball fight.

I thought it was a GREAT plan. Didn't want to burst their bubble, but the snow will probably be gone tomorrow.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Snow Family


Josh and Hayden couldn't wait to get out in the snow today. When the sun came up the put on their snow pants, gloves and coats and went to town. They told me they didn't want to just make a snowman, they wanted to make a snow family. <3 it :)

Friday, November 18, 2011

Big Ring

Have I told you that I HEART BIG RINGS?  Well, I do. I think they are fun. They make me smile.


This is my newest. Whadu think?

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Black Flats


These black flats make me smile. They are cute, comfy and bring a smile to my face when I put them on. I need some new brown flats that make me smile too.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Traffic Jams in Herriman?

It’s hard to believe that in our little town there would be a traffic jam, but look at it!  There it is. For the past week now I’ve been seeing this on my way home. Crazy ~ huh!!  Who would've thunk it? Instead of my typical 4-7 min. drive home, it’s been taking me 10-15 min to get home!! TEN to FIFTEEN people!!

That's funny - feeling the rush hour!!  :)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Pretty Trees



I see these trees everyday on my way to work. This is the parking lot I pull through to park. I love the shape of and I love the way the leaves change colors. I'm thinking if I ever plant a new tree at a new house someday I will plant a few of these trees. They make me smile. Especially in the fall.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Keepin’ the Kitty

Okay, so I know I've been making a lot of posts about this kitty, but it's official, I’m keepin’ him! I'm a little bit nervous how it's all going to turn out. My biggest worry is when we go on vacation, but for now. . . . . 


. . . . . I'm Lovin’ It!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Insulated Garage

Jeffrey insulated the garage - he said it’s for the lemon tree. But I think it was for the cat ;) He really, really likes the cat. He won't really tell you that, but he does. Proof positive - he's insulating the garage for the cat ;)

Friday, November 11, 2011

Eleven, 11, Eleven

Tonight Emalee planned a party to celebrate 11-11-11.  Fun! So we started with Hawaiian Haystacks and had 11 toppings. We planned to play 11 games. That didn’t pan out as well, but we did play some games. The kids played a lot too - hmm maybe we did play 11 games (combined). Then we thought it would be fun to play bingo - which IS a game of numbers. That was fun!! We also realized that Grandma has 11 grandchildren and the 11th one was born in 2011!!  That's cool - eh?!


In this picture we had drinks to make a toast at 11:11 pm.  It was such a Fun Night ~ thanks for thinkin' of it Emalee!!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Sleepin’ in the Trees

Okay so more about the cat. Tonight I couldn't leave the cat outside again. It was so cold. He’s so cute and I’m getting attached to him. We went to visit with my uncle and left him in the garage while we were gone. When we got home we found him sleeping in the base of the lemon tree.


Such a cute cat. I think I’m keeping him. Can’t believe I’m saying that. Shhhh!! Don't tell the boys yet :D

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Begging Me Something Fierce


My boys are begging me something fierce to keep this cat. Last night he followed them home. Oh, I think he's so cute. Last night I let him in. He was so hungry. We gave him some tuna fish. He really really like it. We played with him for a little while, but then I made the boys put him back outside in hopes that he'd find his owner. You can tell this cat has been loved. Tonight, however, I told them he could stay in our garage, just cause it's so cold outside. Oh boy, he’s a cutie. It’s sorta hard to resist him.

He’s so cute.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Anything You Put Your Mind To


The boys had a blast playing all sorts of relay races at Pack Meeting tonight. They played games that I’d never played before and it seemed like they had never played them either.

Hayden practiced and practiced this game before it was his turn. Okay, so the object of the game was to put your hands behind your back, bend at the waist. You could not let your knees touch the ground and you had to pick up paper sacks. The first one was the whole bag, then the next bag had about one inch cut off and the next one had two inches cut off etc. You get the idea.

Poor Hayden was struggling.  He couldn't seem to get his body to cooperate. In fact he kept falling when he'd try. So. . . when it was his turn, he was so nervous.

But, a funny thing happened. Somehow when he was "really doing it" he just did it. He just went to town and did it like a pro. And guess what?  He ended up winning!!  He was the fastest one.

It just goes to show that anything you put your mind to, you can do it!  I need to remind him regularly that anything he puts his mind to he does it and he does it well. :D  Way to go buddy :)

This was also the night the cat followed them home.  Oh boy!!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

iPhone Fun

Hayden loves my iPhone. He asks me if he can play with it. All the time. Because he asks me I found myself finding fun little Apps for him to play with. This picture is from a little App that is obviously an App that lets him make a face on a pumpkin. AND, it was the ONLY picture I had for Nov 6. So, here ya go. Woot ~ Woot for the iPhone Apps!!


Saturday, November 5, 2011

No Syrup Necessary


This morning we felt like doing something fun. Something a little different. So we made pancakes, but not your all around normal pancakes. We made Cinnamon Roll Pancakes!  Oh ya baby!! They were DE LeeSee Oso!! Yum-O!! Hayden took some into Jeff and asked him if he needed syrup. Jeffrey took one bite and said, "No, bud. No syrup necessary."

Fun!!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Rusty Mums


We did a little shopping at Sam's Club this weekend and Jeffrey bought us these mums. Oooo I love them and I'm tempted to plant them out in the yard. I use to have mums planted in my flower beds. It was so fun to have some fall color. I might have to totally revamp my flower bed to include these beautiful flowers. Love them!!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Only Two Quarts


This is me getting the grapes ready to juice. That smile was fake ;) hee hee

It always takes longer to steam them then we remember, but we got it done. We were very late, but we did it! The thing is, we only got two quarts of white grape juice. Only two quarts!! Pitiful!! Seriously that is pitiful!! Kami put up 77 quarts this year!! No joke!  Way to go Kami I am super impressed!!  For us this year - we got two.  LoL :)

The truth is we wasted so many grapes this year because we waited too long to do it. We also really really need to figure out how to keep them for ourselves and stop giving them away to the birds. Seriously!!


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cute Little Devil

Camille, Jeffrey’s cousin posted a picture of her son wearing a devil costume for Halloween. I saw that and thought it looked so familiar. Jeff said that he had a costume like that when he was little. In fact, it was an awful lot like that!!  That’s when I realized why it looked so familiar. Jeff had pictures of himself in that costume. I had to go find that baby book and post post the picture on her wall.  Look at my sweet Jeffrey - such a cute little devil. Turns out it’s the same costume!! Caroline, Jeff’s aunt then posted a picture of her brother wearing that costume!!  I love it when things get passed down. What great memories.