{romney rally}

Mitt for President 2012!

I found out late last night that Mitt Romney was going to be rallying at a local grocery store in Iowa, about 10 minutes from my house. Really, how could I not go? There is a common joke here in corn country--that the world only cares about Iowa one day every four years! Which would be when the Iowa caucus is held, which happens to be this coming Tuesday. I was really, really hoping that I could go and get my picture taken with him...and how disappointing it was to be so close, and yet so far away. As you can see from the pics I took, I was right there--within a few feet of him-- but oh yeah, did I mention that I got to bring my kids along with me to the rally? For some silly reason I thought that it was going to be held indoors where it was nice and warm. Nope, wishful thinking on my part, it was outside in the freezing rain. I'm pretty sure, if I had known that I would have dressed my kids more appropriately for outdoor freezing rain weather, but alas I did not. Tanner was the most unhappy, and began crying very loudly "Mom! I'm soooo cold!" Over and over again through chattering teeth. Thankfully Hunter was very good, and did pretty well. (maybe because I bribed him with McDonald's for breakfast afterwards if he behaved.)

I am really glad that I went however, it was one of those fun and exciting times that living in a state that no one cares about--is pretty cool. At the rally they handed out Romney posters to everyone that was there, so when we got home, Hunter and I took a couple pics to show our support!

Go Mitt

So get out this Tuesday and cast your vote for your favorite candidate fellow Iowans!

Your vote counts!

{christmas morning}

Christmas 2011

What a Merry and Bright Christmas day we had this year! Despite the kids both being a bit under the weather, and not feeling so great--we made the most of it and had a wonderful day.

Hunter and Tanner were over the moon excited when they saw what Santa brought them this year! A Komodo dragon and a Nintendo 3DS for Hunter and Toothless the dragon for Tanner.

Hunter showing Tanner how to play his new Dinosaur game on the 3DS.

We were all very blessed this year--and had a wonderful Christmas from our families too. They are so thoughtful and generous and made our day that much brighter!

The coaster cars the boys got from great grandma Nana.


We also went to church Christmas afternoon.

Then, when we got home we had a delicious dinner of ham, cheesy potatoes, salad, rolls and homemade cherry pie. And stayed up late watching Christmas movies. What a wonderful Christmas day!

{christmas eve}

Christmas Eve 2011

It has become a tradition of ours over the past couple years--to go to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner on Christmas Eve. Texas Roadhouse! It has such a fun atmosphere, and we always have such a good time there. Then, after dinner we took the kids to see the Jolly Holiday Lights downtown. It is so fun to drive through, and see all of the fun and exciting light displays.




When we got home later that evening, I had prepared a little Christmas program for all of us. I found {this} video clip on lds.org and loved the message that it shared. It is called "Wise Men Still Seek Him."

This year, Hunter decided that Santa and our shelf elf would enjoy some Krispy Kreme's instead of sugar cookies. I agreed! So, I downloaded these adorable printables {here} and we got busy writing thank you letters to Santa, and setting up his plate of donuts.

We ended the night with Steve reading the boys "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and opening up some brand new Christmas jammies.

{updates from a sickly clan}

Well, the last few weeks have been interesting to say the least. How is it that December seems to be the shortest month of the year? It always goes by in a flash, and I am left wondering where did all the time go?? The past two weeks have been eventful, but not always in the most positive way. It seems this month we have not been too lucky when it comes to good health.

It started with Tanner catching a horrible virus that lasted about 5 days. He had extremely high fevers, was lethargic, achy, and very cranky. He was not a happy little boy during that time. Then just at the very tail end of his sickness--then came Steve's big "fall."

Steve had the poor misfortune of slipping on the steps in our garage while taking out the garbage about 2 weeks ago--and fell hard (twice) on his tailbone. At first the pain was so intense and excruciating, that he couldn't move for quite awhile. He was pretty miserable, and in a lot of pain. The next morning, he went to work and had an x-ray done and sure enough, he broke his coccyx. Sadly, there isn't really anything you can do for a broken tailbone, but just push through the pain, and pray that it heals quickly. So, in the meantime his newly acquired best friend is pictured below.

Then this week arrived. I had been really looking forward to attending Tanner's preschool singing program and Hunter's Winter class party at school for a long time. Tanner has been my awesome little singer since he was a little boy. He loves to move and shake to music and sing songs. So needless to say, he has been really excited for his singing program. Well, the morning of the program arrived. And tragically Tanner came down with yet again, another sickness. This time it was the stomach bug. Sad for him and us--it didn't present itself until we got all the way to the school and he was literally seconds from walking on to the stage. While he was standing in line, getting ready to head into the chapel and perform--he threw up everywhere in the hallway. I felt horrible! His sweet little heart was broken, and he cried the whole way home saying "But mommy, I wanted to sing my song!"

Then to make matters worse, I had been put in charge of Hunter's Winter party at school, and had bought all of the supplies for the craft and activity later that afternoon. I knew that Hunter would be really disappointed that I wouldn't be able to make it that day, but I knew I had no other choice but to call his teacher, tell her what had happened, and drop off the supplies so the party could continue on. The whole day was a bust!

I felt kind of sorry for myself that day, thinking really why did this have to happen 3 days before Christmas? I had visions of our whole family coming down with the stomach flu on Christmas morning, and how the whole day would be ruined. But as I sat there for awhile and contemplated recent events--thankfully I was humbled, and began to see how ungrateful and selfish I was being. I have been talking to my children all month long about the true meaning of Christmas, and how we should be focusing on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and the spirit of the season. Giving thanks for all of our many blessings, serving and giving to others. And here it was that it was me that needed to follow my own counsel. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father, who has unconditional love and patience with me for my many, many faults and imperfections. This Christmas season, I have much to be thankful for....

Above all--- my Savior, my Redeemer my brother Jesus Christ.

Happy Holidays to all, and may your Christmas be...

Merry and Bright!

{gingerbread+santa}

Last week we were able to kick off the Christmas season by doing a few family traditions. I really look forward to decorating gingerbread houses/cookies with my kids each year. One of my favorite holiday books is 'Gingerbread Friends' and my boys love it too-- so out came the holiday decor and Christmas books this week.

This is our finished gingerbread house. Steve and I decorated the front as you can see. And the kids had a great time frosting and decorating the back of the house and the sides.



I love these fun little kits at Costco, because they also come with 4 gingerbread cookies to decorate. (What I love the very most about decorating gingerbread cookies with my kids is....that Tanner still calls gingerbread men--cookie boys! I love it!

I'm not sure Hunter decked out his gingerbread boy near enough.....

Here are the boys and Steve putting the finishing touches on the back side.

We also made a trip to the mall to ride the train, write Santa letters, and of course sit down on Santa's lap.

Making sure it gets to the North Pole in time for Christmas.

Are you curious to know what my boys asked Santa for this year......

*Hunter: A real life replica of a Komodo Dragon.
*Tanner: A fire breathing Toothless Dragon.

Where did these two boys come from??

{karate kid}

Karate Kid in action....

Hunter has been taking karate lessons for the past ten weeks through the YMCA. He has loved going each week, and is so excited to learn new moves/techniques. It has really become a fun family activity that we have all looked forward to on Monday nights.

Tonight was testing for the next level up. He was really nervous about it, and even up until we got to the gym and it was time to line up--he was apprehensive about even completing the test. But with some positive words of encouragement from me, and his teacher--Hunter put on a brave face and said, "Okay, I can do it."

As you can see from the pic above....he conquered his biggest fear about testing--and actually broke his very first board. (on his first try too) He also had to break a board by kicking it as well, and that was also another success. (second try) I think that he even surprised himself....because the smile on his face was priceless. He overcame something he didn't think he could do....tried his best and had a positive outcome. I couldn't be prouder of my little
karate kid.




Hunter and his teacher.
We went ahead and signed him up for another 10 week class starting in January.
Way to go Karate Kid!

{all in a day}

A day in pictures....

{with an iphone}

My little Hunter buddy and I went to the Playhouse this afternoon--to see a play with some of his classmates called Junie B. He has really been looking forward to seeing this play for a long time, especially since his class just finished reading the book this past week.

Today was the opener of the deer hunt. It has been pouring buckets of rain all day long, and was very muddy outside-- so sadly Steve did not get his deer! (however, I should mention, my boys do love bird guts...should I be concerned?)





Steve did shoot this enormous goose though--Wow!
Guess what we are having for Sunday dinner tomorrow??




Our shelf elf made her appearance at our house this week. I am delighted when this jolly little elf makes it's presence known at the 1st of December. I have definitely noticed some major improvements with attitude and behavior these past couple days.

Which brings me to my next pic. Recently, Hunter has been having trouble with telling the truth. Usually they are little "white" lies, but it has become a problem lately. This morning, he filled 3 pages full of "I will not lie" and was warned that the next time he lies, the number of pages will double to 6!! He was very worried about what the shelf elf would think about his behavior, and promptly apologized to our elf, and said he promised that he would do his best to never tell another lie ever again.

And....

An almond filled butterbraid was just pulled out of the oven!
YUM!!

Happy Saturday :)

{it's a girl}

Bring on the Pink

Well, it's official....we are welcoming a new baby girl into our family this April. I am so excited and filled with anticipation for this new arrival. As long as our new baby girl learns-- that she will have to love pirates, dragons and robots--she will fit right in with our little family (haha.) My boys, especially Hunter--were so excited to find out the big news today. I tied a pink balloon on our front porch, so when he got off the bus from school--he would know what we were having. Steve and I are both thrilled to welcome a new baby into our family......

Now all we have to do is agree on a name :)

{giving thanks}

This year we have much to be thankful for.

I have always loved Thanksgiving, and what the holiday represents.

I am continually working with each of my children, to remind them of all the many things that they/we should show our gratitude and appreciation for. We are very blessed, and this year I am especially grateful for all that I have.

On Thanksgiving day, Steve had to work all day/night. It was really fun for the kids to come to the hospital and visit their dad at work. We enjoyed a "delicious" hospital cafeteria Thanksgiving feast, and got to spend about 1 hr together before Steve had to head back to work.




We decided to celebrate our real Thanksgiving the following day. This is the second year in a row that we have had our big Thanksgiving day meal with just our little family. I must say, I have really enjoyed spending the day baking, cooking, and relaxing with my little foursome. It is so nice to spend the day reflecting and relishing in all that we have to be thankful for as a family.




And as tradition goes, we all gather together and set up our Christmas tree that same night.



I look at this picture above and can't help but feel completely overcome with love and gratitude for these two choice little spirits. Without a doubt, these boys have made me a much stronger and more dedicated person, and I feel humbled to be called their mom. How exciting and thrilling it is, that in a few short months--another little baby will be joining our family! I am doing my very best to really enjoy this time--and remembering to always
give thanks!

{breaking dawn}

Breaking Dawn

The midnight showing of Breaking Dawn was last night. I won't say too much about the movie, for those of you who haven't had a chance to see it yet--but I will say nothing beats a midnight showing with your girlfriends! I have really enjoyed going to these premieres over the past few years.

My favorite midnight showings that I have attended-- hands down are the Harry Potter movies. The crazed fans that line up for these movies whether it's for Twilight or HP--never cease to disappoint. Breaking Dawn was my least favorite book in the Twilight series...so with that being said, the movie was met with the same expectation.

A huge group of us met up this time to see this movie. We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and enjoyed hanging out before they let us in the theater.

The 4 hour wait passed pretty quickly with Twilight Trivia games and Catch Phrase.

And lots of laughing and talking.

Twilight Toes

Here a picture from earlier this week, when a small group of us got together for pedicures.

{first snow}

There is always something to be said about the "first snowfall" of the year! My boys would say--that it is totally awesome! I would say--No! No! I'm not ready for winter yet!! Steve would say--Crap, now I have to get up every morning and shovel.



But, I will say that there is something magical, about watching my two boys play together outside in the snow. They couldn't have been more excited when they both woke up this morning and looked out the window and saw white. So, when Hunter got home from school this afternoon, I let them play together outside until they finally decided, that they had sufficiently enjoyed this year's first snowfall.

Now, I probably shouldn't mention to you all....that this was how Tanner spent the majority of his day today. Because what mother would allow her child to play outside in the snow, when he previously had been sporting a fever of 104 earlier in the day??? (*certainly not me*) Poor little guy was up all night with a high fever and the chills. But, luckily his dad happens to be a Dr. and was able to call in a prescription for some amoxicillin early this morning, so by this afternoon--he was feeling a bit better. Turns out he has an ear infection.

So we spent most of the day, snuggling on the couch and watching movies. Not a bad way to spend a day I've decided. My kids are very snuggly when they are sick, and I don't mind one bit :)

I have really enjoyed baking some tasty little Fall treats this past week. I made these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies last weekend, and then yesterday I made some pumpkin bread. This is November after all.....




And as for me, I have really enjoyed staying indoors during the past few days. It has been cold and snowy--and what better way to pass the time, than curling up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a good book?