Thanksgiving & Christmas

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone, but it was so fun to be up in Boise with Jen and her family. She made an AMAZING meal on Thanksgiving and we ate and ate and ate. It was awesome. We also got to meet our newest little niece/cousin, Reyes, and she was darling! My girls couldn't get enough of her.

Julie flew in Wednesday late (11:00 p.m.) so mom and I headed to the airport to pick her up. We all came back to my house and went to bed and then got up to head on our journey North. Julie and my mom were in one car behind us and my family was in another. Sean came home Saturday morning early for the BYU/UTAH game so Tayler, Rylee and I rode home with my mom and Julie on Sunday. It was a fun ride home!

Friday Jen, Marcela and I took all the kids to see "Happy Feet" which was really cute, and the others went and saw the new James Bond movie. It was fun!

My poor little brother got caught in the storm going back Sunday morning to Seattle. I felt so bad for them. They left Jen's around 8:00 a.m. and pulled into Seattle at 11:00 p.m. (midnight our time). That stinks especially when you have a 4 month old. I am so glad that they came though.

Thanks again JEN and FAM for everything!!! We miss you already.

Yesterday I got the urge to put up Christmas. I figured since it takes so dang long that I would start now and enjoy it before I have to take it all down again. I worked with my ornaments that I had (blue and silver) and went and bought some more yesterday afternoon--thank heavens for HOBBY LOBBY and TAI PAN so close. I think it turned out great! It doesn't look as pretty in the day. There is something about the night with the lights shining. I am happy. I contemplated getting all new decorations like red berries and gold ornaments, but that would have been super costly. I think Sean was even okay with how it turned out. This is a plate I did at Super Friday. It will be our tradition to put the cookies and milk out on for Santa Clause each Christmas Eve. I think it turned out cute. FUN FUN!


Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is now looking forward to Christmas which is just around the corner!

My first Pie

For some odd reason I have never made a pie before!

I guess it's because I'm not a big pie eater and neither is my family, but today I made my first pie from scratch.

Sean likes Cherry everything so I decided to start with a Cherry Pie. I think it turned out pretty good, but we'll see how it tastes later on tonight with some vanilla ice cream!

Tag- I'm it.

Miss RACHEL tagged me on her last blog to share my earliest childhood memory.

I have to admit that I truly have the worst memory out there. There are things that I totally don't remember (like a truck we owned for years.. no recollection of that one :) My family likes to make fun of me and I guess there is reason, but it's hard for me to remember things for some reason.

I have 3 memories I can think of right off the top of my head:

• First, I remember being on the phone with my Dad who was calling from the hospital (he was talking to my oldest sister Jenny, but somehow I must have been right by her or on another phone somewhere).. and I remember him saying " Well, you have a new baby SISTER." We all cheered and then he said "and you have a new baby BROTHER." What? Mom had twins? Yep she did and noone knew that she was even pregnant with twins-- including the doctor-- until she delivered my baby sister Julie and then he realized there was another baby so then came Jared. Could you imagine that now days?! Holy smokes.

• Another memory has to do with my younger brother Ryan (whom is my Buddito now!) however, back in the good ol' days that wasn't the case. Disclaimer: Someone will have to help me on my facts and fill in the gaps on this one. When we lived in Colorado our house was not far from a small stream. Well I remember being out by the stream (which was a fast moving stream/canal) with I believe, Jenny, Brent and Ryan. Well Ryan had somehow made me mad so I pushed him into the fast moving canal so down he went and was quickly carried up stream. Of course we all panicked and ran and got Dad. I totally thought he had drowned, but thankfully did not. Yikes! He had gotten stuck in the pipe (I can't remember what it is called) that they put in to go underneath the road. My dad ended up pulling him out (I think Brent had tried too) and he was wet and cold. Poor thing! Sorry Ry!

• The last story I remember had to do with my older Brother Brent. It was a Sunday evening and we were playing on the pull-out couch when all of a sudden (I did nothing to deserve this :) my brother pushed me off of the couch causing me to crack my head open when I hit the corner of the brick fireplace (I believe it was a fireplace?! See-HORRIBLE memory on my part) The funniest part of it , looking back now, was Brent trying to get me to not cry and wrapping my head in towels to stop the bleeding. He promised me all sorts of things, from his toys to his allowance! I did end up having to go to the hospital and get many many stitches which was not a pleasant experience. I wasn't very old either.

So now I tag Jen, Ash, and Carolyn

Friends

I love to see the similarities between my 2 little munchkins. I have fond memories of Tayler trying to carry ALL of her "friends" a.k.a. stuffed animals (pictured above) into my room from her room or down the stairs and struggling every time to hold them all because there were a ton of them and she truly would not leave ANY of them behind. She would always cry because she couldn't carry all of them in her tiny little arms. After awhile it became a little bit of a hassle because we had to carry them everywhere we went. One day while we were carrying them up and down the stairs all day, we convinced her when possible to only choose 1 or sometimes 2 friends to haul around. This was hard for her because she loved each and every one of them (and still does to this day).

I see the same pattern happening in Rylee.

These are the 3 she choose for yesterday's adventures and they really went everywhere we did. When she got up on the chair she had to make sure that I put every one of them up with her.

At this time of Thanksgiving I am grateful for SO MANY things, but like the above pictures and the example of my little girls, I think FRIENDS are truly one of the greatest gifts. My family members are my best friends as well as wonderful people I have met in my journey thus far. I am grateful for each one of you and the different ways that you impact my life for good. Thank you for being a part of my life and helping me on my way.

I love this quote:

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend." - Albert Camus

Anyway, speaking of Thanksgiving, our journey to Boise will begin Thursday morning. I can't wait to see everyone.

Please travel safely all my Friends :) --even if you are only going a short distance!

XXOXX

My first Big Day

So this morning I dragged my butt out of bed at 5:50 a.m. so that I could leave at 6:30 to work at the Dental Office and it was just me handling everything. I actually had time to spare. I guess when it's just me I can get ready pretty quickly. The day was good. I don't think I really messed up too badly?! I forgot to give 2 patients their treatment plans, but I told them their out-of-pocket so I think I'm okay on that. Anyway, the morning went by fast and it was fun. We closed at 11 so that Jeff (the dentist) and my hubby could head down to the BYU game. Those 2 are totally obsessed, they were like 2 little boys at Christmas. Anyway, now I have to go to a "craft" party and then I am coming home and taking a NAP! Going to bed at 1:30 a.m. and waking up at 5:50 doesn't leave a lot of time for restful sleep. Sean and I stayed up last night watching movies. It was so nice and relaxing! I had to work yesterday too, but I actually got paid for yesterday and today and Sean was home with the girls yesterday as well. It makes it so much easier knowing that they are home and fine and not putting anyone out.

I took Tayler to the doctor Thurs. night because she had the worst cough and looked so miserable. A little boy in her preschool came with Strep (they didn't know until after that he had it) so I thought for sure Tayler had it, but her Strep test came back negative. They told me that she has a really bad case of croupe and to watch her. Last night was the first night she didn't wake up vomiting! Poor little girl. Thurs. night she threw up in her bed, but didn't have her bowl so when I went in she was kneeling on her bed with her hands cupped to catch the throw-up. Then she tried to call for me, but she has laringitis and their door is closed (due to Rylee's sleepwalking habits :) so she couldn't yell for me so she just started crying. I heard something that made me go in there. I felt so bad and told her she could just wipe it on her bed and come out. Anyway, we have been home bound, but it has been nice. I just hope she starts feeling better soon.

Has anyone ever had their car roll while putting in gas? I had the pleasure of experiencing this. I was turned around at the card machine and all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye it seemed like something was moving. Well it was, and so I tried to push in the brake but I hadn't put it in park. I'm not sure what my problem is lately (or luck, see last POST). Luckily, I wasn't behind another car I was at the end so I didn't roll into anyone. That would have just been the icing on the cake.

I'm glad it is the weekend! Hope everyone is safe and sound! Take care.

Story

Interesting story:
So when I take Tayler to pre-school I usually only put Rylee in her car seat without strapping her in because Tay's preschool is just down the street from me and it's easier that way. Well Tayler happened to fall so I got out of the car to go and help her up and make sure that she was okay. In the meantime little "naughty" had plans of her own and was getting out of her car seat. Well Heidi (the teacher) saw Rylee in the front seat and I immediately thought "oh no she can put the car into drive or something like that" so I ran back to the car only to find my doors locked and Rylee playing. The car was running and I had left the heat on pretty high because it was cold and neither her nor I had a jacket on so I was worried about that little tidbit as well. I was starting to panic a little bit and right then my friend Brittney drove by and stopped to help me because she saw me pounding on my windows (and she had just been at my house 5 minutes before to deliver something). Anyway, Rylee starting playing with the wheel and slouching down onto the floor so I thought for sure she would hit the gas or put the car into drive. This whole time I am pounding on the windows and yelling to try to get her to hit the buttons on the door. I was hoping she would hit unlock, but I thought if she rolled down the window even a little bit I could get my arm in it or a stick or something. Well she did roll down the window about 2 inches so Brittney ran to get a stick, but then she rolled them up again with my fingers in the window. OWIE!! Luckily I pried my fingers out and left my coat stuck in it instead to see if there was enough room to stick a hanger or small stick in the opening. All this time I was still yelling and pounding for her to hit the buttons.. which she was but unfortunately the only one she cared to push was the "lock" button and then she would laugh and kiss the window. I was laughing and crying and panicking all at the same time. Such a turkey!! Finally Brittney said "Rylee do you want a treat" and of course she said YES so she said she had something in her car which just happened to be Sour Cream and Onion Pringles which are Rylee's favorite things in the WHOLE world. After we showed her the can of pringles she opened the door by pushing the unlock button. Seriously.. such drama! Very coincidental that she opened it at that moment. But whatever, we got in!!

Moral of the story: NEVER leave your one year old in the car that is running unless she is strapped in. I am so not winning "Mother of the Year this Year!" :)
I never get out of the car when I take Tayler so I didn't even think about it. Usually she is strapped in when we pick Tay up because I get out of the car to go and get her. Anyway, it was a nightmare and we opened the door before the locksmith got there. Who knows how much that little bill could have been, but I guess it wouldn't have mattered. I would have paid whatever fees!

Here is the little culprit herself. Tayler took this picture and I promised her I would put it on the blog. Rylee is kind of in the picture? Just a little cut-off.. we will work on that!

This morning I had training at the Dental office again. They were short staffed so I was pretty much put into the fire. I didn't save one persons insurance info. after I hung up the phone.. OOPS! There are so many little things and dental terms I need to know that I don't so it was frustrating when I was all by myself. I think I did alright, but come on this is "training"! I think I will pick it up quickly (hopefully) and actually it was pretty fun. After working at IHC for so many years I think it will be a breeze once I get all the terminology down, and I guess the best way to learn is to just start doing it. I have to go back Friday afternoon.

Last night we had the 1st discussion with Leo and the missionaries. It was so awesome. He has a date set for December 16th! I can't wait. He said that everyday he wants it to be Sunday again so that he can go back to Church. Can we say "golden." It is always a good experience to be involved in those kind of things and I loved it. I did speak a little Espanol so it was fun. I really need to brush up on my lingo though.

Anyway, that is it for today. Happy Wednesday to all!!

Catch up

Man I have been a bad blogger! Time has just slipped away I guess or nothing exciting has happened?!

Yesterday morning, Sean came back to bed and told me he was taking a "personal day". I was so excited!! We cuddled up in bed and went back to sleep until 9:30. It was so nice! Then the girls joined us and we talked and laughed and cuddled some more. It was a rare occasion and I loved every minute of it.
We got up and got ready and went and ran some errands. We bought a birthday present for my friend Heidi and brought Krispy Kremes to her morning preschool yesterday to celebrate. I made the 3 year old class sing Happy Birthday as loud as the could if they wanted a yummy donut. They were excited and Heidi was grateful so it was fun and totally worth it.

After some other errands we came home so I could jump in the shower and get ready for work. I was bummed that I had to leave and go to work when my cute hubby had the day off. It was nice though because he was able to watch the kids for me. I put them both down for naps so he did get some homework done for class tonight. I went grocery shopping on my way home from work and it was much quicker without the kids!

Last night we had FHE and then just chilled. I wish more of those days existed, but they don't! It just makes me appreciate them even more I guess when they do happen.

Sunday at church we had an investigator in our Gospel Principles class and he was GREAT. His friends gave him a Book of Mormon and he found the Church by himself. We have our 1st discussion tonight with the Missionaries. He is from Chile so of course I was thrilled and could talk to him about things because that is where I served my mission. He is from the Northern part of Chile and I served in the South, but we still had a lot to "chat" about. It is such a testimony builder to hear about others giving the B of M out and then seeing the results! He had such a great spirit about him so I am excited for tonight.

Saturday I started my training for a new job I am doing. I am working at a Dental office right by my house on Saturdays from 7- 12. Perfect time since my kids are sleepers (minus the early rise time on my part), but Sean will be home with the kids and it gives me a chance to do something different as well too. I loved it and think it will be a great job. It's my neighbors office that he just opened up so if you need a good Dentist-- Layton Hills Dental would love to have you :)

Friday we went out and spent time with Grandma. We met her at her school and then went to lunch. It was a fun and relaxing day. Thanks for letting us come mom, it was great to see you! That night was our "Frantic Friday" (Super Saturday). I was on the committee and my assignment was the food. I picked up bread bowls at Macey's and then had sign-ups for soups, salads and desserts. There was a ton of good food and everyone brought what they had signed up for so it turned out good. I actually finished the projects I signed up for as well. I think it was the 1st Super Saturday I have actually been able to sit down and actually do them because I wasn't the RS Counselor over everything. It was nice to sit and chat with the sisters as well.

Well, the countdown is on for Thanksgiving! I can't wait to see my family and finally get to meet my little brothers new baby. It will be fun. Take care everyone!!
XXOXOO

Seriously...?

Okay so on my way home from my in-laws tonight I was flipping through the stations and heard a Christmas song so I left it on good ol' FM 100 for a minute to see what would happen. Well then another Christmas song came on, and another and so on until I pulled into the driveway 20 minutes later. Seriously?? Are they playing non-stop Christmas songs already? I about died! It's not even Thanksgiving yet people!

On Saturday the girls and I were bored while Sean was watching the BYU vs. Colorado State game so we headed to the mall. Again, all the stores had their Christmas decorations up with "Christmas Sale signs" and the Santa display in the center was all done. There were also TONS of people. I thought it was December 24th and everyone was there buying last minute gifts. It was insane! I mean, I do love Christmas, but if I start now I am bored of it by the time it really comes around. I found it very interesting. Once Thanksgiving is over with I get into the Christmas spirit, but NOT now!!!

This last weekend was nice. I had a shower to go to Saturday morning and they wanted everyone to bring their "girl" children along too so we had a great time. It was for Sean's side of the family, but they are all so nice I totally feel welcomed and loved so I like to go. They had fun things for the kids to do, and everyone loved to see how Rylee and Tayler have grown. It was fun. That night we had our Stake Conference Adult session which was soo good. I bawled the whole way through it for some reason. They talked a lot about families and I thought about my days growing up with a wonderful family and since it was just my dad's birthday I was extra emotional too. I did however think I may possibly be pregnant will all the sobbing, but NO I'm not! :)
My friends husband was out of town so she watched our kids and said she didn't want us to come home until at least 10:30 or 11:00 because I had watched her kids the night before for SEVERAL hours so it was nice.

We went to dinner afterwards and ate soup and desserts. Yummy. It made for a fun night! Anyway, on Sunday Sean didn't have any meetings (except the 7:00 a.m. one) so he went to that and then came home to get us for Stake Conference at 11:00. It was nice to have him sit with me and come home with me afterwards... awe, the little things I once took for granted. We made a great dinner and then took long naps. It was nice except then we were up all night because the nap was extra long.

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Happy birthday Dad

So yesterday would have been my Dad's 62nd birthday! I look back at pictures and just want to give him a hug, but I guess that will have to wait for a little while longer.

I can sit, and reflect back on so many great memories! He was so much fun to be with and someone who ALWAYS made you feel important no matter what. He had an unconditional love for his family. He was an amazing Father and great in so many other ways!
Love you and Miss you Dad! XXOX

Picture Time!

These are a few pictures from
H-A-L-L-O-W-E-E-N (we'll see if Blogger will let me post them?!)





1.) Mom and Rylee (Rylee had to have pom-pom's too!)

2.) Tayler and Rylee

3.)Tay with some more moves

4.) Rylee and her pal the bunny, Audrey

Is it really November now?

First, Happy Halloween to everyone last night! I hope that you had a safe and fun time.

We started out the day with Tayler going to dance and as soon as she got home we put her "first" costume on to head to Sean's work and then for pre-school. She has this darling BYU cheerleading outfit that Sean's mom made for her last Christmas so she wore that for the day and then changed back into Princess Belle at night. Everyone kept asking her to do a cheer and she would do the cutest things ( I didn't teach them to her either).

After being with Sean at his work, we had to hurry home to get Tayler to pre-school by 1:00. I was the mother helper yesterday too so I went for the last hour to help with their Halloween activities.

Afterwards, we got everything ready for the night and fed the kids some dinner. Sean actually had class so I took the kids trick or treating for an hour. They were all bundled up and Rylee Loved every minute until her hands were ice. Tayler went with her two friends Morgan and Alex and Rylee loved following behind them. Sean got home around 7:00 so we passed out candy for a while and then went over to our friends the Neville's for dinner (warm yummy soups!) We stayed there until bedtime and the kids were so ready for bed. It was a fun Halloween day and night. I think there is WAY too much candy, cookies, cupcakes, etc. in my house though!

I can't believe that it is the first day of November. Now the countdown is on for Thanksgiving. We are looking forward to that as well because we get to go to Boise to be with my family. Well happy days everyone. Loves and Hugs.