I know that Thanksgiving was 2 or 3 days ago, but I am so ready for Christmas. I can't wait to get my house all decorated. That being said I always forget what a huge undertaking it is to get the house ready.
Of course I can't just do a simple Christmas I have to go overboard. Lots of lights, trees and decorations. Garlands everywhere.
So I started yesterday and got 9 of my trees up, not decorated but up with lights. Now they aren't all big trees but, doing this with a chest cold is alot harder than when I have energy. So I think I will take a few to have a nap and see where my energy takes me after that.
On a different note..... Noah and I have been reading Harry Potter together. The first book. It has been wonderful to spend that time with my sweet boy. Sydney has been listening too. It is seriously the best sleeping pill for her. About a page into the chapter and she is out cold. We finished it last night so this afternoon we will be relaxing and watching the first movie.
Ok switching subjects again. That's right I am all over the place today. Am I here? Nope over here. What about there? Wrong again, behind you. At least that is what my brain feels like it's doing.
I went to church today and had a lesson on gratitude. Makes sense with it being Thanksgiving weekend and everything. It really had a big impact on me. We have to live gratitude. We can just say we are thankful or tell someone thanks for something but if we don't live it.... it really doesn't mean anything. You know how you can tell people who are really genuine and those who are fake? It's sort of like that. Living a life of gratitude is a work in progress. It takes time and effort. So why am I saying all of this? Because one of the things that was said is to write down the things you are thankful for, because when things aren't always so good it helps to look back and see the things that are important in our lives. After all gratitude is an attitude. Nice I know.
So I'm going to say a few things that I am thankful for. So you don't have to keep reading or you can but I need to remind myself of the great things in my life.
1. Dave - my best friend, confidant, lover, father of my kids. I couldn't have found a better match for me and my attitude. I am grateful for the hard worker he is and the support he gives our family. I have no needs, and actually I don't have a lot of wants. He really does look out for me.
2.My beautiful children - this I think is 2-5 because they are all so great. Noah is such a sweet boy who always want to help. Jacob my little gamer that has to do things on his terms. I think that is why he is our pokey puppy. Always doing it his way. Sydney my beautiful, artsy girl. Such a sweet spirit and if she has met you, you are her friend. Little mini me, Abigail. Big personality for such a little stinker. She is special....In just about everyway.
3. My mom and dad - they have supported me thru all my life and continue to do so. I couldn't have been raised or loved by better people.
4. My friends - you know who you are. Thanks for always sticking by me.
5. My house - grateful to have a roof over my head.
These are my top five for today. I have many more things that I am grateful for, like TV and my computer, games and fun toys, but without my top five I wouldn't be happy. Actually I could probably do ok with out the house so long as I have the others.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!!
This week of Thanksgiving started out with the kids being very thankful....
Thankful for SNOW!!! We got the first snow of the season followed by a serious arctic blast. Here are the kids out playing in the snow. You can't have enough angels or snow angels. 
The boys having a snow ball fight. Looks like fun.
One of the best things that our house has is an outdoor fireplace. Perfect for drying off and warming up before coming into the house. The kids enjoyed a nice hot chocolate in front of the fire. Yummmmm.
The next few days were full of grocery shopping and getting things ready for Thanksgiving Day. We started getting ready for our cousins to come visit and writing out our lists and getting our recipes ready for the feast.
This was going to be my first year putting on the dinner by myself. I've always had my mom to help. Or I was the helper. So I made my list and checked it twice, and then a third time, a fourth and quite possibly a fifth. I thought I had it all worked out.
And then...........
The turkeys started to arrive. Yep plural. I had already ordered a smoked turkey because our numbers were going to be 34. Yes that is 34 people. I didn't seem like too many at the time. Still doesn't but it does seem a bit crazy for a first solo Thanksgiving dinner. So Dave calls and tells me that a smoked turkey had been delivered to his office. That was nice and a help so I only needed to roast one turkey since I now had 2 smoked turkeys. The next day Dave called laughing and said another smoked turkey had arrived at his office. What??? Ok so maybe I'll just get a small turkey to roast. So I went and decided to get couple of whole turkey breast since most people don't like the dark meat and I already had 3 smoked turkeys. I had put the turkeys in the fridge to thaw when, NO JOKE, Dave calls again to inform me another smoked turkey had been delivered to his office. So now I have 4 smoked turkeys and 2 whole turkey breasts. I don't know why I was worried about how much turkey to have. There was plenty.
We gave one smoked turkey away. I mean really 4 smoked turkeys is a little excessive. Then we found out our Utah family would not be coming because of the weather. So that was 8 people less. Only 28 instead. So we put one of the breasts back in the freezer since it hadn't thawed yet and we'll enjoy it for Christmas.
As the day approached we got the house ready, the Quists and kids helped arrange the tables and set them, Noah and Kinley helped peel potatoes and we got fixing the food. Our menu consisted of cranberries, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, peas, corn, green bean casserole, watergate salad, yams or sweet potatoes (it's still in debate), delicious rolls (thanks Jenny) and of course TURKEY!!!
We also had a dessert menu: Pumpkin pie (of course), apple pie, pumpkin cookies, chocolate fluff, it was all delicious. I'm actually looking forward to some apple pie for breakfast. MMMMMM Yummy.
So the best part of thanksgiving is being together as family and friends. It was a wonderful afternoon.
Dave's sister Joy and his cousin Joannah. Family makes it fun.
Uncle Paul with his nieces and nephew, and his daughter. This is the attention you get if you're holding the iPad.
Me taking a break and Channing in a food coma. That or he's trying to decide what dessert to have next.
Is it Blue Steel? Nope just making duck lips.
This is Dave showing you what a forehead looks like before botox. Of course Joy's is the after. Still don't think I want to pay to have toxins injected into my face. But on the other hand she does look fabulous.
Jenny not sure about getting her picture taken and baby Avery all tuckered out. First thanksgivings are hard on a baby.
The boys having a snow ball fight. Looks like fun.
One of the best things that our house has is an outdoor fireplace. Perfect for drying off and warming up before coming into the house. The kids enjoyed a nice hot chocolate in front of the fire. Yummmmm.
The next few days were full of grocery shopping and getting things ready for Thanksgiving Day. We started getting ready for our cousins to come visit and writing out our lists and getting our recipes ready for the feast.This was going to be my first year putting on the dinner by myself. I've always had my mom to help. Or I was the helper. So I made my list and checked it twice, and then a third time, a fourth and quite possibly a fifth. I thought I had it all worked out.
And then...........
The turkeys started to arrive. Yep plural. I had already ordered a smoked turkey because our numbers were going to be 34. Yes that is 34 people. I didn't seem like too many at the time. Still doesn't but it does seem a bit crazy for a first solo Thanksgiving dinner. So Dave calls and tells me that a smoked turkey had been delivered to his office. That was nice and a help so I only needed to roast one turkey since I now had 2 smoked turkeys. The next day Dave called laughing and said another smoked turkey had arrived at his office. What??? Ok so maybe I'll just get a small turkey to roast. So I went and decided to get couple of whole turkey breast since most people don't like the dark meat and I already had 3 smoked turkeys. I had put the turkeys in the fridge to thaw when, NO JOKE, Dave calls again to inform me another smoked turkey had been delivered to his office. So now I have 4 smoked turkeys and 2 whole turkey breasts. I don't know why I was worried about how much turkey to have. There was plenty.
We gave one smoked turkey away. I mean really 4 smoked turkeys is a little excessive. Then we found out our Utah family would not be coming because of the weather. So that was 8 people less. Only 28 instead. So we put one of the breasts back in the freezer since it hadn't thawed yet and we'll enjoy it for Christmas.
As the day approached we got the house ready, the Quists and kids helped arrange the tables and set them, Noah and Kinley helped peel potatoes and we got fixing the food. Our menu consisted of cranberries, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, peas, corn, green bean casserole, watergate salad, yams or sweet potatoes (it's still in debate), delicious rolls (thanks Jenny) and of course TURKEY!!!
We also had a dessert menu: Pumpkin pie (of course), apple pie, pumpkin cookies, chocolate fluff, it was all delicious. I'm actually looking forward to some apple pie for breakfast. MMMMMM Yummy.
So the best part of thanksgiving is being together as family and friends. It was a wonderful afternoon.
Dave's sister Joy and his cousin Joannah. Family makes it fun.
Uncle Paul with his nieces and nephew, and his daughter. This is the attention you get if you're holding the iPad. 
Me taking a break and Channing in a food coma. That or he's trying to decide what dessert to have next. 
Is it Blue Steel? Nope just making duck lips. 
This is Dave showing you what a forehead looks like before botox. Of course Joy's is the after. Still don't think I want to pay to have toxins injected into my face. But on the other hand she does look fabulous.
Jenny not sure about getting her picture taken and baby Avery all tuckered out. First thanksgivings are hard on a baby.So we had wonderful friends come and share in our thanksgiving as well, because you just can't have too many people, food or fun. It has been a great time of seeing little cousins play and just hanging out. Of course everytime we start a movie I fall asleep. I am very lucky I haven't fallen asleep now typing this.
I am thankful for my family, friends and all my blessings. I love them all so much and am grateful to count them and you among my friends. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. We sure did.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Gettin' 'er done
It's been a little while since I posted anything. I figured I'd give an update of what been going on. Nothing too exciting. Just the everyday grind of life. Next week all of Dave's family is coming for Thanksgiving so it'll be a fun filled weekend with lots of cousins, minus one, Damon also known as Elder Price, who is serving a mission.
I decided I'd better get somethings done before people get here. You know like finally hang some pictures. Still on my to do list. Mop the floors. Still on my to do list. Clean the playroom. Still on my to do list. So what have I been doing?
Finding some serious shopping deals.
Also my kitchen has been clean for about 4 days in a row now. I really think it's a record. The house has been staying fairly straightened up too. I have gotten a few closets cleaned out and Dave tackled the garage. We will get this house ship shape before next week.
It was a fun weekend last week. Noah and Jacob helped Sydney learn to ride her bike without training wheels. It was fun to see, Syd riding and her big brothers cheering her on. That's a feat in itself because she and Jacob look for ways to bug each other. Abby spent her time running on her little short legs after them. She slept well that night.
I got to rest and read and watch some tv shows. Thanks to my awesome hubby for giving me a little break. Went out on a date with Dave and got some sushi. I am strictly a California roll girl. Dave is much better at trying new things.
Sunday was just as relaxing and the kids have been behaving really well. Must be because Santa is watching. So all in all just getting things done.
But before I forget today Abigail cracked me up. We came home after Syd's dance and Foster the dog was taking a dump on the lawn. Abby asked what he was doing and I said going poop. She goes " EWWWW that's disgusting!" I really love the things kids say. I really love my kids. Couldn't ask for better ones.
I decided I'd better get somethings done before people get here. You know like finally hang some pictures. Still on my to do list. Mop the floors. Still on my to do list. Clean the playroom. Still on my to do list. So what have I been doing?
Finding some serious shopping deals.
Also my kitchen has been clean for about 4 days in a row now. I really think it's a record. The house has been staying fairly straightened up too. I have gotten a few closets cleaned out and Dave tackled the garage. We will get this house ship shape before next week.
It was a fun weekend last week. Noah and Jacob helped Sydney learn to ride her bike without training wheels. It was fun to see, Syd riding and her big brothers cheering her on. That's a feat in itself because she and Jacob look for ways to bug each other. Abby spent her time running on her little short legs after them. She slept well that night.
I got to rest and read and watch some tv shows. Thanks to my awesome hubby for giving me a little break. Went out on a date with Dave and got some sushi. I am strictly a California roll girl. Dave is much better at trying new things.
Sunday was just as relaxing and the kids have been behaving really well. Must be because Santa is watching. So all in all just getting things done.
But before I forget today Abigail cracked me up. We came home after Syd's dance and Foster the dog was taking a dump on the lawn. Abby asked what he was doing and I said going poop. She goes " EWWWW that's disgusting!" I really love the things kids say. I really love my kids. Couldn't ask for better ones.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
SOLD!!!
SOLD!!!!
Finally after a year and a half we have sold our Oregon house!! Yay Yay Yay!
I loved my house in Oregon I wanted to move that house here. This is a picture of it when we bought it so the outside looks a little different. It gave us a couple of great years. Our family really grew in that house. Literally, Abby was the last child born to our family and this was her first house. Of course when we needed to sell our house the market fell. Lovely. So we have been holding onto it for a while. Not really by choice.
In October we watched the LDS General Conference. President Eyring talked about getting out of debt and what he and his wife did to get out of debt. Well we own two houses.... That's a lot of debt. So Dave and I took to heart his words and excersised our faith. We started praying for the sale of our house. I had thought about doing this before but felt it was a really selfish thing so pray about. But....heeding President Eyring's words we did.
Not even two days later our realtor called and said we got an offer. This was our first offer ever. We countered once and they countered once and then we accepted the offer. I'm not one miss the boat so to speak. I don't like boats but if it's the only way I'm taking it. Anyway very quickly things started happening and last Thursday I got a call from the title company telling me I had one hour to sign my end of the paperwork so they could close the next day. WHAT? A little notice would have been nice, but I raced to get the paperwork notorized and overnighted.
In exactly one month, we got an offer and closed on our house. I am truly grateful for the power of prayer, and I will try to remember to ask for help when I need it. I guess there is nothing too small. Heavenly Father will always give me an answer. I know it won't always be what I want, but in this instance it was what we wanted and needed. So as we head into the thanksgiving season, I am truly thankful for my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my family and friends and all the blessings I truly am able to enjoy. I am thankful to those who keep our country free and protect us and I love this country we live in.
I said before that I loved my house in Oregon, and I did, now I am really glad to be rid of it. I'm a bit of a traitor to it, because I really really really, love, love love my house here in Idaho.
Finally after a year and a half we have sold our Oregon house!! Yay Yay Yay!
I loved my house in Oregon I wanted to move that house here. This is a picture of it when we bought it so the outside looks a little different. It gave us a couple of great years. Our family really grew in that house. Literally, Abby was the last child born to our family and this was her first house. Of course when we needed to sell our house the market fell. Lovely. So we have been holding onto it for a while. Not really by choice.
In October we watched the LDS General Conference. President Eyring talked about getting out of debt and what he and his wife did to get out of debt. Well we own two houses.... That's a lot of debt. So Dave and I took to heart his words and excersised our faith. We started praying for the sale of our house. I had thought about doing this before but felt it was a really selfish thing so pray about. But....heeding President Eyring's words we did.
Not even two days later our realtor called and said we got an offer. This was our first offer ever. We countered once and they countered once and then we accepted the offer. I'm not one miss the boat so to speak. I don't like boats but if it's the only way I'm taking it. Anyway very quickly things started happening and last Thursday I got a call from the title company telling me I had one hour to sign my end of the paperwork so they could close the next day. WHAT? A little notice would have been nice, but I raced to get the paperwork notorized and overnighted.
In exactly one month, we got an offer and closed on our house. I am truly grateful for the power of prayer, and I will try to remember to ask for help when I need it. I guess there is nothing too small. Heavenly Father will always give me an answer. I know it won't always be what I want, but in this instance it was what we wanted and needed. So as we head into the thanksgiving season, I am truly thankful for my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my family and friends and all the blessings I truly am able to enjoy. I am thankful to those who keep our country free and protect us and I love this country we live in.
I said before that I loved my house in Oregon, and I did, now I am really glad to be rid of it. I'm a bit of a traitor to it, because I really really really, love, love love my house here in Idaho.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Halloween in the Mile High City
We had the opportunity to go to Denver for the Halloween weekend. It was full of fun and family. I have to say I'm not much for travel. I'm not a very good flier. Planes make me nervous and I won't get on a boat if I don't have to.
We made it to the airport and thru security and onto the plane without too much trouble. The only thing we didn't get to do was use the bathroom. Ok I was the only one who had to, but that's nerves for ya.
Our reason for going to Denver was for our nephew Isaac's baptism. It was great for the kids to see Isaac on his special day. They even sang a song for him with his other cousins. Of course with a little help from Isaac's aunt Sarah and me. Below is a picture of all the Parker/Hannant cousins. Pretty cute bunch.
Before we left Sydney made me a tiara that matched hers for our halloween costumes. We forgot to bring them to Denver so here is a pic.
Here we are ready for the trunk or treat and Halloween carnival at Bryan and Susan's church. Dave is a vampire. I am snow white. Noah is a scary skeleton. Jacob is Jango Fett from star wars. He isn't wearing his mask. Sydney is Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Sweet little Abigail is Little Bo Peep.
Jango Fett blasting the skeleton. No flesh wound or blood here. Noah seems happy that it didn't hurt him at all.
The two princesses. If you want a self esteem boost dress up as a disney princess. The little girls were very kind. I felt very beautiful.
My very pretty Belle and the pink piggie cupcake she won. It looks tasty. I might make these sometime.
Little Bo Peep and her favorite person in the whole world. Grandma. These two were almost inseperable.
The crazy woman. Oh wait that's just grandma with a paintbrush thru the head.
Minnie Mouse (susan) and her sister the Good Witch (sarah)
Baby Mickey and grandpa helping him get some loot. He looks cute now but you don't realize he has a seriously scary set of skeleton jammies underneath.
So as a recap of our wonderful weekend.... We had great food....Went to a great baptism for Isaac.... Went to a great and fun halloween party and trunk or treat at the church.... Went to church and heard great talks by Isaac's Aunt Sarah and Uncle Michael.... Had a delicious Sunday dinner of roast beast....Gave a big Happy Birthday to Mom/Grandma....Handed out candy to the trick or treaters and played games.
We made it to the airport and thru security and onto the plane without too much trouble. The only thing we didn't get to do was use the bathroom. Ok I was the only one who had to, but that's nerves for ya.
Our reason for going to Denver was for our nephew Isaac's baptism. It was great for the kids to see Isaac on his special day. They even sang a song for him with his other cousins. Of course with a little help from Isaac's aunt Sarah and me. Below is a picture of all the Parker/Hannant cousins. Pretty cute bunch.
Before we left Sydney made me a tiara that matched hers for our halloween costumes. We forgot to bring them to Denver so here is a pic.
Here we are ready for the trunk or treat and Halloween carnival at Bryan and Susan's church. Dave is a vampire. I am snow white. Noah is a scary skeleton. Jacob is Jango Fett from star wars. He isn't wearing his mask. Sydney is Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Sweet little Abigail is Little Bo Peep.
Jango Fett blasting the skeleton. No flesh wound or blood here. Noah seems happy that it didn't hurt him at all.
The two princesses. If you want a self esteem boost dress up as a disney princess. The little girls were very kind. I felt very beautiful.
My very pretty Belle and the pink piggie cupcake she won. It looks tasty. I might make these sometime.
Little Bo Peep and her favorite person in the whole world. Grandma. These two were almost inseperable.
The scary skeleton.
The crazy woman. Oh wait that's just grandma with a paintbrush thru the head.
Minnie Mouse (susan) and her sister the Good Witch (sarah)
Baby Mickey and grandpa helping him get some loot. He looks cute now but you don't realize he has a seriously scary set of skeleton jammies underneath.
There is the crazy woman. I knew she was there somewhere.
So as a recap of our wonderful weekend.... We had great food....Went to a great baptism for Isaac.... Went to a great and fun halloween party and trunk or treat at the church.... Went to church and heard great talks by Isaac's Aunt Sarah and Uncle Michael.... Had a delicious Sunday dinner of roast beast....Gave a big Happy Birthday to Mom/Grandma....Handed out candy to the trick or treaters and played games.
We had a great time on our first visit to the Mile High City!!!
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