Countdown

The anticipation is killing me! Rations are running slim, excitement is high. . . so close and yet so far. We're down to our last half gallon of milk, the last 20 diapers, the last few cookies. . . I think we may survive without a single trip to the store.



So I tried to catch Sadie smiling the other day while she was in her swing. It resulted in a bunch of strange faces, but you get the picture. She's much cuter in person of course.

Yesterday Ellie went to girl school with all of her buddies, got to stay at Lexie's to play longer and for lunch, then Lexie's mom took them to Ikea and out for treats. . . she came home and went on a bike ride with all the neighborhood kids, then all the Lamb boys ended up over here to play (who knew boys would want to play doll house so badly). . .finally sent them all home in time to take the kids to Molly's for dinner where Ellie got to play with Lindsay, Caroline and Hayden. So we're in the car riding home at 8:30 at night and Ellie asks if I'll play barbies with her when we get home. I told her it was time for bed when we got home to which she replied, "BED? It's so BORING! I never get to have any fun." WAHHHHHHH? I feel like I'm taking CRAZY pills (guess the movie quote).

And Nate once again has a split lip. I love my boy! He thinks he is very grown up now and can run wild with all the neighborhood boys (our street has 12 boys and only 5 girls -- 3 of which are named Sadie, I kid you not). Yesterday I was dropping him off at a neighbors -- he hopped out of the car, blew me a kiss, yelled "Bye mama," pushed me into the car and ran to the door. Sniff sniff. Where did my baby go? I guess I have a new one now, but you'd think he could at least want me to walk him to the door.

And have you ever noticed that I am the queen of tangents? OK, I need to actually FEED Ellie before I send her to school and the blackberry isn't going to do it for me (yes, the blackberry came and you wouldn't believe the quality of food we've been eating ;)

Boogers, bows and boys

We survived the weekend! WOO HOO! And I even managed to get all three kids dressed and out the door by 9 am (plus I showered myself -- AMAZING). The picture is in case you needed proof.

This morning we were off to a dress party. I guess these are the next big thing around here. Someone comes to your home with *scads* of dresses that are all marked down. Ellie got to pick out one dress and this is what we ended up with. My friends Molly and Meredith were there as well with their bows/towels/bibs etc. so Sadie came home with a few new hair accessories as well as some for my new neice Alison (born on Thursday). The picture is for my mom to pick which ones she wants me to send to Ali.

Nate spent the afternoon out with my neighbor and her kids. She got them McDonald's and took them to the park for a few hours. I asked him what he did: "Run. . .round and round." Then I asked him if he went on the slide. "Yes, slide. Weeeeeee." Gotta love my boy -- a boy of few words.
Mom- if you click on it, you can see the bows better. And let me know if you want a flower like Sadie.
And Sadie spent the day being carted around and sleeping. . . and having boogers wiped off her face. Nothing like snot in your nose to make you look cute, right?

Tonight is a Ward dinner -- I signed up for salsa thinking I could easily bring a jar of salsa, but now I'm thinking people are actually going to expect homemade salsa. I was debating on whether or not I should just dump the jar out into another container to make it "look" homemade, but then Dustin told me that people can tell by looking at it. Plus, I'm pretty sure no one expects much from me in the cooking department. Happy Monday

Saturday

Just a picture of my kiddos the other night all ready for bed. Nate and Ellie spent about half an hour running laps around Sadie. Ellie was counting laps the entire time until she got to about 40 and then she switched to "a google." Google one, google two. . . all the way to a google nine. Then she wasn't sure what came next so she and Nate chanted "google nine" for the last ten minutes. Sadie loved every minute of it and Nate sat in his bed forever yelling it.

And where did "a google" come from? "Hey mom, do you know what the biggest number in the world is? A google. Daddy told me."
Ellie also learned to blow a bubble this week -- something that she has been working on for a long long time. Of course it helps that my Aunt sent her a gigantic container of bubble gum. There's probably a google pieces in there ;). Forgive the scuzz hair in the picture -- it was right before bath time, and please note the gigantic scrape she has on her face. That appeared right before picture day of course. GRRRRR!


The other night my girlfriend Michelle brought over a delicious lasagna, some garlic bread and salad (plus some cookie dough which I saved for myself). Nate surprised meby eating the entire bag of salad (less what I coulf eat before he begged for more). Seriously -- what kind of kid likes salad?

My kids are currently eating cereal and orange juice brought over by another awesome friend -- Kerry. Plus, I've got my girlfriends coming over to scrapbook with me tonight. I can't say it enough -- I am so lucky. I was telling my sister about how great my friends were and she told me that I remind her of a car commercial. The one where the mom picks the little girl up from the party and the little girl asks her mom what spoiled means. Her mom says, "Why, did someone say that about you?" And the little girl says, "Noooo, they said it about you." And it's true-- I am so spoiled!!! Great kids great husband, great family, great neighbors and great friends. Who needs anything more?

Love you all! MWAH!

This and that

Just a few things that have been have been going around in my head

• I have the BEST friends. I know everyone says that, but it's true! I am so blessed. I am so lucky to have so many people checking in on me and volunteering to help with whatever I need.
• Along those lines -- thanks to my FABO friend Beth who brought us dinner last night. Yummy chicken casserole, fluffy biscuts (Ellie's favorite), green beans (just discovered that Nate loves those things. He ate the entire can -- I am not looking forward to changing that diaper) and even dessert. It was definitely a bright spot in my day,
• Ellie is now registered at FOUR schools for Kindergarten. I never realized how crazy picking a school would be. But I figure I've got a few months to decide where to send her.
• I hate smoke detectors. A few months back, Nate's decided to malfunction and I ended up having to haul in the big old ladder. It was pretty comical since I was ENORMOUS and pregnant, so I could barely carry the thing, and Nate had to be my helper -- holding the doors open and such. Well last night around 2, Ellie's decided to starting beeping all night long. So I had to do the ladder thing all over again -- this time not pregnant, but very sleep deprived and irritated that my sleep time was cut an hour short. The amazing thing is -- Ellie slept through the entire thing. She didn't wake up with the beeping, me hauling a gigantic ladder into her room, the lights coming on (I couldn't figure out how to detatch the stinking thing). . . I've decided that 10 foot ceilings are over rated.
• I will be taking a nap today -- the only person who better call between the hours of 2:30 and 4 is my husband!

Sadie pictures

Finally, as requested, pictures of Sadie NOT lying down. She's 5 weeks old already and I can hardly believe it. I don't remember the time flying by as much with Nate and Ellie. She was 9 lbs 5 oz at her check up (the day after these pictures were taken) and 22 inches long. So she's growing perfectly.

She's still sleeping and eating well, too. Maybe after 3 kids, I've finally figured this parentling thing out -- relax!

I was totally against any newborn pictures since I think they look so weird for the whole first few months of their life, but my girlfriend insisted on taking some and I'm so glad she did. Look at how cute my baby is!!!!

The cute bow is thanks to another friend of mine who makes bows and other cute baby stuff -- check them out: Susie Baby. Sadie and Ellie have both been recepients of some of their cute cute stuff.

Sickos

My kids are sick -- and slowly driving me crazy. Nate started off the most recent round of germs last Friday. He then proceeded to wake up 3-5 times a night through Tuesday night. He then passed the germs and fever to Ellie who now has a fever and the coughing bug keeping her up all night. And then there is sweet adorable Sadie who is now so congested that she decided to wake up all night last night. So basically I'm thinking of shipping them all off to their grandparents' house.

I love this picture of Nate because you can see what turds my kids are when they are sick. They don't just veg in front of the TV or sleep in their beds. Nooooooo, that would be too easy. They insist on laying in the middle of the floor and whinning continously for hours, only stopping for hacking fits. Saturday Nate kept falling asleep on the couch, so I thought I would be so nice and make him a little bed in the living room. I got out our spare crib matress, got his pillow and blanket and put it by the TV. Then I hauled my sick little boy over and laid him down on it. He then yelled at me, crawled off the bed and proceeded to fall asleep on the floor. I guess he figured if he was comfortable, he wouldn't be able to whine as much. That's my boy!

Hopefully we'll all be recovered quickly!

Hubba hubba hubby

I just wanted to write a quick entry about Dustin. I don't think he gets enough air time around here since the kids usually get most of the focus. Today is his first day at his new job and I'm super excited for him. Over the last year he was having a really hard time being excited about work, so he decided it was time for a change.

I'm really happy for him, but sometimes I have a hard time showing it. My life has also had a change and I admit, it's a hard one for me. It's hard for me to re-learn how to work my life around another person. It's hard to give up the life I had adjusted to. And it's hard for me to feel tied to another human being 24 hours a day. I'm tired on top of it, and sometimes when Dustin is going on and on about his new job, I'm a little jealous. I'm sure all the homrones don't help.

So I just wanted to state for the record, that even if at times I don't show it, I am excited and supportive. I can't wait for him to come home -- it's like waiting for your kids to come home from the first day of school and share all the new things they learned. He is an exteremly hard worker and good at what he does, so I'm glad that he'll be happy doing it now. :)

Grrrrrrrr blogger

Earlier this morning Nate and Ellie were outside playing, Sadie was fast asleep and I thought I'd run in here to blog. Of course, blogger decided to be a booger and not work for me, so no long/boring update from me. I'm just posting and running since Sadie lady will be waking up soon and famished I'm sure. In fact, there wouldn't be anything at all if the phone hadn't kept waking me up from my nap (yes, I am magic and can get all three kids to nap at the same time if I play my card right).

The pictures are (in no particular order, you'll have to figure that out yourself). Sadie and my mom (I miss you mom-- and the kids miss you more), the other two kiddos who like a little attention now and then, Nate's favorite spot to play trains, and little Sadie (who is still such a good baby knock on wood).

We've been busy, but life isn't too bad with three. The nights are crazy, but the days are doable. MWAH!

Busy Bees

We've had a busy week here. We made a trip with all 3 kids to Target, I had a Doctors appointment and some Primary meetings, Wednesday I took all three kids to the Pediatrician for Well Checks -- 3 hours, 7 shots and 1 PKU late I will never do that again, trip to the bookstore, play group, visits from friends to see the baby, and a trip to the mall this afternoon. PHEW!

Luckily I have my mom to help me get the kids ready and clean up lunch while I feed Sadie. . . I don't know how I'll make it when she leaves. Can I just get a nanny?

Living it up

So my mom is here and the kids are running her ragged. They have a whole list of things they want to do and they seem to have to want to do it as soon as possible. I don't know what we'll do next week, but this week has packed full -- and it's only Monday.

Ellie decided a month or so ago that she wanted my mom to dye her hair pink. My mom will do a lot for her grandkids, but pink hair was not on the list. So instead she ordered a pink wig to wear and got Ellie a funky one too. Ellie of course decided that pink was more beautiful and has taken over the pink wig.


Nate has decided that my mom is his best friend and orders her around. Luckily, she still gets some cuddles too. Note what he is wearing -- yes, the ballerina costume. Why oh why does he love that thing?

And of course the apple pie. Ellie missed out on the apple pie at Thanksgiving, and since then she's been obsessed with making one. She and my mom went to the store and bought the apples and everything. The pie turned out delicious and now one more thing has been crossed off of her list.

Short Update

We're alive! My mom flew in today. Sadie finally has her days and nights straightened out. She's been a GREAT baby so far. We are all loving her.

Ellie loves to hold her and has dried out her hands from washing her hands so much. Nate likes to hold her for a total of 2 seconds and then he throws her off of his lap. He did try to nurse her the other day. He lifted up his shirt and yells, "Eat! Eat!"

We are so blessed. I can't believe I have three beautiful children! And I am so lucky to have my mom out to help me out with them. My husabdn was able to take a whoel week off of work to help out. Plus we have AMAZING friends -- they volunteered to watch my kids, brought in meals, drove Ellie to school. . . I totally feel like I've been able to rest and enjoy Sadie, which I know is a rarity when you have your third child.

I'm awake

OK, tell me she isn't ADORABLE! After 2 nights of being awake and partying all night, Sadie slept like a CHAMPION last night. Plus she nursed like a sprinter so we had a GREAT night. Lots of sleep last night and we decided to sleep in until 9. Poor Dustin had to take the other two to 8:30 church while Sadie and I cuddled. I almost feel guilty, but who knows if nights like last night will last, so I'm going to enjoy it while I can!

Sadie pictures

Sadie is here

Sadie finally arrived on Thursday -- I can't decide if she came a day late (after her due date) or a date too early (a day before I would have been at the hospital comfortably hooked up to an epidural before I felt any contractions).

Nate was up all night on Wednesday. About 3 I went in to check on him and discovered he was burning up. After giving him some medicine, and listening to him whimper in his crib, I decided to put him in bed with me. The second we laid down (about 3:30) I felt my first contraction. 2 contractions later, I knew it was the real deal and we got ready to leave. My girlfriend showed up to sleep at our house, Dustin ran a few red left turn arrows and we were up in the delivery room by 4:30 am.

I guess being half way to delivery has it's downfall because by 4:45 they informed me I wouldn't have time to get an epidural. So with the help of the world's best labor and delivery nurse, I did it au natural. I still can't believe I did it. I know women have been doing for thousands of years, but I think it's a little over rated. :) Sadie was born at 5:12 in the morning.

Anyway, I'll update more later. Ciao!

Eviction Notice

I'm scheduled for an induction on Friday. Everyone cross your fingers I won't get bumped!

Phone liberation!

Yesterday I had Ellie change the message on our answering machine -- I loooove it! It's something to the effect of, "Be patient! We haven't had the baby." Now I don't have to answer the phone. Usually I always answer the phone knowing that if I don't, my cell will start ringing, or I'll have some message about, "Ooooooh, you must be at the hospital." Now I can totally ignore anyone I *know* is just calling for a baby update. WOO HOO!

Mom, Dad, Kathleen -- I promise I will still answer your obsessive amount of phone calls.

Just another Manic Monday

Still here. . .still pregnant. If I didn't go into labor yesterday, nothing is going to work. I set up all of the chairs in the Primary room, carried around Sunbeams who didn't want to go to class, hauled around a 5 year boy who was trying to kick me the entire time because he knew I was taking him to his mom, moved all the chairs from one classroom to another, walked a zillion miles back and forth to the Nursery room all morning, rough housed with my kids, scrubbed the kitchen floors. . . I think we're going to have to pry this girl out of me.

So today we're going to hang out in bed some more (we're all in here right now), give the kids a bath and then plan a TON of fun things to do this week!

I have been super productive though! The house is clean, laundry done, the car is SPOTLESS (inside and out, thank heavens), groceries bought, the Primary Activity is over (and lots of fun). So now all I have to do is be patient. Anytime I whine Ellie tells me, "You have to have patience! And stop talking about the baby." Good advice kiddo!

Last night we watched something on the National Geographic channel about multiple births and it of course ended with babies being born. I let Ellie watch it (this is the second time I've been crazy enough to let her watch babies being born, but I don't want her to be scared of it). Anyway, after it was over I looked at Dustin and said, "Good thing we watched that because I am FREAKED out! I don't want to give birth anymore." So I'm actually totally grossed out by the whole birthing process at this point.

Anyway, I'd better boogie! Ellie is asking what pee and poop are made out of. :) My daughter is waaaaay too interested in the waste products of the human body.

Nothing

nothing, nada, zilch, zip, naught, diddly squat, zero. . . nothing is happening. I am still here. Still pregnant. No sign of real labor. Just keeping busy.

Progress-- FINALLY!

So I went to see the doctor today. I'm dilated to a 5 and 90% effaced. Of course, my girlfriend walked around at a 5 for 2 1/2 weeks, so I don't want to get my hopes up. . . but at least there is progress! If I don't go into labor over the weekend, I'm going for a RUN on Monday!

That's it!

Last night I was talking to my sister-in-law on the phone about the baby not coming and she suggessted doing some jumping jacks. So randomly throughout the day, I've been doing a few. Ellie of course joins in and then we have to do *her* exercise routine, which is pretty comical in of itself. Ellie tells me, "Mom, I'm really starting to like excercising. Why is exercising so important?" So I launch into the whole heart thing and how it will giver he more energy. THEN -- she tells me, "Mom, I think you should exercise more because you're getting fat."

WAHHHHHHHHHHH????? This baby better freaking come out soon if my FOUR year old thinks I'm fat.

You keep what you get

So yesterday the kids woke up early from their nap -- right when I was in the middle of a scrapping project. So of course they HAD to be in the room with me. Nate ended up being his crazy self -- stepping on paper, trying to use the paper cutter, etc. I looked at Ellie and said, "Nate's crazy. We should trade him in for a new little boy who's not so wild." Ellie immediately freaks out, "Noooooo! I love Nate." So then I explained to her that I was just teasing. Ellie then tells me, "Besides mom, we have to keep what we get."

But seriously, Nate is crazy. I know all boys are, but that boy bewilders me sometimes. Last night for Family Home Evening, we did a lesson on faith and set up a little obstacle course for Ellie to go through blind folded. It was pretty fun and Ellie even did one for us. In the end, Nate decided to get in on the action. He puts on the blind fold and runs around the house for half an hour running into every wall and chair possible -- yet refusing to take the blind fold off. So stinking funny (when we weren't worrying about his safety). I then mentioned to Ellie again that maybe we should trade him in. She tells me, "Nooo, he's so funny. Just like me."

Keeping busy

So I decided the best thing to do to pass the time is keep busy. I've pretty much volunteered to do anything I hear about -- have people over for play dates, visit a friend on bed rest, drive carpool, cook for a funeral, do a zillion things for the Primary Activity on Saturday. All part of my plan! See, if you trick the baby into thiking you don't want her to come. . . she will. But shhhh, it's our little secret!

PS Sorry I haven't had a lot of pictures on my blog lately -- I packed the camera in the hospital bag and I've been too lazy to get it out.

VOTE NOW!

OK, so tonight we had a big vote (not that I think a 2 year old and a 4 year old should have the same say in naming the baby as say. . . ME) and we narrowed the named down to two finalists. So let me know what you think:

Amelia Elizabeth
or
Sadie Elizabeth
or
eta Sophie/Sophia Michelle for my mom (because you know, she did give birth to me, so I at least owe it to her to consider her name)

Still here!

Yes, I'm now at 38 weeks and this is the most pregnant I have ever been. On Tuesday I went to the doctor and I'm not even dilated -- so looks like I'll be here for awhile longer. I've done my part to try and get this little girl out!

Yesterday we went to the zoo. I pushed the kids around in the double stroller up and down the hills for hours. Not one contraction, but my back is killing me. I've been hoping this baby would be laid back and maybe my wish will come true -- she doesn't seem to be in a hurry, that's for sure.

I still have a few things to do before she comes, so I guess it's OK that I'm still hanging out. I need to pack my hospital bag and buy a diaper bag, but that's it. And get Dustin to commit to a name.

Pictures for my mom

My mom won't stop harassing me until I put up pictures of the kids in her Christmas present. And just so the phone will stop ringing every 5 minutes. . . here you go!

Merry Christmas

So my Mother-in-Law calls me yesterday and says she's been worried since I haven't blogged in 2 weeks. OOPS! Who's had time to blog?

For those checking in -- still no baby and no baby news. Give it a few weeks. I'm sure this one is going to stay inside as long as possible.

<

Other than that we've been BUSY! Everyone is always so busy so I'll spare you all the details, but my sister is in town (that's her and Ellie ready for Church. Ellie is wearing my mom's dress from when she was a little girl) so we're having a blast. Just finished cleaning up from our annual Christmas Eve party (once again so much fun and a huge success). Dustin is in our room wrapping my Christmas presents so I'm just waiting for him to finish up so we can put the presents under the tree.

Surprisingly, Ellie was fast asleep within minutes of going to bed, and it is Nate that is up singing in bed and shouting, "Merry Missmas."

Fa la la la la

I can't even remember the last time I updated. I had probably been super productive. It's all gone down hill from there. I turned into a complete bum. As you can see from the picture, the kids have followed suit.

Dustin has been really busy getting the house together, so it's just been me and the kids. With everything for Christmas pretty much done, I've lost all my desire to be productive. So the kids and I pretty much do as little as possible to make it through the day. I'm still trying to think of ways to get out of getting dressed every morning.

Friday I had a doctor's appointment and of course they found something strange during my examination (I'll save you the details). That lead to a weekend of worrying and crying. Only to find out today (they made me come back in to re-check everything) that everything is going to fine. Why do they do that to pregnant women? Have they no hearts? Didn't they realize I'd freak out all weekend? I did get another ultrasound out of the whole deal. Still a girl and still right on schedule. She's not huge or anything, so I doubt she'll be early. She does have incredibly long legs though, and lots of hair!

The bad news -- this morning I woke up and used all my anxious energy to clean the neglected house, only to come home from the docotr's to find it completely trashed (I still love my husband). And all the good news has caused me to sink back into my lazy slump again. So I doubt anything will be cleaned again until right before my sister comes.

And for a quick recap of our weekend (when I wasn't being hysterical)-

Friday night we went out for dinner with friends. So much fun but of course I ate too much, too late and paid for it with cramps all night. YEAY for me! You'd think I'd learn. Dustin worked on the house all day Saturday, running home to come to an hour of the Ward party with us. We had breakfast with Santa. Nate liked Santa but refused to sit on his lap -- typical 2 year old. Ellie reminded Santa that she asked for a doodle bear and too much make up.

Saturday night was the beginning of Nate's throw up fest -- which was really fun. He never quite got the concept of trying to throw up in the bowl. He appears to be doing a little better today, but still no appetite.

Sunday Ellie and I braved Church. Ellie of course developed a fever and slept on me all of Sacrament meeting. I then had to run home and put her to bed and make it back in time to do Sharing Time.

And so there you have it. Thrilling, I know!

December crunch

Here’s what we’ve been up to lately:

Hung out with old friends. Some good friends from BYU, the Pauls, were in town. They live in California and we don’t see them enough. Their girls are adorable and it was so great to just relax and catch up with old friends.

Got to see more family. Dustin’s youngest brother and wife weren’t able to get time off for Thanksgiving, so they missed the big get together. Luckily for us, they ended up having a 10 hour layover in Phoenix so we got to hang out with them on Saturday.

Ate myself sick. At a friend’s surprise birthday party, I ate way too many sweets way too late at night and spent the nice sick to my stomach. Lesson learned – mashed potatoes, rolls and honey butter, and chocolate mouse cheesecake at 8:30 at night are not a dinner.

Relized at 3:30 in the morning that I’m totally unprepared for the baby. No name, no coming home outfit. . . I don’t even think I own a diaper bag anymore. I haven’t registered for the hospital and I decided to switch doctors at the last minute because I don’t like the showers at the hospital they deliver at. I also need to find a new pediatrician since I don’t think I’ll ever make it to Scottsdale again.

Licked and stamped my Christmas cards. After searching all over for paper I liked for my Christmas letter, I settled. I hate settling, but at least they are done. Of course after I’ve licked and sealed 5 envelopes, I realize that I totally forgot to sign the letters I put inside. DUH! Mailed off my Christmas packages and bought stamps. Glad to have that over with.

Spent the morning trying to buy Dustin’s Christmas present – with no luck. Nate and I trekked all over town only to find sales people that had no clue about the product so now I actually have to RESEARCH something.

Trying to get Primary organized for the New Year. My head is swimming. Luckily our last baptism of the year is this weekend. So I’m off to drop of his gift and talk to him about Saturday!

Counting the days till Christmas Eve. I’ve got so much stuff going on between then and now that I can’t wait to relax with friends and know that the madness is about to be over. And then have a baby and never sleep again. . . I changed my mind. I think I can wait.

Hope your enjoying your December as much as I am.

Christmas Survey

OK, we all know I hate these, but this one's about CHRISTMAS! How could I resist?

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? BOTH please!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wraps -- I loooove to wrap presents!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White on the tree and white on the house. Ellie loves colored lights so much, I bought a colored light tree for our Advent tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope

5. When do you put your decorations up? The day after Thanksgiving. . . if I can wait that long

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Anything with sugar!!! Especially sugar cookies

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Spending them with family, my brother and I unrapping our gifts and rewrapping them to see what we got, the year my family tried to trick me by filling a box with trash. . .

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa ? When I caught my parents playing the Tooth Fairy. . . I figured out everything in the same night -- Santa, the Easter Bunny. . . it was a hard night and I STILL remember it.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Pajamas from Santa

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Breakable/pretty ornaments up top, the ugly/less breakable ones on the bottom and then the kids usually add a few of their own (ie toys) and rearrange the bottom ones as the weeks progress.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? YUCK! That's why I live in AZ thank you very much.

12. Can you ice skate? If you can call it that.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I don't think I have one. Anything that's an actual surprise and not something I specifically asked for.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my kids -- doing the Nativity Story, listening to Christmas Carols, taking gifts around to neighbors. . . I just love doing it with my family.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Did I not say sugar cookies?

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas Eve dinner with friends -- good food, good company, having the kids act out the Nativity, making sugar cookies, getting the PJs from Santa and then putting out all the gifts :)

17. What tops your tree? Nothing :(

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving (but who doesn't like to get stuff too)

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Away in a Manger. It's so beautiful and simple.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUCK

Arizona Thanksgiving

Yes, that picture was taken last week -- the end of November! Dustin's whole family (less Casey and Sarah -- we missed you) came out for a week to celebrate Thanksgiving and it was so stinking fun. We rented a house so that we could all stay together. It came with a heated pool, but the trade off was that it was all way in Avondale. If you're not from around here, it's reeeaaaaaalllly far away from our house, plus it's in the West Valley and we're snobs out here in the East Valley. The pool was totally worth it though because the kids went swimming at least 3 times a day. Easy entertainment.

So what, did the 17 of us do for 8 days. Everything. We ate too much, stayed up too late, made waaaay too many trips to the store, went to the park, made crafts, had a gift exchange, ate too much again -- mainly cookies and ice cream this time, got manicures and pedicures, swam a lot, went to Build-A-Bear on Black Friday (call us crazy), played the best board games -- Chris always has these really clever, yet obscure games to play. So stinking fun. Ellie was ecstatic to have her only girl cousin here for a week long sleepover. Nate had a little bit of a harder time sharing his toys with Wyatt, but he'll grow out of it as he gets older I'm sure. One thing they could agree on was their love of the movie Cars, their thumbs, and their blankies. They're so stinking cute!

As usual, Jennifer had to show us all up in the gift exchange by getting us all the cutest handmade gifts. She's the Sister-in-Law who gave us all those matching purses one Christmas (the brown one with the dots that everyone loves). This year it was these stinking cute aprons! I don't know if I'll ever use it for fear of ruining it. Ellie's matches mine, so you'll just have to imagine how cute mine is. I won't be posting any pictures of myself :)

And one last picture of Nate loving the Gingerbread house. He mainly loved the candy and the frosting. I ran upstairs to get Ellie ready for bed and came back downstairs to find him on the table covered in frosting and the gingerbread house all over the place. That was fun to clean up :)

I think the older nephews had a good time too. We hardly saw them between the pool, their gamecube, the pool table and soccer in the garage. It was just fun to be together. Plus I got all my Christmas cards addressed (just have to write the letter now) and I read an entire book. I love vacation!

BEST.SURPRISE.EVER

So Saturday I come home to find my lawn COVERED in trees and my windows spray painted. It appears that even though my birthday was over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had been struck by the Birthday lawn fairies. My sidewalk was covered in fake snow (which has since made its way into my house -- evil evil fake snow) and there was even a mini Christmas tree (also covered in fake snow) by door with a bag full of Christmas decoration goodies! If course the batteries in my camera were dead and Nate and Ellie decided to be helpful and picked up all of the trees while I was trying to unpack the car. When I came out I was so bummed that Ellie started putting the trees BACK in the ground. In the end I stopped her, because I didn't really want to bend over and pick up all the trees myself and we all know the kids weren't going to do it again. The trees are now in the office by my LIAR sign from my birthday last year (I told you I kept it Michelle). The best part of getting your lawn done is reading all the funny little things everyone has written. Love that. Of course I'll never live down lying about my birthday, but I can live with that. It was such a fun surprise! Usually you kind of know it's coming, but being a holiday and the fact that I was in sunny Avondale, I figured I'd slide by, but I guess I have FABULOUS friends. So thanks for thinking of me! LOVE you guys.

The tree has since made its home in Ellie's room since she loved it so much. And the Christmas decorations made their homes around my house. I was in such a Christmas mood, I made Dustin get out our Christmas tree on Sunday and we are now ready to go for Christmas. Hopefully you are all out decorating for Christmas now too!

Ellie

So we're at Costco grabbing a gift and we wandered past the curio case where they keep all the glass statues and all that gaudy stuff that you can't imagine ever buying. Ellie is just in love with the stuff because you know kids can't get enough of kitsch. We keep hearing, "Wow! WOW! Oooooooh," etc. and Dustin and I are just laughing because we can't believe she likes this stuff so much. Then she realizes there is an entire other side to the glass case and she runs over and gasps, "WOW! Even MORE Grandma stuff." OK, sorry mom, she's not insulting you, just the taste most old people have. :)

Her other funny came earlier in the day when she was whinning and driving me CRAZY! Dustin had mentioned the other night he wished there were a fable about whinning, kind of like The Boy Who Cried Wolf. So I decided to make one up on the spot. It was pretty lame, but it was about a little girl who was made of sugar and spice and everything nice, but everytime she whinned she lost a little and eventually she lost it all and she turned into a boy full of snips and snails and puppuy dog tails. Ellie was of course horrified and stopped whinning immediately. After a few minutes of thought she looks and me and asks, "But Mom, what happens to little boys who whine too much? They're already boys." Smart little girl, what would happen to boys? They're already made of everything disgusting. So I told her they turned into toads with lots of warts.

Anyway, enjoy your weekends and holiday weeks! My house is clean, girl's night tonight, company is coming tomorrow and I doubt I'll be around much. Happy Thanksgiving! Gooble gooble gobble

Totally random question

So I was thinking about my girlfriend, Shanna, who is getting married next week and I remembered something my mom taught me when I was little. She told me to never say or write, "Good Luck" to a newly married couple because it would insinuate that they needed luck. Congratulations was always more appropriate. Of course then I've heard the whole adage about "Congratulations" to the Groom and "Good Luck" to the bride. Am I making any sense?

Anyway, I was wondering if I was the only one who had heard of this and what you say. Anyone? Anyone?

Best feeling in the world. . .

Seriously, is there anything better than counting down the minutes until you pick up the sitter? I'm completely antsy waiting until I can leave! tick. . .tick. . .tick

Ho ho ho

Beth's Starbucks cup post got me thinking about the holidays and how much I love them. I wish I could start celebrating Christmas in July. Dustin just doesn't get the fuss, however, so we compromise and do our decorating the Friday after Thanksgiving. It's one of those days that I look forward to all year. This year Dustin's family will be here for Thanksgiving, so my tradition isn't going to happen this year. I suggessted to Dustin that we should decorate the day after Halloween this year instead. He vetoed the idea and told me could wait until his family left which means DECEMBER! Gasp! How could I wait that long? I end up whinning Kerry about the whole situtation and plotting to secretly sneak Christmas decorations in one day at a time.

Fast forward a few weeks and it's two days after Halloween. I'm driving home from picking Ellie up and I notice something funny on my wreath. When I get out of the car, I realize it's a Christmas Ornament! Kerry had "Ho-ho-ho-ed" me! And so that is my one and only Christmas decoration up right now. I'm sure people are confused when they come by, but I feel like I've won a victory over my Scrooge of a husband.

Ah, the irony

So the other day after taking pictures, I ran into the computer room to download the pictures. When I came out, I found Nate asleep on the living room floor. I'm sure it was because he was sick and hadn't been sleeping well for almost a week. Of course yesterday he and Ellie start feeling better. They both had lots more energy and Nate even slept through the night without waking up. Buuuuuut, wouldb't you know how it works. I couldnt' sleep last night because I was starting to feel sick. And sure enough I feel like crud this morning. The kids however are as active as ever.

Seriously, how does that work? Why can't we all get sick at the same time so we can all lay around and be lazy together??? Anyway, just thought I'd post the picture because it's EXACTLY what I wish I were doing right now.

PS On a more upbeat note, I couldn't be happier with the election results. I'm almost giddy. If only I had someone to celebrate with. . . darn conservative friends.

Weekend Update

So Thursday morning I get a call from my Aunt and Uncle in Idaho. They’re on their way down, but they’re only staying until Saturday morning. This led to a frantic Thursday, mainly because I needed to wash and fold the 2 weeks of laundry piling up in my room. Seriously – how do we have that many loads of laundry sitting in baskets and still have closets full of clothes? Nate helped out by lounging on me with his 103 degree fever.

Friday was a whirlwind of fun. The kids loved the dog, Disney Princess (I’m not kidding that’s her name) and giving her treats. We played and played and played some more. My Aunt brought down my Grandma’s cedar chest for me filled with little goodies including a bunch of dresses that she and my mom wore when they were Ellie’s age. I’m completely sentimental, so I love that sort of thing. I made Ellie try on all the clothes. She loved the petticoats the most, followed by mom’s robe. Ellie also fit perfectly in the black velvet dress my mom wore, so Ellie’s wearing it for Christmas Eve. Kristine had one in a smaller size which I tried to get Nate to put on, but he wanted nothing to do with it (maybe there is hope afterall)! She also brought down my Grandma’s doll, which Ellie has named Mely. Mely now sleeps with her every night.

We also went to Joe’s for lunch, visited my Grandma’s brother and his family up in Mesa, Dustin took Dave to look at some property he was looking at buying, and we did Chino Bandito for dinner. By the end of the night my kids were WIPED out, but it was totally worth it.

Saturday I spent all morning at a Stake Meeting while Dustin cleaned the carpets. YEAY! Then that afternoon we headed out for a barbecue with some of Dustin’s mission companions. They were all sweet enough to switch to Saturday when we had to cancel for Friday. The barbecue was fun – all of the kids were the same age as ours (and all four wives were pregnant) so they did their own thing. Once again we wiped our kids out with no naps and a late bed time.

So you’d think I’d let the kids relax a little bit this morning. But nope, we went off shopping for winter shoes for Ellie and then I forced my kids to take pictures for our Christmas cards. UGH! What an ordeal. It always is, but at least last year I didn’t try to take the photos myself. I got them to sit still at the park for about 10 pictures. In half of those Nate isn’t looking at me and in the other half, Ellie is staring at the grass. So after coming home and trying to sweeten them up, I decided to put them in front of the door for one last attempt at anything halfway decent. It’s not amazing, but it will do. I put in the order at Costco because I can’t go through the torture again, so no mocking the picture unless you want to deal with my wrath!

Halloween Hangover

I can't be the only one experiencing this. The kids are cranky, my house is trashed, and of course Joy School was here this morning. The day after. UGH! Nate has been searching for his pumpkin basket all morning. He still hasn't forgotten his stash of candy.

Last night was a BLAST! As always, we tried to pack too much into one night. We had a whole Halloween themed meal for dinner at our friends house. I brought the Wicthes Brew meatballs and Monster Eyes deviled eggs. There was also skull shaped pudding, blood punch with an ice cube hand, monster finger carrots, monster toe hot dogs (complete with red ketchup toe-nails), spider bread, intestine pasta, mashed potato ghosts. . . and I don't think the kids ate a bite of anything.

So after realizing we weren't going to get the kids to eat, we headed out trick-or-treating. Ellie is at such a fun age! She and the older kids ran everywhere and were so excited but still polite. Nate was adorable. At first he wasn't sure about the whole deal, but once he got the first candy bar in his pumpkin he was good to go. He walked the entire night. Just toddling along with his pumpkin. The big kids hit 2 houses for every one that Nate and the 2 year olds made it to, but they didn't care. I think the 2 year olds actually got more candy because they were so stinking cute. Everyone kept giving them more and more candy.

After over an HOUR of walking (please note the glazed over expression on the little ones' faces from pure exhaustion), we hurried back because we had to run over to another firends house to watch a Halloween movie -- during which the kids broke into their candy baskets. Always what you want to happen at 8:30 at night. We stayed there way too late, but it's only once a year right? So we now have waaaay too much candy and some badly taken pictures because I was too busy having fun. Luckily the kids got really yummy candy (lots of chocolate) so whenever I need a jolt I can just dip into that.