bbrrrrr!!!

So we are all snuggled up in our nice Hotel room in Provo, Utah right now. We are enjoying the heater and our blankets! Yes, we are totally "Phoenicianized" for sure! Temperatures in the 30's and our thin blood do not mix!! Why do we always come up to Utah in the winter?? I guess it keeps us from every getting the crazy idea that we should move here. I'm sure if we came in the summer, we would be thinking differently, knowing we had temperatures in the 110's to go back to. This time, before we came, we hit Sport's Chalet and bought some nice snow coats, bibs, gloves, etc. We also picked up some sweet sleds, and sled/snowboards at the Walmart here. So we are hoping for a great sledding experience!! That is what's on our schedule for tomorrow.
Yesterday we left our house at 12:30 for a long 10 hour drive to Utah. We were supposed to leave Sunday, but our suspension on our car went bad Saturday night, so we had to get it fixed on Monday. Luckily they quickly fixed the car, so we were able to leave and get here before Midnight! The trip went well. Sophia hardly cried. She mainly cried because she had an awful cough that kept waking her up. I think we are finally past that awful "traveling with baby" stage, or maybe she was so sick it just took the fight out of her. She coughed all last night, and she was in my room, so I didn't get much sleep. Luckily she was doing better today!!
Today we filled our day with as much stuff as possible! We started off visiting Ben's Grandparents, who are probably the greatest people I know! Unfortunately, the kids had colds so we made our visit very short, and the kids only came in for a quick "hi"! We then visited Ben's Aunt for about 30 minutes, and then headed to pick up a few essential items at Walmart...including snow boots! We were able to get the boys boots there, and they were really good ones!! Only at the Walmart in Utah do you find quality boots! They didn't have anything for Ben, so he went to Sports Authority in the mall. He came out with boots for me and him! Mine are cute, but I really didn't need them. He is in the spoiling mood lately, so I guess I should just learn to enjoy it! I'm now styling in my new fur boots/coat! Funny I'm only going sledding....not skiing or anything!! I then ran in the mall, and was able to FINALLY find some boots for Sophia...so now we are all ready for tomorrow!
After our boot purchases, we met the Hellewells (great friends from the College Days) at Cafe Rio! Yep, Cafe Rio is within walking distance (not that I would walk in this weather) from our Hotel. I would eat there for lunch and dinner the whole time I was here, but I don't think my kids would like me very much if I did that! After lunch we all headed to the BYU bookstore. Eight kids (our friends have 4) running around in the bookstore wouldn't be my number one choice of activities. They all were running around, and bouncing the basketballs around the clothing department. I'm not one for cramped spaces either, so I was ready to get out of there. Boston used his money to buy a BYU basketball, so the kids took that to the Commons area by the Cougareat and played keep away for about 20 minutes while Kristen waited in the long line to purchase some things. I'm sure the college student's were ready for us to leave!
We all went downstairs to go bowling, to find out that everyone else must have had the same idea. It was packed! It was about a 45 minute wait, which we spent playing air hockey, pinball, Galaga/Ms. Packman, and any other thing we could waste quarters on. Amber had some free time, so she met us and got to bowl with us. The kids had a fun time bowling and Ethan scored better than me, even. Of course, I was a little out of sorts after I took a fall. Sophia started running down the lane and I RAN after her. Apparently they WAX the lanes, which I wasn't thinking about. So running and waxed floors really don't' go together. I wish I had the fall on video. Apparently my legs went over my head, and Ben said the whole place was watching. The ironic thing is that Ben had the video camera out only a few minutes prior! Too bad, or we could have made some good money from America's Funniest Home Video! I'm sure I'll be feeling my fall tomorrow! It hurt so bad when it happened, Ben had to come get Sophia from me and I was crawling off the bowling lane! It was pretty funny though.
After we left BYU, we headed towards Salt Lake, after having dinner at Wingers. The kids did well...even Sophia. Sophia actually has done very well on this trip. She has accommodated for naps, etc. Of course, she always wants Ben, but that's nothing different. All my kids do that at this age, and then it changes when they are about 3 years old! After dinner, we went to the Salt Lake temple to see the lights! It was so cold, we all had to bundle up in our snow jackets and gloves. We discovered that EThan's jacket is about 2 sizes to small. Apparently Boston was much smaller when he was 4! Ethan loved it though, and insisted it was perfect! The lights at the temple were beautiful! I LOVE going to temple square. It reminds me of my wedding day, and how much better our lives have become with each year. I think of how little we really knew each other then, and how we now finish each others sentences and read each others thoughts! Marriage is definitely not a one day event, but a life time event, which becomes sweeter with each year!
Ok...sappiness over...after the lights, and a quick stop at Krispie Kreme, we came back to the Hotel so Sophia could finally go to bed. She was so tired she didn't' even take a bottle! (No comments on the fact that my 20 month old takes a bottle!) Ben took the kids swimming, while I cleaned up the hotel room! (Yes, I have to be organized or I go crazy!). Now we are watching Jumanji at 11:00 at night...we are definitely on vacation. Hopefully Sophia sleeps better tonight!

"Fa ra, ra, ra ra!"

This Christmas will definitely will be an unforgettable one, for many reasons! Part of our Christmas Eve wasn't the most pleasant experience for our family, so I was determined to set the tone for Christmas morning. We still had a chance to do a few of our normal traditions which included putting out Reindeer food, and leaving out a plate for Santa!!!

Aubrie putting out Reindeer food! Boston getting the plate ready!

The kids woke up very early this year, and we made them go back to bed for a few more hours. When we finally did get up, we gathered the kids in the loft and had a quick Family Home "Morning", which included singing Christmas hymns, prayer, and reading the book "A Christmas Dress for Ellen" retold by President Monson. The book was about a family who received a Christmas miracle and the joy that service can bring to both the giver and recipient. It really set the tone for the rest of the day!! Especially when the next thing to do was to open gifts! The kids were much more appreciative, thanking us for every gift they opened. Also, because we decided that we would no longer be rushing over to Ben's parents in the morning, to open their gifts, we were able to casually open our gifts and just relax the whole day. It was so nice!! The kids hung out and played with their gifts, watched their new movies, etc.
The kids had a good Christmas and got what they wanted, except EThan (who asked for a DS the last minute). We told him that Santa doesn't give DS's to kids under 5! Hee Hee! Boston asked for the Hulk DS game, so that was easy. He also got some new Callaway golf clubs, a lego set (that Joe ended up putting together), and a some clothes. Aubrie got 4 little kinz and tonz of clothes!!! Ethan got a new bike, a shuffle (it's so cute watching him walk around with that thing), Indiana Jones and Iron man dress up, and some other random clothes and toys. I got Ben a new video camera, and clothes! I had no clue what Ben got me this year. I suspected he got me a new purse, a vacation, or some new "bling". I was totally wrong! He got me some random things, like boots, running clothes, a year of free car washes, and he saved one particular box for last. Inside was an apple. I immediately thought and said it has something to do with TWILIGHT!!! He said to go look in the butlers pantry where I keep the cream of chicken soup. I thought for sure it was tickets to Washington, since I have been hinting that I would love to go to Forks! When I opened the cabinet I was shocked to see a new Macbook! I never asked for a computer, and I have always said I wouldn't want an Apple, so I was seriously shocked to see that he got me one. It is loaded with tonz of software, including all the photoshop and stuff. Stuff I don't seem to have the time for. Lately all I need my computer for is blogging, email, and Facebook! I'm am starting to like my knew computer though, and I'm sure when I find time to be "creative" will appreciate it even more.
So the morning was great....full of the spirit, kids being thankful and loving, all happy with their gifts. Their was a point in the day when the Christmas Story was on TV and it was the part where they were eating in the Chinese Restaurant listening to the Chinese waiters trying to sing Deck the Halls!!! I was laughing, and said, "Even though things didn't work out as planned, I bet that was one of their most memorable Christmas'!" (Like that family is even real or anything!) Well Heavenly FAther must have heard me!!! Our dinner plans didn't go "as planned" last night, and we all hopped in the car looking for a place to eat. The first place we saw open was McDonalds , and there was no way we were going to eat there! As we were driving around we realized that only Chinese restaurants were open. We were all laughing as we were pulling up there to eat, and the kids were asking if the waiters would be singing to us! I knew that this was going to be a Christmas we would never forget. We didn't get a Christmas song, but the kids had fun looking at the Chinese Year calendar and seeing what they are "supposed" to be like. Ethan wasn't feeling well, so he practically fell asleep in the booth, and Sophia was tired and cranky, so much so that someone asked to move as soon as they were seated by us. As I was walking around the restaurant with her, I realized that it was full of Jewish people! They were with their families having a great time, like it was just another day on the calendar. I realized they probably love Christmas night because they have restaurants all to themselves. I'm surprised they didn't start all singing Hanukkah songs! It would have topped off our experience for sure! They were all very friendly to us, except the ones who moved! Definitely a memorable night! When we came home, we put Sophia down for a bed, and the kids and Ben watched Kung Fu Panda while I talked to my Dad for an hour.
What I learned this Christmas is this....First, the best way to make sure you have a wonderful Christmas is to serve someone who couldn't have a "Christmas" without you. Secondly, if you simplify Christmas it will actually Magnify it. Lastly; no matter what Christmas day, or Eve dishes out, you have control to make it into something memorable rather than miserable! Christmas is about Love, giving, and most importantly our Savior. If we aren't focused on him, how can we feel the spirit of HIS day...his birthday!!

All I want for Christmas is HER two front teeth!

First of all, I would like to thank all those who commented on my last entry. It really helped to know that my kids weren't abnormal, and that they wouldn't be ending up in Juevie! With that said, I might have Social Services at my door because of poor little Sophia.
On Sunday, Ben took her out by the pool and she was climbing on the lounge chair and fell. She scraped her forehead pretty good; definitely makes for great Christmas pictures--NOT! Then today, after my 3 mile+ run (yes..a little props for me!) , I walked in the house and Ben had Sophia in his arms. He asked if she took a fall yesterday. I told him, not that I knew of, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. He got her to open her mouth and showed me that her two front teeth were chipped. Her top lip was also a little busted up. I was so shocked and so sad! I instantly started thinking about all her pictures, especially her kindergarten. Isn't that superficial?! Now she is my cute little girl, with busted up Chiclets!
When Aubrie woke up, I asked her if she remembered Sophia falling. Apparently Aubrie had her in the stroller and tilted it forward and lost grip of the handles. I tried not to make Aubrie feel bad about it, but inside I was thinking, "Haven't I told you a MILLION times to be careful with her when she is in the stroller!" (Definitely progress on my part!...not yelling and blaming!) Aubrie started saying she made her sister ugly, etc. I told her she would be fine, and if it looked that bad when she got a little older we could have them capped. What is up with my kids and their teeth?? Each one of them has some cosmetic issue! Luckily they're not their permanents!
I would post a picture...but I have to hold her down and lift up her lip to get a look at them! BTW...the "shipping the presents to Santa" has worked wonders in this house!! It comes highly recommended!

I've gotta know!

Here is a recent family photo! Everyone seems so happy, loving, etc....right! If only it was always the case...but life isn't "picture" perfect!

So here's the deal....I'm kind of like an only child in the fact that my brother is 12 years older than me and my younger brothers are 7 years younger. We really weren't close enough on either end to have any type of sibling rivalry, kick down dirty fights, or problem's using each other stuff. Maybe my parents were on to something? Anyway, so as I try to understand my kids and their relationships with one another, I'm constantly bewildered at how they treat each other with such kindness and love one minute and then with such disgust another. Is this normal? Is the term "sibling rivalry" a common one because it's just a fact of life? Anyone out there fight nonstop with their siblings as children and drive their parents crazy? Ben said he did, but I need more proof! How about your kids? I've gotta know! I'm just wondering if I'm raising a bunch of hoodlums who are never going to grasp the term, "love your brother as yourself"!
What has spurred this outpouring of feelings onto the pages of this lovely blog!? Well here it goes.
Thursday night was supposed to be a great night with our friends the Lorenzana's. Our plans were a nice Ham dinner, movies, a gift exchange and some gingerbread cookie making! Sounds like a great night, huh? Something they should be so grateful for and on their best behavior for.....NO! NO! Before we even got there, the boys earned themselves 10 minutes of time out on their couch! Luckily the kids behaved themselves through dinner, gifts, the movie, etc. It was quite the enjoyable evening...the babies asleep upstairs and the kids and adults enjoying each others company! Then the Wii came out! Of course there was bickering about who was going to play, and complaining that it was their turn, etc.....then while the adults were getting ready to play a game in the kitchen, there was a huge blow out, that turned into Aubrie full on punching Boston in the face! REallY??? Who does that??? Kicking, pushing, hitting....I've seen that plenty of times, especially in my days of Nursery leader...put punching!
I hate when punishing my kids punishes me. But that's what I had to do! I packed up everything and told the kids we had to leave. Aubrie was screaming and freaking out, and Boston did his pitiful, sorrowful cry! When we got home I started taking Aubrie and Bostons presents out from under the tree, telling them I was going to give them to kids who deserved them. (The crazy Mom was totally surfacing!) Boston, being the sweet boy that he is, was whimpering saying, "Mom, please don't' take Aubrie's presents". Aubrie was in hysterics, screaming that her Christmas was being ruined, and was going to be the worst Christmas EVER!!! As I was packing the presents in the back of my trunk, she started to walk away from the house, pretending she was going to run away? We finally rallied everyone into our living room for a family council.
Ben was very good about doing this. I was so livid I just wanted to go lock myself in my room! Ben and I had a good talk about the meaning of Christmas, and how we needed to treat each other with love and respect. Ben gave the kids blessings, while Ethan tried to stay awake! I told the kids that I was going to mail their gifts to Santa, and on Christmas Eve would give him a call to tell him, A: To bring the gift back and put them under the tree, or B: Give their gifts to other children. I dropped them off at the Lorenzana's for "hiding" the next morning!
So....the results...They have been ANGELS these past two days.
Yesterday Boston was sick and Aubrie was taking care of him. Getting cold wash clothes for his head, making get well cards, etc. Today was the same....them trying hard to get along. These past two days have been so peaceful.....I'm just wondering how long it will last!
Oh wait, I take the two full days of peace back. I did have 20 minutes of panic yesterday. The kids (Aubrie and Ethan) asked if they could ride their bikes. After 10 minutes of not seeing or hearing them out front, I went looking for them. I couldn't find them on our street or neighboring streets. I thought they may have tried going the back way to the Lorenzana's. As I was pulling on our street, after I went looking for them the second time, I saw them scootering up to the house with get well cards for Boston and cookies in their hands! It was hard to be mad at them. We just had a good talk about the fact that not only do they have to be able to see our house from where they are at, but that I have to be able to see THEM from our house, too!

Christmas is coming...therefore my blogging is lacking!

I seriously don't remember where I left off, and I'm too lazy right now to check (I know... it's just a few clicks to find out....remember I said LAZY). I think a part of me doesn't want to see how far behind I really am, because I don't have the time to play catch up! So I'll start with last weekend, briefly. Last weekend was our Ward Christmas party. Thirty minutes before the party, we quickly met with Erin for some quick shots of the family for a Christmas Card. (BTW Olivers what's your address?)

Snap shots Ben took before we took our pictures! After our pictures, we raced to the church and had the kids change into their PJ's in the car (the "dress code" for the kiddos). The party was fun. We made gingerbread houses, and wrote letters to the missionaries. Santa was there, also. The "Santa room" was decorated so cute, and the whole process of visiting him was way more organized than any other party I have been to. He was much better than the Santa we saw earlier that day, at Walmart! He seriously didn't say a word to the kids and never smiled. They just talked, and he would nod his head once in awhile. If I didn't know better, I would have thought he was drunk! Afterwards the kids said, "that must have been one of Santa's helpers". I was laughing so hard inside! I'm so glad that "Santa" was redeemed at the Ward Party. Even Sophia sat on his lap!

Aubrie on Santa's lap asking for Webkinz. Boston asking for a video game he had never mentioned before (hate when they throw us a curve ball like that!) Ethan asking for a DS game (yeah right! He's getting a bike!) Ben asking for some more money to buy it all!Boston still didn't buy he was the real Santa. I guess the kids at school have been telling him that there is no such thing. He came home the other day, telling me that he knows we drink the milk and cookies and that we listen to what they want when they sit on Santa's lap and then we buy the presents. Luckily, a few years ago, the kids saw a guy at Sams who looked like Santa. The kids went up to talk to him, and we mouthed their names and ages behind their backs so he could call them by name, etc. They really thought he was the real thing. I brought that up to Boston and it made him think a little. It's funny how Boston stopped believing before Aubrie. He is just too smart and logical! I'm still hoping that he won't be in complete denial for another few years!! Ok...sorry for that tangent...back to the week that has flown by! So, since we don't' already have enough going on with the Christmas season, the kids both had a field trip over the past week. Aubrie went to the Nutcracker, and enjoyed a nice lunch there. Boston went to see the Polar Express at the IMAX theatre, and they wore their PJ's. It was weird sending him to school in them. I realized he didn't have PJ's that weren't mix matched, or high waters, so I broke open him Christmas PJ's and let him wear them. He was excited for that. They both had a great time!

This weekend we had our annual Christmas Party. Ben was in charge of the invites this year, and he accidentally made it for the wrong day. When he corrected it, the e-vite said Friday- Saturday. It became a joke that it was a sleepover. He mixed things up this year, and we had several new couples. It was a great mix of the "oldie but goodies" and the newcomers! We had a great time! It's always fun to have an "adult only" party. No distractions!!! We catered Olive Garden and did the White Elephant gift exchange, again. The playboy PJ's were a hot item, and there were 3 Batman DVD's that made it around until they were "closed"! After the gift exchange, a few stuck around for some Rock Band and socializing. We had such a great time, we forgot to take pictures! Oh, I forgot to mention that he kids had a cousin sleep over at Ben's parents that night....it worked out quite nice. So the only one here was Sophia, and she slept through it all!

The following morning, I woke up for an early run/hike. Several girls met at my house and we ran to the hiking trail (about a mile) and hiked the mountain by my house. We than ran back home (another mile) and did some sit ups! Even though I hate getting up, I'm actually starting to feel a little addicted to the running. I never thought I would say that. So if there is anything you think you would never do, all I have to say is "never say never!" I have to thank my friend Susan for pushing me into it! ( I should say forcing since she convinced my hiking partner to run instead)

Saturday night Aubrie had her Glendale Glitters performance. Her team finally got all their jewelry that they are supposed to wear at their competitions. Aubrie was so excited to put all of it on. She looked so old with all the make up, costume jewelery, and done up hair. I'm so not ready for when she does that on a consistent basis! (12....at least!:)

Here is a picture of her performance. It turned out really dark, but I had to give her some props. She had a type of "mini solo" part. She did a leap through the middle and did this cool rolling thing and popped up from the ground. She is the one in the middle:) We are so proud of her hard work and enthusiasm for dance!

The boys at Aubries performance!

After the performance, Ben surprised Aubrie and took us to her favorite restaurant, Ah-So! The Kids enjoyed watching the "cooking show" and Ethan finally tried and loved the rice! yeah! Boston said he liked the Japanese Steak house better by Disneyland. I asked him if it was because we celebrated his birthday there and he said, "No because I like Mario better." I was confused to who and what he was talking about. He told me Mario was the cook! How in the world did her remember that? Kids have room for so much of that type of information, while mine is filled with, what's on my grocery list, whose birthday is coming up, and if I'm caught up on my blogging and facebook!

Today Church was a little crazy. The kids kept going back and forth to Ben's parents during Sacrament meeting. I decided I'm going to have to nip that in the bud. It's too distracting. Sophia fought the nursery the whole time, and so I missed Ben's awesome lesson. I love his class, whenever I get the chance to go. The spirit is always so strong in there. There is so also so much unity in that class.

After church we had tithing settlement, and we played games with the kids. We then took our left over Olive Garden to the Lorenzana's and had dinner there, and they shared their yummy left over ice cream cake from Devyn's birthday. The kids had a fun and we sat around and talked. Ben had to pull me out of there, cause I was getting ultra comfortable on their over sized chair! Sooooo comfy.

I can't believe that there is only one more week of school before Christmas break. I'm actually feeling pretty good. My stress level is amazingly low this season, due to my little epiphany! I am loving feeling this way! Of course, the fact that all my Christmas shopping is done, minus a gift I have to pick up for my Mom and Aubrie's teacher, and I'm not hosting Christmas, might be helping. Hopefully the lack of stress will aid in a sick free Christmas...my only wish for the season!

I have Epiphanies, too!

This week was a great week! I didn't have a lot going on, at least so it seemed! Maybe I did, but I felt a lot less stressed! I'm trying to cut fear out of my life...every kind! It's actually been very therapeutic. If I'm stressing about something I ask myself, "why am I stressing?", and it always seems to funnel back to some type of fear. Fear that my house won't be clean, fear that "so and so" will be mad at me/or not like me, fear that "such and such" wont be just perfect! Who really cares? By doing this I have been able to concentrate a lot more on whats important, and be able to enjoy life a little more..especially the kids!
Again, I was thinking how I only have such a short time with them, and I started to appreciate every little thing they do...especially Sophia and Ethan. I can't imagine how lonely the house will be next year when he is in Kindergarten! Even though he can entertain himself all day, it will be weird not to have him here! This week I have focused a lot more on the things I will miss when he isn't here!
Today I was playing with Sophia in the toy room! She got really involved in one of her toys, and I nodded off while she was playing with it! She hit me to "wake" me up! I grabbed her hand and said "no" (with my eye's still closed:). The next thing she did took me by surprise. She crawled over to my face and then kissed me to try and wake me up! It was so darn cute! We then made a game of it. I would pretend to sleep again and then she would kiss me, again. I thought about how much I'm going to miss those sweet tender moments that will fade too quickly! I'm so thankful for my little epiphanies that keep me in the moment!

A "Cold" "Play" Thanksgiving!

So this past week has been a busy one! Sunday was Ben's birthday! We spent it at church, home relaxing, and then the Lorenzana's had us over for dinner. They made yummy pork tostadas and I made and brought Ben's favorite cake; lemon cake with orange cream cheese frosting! Michelle and Maya made these letters and designs and decorated the kitchen for his birthday! The kids had fun playing, but Sophia was extra cranky, so we had to leave earlier than normal!Monday morning Aubrie was complaining that her throat was hurting her. On the way to her dance class, that evening, she was still complaining. When I looked back in her throat, I could have sworn I saw white spots. I made a 5:20 Dr. appt., and we shifted gears. Instead of dance and dinner at home, Aubrie skipped dance and I met Ben and we took them to McDonalds ( I wasn't complaining about that part:), and then we headed to the Doctor. Sophia had been acting a little cranky since Sunday, so we had them check her out, too! The boys were getting antsy in the room, so I took them outside and had them do races to get out all of their energy. They had fun doing that. I need to remember that cool trick! When Ben walked out of the office, he told me what I didn't want to hear, "they don't have strep!" Sure that probably sounds bad to you, but I actually prefer that over a sore throat. You get the antibiotics, and "boom" your feeling better the next day. Aubrie's throat continued to hurt her through Thursday and Sophia had a high fever ( 103) through Thanksgiving. She was so clingy and loving, and she took a lot of naps! She was doing better by Friday! All the kids are well, but Ben lost his voice Tuesday night, and he is finally starting to feel better.

So, now a little back tracking....

Tuesday night Aubrie had a late recording for Choir. Ben told me not to make dinner, and that he had a surprise for me. After eating at Paradise Bakery, he sent me to pick up Aubrie, and handed me a white envelope to give to her. In the envelope was a big chunk of cash. He instructed Aubrie to help me find a great outfit for our date the next day. I have to admit that I felt some pressure. It's hard to step out of my normal "box", of jeans and a cotton shirt. A nice outfit?? What does that entail?? I didn't want to disappoint him with all the money he gave me. For a second I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman...with the hand full of money and clueless where to start (minus the skanky outfit, and the whole hooker part!) After about an hour, I got in to the shopping groove, and I walked out of the mall with more than one outfit, and surprisingly filled my bags with some types of "80's" attire :) I have to admit that I am liking the long sweaters. They are much more flattering!!!!

Wednesday Aubrie stayed home from school, and I figured I would spend the day cleaning up and getting paper products for Thanksgiving. Ben showed up at Noon with another envelope which had money to go get my hair cut. He had made an appointment with my hairstylist and he was ready for me to come in. So your probably thinking by now, "all this for a dinner date with the Lorenzana's?". That's what I was thinking...until Michelle tipped me off. The boys were surprising us with Cold Play tickets on the ground floor! I'm glad I found out, because I wanted to know what I was dressing for! Finding out the day of was just as exciting, and then I could be prepared.

We had a great time at the concert! The opening acts were less than desirable...everyone was cheering when they were done, only because we were glad it was over. Luckily Cold Play made up for it. They did such an amazing job. At one point they left the stage and played a few numbers up in the stands. Wish I had those seats!! What a surprise for those people! We got home around 11:00 and I went straight to bed. I had a lot to do to prepare for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving started with Ben going to the Turkey Bowl. Luckily he avoided another year of getting hurt! He has been complaining that his knee is hurting, but denies that football has anything to do with it. All I know is that he wasn't complaining before and now he is.....the things boys sacrifice for sports (yes I said "boys")! Guess I would go shopping on a broken ankle, though, so who am I to judge.

Anyway, while he was at football, my Mom, Aubrie and I worked on the food. Aubrie volunteered her services and was very excited to help! She made the sweet potato casserole and Shoepeg casserole. I supervised, but she basically did it herself. My Mom made stuffing, and I made a dessert. Ben, with my help ( and Marco's) , made his first Turkey and did a GREAT job! It was the best turkey I remember having! While food was cooking, Ben cleaned the upstairs and I cleaned the down and set up the tables. Here's how they turned out!! Matt and Nicole got here at 3, and people trickled in up to dinner, at 4:30. When we were ready to eat the kids were all playing outside. I suggested we start without them, and so that's what we did! It was such a nice relaxing dinner, not having to get kids plates and get them situated! As we were finishing, the kids trickled in for food! The boys played Rock Band, while the girls cleaned up. It was a lot of fun, and much better than watching a game, I think!! I had a "NO FOOTBALL" rule this Thanksgiving...I wasn't well liked by some that day! But's it's my house and I can do what I want to! LOL After Rock Band, some trickled outside by the fire pit, and some went home. Everyone had gone home by 7:00, except Joe. He stayed and watched Indiana Jones 4 with Mom and the kids. The kids were down by 9:30! Ahhh!!

Picture of cousins! Dinner Time! Play Time! Ethan on the guitar! Boston on vocals!

I was so tired and ready for bed, but instead of going to bed, Ben and I headed to the Outlet Stores with Michelle and her sister. It was Black Friday, one hour early. The exit to the outlet stores was so backed up! We sat in that lane for a good half an hour before we got through the light! We hit a lot of stores, but so many of them had lines too long to wait in. I left there with a good loot from the Gap, and a few things from some other stores. We ran into a lot of girls from church there. Ben was the only husband, totally securing his "metroness" (which I'm so proud of by the way!) It was nice to have someone carry all my bags and keep me safe from the crazy shoppers! ha! We ended up getting home around 2:00...ugh!! Friday was hard to get up!!

Friday was a long day of putting up Christmas decorations. Each year I seem to add more things, which means more stuff to put up! I'm almost done, minus some lights on my patio. I actually let the kids decorate the tree this year, without micro managing and redoing (OK I did move a few). Ben and I took turns napping, and then we got Panda Express/ Taco Bell for dinner. (They just opened up by our house!:) After the kids were in bed, we went to Target and Sonic, to have a little down time!

Saturday was a little more relaxing. Michelle and I headed to the mall around 11:00 with the Aubrie and Maya. We both found some great gift for our hubbies (Marco I'll never tell), and I found the gift I wanted for my Mom...a success!! We then hit Old Navy for some good deals! We both ended up going through the check out twice!! We then rushed home so Ben and Michelle could go to a baptism (not together!) for a guy in our Ward! Maya stayed at our house, and Michelle took Boston to her's, to play with Alex. Later that evening, they came over for pizza and hot tubing! They left at 9:00. I spent the rest of the night organizing and wrapping gifts.

Today I woke up feeling miserable, and so I stayed home with Sophia. Tamzen and Lee (great friends from college) were in town visiting her brother, and so they came by about 1:00! Tamzen and I were friends in college. We met Sophomore year, and after realizing we had something big in common, were inseparable! We are so alike in so many ways. When we read each other's blogs we feel like we are reading about ourselves. So after setting our "relationship up", as they pulled up to our house the first thing I notice (besides her cute short hair cut) is that she is wearing the same color shirt as me (green), with a white shirt under it (just like me) and the same color jeans that I have on! It looked like we planned it! Here we are dressed the same and the same length hair! It's like we were two friends in High School totally "planning" on copying each other! Ha! We gave them a quick tour of the house and then we sat in the backyard and talked for 3 1/2 hours. It was great catching up! Wish she lived closer! It had been 5 years since we saw them last. Their boys had grown up so much, especially their 11 year old, Brody, who looks like he is 13 or 14! All great boys!

After they left, I helped the kids practice piano (they haven't had nearly the time to practice their recital pieces like they did last year...YIKES!), and then we had dinner. Dinner was a Turkey casserole recipe that Boston brought home from school. He was so excited for me to make it. It tasted alright, but I'm not a huge Turkey fan, unless it's processed lunch meat! After dinner, we watched America's Funniest Home Video's and then put the kids to bed.

It was nice having several day's off from "reality"! Now it's back to not only the normal life, but a hyper drive next few weeks of recitals, dance performances, parties, etc....why can't the Christmas season be more relaxing? Guess it wouldn't be as much fun.....or would it?! One year I would just like to try doing NOTHING!!!

Twilight and the Epiphany

It would only be appropriate that I write about last night's movie experience. Rachel took me to see Twilight. She had really been looking forward to seeing it and I too was interested to see how it would translate onto the big screen. Marco and Michelle took us to Texas Roadhouse for dinner for my birthday. Of course they made sure that I was sung to and sat in the saddle for all to watch. I really didn't mind. We had a great time. Marco and Michelle are the bomb diggity! After dinner we walked to the theaters. I was sure that we would be fine getting there an hour early. I was wrong! The lines were very long and I was sure that I would be looking up Edward's nose for two hours. We got in line and chatted and had a great time. They started to seat for the movie and we noticed that they were actually seating two theaters at the same time. We had great seats and got to enjoy the movie from where we wanted to watch it. There were tons of young girls in the audience giggling and making noises as the movie progressed. I too got caught up in the moment and when Edward started smooching on Bella I was hooting along with everyone :) The movie was pretty good. The only problem I had was the way they had Edward dragging Bella through the forest. They did look like spider monkeys. Hopefully they will fix that in the following movies.

As we were standing there in line I looked over at Rachel. I know that after being married for 12 years that I had looked over at her countless times and not really appreciated what I saw. It was amazing to just look at her and hold her hand and feel her touch. Sorry to get all cheesy, but it was my epiphany. I realized that I had not appreciated her for what she has done for a long time. I had taken her for granted with so many things going on in my life she had no longer been the priority that she once was. I know that with work and church all of us can easily lose perspective. I felt badly when I realized that she had not been my first priority and that I had not shown her the love and consideration that she deserves. For the rest of the night I started to pay real attention to her. Not attention because I was hoping to be rewarded, but attention because that is what I wanted to give her. I wanted to show her that she was important to me. What happened next was amazing. I noticed her again for the first time. I noticed her cute smile, her sparkling eyes.....she is drop dead gorgeous. I felt badly that I had stopped noticing and couldn't remember the last time that I had realized what I had in Rachel. That night Rachel and I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. just talking. It was great. We paid for it the next day, but it was definitely worth it. I missed Rachel as I slept. I woke up and just stared at her while she slept. I started to get a sense of what Edward would go through as he stared at Bella as she slept. I took Sophia downstairs and got the kids fed while Rachel slept.

The next morning we had two games to go to. We had Aubrie and Boston's game to go to first. The game was the last of the season! I am glad that we no longer have games. It is fun while they last and it is fun to watch the kids play, but I like my Saturdays and the games really cut into that. I will continue to support the kids in their activities. I am just glad they are over as of today. At the game I did my duties to help the team out. I like to help out and encourage the kids. I was sure to go over to Rachel and give her a squeeze or a hug between innings. One of the other moms looked over and commented on my affection. I felt badly that it had been noticed only because it had been lacking before. I will make sure that it is normal going forward. I am so grateful to Rachel for all that she does for me and for the wonderful person that she is. I am not perfect, but I am going to try much harder to make her the priority in my life.

My Pretty Pretty "Prince"

So time to catch up on a few things that are blog worthy...in my eyes anyway. Last Thursday night, Ben took Aubrie and Boston to baseball practice and Ethan was all upset because I told him he couldn't go. To make the whole situation seem more attractive I said, "Don't you want to stay home and have Mommy all to yourself? After I put Sophia to bed we can play puzzles and games and read books?" He took me up on that. As soon as I walked out of Sophia's room, he was in PJ's with his teeth brushed and had puzzles out on his table, in his room. We had a great time doing 4 puzzles, which he was really good at! It was fun watching his mind work! After the puzzles I told him to pick any game. Do you want to know what her picked??? Pretty Pretty Princess. Here is a picture for proof one day when he doesn't believe me. I thought it was funny how he clipped the earrings to the top of his earlobes! He was so excited to get each piece of jewelry, but for Ben's sanity and peace of mind, he kept saying, "I look like a King!" When he didn't get to take a piece he would make cute comments like, "I'm getting so frustrated here!" Does that sound like something I would say? After the game, he picked a story and I ready it to him twice and he went right off to sleep. He was so agreeable, obedient and sweet the whole night. I wondered if that was what it would be like to only have one child! I have to admit that I loved the one on one time and wish I had more of it! Friday was the last week of the kids camp that he loved so much. He was so excited for the last day. He got ready so fast that morning. My friend was doing the morning carpool for it, and when Ethan went missing this is where I found him....waiting in the front yard for her to come!

Here is one of Ethan's creations that he came up with later that day!! That boy blows me away with some of the things he comes up with. Supposedly this was some type of trap for the cat? How? I don't know...but he does!

Saturday was a long day for us! If your wondering why Boston and Aubrie look so haggard it's probably because they had to wake up at 6:15 AM to get to 7:00 baseball pictures! Ben was great enough to take them, but I still was up early because Sophia decided to wake up early, too! I met up with Ben and the kids for breakfast, after the game. Our plan was to all go to Ethan's game afterward. Half way through breakfast, Sophia's eye started looking goopy!! I instantly knew it was pink eye and headed back home with Aubrie and Boston and had to miss Ethan's game. I got some things done around the house and then Michelle texted me to see if I wanted to get a pedicure. I'm sure she saw how bad my toes looked and was hoping I would say yes! (j/k michelle). I jumped on that idea, and we took Aubrie and Maya along!

The girls had a great time getting their nails and toes done. They got little zebra designs! It was more than I was expecting to pay, but they had a great time, and so did we! My Mom showed up half way through and had to sit a few seats down from us. She was laughing it up with all the ladies and workers like they had known each other for years. That is one of the many great qualities about my Mom. She is so warm and friendly!

Later that evening, I joined Erin and some other YW leaders to go see one of our YW perform in her school play, "Up the Downstairs Case", (or is it down the up staircase?). We grabbed a little dinner before, at Paradise Bakery. It was a nice girl night out! I ate way too much though, and bought a brownie that I ate all by myself the next day!!! I have no self control!

Sunday I stayed home with Sophia the first two hours of church. I had so much fun playing with her. Another great moment for some one on one time! Ben and I switched for third hour so I could teach my lesson. It was on "The Word of God as a Standard". I thought that was so appropriate in light of the recent terrorist acts against the supporters of Prop 8! It was a good reminder that God never changes, only the philosophies of men, and how important it is, no matter what issue, to lean to the scriptures and prophets for direction and strength. The girls really got into it, too! I know they like the lesson when they have a lot to say!

The rest of Sunday was so enjoyable. After church, we all spent some time by the pool. Well, Sophia and I sat in the hot tub, while the kids dared each other to jump in the pool. The hot tub tired Sophia out! She took a 3 hour nap and may have gone longer if Ben hadn't woken her up! Ben let me nap, too, and he rested upstairs while the kids watched a movie. I made a nice dinner, with rolls (the kids favorite). While dinner was cooking, we played a game of kickball in the backyard. It felt great to have some fun quality time with the kids! Sometimes life comes at us so fast I don't feel like we have enough of that! Rushing from school, to activities, to games, etc....that stuff seems to get lost somehow! Thank Heaven's for Sundays!!!

Monday Ben and I saw the new Bond movie, after the kids went to bed! It wasn't as good as the last one, but Daniel Craig's eyes are so dreamy! I can say that because Ben agrees (not that they are dreamy...he says they are "cool"!) It's great to be in a relationship where we can openly comment on the attractiveness of others and agree...don't you think?!

Tuesday we took the kids to Red Robin for dinner and I had them sing Happy Birthday to Ben. He wasn't even expecting it, but is always a good sport for things like that. He was happy for the free ice cream! Ethan ate most of it! After Red Robin, we stopped by Cold Stone so Boston could use his coupon he got from his primary teacher. He could have gotten anything he wanted but he chose a single scoop of Cotton Candy ice cream. He gets that flavor EVERYWHERE we go! I can't stand it! Guess that's one thing where we differ! Aubrie got a scoop of pumpkin...I came out with the same thing as always....Mint MINT Chocolate Chocolate chip!!! YUMMMMM!!

Today we ran, again. I went further than last time, before walking, but I'm still so out of shape. I'm holding back the other's for sure. I'm glad they are being patient with me. After my run, I got a bad headache and it never went away. I had a lot to do, so I had to deal with it and move on. Tonight Ben and Marco went out of town, so Michelle came over with the kids and we ordered pizza. They had fun as always. After they went home and I put the boys to bed, Aubrie and I talked for over an hour. It was a good girl talk about her friends and her problems. I like when she opens up. She usually is an open book, but we get the best talking done when Ben is out of town and she sleeps in my room for the night! It's great mother/daughter late night talk! I hope she never grows out of that!

Here is one reason I love Arizona! This picture was taken from our backyard!

7!

Look who's SEVEN!!!! I can hardly believe it. When we moved to Arizona Boston was only 18 months old. He wasn't even talking yet! I remember taking him to Disneyland and trying to wrestle him while we waited in line. Now he is riding the big roller coaster, reading like crazy and likes Pokemon and Indiana Jones. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing boy. He is very focused and loves doing what's right (most of the time:). The first time they put Boston in my arms I had a feeling that he was going to be a special boy and so far has lived up to that. It's been an amazing 7 years.

His birthday was this Thursday. Wednesday, when he came home from school, he said, "Mom do you want me to help decorate this place?" I asked him for what, and he said, "For when I wake up tomorrow, you know it's my birthday!" So Wednesday, after mutual, I ran to Party City to get some decor to surprise him the next morning. I put up streamers, balloons and hung pirate decor on the kitchen light! Before he went to school, my Mom gave him a card with a 20 dollar bill in it. When he opened it he said, "TWENTY DOLLARS!" and pretended to faint on the floor. After his lunch period, Ben and I showed up to his class with cupcakes and we joined his class in singing "Happy Birthday". He was hamming it up big time! Big surprise (not)!
His "Birthday Dance"!

For his birthday dinner, we made is 3rd favorite dinner, pancake and eggs!( He was having pizza for his party and he had Mac and Cheese the night before) He reminded me of the "special plate", since I always forget about that thing. That night, after baseball practice, we gave him his gift. We'll we didn't give it to him. We hid it and played hot and cold. He liked that. His gift was the Batman Legos video game. Ethan was excited for that present, too! Boston and Ethan woke up EARLY the next morning, dressed and beds made, so they could play it! Friday afternoon was his party. It was his 3rd Pirate Party in a row. It's a lot of fun to use that theme because we can do a pretty cool treasure hunt in our yard. I make several maps (this time 10) and they follow one to the next until it leads them to the treasure! This time I took a cardboard box and spray painted it gold, to make it look like a treasure chest. The boys thought that was cool. I also had a bean bag toss, which was a hit, and a pirate version of pin the tail on the donkey. The boys also enjoyed playing tether ball and kickball in the yard. Boston got a lot of great gifts, and had a GREAT time! Boston said, when it was all over, "That was an awesome party, THANKS MOM!" That was one reasons why I was so willing to quickly throw him one. He is always so appreciative. I'm glad that I ended up giving him a party that he deserves. I can't believe that next year he will be 8! That means I will have two kids, "under the water"! (baptized for those who aren't getting it) That is almost unreal! I keep asking my kids to stop growing and they just won't listen to me!! UGH!

Disney Vacation in Reverse

So I just downloaded all the pictures and realized I don't feel like putting them in chronological order, therefore you are going to get our vacation details end to beginning.
Day 5 was just driving home. Very peaceful I must say. No worrying about crying babies. I actually got to put my seat back and take a little nap! AHHH!!!)
Day 4 Here are the kids on the last night of our vacation, which included a day at the beach and a late evening with our friends kids. We were on our way to a nice hotel close by (thanks Trimbles for giving us your extra days at the resort) and Aubrie is the only one who could stay awake (barely) to watch the movie. Guess that's what 4 fun filled days will do to you!

Here is Aubrie struggling to stay awake. Notice her new cute hat (it says "Fabulous") she got at the newly discovered store, Libby Lu! She never was interested in hats, until this one. When I saw it on the shelf, it had her name all over it! Ethan down for the count. He was asleep before we loaded in the car!

Boston was in and out! He is actually asleep in this picture....Yes, he can sleep with his eyes like this....freaky!!!

The Great View from the Hendrickson's new house by the beach!!! The Hendrickson's are great friends from College! It's always great to get together. We all went to the beach together, and then met up with the Hellewell's and Greg Rossiter (more college friends) for dinner. Good times!

Day 3

Here are some pictures from the rides!!! I love getting off the rides and seeing what everyone looks like. Here is how the seating arrangement's usually worked for us. Maya and Aubrie, Boston and Alex, Michelle and Marco, Ben and EThan, and then me! Sometimes I got to ride with Ben and Ethan. Some rides, like Splash Mountain, got tricky with 9 people and we didn't think about it until we got to the front and we were holding up the line as we were trying to figure it all out. (long enough sentence?) I'm sure their used to big, indecisive groups.....right?

Tower of Terror (my personal favorite!)

Ben was pulling a "Boston in this picture. In most of the pictures Boston had the most serious face imaginable. I was very proud of Boston. Before our trip, he was panicked to go on Space Mountain and told us that he would NOT be going on the Tower of Terror. By the end our trip those were his favorite rides, along with California Sceamin and Indiana Jones (of course!)

More Splash Mountain!!

Friday Night, after our nap, we headed over to Disneyland early to ride the Fantasyland rides, and the Nemo ride. The concept of Nemo was cool, but as my kids put it, "That ride was boring!" Glad I did it though. I think Sophia might have liked it. Here are some pictures in the Mr. Toads Wild Ride line. (one of Ben's all time favorites)
The girls (minus Sophia)

Our biggest picture taking challenge....getting Ethan to make a straight face!

The boys!

Friday we all went up to Venice Beach after breakfast at IHOP. It was so warm. I told Michelle that I wouldn't be putting the kids in bathing suits because it would be too cold. I had them in jeans and even brought jackets. The jackets were off before we got out of the car, and the kids had fun in the water. So much so, Ben had to buy Ethan a "miniature" muscle outfit (it was 2 sizes to small) because he was freaking out with his wet jeans. Of course, I warned the kids not to get too wet because wet jeans would hurt their skin. Who listened??....just Boston. They did have a fun time in the water (it was nice). The boys also played a little football on the sand. I totally blew it with the "no bathing suit" thing. Sorry Michelle! What kind of California girl am I anyway? After the beach, we walked the Venice Boardwalk for only a short while, realizing that was not place for our children, or us for that matter. I kind of got that feeling as we passed someone offering prescriptions for Marijuana! We headed back to the hotel and took a nap while the kids did homework!

The girls and their new sunglasses. They found theirs when I had to get a new pair (therefore my dorky sunglasses). I left mine on California Screamin and when I went right back, they were already gone!!! I thought I lost the new pair later that day. Ben was not happy. Luckily I ended up finding them in the bag, where I swore I had left them. Still wish someone wouldn't have stolen my favorite 10 dollar Nordstrom glasses. Hope they feel guilty every time they wear them!!!

Aubrie...looking so old to me here!

Ben.....having a boyish quality here! I LOVE this picture of him!

Day 2 The second half of day two, we headed over to Disneyland. They have this new "Jedi Training" where they used to have the Buzz Lightyear show. They pick about 30 boys and dressed them up in these brown robes and "trained" them with the light saber. All the boys (Boston, Ethan and Alex) were chosen. Boston was very serious the whole time, of course. Ethan really got into it. Boston fought Darth Mal and Ethan fought Darth Vader. The instructor asked Ethan to use the force on the Storm Troopers and he new exactly what to do. The instructor said something like, "where did you learn how to do that, on the streets?" The Jedi training was definitely the highlight of Ethan's evening. He was jumping around the park with his little rolled up certificate, like it was a light saber, going through the motions they taught him! I'm so glad he got picked!

We started our day at California Adventure. We walked on all the rides and rode all the good ones twice. Boston got on to Screamin Califonia by a hair, literally! Luckily we were all able to go on the Tower of Terror! We also did the Roaring Rapids and Michelle got soaked. That's what happens when you sit by the door! As we were winding down at California Adventure, we ended with the High School Musical Performance. They chose Boston (me pointing to him of course) to come up and be a part of the show. They introduced him as Austin from Arizona , because who would ever think he was saying "Boston"?! They dressed him, and the other kids they chose, in top hats and gave them a cane and then danced around them. Boston couldn't fight the music and started jigging a little. The other "volunteers" just stood there. When they were done they gave them these pins. Boston comes running back saying, "Look! I got a trophy! Now I have two trophies!" I didn't have the heart to tell him it wasn't a trophy, so I just went with it and now it sits next to his baseball trophy!!

Parade time!

Aubrie and Maya, in the front seats of California Screaming, about to take off!

Day 1

We got to the park around 3:30. By the time we got our passes, we were in by 4:00. While we were in line, we saw the Lorenzana's leaving. The kids ran and greeted them and then we parted for a few hours, while they tried to go to the beach. The park was empty and we were able to walk on the rides. Our first ride was Space Mountain. That is my favorite ride at Disneyland (and Thunder Mountain). After a few hours in the park, we met up with the Trimbles and Lorenzana's for dinner. EThan had a melt down and then Aubrie spilt her drink and had a melt down of her own. Dinner was such a circus show and I wanted to cry because we hadn't even been at Disneyland for more than a few hours and I was having to deal with that. I just wanted to enjoy the only time I had with Erin before they went home and instead I

was dealing with drama and ruining everyone's dinner! Luckily the rest of the trip was great! Look how happy and loving they are!

California Adventure all decorated for the Holiday's. Just the day before they looked like Candy Corn! Where do they keep all that stuff???

The walk to the ticket office! Such anticipation. I was so excited!

We headed out early Wednesday morning. We left at 8:00 and Sophia hadn't woken up yet, which was a blessing. She didn't have to go through the whole separation thing and my Mom said she never cried the whole time we were gone. It was hard to leave her without giving her a squeeze, but it was for the best. After being on the rode for about 30 minutes we stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. It was so weird to be able to just relax and not have to deal with the baby. After a nice breakfast, we got back on the rode and made one more stop at the outlets before we got to Disneyland. Ben bought himself his birthday present, and I didn't buy myself ANYTHING!!! I wasn't feeling well and just wanted to get back to the car! Also, after Ethan ran into the parking lot and almost got hit, I was done with the outlets. That kid can be so spacey sometimes. He is in his own little world and means no harm, but it drives me crazy sometimes!

WEll there it is, end to beginning! What a great time! Ben is ready to go again. I keep reminding him that it won't be as laid back when we take Sophia. I did miss her, though, and we were all anxious to see her as we were getting close to home!