An Unexpected Guest

The other night we were hanging out when I heard some bells jingling outside with some Ho, Ho, Ho-ing. There was a knock at the door and when I opened it, SANTA was there! I called the kids up and they were SO excited to see Santa. Tyson was at our house at the time so he got to see Santa too. They each got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Here's the breakdown: Tyson wanted a Rams wallet and a poster, Trace wanted Star Wars stuff, and MacKelle wanted a Barbie. While Santa was here, the kids were ALL over him, they kept giving him hugs and telling him they hoped he had a merry Christmas. It was interesting to see how much they loved him, even though they didn't know him. After he left, Tyson said "This was the best day of my life!"

There was one, however, who wasn't quite as excited to see Santa:
Need I say more? We'll give him a couple years!

What a Night!

What is this, you might wonder. It is the gas station a few blocks from our house. Tonight it started on fire! This is a picture of when a tank exploded (at least from what I understand-Justin took these). It was so weird! It was like a mushroom cloud with the explosion ( saw from our neighbor's house). It was SO tall. Everything lit up outside and you could feel it shake the ground! We were so grateful no one was hurt. Big thanks to all the firemen and those who got the fire out! I can only imagine how scary that would be, to be right there. FOR A MUCH BETTER DESCRIPTION OF THE NIGHT GO TO Bobi's blog

Girls Weekend

Last weekend Justin took Trace up to Missoula for a Montana Grizz game. MacKelle started to feel left out, so Justin told her that she and I would have a lot of fun of our own. He said we could have a fashion show. She was so excited! She kept asking when the boys were leaving. Finally Saturday came. We Started getting ready. We did our hair, nails, and even make-up. Our "Fashion Show" consisted of MacKelle making her grand enterence while Mason and I cheered. She then showed us her "moves" and told us we could call her "MacKelle the Great" . I tell you that girl is entertaining. Here are a few pictures of her "Fashion Show". To explain the clothes, we have a box of clothes that are hand-me-downs that don't fit her yet. There are some high heeled shoes in there that she wanted to see if the fit yet. When we got the box down, she saw the high heeled boots and fell in love with them (even though they were about twice her size) I let her wear them last weekend (and she did-to the movie we went to and to church) . She also wanted to wear a dress that was a size 8. So she looks like she's drowning in it in the pictures. But she knows she looks beautiful! Check out these "moves".






Here are our high heeled boots. Mackelle wanted me to wear a dress, but I (unlike her) DON'T like wearing dresses/skirts. So dress pants had to do.
We put nail jewels on MacKelle. She LOVED them! I couldn't get a very good picture. But it was a fun day with just the girls (and Mason). After our fashion show we went to town and watched "The Princess and the Frog". The boys had a good time too, but that is for another post.

Just Having Some Fun

I was working on a cake the other day and MacKelle asked if I'd make her one. I told her that it is a lot of work just to make one and that I'd make her one for her birthday or some occasion. She told me that she was celebrating her baby doll Anna's birthday. Finally she wore me down and I made her a rice krispy treat cake with some extra buttercream and some left over cake decorations. She was SOOO happy. We had to sing Happy Birthday to Anna (Who had a different name until yesterday). MacKelle is so fun and creative. She is a sweetie who loves to be a little mom to everyone-even those much bigger than her.
For preschool the other day we were learning about the letter "G" so we made graham cracker houses out of graham crackers and gumdrops. Here is MacKelle with her finished product.
As we decorated our tree on Sunday, Mason was having a blast getting into all the Christmas decor. He LOVED the ribbon! He unraveled about 1/2 a roll of it in this picture. You have to love their first Christmas! It is the only one where an empty box is the best present!
Last night we had a few extra kids. I had to get a picture of them. Jenny and Tobee are in Mexico for a week, so Tyson stayed the night last night. Bobi and Stan went out for their 10th anniversary, so we had Kyler, Corden, and Ryker for a bit too. It was a PARTY!! We had pizza and breadsticks and pop and watched movies. They were all really good! Justin and I even got to watch a movie while they watched theirs. TGIF!

New Family Pictures

Thanks Geri at Orchid Photography.

December

I LOVE Christmas! Yesterday we put up our tree. . . Christmas music is on constantly, and I bought hot cocoa today. . . but as the years pass, it seems that the stresses of Christmas grow. My list of the gifts that I need to buy gets longer and longer (family, friends, teachers, people you visit teach, people that visit teach you, home teachers, business associates, kid's friends. . . .) . Not that I mind giving gifts! It's just that my bank account just hasn't grown in proportion to my list. I stumbled across some ideas and thought I'd share. Some are cuter than others, but it gets the wheels turning!

1. Any sweet treat: "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"
   
2. A plate of cookies: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your "crummy" neighbors.
   
3. Barq's Root Beer: "Have a wonderful Christmas, it shows you're "Barqing" up the right tree!"
   
4. Any soda: "We're "soda-lighted" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
   
5. Popcorn: "We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
   
6. Loaf of bread: "For being there when you were "kneaded", for "rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job, for helping others "heel" with TLC. No matter how you "slice" it, you do a terrific job loving others."
   
7. Bananas: "If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go "bananas" trying to find a better "bunch" than you!"
   
8. Bear Shaped Honey: "Hoping our "honey" of a friend has a "beary" Merry Christmas".
   
9. Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a good friend you is!"
   
10. Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends so dear, wishing you a cup of cheer."
    
11. Eggnog: "Have an "udderly moovalous" holiday!"
    
12. Ice Cream: "Have a cool yule!"
    
13. Hershey's Kisses in a Wire Wisk: "We "whisk" you a merry "kiss" mas.
    
14. Paper Towels: "Blot out your troubles, "absorb" the Christmas spirit!"
    
15. Candle: "Hope your Christmas is full of light"
    
16. Pencil and notepad: "Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!"
    
17. Matches: "To our matchless friends"
    
18. Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: "May your holidays "bubble" over with fun!"
    
19. 7Up: "7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season" (include 7 uplifting thoughts/ideas)
    
20. Sprite: "May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite"!"
    
21. Rootbeer: "We're "rooting" for you to have a Happy Holiday Season!"
    
22. Any Pop: "We're "soda-lighted" to have you as our friends!"
    
23. Popcorn: "We're "popping" by with a holiday HI!"
    
24. Chocolate Covered Cherries: "Wishing you a very "cherry" Christmas"
    
25. Mints: "We "mint" to wish you a Merry Christmas"
    
26. Snickers Candy Bar: "Don't "snicker" - just be glad you got something!"
    
27. Cookie Dough - "Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas"
    
28. Jar of Jam: "Hoping your Christmas is "jam" packed with cheer"
    
29. Veggies & Dip: "Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!"
    
30. Pasta: Have a "pasta-tively" happy holiday!"
    
31. Muffins or Muffin Mix: "You're gettin' "muffin" for Christmas!"
    
32. Grater & Cheese: "To a "grate" neighbor"
    
33. Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned with love - Happy Holidays!"
    
34. Any Sweet Treat: "Wishing you a season full of sweetness!"
    
35. Whisk Broom: "Take a break, From a Busy Day, and Sweep All Your Cares Away!"
    
36. Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace"
    
37. Basket of Rolls and Honey Bear: "Have a honey of a Christmas"
    
38. Hershey's Kisses: "Merry "Kiss"mas"
    
39. Bath oils, bubbles, salts: "The holidays can be a strain on our body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep you sane!"
    
40. Soup mix: You're "souper" - Merry Christmas"
    
41. Wooden spoon w/ favorite drink or baking mix: "Not a creature was "stirring"..."
    
42. Oven Mitt filled w/ treats: "We have to ad-"mitt" you're a great neighbor!"
    
43. Frozen cookie dough w/ cookie cutters: "Bake up some Christmas cheer!"
    
44. Apple Cider w/wassail mix: "Spice Up Your Christmas!"
    
45. Bag/Box of Whoppers: "Hope you have a "whopper" of a Christmas"
    
46. M&M's: Have a Merry and Most Wonderful Holiday Season!"
    
47. Frozen or Ready-To-Bake Pizza: "Warm up to a wonderful holiday season "topped" with Christmas cheer!"
    
48. Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone...she needs hugs too!"
    
49. Popcorn Balls: "Hoping you have a "ball" this Christmas season"
    
50. Jolly Ranchers: "Have a holly "jolly" Christmas"
    
51. Chex Party Mix: "Remember Santa "chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!!!
    
52. Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's:" Hope a merry "Ho-Ho-Ho" fills your heart the whole year through!"
    
53. Jar of Jelly: "Jelly is like love -- you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself!"
    
54. Christmas Tray: "We "tray"sure your friendship!"
    
55. Bell: "With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!"
    
56. Yule Log: "We send you warm greetings this Christmas seasoning"
    
57. Potpourri: "May this weet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmasses long ago!"
    
58. Cleaners: "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!"
    
59. Nuts: "We're nuts about you!"
    
60. Lifesavers: "You've been a life saver!"
    
61. Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: "We pitcher you raising a little "cane" during the holidays"
    
62. Broom or Feather Duster: "You're "dust" the finest neighbors we know!"
    
63. Measuring Cup or Spoons: "Wishing you a joy beyond "measure"!"
    
64. Star ornament: "Remember the reason for the season!"
    
65. Chocolate Mousse Mix: "Merry Christmousse to our "deer" friends!"
    
66. Wooden Spoon: "Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You'll find this sppon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Christmas from us to you!"
    
67. Flower: "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you!"
    
68. Heart Ornament: "May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas Day"
    
69. Cinnamon Sugar for toast: "May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!"
    
70. Christmas music: "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!"
    
71. Filled Basket: "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"
    
72. Salsa: "Add a little spice to your holidays"
    
73. Stocking or Filled Jar: "Have a fun filled Christmas this year!"
    
74. Candle: "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!!!"
    
75. Calendar: "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"
    
76. Sugar Cookies: "Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!"
    
77. Cherry 7-Up: "Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!"
    
78. Sparkling Cider: "Wising you a sparkling hoilday season!"
    
79. Warm casserole or bread: "Bundled up with warm wishes"
    
80. Eggbeater: "Have an "eggstra" special holiday!"
    
81. Pie: "Wishing you a scrupmtuous Christmas"
    
82. Oranges: " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!
    
83. Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!
    
84. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: "Here's some packaged"snowball" treats - Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!"
    
85. Box of Light Bulbs: "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"
    
86. Anything Santa: "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"
    
87. Anything Angel: "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"
    
88. Gingerbread House: "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house!" Merry Christmas!!
    
89. Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!"
    
90. Cocoa Mix: "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"
    
91. Gum: "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas"
    
92. Christmas Shaped pasta: "Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"
    
93. Jar of Jam: "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun!!" "Have a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed" with Christmas Cheer!!"
    
94. Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you"
    
95. Brownie Mix (or other mix): "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" (Attatch the recipe!)
    
96. Homemade carmels: Hoping you have a "Rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!!"
    
97. Pie: "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!"
    
98. Divinity: "May your Christmas be "Devine" and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!"
    
99. Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops!"
    
100. Toffee or Brittle: "Any way you break it, We think you're the greatest!"
     
101. Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"
     
102. Cheese Ball and Crackers: "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!"
     
103. Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): "Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!"
     
104. Banana Bread: "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"
     
105. Cinnamon Rolls: "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!"
     
106. Homemade Chocolates: "You're so sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"
     
107. Cake or Cupcakes: "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"
     
108. Cornbread or Mix: "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to have Merry Christmas!"
     
109. Carrot Cake: " I Really "Carrot" alot about you!! Merry Christmas"
     
110. Spiced Drink Mixes: "Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" Just right!"
     
111. Recipe: "Just like you friend...it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"
     
112. Pizza - "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry Christmas!!"
     
113. Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!
     
114. Plant: "The kindness you showmakes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!!"
     
115. Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
     
116. Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!!"
     
117. Tree shaped pasta, tree shaped container or a small Christmas tree: "Hope your Christmas is "tree-mendous"!"
     
118. Payday candy bar: "It's the "nutty" time of the year again, so please don't lose your cool! Relax, and much this little treat and have a happy yule!"
     
119. Squeeze-It Juice drink & a Hershey's Kiss: "Here's a "squeeze and a "kiss", to remind you you're loved all through the year!"
     
120. Salsa & Tortilla Chips: "Have a hot and spicy Christmas!"
     
121. Scouring pad/sponge: "I scoured the earth for a friend like you!"

Where's Mason?

Mason has been LOVING peek-a-boo lately! This is his version of it. He holds something up in front of his eyes (mostly Ü) and we say "where's Mason". . . . .
Then he shows himself, just to do it again. . . .
and again. . . . (are you loving all the water on his shirt? He likes to drink it and then spit some out on his shirt).
and yet again. . . .

It doesn't have to be his cup, he'll play it with anything.

"Where's Mason?""There he is". . . . . .
This goes on until you distract him or take away his cup/newspaper. He is growing up so much. He is almost walking! We are in so much trouble!

Awesome Girls Night!

Last night was SOOOO much fun. My good friend Bobi and I went to watch New Moon. We went to the 10:00 showing. It was just a great time. The movie was GOOD and I LOVED hanging out with Bobi (she is so fun!). Unfortunately I forgot my camera (and phone) so I have no pictures to add. She got one on her phone, so maybe she'll post it. Justin was a sweetie and took the kids. It is so nice to get out every once in a while. I'm totally not used to staying up past 11:00 though and I'm dragging today (still would do it again). If your thinking about watching New Moon, I give it 2 thumbs up!!

Our Week

I had several cakes this week, so MacKelle decided that she wanted to make me a "cake" every time I was working on one. I gave her her own counter area and some left over fondant and she went to work. Here she is taking a break from her labors and eating an egg. She is SOO cute. I love how she wants to help out so much.

In this picture you have to look hard, but she has CRAZY static in her hair. I'm not sure if it is the colder weather or her winter coat, but we may need to change conditioners. Ü

For Veterans Day, Trace's school did a musical program. It was hard to get a good picture, but I tried to make his face lighter so you can find him. They did so good. They sang three songs, with actions and sign language, it was fun!

Should've seen it coming!

This week we've had an extra house guest. He has been fantastic to have around! My kids have loved playing with him. Things have been going so well that I didn't even notice that he and MacKelle had been playing in her room for a while. When I saw them in "Princess Dresses" I had to take a picture (Sorry Bobi Ü) I should have figured that if someone plays with MacKelle long enough, eventually they'll be wearing a dress. He looks kinda sad in this picture, but 1/2 second earlier he had a big grin and was saying "cheese".
That is more like it Ü. It's not like he probably had much choice with MacKelle.

Trick-or-Treat

We LOADED up on sugar this year! We went into Idaho Falls on Friday for a Trick-or-Treat thing they had for kids. There were a ton of kids there. We met up with our neighbors and joined the hundreds of people there. We even ran into some of Justin's cousins.
Here they are at a booth.
We had to wait in line for about a half an hour before we got to any booths. Jenny took this picture of us waiting. Justin had to step out of the line for a minute, so it looks funny me and Tobee there with all the kids.
Here is Scooby and Daphene with the Mystery Machine. We had to get a picture. Even though they're bundled up enough that you can hardly tell who they are supposed to be.
We also went to Trace's costume parade at school. Mason was SOOO tired.
MacKelle doesn't go to school there yet, but Trace was nice enough to let her be in line with him. All the elementary kids march through the older kid's classrooms to show off their costumes.

Here is one of Trace, MacKelle, Tyson, and Keylee when we were in Idaho Falls. Trace and Tyson have been the same thing for the last 2 years. They are great buds! Keylee is a little lamb. Cute kids!!!

Pumpkin Carving

Last night we decided to carve our pumpkins for Halloween. MacKelle wanted a mad kitty, and Trace wanted Yoda (Who else?) Let me tell you, I don't think Yoda is supposed to be made from a pumpkin. Trace kept telling me that it didn't look like Yoda. When I told him that I was trying my best and that it probably won't look just like Yoda (and maybe it'd look like a goblin) he started saying that it looked "Just like Yoda". Maybe next year he'll pick something easier. Ü

Its Autumn Time

The other day we came back from a trip to town and we noticed all the leaves on the ground. We had to rake them up and jump in. Trace missed the fun because he was at school, but there are more leaves for another day. MacKelle whipped out her plastic rake and we got a pretty good pile.
Mason LOVED the leaves, he thought they tasted fantastic! He loves being outside. He kept crawling everywhere and putting stuff in his mouth. He had a great time exploring. Ü Being with the kids when they have fun reminds me of when I was a kid. It makes all those activities more fun again. Childhood is so fun and carefree.