Christmas 2008

I just wanted to post some pictures of the kids from Christmas. We had a great Christmas. The kids got way more than they needed but it was sure fun. On Christmas Eve Ashlyn was confused because she came in and climbed in bed with us and said when can we go down stairs. She was pretty upset when I explained it was not Christmas until tomorrow. We had to go down stairs and open one present each. More disappointment came when she opened up her present and it was a shirt. We then explained that mom and dad do the clothes and boring stuff while Santa will bring her the toys that night.

On Christmas eve we went to Marks mom for a yummy meal. I made every one's favorite, twice baked potatoes. We had more food than I could even think about eating. After dinner we went to my nephew Mikey's grave and sang Christmas songs to him. We do this every year and it really is so special. I can feel the spirit so strong there and I never can sing. I get choked up and that is it for me. Mikey was a special boy and I love and miss him so much. No matter how hard it is for Mark and I, we know it is nothing that his parents feel each year as they miss him so much. I am thankful to get to go every Christmas Eve and spend a little part of Christmas with him and his memories.

After that we opened presents at Marks Parents house. Marks mom made the kids all blankets this year. They were so cute and nice. Ahslyn also got a doll that looks a lot like her and she sure loves it. Josh got a pirate ship that he loves as well. Well it was a long day for the kids so we went home and put them to bed. We had a lot of work ahead of us. Did I say a lot of work? What were we thinking. We bought the kids a play kitchen from Costco and it took us until 2:00 AM to put together. The other toys were easy thank goodness but never again. Everything will be put together next year.

On Christmas morning, Mark and I woke up before the kids because we were so excited. We waited for them to wake up and then took them downstairs. Their faces were priceless. We went to my dads on Christmas and they were equally spoiled there to. Josh got a Tool table with all sorts of fun things to build with. Ashlyn got her Easy Bake Oven that she has wanted forever. All together the kids had a great Christmas and mom and dad have entertained kids for a few months until they are bored of the toys. To spare all of you a longer blog than it already is I will just post pictures.

Pictures

New Things and Updates

Just an update on the new things in out lives. First and foremost we got a new camera. Not the nicest one we have ever owned but it works so we will take it. It will be nice to be able to take pictures of the kids again.

We also got a new puppy last week. It is a White pure bred Lab. His dad and Grandad have champion lines in them and they are really good looking dogs. Mark did not want to get another black one because it would remind him of Boston so we went with the white one. He is really cute and very mellow for a puppy. He mostly sleeps right now and when he is awake he is not too hyper. We almost have him potty trained. He is really smart. He just goes to the sliding door when he needs to go. His name is Gauge. Anyhow the kids love him and have been taking good care of him.

Ashlyn got new bedding and decorations for her room. My aunt Brenda gave us her my cousin Morgan's old stuff from Pottery Barn. It is really cute. Ashlyn just adores it. When she first got it she took it all out of the box and laid it all out to look at it and admire it. She is pretty happy about it because she had been asking for new bedding. Ashlyn is also doing well in school. We got her report card and she scored above average in almost every subject. I know it's only Kindergarten but as a mom I am still proud. She also sometimes tries to fake sick from school but I am catching on to that one and still making her go. Mark and I are just amazed at how funny she is. She really does say some of the funniest things I have heard. I can't think of them right now but she sure is funny.

Josh is definitely in his terrible two's. He has stopped taking naps which I am not happy about because I like my quiet hour. Ash still takes a nap after school everyday do its hard when the one that needs the nap won't take it. Josh is a total boy. He loves playing with his "yucks" He pushes his two big trucks around all day long. He can entertain himself quite well with toys. He also loves the dog. This dog is a lot more patient with him then the last. Gauge just hides under something if he is sick of Josh. Josh also does not know the meaning of no. I have told him in so many ways and he just ignores me and keeps on doing what he wants. He is one extreme and Ashlyn is the most behaved kid ever. He still loves a bottle and I am not sure how to wean him off that but I plan on it by the end of the year.

Mark and I are doing good. Mark keeps busy with working, school, and working some more. He is currently gong to BYU, getting his MBA. He also works full time and works part time for my company. He is editing a training manual for them and making it look nice and snazzy. I am just being a mom and working from home. I love being able to be home with the kids and also to be able to provide some income as well. I am excited to start playing Basketball this January. I need the exercise badly. Anyhow I think that is all for now. Hope all is well with all our friends and family.

Happy Birthday Dad, Grumpy, and Bumpy!

I just wanted to do a posting for my dad and tell him Happy Birthday! I know its late but I was out of town last week. I want to thank my dad for all that he has done for me in the past and present. He has always been there for me and my sister as a great dad and he has often times had to be the mom to. Not many dads would go to the store and buy things for their daughters that he had to go and buy. I am so glad that I got you as my dad and that my kids have you as their Grumpy and Bumpy. They both love you so much and get so excited to come and see you. Here are 10 things we love about you!

1. You are always Happy
2. You are always supportive of the kids, Mark, and I.
3. You are an awesome cook
4. You are thoughtful
5. You are forgiving and loving
6. You taught me to be good at sports
7. You make my kids happy
8. You always call me on Mondays
9. You dress good
10. You are very thoughtful

Dad I love you and I appreciate all you have done and do for me. You are the best dad and mom ever! (I hope you don't take that the wrong way)

Halloween

I thought I would post some pictures from Halloween of the kids. Oh but wait, I don't have a camera anymore. Thankfully other people took pictures for me to post. I did however buy a disposable camera so once those are developed we can add those as well once we scan them.

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. We went to four Halloween Parties. The first one was at my aunt Linda's. We ate yummy Taco Soup and lots of treats. Ashlyn carved her first Pumpkin all by herself. She is very good at that stuff. We played some fun games that brought me back to my childhood as well. We even got to meet a lesbian with big boobs. It was quite the night.

Then the next day we went to my dads house for a party. We carved pumpkins there as well but this time I ended up carving the Pumpkin because Ashlyn wanted to play. Most of the pictures that are posted are from my dads.

The next party we went to was to the Holley's. They rearranged the party so that we could make it to this one. They were going to have it on Saturday and at the last minute changed it so we could all be there. We made homemade donuts, played games, and watched the kids dance for an hour. Ashlyn led the brigade in her dancing tactics and it was quite the show.

The last party we went to was at Marks Grandma's rest home. They had a fun party with a balloon guy, limbo, fishing for a prize, tattoos, and a coloring table. Josh won the costume contest there four kids that one and he definitely got the loudest cheer. His costume in the pictures above got dirty so I pulled out the Peter Pan costume. He looked so cute with it on. I will post those as soon as they are developed. After all the festivities they had trick or treating. Josh and Ash really enjoyed it and they came out with a lot of candy.

Then there was Halloween Day and Night. Josh and I went to Ashlyn's school parade (I can't believe they still do those) and then afterwards I helped out in her class for the class party. Everyone sit for this. They had like six activity stations and I was the reading station. I read a Halloween story to the kids and it was really fun. I met all of the kids Ashlyn talks about and got to know them a little. It was a lot of fun.

That Night I made homemade chili and put it in bread bowls that were colored orange with a green stem so they looked like pumpkins. We had that and donuts. I have to say I make some delicious chili. I then took the kids trick or treating while Mark handed out candy. Josh was a trooper and walked for about 45 minutes and then pooped out. I think Ash for the first time could have gone all night and did not tire. They made out with way too much candy and I will probably end up throwing most of it out but it was very fun. The end.

"You Look Like A Boy."

Last night I was on my face book account and a really old friend had requested me to be friends with her. I accepted and looked at her account. Anna is her name and we were best friends growing up until I moved away after 4th grade. Anna was a good friend and her mom and sisters took good care of me and my sister when my mom past away. My favorite times spent with her were at her pool and cabin.

Anyhow I found these old class pictures and could not help but post them for all to see. My 1st grade picture there is no excuse as to why I look so bad. I had a mom and I just am not sure what she was thinking on that one. The 4th grade picture is right after my mom died and let's just face the facts. My dad did a great job with us. He cooked, he cleaned, he picked out cute clothes for us, but he did not do hair. As far as Michelle is concerned she attempted to help but I was not the best of sitting still so there you have it. I did my own hair and the results are far from stunning.

So this morning I showed Ashlyn my pictures and said do you want to see mom when she was your age? She looked at the picture and said " You look like a boy mom." She then covered her mouth because she felt bad for saying it but she was only speaking the truth. Mark agrees with Ashlyn and said those pictures don't look like me at all and that if there were not names written on there he would have guessed I was someone else. At least they are honest.

Joshy's 2nd Birthday

On Friday we celebrated our little mans birthday. He was so excited to have everyone sing to him. He sang happy Birthday to himself all day and pretended to blow the candles out each time. He definitely got in a lot of practice before the big one with everyone there.

We invited Mark's family over for the party because my dad does a separate at his house for the grand kids. We had Pork sandwiches, chips, and salad for dinner. After dinner we sang to Josh and he blew his candles out for real this time. He was pretty happy about that. He opened presents as well and love each and every one of them. He got a big helicopter, new train and tracks, a Caterpillar bulldozer, and some clothes.

On Sunday we went to my dads and celebrated again and he was again as pleased as could be to be sang to. This time he blew the candles out about 5 seconds into the song. My dad and Connie gave him a big fire engine and he loved it. He has not let it out of his sight since he got it. No one is aloud to touch it and it must go in the car with us even though it way to big for his lap.

Overall Josh had a great birthday and I can't believe I had him 2 years ago. He has grown so much. He talks a ton and is such a sweet thing for the most part. He has however started the terrible two's and it came on suddenly. We love him nonetheless. So Happy Birthday Josh.

Oh by the way we lost our camera so we had to take pictures with Marks Blackberry. Hence the low quality pictures. I sure hope we find the camera!