REALLY!

This is just one of the things I found to put in my kids Halloween advent calendar.  I know, pretty gross huh!  They LOVED them, of course.  And quite honestly, they were pretty good.  Sour Apple and Lime...if only the real one's were like that.  Ha ha ha ha.

These are a few other things that I used as printables for the advent calendar.  The kids did these during conference this year.  Hey, at least they were at the table in the same room listening, that's a good start for us.  They also loved decorating sugar cookies the other night.  Todd made a great eyeball and Tyson let us know his favorite cookie friend was his black dude.  Can you see him?  He had turned the cookie over and that's what he got.   

And these cute, I mean SCARY faces were a hit, courtesy my great friend Shelsea G.  Hers were decorated very well though.  We happened to get a great looking witch face over on the right side.  The kids were able to make their own faces easily.  These are made from peeled apples and then place in an oven at 300 degrees for 3 hours. 

Then left to wilt even more by the day. 

4TH PHOTO FROM 4TH FOLDER

I'm finally getting to this tag. Cute thing about this picture is that these two cousins Tyson & Abbey both randomly have recovering black eyes.

BASKETBALL SURPRISE

Somehow one of Santa's elf's peeked into Tyson's journal and saw that on his Birthday List he had written that he wanted a basketball signed by Boozer and Karalinko.  Well, Santa knew just who to contact to help with such a request.  Even though it was a Birthday request...it came early.  So Tyson talked to his Uncle Carson and found out that he was offering him access to his two coveted tickets to the Jazz Players Autograph Signing Party, and that he wanted him to have them.  WOW!  How cool is that.

This is what TJ had to say...

"Here is me and my Dad when we got back from the Jazz Autograph signing party.  Me and my Dad were very happy and we got everybody's autograph bahsept Knight and Jerry Sloan, the coach.  My favorite player to see was Darron Williams, Karalinko, Milsap, Boozer." 

Thank you Carson and McCade for giving me the tickets to the Autograph signing party.  My mom & dad say we can't thank you enough.  

  

PUMPKIN FUN

We had some of our fun friends over again this year to carve pumpkins.  We also took them on our newly found Spooky Witch Trail .  Hopefully they had fun.  We did.  Here' are a few pics of this year and last.

NICE! AS IN..NOT SO.

This would be Big Girl Alyssa today after her first primary program.  Her hair ended up like this sometime between the beginning and end.  She was cute saying her part, then sat down with her class.  Next thing we knew, she had found her way out the side door of the chapel and ended up by us.  I took her back up to for the rest of the program, only to be out in the hall for JUST the 30 seconds that Tyson would be saying his part.  She took her shoes off, they hurt.  Then off she went behind the sacrament table to sit with her class once more.  Then we were blessed to see her lovely little brown buns next to one of her friends lovely blonde buns facing the audience pretty much the rest of the time as these two chatted with the children behind.  Poor Brother Darling sat so patiently with his daughter and the rest, with a smile on his face, probably just hiding his snickers, and a lot of impatience. NICE!

SO NOT FAIR...

My house is a WRECK.  Yes, a WRECK.  With one good exception...the laundry is all done and put away. (happy happy joy joy there, until the end of the day when then next pile starts.)

ANYWAY...I'm talk'n dishes, and floors, bathrooms and more.  I know this is typically my job to take care of, but I really need some help today.  Even if the kids would do 2 or 3 extra jobs, mom could get this done just a little quicker, a little happier.  Not the BIG stuff, just help with pick up and clean up...you know.

I of course tested my experiment again...the one I do occasionally and I happily went outside and said "paying for jobs inside, paying for jobs!"

This is the response I got "we can't we're busy"  Alyssa let me know matter of factly.  I went back inside to get my camera just so we can remember how busy they were watching Daddy put a door on the dog house.  (Which, the dog...yeah, that's another story)

So I will be on my Ornery way to clean my house, alone.  I know, which is what I should have done all week anyway, but chose to play instead.  My lesson learned.

HALLOWEEN'S PAST

 

A quick document on a few fun pics from past years.  Of course my favorite would have to be these first two pics.  Classic Tyson!  This is when he was almost 2.

Ty is almost 3 here... This is one of my fav pics of us together. 

And then there is this one below...oh boy.  I realize how not so hip he looked, now that I look back. (poor thing)  But hey, I tried!  And he LOVED IT.  He wanted to be a Robot SO bad when he was almost 4.  So I tried to make a costume the best I could.  His hat is a silver kitchen bowl turned upside down and we wrote his robot name on it.  ELIMINATOR- he repeat it in true robot monotone over & over for weeks.

This is little Alyssa's first year for Halloween.  She would crawl on the ground and her little bee wings looked so cute.  She was almost 1.  Tyson wore his skeleton costume from 2 years back.

 

Alyssa begged to be a CareBear.  Which I had to do all I could to let her.  I wanted my cute little girl to be a princess, or fairy or something girlie for me...but I had to let her be her...(BARN IT! as she would say in her words) She wore this costume for weeks before Halloween, and fo weeks after.  She was almost 2.  You know, the stage well known as the TODDLER OCD's.  Ty was Darth Vader for kindergarten, but I don't have photo.

       

This is last year.  I let her wear that costume one more year in the spirit of kindness and warmth, I guess.  I love Tyson's Transformer/Robo Hero costume.  It fit like a glove.  His little tooshy looked so cutie-bum.  Ty  almost 7,  Alyssa almost 3.

 

OUR FAVORITE ANNIE

Wishing you a Happy Happy Birthday!

Today was this sweet lady's Birthday.  Our post is a little behind.  However, we sure love our Grammy Anne.  She is such a delight.  She has often been referred to as a cute little saint who raised 5 boys.  Along with John, they raised these boys into wonderful young men.  I couldn't be more grateful for her willingness to teach and rear these boys with a sense of value for others, and a strong moral compass.  Even in this moment off of the top of my head, I can think of a trait that each of your boys has learned from you and that I have many times watched them reciprocate to you or for you.

Scott loved to be a friend and compassionate listener.  He also loved to cook dinner for you on different occasions.  He learned that from you. You are a loyal friend to many, and you always cook such great meals for your family. 

Tommy loves to read gospel literature and discuss religious and current events.  He learned that from you.  I know you love when he calls to talk about these things or recommends something for you to read.  You have always shown us your love for the gospel and continue to teach others and better yourself. 

Todd loves to help and serve others.  He tries to find ways he can give of his time and talents.  He learned that from you.  You are always saying yes to others.  If you know someone is in need, you're willing to clear your schedule & be there for others when you can.   

Brian loves to clean and also has a simple love for others that allows him to always make others feel welcome in his presence.  He learned that from you. You have always kept a tidy home.  You have always allowed others to feel warmth and welcome in your home.

Chad loves to learn.  He also has a great sense of honesty. He learned that from you. You are a wonderful example of sticking through college even with little babies at home and a husband involved in the war.  You earned your bachelors degree in child and family development.  What a wonderful thing for you to incorporate in your own home.  Also you are always in check with yourself and trying at all times to be honest with your fellow men.    

You have always been a great example to look to for all of us who know you.  I could take many of these traits and interests that you have passed down to your boys and intercross them between one another.  They have learned success from a wonderfully successful mother.

I still remember the many times when Todd and I were dating that he would talk about his Mother.  There's been a few birthdays through the years that I remember when John was flying and Todd & I would grab the scrabble game and you'd make sure the chips and salsa sprinkled with cheese was warm and on the table next to us. 

PS.  I love that you are still in a bowling league after (what) almost 20 years.  I love that you always have your beautiful makeup on and enjoy buying purses and collecting recipe books.  You have a great sense of humor.  I also love that your kids are your joy and that your grandchildren are ever adding to that.  Tyson says he loves that you tend him, and that he always gets popcicles at your house.   

PSS.  We haven't been here for a while, (although maybe you have)  we'd love to take you before it snows.  What do ya say?

NATURE WALK

With Autumn in the air, we've loved being able to get out & enjoy nature with nice cool temperatures.  I took the kids to the mouth of the canyon again yesterday to collect a few leaves.  Then tonight after dinner Todd & I took the kids on a little walk.  We found a new trail near our home.  It's a keeper.    

PS.  Champers was a very obedient puppy on his first nature trail walk.

  

  

FINALLY

This little munchkin has been twistin -n- pokin at his front tooth for months now.  Tonight he finally did it. 

TYSON SAID:  I WONDER IF CHAMP WILL RECOGNIZE ME? 

I SAY:  You gotta love the upper lip TANG-stache in this pic. 

JUST FOR FUN

Todd had the day off today, so last night the kids really wanted to sleep outside on the deck.  I thought I'd do my best to give in to the IDEA and at least go with it for the first part.  Todd came home from his soccer game, wiped out and said "REALLY?"  Look how nice he was to oblige me and the kiddies.  We quickly got some blankets and sleeping bags for each of us, a lighted pumpkin, ghost flashlights (from Article Circle's Square Pumpkin meals of course) and a thermos of hot cocoa to share.  It was actually pretty nice weather.  The stars were out for a clear night.  We ended up taking turns telling scary stories.  Or in Alyssa's case princess witches.  We stayed out for about an hour and then the girlie fell asleep.  We talked Ty into coming inside with us to finish the recorded football game.  He fell asleep soon after, and we took both of them up to bed.  This morning neither one of them asked why they didn't wake up outside.

    

Todd took the kids up the canyon on a 4 wheeler ride today.  They took some crackers and drinks for a little snack.  He said it was a nice drive.  I wasn't "allowed" to go because there wasn't enough room on the 4 wheeler.  Part of me was sad, the other part...bye, bye!!  Have fun.  I'll find something to do, I guess.  :0)

HUH...HMM...

Alyssa was singing songs in the backseat of the car when after a few minutes she randomly said:

"I can make new friends mama." 

I said yes, you can.  You even have new friends at school.  (Thinking that must be what she was referring to.)

"Yeah, because remember daddy said a prayer that we would make new friends when he put his hand on my head,  and Tyson's too.  Remember that mom?"

I thought...Yes, I do.  Amazing that you do to. 

She was referring to the Father's Blessing Todd gave the kids before school started this year. 

*******************************************************

Todd came home from an errand with Tyson and told me this.

Tyson asked him, if girls have 2 stomachs. 

"Cause, Dad,  you said that there is acid in our stomachs to help digest food, and I know a baby can't live in acid."

Todd said basically yes, one is called a stomach and the other is called a Uterus.  And the Uterus is where a baby can grow.

Todd said, he was just fine with that answer.

Then Tyson proceeded to ask what happens when we eat too much sugar.

Todd said bodies store it up, or let it out.  When the body up stores too much energy then it makes us fat. 

Then Tyson said

"Does that mean if I eat too much sugar then I will have a baby?"

B IS FOR...

What a whirlwind weekend we had.  When I say, whirlwind, that definitely included the weather, & another capitol B for Bitter.

We had such a great time though.  We traveled to Central Utah for three delightful days of family and a few special ordinances.  Bare with the long post.  Lots of fun stuff = lots of fun pics for our family. 

It started with a BAPTISM for our niece, Elizabeth got baptized Saturday morning.  During the same time, we had our cousin's daughter getting baptized at a different stake house.  Too, bad they couldn't have been together. 

 

Random photo's while trying to get this two cousins in the car.

They were so stink'n cute together through the weekend.  

Luckily all the Ladies on my mom's side were excited to meet up later that afternoon for a BABY SHOWER for one of our cousins.  We went to my Aunts house and enjoyed a darling atmosphere with fun treats, presents for the mom to be, and finally a group picture, that we never seem to make happen (can you tell it was MY camera, and as soon as I was 'posed' I said TAKE IT!)  Meanwhile the boys & kids enjoyed some college football games & playing around.

And when THAT was all done, we had an hour to get the kid's all costumed up and ready for a fun and haunted Halloween...

BREW HAHA that Grandma Jami & Grandpa Clark put together.  Lot's of fun!  We all had a great time.  We even enjoyed a little snowy blizzard driving down the country lane back to Grandma Suzie's that night.  I recalled a vivid memory that I think of whenever it is snowing while I'm in the car.  The kind when the snowflakes race towards the windshield in the dark as if you're in the middle of a star wars movie traveling through space.  I remember I was about 10 or 11 and my cousin Kerianne and I were in her mother's car with other cousins on a country road heading out to see her grandmother.  It was a blizzard just like the one I described.  It has always been burned in my memory.  We sat and watched the glowing white snowflakes fly quickly into the windshield like a galaxy of shooting stars, yet never quite hitting the glass through the air.  Anyway, tanget there, but such a great memory.  Kerianne died when we were 13.  I still miss my her. We all do.

 

  

 

  

    

Somewhere in the middle of all this, we still managed to stop at my dear Grandpa Hart's old farm sight.  My Uncle own's it now, and has kept many memories just the same.  They ran a cattle business for many years with my great grandfather.  Their livestock usually consisted of all white Charolais cattle.  Since I can remember, this lovely (ha)  ENORMOUS white BULL has graced the corner entrance to the farm.  It has become an undeniable ICON for family, and the remembrance of hard work and dedication through generations.  They had a pale yellow office that is pretty much just the same even nearly 16 years after my Grandpa has passed away.  His wooden cane still hangs outside to the right of the door.  Thank's Perry for preserving this wonderful memory for us.  I never have taken photo's of these things.  I finally decided it was time, as we passed by after the baptism.  It was so BITTER COLD outside with the storm blowing in, but by darn, I had Todd plopped those little tykes right on top of that bull, Sunday clothes and all.  Of course they loved it.

        

We topped off the  weekend with a BABY BLESSING for sweet little Shane, who happens to be Elizabeth's brother.  What a neat weekend for Cameron and Sarah.  To have both of these ordinances performed with loved ones near was a joy for all of us.  The miracle of these particular events are very evident to the families involved.  Cameron is a lighthouse to all those who know him.  And Sarah is an truly an anchor of unconditional love as well.  We love you two and your kids soo much.  But you know that.

 

I love this photo because they are all looking at someone else taking their photograph.  It's like peering in candidly, yet...not.

Of course I HAD TO catch my mom on film doing THIS.  SO typical! ;0)  I took a really nice photo of her, and then caught this one.  I thought I'd pay tribute to one of her favorite purses.  She LOVES her 'SAK'!

 

Speaking of Saks.  Todd LOVES to play this with these kids.  He spares no MERCY.  And then he wonders why he has conversations with the 10 and 11 yr olds about how it is not far to be on the same team against a 2nd and 1st grader.  Sean just says "Uncle Todd, you are saying it's not far, cuz your boy is on the other team."

       

Cutest Cousins.

    

LOVE Chandlie's self portrait.   Also LOVE how this photo turned out.

   

Can't forget the Ideal Dairy.  Sherbet, Slush, Waffle cone...etc.

Finally, This is what we came home to Sunday evening.  Beautiful.