Where did November go?

Here is my baby blowing out the candles on his 4th Birthday. Now he tells everyone he is 5. It is cute to me. He had a great day with friends, phone calls, letters, packages, and Todd, Kelsey, and Storm coming over. Trey gets to pick who says the prayer and he chose himself all the day long. Thankfully his prayers were heard and Mimi was protected.

Here I am with Eric sisters and mom. A wonderful opportunity came my way...I got to go Time Out for Women. It was great to be there. It was a sweet experience all on its own but it was sweeter with family. ONe of my favorite things said was "If it is worth doing it is worth doing poorly while learning to do it well." It inspired to me keep trying in the areas of most importance even though I may not be doing it well yet.

It was fun to have the Murray family in our home. The cousins love each other and had a blast. It was great to have Justin and Becky to ourselves to hear all the happenings in their family.

Nothing says fun like Just Dance. Seriously, our family loves this game. I really can't get over how good they are either.

See how the kids were exercising and the adults are eating. Just kidding. The photo was taken as we were setting up for Thanksgiving. It was super great to be with family. The warmth that comes into a home when family arrives is wonderful. Glad for all the time together. We missed Fritz, but hope that he health has improved.

Thrilled my parents could come and stay at our home. They are loved.

The boys just learned how to play Ticket to Ride. This is definitely a family fav, but we have usually played it with adults. The boys caught on quickly and so guys game night it was. What did the girls do? Go shopping. Thanks for helping me pick my boots.

Some of my friends surprised me by planning this lunch for me at a restaurant. SOOO FUN!

Eric surprised me by coming home early from work and taking us to dinner. Trey and I were feeling pretty spoiled by lunch and dinner at a restaurant. Thanks to everyone for all the treats, cards, visits, singing, phone calls, and new art hanging in my room. It was a Happy Birthday!

Beautiful Heartbreak - Hilary Weeks - Every Step

It's that time again

Look at Eric. Time for a hairstyle change. Just kidding. Well, 12 years of marriage and haircuts of all types...long, short, layered, bangs, highlighted, etc. Who knows what I will decide today. Change is good right?

Happy Birthday

Honestly I made two different desserts but took no photos of the one and a poor photo of the other. The boys loved the cookies and Eric and I loved the Butterscotch Apple Crisp.

A happy birthday wish to Q, Andrew, Jon and Joel, and my friend Julie.

Happy Birthday today to Andrew and Julie.

Top 11

My happy moments from the last 11 days or so.

1. Trey as Harry Potter at his Halloween Party. Having 8 three and four year old boys in your home for a party is definitely something to smile about.

2. The Burgoyne Family coming for a visit.

3. Trevor as old man going to Daniel's birthday party.

4. Tyler so excited about his new outfit from Grammy and Grandpa. I asked him what his friends said and he replied, "They said Tyler you are so matchable!"

5. Watching Psych and Restaurant Impossible.

6. Talking to Kelsey and seeing Todd and Storm.

7. Eric's mom calling to let me know she met Sandy Abbott and the connection from Vegas. (very thoughtful call)

8. My mom sent us an awesome Halloween package...complete with two new mags (Halloween and the new HGTV mag)

9. Eric sent me off to Zumba. Yippee.

10. Holding baby Lucas. The Rust's now have in their home baby perfection.

11. Date night

Even though there have been some sad moments as of late it is good to think of the ones that are happy. Don't you agree? Have a happy weekend! I know many of you are smiling because I didn't even get my camera out while you were here:)

Fall is in the Air

This is Trevor as the CFO of Zion's Bank for Junior Achievement City in Salt Lake. This is a great program that begins in Kindergarten. It was fun for him. Tyler had asked if he wanted to play after school and he said Ty Ty I am going to work and probably will be tired.

This is my smiley kid with his 3D glasses on his head preparing to see Cars 2. Despite the excitement to see it, the late hour had him sitting in my lap falling asleep. I thought the movie was really entertaining.

This is my sweet friend Pilar enjoying her baby shower. I love baby news. I am excited for all my friends and family who are expecting.

Does anyone love magazines as much as I do?

Eric took me to the Homecoming Game at BYU. It was a great first half and the hot chocolate got me through the second;)

Although I didn't put up too much this year, I thought I would show you that I did finish the project I talked about. I got 4 dead trees from Lowes which they thought was funny I would want...I spray painted them black and made pom poms to hang on the branches with great help from my boys. The chair my mom bought me which just has so much charm. In the tree I hung those inexpensive little plastic pumpkins. I love Fall!

what 11 looks like

Eleven looks good on Trevor. He went to Liberty Land, had pizza, and saw Kung Fu Panda 2 again. Later he enjoyed steak and shrimp, opening presents, and talking with his grandparents on the phone. I know I am his mom, but he truly is a joy to be around. He also received his Arrow of Light and the last of his 20 pins last night. We are glad that he has good friends, good leaders, a wonderful primary teacher, a great teacher at school, a great piano teacher, and lots of family to help him along. It was a happy birthday for Trevor.

Thanks for taking pictures for me Amanda.

Busy can equal fun

Sometimes busy is just busy. It feels like just keeping up with the schedule. Other times, however, it is keeping up with the fun. Eric's dad flew in for the BYU/Utah game. Obviously he brought his true Ute spirit with him and we may not be inviting him again:) It was great to spend time with him on Sunday and Monday too. We don't get to see Eric's parents enough so appreciate the time we have when we get it.

While Eric and his dad were at the game I was at the Wedding Dinner. Don't they look so happy. It was so fun for me to be there. I loved the lighting, the colors, the flowers, the live band, the food, the guys shirts and ties, and the frosting on the cupcakes was perfect. The best part was seeing family. I loved meeting Jim's mom and John's family and the Schleiffarths neighbors. I loved seeing my own parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and Todd and Kelsey. Weddings are such wonderful events.

Eric and I went to the Bishops retreat and it was enjoyable. I was glad to see Kathy even before we arrived as having a friend always makes the occasion better. Happy to reunite with Eric who had to go up earlier. I have a great admiration for all those who serve in our stake. Thrilled to know my boys were having a party of their own with my mom. She really knows how to have fun.

Friday was brothers day. In the morning, Todd and Storm came over to play and hang out. Later, Scott and Elliet, Sadie, and Lucas came over to play. What a great day. Plus, my mom helped with my vision of creating a spooky tree. Scott and Andrea stopped by the next day so more fun. Look below at these two fakers. They are pretending they are asleep. Funny. Good to have my mom visiting. She really should live closer.

Trevor had to set up tent and campout for his scout badge so here is how they started it out. Smores over the fire pit with friends and then later sleeping in the tent. Trevor came in and said sleeping in a tent isn't that comfortable. He has learned early.

Hope everyone is busy with good things.

9/11

President Hinkley in his memorial speech from Sept 11, 2001 said, "But as dark as this hour, there is shining throught the heavy overcast of fear and anger the solemn and wonderful image of the Son of God, the Savior of the World, the Prince of Peace, the exemplar of univeral love, and it is to Him that we look in these circumstances. It was He who gave His life that all might enjoy eternal life. May the peace of Christ rest upon us and give us comfort and reassurance and, particularly, we plead that He will comfort the hearts of all who mourn."

I just finished watching the interview with President Bush recalling Sept 11 and the tribute by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Tom Brokaw.

God Bless America.

Happy Birthday

September is a great month. I love the fall-is-in-the-air kind of feeling. Since Trevor loves pumpkin and choc chips I made pumpkin chocolate chip bread. I mean he loves the cookies so much why not bread. Trevor also loves wheat bread. He only eats wheat bread for sandwiches, toast, and french toast. When I took him to the Great Harvest Bread store he was so excited. You know how you first walk in and the smell of homemade bread envelopes you...yea, he was thinking that it was awesome. This is where he first had pumpkin choc chip bread.

Happy Birthday to you fellow September babies. Happy Birthday to Grandpa, Keli, Hayden, Uncle Ron, Uncle Bill, Trevor, Zachary, friends Emily, Shelby, Shanna, Brittany, Esther, and neighbor McKenna.

I posted two other recipes since I told some friends I would. Try the corn and pasta one while you can still get corn on the cob.

Labor Day weekend

The weekend began at Thanksgiving Point. Trey, Storm, Mimi, & Bobba went around looking at the animals, feeding the animals, going on the wagon ride, eating our lunch, and then the fun finale of riding horses. Trey loved it and keep saying "this is cool" I haven't been out there for awhile and had forgotten how fun it is.

Friday I went to the Storytelling Festival with Trevor and his class. Of course I had a good time. It reminded me of all the Festivals of the past that I have enjoyed. Adding Trevor to the memory mix made it even better.

On Saturday, I went to my cousin Anne's bridal shower. I am so excited for her. I just love showers. There is all this happiness, love, excitement for the future, and family connection. She has met the love of her life and it was great to hear about how they met, their dates, and what the future holds. I just forgot to ask how he proposed. It was fun to see everyone and get a tour of my Aunts gorgeous new home.
On Saturday night, Mimi and Bobba took Kelsey Todd Storm and our family out to eat. Eric returned the favor Sunday by treating everyone to dinner at our house. He really went crazy with good food. He made the bacon jalapeno dip, his ciabatta bread, steak, salmon with honey mustard citrus glaze, grilled veg, rice, and my mom brought a delicious strawberry salad. On Monday we worked around our home and in the yard and then I went with two friends to see The Help. I am going to see that again. WOW. I really loved that book and I felt the same about the movie. Perfectly cast. Great weekend!! Glad to see so much family. It doesn't happen as often as I wish so when it does it is awesome.

Look at this face. How did I feel when he left for his first day of preschool today? Sad. Very sad. My baby is gone to school and my home is incredibly silent. I am just telling the truth. It is sad. Hope everyone had a great weekend and that no one except me is having a sad Tuesday:)

August Happenings

I guess I can't just ignore a really great month of happenings.

rearranging rooms * painting with Steff * painting with Eric * celebrating 12 years* visit from Sarah* swimming and more swimming * visit from Amy * Shakes * Phineas and Ferb * Rio * visit from Tim and Melanie and their beautiful girls * birthday parties * back to school party* back to school breakfast * Pioneer Woman on Food Network * visit from Mom and seeing Storm* Boys go to school * Trey goes to Preschool Open House * visits with neighbors * end of some of our fav summer shows * Family party for Eric's work * Ward Party***and on and on and on.

Happy Birthday

If it was your birthday in Aug I would have made you an Orange Bundt Cake. This is honor of Tim and Melanie who suprised me with a visit. She gave me the recipe for this cake in 2001 and I have been enjoying it ever since.

Happy Birthday to my awesome brother in law Fritz, my sweet sister in laws Becky and Kara, niece Elsie, nephew Everett, and my good friends Emily, Michelle, Jill, Amy, Trish, Chris & Laurel, and Amanda. August was full of such good times that I didn't even find time to blog about it.

Hope your birthdays were swell!

The fun of July

July started out great with a family reunion with the Hawkins and my family. Great to catch up and a nice tribute to Nana and Bobba. Another BBQ with our neighbors who always make us feel like family. Super fun. Kimball and Travis really put together quite a 4th of July party. I don't know it I have ever seen fireworks like that. Awesome!

With the final Harry Potter movie coming up there was a lot of rereading, movie watching, and movie making. We also have been swimming a lot. It has been fun to go with the Packers and even meet up with Storm & Kelsey. Plus, Eric even went with us.

We also went to Liberty Land with Pilar, Miguel, Natalie and Andre. Liberty Land is really a fun place. There are bumper boats, race cars, the climbing wall, the Frogger ride, the airplane ride, the pirate shipe ride, and laser tag. It has also been a month of home projects like Eric's desk, the yard, and rotating rooms. The home projects will continue into August.

Trevor and I went to Harry Potter the day it opened and we wish we could see it over and over again. Even if you have read it as many times as Trevor has the Snape part is still a shocker (rated pg-13 for a reason)

Off to the Family Reunion in Montana. Family Reunions are great for many reasons. Our family always feels loved there, there are tons of late nights and stories galore, the cousins think it is a party everyday, and it is just tons of fun to be together. We were missing Leslie and her family, Becky and her family, and Jeff, but enjoyed all who were able to make it.

I hope everyone is enjoying the month of July because it is almost over. Can you believe it?

June and July Birthdays

Wow! When you combine an entire two months of birthdays on one entry you realize you are a bit behind in well wishes. Here you go...

June Birthdays are my nephew Cohen, my sister-in-laws Leslie & Ashely, friends Jennifer and Kathy, my aunts Sheila and Karen, and my sweetheart Eric.

July Birthdays are my nephews Jaxon & Preston, my cousins Matt & Kirk & Liz,my niece Elliet, my bother-in-law Ryan, Eric's mom Charlotte, my sister Amy, my dad, and my Tyler.

Now with all these birthdays to celebrate what to make? Well, if Eric was in charge he would make you ice cream. He made vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate mint this time. If I was in charge I would make what the birthday boys asked for. So I made two chocolate bliss cakes, apple pie, and pound cake with strawberries and cream.

You decide.

Happy Birthday everyone!

7-7-11

Tyler is 7! It was his magical birthday yesterday. It was a great day for him. His favorite foods were on the menu for the day (french toast, hamburger and french fries, and pizza) He had a Lego party with his friends. He got to enjoy my parents and Todd, Kelsey, and Storm for the family party. He is a funny, happy, dancing, singing, lego building, Wii playing boy. We love you Tyler. Happy Birthday!!

Good times

From left to right Tiffany, Laurel, and Amy. I have been friends with Amy since high school and I met Tiffany and Laurel when I got to BYU as a freshman. Laurel was coming from North Carolina to visit a friend and decided to make it a super friends weekend. It was thrilling really. It was great to catch up and encourage each other in our quest to raise three active boys. This picture is taken on Friday night as we were meeting up for dinner. Great three days together!

The Olympic Park was incredible! Go on the tour. If time and you are not afraid of heights then go on one of the rides there. I could barely take this photograph so no I did not try the zipline. Glad to be there with Laurel. Great new memories created while talking about the memories from the past.

Look who turned 40. Happy Birthday Eric!

What do you do on your birthday? Coach baseball of course!

The boys really love their dad so it is not hard for him to have a nice Father's Day. Good to be loved!


Well, that is what has been keeping us busy. Hope you are busy having good times.

Happy Father's Day

Lucky me to have such a wonderful dad. Lucky to marry Eric who has such an incredble father. Lucky for the boys to have Eric as their dad.

Fun tie idea is from Pebbles in my Pocket. I love this store. I love the paper crafts, jewelry, magnets, purses,etc. Great place to get ideas. Have fun celebrating Father's Day!