SANTA!!

London loves Santa. Even at 8 I don't think he's questioning yet, and we don't even snoop for presents. I just love my kids.

Aspen was one of the first in line to see the big guy. Notice her new favorite Ug Boots, that go super cute with the little skirt. The weather here is messed up, one day it's 30 the next 75. This was a warm day.

This is as close Phoenix would get to Santa. London finally said, "You HAVE to go up to him." And Phoenix literally went screaming from the room. Too funny.

Sicily kinda liked him, kinda didn't. She was fine as long as she didn't look at him.

Playing Fetch

Sicily is finally getting the hang of getting around on her own. The kids are SOOO pleased to not have me constantly saying, "Get that for Sici." She is in heaven, needless to say, that she can now get into anything. Time to pull out the child locks again. Her infamous army crawl is her lazy man way of motion. She can crawl, it's been slower than the army way but she's starting to trade. YEAH! So by New Years the Army Girl should be out the window. Just keep your fingers crossed that she'll be walking by Valentines. Man, this takes forever with some kids.

Rest Home Recital

I specifically went with the dance studio we're at because the final recital was not on Sunday. But they scheduled a nice little diddy for Christmas at the Rest Home on a Sunday. Since it was for service for the sick we unanimously decided it was just fine. The only problem was it started at 2pm, same time church gets out. Luckily the Rest Home was only a 1/2 mile from the church. So as soon as the bell rung we were out the door, no visiting that day. Aspen changed in the car and we got there just in time.

So you know, I filmed this with Jared's Cell while sitting on the floor as to not block the old folks view. Aspen's in the second row furthest to the right.

Bugger the Cold

Phoenix and London have horrid children's asthma. So every time the temperature drops and they catch even the slightest cold it goes straight to their chest and they're on the nebulizer every 4+ hours. Those of you with kids that don't have this problem, be grateful, cause it stinks. They can't breathe, constant coughing and everyone around us is just sure they're gonna catch something. So, I promise, if you hear one of my boys hacking away don't worry, it's just asthma.

Bill Cosby

When I was a kid we listened to Bill Cosby 8 Tracks on the drives to and fro from my Grandma Kenisons house. I discovered last night how true it all was. I was trying to get Aspen to come over to me so I could help her put on a costume by saying, "Come here, Come here, Come here, Come here, Come here!" Much to my amusement Jared quoted Bill Cosby saying the exact same thing. It's was so true and so funny I just busted up laughing. My kids totally didn't get it.

Mom is great she steals Dads chocolate cake

I just have to say we have the BEST Home Teachers Wife in the world. Our Home Teacher brought over the yummiest, moistest, chocolate chip filled cake in the WORLD!! And it stayed moist the entire 3 days it survived in our house. :) But the best part of all.... I got the last slice! Jared tried to follow me around the kitchen with his glass of milk in hand, pretending to come in for a kiss, when in reality he was trying to sneak a bite. But after 9 years of marriage and all the chocolate he's gone through, I could spot that plot a mile away. SO....I ran for the laundry room and locked the door. You just gotta love that last slice. :)

Supergirl!!!

I remember as a kid my big brothers throwing me around like I was a doll. We'd swoop, spin, dance and play all day. And when they got older they'd use me as their weights instead of a bench press. Big Brothers Rock!
So I am so excited to see my Little London doing with his little sister what my brothers did with me. That bond starts so young, and I can only hope it endures when they're older and have kids of their own.

Phoenix's Latest

Me in my early health kick bought a Resistance Band. As of now my kids use it more than me. BUT.....
They are no longer allowed to touch it. Phoenix decided it was a lasso and as it swooshed around he clonked himself in the forehead. Huge goose egg, immediate bruise and it was bleeding. All of this happened, by the way, while I was putting Sicily down for a nap. My poor kids, you'd think I didn't look after their well being. But much to Phoenix's joy, he now has an AWESOME Batman band aid on his forehead. You can't go wrong with Batman!

Christmas Shopping

These poor little 2. I love them so much and they are such troopers to do Christmas Shopping with me. When we got home, after 3 hours of shopping, they promptly plopped on the floor with their juices, and were down for naps about 5 mins later.

Christmas Poem

'Twas the Night Before Christmas' Mom Style!

Twas the night before Christmas,when all through the abode, Only one creature was stirring,she was cleaning the commode.

The children were sleeping, all snug in their beds, While visions of X-box 360and IPODS flipped through their heads.

Dad was snoring in front of the family TV With a half-constructed bike propped up on his knee.

So only Mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, Which made her sigh, 'Now what's the matter?

'With toilet brush still clutched in her hand, She descended the stairs and saw an old man All covered with soot, which fell with a shrug ''Oh great,' muttered Mom, 'now I have to clean up the rug.

''Ho! Ho! Ho!' cried Santa, 'I'm glad you're awake---My gift to you was especially difficult to make. ''Thanks Santa, but all I want is time alone. ''Exactly!' he chuckled, 'so I've made you a clone.

''A clone?' she muttered. 'What good is that? 'Now run along Santa, I've no time to chat.

'Then out walked the clone, the dear mother's twin, Same hair and same eyes, the same double chin.

'She'll cook and she'll dust, she'll mop every mess, You'll relax, take it easy, watch the Young and Restless.

''Fantastic!' mom cheered, 'My dream has come true!'' I'll shop and I'll read and I'll sleep the night through!

'From the room up above, the youngest did fret. 'Mommy come quickly----I'm scared and I'm wet!

'The clone replied, 'I'm coming sweetheart. ''WOW!' the mom smiled. 'She sure knows her part.

'The clone changed the small one and sung him a tune As she bundled him up in a blanket cocoon. 'You're the best mommy ever---I really love you! 'The clone smiled and said, 'I love you too!

'The real mom frowned and said 'Santa , no deal! That's my baby's love that she's trying to steal.

Smiling wisely Santa said, 'To me it's so clear, Only one loving mother is needed right here.

'The mom kissed her child and tucked him in bed, 'Thank you so much, dear Santa, for clearing my head',

Knowing time goes too fast ,and it won't be too long, That her children will no longer need her cradle nor song,

The clock on the mantle then began to chime; Santa whispered to the clone, 'It works every time.'

And with the clone at his side, Santa said,' Goodnight. Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you will be all right!'

I stole this Poem from a friend, and I'm so thankful for it. Makes life better knowing there are other Moms out there that feel the same. Merry Christmas!!

CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE

Chocolate, Chocolate everywhere! Brooke, Angie, Allison and I spent a few hours yesterday dipping just about anything you can put with chocolate. And really....everything tastes better with chocolate. :) When we were done we split the winnings. So all 4 of us went home with this much. So times this photo by 4 and imagine trying to stay on your diet. :) Hard Work! You gotta love Christmas and all the wonderful food there is to make, create and eat.

Londons Christmas Recital

We are so proud of our London. He's been taking Piano Lessons for about a year. And is now his teachers TOP student! This was his first recital, he was a bit nervous but not until it was his turn. I don't think it sank in till then.

This is London and Miss Brooke. She teaches Piano and Violin, has 2 and 3/4 kids and is the best. London's really progressed with Brooke, she's a wonderful teacher.Now on with the show. London was last on the program and I think did a wonderful job.

This Saturday London is going to play his recital piece again to accompany the Primary at the Ward Christmas Party. He's really excited!

Hot Chocolate

We went out for dinner after the Nutcracker and before Londons Recital and discovered Sicily's love of Hot Chocolate. Surprise, surprise! She is definitely her Daddy's daughter when it comes to chocolate. I think she drank half my cup. Thank goodness for bibs though, it didn't always make it in her mouth.

Sleepy Phoenix

These pictures were taken on 2 different days. This was on the way home from the Nutcracker. He was snoring away. Visions of Sugar Plums probably dancing in his HeadHe zonked out on the floor after church on Sunday, church goes from 11-2, right in the middle of nap time. And he plays so hard in Nursery he tends to crash when we get home. But this is a first.

The Nutcraker

We took the kids to The Nutcracker this weekend. They LOVED it. London and Phoenix were enthralled during the Battle scene. But missed out on pictures because they wanted to go run around outside. There was a little toddler next to us that was absolutely petrified of the Mouse King, too funny! Aspen of course is never afraid.

Aspen apparently needed a Nutcracker so we had her pay half, which she was more than happy to do. When we got home she promptly turned on some Christmas music, pulled out her Nutcracker and danced around the Christmas Tree. She wanted to sleep with him that night, but we convinced her that it was ok for him to sleep under the tree.

We can Share

Sometimes Aspen forgets to feed her bunny, Oreo. But Charlie, our dog, is very sweet and does not mind sharing. I'm not sure if Rabbits should eat dog food. "Big Nasty TEETH!" comes to mind. Really I'm just glad Charlie doesn't eat Oreo, he does give her baths sometimes though.

Poor Baby!

This is my least favorite part of my kids growing up, I know it's good for them but I just hate it. Poor Sicily had to get 2 shots today. The tough little bugger didn't even cry after the 1st shot, and only cried about 30 seconds after the 2nd one. She was even sweet enough to wave goodbye to the "mean old" nurse that gave her the shots. They love Sicily in their office because she forgives them all so quickly.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

They said it in Hobbs, NM and they said it here in Houston, TX, "It never snows!" But to our much joy and slight amazement, it is snowing. Not immensely, mind you, but SNOW is SNOW!!! The kids are hoping for a blizzard to cancel school tomorrow, I told them hope can only go so far, but they can probably count on lots of ice. That should be funny at the bus stop.

All my Nativities

One of my good friends, Debbie, said she doesn't have a Nativity because she's too picky. Well I'm living proof that I am not too picky. Actually I collect Nativities, 12 in all so far. And I'm always on the look out for another.

This one's my favorite, it's from Egypt and it's one of a kind.

A little ornament, that's too heavy for the tree, that Jared got me last year.

This one's for the kids. $15 ladies, add this one to your home. London's 8 and he still plays with it.

This was my first, Hallmark.

Also from Egypt, some type of ceramic. Not the prettiest but unique all the same.

I love the Rainbow affect in the wood.

These figures are only about 3 inches tall.

My bestest music box, plays "Silent Night" of course.

Katy, my sister-in-law, got this for us from Hawaii.

I made this at a Super Saturday when I was 17.

Getting Ready for Christmas

I love my Jared. He was such a good sport to put up Christmas Lights. He even climbed a 20 ft ladder to get the "icicles" up on the roof. And had to figure out my mess up with the Snowflakes, cause I did the plug part backwards.

Yes I did help decorate the tree, but since Jared seems to not know how to use the camera I am not in the shot. The kids love doing the tree. No matter the time of year we buy an ornament where ever we go, I love to see where we've been.

This is Phoenix's favorite ornament. He plays with it all day. I'm always finding it in odd places in the house: the stairs, book case, on his pillow...etc.

Health Kick

Being raised in a family where eating was life I luckily never had to deal with my weight, ever. I was a naturally fit person who ran and played all day. Now....you'd think with 4 kids I continue to run all day, but that is not the case. I do run, but it's to the grocery store, piano lessons, and gymnastics (for my kids that is). Take all that "running" and add Mac and Cheese, Hot Dogs and Buckets of Jello....let's just say my fitness level is not where it used to be.

So I am making my New Years Resolution a bit early this year. Being the Holidays, this is not the best idea, too much good food out there. So I will have that pie, I will drink that Hot Chocolate but I'll have 1 slice not 5, 1 glass not 3. It all comes down to moderation. Throw in a bit of exercise and as soon as January 1, 2009 hits I hope to have a head start on the weight loss. :) And a healthy routine already in place.

I want that ME back. The active, eats whatever she wants, ME. That's the goal.

Belly Button Surgery

When Sicily was first born I noticed how cute her belly button was, kind of like a little question mark. But as she's grown and gotten more mobile we've noticed a change. Her belly button had a bit of a bubble on top. Nothing drastic, but obviously something was there. I mentioned it to the Pediatrician who sent me to a Pediatric Surgeon. I only talked to the man for about 3 mins and he said, "Yep, that's a hernia." So day after Christmas, Dec 26th, Sicily is having surgery on her belly button. It's a quick procedure I guess. The Dr said it's usually harder on the Mom than the babe, I'm already sure of that. So keep our little Sicily in your prayers that everything will go alright.

Who's the Boss?

No really...my kids do love each other most of the time. Notice the big smile. Wrestling is definitely one of our favorite past times when the big kids are at school

Daddy's Little Girl

So if you ever wonder why your baby girl loves Daddy so much more than you...Here's why!

Absolute Bribery!!! Chex Muddies Buddies make the best Buddies of all Daddies and Daughters.

Regular Occurance

It only ever happens on the one foot. The other shoe must just be too hard to take off. Honestly though I think she just likes to suck on her toes.

Bye Bye Bum

This shot's for Marlene. We love you Marlene!! Thanks so much for letting us crash your house and torture your cats. The kids were ever so sad to come home.

Though I'm not sure if that was cause they had to have a normal bed time again or cause they had to go back to school the next day. :) We had so much fun and are looking forward to the next time. Love you!!

Actual Thanksgiving

So much fun to be had and so little time. We had Thanksgiving dinner with some of Marlenes friends. 2 Grandmas and another family with kids the same age as ours, perfect! The home we were at is in a National Park, so it was beautiful. There were more leaves to jump in than we knew what to do with. And yes, that little blue blur is Phoenix rolling down the hill.

Sicily's bib says it all. We ate more food in 1 day than I think we normally eat in a week. This was our first Southern Style Thanksgiving. No deep fried Turkey. :( But the Corn Bread Stuffing will be added to my regular Thanksgiving menu. :) YUM!!All things said and done 4 kids were passed out in the car by the time we got home. Aspen rode with Marlene and the conversation when like this:

"Aunt Marlene can we listen to some nice calming music," requests Aspen.

"Sure!" turning to some quiet Christmas music.

"That's perfect," Aspen smiles.

She was OUT before the end of the song.

Another Alligator Park

We found this cutest little Petting Zoo / Alligator Park by Marlenes. The kids were a bit disappointed that they didn't get to actually pet the alligators. :) J/K Phoenix didn't want to go in cause he thought he's HAVE to pet the alligators. :)
Much to our delight they had Deer, Llama, Goats and Sheep. We even got to feed them some bread. At which the goats nipped our pants when we didn't feed them fast enough, little buggers.

It is an absolute must that you listen to Phoenix's commentary on this video. So turn up your sound and love it.

Thanksgiving Week

We had a most wonderful Thanksgiving at my sister, Marlene's house in Arkansas. Drove 9 hours (one way) in Jareds Truck and had so much fun. We totally invited ourselves over so Jared could work on her house for her. And I must say, he did an absolutely amazing job.

The kids and I got to rake leaves. After we had our fill of leaf rolling.....

We got to BURN them!! Which is WAY more fun than stuffing them into bags.

Marlene owns 2 beautiful little Kitty's. This is Cosmo, she's about 15 years old and the sweetest thing ever. Sicily LOVED the cats, the cats were none too fond of her. :)


On the other hand both my boys are extremely allergic to cats. So they spent the week drugged up on Claritin, and slept in a tent that remained closed all day so the cats could not get in.

And last but not least London learned how to build a fire. Aunt Marlene is a good teacher. Notice London in the background practicing the finer arts of chopping wood.

Loved It!

So this has been a long time coming. I went on Opening Night with about 20 girlfriends. I have never been part of an audience like that. The Theater was packed, I think there were only 5 guys, if that. The screaming was the absolute best, it was like an amusement park of excitement. So much fun!