Sunday, December 19, 2010

Remember the meaning of Christmas




I get so wrapped up in things sometimes. This year I have been so concerned with doing things as a family that I am beginning to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Yes it is good to have fun family activities where everyone is included but the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ and becoming more Christ-like. So in the spirit of that I am going to stop worrying about being left out of things or that we are not doing activities together as a whole family and start remembering that I am blessed to even have a family to share this holiday with. I am going to stop getting upset about things I cannot control and remember what Christ would do. He would make sure that this season is special for the children and not that they can't go somewhere or do something because they are too young or too small. Being small isn't so bad. You still believe. There is still magic. They have been in Christ's presence not too long ago and they know the true meaning of Christmas. I know that the Savior is in my life to teach me and correct me when I am being selfish or self-centered. So enough whoah is me and move on to WOW is me. Because WOW I have a good life.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas in July?











You've heard of Christmas in July, but how about Sprinklers in December? Well in Arizona we play that way. Today we had our annual mom's group cookie exchange at our house. All the moms brought yummy treats while we socialized and the kids created the disaster zone as I like to call it. Thanks to my toy binds the clean up was a piece of cake. Anyways, there we are eating our yummy cookies and gossiping when we hear all this high pitched laughing outside. Low and behold there are the kids running through the sprinklers, soaking wet. By that point it was, what is the point in stopping them so I grabbed my camera and we took advantage of a very funny situation. The kids had a blast and that is what is important right. Good thing it is like 80degrees here, no one was even cold afterward.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I LOVE GRASS






Yup, we have it. Finally. After living in our house for 8 months (wow that has gone by fast) we finally have a yard full of grass. Last weekend we got the family together, which isn't much now a days, and we rolled over 48oo square yards of sod on to our before very sad yard. Now it is beautiful. Grass for miles. Not really miles but let me tell you our yard feels so much bigger now that we have a lawn full of lush green grass. It took me about a week to recover from the labor and we didn't think we could make it after 6 hours so we went and hired some eager curb workers, but it finally got done. Now we can enjoy it and use the left over pallets for the many bon fires over Christmas break. That is if it ever cools down enough to have a fire (it's back up to 80 degrees this week). No white Christmas here. :(










Next step swing set. The kids are going to love it!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Family Picture Time

Once a year I drag Brandon out of the house to take a family picture. He doesn't like it but he is a trooper and does what I ask. He even lets me pick out what he will wear. This year we got a deal because my friend Erin who is an amazing photographer offered to do a trade. I took her family pictures a few weeks ago (and they are awesome I might add) and then she took ours this week. I wanted to go to somewhere new but we ended up taking them at Red Mt Ranch (we have taken family pictures here before and I have taken a lot of pictures there). But it was fun to see how someone else works behind the camera. She actually had us take some shots in different spots so I learned a lot and the pictures turned out beautiful. I don't want to give away our Christmas card pictures yet so I will just put some of the other ones up for your viewing eyes. The kids were pretty good. Jackson got a new lightening car after the shoot so that was motivation for him but Lizzy is just a chaotic whirlwind these days and there is no form of bribery or asking that will keep her down lol. Still Erin did a great job. Hopefully this will be a yearly thing.















And if you want to see some of the recent pictures I have taken check out my photography blog: http://stokerphotography.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 3, 2010

Okay Okay

I have been so busy lately I have really been slacking on my blogging responsibilities. Since I know all of you are dying to know what we have been up to (yeah right), here is what is going on in our house. First we had a great Thanksgiving. Pretty low key but yummy with a side of mmmmm. Jackson's favorite part was walking to the park, even though we didn't make it to the park because the short cut gate was locked. He still thought it was fun. And Diane's yummy orange rolls. Like gooey goodness in my mouth. Lizzy looked adorable in her turkey shirt and with all the excitement I totally forgot to put her down for a nap. There we are half way through dinner when I look over and Elizabeth is fast asleep in her high chair, stuffing hanging off her bottom lip. I wish I had my camera. It was hilarious.

Now onto Christmas, my favorite time of the year. I think it even surpasses Halloween now which is amazing because I LOVE HALLOWEEN! But something about having kids around really brings out the Christmas spirit. They are so excited about everything. The lights, the movies, the cold weather, and especially Santa this year. I am actually surprised at how much Jackson is excited about Santa coming. I guess he is finally at an age to know who Santa is. He is definately a kid though because I say to him are you excited for Santa to come and his response is, "YEAH I WANT PRESENTS" all sweet like. We decorated the tree and Jack expertly placed the ornaments on each branch while Lizzy expertly took off the ones already on the branches. It was like taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back. But now it is up, the ornaments have stayed on so far, and they just like looking at the lights and saying, "oooohhhh." Jackson keeps telling Brandon, "Dad put lights on the house please". That is our next step.









We have been a little behind in the holiday decorations because WE ARE GETTING GRASS TOMORROW! Finally our yard will not look like a dry deserted dump. I never knew how much yard work goes into preparing to lay sod. Ridiculous. I will definitely take some before and after shots for you all to see.

Brandon and I went down to New Mexico a few weeks ago for a job interview. I was so grateful because my wonderful mom came down to visit and watch the kids while we were gone. What a great mom huh? Anyways, no news on the job yet but we will keep you all posted. I would be sad to move but this is a huge opportunity that will not come along for a long time. Pray that he gets it! While my mom was here I put her to work sewing. I think she felt a little like a slave but at the same time she has been without a sewing machine for a few months now so I think she liked getting behind the machine and making some beautiful things. She thinks I am crazy because I don't use patterns for most of my stuff. But I think that is half the fun. Designing something that is one of a kind. Here is what we came up with. Lizzy is such a funny model because she hates wearing clothing these days so I have to force her to put the dresses on. She really is a little spunky girl. There is one more that I still have to finish but I ran out of fabric.

Well that's it I guess. Just busy getting ready for the holidays. Making chocolates, finishing our shopping, hanging decorations, and seeing family. The most wonderful time of the year.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thankful

This time of the year it is so hard to narrow down all the things I am thankful for so I decided that I am just going to make a TOP 5 list of the first things that come to my mind:

1. My family, near and far. I am lucky enough to have married into a wonderful family that loves me and treats me like one of their own. Without them we would be lost. My own family lives so far away but I feel their love every day through phone calls, text messages, and emails. We may only see each other a few times a year but I know exactly what is going on in their lives and that is what is important.

2. My children. I can't stand to be away from them for more than 24 hours and that is a love I never knew. They light up my life with their hugs and excited faces. Everything is new to them and I love sharing those moments with them.

3. My husband. (I KNOW #3 RIGHT?) He is my rock. He keeps me grounded and inspired. He truly loves me and I can feel it in my soul with a support I can lean on every day. He wants me to succeed in all my endeavors, and trust me that is a lot these days. Even when I am grumpy or stressed I know he can take it and still loves me for my passion. And what I love most is that he always puts my happiness above everything, even if it doesn't necessarily make him happy.

4. The gospel. Oh where would I be in my life without it? I was lost in this world and the Lord brought me to the light. (Even as I type this I am crying and overwhelmed with gratefulness). I know that where ever life takes me I will always have a constant. Christ will be there and I know that God has a plan for me and knows what will happen. With my faith in him I can make it through anything. When I joined the LDS church I told myself I would never take it for granted but that is hard when everything in your life seems to work out for the best. My trials are less trying, my hardships are easier to overcome, and my heart is always filled with love.

5. My friends. I am so grateful to have great friends. People who know me and I can count on. I think that is hard to come by these days and it is especially hard for me to depend on others but I depend on them. They keep me sane. They have been through it. They support each other through tough times. They are the good people in the world and I am lucky to be a part of their life.

To everyone that reads this blog thank you for loving our family. We may be miles apart but I feel closer to all of you through your comments and knowing that you are reading about us. We love you all. Happy Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Wanted

Haven't posted lately because we are really busy. Lots of stuff going on. Will post soon!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Let's Eat Some Pie

Today we had a few friends over for a pie tasting play date. Everyone brought a pie that they made and we shared the calories. I made Brandon's favorite, banana cream and it was delicious if I must say so myself. Then we did a fun turkey craft that I found on the internet. You take a pine cone and stick feather shaped paper in the slots, gluing them in place. Then we used wooden balls as the heads, wiggle eyes (an all time fav), and pipe cleaners for the beak and feet. The kids had a great time. Jackson especially loved the pine cone turkeys because right now he is obsessed with pine cones. He even posed for pictures with his turkeys, he really is a turkey. (And he is wearing his Woody jammies because he refused to take them off). Thanks to Gabriella, Heather, Stacy, and Brooklyn for enjoying Thanksgiving treats early this year.





Down fall of the day was a large, black washable marker incident. Lately Jackson thinks it is really fun to draw on the walls with black washable marker. I thought we handled it the other day but apparently I hadn't because while I was eating my pie Jackson decided to draw on the walls and the pink coach with black washable marker. It came off the walls fine but the cushions were another story. I tried everything, and nothing seemed to work so I just gave up and threw the covers in the washer. The marker came out but I am not sure about the covers (they are still drying). Needless to say, the markers are out of reach now and Jackson spent a good "time out" in his room. I hate sending him to his room but sometimes the mallet must fall and judgment needs to be placed.

Elizabeth had a fun time with her friends and she looked so cute in her Turkey shirt. I love making holiday shirts for the kids activities. It is a cheap way to celebrate each holiday.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Haunting and Halloween Parties





This week was a whirlwind of Halloween fun and treats. We started off Monday with our ward Halloween party. Chili and cornbread, cake walks, and a trunk-or-treat. What is it about Halloween that makes everyone eat chili? Then on Tuesday we had a costume party at our friends Liz and Lexie's house. All the kids were dressed in their costumes. It was so cute. Lots of bugs for the girls and Toy Story for the boys.

On Friday we had a Halloween party at our house. I love Halloween so much as some of you may know, so having a party at our house was a real "treat". I made these super cute monster cupcakes, carmel popcorn, pumpkin bread, mummy dogs, and oozzz punch. We also had slime for all the kids to take home. Unfortunately when you are hosting it is hard to take pictures so I didn't get any but I will snag some from one of the other mom's that came. Then on Sat we went to the neighborhood party and I have to say I don't think Jackson has ever had more fun in his life. They had 4 large bounce houses, toy fishing, football toss, cake walk, and face painting. Jackson spent the whole time running around from one activity to the next. Taking only a few minutes off to eat 2 hotdogs! Elizabeth loved all the attention she was getting by strutting around in her bee costume. After the party we did a little trick-or-treating but Jackson wasn't really into it so we came back to the house and watched the classic Disney Halloween. We only made it 10 min into the movie when I looked over and saw my little Nemo fast asleep on the coach. It was a great Halloween. It is so much fun with kids around to get into all the festivities.

I love this face on Lizzy in the bounce house. She looks like a bee stuck in a web.


Thursday, October 28, 2010

Recycle and Reuse

Lately I have really been into making old things into something fresh and new. Like taking an old t-shirt and turning it into a cute ruffle fashion t. This blog has such great ideas on how to recycle and reuse old clothing.

http://naptimecrafters.blogspot.com/2010/10/sweater-dress.html

I am totally going to make the sweater dress and fleece jacket. Both will look great on Lizzy.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Parenting Magazine Top 10

Signs You're a Tuned-Out Mom

1. Gaga still make you think of a toddler instead of a woman with a zipper eye patch urging you to just dance.
2. Pink remind you of nurseries and tutus, not nose rings and tattoos.
3. Coldplay is how your kid leans to stop forgetting his gloves every time he leaves the house.
4. Black Eyed Peas are, alas, tragically unpopular with tweens.
5. The Pussycat dolls sound like the perfect holiday presents for your 5-year old niece.
6. Eminem? A sheer delight, proven to inspire kids to act more politely. (MY FAVORITE)
7. Vampire weekend was that time your 12-year old saw Twilight, then spent all her waking hours pining for Robert Pattinson (and all her bedtime hours afraid to go to sleep.)
8. Nickelback is the cry you hear after the supermarket gumball machine fails to dispense the Mike and Ike candies to your preschooler.
9. Maroon 5 must be that crayon that replaced Burnt Sienna.
10. Linkin Park sounds like an educational family field trip. Why isn't it in the GPS?

Not that out of touch yet but I'm sure someday I will be there.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Guilty Pleasures

We all have them. Let's just get it out there. Some have one for ice cream. Others for gossip magazines. Lately mine has been blog hunting. YUP. I'M GUILTY. I have found so many great blogs lately (most have to do with sewing because that seems to be my free time passion these days). Check out my list on the right side to see some of my favorite blogs I have found recently. You never know what you might discover through the internet, what a great thing!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

???




IS IT HALLOWEEN YET MOM?