Ten Things

Ten Things To Smile About this Month

1. Celebrating our Savior's birth and all of the
wonderful traditions that come with it

2. Fudge, cookies, egg nog... mmm holiday treats

3. Spending time with lots of family

4. Eric and my first night away together since the kids have been born

5. Watching Alex try to drive go-karts
only to have Lucas say "I don't think she is old enough"
6. Making donuts!


7. Getting my energy back--which was completely gone my first 8 weeks of pregnancy

8. BYU womping on the Beavers and being there to see it


9. Both kids being so excited and happy to see Santa

10. Christmas music, Christmas decorations, Christmas lights
{Previous Lists can be seen here}

Christmas Week: The Final Recap

Christmas was fast approaching. I had a good stack of presents I had already gotten for the kids, thinking I was awesome for being done early. "Did you ever ask the kids what they want?" Eric asked me... when I realized I had not!

So, one morning I asked: "Lucas what do you want for Christmas?"
Lucas: "I am just going to tell Santa, it's a secret."

I sat there stumped, what could I do? I was going shopping tomorrow. Lourie was going to watch both of my kids for me so I could shop in peace all morning. We weren't going to see Santa until that Saturday.

"Maybe we should write Santa a letter." I suggested.
He took the bait! So we sat down and wrote a letter, a dancing robot truck, a Lightning that shoots missiles and flies, and a car that drives on the walls and ceilings. He knew exactly what he wanted; none of which I had already bought.

Alex, she simply wanted one thing... lipstick. Sometimes I wonder who's daughter she is... I probably wear lipstick about once a month.

Luckily, as we all know Santa is amazing and he delivers.

He even brings toys for the big kids, with mom and grandma's help
... both boys got the same car that drives on the wall and ceilings

And a present from a primary teacher he adores is always special
And circuits and electricity and making things work...
well that will keep both boys entertained for hours
The aftermath of a wonderful Christmas DayCraigslist has been my jackpot the last several years;
doll house and tons of accessories only $50!

Christmas Week: The Recap Part 1

Before December is over I figure I had better tell about Christmas. We have been having a lot of fun as my parents and little sister are here from Illinois. So, between them and my older sister and her family that live close by, we have had a big crowd.

On Christmas Eve we got together and made our gingerbread houses, out of graham crackers, the easiest way to go.

My dad helped Alex build her house so I could get some pictures of the event
Lucas and Eric of course had fun, how could they not with all of that candy

Left: Alex's and my Dad's house Right: My house

Left: Eric's house Right: Lucas' house

Alex just kept trying to eat her house
We then lite a fire

(my kids and my nieces)

And acted out the nativity story...I think this baby is ready to come!

And for a Christmas Eve treat....
11 1/2 weeks

Merry CHRISTmas Everyone!

The Wind Blew--The Game Did Not!

We survived and loved the Las Vegas bowl. We made it to Vegas in record time, amazing how much time you save if you don't have to stop for kids to go to the bathroom. We got to Vegas and headed to the Bellagio for a late lunch at the buffet.

Tree at the Bellagio

Eric at the buffet

What can I say, if you have never eaten at a buffet in Vegas you need to. So much wonderful wonderful food. After we fully stuffed ourselves we headed out to the stadium where the adventure began.

Before the game began

We had heard it was going to be in the 40's by the end of the game with a possibility of rain, so we came prepared. I had a t-shirt, a sweater, a coat and a jacket. I was starting to think I was probably over prepared. Well nothing can prepare you for 40 mph winds, with gusts as much as 55... the entire game!

It took around 200 people to keep this flag from blowing away

It was freezing! The wind chill temperature was in the 20's. At times I felt like I was going to be blown over. There was constantly things blowing around the field, they had to take down the nets behind the goal posts as they were getting twisted around it.... but well it was probably a lot colder on the other side of the stadium as the Cougars ate the Beavers for breakfast!

Some shots of the players after the game

It was so fun being there with all of the fans, all freezing together but cheering on our Cougars. We joined the crowd on the field after the game to celebrate the victory then made it back to the truck. We were frozen to the bone but on a high from the game. Until we got back to our condo, then we crashed. I literally felt like I could fall asleep standing up. I do not remember being that cold and that physically exhausted ever in my life. But it was worth it!

This is the Week!

The lights are hung

The tree is up

The stockings are hung
I think we are ready!

I am so excited for this week. Not only is it Christmas, but tomorrow Eric and I are going to go Las Vegas to watch BYU play in the Las Vegas bowl. My parents and little sister are going to watch our kids for us. And do you know what I realized, this is the first time since Lucas has been born that Eric and I have been gone over night from our kids. So yes, very long over due and we are totally looking forward to it. Four hours in the car without anyone fighting or whining. Four hours without having to hand the kids snacks and start shows. And of course Wednesday morning you can bet we are going to be sleeping in.

We will be back in time for all of our Christmas Eve traditions and of course Christmas.

So I won't probably be around very much this week. So I am wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Photography and Changes

I really do enjoy taking pictures. I love capturing those precious moments, I love taking pictures of little kids in their innocence and joy. I love the interactions between people who love each other.
And who doesn't love pictures of little babies.

Some of you have asked me to tell you when I get my photography web site up. Well.... it still isn't up. While I am still doing jobs as they come and building my portfolio, I still have not made my website.

I have decided right before I have a baby is probably not the best time to be starting a business. Yep, I am almost 11 weeks pregnant now, due in the beginning of July. We are excited and a bit nervous to be out numbered. But ready or not, here we go.

Lucas and Alex are both excited and are both asking for a baby sister. I seem to have a few more symptoms similar to when I was pregnant with Lucas, but time will tell. We do plan on finding out.. I could never wait to the end. I am definitely already starting to show. All of the guys that Eric plays basketball with asked him if I was pregnant as their wives suspected so... so I guess no more hiding it. So come July things will be a lot different, but in the good wonderful/crazy sort of way.