Saturday, November 29, 2008

Tis the Season

Did you see the ad at Walmart for the $25 dollar pre-lit Christmas tree? Guess What?!?!?! I got one! It is so fun having a "larger" Christmas tree than our little 3' one. Although it did us well for 2 years, I am glad that I have something to call my own. It was definitely a blessing with a student budget. What do you think?Andie wasn't sure what I was doing. Now that it is all decorated, she goes up to it and says, "Ball!! Pretty....BALL!! Pretty!" It is usually followed by, "Andie, don't touch!" It is fun though. Her and Ali love to look at the lights.
Yes, I still need the Angel Stand - I had to use her box to lift her up. I also needed some height on Mary and Joseph. It works!
Doesn't the Holiday Season make you so happy and cheerful? If it doesn't - we need to talk!! I love it!

Friday, November 28, 2008

It's a good thing I have 14 years until she can really start driving. If this was any type of prelude to how it's going to be....YIKES!

Turkey Day

We had a great Thanksgiving! We got together with our friends Cory, Mara, Cole and Emma. The kids had great time playing together, the food was DELICIOUS and it was such a gorgeous day to play! Andie LOVED riding the power wheel as you will see below. Hope you all had a great day as well!

Andie, are you excited for the food?
Shawn, Ali, Emma, Cole
My green girls!
Cory slicing my turkey. Yes, I made the turkey! We had a delicious little Butterball Turkey Breast - you can buy them at Costco or Kroger! They are the best and perfect size for us!Mara finishing up the last of the side dishes. Everything was so delicious!

As was mentioned earlier, it was such a nice day to play outside. Andie enjoyed riding around in the power wheel, Ali hung out on the grass, Shawn tossed a football around with Cory and I, well, I mainly chased Andie in the power wheel so we wouldn't run into cars and curbs. Needless to say, most of the time I failed at catching her before the curbs. She had a blast though.
Little Ali girl was so nice. She loves to be outside!
Cole riding his bike that he got for his birthday a few weeks ago
The boys playing football. They actually did go to the turkey bowl in the morning. I feel bad for the poor little missionary who collided with Shawn. His nose was bleeding and he was all banged up. Apparently he has broken his nose twice already on the mission, we hope Shawn didn't make it a third!! Shawn was slightly injured as well, a few of his ribs hurt, especially when he laughs or Andie tries to wrestle him. Oh well, all fun and games, right?
This is what happens to a two year old when you are required to SHARE!!!

We had a great day - hope yours was eventful as well!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! What a great time to reflect on all of our many blessings! We are so lucky to have such great family and friends. We love you all and appreciate all you do for us. We are grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the knowledge that families can be together forever.

We wish you ALL a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy your Turkey!

Monday, November 24, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

Yes - today my dad is turning _______ - that magical number.
I had some pictures of remembering the good old days!









Next year will be really magical when he turns 60!!
Sure love you!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

How Much Do You Pay?

Let me ask you this question...When was the last time your paid $1.85 for gas?

TODAY?!?!?!?!?

Well, if you didn't then you need to move to Athens! Because I DID!!!!!! That's right - I filled my car today, paying only $1.85/gallon for gas and get this - I filled up for a total of $19.76

We are so blessed! Hopefully it will stay low for a while!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Don't Worry - We are alive

So, I have noticed it has been a while since I have posted. OOPS. I could blame that on my "busy" life or for my sudden lack of enthusiasm to blog. I guess only the future will tell.

We have been extremely busy it seems and I have been spending more time with the girls and less time in the computer room - so that has been great. Here are some pictures to catch up what we have been doing!

Reading Books
Eating Halloween CandyReading More BooksMaking PieEating Pie!! I have never made a pie before and I volunteered to make 3 for an upcoming wedding reception in our ward - therefore I thought it best to practice. It was DELICIOUS!!
Yes, we have been enjoying reading lately. We have also been attending Story Time at the Library - Andie loves it. However, in this picture she is getting mad at 'Sister' because she is touching the book!

Growing Teeth, Crawling, Climbing, Stand up on EVERYTHING!! Really, I blame Ali for this lack of posting! She has acquired 4 teeth in the last 2 weeks (3 on top and another on bottom) and has one more one top ready to come - that would give her 7 all together!

On top of all of that - Shawn has been busy with school and still trying to complete his thesis. It has to be done this week!! HOORAY! Let's hope he makes it. There were a few days last week and the week before where I didn't see him for 48 hours because he would leave before I was up and I would be in bed before he got home! I guess that is why the girls and I have tried to keep busy!

I have been busy with an assignment to serve on the enrichment committee (no, not a calling, just an invitation to do so) received a second calling to serve as a VT supervisor, tried to visit teach the 5 sisters assigned to me(maybe I can change that now!) plus I get to speak in sacrament meeting and teach RS this upcoming Sunday! Don't get me wrong - I am not complaining - Just Busy!

I was able to host a girls night this Friday at my house - which motivated me to clean and dejunk - it was great. I got together with the girls from Shawn's department and we had a great time. Plus a great excuse to not worry about the diet, buy candy that sounded good (and yes - I bought it all) and just enjoy time without kids! Thanks Shawn for watching Andie and Ali.

Chocolate Filled Bars, Swedish fish, PB M&M's, Chocolate Covered Raisins, Dark Chocolate M&M's, Jr. Mints, Hot Tamales, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Charleston Chews, Chips and Salsa, Chocolate Chips Cookies, Raspberry Sherbet w/ sprite, Brownies and Strawberries - Who could resist such a party?
Molly, Stephanie, Sarah D.
Laura S. & Laura L.
Zandra & Sarah F.

Diana and Joy didn't get their pictures - sorry! I had a blast - thanks everyone who came!

Needless to say with our busy lives, we have had a great time and feel so blessed for all that we have!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Olive Garden


I went to lunch today with my friends LeAnn and Mara to Olive Garden. It was so yummy - not exactly Weight Watcher's friendly, but definitely worth the opportunity to get out of the house with no kids! I tried their new soup - Chicken and Gnocchi and I thought it was great!! Plus, who can resist their bread sticks and salad? It was so yummy. Thanks Shawn for watching the girls and letting me get out of the house for a few hours!

PS - For those of you interested, I found out the nutritional values and one bread stick is 3 pts.; 1 salad portion is 4 pts. I am comparing the soup to another chicken and gnocchi recipe and it worked out to 4 pts. per serving!!