Brain block

I feel like I've had a major brain block these days making it impossible to write a coherent blog post. So, I'll just write about what I did last night.

I went over to my sister Kami's house to finish a project and she was kind enough to invite me to go to dinner and see Christmas lights with her family. My parents showed up at Kami's house and we all piled into Chad's mammoth truck and drove over to Spanish Fork for yummy Mexican dinner. I got to sit by Cameron and bug him all night by smothering him with aunt kisses which he was trying to avoid.....but deep down I know he loved them!! After dinner we drove to the Spanish Fork lights and I think we all enjoyed listening to the kids making comments on the pretty lights. Half of what Spencer said was jibberish but he said it with such enthusiasm and excitement that we couldn't help but listen and laugh. My nephews are too cute!! On the way home Cameron was very chatty with me asking me all sorts of questions about which Star Wars bad guy is my favorite and if I like carnivores or herbivores better (as they relate to dinosaurs, of course). But my favorite question was, "So, Kristi, how was your anniversary?". So very random and hilarious!!

Thanks to Kami and her family for including me last night! I had a great time!!!

Decorating our Christmas tree!

This year I wanted to reuse our decorations for last year (cuz I'm cheap) but I wanted to do something a little different. I got our red and white decorations last year at IKEA and this year I found some orange and red decorations. I only had to buy half the amount of orange and red and then I reused the red ones from last year. I know orange and red aren't traditional Christmas colors, but look how great it turned out!!!!
And of course, a picture of my 3 weird-o's!
Friday Samantha went to see Santa with her preschool class. We were going to take Alex but he had just woken up super cranky from a nap so he didn't want to go. I had to stay home with him while Andy took Samantha and apparently Andy couldn't remember how to use our camera! ;-) So the picture is a little washed out. Oh well, you get the idea.

Things kids say that make you want to keep them!!

The other day when I picked up Samantha from preschool she was just finishing a cookie that the class had baked together. As I was strapping her in the car I asked what kind of cookie she ate. She told me it was a chocolate cookie with mint chips. I told her that sounded yummy and it was mommy's favorite kind of cookie. She responded, "Oh, I should have saved you some of my cookie. Sorry!". She really is a terribly sweet little girl!

I was making some lemon cookies a couple of days ago when Alex peeked into the oven and said, "Mom, you're an awesome cooker!!". Then I started to talk to myself wondering why one tray was cooking so much faster than the other. Alex could tell I was getting a little annoyed so he stood up for me by kicking the oven and saying, "Shape up cookies!!!". What a brave little boy to stand up to cookies for his mommy!!

Shocking Behavior!!

Andy will be shocked when he gets home from Canada tonight!! He ordered me a Christmas present from Victoria's Secret (don't go getting horrible flabby images in your mind....I think he bought flannel PJs) and the package arrived today. Here is the shocker though.......I didn't open the package!!!! I know!! It's so unlike me! I usually open everything early because I can't stand to wait for presents! Today I just picked it up off the front porch and stuck it in the pantry with the rest of the presents! I guess come Christmas I'll at least have one surprise......even if it is just the pattern of my pajamas!

Alex

This morning I was getting Alex dressed and he was talking weird and being silly so I said to him, "Alex, you're weird!". To which he replied, "Yeah, but I'm an awesome dude!". Good point little man!

Disturbing

I am disturbed. I was just on www.drugstore.com and came across something called......wait for it......Chicken Poop!!!! It is described as "Free Range Chicken Poop Lip Balm". I kid you not!! It's just a goof and there is no poop in the product, but seriously, that is a really bad name for a product!

Going out of Business

Does anyone else feel bad when they see a business going under? I always do. Especially one that has only been in business for a few months. You know that someone thought they had a good idea, spent a lot of time and money into starting the business and then held on and hoped for the best! With every new little restaurant that opens I always want to go and give them a try and try to bring in some business. Unfortunately, I usually don't make it before they close. I don't know that I would ever have the guts to start a business. I would be so afraid of failure. I guess I just don't have the entrepreneurial kind of personality. But I admire those who do have that kind of personality and who do try. Even if they fail.

WEAK!

I don't know who saw the DD&D episode but they barely even showed us! Well, actually, they only showed me! They showed a whole bunch of ugly people but not my adorable kids! I take offense to that! All of the shots done outside were obviously done on a different day or just earlier than when we were there. Guy wasn't there for those shots either but I guess they liked them better since they got the most air time. Oh well! I got shown a few times but I really wanted to see the kids on the TV. I am banning DD&D in my house now! Okay, not really.

TONIGHT!!!

Our episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is on tonight!!! It is airing at 8 pm and 11 pm. We're not sure if they'll show us talking but I'm sure we'll at least be seen eating our food. Cross your fingers that we don't look like idiots!!!! Woo hoo!

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a fun, albeit, hectic Thanksgiving this year. Thanksgiving morning was relaxed and we just chilled at home until around 1.30 when we headed to my parents house. We ate a very delicious meal there and had fun talking with family and friends. After dinner we even pulled out some crafts and the girls sat around painting while poor Grammy and Grampy were left chasing after grandkids! I don't know why they want any more because the 5 we have keeps all of us running!!! But they are cute!!
After dinner at my parent's house we headed to Andy's parent's house to have dessert. Andy's brother, Dave and his family were in town so it was good to catch up with them. We are lucky to see them once or twice a year so we always have a good time talking when we get together. Dessert was delicious and the kids played nicely with their older cousins until it was bedtime.

Friday morning we headed back to Andy's parent's house for a yummy breakfast and then we spent the whole morning there chatting. Again, the kids played surprisingly well and let the grown-ups enjoy talking with each other. Finally, Alex came up to me to say he was ready to go home so we headed back for nap time.
Friday night we again met with Andy's family for dinner at Spark. I can't say that it was as delicious as I remember it being but I still have this cold that makes everything taste bland, so it was my fault. The kids behaved quite well but didn't eat much and everyone else seemed to enjoy their meal. Most of the family was leaving Saturday so this was our last chance to get together. We had an enjoyable time but now we get back to reality and Andy traveling this week to Toronto! It's okay though.....I'm planning to have him bring back some good codeine medicine for me!
I hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving break!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
This year I am thankful for many things. I am thankful that I have a wonderful family. A husband who loves and takes care of me and 2 great kids who are my life. I am thankful to have a home to live in, cars to drive, food to eat and clothes to wear. I am thankful Andy has a job that provides those things for us and for Andy for working hard to ensure that he keeps that job! ;-)
I am thankful to live in America. It really is the greatest country even though many around the world don't believe that and try to destroy it. I am thankful I know about (and believe in) the gospel of Jesus Christ and am thankful for the peace it brings to my life. I am thankful for my health and the health of my family and friends.
I am a very blessed person and for that I feel like I need to give thanks. So, thank you to my Heavenly Father who has given me these blessings as well as many others. I am grateful!

Big girl

This really doesn't happen too often in our family. Our kids have never been good car sleepers but today while Andy took Samantha out for errands she snuggled up with her lamb and took a little snooze. Andy took this picture with his phone and sent it to me and as I looked at it I realized how BIG she looks!!! She's huge in her car seat and looks so grown-up! She even has her little leg crossed over the other one. Too cute if you ask me!

For real???

Seriously??? I'm STILL sick?? You've got to be kidding me??!!! I was down all day Saturday and Sunday. Thought I was making a comeback yesterday only to be SLAMMED with an earache Monday night. And then today the sinuses are clogged to the max and I sound like a frickin' cartoon!! Call me if you don't believe me! You'll laugh, I promise. Every word has a "b" tacked on the end. I hope to get better by Thursday or I'll be spending Turkey Day alone in bed! Although......I could think of worse things....

Just a few things

I think before anyone gets married they should have to be sick and have their partner take care of them. It's a really good indicator of how much they love you and care for you. I was sick all weekend and Andy was a dear as I laid on the couch all weekend and moaned and sneezed and napped. He took care of the kids, the house and me. He even braved the germs every now and again to come and kiss my sick forehead! I'm sure he was praying for me to get better and the weekend to be over, but he was sweet the whole time. I done did good in choosing a husband!!

We thought for a while there my dad might have cancer, but he doesn't!!!! Woo hoo!!!

I just want to know FOR SURE if we're moving to London or not. We thought we'd know by now, but with the yucky state the economy is in (I'm sure that's how they describe the economy on CNN - yucky!), I think JP Morgan is having a hard time figuring out their budget for next year. Not that I blame them! We are hoping moving us to London is in their budget, but I'm not quite sure it is anymore. Oh well, we are happy here! Time will tell!

I am SO close to having all of my Christmas shopping done! I'll probably take my sisters to the mall and have them choose something for me to buy them and I WILL BE DONE!!! What a good feeling!

My parakeet is loud. But cute. And he makes my eyes itch.

Spark the Spectacular!! (wow, that was cheesy)

Andy and I and our friends went to a new restaurant last night, Spark. Actually, Andy has been there before for lunch but the dinner menu was new to all of us. Our friend's husband is the sous chef there and made us a tasting menu. Andy took pictures of everything and I am sure he will write a big long post on our experience but I just wanted to add that it was the best food I've ever had!!!! And a lot of fun!! Check out their Facebook page here. And PLEASE, go eat there so we can talk about it together!! Check back later to see Andy's full post, including pictures, on the incredible food.

Bird : Take 2

Since my last little parakeet lasted only 2 weeks (RIP Pip!) we decided to get another bird. The breeder that I got Pip from had another parakeet available and gave him to me because she felt so badly about Pip. Samantha was wanting another bird and so was I. Saturday we drove back up to Ogden and picked up this little guy.

His name? Oh, you want to know his name?? I'm afraid I don't want to say. We wanted the kids to be involved in the naming process so all 4 of us got to pick a name and then we pulled the chosen name out of hat. Here were the choices:

1. PJ (For Pip Junior. This was my choice)
2. Strawberry Shortcake (I'm sure you can guess who's choice this was)
3. Spiderman (Another easy guess)
4.

Number 4 was Andy's choice. He was going to choose Spiderman just to stack the odds but decided to go a different direction. I'll give you a hint:

That's right, Chewbacca. And guess which name magically got pulled out of the hat??? Yup, Chewbacca (aka, Chewy). Sooooooo, this sweet little parakeet got stuck with the name Chewy which, I don't think, fits him at all!! I can't even call him that. He goes by Dude, and Baby to me. Or sometimes, You Little Terd.
He is a funny little bird! He LOVES to sit on heads....especially mine since I think it resembles a fancy little nest for him.
He loves to fly even though his wings are clipped and he flies like he just had a pint. He runs into everything and although I was planning to have his wings grow out I am now reconsidering since he likes to fly into very dangerous, high places.

He loves to have his head rubbed. He won't eat his bird seed out of the container hanging on the cage, but has to eat it off the floor. So I found him this cute little gerbil treat bowl that is now sitting on the floor filled with his seed. He seems happy with it. I'll just have to make sure it stays poop-free. Today was the first day he was very vocal and chipped his little head off this morning. It was very cute and I loved the sound of it in my house. The fact is, this bird has more personality than some adult humans I have met!!!! I really didn't think this house needed any more personality, but I guess he is still less maintenence than a kid.....or a puppy.....or a kitty. So I'll take that.

The night to myself!!

It's not even 6 pm yet and I got both of my kids in bed already!!! Does that make me a cruel mother, or just the MOST AWESOME, LUCKIEST LADY EVER??????

New Pictures

Some of you may have noticed the new pictures on the side of my blog. My talented sister Richele took these new pictures for us for our Christmas cards. So here's your sneak preview to that! Also, I wanted a couples picture taken of Andy and I since we haven't had a good couples picture taken since our wedding! I think it turned out great! Thanks for the nice pictures Shell!

Taking the kids to jail.....where they belong!!! ;-)

Samantha's preschool group went to the Utah County Jail for a field trip on Friday. Her preschool teacher's father is the County Sheriff so she knew everyone there and got the tour organized. It was a VERY fun trip! It was my turn to take Samantha and our neighbor and since I couldn't get a babysitter for Alex he tagged along.
The first thing we saw was the laundry area and the kids even got to try on some (clean) clothes.

All along the way the officer was telling us lots of fun and interesting information about the jail. Well, fun and interesting for the adults. The kids were just kind of skipping around and playing. Alex was a little hesitant as was our neighbor EJ, but Samantha was running around like she owned the place!! That is one thing about that little girl.....she can make herself at home anywhere! When she goes to Andy's work she walks around like she is the CEO! Funny girl. Anyways, after the laundry we went into the kitchen where they offered the kids some "jailhouse cookies" that were cooked by the inmates the day before. In this picture you can see some of the inmates in the background.

When we were done with the kitchen we went to the control center where they control all the doors and the security systems. They showed us on the security monitor what the inside of the housing units looked like. They were A LOT nicer than I expected and quite modern. It was a very interesting look at how they live. They are given TV and access to games and the officer explained that they give them these things so that they have something to take away for bad behavior. Sounds a lot like raising kids if you ask me!!!

We then went to the 911 dispatch center and talked to a very nice lady about important things for kids to know when calling 911. I doubt many kids were paying much attention since they were consuming their second lollipop for the day!!

Our last stop was outside to play with a Sheriff's truck. Each kid got to push the siren button and honk the horn. Of course, this was a huge hit!! You can tell the officer is a grandpa because he was so patient and sweet with every kid.

Afterward we got to try on some handcuffs. I really hope this is everyones last time wearing them!!!

My little carnivores!

Today we met Andy at work so we could run over to Costco and get flu shots. The kids already got theirs so it was Andy's and my turn. After the shots we did our Costco shopping and decided to go to dinner. We chose Tucanos and I was amazed at the quantity of meat my kids can consume when they want. Samantha was asking for everything and tried it all. I was so proud. Alex was a little less enthusiastic but ate a ton of my pork and beef brisket. The meat was all very good but the beans and rice and cheese bread were CRAP compared to what you eat in Brazil. I think the trip to Brazil ruined me for eating that stuff in the states. It's just not the same!

And another random thought......when did it become okay to get excited about gas falling under $2.00 a gallon? That is just sad, but so typical of these days. I remember when I was a kid my dad RUNNING out to get gas before it went all the way up to a dollar!!! Heaven forbid!! I miss the good ol' days.