the hancock family

Glitter and a Banner

2012-02-12T20:01:00.001-07:00

Is it to early to be talking Easter?!

I've recently opened an etsy shop (yikes!) for all of my crafty endeavors, namely banners and all things party. But it is next to impossible to get anything done with a toddler. Good thing I think she is so cute because it is so frustrating! She is just like her Mommy and wants to play with all the fun crafty supplies. Libby loves to color. She colors most of the day. Her favorite is to color with markers, I don't know how she always manages to find the permanent markers because I hide them. And she is quite the artist, and does not like to limit herself to coloring on paper, oh no. She likes to color on the wall, and the couch, but mainly on herself. Ummmm not so cute. She also loves my glitter, and has dumped out a few of my little vials. I now hate glitter. It is next to impossible to clean. Thank you Libby for making the whole house so sparkly. So sweet.

So if you'd like to check out my shop, you can find it here: A Lovely Party, on etsy. I currently just have this one bunny banner available, but I am working on other Easter and Spring designs, so there is more to come soon. Or if you'd like to see a certain design let me know, I love suggestions!

J Avis Town

2012-02-12T19:39:00.003-07:00

This last week was so busy. And I just wanted to share one of my favorite parts which was Ethan's field trip. Ethan's class has been working really hard in preparing for this field trip. All of the students learned some really important life skills; such as writing checks, balancing a check book, job interviews, etc. J Avis is set up to look like an indoor mall with stores like Papa John's, Wells Fargo, City Hall, Best Buy, Cox, just to name a few. Each student was given a job. Ethan was the CFO at Wells Fargo. Each student was responsible for watching the clock and going on breaks on time. They received a pay check and had to deposit it in the bank on their break, then they were able to go shopping and spend their money. I was really impressed with how well organized J Avis was, and thought it was such a great learning experience for the kids. Anyway it was a really fun day and I am so glad I was able to hang out with my Ethan.

Valentine's Day

2012-01-28T20:07:00.001-07:00

magnifying glass valentine

car valentine

love these lights

book pages heart banner

top secret love note

heart wreath

I love Valentine's Day. Just thought I'd share a few of my favorite V day ideas from pinterest. More ideas here. Enjoy!

A BiRthdaY PReSent

2012-01-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Last year for my Birthday I asked Shawn to build me a built in bookshelf. He is so handy, I just wanted to give him an opportunity to put his great talent to use... Well he didn't like the idea and he bought me something instead. (boo hoo) But with my Birthday coming up next month he knew I'd be making the same request. It is all I want! So I am not sure if he built it to make up for last year, or if it was an early present, but either way I am so in love with it! He and Ethan whipped it up together, and I painted it. I think it turned out great. I am still working on accessorizing it, and I will probably change it several more times until I get it just right.

To go with my bookshelf I had to make a new banner, actually, I made it for my sister Amb, but I had to hang it up to make sure it looked okay before I mailed it off to her, and I almost kept it for myself. I love Valentines Day.

Park Day

2012-01-11T09:19:00.001-07:00

Ethan wouldn't let go of Libby, he was so worried that she was going to fall in the lake! So sweet.

I love the way Libby runs. She twists her upper body and her arms pump from side to side. Its hilarious. I need to get a video of it.

After cleaning out my freezer I discovered my stash of old bread that I had saved for a park day. (I can't be the only one that does this...good intentions... forgotten? Probably, I am a slacker.) After picking up the boys from school we headed over to the park. I was happily surprised that there were so many ducks, over a hundred easily, aren't they supposed migrate? Well lucky for us they hadn't and we had tons of hungry ducks that were very happy to see us. My Mother Hen, aka Ethan was so worried about libby falling in that he was a nervous wreck at first, I am surprised he doesnt have ulcers! At first I was holding on to Libby to appease him, but then he joined in on the fun, but held on to her himself (apparently I wasn't doing it well enough). Libby loved feeding the ducks and the geese, she also loved feeding herself...One for you, one for me! It was so fun, simple pleasures. I was asking myself the whole time why we hadn't done this sooner. Silly me.

MeRry CHristMaS

2011-12-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

Brunch at Dad and Nancy's

The Nativity

Hayden would only be Joseph if Maddie was Mary. Smart boy, she is a looker!

Hayden opening his present. An xbox.

Amb and I waited in line for over two hours for that baby on black Friday.

Libby loves her dolly.

Do you think Ethan likes his present? A 3ds. Hmmm maybe a little. I'll have to try harder next year.

Christmas morning pull apart, a must for Shawn.

A Christmas dinner.

Cousins. Ethan, Maddie, Becca.

This was the best Christmas. I might say that every year, but its true, it just keeps getting better. We usually stay home for Christmas, and have family visit us. But my Mom invited us to spend Christmas with her. My Mom and Darryl have been renovating their house for the last year. Their goal was to have the ultimate grand kids house that is both beautiful and worry free for the kids. Their house turned out more gorgeous then imagined, it is warm, inviting, and comfortable. And childproof! It was such a treat to be able to spend Christmas with my family, and have all the cousins together! It was so festive.

We had brunch at my Dad and Nancy's home on Christmas Eve. And the kids got to open their first (of many) presents. Shawn and Aaron loved their gifts, a headlight, and immediately put them. The boys each got a paper guitar, and rocked out for us, it was quite the show. Christmas Eve we spent at my Mom's and Taryn's family came over for dessert and to reenact the Nativity. The costumes were fabulous.

Christmas day the boys woke up at 5:30 and started to open up presents in their stockings, until I put the kibosh on that and sent them back to bed! At a a more reasonable hour we opened our presents. Libby loved opening her presents, and even opened a few that were not for her, oppse! It was lovely having Christmas on Sunday. How appropriate that we go to church to hear a special message and sing Christmas songs on this special day to remind us of the real reason we are celebrating Christmas. I loved it. After church my Mom and I spent the afternoon in the kitchen preparing dinner. Both of my sisters and my Grandpa Wilson came over for dinner and to open gifts from Lovey and Grandpa, and cousins. It was such a wonderful day. I loved being with everyone. It was a perfect weekend.

The best Christmas present was that my Mom kept my kids! Shawn and I have the rest of the week to ourselves, oh what to do! I miss them, but a little break has been blissful!

teachers gifts

2011-12-17T23:12:00.002-07:00

We still have a whole week more of school. So what does this mean? I have a few more days to figure out what to buy the kids school teachers! I am sure they get a lot of really cheesy and lame gifts, and I don't want to be grouped into that category! So I usually stick with gift cards for the movies, or Barnes and Noble. But I am loving these pictures/ ideas!

The first image and idea is from hostessblog.com I love this idea, where can you find the cardboard drink holder? The second image and idea from thecreativemama.com the website also has the tutorial! So clever, but does the recipient have to actually break the jar to get the gift out? That doesn't sound fun. sounds messy, but it is so cute.

Pre Christmas Frenzy

2011-12-16T13:58:00.003-07:00

Sorry I know these pictures are terrible and grainy. But dont look at that. Just look at the 3 adorable kids in my bed!

This picture was taken Sunday morning. We have had 8am church all year, and it has been a killer all year! We had to have date night on Friday night all year, because in order to get to church on time we had to be all organized the night before. Showers, clothes laid out, lessons actually had to be prepared prior to Sunday morning, and everyone in bed at a reasonable hour. But this last week was our first Sunday in our new church building, in Anthem. And because there are only two wards meeting in our chapel, our time changed from 8am to 11am. (Ahhh, a sigh of relief!) The building is beautiful, and everything is brand new. Its so cool. So this last Sunday morning we actually got to have cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and leisurely get ready. It was amazing. After breakfast our kids all jumped back into bed, my bed actually. They were so cute, all cuddling and talking sweetly to each other. Well that lasted about ten minutes before they started to pound on each other...but I had to capture the sweet moment. Its these moments that melt my heart, and reminds me to slow down and how precious every moment is and to treasure it.

Speaking of slowing down and enjoying the moment....

I don't know how it is mid December already, this month is totally passing me by. I had such high hopes for December, but we haven't been able to do much of anything. December started with everyone being sick in bed, and I started working part time (a whole other post, that I'll get to, maybe). Our only Christmas tradition that we have followed through on is watching the movie The Nativity and decorating the Christmas tree. But its OK we have another week to do Christmasy stuff. So on the plan for this weekend is to take kids to store to pick out presents for their cousins, and to make gingerbread houses, from graham crackers, and eat pizza. Tomorrow we are either going to go to the movies, or roller skating (not very Christmasy but fun). Our friend Justin, that spends the weekend with us every few months is going to join in on our festivities. And Shawn and I have a Christmas party we are going to tomorrow. So it will be a busy weekend, but hopefully we can just enjoy being together and celebrate the jolly season.

So Happy Weekend!

A Race

2011-12-03T19:33:00.001-07:00

the culprit, and me posing before the big race. You can tell by the big smiles... We don't know yet what we are getting ourselves into!

My fan club... Shawn, Libby, Hayden, Ethan is at home sicker then a dog, Terry, Candy, and Noah...thanks for coming guys...xoxo

hurry, fast! change. Shawn was urging me on.

Oh there are so many titles I had for this post: Killing myself, Peer pressure, A Triathlon, Hard work, Why. All of these titles could have been very appropriate. Back in August, my bestie, Shannyn, suggested that I do a triathlon with her. If I had only known then how hard it was going to be I might have have answered differently. No I am just kidding it was totally worth it, and I would even try it again. Shannyn and I worked out several times a week. We met at the gym at either the crack of dawn or after we got our kids in bed. We would swim or run or bike. Honestly it was actually more talking, laughing, and having fun, with a little bit of working out mixed in there somewhere (maybe that is why I am so tired and sore now!) The actual race was fun, really REALLY hard though. I am not one that usually works out. My idea of exercise is walking Libby to the park. I've never enjoyed running. But from the beginning I set my mind that I was going to do it, and I was totally committed. And you know I am proud of myself. And surprise, surprise I love working out. Some days I was even obsessed with it, and would work out in the morning and night. I feel like I am in good (better) shape now, and I know Shawn has enjoyed that! Shawn was super supportive of me working out every night, and never complained once, like I would have (he's so much nicer then me!). He was a great cheerleader today, and he made me feel so good about my accomplishment.

Did I mention yet that it was freezing? As in so so SO cold. My goosebumps had goosebumps. It took at least an hour to thaw out afterwards.

A few of my tri bloopers were diving into the pool and remembering that we are not supposed to dive in, so mid dive I belly flopped, yup a great start. Then on my last swim lap I forgot to move over to the next lane and started swimming head on to two swimmers. Yikes, that was embarrassing. Sorry ladies. And then my last one was that my rubber band broke when I started running, so my whole run I had wild hair flapping in the wind, so annoying. And it wasn't beautiful sexy hair in the wind, no it was chlorine, helmet dried hair, not my best look.

Old Town

2011-12-03T19:23:00.001-07:00

Every time we go home to visit family we always have to go to Old Town Temecula. Its our favorite place. We eat at Rosa's, window shop, and let the kids run wild in the grass around the beautiful new fountain and City Hall. Its become a little bit of a tradition. Its always a highlight.

A thanksgiving day

2011-12-03T19:08:00.001-07:00

I had to include this picture because I thought it was so funny. We are in the car driving to California, and our car was so packed, as you can see. I was driving and everyone is asleep. Shawn is using Libby's doggie blanket as a pillow.

Zach, Kristain and Hayden playing a Hulk Smash play dough game.

Libby loves cousin Noah. And notice Libby's cute turkey shirt I whipped up for her?

(Just don't look at it up close, I literally whipped it up.)

My beautiful niece Kayla, Ethan, Libby and Noah hanging out on the stairs. Libby loved the stairs at Grandma's. She kept going up and down. And she only tumbled down them once! Yikes!

We spent Thanksgiving at Shawn's Moms house. My sister in law, April, made dinner with her Mom, who was visiting from Texas, and Candy. It was delicious. Turkey so moist, and lots of mashed potatoes and gravy! Yummy! We had a great time hanging out all day. There were lots of Jenga challenges. Auntie Jean taught Ethan a cool card trick. Ethan and Noah played on their favorite game Minecraft for a really long time sharing tips. And we did a lot of eating. It was such a great way to celebrate the holiday, to be surrounded by people we love and are so grateful for. We are so blessed.

The Wild Wild West

2011-11-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

Camping in the wild west was a new experience for us. Instead of worrying about poison oak we were worried about cactai! We crashed John's birthday camping trip to Superstition mountain on Friday. We had a great time doing the camping thing. S'mores, camp fire and stories (thanks to Jack!) an amazing dutch oven breakfast (thanks to John). Hayden made friends with jack's cousins and had a blast playing in the wash. It was a freezing night, and we were all dressed in several layers, but it still didn't feel like enough! On our way home we stopped at the little mining town and Shawn took the boys on a mining tour. It was sooooo fun camping in the wild west! Thanks florez fam for letting us crash your party!

Whip Cream and Sporks

2011-11-17T19:41:00.001-07:00

Every year the boys school has a Thanksgiving lunch that the parents are invited to. Although the lunch takes on a mushy yellowish hue (it is cafeteria food, with the popular questionable meat!...jk) it is surprisingly delicious! I swear. The boys loved the pumpkin pie the most. And I enjoyed using a spork immensely, oh brings back memories of my cafeteria days. I love being able to see them interact with their friends and being able to get to know their friends myself. Hayden and his friends were so silly. I loved watching them laugh and have a good time. It fills me with so much joy to see my kids happy at school. Ethan and his friends were pretty goofy themselves, but in a much more laid back cool way, he is a sixth grader after all. This luncheon is probably one of my very favorite things that their school does. I am so glad they did it again this year!

A whole new world

2011-11-15T20:34:00.001-07:00

After Nurse Nancy sent home a letter informing the parents of Ethan Hancock that he failed his vision test I finally took him to see the Doctor. Oppse I had no idea he couldn't see! After Ethan put on his glasses he tells me that everything looks different, and clear! A whole new world!! Well I think he looks handsome. A young kent clark? I told him I'd make a superman undershirt for him to wear, he just laughed at me....but now he has super vision!

Veteran's Day Parade

2011-11-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

I always love the parade. Ethan was able to be in the parade again with the other eleven year old scouts, and cub scouts. I know its a lot of work for the scout leaders to pull together their float, and I usually have to drag Shawn there. But for me its all worth it. I love it. I am so proud to be an American, and I think that sometimes that sounds cliched but its true. Watching all the older men that have fought, and the younger men that maybe just returned, and the high school ROTC, its touching that all these people care so much that they are not only willing to risk their lives for our country, but to live their lives every day for our country. I am so deeply grateful for them and their sacrifice. The parade is just one small way to celebrate them, because truly they deserve more then that.

Hayden and Libby enjoyed the parade too. There were the unicycles, always Shawn's favorite, camels, and horses, marching bands, cheer squads, cool old school cars, and so much more.

Another Week

2011-11-10T21:31:00.001-07:00

I've finally convinced Libby that bath time is fun. But as it turns out its not so fun for me. She thinks its hilarious to dump and splash water everywhere!

Libby and her BFF at the park next to our house. It was freezing!

Shawn's parents missed us so much that they visited us again this week! JK, they were here for business, but we can pretend. We had a big Sunday dinner, and celebrated Candy's birthday. Yes, Libby is eating Grandma's birthday cake. What are Grandma's for, if not for spoiling their grandchildren? Ethan and Hayden had fun taking turns challenging Grandma and Poppa in checkers and chess, and they did not go easy on them! I hope that we can make a tradition of having family dinners with them....they are thinking about joining us out here in az!

Thankful hearts

2011-11-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

I saw this thankful tree on pinterest, and saved it in my files for inspiration. I thought this would be a perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving everyday for the month of November. At dinner we talk about things that we are thankful for and write one thing on a leaf and hang it on the tree. On my tree I cut out leaf shapes, but after I started cutting I quickly wished I would have stayed with the original idea of just punching out the circles. I think it gives the same look, and it would have been way faster! Oh well, next year. Here is my tree, I think it will look better at the end of the month when it has more thankful leafs:

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T14:03:00.002-07:00

I know I may have mentioned this before, but I love Halloween. I love the season it falls in, I love the flavors, and scents, I love that it is all about children playing make believe, I love that it is about our neighbors pulling together and actually going outside and talking with each other, I love that October isn't over scheduled like December always is, I love that the decorations are more about being fun, then about being beautiful and with all these things together that there is less pressure in the holiday. It is just meant to be fun, and to be a kid again.

We had a great Halloween. Our morning started off with Hayden receiving the principals award and cookies! Then Libby and I had story time at our local library, while story time is my favorite thing, Libby hasn't figured out that it is hers too, but I am working on that! We had a fun black dress Halloween luncheon with the girls, at Jamie's. When the boys got home we got busy on carving our pumpkins, they both wanted cannibal pumpkins after seeing one on Martha Stewart. Then for the main event of the day we had the Dent family over for pizza and trick or treating. Our older two decided to ditch us and went off on their candy hunt alone. This was Libby's first real trick or treating experience and she loved it. She carried her little pumpkin bucket and clicked her shoes from house to house. She loved all the ohhs and ahhs she got for being so cute, but of course she loved the candy the most. Each new piece of candy went straight into her mouth, wrapper and all. She munched on it until she made it to the next house where she would drop the candy into her bucket and get ready for the next piece. She had it down. It was so cute, Shawn and I were in heaven watching her. She is hysterical. Hayden had a blast with his best friend Ryan, and CJ. Between the two boys we have way to much candy. So all in all I think the day was success!

I hope you had a great Halloween too!

A Halloween Party

2011-10-31T15:36:00.002-07:00

We had our annual Halloween party this last weekend for Mummies and Daddy's. I think this had to have been my favorite party that I have ever had. Shawn ended up having to work out of town the whole week, so I was kinda on my own. And if you have ever met Libby you would know it is next to impossible to get anything done with her! But everything worked out, as always.

I wanted to do things a little different this year and decided to set up a big table outside that everyone could fit around. I strung lights and paper lanterns on my trees, and lots of candles on the table. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. Ethan helped me put together a game to play at the table, and both of the boys helped set the table. Everyone dressed up! I was very impressed by all the costumes. Shawn and I dressed up as red riding hood, and the wolf. It was such a great night! Thanks so much to everyone who came and helped!

Happy Halloween!

Out numbered

2011-10-27T12:57:00.001-07:00

Sorry I know a new weekend starts tomorrow, but I wanted to share a few pictures from last weekends fun filled activities. We had the opportunity to watch Payson, Aspen and Sierra Friday through Sunday, while their Mom and Dad were in New York. We had such a great time. I've missed them so so much. When Payson got here Libby kept giving him big squeezy hugs, and he was so sweet to go along with it. We built forts, the kids did a lot of jumping on the trampoline, we played at the park, we went to our communities Fall Carnival, and picked out pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, we watched a fun movie and ate pizza, and of course we played a lot of Uno, and Yahtzee (my new favorite game)! It was a blast, and just a little chaotic (or maybe a lot) with 6 kids, but definitely worth it. The kids played really well together, and I hope we get to do it again! I loved having a house full of kids, full of giggles, full of quiet little (friendly) scheming voices, full of helping hands.

Fall Festival

2011-10-18T11:44:00.002-07:00

Dorothy

Link, and Skelator

Cake walk

Oh Libby!

Every year the boys school have a Fall Festival. It is always a hit. They have carnival games, a rock wall, cotton candy, a silent auction on gift baskets each class has put together, there is a dunk tank, and a BBQ. The boys favorite is always the cake walk. Hayden won three cakes! My favorite is the cotton candy, of course. Shawn's parents were in town for the weekend so they joined us in all of the fall festival's festivities! They even played the cake walk to help the boys chances of wining something, but sadly they lost. But as you can see in the picture of the cake walk there is a little fairy princess that is helping herself to the frosting! She licked three cakes before they could pry her away! So funny! I am just glad it wasn't Libby. Because you know it could have been!

I was glad the festival was so early in the month this year. It was good motivation to actually finish the kids costumes early. Wow, what a crazy idea!

Flag Football

2011-10-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Ethan making friends at his first practice. Go BaNanA SLuGs!

Libby loves her Kitty. And her Binky.

Hayden loves being a big brother, and playing with his 'lil sis.

Shawn wanted to practice throwing a ball around with Hayden during Ethan's practice, but couldn't find a football. So the mean boys took an innocent little stuffed kitty from a certain little person.

Ethan and Hayden have both decided to do flag football this season. It is a first for both of them, but so far they are both loving it. I just love watching them interact with their friends, and figuring out a new game. They are both a little hesitant, and shy, but they don't let that stop them from trying new things, and that is what I love about them. They are so full of life that they just can't help but to have a good time doing everything...a good lesson for me. Libby is also loving all of this park time! She is the happiest when she is outside. Sometimes she wants to get on the field and play too! I think this will be a good season. Albeit a very busy one!

a banner party

2011-10-06T12:38:00.001-07:00

I have some seriously talented friends. Just saying.
So we had a little crafty banner party this morning. I was quite impressed with everyone's crafty talent. Especially Jamie, she had hers done in a jiffy, she was a speedy crafter. The kids had us out numbered, and totally ran the party but everyone accomplished what they came for so it was OK. I had bags of snacks and mini water bottles ready to help entertain the kids. To bad Libby wasn't crazy about the idea of sharing them with the kids. Sorry!
I hope everyone was happy with the end product. I think they all turned out awesome.

Thanks for coming, I had a great time!

Family Bowling Night

2011-10-02T11:57:00.001-07:00

Ethan and Hayden's PE teacher put together this fun family night for the school. She turned the gym into a bowling alley! It was a genius idea. It was fun to see all the families playing and laughing together and enjoying each others company. The pins were a hollow plastic, and we had foam bowling balls to knock them down. Each family had to reserve an alley for 30 minutes. During your families turn one member had to take a turn to stand next to the pins to reset them after each player. And there was scoring paper to keep track of the score. It was really well organized. If you are looking for a fun family fundraiser for your school you should definitely try this. It will be favorite for sure!

After the activity we found 3 huge cows hanging out in the parking lot! Crazy!

A Halloween Banner

2011-10-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

As many of you already know I have a little obsession with all things banners. I love birthday banners, and pendant banners, and holiday banners. So I had to make a banner for Halloween. Yes, I had to. This banner is made with crepe paper (also an obsession, love the stuff) book pages from a magician book, and a cute Halloween font I got on Etsy (another huge obsession of mine, gosh I think I have a problem!) So I thought that if maybe you share this obsession with me, that you'd like a Halloween banner too? Well I am going to have a banner party where I will teach you how to make one like mine: Thursday, at my house. Let me know if you want to take part in the festivities, and I will set a place for you! If you want a banner but don't want to make it, I can make one for you instead!

Sick Kids

2011-09-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hayden and Ethan both woke up sick last Thursday with the stomach flu. They both felt better on Friday, but still stayed home from school to rest up. Then Hayden woke up yesterday sick again, and he is still not feeling great. I must admit that I have enjoyed having them home with me. We have been mostly just relaxing watching cartoons, reading books and playing board games. I love having them to myself, and I think that even though they don't feel great they think its kind of a special thing to stay home on a school day.

I have been taking advantage of being home bound and finished my book wreath. I am pleased with the way it turned out, but it took FOREVER to complete. Why did I choose the big wreath form? I made this wreath following the tutorial on the Under the Table and Dreaming blog, you can find it here. I am also working on a Halloween banner. I am so excited to get out the Halloween decoration box this weekend. I love fall. I just wish it felt more like fall here. It is getting dark earlier, so I know cool weather is coming...in like a month or two.

Saturday Ethan, AKA my little babysitter, watched Libby for me while I attended our Super Saturday craft day at church. I was a little worried about him since I usually just have him watch her while she sleeps, but he did amazing. I came home to find him pushing Libbs around on the office chair, and he had made her bracelets and necklaces out of paper clips. She loved it, and wore them all day. It was such a joy to come home to happy faces, and giggling sounds. Libby adores Ethan, and will often even choose him over me! He can be more sympathetic to her fake cry, and insistent need to be held all day. It makes me so happy that they love each other so much. With a ten year age difference I worry about them staying this close forever, but honestly I think she will cherish these memories forever. I am so grateful for my Ethan, he is so wonderful. How did I get so lucky?

Poor kitty

2011-09-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

This morning after I let Libby go outside with the boys to play, while they were doing one of their Saturday morning chores, I caught Ethan teaching Libby how to properly hold the kitty, poor Scampi! Usually Libby will just follow the cat around and try to pet it. But this is opening up a whole new can of worms. How long before the cat decides she doesn't like this new game of hers and retaliates? Oh not long, I am sure. But luckily this cat is very patient, she is used to playing house, and being manhandled!

This weekend I am trying to finish up a book wreath that I started forever ago, I hate projects hanging over my head. I need to finish this one before I can start the next several that I have planned. Oh well!

Have a HAPPY WEEKEND!

XOXO

The BEST Labor Day Weekend ever!

2011-09-10T12:35:00.002-07:00

Amb and I crafted these matching cousins freezer paper shirts (inspiration from ashley ann photography, check out her blog, she is AMAZING).

Libby loved baby Analea, or maybe she just loved to bug her?

Last weekend we had the pleasure of having my sister Amberly and her little family visit us. And I must admit that it happened to be the best weekend ever. We were able to pack quite a bit into our short weekend. They helped me a TON with Hayden's b-day party, which was a hit just because of Amb's help. The boys were able to squeeze a wake boarding trip in, where Ethan learned to slalom ski, Amb and I actually got to do a little crafting (even if it did cost us our Sunday afternoon nap, but I think you'd agree totally worth it!) we even had our traditional late night (adults only) board game fun (Aaron is a board game buff, and always brings out new games for us to learn, and Monday we even got to go out to the lake. It was a perfect weekend. I wish we lived closer so we could have these amazing times more often, but I will take what I can get!

I love you guys! Thanks for coming!

Angry Birds Birthday

2011-09-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

The birthday party invitations

Angry bird bean bags made for games

Our ANGRY BIRD spin on the classic pin the tail on the donkey game

Hayden opening all his awesome loot.

The boys jumped on the trampoline and had to keep the balloon up in the air.

The boys took turns throwing the bean bags at a pyramid of cans with pictures of pigs on them.

For Hayden's 7th Birthday we decided to have an angry birds party, we had seen this one and loved it. We invited all the boys in his class, thinking that most of them wouldn't be able to come because it was labor day weekend, but to Hayden's great excitement (and my horror!) they were all able to come! So we had 12 boys. And luckily for me, my sister Amberly and her family all came out for the weekend also. And she was a huge help with the party, because I definitely needed an extra parent, it was a little crazy!
We played lots of fun games. And the house was decked out in angry bird party fashion (sorry I don't have any good pictures of the decorations). For the party favors I made a red angry bird bean bag for each child.
It was a fun party, even if it was chaotic! Hayden had a blast with his friends, and that is all that matters to me. But note to self: 12 wild rambunctious boys is way to many!

On the road again, destination: Beach

2011-08-18T13:55:00.003-07:00

Radley is the cutest little boy in the whole world. I love to listen to him, he is hilarious! Libby is pretty fond of him too.
Soon after returning home from MO, a 21 hour drive mind you, we piled back in the car (I may have been kicking and screaming) to go to San Clemente Beach, California, a 6 and 1/2 hour drive (oh the things we do for our family). It was so fun. This is our only week at the beach so we try to live it up, and indeed we did! My two sisters and their families, and my Mom and step Dad were all there too- which totally made the drive worth it (or maybe it was that I actually got to wear a sweatshirt that made it worth it...? Hallelujah!). We hit the beach everyday, as well as went to a fun park and went on bike rides everyday.

Its kind of funny we found out this year that if you are camping at a state park you get to park for free at the state beach. So all those quarters that I have been feeding the parking meter, I could have been using on a longer shower! (the showers are a quarter for every two minutes!) on the upside Libby and I became quite efficient in our showering, only three quarters!

Our only hiccup was that Hayden got sick, and slept all day Friday, and even threw up in the middle of the night. Not fun when you are camping and have a limited supplies. But lucky for him my Mom and Darryl took really good care of him, earning them major brownie grandma and grandpa points! Thanks Mom for taking such good care of us, it was so fun.

A celebration for a beautiful new baby

2011-08-18T13:15:00.005-07:00

So this may be old news. But I still wanted to share, my sister had a beautiful baby girl back in June. I was lucky enough to be there to welcome her into the world. It is always such an amazing experience to witness this special miracle. Although I am glad I was on the other side this time, whew! Amberly did an amazing job, and made it look like a piece of cake. But anyhow my Mom and I wanted to throw a baby celebration party for Analea. Amberly wanted it to be all about Analea, so we had the party soon after they got home to give her close friends a chance to all come over at once to see her.

It was a book themed party. We invited everyone to bring their favorite children's story, and included in the in invite a bookplate to inscribe why this is their favorite book. I found everything online at Martha Stewart. I didn't have to come up anything, I just copied everything she had, gotta love that Martha Stewart. But it turned out beautiful, if I do say so myself! I was pretty pleased, but it helps that Amberly has such an amazing house to begin with (as you can see). Since I live so far I did everything at home and brought it all out with me, so that when I got there I could spend as much time as possible with my sis, and niece. It was such a special week, and am so grateful that I could be there to bond with them. I love you Amb, I love you Analea.

Zona Rosa

2011-07-11T12:55:00.002-07:00

Zona Rosa is a gorgeous outdoor mall. It is huge, probably 4 blocks by 3 blocks long. There are several of my favorite shops, as well as lots of great dinning options. I could spend several days there, and be one happy lady. My incentive for the kids to go with me is that they have a really yummy noodle restaurant, with the best mac 'n cheese. There also is this beautiful fountain that the kids can play in. Ethan is the best big big brother and held Libby in the fountain. That was the only way she would go in.

Last week Shawn started work late so he was able to go play with us there. It was fun, we don't get a lot of family time, so when we get a few hours to ourselves we treasure it! Libby is so in love with her Daddy.

The Fourth

2011-07-05T20:34:00.007-07:00

Fireworks...huh? All I care about is this yummy funnel cake!

For the fourth of July we went to Worlds of Fun. We had a blast. The boys were pumped on going on the roller coasters, but after getting there they decided they were not ready for that. So we took turns going on kid rides and letting Mommy and Daddy go on a fun ride. It worked out, everyone was happy. Libby went on her first carousel horse, and thought that was the funnest thing ever. Although she didn't understand that she had to hold on the whole time, don't worry Mama was right there! At ten, which I was surprised we even made it till then, they had a big firework show. But the kids weren't that into it, they were more interested in the funnel cake we were sharing, but who could blame them! I guess if you've seen one firework show, you've seen them all!

Happy Fourth of July

Choo Choo!

2011-07-05T20:06:00.003-07:00

The food being delivered to our table by train. Hmmmm, do I need to tip the train??

A friend that I met at church suggested to check out this little hamburger joint, she said its must do! So after looking it up I decided we did have to check it out. This restaurant was really cool, the kids thought it was so fun. After being seated you are instructed to order your food through a phone that is at your table. Then you wait for your food to be delivered...by train! They have a train that goes around the entire restaurant on a track near the ceiling. When the food gets to the right table there is an arm that sticks out and stops the food, and the train keeps going. It probably makes more sense by looking at the pictures (Sorry I know my pictures are not in order! They are backwards, look from the bottom up!). It is such a clever idea. Throughout your meal the trains keep going around the room, delivering food to other tables. Even Libby enjoyed it!

MO

2011-07-01T11:58:00.007-07:00

Libby is helping me bake. She loves to be where the action is. We have been doing lots of baking. Chocolate cake, lemon cake, chocolate cookies, and even snickerdoodles! Yummo!
There is a tiny stream that runs next to the apartment. It is filled with tadpoles and frogs!
I brought pictures of cousins and aunts and uncles, etc. to hang on the wall. We love sharing memories (mostly silly ones, the cousins are a pretty entertaining group!) while looking at the pictures.
Here is the pool that we go to almost everyday. Libby hasn't decided if she likes the water or not. She mostly likes to walk around the pool (and make me a nervous wreck!) This pool is fun though because it has a beach front entrance so Libby can sit there and sort of be in the water, but not to deep!

We have been doing a little sight seeing. We visited the Liberty Jail, where Joseph Smith was imprisoned. We went to downtown Kansas City and looked at all the really old buildings, that are amazing. We have found several really cool parks. Hayden's favorite was a park that has a 2o foot penguin and 4 merry go rounds, that he played on until he was sick! Ethan has even joined the eleven year scout group for the summer, and got to go on their camp out with his new friends. We went to St. Joseph and visited a museum about the history of the town, including the pony express and the civil war.

There are still lots left on my to do list. I want to visit the library in downtown, mostly because it is in the coolest building. I want to visit the local farmers market, and maybe find some fun flea markets. So much to do! But it is so hot here (I was hoping to escape the heat, but no such luck!)

I hope you are enjoying your summer, too!!

The dreaded drive

2011-06-22T19:28:00.008-07:00

Our journey started bright and early. We were excited to embark on our little adventure. We hadn't seen Shawn in seven weeks, so Dad was a novelty and definitely took the edge off of the drive, just being together was a treasure and made something as boring as a drive fun. The kids were amazing, even if Hayden did ask about a billion times "how much longer" or "are we there yet". We stayed the night somewhere in Texas. Shawn was tempted to drive all the way through, but I wanted the drive to feel like part of our vacation, so we checked ourselves into a hotel. We swam in the hotel pool, and watched TV curled up in bed together. The drive was beautiful, but admittedly I missed a lot of it because I had my nose in a book. We have a tradition to listen to book on tape from the library on a long drive. But since we will be gone for so long I couldn't check out anything, so I actually read a book aloud. It was fun, and really helped to pass the time. My favorite state that we drove through was Kansas. It is flat and one green field after another. I loved all the cute little farm houses, and all the tiny quaint towns, where I am sure you know everyone. I decided in my next life I want to be a farmer. But anyway, we made it to our destination. And was relieved to see that we have a super Target, and a Chipotle close by, I might survive. The drive here was great, but I am glad that the drive home isn't anytime soon! Two days of driving is plenty enough for me!

Packing up my life

2011-06-09T17:19:00.008-07:00

I have a few movies that I like to put on while I am crafting, or just getting something done. At the top of my list are (but is not limied to) Ghost Town, Penelope and Juno, just to name a few. This week I keep thinking of another one of my favorites, which is Spanglish. I love Tea Leoni, and Adam Sandler is so funny, and he cooks. But what I keep thinking about is the part where the crazy Mom (Leoni) is unpacking their things at the summer house that is beach front, and totally amazing. Remember she even goes to a flea market for special finds, just for the summer house. Wouldn't you love to be able to do that? Ummmmm, yes please!

This summer we have a summer home. Unfortunately it is not beach front. But it will be just ours, complete with a stream in the back, and fire flies. Fire flies! I've never seen a fire fly, they seem so magical! Can you actually catch them in mason jars?...I will let you know! The drawback to our summer home is that it is 19 hours away. Gulp. And I am driving! Double gulp! So my problem is space. I have things that I need. Like a high chair, and the pack 'n play, and the stroller, and the Lego box. Ugh, my list goes on and on. And sadly my list does not include a fabulous flea market chandelier. I wish!

Its hard to pack for a whole summer. What will I need? What would you need? What are the basics? What can I do with out. I am not going to eat out every meal. To make mac 'n cheese you need a pot and a colander. And car space is a commodity. I am still trying to convince Shawn that we should save space by leaving clothes behind, and going on a shopping spree when we get there! But I don't think I will win that one.

So, I don't know what will make the cut out of the mountain of stuff I already have piled by the back door. But I will let you know...

My gratitude list

2011-05-23T14:06:00.006-07:00

So I know its been awhile since I have posted any adorable pictures of my adorable kids... I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I am still here. Shawn has been working out of town, trying his hand in a new line of biz, and so I have been a single Mama. To the say the least its been a roller coaster around here, we have ups and downs. I feel kinda bipolar to be honest with ya! And it usually goes hand in hand with how Shawn's days are going. If he is having a good day then I feel good, like I can conquer another day until we see him again. On his bad days I wonder why the heck we are doing this, and I am ready for him to just to come home to me, RIGHT NOW.

The other day I was having a low day, and I sat down to do what I always do when I am having a rough day, I journal. I like to vent out all my feelings, and when I close my book, I always feel better. So as I sat down to whine my heart out, something different happened. I didn't feel like whining, I was sick of my endless whining! Instead I started to make a list of all my favorite parts of my day. And something miraculous happened, I had a change of heart, and realized that I needed to stop focusing on everything that wasn't going my way that day. Because I truly do have SO MANY things to be grateful for. I mean seriously! I do feel so lucky for so many things, and that is what I need to focus on. Not just for the kids, or for Shawn, but for me too.
So I wanted to share a few of my favorite parts of my day:

Ethan bringing Libby into my room in the morning, and listening to him talk to her softly. And the way she is all smiles and giggles in his arms.

Ethan making breakfast for Hayden. He doesn't always do it happily, but he always does it obediently, and that makes me happy.

I love the way Hayden has become our chaplain, he always wants to say the prayers. And he loves to take his turn to read the scriptures to us, with Daddy on speaker phone.

I love how at the bus stop the kids always have to give me and Libby a hug and kiss, and say I love you! before they run off.

I love the way Libby's face lights up every time she sees me, even if its only been a few minutes.

I love that she copies me. She likes to pretend to put on make up, and chap stick.

I love when she pulls herself up and hugs my legs, or will walk around the kitchen attached to my legs!

I love that I get to cuddle on the couch with Hayden and read books after school.

These are just a few of my favorite things. But making this list really helped me put my day back in perspective. My day is way to short, and goes by to fast for me to waste it away being grumpy!

Whats your favorite part of your day!?

Lake Time Again

2011-04-04T12:37:00.004-07:00

It is getting hot here, already! I mean really hot, like close the windows turn on the ac, hot! And I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand I am scared, its barely April, and the summers last forever here, so its way to early to be so hot already! But on the other hand I am really looking forward to swimming at the pool and going boating.

So on Saturday I talked Shawn into taking us out to the lake. We knew the water would be FREEZING, but I didn't care. It was such a beautiful day! And we are always so busy so we had to cease the moment! The boys invited friends and had a blast. They even got in the water, I was totally shocked! And they kept getting in! Hayden knee boarded, and Ethan and Alec inner tubed! It was awesome. Libby is not crazy about her life jacket. I wish they made baby life jackets that aren't so bulky, but oh well. She dealt with it. It was a great morning!

Arrow of Light

2011-04-01T07:38:00.002-07:00

Ethan earned his Arrow of Light last week, which is the final award for cub scouts. It is really important to me that he earns his eagle scout, and I felt like if we did not make earning his Arrow of Light important too, then we would be missing out on the scouting journey. He was proud of himself for accomplishing this award. He worked hard on earning all of his beads, badges, pins and belt loops, and I believe he (we!) learned a lot of valuable lessons along the way in scouts. I am really glad we stuck with it and did not give up.

Now that Ethan is eleven he is officially a boy scout, and he is excited to be one!

Only what? 7 more years of scouting! Yippee!

Eleven! Oh my!

2011-03-28T10:54:00.007-07:00

Ethan decorated his own cake Pokemon style! Everyone skating together!

I can not believe my Ethan is eleven! Doesn't that sound so old? It has taken me a while to get used to the idea. For Ethan's birthday celebration we went to USA skate. Ethan's cousins have had a few parties there and they are always a blast, so he really wanted to have a skate party too. It was so fun for everyone; It was a lot of the kids first time but they picked it up really fast and became quick experts, Hayden did a really good job, and Shawn and I even got to push the stroller around the rink. I would totally recommend a party here. You know how I like my home made parties, but this one was fabulous, and by far the easiest!

Ethan is:

Eleven years old

loves to hang out with his friends

loves to build Lego's creations

the most creative kid I know

(for example: last week he figured out how to make a paper gun that actually shoots)

loves his baby sister and begs everyday to let her sleep with him

loves to be the one to get Libby out of her crib every morning

still cuddles with Mommy every morning

(and better still when he is 12!)

loves to read at night

loves to draw

idolized by lil' brother

loved to death by Mom

I love you, more then you can know! Happy Birthday Ethan! Thanks for being you!

A family Weekend

2011-03-08T11:46:00.006-07:00

This last weekend my sister Amberly picked up my Mom and my other sister Taryn and drove out to my house in their huge RV. We had the best weekend. It was so special that we could spend the whole weekend together! Sadly it doesn't happen nearly enough, but we just live so far apart. We did a lot of just hanging out at my house. The kids had a blast walking to the park next to our house, playing Lego's and jumping on the tramp. The weather was perfect so we also went to the community park and played kick ball and ultimate Frisbee. We celebrated the babies birthday in the afternoon on Saturday then Saturday night Amberly and my Mom made me a delicious birthday dinner and dessert.

It was a perfect weekend! Thanks so much for coming out guys! We love you tons!!!

The Birthday Party

2011-03-08T11:33:00.005-07:00

Make a wish! Libby loved her cupcake and didn't waste any time polishing it off! Elle on the other hand wasn't crazy about it, or maybe she didn't like that we were all watching her!

Opening presents! These two girls got all kinds of good loot! Thanks guys!

The cousins eating their mini hamburgers and chips.

Since Elle and Libby's Birthday's are only two weeks apart we thought it would be fun to have a big double party! So lucky me, my Mom and both my sisters came out for the weekend to celebrate. The party was so much fun, even Shawn's parents were able to be there for the party.

A little birdie party

2011-03-08T11:20:00.007-07:00

For Elle (my neice) and Libby's first Birthday party I wanted to do something really soft and lovely. After all a first birthday is really more for the family, right?...although Libby did LOVE her birthday cake! So I choose a bird theme and decorated with lots of paper garlands and doilies. My favorite decoration was the photo garland of the first year of the two birthday girls, its amazing how much they change over a year.

Valentine's Day Tradition

2011-02-18T15:20:00.006-07:00

A valentine treat.
Valentines all packed.

I love you!

Valentine's Day dinner was extra special! We had pink mashed potatoes, which Shawn admitted he thought they tasted yummy but couldn't really handle that they were pink. Heart shaped turkey meatloaf, and red 7up! And of course we ate by candle light! I love our Valentine's dinner! I know I am cheesy, but its fun.

I put together this Valentine for Payson's Mommy. Isn't he just the cutest. I love how when he smiles he crinkles his eyes! We took several pictures where I tried to get him to keep his eyes open, but his smile was just so big! So I love it, it is so him!

Great to be Eight

2011-02-08T15:43:00.006-07:00

Our ward had our great to be eight night, which is a preview for all the kids who are turning 8 this year. In our church when you turn 8 you get to be baptized, as well as start attending scouts for boys, and activity days for the girls. So its kind of a big exciting year for these little ones. In our ward we have 23 kids turning 8, which is a ton of kids, but its so fun to have a big group. They were all excited together. I put together these invitations, bows for the girls, and "extra" favors/handouts. Its such a fun night to be a part of. We played a "Getting to know 8" game, where all the kids got to answer questions about turning 8. The bishop ric counselor talked about baptism and showed the kids the font. We had the 2 CTR 7 classes sing a special song for their families. And we ended the night with cake and punch. So special!

Red and White, Hugs and Kisses

2011-01-30T18:49:00.010-07:00

Red and white, hugs and kisses, hearts and lace, love letters and last but not least chocolate. These are the reasons I love Valentines Day. These things are my equation of true happiness. Any one of these things can put a smile on my face, at any time.

Happy February!

Scouting

2011-01-27T13:06:00.006-07:00

Lets get the show on the road guys!

My Ethan is almost eleven (tear tear, sniffle sniffle) which means he will be a boy scout, which means he (WE) have to finish his arrow of light to move on. Cub scouts is a lot of work, I am not gonna lie, its kind of a pain, and a huge thorn in my side, BUT it is worth it. Not only does Ethan have a lot fun in scouts they absolutely do learn lots of useful information. I really do feel like being a scout is a worthwhile activity. So anyway Ethan and I have been working really hard on earning badges and at our last pack meeting, which was also our pinewood derby, Ethan earned his Webelos badge as well his religious square knot, which is the only badge he can continue to wear as a scout. I was really proud of him (and me!) for accomplishing this. When boys earn a ranking badge they get to pin a pin on the Moms. I am so glad the BSA recognizes the Moms, because honestly we earned it too! And after the boys give the Moms a pin all the boys chant kiss, kiss, and the cub then has to kiss the Mom. Its really sweet, and yes it was my favorite part. Ethan didn't wait for them to chant he just jumped right in and kissed me! We still have a few more badges (boo hoo!) to earn before he can get his arrow of light award, but he is almost there.

The pinewood derby was fun. Usually its later in the year so Shawn was really disappointed when they moved it up, because that meant Ethan would still be able to participate. This is Shawn's least favorite part of scouts, but really its the boys favorite. Luckily for Shawn his friend, Patrick, came to the rescue and helped Ethan build his car. It turned out awesome, and Ethan even won second place in the webelos! So Ethan was super happy. They made super cute Twinkies cars for refreshments!

Recycling

2011-01-26T14:34:00.005-07:00

One tired baby. Its way past your bedtime!

We have been really excited about recycling lately. I have been saving up our cans for the past 6ish months, needless to say, we had quite a few bags (what? I like my soda!). I found this cash for cans drop center that is 24 hours, so we piled all the bags into the car, which left little room for any little bodies!, and after pizza we headed over. But it was a huge disappointment. I thought for sure we would make around 20 dollars. But apparently not so in Arizona. They only paid like 30 cents a pound! What a rip off, right? I felt so jilted! So wronged! If I had known this I would have saved our cans for a trip to Cali, and smuggled them across the border, where they pay 5 cents a can, if I am not mistaken? Oh well the kids thought it was fun, the highlight of the evening! We took our 5 bucks and bought fudge sundaes at McDonald's. I ate my tears away, and fudge sundaes does have a way with making everything better (if you did not know)!

The moral of the story: recycle (in Califirnia) and eat fudge sundaes!

Winter Band Performance

2011-01-26T14:28:00.003-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Ethan's school winter band performance. He was really excited to perform with his friends for his family. And he did great, he wasn't even nervous at all! I thought they did an awesome job decorating the stage, aren't those huge snowflakes so pretty.

First Haircut

2011-01-02T19:31:00.005-07:00

Libby Lou just got her first real hair cut. Aunt Carly took some clippers to her hair during the summer, but that wasn't an official hair cut. She sat perfectly still, well not really, but still enough! Her hair was starting to get long and unruly in some spots, but she still has a bald spot that is coming in. So it was time to clean it up. I was really nervous. But I am so happy I did it. I like it a ton more now. And her hair is even long enough on top to put a little clippie in. She hates headbands and pulls them off immediately, it drives me bananas. Any one have any hints to get little ones to wear them??

Snow Day

2011-01-02T17:47:00.006-07:00

Can you believe it actually snowed in Phoenix? Its totally crazy, right? I must admit it was one of the most exciting things. I can count on one hand how many times I've actually seen it snow, so it was kind of a big deal in my book. It snowed off and on for maybe 3 or 4 hours. When it really started to come down the boys had to have an impromptu snow ball fight. Ethan said the snow was like Styrofoam, because it was so soft. I had no idea snow could actually be soft and so easily pliable. I usually see it when it is more ice, and not so soft. Crazy, you learn something new everyday!

I loved it! We had soup, turned up the heater, got all cozy...It was a good memory.

A Hancock Christmas

2010-12-29T22:20:00.005-07:00

Our annual Sunday Christmas picture in front of the tree. I think both of the boys started undressing as soon as we walked through the door.
Grandma and Poppa got the boys a new trampoline! YAY! Our old one died several months back in our neighbors yard during a monsoon. Hayden was so excited! He loves to jump. Shawn was relieved to have some help putting it together. Thanks guys!

I was a little excited about the boys new bathrobes and super sick slippers. They make me laugh. Don't they look like Grandpa's?
Hayden helps Grandpa Darryl open his present...as if he didn't have enough of his own to open, that little turkey.
Hayden is such a sweetheart. He bought a "Baby's first Christmas" stocking at the student store for Libby. After he bought it he came home from school and wrapped it up for her. He loves his baby sister!

Ethan's number one present that he wanted this year was Lego Universe. Thank goodness Santa pulled through for him!

According to Ethan Christmas this year was the Best ever! And I think I would have to agree, it was pretty great. We were lucky enough to have my Mom and Darryl, and friend Eddie, be with us this year. They are such great guests we always love when they stay with us, and are sad when they leave.

A few Christmas highlights:

Baking in the kitchen with my Mom
Christmas Eve FHE, and thinking about our gift to the Savior
Boys loving their stockings so much they didn't wake us up to early! Even though Ethan opened his stocking at one! That little stinker!
Christmas morning pull apart- most delicious ever
Kids loving all their presents, and getting everything they wanted, and not feeling like I went completely overboard
Being able to get a baby doll, and stroller (I was so excited all month for Libby to open her presents!)
Shawn bought me everything I wanted this year, he was so good to me! I got jammies, a camera, Just Dance 2, and piccross (a ds game...I know kinda silly, but so fun!) (Man I must have been a good girl this year!)
Going to the movies to see Gulliver's Travels
Christmas fettuccine (This is Shawn's favorite thing that he prepares, so its become our little tradition)
And of course playing with all the loot is always a highlight. Shawn said its his reason we had kids...so that he can still get all the fun toys for Christmas!

Sedona

2010-12-22T13:45:00.005-07:00

My Dad and his girlfriend Nancy are staying in Sedona at their time share for a week and invited us to come and visit them. I've been looking for an excuse to visit Sedona for forever so we were really excited to get the chance to go with them. Their time share is beautiful and very comfortable. We had a great time together. We went for a walk to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, Sedona is gorgeous. I love the red rock with the beautiful pine trees. We also went window shopping. Played games in the game room, and even had a little time to relax!

Thanks so much for having us Dad, and Nancy! We love ya!

A Gingerbread Party

2010-12-22T13:24:00.005-07:00

I thought it would be fun to have a few of our friends over to make gingerbread houses together on our first official day of winter break. It was so fun.

We had 14 kids + 3 babies + 4 Mommies!

The kids really got into it and came up with some brilliant houses- I was quite impressed! I think I might be cleaning up frosting for a few days but it was totally worth it!

Ethan and His Band

2010-12-13T20:38:00.004-07:00

OK so maybe its not Ethan's band, but he rocked out like it was! Ethan talked Shawn and I into letting him play drums in band this year. He wasn't busy enough with scouts and baseball, he had to do one more thing. But in his defense this isn't a time consuming hobby, he practices at school and on the days we have time he practices. So it is mostly just for fun...Well for him, I am not crazy about the practicing, I usually go out for practice time. Is that mean??

Anyway this last Saturday the kids met at the Norterra shopping center and played a few songs for shoppers. It was a fun idea. There were quite a few other schools and groups playing too. Ethan thought it was cool because they played on trash cans instead of the drums.

After the concert we went to Target for their "Rides for Toys" night. If you donate a toy you get to ride around the parking lot on a firetruck or police car with the siren and lights on. Needless to say it was a hit.

It was a very fun and festive night!

My Christmas Advent

2010-11-22T10:57:00.007-07:00

I love the holiday season. It is such a magical month! Its the season of giving, caring, sharing, loving, and believing. To help my family remember the reason for the season I've put together an advent calendar to help us celebrate everyday.

My idea is each morning or evening they can take turns opening that days "to do" advent. I also have put a piece of candy in each day.

Here is our list of mini adventures for this special month:

Bake and decorate cookies
Paint an ornament

Drink hot cocoa and read Polar Express

Play secret Santa, and do something nice for someone

Read the story of baby Jesus in Luke, and act out Nativity

Watch the movie, The Nativity

Play a Christmas game

Watch your favorite Christmas movie

Decorate the Christmas tree

Go look at lights in the neighborhood

Go to the temple to see the lights and the nativity

Sing Christmas songs

Make tags to go on presents

Wrap presents

Have breakfast for dinner

Have a picnic dinner

Play in the snow

Christmas church party

Make someone a gift (sibling, grandparent, teacher...)

Christmas shopping

Deliver goodies to neighbors

Sleep under the Christmas tree

Put out cookies and a carrot for Rudolf

What is your favorite thing to do this month?

Back Seat Talk

2010-11-21T10:08:00.005-07:00

Yesterday while driving I heard Ethan whispering to Libby. He said softly "You are my very best friend... You know where it says that? It says it right here on my heart."

Talk about pulling on my heart strings. I literally got a tear in my eye. There are small moments like these when it makes my whole life seem worthwhile.

So I said to Ethan, "oh Ethan that is the sweetest thing I've ever heard. It says that on my heart too."

Ethan then pauses. "Mom," in that tone that only a true tweener has, "they say that on Zach and Cody." (which if you don't know is a really stupid show they like to watch, and that I now hate even more!) Then he laughs. At. Me.

Oh. Dang. Of course it is. Silly me.

It was really funny. I laugh about it every time I think of it.

Grandma's Birthday Weekend

2010-11-15T10:49:00.004-07:00

Happy Birthday Candy!

My beautiful nieces!

Jamie and Chalon...I love you guys!

The boys waiting (patiently) for their cup cakes and ice cream! And may I say that the cake was so Delicious, cake + frosting from scratch= to die for! I might have had like three, and maybe one for breakfast too!

Terry told Candy that no one could come celebrate her birthday, so she was surprised that we had a full house. Shawn's two brothers, and kids, and Uncle came. It was a very nice party. It was fun to see everyone.

On Friday Candy and Terry came to watch Hayden get his game on!

Ethan, Noah, Kayla, and Libby

Thanks for coming! We love you!

Hayden's Baseball Game

2010-11-15T10:38:00.006-07:00

Sorry I know these are terrible pictures. But you can kind of make out Hayden in the green shirt on third base.

Hayden on 1st base!

Fall Ball is so fun. I love spreading out the blanket and watching the kids play. But its freezing! Shawn and I take turns holding the heater, I mean Libby! Both Ethan and Hayden are loving it. This is Hayden's first time playing for this league. It is so fun to watch him get out there and play hard. He loves to bat, catch, and throw! Ethan is doing awesome too. He has a couple friends on his team from previuos seasons, and a few from church too. Ethan's favorite part is the chewing gum and sunflower seeds!
I will try to take better pictures at their next game.

Hide and Seek

2010-11-10T11:25:00.004-07:00

We go to church at 2 in the afternoon on Sundays. So we have a lot of down time. Whats there to do? Besides the obvious: sleeping in, french toast (made by Shawnee), a lazy walk? We love those things but we like to mix it up a bit too, so we, which really means "the boys", have started "Sunday fight night", which is definitely my favorite thing (or really farthest from it), but this last Sunday they played a good old fashioned game of hide and seek. It was really cute Hayden wanted to find the best hiding spot ever, so Ethan said he would count to 200 to give him plenty of time to find the perfect spot. But he said if he was done hiding before he got to 200 to yell out ready! So as you can imagine every time Hayden would yell out "Ready!" Ethan would know exactly where to look, because he could hear where he was coming from. It was really funny, and Hayden just didn't get it! So then he just hid Elizabeth instead!

Oh these kids crack me up!

Veteran's Day Parade

2010-11-08T12:50:00.005-07:00

Here is our YM/YW float

This year is the Cub Scouts 80th Birthday, and Boy Scouts 100th Birthday! So the cubs made a big cake on their float! It looks awesome doesn't it? Good work cubs!

Ethan wanted to walk in the parade this year. He is so sweet, when he saw me he came and gave me a big hug. He is such a sweetheart! I totally got all choked up!

Hayden got a little sidetracked when he found these lizards in a big pipe in the ground. I guess there was a scorpion down there too. But maybe he got eaten? Do lizards eat scorpions?

Hayden was my little camera man this year at the parade. He took a ton of pictures! He had a good time. I always love the veteran's parade, its kind of embarrassing I always get a frog in my throat, I just love seeing all the kids waving their flags, and all the veterans. It is so cool. I love when the community comes together and celebrates life.

Thankful

2010-11-08T10:49:00.003-07:00

I have so many things to be thankful for. I feel so blessed, and so lucky! Do you ever have those moments when everything just feels perfect? Like it couldn't get any better than this?

I am so thankful for my beautiful children. I am so thankful that they still like me, and want to play with me! I am so thankful for Shawn, and that he still loves me. I am so thankful for my home, that its warm and comfortable, and that it truly is where the heart is. I am so thankful for every new day that I get a new chance to be better, and try again.

I am so thankful for my friends...to start off the giving season I had a few friends over to make these banners. It was so fun! I love any excuse for a party! Check out some of the pics, courtesy of Jamie, here.

beautiful girl

2010-11-02T20:00:00.003-07:00

This is one of my most favorite times of the day. Libby loves bath time.

Is she the most beautiful baby you have ever seen? I think she might be!

Pajamas

2010-11-02T19:55:00.003-07:00

I was feeling a little crafty last week . I set up my sewing machine and went to town!
...Since I made Ethan green pjs for his costume, Hayden wanted some too, then I made some for Libby too. I didn't want her to feel left out! But I added ric rac to hers, they needed something a little girly!
Then I also made some Halloween pjs for the boys, sorry no pictures.

Halloween

2010-11-02T19:39:00.003-07:00

Ethan has been begging me to make him a gecko costume forever. So finally I did. It was super silly easy. I just made green pajama pants and matching green gloves and tail, and cut a ping pong ball in half for his eyes. He loved it! He slept in it for two nights! I was worried he was going to wear it under his church clothes!

The boys handed out candy to the "trick or treaters". They enjoyed seeing all of their friends dressed up. And were really good sports about not "trick or treating" themselves.

On Saturday night we went to our wards "trunk or treat". Hayden was Skeletor, Libby was a cheerleader. Libby's costume was vintage. I actually wore that when I was her age!

This was my first attempt at sewing a skirt for lil' Libbs. I should have used a pattern put what the heck, I winged it. I was happy with the way it turned out considering it was my first. There is a little ruffle around the bottom with ric rac trim peeking through at the hem. (Notice this picture is not a close up!) Her whole outfit was under five dollars!

Toes anyone?

2010-09-17T15:36:00.001-07:00

Elizabeth has the most perfect feet for kissing...yes even sucking. She does it all day long.

three months

2010-06-11T21:00:00.002-07:00

I cant believe Libby is already 13 weeks. Why does time have to go by so quickly? I look forward to the new things she will do each day but at the same time it kinda breaks my heart to know that she is getting older. I want her to stay tiny for longer so I can remember everything about her at every stage.

Libby loves so many things, she
loves to suck her fingers
loves to look at her brothers and her Mommy
(but I think staring at her Daddy is her favorite)
loves to talk and occasionally she will laugh-
doesn't love to be tickled, not yet at least!
loves to sit in the swing
loves to sleep
I love my Libby

Bartlett

2010-06-02T13:28:00.004-07:00

The gang: all the cousins

Zach and April play with Libby

It was all too much fun for Hayden. He had to catch some ZZZZzz before his next adventure!

Lunch time! We all pigged out, like always Grandma brings all the good food!
Chips and cookies galore! oh my!

Shawn surfing the wake!

Ethan tries out the knee board...and is pro of course! He doesn't waste anytime before he starts busting out the 360! He is a shredder!

Libby Lu Lu

Daddy teaches Ethan how to ride the knee board.

For Memorial Weekend Shawn's parents rented a house boat for everyone. Shawn's two older brothers were there. And Candy brought out Shawn's sisters kids. We had such a good time with everyone.
Thanks so much Grandma and Poppa! You guys sure know how to show us a good time!

my sweet lil' Libby

2010-06-02T13:20:00.002-07:00

Elizabeth is 2 months here. She is wearing one of the dresses my Mom saved from when I was this age. Can you believe that. Isn't it the most gorgeous little outfit. I love the bottoms the best!

BABIES taking over this house!

2010-04-06T18:03:00.005-07:00

Ellie and Libby

Taryn's baby Ellie is just over two weeks older than Libby. I think they are going to be best cousins forever! Before they left we striped them down so we could compare. They are pretty close in size, and I think there is definitely a family resemblance! Well maybe? But they are so cute!!

Happy Easter

2010-04-06T17:51:00.002-07:00

For Easter we had a FULL house. It was so awesome, I loved it. I hope you had a great Easter too!

Libby's admirers and Birthday's

2010-04-06T17:31:00.002-07:00

Ethan's 10th Birthday wishes!

Hayden jumping all over Grandpa Darryl. He's such a good sport!

oh a little Rockband

followed by a whole lotta jumping!

I am finally getting around to downloading all of my pics from the past several weeks and there is so much to share. I feel so blessed, we have had lots of friends and family come to see and love on Libby.
My Mom, step Dad, Amberly and Radley came out to see Libby be born, and stayed the weekend to help out with my boys. My Mom had to go home after a few days, but my sis Amb stayed the week to help me out. We had so much fun, I loved having her and Radley here. We watched movies, ate way to many treats, had a lesson in crescent roll making, Amb cleaned my house from top to bottom....thanks Amb, you spoil me rotten! It was such a treat to have her all to myself, that rarely happens!
Then on the weekend Shawns parents came out, and Amberly's husband and son came out also. We celebrated Ethan's 10th Birthday with cake and a little rockband! The boys lived on the trampoline pretty much the whole weekend! Uncle Jim came over and made us shrimp and salmon! All in all it was a great time!

Elizabeth Annette

2010-03-22T17:33:00.003-07:00

Elizabeth was born on March 12 at 4:59 PM. She was 7.5 lbs and 20 in. I think she is the sweetest thing in the world!

Ellie

2010-03-09T17:04:00.003-07:00

Here is my beautiful niece Ellie, and my sis. Isn't she adoreable! She looks just like a Clawson...I can't wait to hold her and kiss those cheeks!! Hopefully she will have a cousin in few days!!

Christmas In a Nutshell

2010-01-11T18:05:00.002-07:00

Christmas Morning. Hayden shows Lovey what Santa brought in his stocking!

Ethan was so excited about this present! He really wanted it! They have been having nerf wars everyday since! I am finding those bullets everywhere!
Shawn got a gun too, but his is not an inside toy...its a BB gun. He was very excited too!

Shawn is always taking random pictures of my belly. Not me, just my tummy. He is a little obessed with it. Its sweet, I am glad he likes it, because I hate it!

The tree. Every year I always worry if the boys are getting enough presents. But then come Christmas morning there is always way too many presents. The kids have their favorites and then after that it just feels like a waste. They both still have toys that are still in the packaging! Can you believe that? So then I always say I wont buy as much the next year, and I swear I didn't buy as much this year.

Ethan writes a letter to Santa! He and Lovey made Lego cookies!

Christmas Dinner

This was the year of building toys! Lots of Legos, a huge marble maze toy, that was a nightmare to put together.

The boys in their Christmas clothes.

This is Hayden at his school program.

A blurry picture of a Christmas party.

Christmas was great this year. It felt very relaxed. We were able to just enjoy each other this season. My Mom and step Dad came to visit for Christmas week, and it was so fun having them. Thanks Mom for doing all my laundry! You two are the best! We love you!
I hope you all had a great Christmas too!

The love of my life

2010-01-06T14:54:00.003-07:00

For our big anniversary this year we wanted to do something extra special. It was after all our big 1 0! So we were thinking big. A get away, just the two of us! Maybe a cruise? Maybe a weekend away somewhere that we've been wanting to get to. But then when it came down to it we decided to spend the money on something else. I know we are no fun, so practical. But then I think both of our parents decided that we really needed to do something, as if our marriage was dependent on us celebrating this huge feat, it is an accomplishment, at least it feels like it! So my Mom sent us money to go out on our actual Anniversary, and Shawn's parents sent us a very sweet card telling us to pick a hotel and a weekend and they will book the hotel and take our kids for a our getaway! Very generous, and thoughtful. So don't worry guys our marriage might be okay. We will getaway, just the two of us, which does seem odd, we don't do that very often.
On our anniversary we got all dressed up and went out to dinner at Ruth's Chris, which is very fancy steak house.
Thanks my love for putting up with me, you are the BEST!

Thanksgiving in the Desert

2009-12-03T15:25:00.003-07:00

The CLAN!

Ethan loves Radley but has never been interested in holding him. Can you imagine my relief when he finally wanted to hold him. He is going to be my right hand when the baby comes! Doesn't he know this, he better get used to holding babies!!

Hayden and Grandma cuddling in bed for a few extra minutes!!

Aunt Amberly brought some fun board games to play! Thanks Aunt Amb!

Me and my sisters.

Hayden had a blast riding the quad, not so much on his own bike. But whatever, at least he was out there riding! It was funny all the younger kids (Xander, and Ethan Thomas) wanted to ride the quad so they took turns riding, and even giving each other rides when they couldn't wait their turn. It was silly because there was two perfectly good bikes just sitting there that they wouldn't ride. Are these kids lazy, or what?

Thanks you Becca for riding Hayden's bike... someone needed to!

Uncle Jim was on turkey duty! MMMmm! Look at that gorgeous turkey. Nice work!

Hayden's Thanksgiving Program

2009-12-03T15:17:00.002-07:00

Hayden was the cutest little Indian! I had a great time helping the kids finish their program costumes, it has been so fun to actually be able to work in the kids class rooms this year. He had fun with his class singing all the songs. He loves kindergarten.
Shawn and I went to the special thanksgiving lunch they had for the parents. It was fun to see both Ethan and Hayden with their friends. We found out that the little girl, Isabelle, that Hayden is quite fond of is the principles daughter! Am I the only one that thinks that is hilarious?

Tinsel Town

2009-11-17T19:06:00.003-07:00

i know its a little early to be getting ready for christmas. i am sure that by the time it actually rolls around i will be so ready for it to just be over. kinda like how i feel about all the holidays. its just so fun to decorate though, i cant help myself. this year i am hosting a progressive dinner for a bunch of women in early december and since we will be gone the two weekends before, i feel totally justified to start setting up the tree even before thanksgiving.

i've always wanted to make a little christmas village like this one. i just made it out of milk cartons that i have been saving for the past several months. and then put twinkle lights inside. super easy. it was fun to be a little creative, its my stress outlet.

i am making advent calendars this year for family gifts, for my family. i want to put in all the holiday traditions, like looking at lights, reading polar express and drinking hot cocoa, and building a gingerbread house. on some days i think i will just put in chocolates, i am sure some days will be to busy for an extra thing to do. but i need a few more ideas. whats your favorite holiday tradition?

Hot dogs & smores: yes please!

2009-11-17T18:57:00.003-07:00

Last Friday we went up to Table Mesa for a bon fire to experience the best parts of camping with out the back aches that come in the morning. The boys found an old door and decided it would make a great sled down the hillside (that was covered in glass). Why cant they be satisfied with an open fire, roasting dogs and smores. Maybe a few stories could be shared around the crackling fire. You know just sit back and hang? Oh no, not my fam, they like to live life on the edge. But no one was hurt, and the boys all had a good time! Its just another Hancock adventure! Whats next??

Hair cuts

2009-11-06T17:07:00.003-07:00

You know how you feel like a whole new woman after you get a hair cut? Well I kinda feel that way after my kids get their hair cut too! Their hair was so long it was ridiculous. They always shower at night so they always wake up with bed head and they hate hate hate it when I put gel, or jelly as Hayden calls it, in their hair. I usually leave their bangs a little longer so I can style it on Sunday, its the only day I make them do their hair. But please isnt that ridiculous to have crazy every day, just to have cute styled hair for three hours one day a week. So we buzzed it. And I love it. They look so much cuter now. I dont look at them and think ohmigosh what is their Mom thinking, I look at them and think how handsome they are...just like their Daddy...when he has his hair cut!

Halloween Weekend

2009-11-04T15:49:00.003-07:00

For Halloween this year we had a huge weekend party to celebrate. Shawn's fam came, my fam came. It was awesome, probably the best Halloween ever. Dont you love how everyone dressed up? Hey we get into it, we know how to have fun- we cant let the kids have all the fun! On Halloween Day we went to the park, carved pumpkins, ate chili and hot dogs, our traditional Halloween dinner, and went trick or treating, then of course the kids went through their stash. On Sunday my Mom made yummy french toast, we went to church ate an early Thanksgiving dinner, played games. All in all it was a jam packed weekend of just being together, it was great. This is how every weekend should be!

2009-11-04T15:44:00.002-07:00

I like to carve pumpkins just for the seeds, yummy!, and we had a ton of seeds between the 9 kids and their pumpkins. Did I mention we had a house full? I was impressed with what everyone came up with. We have a very talented bunch of pumpkin carvers!!

2009-11-04T15:38:00.003-07:00

On Saturday, just to make things a little more hectic, and exciting, Ethan and hayden both had sports games. At least they were back to back. It was fun hanging out at the park on our little blanket while all the kids ran around.

Costume Party

2009-10-26T09:25:00.003-07:00

After my marathon post I will just let these pictures talk for themselves!

Life in the fast lane

2009-10-24T18:57:00.003-07:00

Camping in Flagstaff

Keepsakes I never thought I'd use

the boys enjoying Daddy being home on Sunday and Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday etc.

Hayden playing soccer

The boys taking turns helping Daddy move some dirt around. And Shawn having way to much fun with this new "toy"

So its been awhile. Between not feeling great and just being busy some things have to be put on the back burner, and blogging has been one of those things. I thought that when Shawn finished working out of town that life would be less crazy, but of course it has been the opposite. After him being out of town for almost a year we both kind of got used to doing our own thing and dealing with our own hectic schedule. I was really looking forward to him being home and actually just having him around. But I guess I forgot that he is never really around even when he is home. Something about Shawn is that he is a work workaholic. He cant stand not having something to do. He truly is amazing, the amount of things he gets done in one day, it would blow your mind. Its exhausting just watching him. So I tell you all this because my little day dreams of having him finally be home and us eating dinner together as a family, and actually just sitting on the couch together was so such a joke. Don't get me wrong we do do these things but it always has a time frame, squeezed into the hectic day, you know rushed- not exactly what I had in mind. But what can I say I love the man, and I will take whatever I can get.

Soon after Shawn being home he took on this huge project in our backyard. And I mean huge, the man thinks big. He thought it would take one month to finish, but you know how these projects go, they always take longer, and they always cost more. But I know it will be beautiful when its done. And you will just have to wait and see for yourself!

So some other things that we have been up to is taking a quick trip up to flagstaff with some of our favorite neighbors. The boys had a blast. We hadn't been camping as a family in forever. It was so gorgeous, and everything was so green. The boys had fun hiking, throwing rocks into a lake, shooting a gun (yikes!) and having ice cream at Mormon Lake.

I took the kids for a three day weekend in Cali to visit my fam. I couldnt wait another day to see my family, I was missing them so much. We stayed with my sister Amberly, and I got to hold and play with Radley till my hearts content. He is so sweet, and he is getting so big way to fast. I thought seriously about stashing him in my luggage on the way home. It was a great weekend, I got to see everyone, not for very long, but it was a good solid visit! I am so anxious to have everyone come out next weekend, to see everyone again. Its always a lot less crazy when they come out here, because we get to just hang out instead of me driving all over the place to see everyone. So it will be fun.

Hayden started soccer, and loves it. He just gets in there, and doesn't think twice about throwing elbows to get the ball, I wonder where he gets that from? HMMmm. He gets so excited about it he will get ready an hour before practice. He is definitely the athlete of the family. Ethan started baseball, and was so excited that his best friend just happened to be on his team. At his last practice, the two of them wouldn't stop laughing and playing around. I think the coach might have been a little frustrated, but I was so glad to see him having so much fun. His bff goes to a different school so they don't get to play as much. They have their first game this week. Ethan also has joined an art club after school. Its only for a few months. Ethan loves drawing, he spends hours drawing characters and writing the stories to go with them. Ethan is also still enjoying Bear scouts. So between the three activites he (and I mean me!) is a pretty busy boy.

Something funny that happened was Ethan had spent some time hanging out at the park with some neighbors. Soon after he got home I hear this blood curdling scream, and I see Ethan dancing around... with his pants around his ankles. I am think what is wrong with this boy. He is crying that there's something on his bottom that is biting him. But I can't look because he's dancing around the living room holding his bottom. After a little coaxing I get him to relax and bend over so I can take a look. And let me tell you, I haven't taken a look at his cute little hinney in long time, it was a little weird. Anyway, sure enough there was something biting him. It was a giant black ant, and it wasn't on his rump, it was somewhere a little more sensitive, and that's all I am going to say about that. Except for the expression "ants in your pants" has taken on a whole new meaning in our home.

Sorry is this the longest post ever? Well I just have one more thing.

My Mom is the most organized woman I know. She is truly amazing. This is just one of the many qualities that I love best about my Mom. She saved some of my beautiful baby dresses. They have each been placed in zip lock baggies to protect them. She gave me this keepsake box after I got married. I didn't think I would ever be able to use them, because I am a boys Mom. But after a recent ultra sound we found out that we just might be able to put the dresses to some good use! We are so thrilled. I was in total shock for a whole week, I would wake up in the middle of the night and think oh my gosh I am having a girl! Or I'd be throwing up and I'd think no wonder I am so much sicker this time around, I am having a girl! -And it made it okay.

So that's it, my life in a nut shell. Even though life is so hectic I love my life. I love my husband, I love my boys, I love my home. I love being pregnant. I wouldn't change anything. Even though life is crazy I can still find a few quiet moments in my day where I can just sit back and truly enjoy my life and just be grateful for my many, many blessings. I think if we get caught up in being to busy (because we are all busy) and we forget to just be grateful then we miss all the good stuff. So thank you, thank you for today and that I could be busy with my family.

Our weekend with Cara

2009-09-14T11:02:00.002-07:00

Poor Jared! He is such a good sport! Thanks Jared for sharing your family!
Hayden and Ella playing games cuddled together on the couch.

Cara thanks so much for coming to visit us. I had such a good time with you! I am so relieved that no one got sick and I actually got you all to myself this time around. Remember last year I had to visit you at the hospital just to see you! But this year we got to sit on the couch and actually hang out, how refreshing! And the weather was so perfect, the kids had such a blast at the park, and on the train. Thanks for coming! I hope you had fun in Sedona! I think its my turn to visit you!! Love ya!

Hot new wheels

2009-09-14T10:46:00.004-07:00

Ethan has been bike-less for a long time. He was OK with this until we went camping over the summer and he was stuck with what ever bike was left, which was always either a pink bike or the rat racer which was 5 sizes to big for him. But since i wanted to get him a bike for his birthday and he refused saying he needed a new ds game way more, I was not feeling so generous as to buy him a new one. So he saved up his money for months. I was so proud of him the way he hung in there and didn't give up when that new Pokemon game came out.

Shawn helped him find the perfect bike, a Haro bike, which is a bmx bike (which Shawn is quite jealous of!).

Ethan loves his new wheels, all the more because he paid for it himself!

Oh Baby!

2009-08-18T15:03:00.004-07:00

Look there really is a baby in there!

I know I haven't blogged in like forever! This is actually the first time I have even spent any amount of time on the computer. The computer is my enemy...it just wants stuff from me. I have been super sick, but don't worry I am sure I will feel better in a few weeks, my fingers are crossed!
Last week I went to the doctor and got to see the baby and hear its tiny heart beat! I was so excited. I can't believe I got to see the baby so soon! According to the ultra sound I am 9 1/2 weeks, so I am due on March 21!
After the first two weeks of being sick Ethan started to get worried that he would be having frozen dinners every night for the next year. And well I couldn't really reassure him otherwise...whats wrong with frozen dinners? Hayden told me my baby is really small, and asked why I wasn't fat yet...We quickly had a little talk about how pregnant women are not fat, they just get a bigger belly as the baby grows. Last week Shawn asked if I had a pooch yet. Can someone please tell my husband that under no circumstance do we ever call a belly a pooch, even if there is a pooch we just dont call it that! It's a baby, not a pooch. And anyways, for crying out loud I am only 9 weeks, there is no pooch! Geesh! My family is giving me a complex.
Anyway I am super excited, and can hardly wait. I can also hardly wait for it to cool off here, but oh well, only soon enough I suppose.

Hayden turns Five! Rocket Ship Party

2009-08-18T14:47:00.004-07:00

The invite.
Hayden had a ball handing out his invites.

The front door.

The party favors.
My sister wrapped her present to look like a rocket, isn't it so darling. I didn't want Hayden to open it!

I pretty much didn't do any decorating, I just was not feeling up to it. In fact I really just wanted to sleep through the party, so we kept everything super simple. I just decorated the table, with place cards, the pinata, balloons, and the cup cakes. It looked festive, and Hayden was thrilled, so that's all that matters!

I've been looking for the perfect party theme for months. I wanted to do something special, and it had to be homemade. So when I came across this idea for a Rocket ship Party on this blog, I knew it would be perfect. Not to fussy but still fun and different. I think it turned out great. Hayden had so much fun, so naturally, I was very pleased!

More Party

2009-08-18T14:39:00.002-07:00

Hayden was thrilled about all of his presents. He's easy though, he just likes getting new things!

The kids blew bubbles.

Thanks to Aunt Amberly, we shot off a rocket. The kids thought it was the coolest thing ever. It went super high, and flew probably a block away.

The kids took turns blowing up and releasing rocket balloons.

Everyone sang Happy Birthday, and Hayden made a wish!

Big news!

2009-07-29T20:22:00.002-07:00

On Sunday I put this piece of tape on Hayden's shirt. Can you read it? It says I am going to be a big brother. It was our way of telling the kids. It took Ethan a second to get what the message meant, but when he did he was super excited! Looks like he might be sharing his b-day, yup that means some time in March!

Lake Bartlett

2009-07-29T20:15:00.002-07:00

Last weekend we got to hang out with Shawns fam. Went out to Lake Bartlett Saturday. The kids had a blast swimming, and inner-tubing. The weekend was cut short because Ethan woke up with the flu Sunday morning. But it was fun while it lasted! Thanks for coming out guys!

projects

2009-07-29T20:05:00.003-07:00

So I may be the slowest painter on the planet. This little painting project took like ummm three months. Why you ask? Because I would only paint after the kids went to bed, and I refused to buy the big 5 gal paint jug, so I had to keep going back for another gal, then another, and another. Ugh, it was kind of stupid. But I am happy with the way it turned out. A fresh coat of paint really does make everything feel fresh, doesn't it? I need to take a better pic of the entry, I did a little thing on the ceiling, stay tuned!

The FOURTH

2009-07-06T20:32:00.003-07:00

At home as we get ready for the lake, Hayden asks Daddy, "Daddy are there sharks at the lake?" Daddy reassures him for the hundredth time "No son there are no sharks in the lake".
At the lake Hayden says "So there are no sharks right?" "Yes Hayden there are no sharks". "OK Daddy", as he does a 360 into the water, followed by a front flip. I guess he finally got it into his head.

Our fourth was great, well actually our celebrating started on the third. We made a trip to the Lego store, a 1st for our family. The kids were in heaven there. Followed by dinner at Dave and Busters. Then we went to the park for the big show. Our community does fireworks on the third, I still haven't figured out why, but whatever? It was fun we camped out next to Lisa and fam. Hayden and Ethan ran wild finding all of their friends. They had a good time to say the least. Walking back to our car Ethan announced that it was his best day ever, next to going to Disneyland, of course.
Then Saturday we went to the lake. I was expecting it to be packed, but luckily it wasn't to bad. We played in the water for a long time, Ethan wake boarded a bit, but it was super choppy. it was a perfect family Fourth of July weekend.

Sparklers

2009-07-01T20:55:00.008-07:00

When I was young (feels like a million years ago) my Mom would buy sparklers for us for... I don't know it must have been 4th of July, or was it New Years? Any how I was mesmerized by them. I loved how they gave off the most beautiful glow, and sparks (of course), and didn't they crackle? But then one year they stopped selling them because firworks became illegal in the area, or something like that? You could go outside the county or south an hour to Mexico and sometimes find them on a corner being sold by a guy that would knock on your window offering fireworks. It made them even more intriguing, right? I am just saying!
Anyhow when I saw these chocolate dipped pretzels, childhood memories of dark warm nights dancing around bare foot with my sisters and a sparkler in hand, came flooding back to me. Don't they look like sparklers? So we had to make them. No choice. For the love of being a kid I guess.
I just melted the chocolate chips in a bowl in the micro, for 30 seconds at a time, on 50% power, stir and repeat until the chocolate is smooth, then let the kids dip the pretzel rods in chocolate, and sprinkle a little bit of red white and blue love'n on top. So easy! A little messy, but the kids were more than happy to clean it all up for me!

Mmmm punch!

2009-06-29T20:44:00.004-07:00

Mmmm punch. I love punch. So cool, refreshing, and delightful. If you are parched on a hot day, or are looking for a special cool treat, try these...the kids will dig the layers!
In three shallow bowls you just mix 1/3c frozen concentrated juice with 1c of water. I used cranberry juice, limeade, and orange juice. Then let freeze for at least 4 hours. Then with a fork you break up the frozen juice to make an icee mixture, see pic 1. Then layer the icee juice in a glass and pour a little 7up over it, see pic 2. Insert straw and put your feet up. Enjoy.

Happy Birthday to you

2009-06-29T20:38:00.002-07:00

Thursday was Payson's third birthday. We celebrated with cake, that Aspen and I made. Thank you Miss Aspen! And we went to the splash park. Payson had a busy day after that with doctor appointments so we didn't get to do much more partying. But oh well, he enjoyed his cake! And Ethan enjoyed being our photographer! Kind of a silly pic of me singing but Payson is giving me a cute smile so what the heck.

Sweet Stickers

2009-06-29T20:32:00.007-07:00

All you need is:
art work that has been previously made, or color something up just for this project. We colored pictures with crayon, then water painted over the crayon drawing,
scissors,
jello,
and a paint brush
Cut out pictures. Lay out a piece of wax paper, or newspaper to cover work area. Parent: Mix 1tbls of any flavor jello, with 2 tbls of boiling water. Stir until jello is dissolved. After it has cooled use a paint brush to brush on the jello mixture to the back of the drawing. Let dry. After it is dry you just lick the back of the picture and stick on whatever you want. Yummo!
Another idea is to use big hole punches to cut out decorative paper and decorate a card or gift wrap. Or use artwork to decorate a card. The possibilities are endless!