Santa's Toy Shop In Progress.....December 7-12, 2010

This year Sam and I decided to make Hadlie an American Girl doll bunk bed for Christmas. Sam made the bunk bed to match the bed he made for Hadlie. Then, I made the bedding for the bunk bed. Our friends, Carrie and Chon, made a bed for their daughter also. So, Chon and Sam built the beds together and Carrie and I sewed the bedding together.

I think Carrie and I were OVERLY EXCITED about this project. It turned out SO SO SO CUTE! We were both very proud of ourselves. The beds turned out better than expected.

I actually would LOVE to start selling them. They were a lot of fun to make. Of course, the first time you make something always takes the longest but they are DARLING, if I do say so myself.

Sam putting the bed together...

Carrie and I sewing.

We got everything we need: machines, sizzors, thread, material, stuffing, and of course, DIET COKE! :)

Ta Da! The Final Result....

(Isn't it so cute?)

Do We Work Out?.......December 4, 2010

I thought this was so funny...

I was upstairs making cakes for Sam's birthday. I went down stairs to get some power sugar and Sam, Hadlie, and Daxton were all down stairs working out to P90X! Sam got the kids all set up with weights and they were all lifting weights, building their arms and backs with the P90X dude. I thought it was really cute! After, Daxton came up stairs, flexed his arm muscle, and said: "Mom, look how big my muscle is!" What a stud!

So, do we work out? Yes, we ALL work out! Kids and all! :) Hopefully, we are setting good examples for our kids. I hope they will continue to keep active their entire lives. Keep up the great work Hadlie and Daxton!

Happy Birthday Sam Dawg......December 4, 2010

Happy Birthday, it's your Birthday! How does it feel to be 35, honey?

Me and the kids just want you to know how thankful we are to have you! We hope you have a wonderful birthday! We hope this next year brings you lots of happiness and more gray hair to go with all that happiness too. Happy Birthday! We love you!

Love-

Jen and kids

This card is from Daxton, isn't he sweet?

The Parties:

We did a lot of fun things for Sam's birthday. We invited our families and some friends to go out to lunch at the Brick Oven on Saturday. Then, the next day, Sunday, we had our friends over for cake and ice cream and we played cards. We had a great time!

Saturday:

Sam at the Brick Oven.

Our friend, Carrie, made Sam his favorite treat, her cookies.

She decorated them super cute for his Birthday.

Our friends, the Choi's and Sharps...

Meghan, Dave, and family...

Kayla, Tim, and family....

Kagen, Hadlie, friends, and family....

Me and the birthday boy....

Stacey and Ryan!

Sunday:

Sunday when we got home from church we got a knock on the door. Someone, (our neighbors two doors down), tied a HUGE birthday balloon to a streamer and tied it to our front door. It ran high in the sky giving Sam a shout out for his birthday. It was the cutest idea.

Thank you Larsen's!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM! We love you!

Night of Repentance......December 1, 2010

Tonight I had to repent for my venting session yesterday of Bah Humbug. I am in the Young Women's in my ward and tonight we made the a Christmas gift for the widows in our neighborhood, we put together fruit baskets. We met at the church, put the baskets together, then we headed to four ladies homes in our ward.

We all gathered around their door, sang Christmas carols to them, and delivered our fruit baskets. I didn't think much of it until I saw tears rolling down one of ladies cheeks. I couldn't help but cry myself. It touched me deeply. All of the ladies thanked us and told us how much we made their day. (You forget how lonely some people are and just a simple act like singing them a song can brighten their day and pierce their soul.)

After Young Women's was over I thanked Heavenly Father for that experience. It helped me refocus on the real meaning of Christmas and what gift giving is all about. It's all about love.

It's not about shopping for the best deal or not best deal. It's not about the crazy things people say to you. It's not about the long endless lines. It's not about the angry customers. It's all about giving the ones you love something they love. Even if it's small to you, it may mean the world to them.

It helped me reflect why we celebrate Christmas. It help me remember the greatest gift given to man kind, the sacrifice of the Savior. I am grateful for him and for all that he has given me. I am also grateful for one of my biggest gifts, my sweet kiddos. So, even if I have to stand in long lines with mad people or even if I have to pay full price for something, I should be grateful to have four beautiful children that I can give to. They give and bring much happiness to me daily.

I guess I got my wish..... I was haunted by the spirit of Christmas tonight! Merry Christmas!

BAH BAH HUMBUG!......November 30, 2010

Those of you who know me, know I am all about "the sale". I usually don't purchase things unless it's on sale.

So, I have been shopping for Christmas for over a month. I am usually done by now. However, this year I am not!

Santa is bringing Tage and Daxton Lego's for Christmas this year! I waited for over a month for black Friday to hit Toys R Us because, in years past, they always have a HUGE sale on Lego's. I passed up all kinds of sales on them waiting for the BIG SALE at Toys R Us. It's typically: Buy one, Get one. So, Black Friday rolled around and the sale at Toys R Us SUCKED! Hardly anything was on sale in the Lego department. "Oh well!" I thought. I am sure they will go on sale for Cyber Monday.....NOPE! However, I did go into Toys R Us yesterday and their ad showed: Buy One, Get One Half Off! "Finally!" I thought.

This morning I got up, got ready, and headed to Toys R Us. I called my sister in law on the way telling her I was on my way to the sale, she needed me to get some stuff for her also. So, I get there. I get my Harry Potter Lego's that Daxton and my nephew want. Then, I get some Pharaoh Lego's that Tage wants. Then, I get some DS games for my sister in law. I was there about an hour, shopping and waiting in lines, of course!

I finally step up to the counter to purchase my items and they don't ring up on the sales. The sales clerk says to me: " I am sorry the DS games have to be ONLY the ones shown in the ad and the Harry Potter and Pharaoh Lego's are EXCLUDED from the sale." I said, "really?" "Yes, really. It says it in the fine print below the sale in the ad."

I don't think I need to explain how irritated I was. So, I said, "Well, I guess I'll pass then, thank you." And I started to walk out of the store. Now, again, I thought to myself, "Crap, I better at least buy the Pharaoh Lego's because I haven't seen those anywhere else and I'll keep shopping for the Harry Potter elsewhere." So, I go back in and get the Pharaoh Lego set.

(Keep in mind, I have been at EVERY store and on EVERY website for the past weeks looking for Lego sales.)

I then wait in another LONG line. Everyone ahead of me is putting there stuff back because they, like me, didn't read the small print under the sale in their ad. I am observing the people around me and every customer looks pissed. The couple in back of me leans forward and says, "Your little daughter there is going to be your age by the time we get through this line." I laughed and agreed. Then they say, "Why can't people decide what they are going to do before they get in line." I agreed again. Then, the lady in front of me walked away from her sale also because she didn't see the fine print either. Seriously? Stop with the fine print ALREADY!

Finally, it's my turn AGAIN. The worker asks me, "Did you find everything OK?" "Seriously?", I thought. (What kind of question is that? Why do sales employees ask that STUPID question?) I said, "No." He said, "well can I help you with something?" (The next STUPID question.) "No!" I said, then he rang me up. Of course, the Lego's were more then what the sign said but I was NOT about to fight over two dollars, so I bought them and left. Yes, I was very irritated!

SALES 101:

Sales people should NEVER EVER ask: Did you find everything OK? Cashiers should NEVER EVER ask: Can I help you with something? These are two STUPID questions! Of course, no one is going to find everything okay. It's Christmas, the shelves are picked over, the sale isn't what it is cracked up to be, and there is ALWAYS some catch. COME ON! That is like asking me if I like Toys R Us, HECK NO! HECK NO no one is going to FIND EVERYTHING OKAY....And....cashiers should not ask if they can help you because they CAN'T. They CAN NOT leave their station and go back to find your items, which will not be there anyways. They can't do anything to help you. They are ONLY there to ring up your items and take your money. They usually take it ALL too because the of the fine print from the ad of the item that really is NOT on sale.

I am SICK of shopping, sick of buying, sick of stupid questions from workers, and sick of Christmas. Today, I say...FORGET IT!!!!!! Someone haunt me at night to change my attitude because I am officially Scrooge. Oh wait, Toys R Us will haunt me every night until I get my stinking Lego's. BAHHHHHHH HUMBUGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!

Why can't we just really focus on what Christmas is about and FORGET THE SHOPPING?

Cutie + Pie = Cutie Pie......November 25,2010

Thanksgiving night we were at Sam's parents house and Paizlie could not get enough of Grandma's pie. She was eating from every one's pie. Finally she resorted dipping into the whole coconut cream pie itself. What a cutie "pie"!

"I love Grandma's pie!"

"Now, we're talking!"

"Umm...I just can't get enough...."

Say "Pie"!

Earlier Paizlie would not leave Grandpa's side. She loves her grandparents.

Again, what a cutie pie, grandpa's cutie pie!

Family Fun Center, Field Trip #3.......November 22, 2010

Tage's preschool class went to the Family Fun Center today. They got to bowl and jump in the bounce houses. They also got to tour the facility. The kids got to see how the bowling pins are put back up after they are knocked over; they were able to see how they make pizza; and they toured the mini golf and laser tag courses. I think they had a really fun time, especially in the bounce houses!

Tage bowling....

Tage in the bounce house...

Tage jumping on the trampolines...

Me and Paizlie jumping on the trampolines too!

*ps. I found out my surgery worked! :) I was so excited to jump again! Bring on the running and bring on the trampolines. The mom is back in action.........YES!

More photos by Tage.......November 22, 2010

I was uploading my photos to my computer again and had to erase more photos taken by Tage. He LOVES taking pictures. He took these of Paizlie this morning. I thought they were cute candide shots of her...Good Job Tage!

These two have so much fun together. I love my cute kids!

Summer in November?......November 21, 2010

Tage is such a silly kid. I think he is having a really hard time accepting the fact that winter is here and he can not wear summer gear anymore.

Today he came out of his room from getting dressed and he was wearing his swimsuit, which he does frequently. He wanted me to get out the floaty, goggles, and flippers so he could get decked out. I hesitated for a moment, then thought, what the heck!

Tage got in his swimming garb and went down stairs to watch PBS kids. So I thought I would do a quick photo shoot since he is so "flippen" cute!

I wish it were summer too Tage! Let's hope the next few months fly by. Bring on the warm weather!

(I really am hard up if I am wishing for summer and it's barely NOVEMBER, ahhhh. It's going to be a long winter!)

Happy Anniversary!!! .......November 19, 2010

Eleven! Doesn't it feel like heaven?

Sam I can't believe it's been eleven years already! Time is flying by. I want you to know how thankful I am for you. I thank Heavenly Father for you everyday. I know we have had our ups and downs but the ride is getting better and better the more we work through things and continue to love one another.

The longer I am married to you the more you impress me everyday. You are so driven in every aspect of your life. You continue to better yourself, our marriage, and our family! I am grateful to stand next to such a wonderful man and partner. You make me want to be a better person! I appreciate that you love me for who I am, faults and all.

You're a wonderful husband and father. You help make our life worth living! One of the greatest gifts you have given me is the opportunity to be a mother. I know the kids can drive us crazy at times but they bring us so much happiness. I love to watch them grow everyday. They are beautiful and we have such a beautiful family. I am very grateful for our family!

I hope we have many more years together and we continue to grow everyday! I love you so much Sam Dawg!

So here's to Eleven! It does feel like Heaven with you!

Love,

Jen

Puppies......November 12,2010

Our dog, Trudy, had 9 puppies! 6 boys, 3 girls. They turned out really nice. The breeders actually did invitro with her. She has a really hard time getting pregnant. I was surprised it worked this time because her last cycle she didn't catch.

We actually don't own Trudy anymore. We farmed her out so she could have a better home. Our home is not big enough to care for her like she needs to be cared for. We are sad these puppies aren't ours because we would've made a killing on them and they are "top dogs", no pun intended. They are top breed, really. The male with whom Trudy was bred to is the son of the Grand Champion of Bull Dogs. Our breeders turn down female dogs all the time to him. The female has to be just as nice as him and TRUDY IS! Yeah! (I know it sounds cheesy :)

Trudy is an amazing mom. Our breeders are very impressed with how well she does with her puppies. Most female bull dogs are not great mothers. We have always know how maternal she was by the way she treated our kids, especially Tage.

Anyhow, we went to see the puppies on the 14th, two days after they were born. Trudy looked good. But, she was SO SKINNY due to the pregnancy. Paizlie LOVED being with Trudy. Trudy let her pet and pet her. It was cute!

Just before we got there, one of the female puppies died. So, there are eight remaining. It was fun to see Trudy and the puppies. It will be more fun to see the puppies once they get a bit bigger.

We love and miss Trudy but, the truth is Trudy lives with an amazing family who loves her a lot. We are very happy about that. She is spoiled by her farming family. They really take great care of her and have a good home that provides all her needs.

Trudy's second liter...6 boys, 2 girls!

The little female that past away.

Paizlie mauling Trudy! She would not leave her side.

The stud!

This dog is HUGE! You can't tell by the picture, but he is massive.

Sea World.....November 12, 2010

Friday was SEA WORLD! Vicki and I love Sea World! We had a great time there also. We saw Shamu, the killer whale show. We saw the dolphin show and the sea lion show too. They were all very entertaining. We also rode two other roller coasters. Sea World has a new roller coaster called the Manta. HOLY COW! IT WAS SO FUN! We rode it 3 times, we loved it so much! However, an unfortunate event happened on the Manta ride: Bryce lost his rental car key. It flew out of his pocket while we were riding. So, that was a bummer but other than that, Sea World was a lot of fun!

Sam and I with Shamu...

Christmas Tree's were up! Sea World was decorated for Christmas and Christmas music was playing but there was no snow or sign of winter. It was really weird being in 80 degree warm weather, seeing palm trees and clear beautiful sky's, yet also seeing evergreens decorated with snowmen and packages all around saying: Christmas is here. It sure didn't feel like it to me.

Manta's....

The Believe show, Shamu and killer whales.

One of the killer whales had a brand new baby last month. We were able to see the baby swim out with his mother. It was so cute! They had to keep the show a little more low key due to the new baby. But it was fun to watch how amazing and well trained the whales were.

Do we look like the three stooges in this shot?

Bryce, Vicki, and I.

The whales were drenching everyone, it was hilarious!

Blue Horizons Show, the dolphins....

Clyde and Seamore take Pirate Island Show, the sea lions...

This one is very comical! You could really see the sea lions personalities in this show.

Sea Lions...

Me!

There is a Manta tank below my feet.

Can you see them?

Sam!

There is a shark tank above his head.

Can you see them also?

Our highlight of the night, getting towed back to Hertz!

Bryce and Sam...thumbs down :(

Bryce, Vicki, and I waiting for the car loaded onto the tow bed.

Thanks Bryce and Vicki! We had a wonderful time and definitely will have to go again some time with you guys. We enjoyed hanging out with you two. What a fun trip!!!

Also, a big thank you to our families for taking care of our kiddos while we were away. They had fun and it was comforting to know they were in good hands. We love you so much and appreciate all you do for us!