Disneyland and Gingerbread houses

Avery loves to make Gingerbread Houses. I'm not sure if it is because she eats 3 pieces of candy for every 1 that actually makes it on the house, or if its all the frosting that just has to be licked off of her fingers, or spending time with her cousins. Whatever the reason, it is a fun tradition that helps to spread holiday cheer!

And, what can be more cheery than a trip to the Happiest place on earth, all decked out for the Holidays!

I asked Avery to show me how she was going to smile for her picture with Santa, and this is what I got

I Heart Cancun, Mexico!!

I Heart...

Turquoise Ocean water

White sand in my toes

The sound of the waves crashing

Being tan in December

The warm sunshine

All you can drink Pina coladas (preferably without alcohol!)

Palm Trees

and everything else CANCUN!

Thanks Staci and Garrett!! We had a Blast!! Can we do it again next year? ;)

Could life get any better than this?

Kids Club Fun!

Andrew Checking out the View from our Balcony

Swimming with Daddy!

Just Hangin' around!

Taking a ferry ride to Isla Mujeres

We flew to Mexico on Avery's birthday. Here she is in the airport opening a present and wearing her Princess Birthday crown which she wore the WHOLE day!

I haven't been very good at taking pictures, but my SIL Andrea does a great job at updating her blog, so if you want to see more pics of what we've been doing in Utah, check out here site!

Dance Recital

We are leaving on Wednesday for Utah (YIPPEE!) but I am a little sad because we are going to miss Avery's dance recital. Her teacher was nice enough to let us come and watch the rehearsal last Tuesday. Avery was the only one dressed up, and it wasn't quite the same, but it was still so much fun to see her.She LOVES dance and it has helped her come out of her shell. I can't wait to see the recital next spring!

I can't believe that my baby girl is almost three! I want to remember a few of my favorite moments from this year so please bear with me as I write down some Averyisms.

We got Avery a cash register last spring and she LOVES to play Grocery store. About a month ago she started taking all the food out of the cupboards to "buy". One day she was playing with a jar of spaghetti sauce and decided it would make a good baby (what an imagination!). For the next three weeks she did everything with her baby Saucy. She pushed it in the stroller on our walks to the park (we got some funny looks), she tucked it in bed and sang to it, she took it on car rides and put Saucy's seat belt on, and then Saucy even had a baby! Avery found a little jar of salsa that she adopted as Saucy's baby and named it Ryan. Most girls play with dolls, mine plays with spaghetti sauce and salsa! Hey, whatever works!

Andy has an uncanny ability to lose things and luckily Avery has the uncanny ability to remember things. So, Andy lost his wallet and looked everywhere for it for about a week. He couldn't find it anywhere. One day in desperation he said "Avery, I'll give you Five bucks if you can find Daddy's wallet." She didn't really think much of it at first. Then, a few days later I randomly asked Avery (out of desperation again) if she knew were Daddy's wallet was. She casually said "Ya, it's in his tool box." I shrugged it off thinking she was just making it up. That night, Andy was looking for his wallet again. I told him that Avery said it was in the toolbox. He thought He was pretty sure it wasn't there, but he decided it was at least worth checking. So, he went into the garage, and there it was! Most of you are probably thinking that she PUT it there. But, nope. Andy had helped his friend move a swing set the week before and set his wallet in his tool box. Andy forgot that he had promised Avery money, but she sure didn't. After he found it she went up to him and said "Where's my five bucks!" We still don't know HOW she knew where it was! But it's a good thing she found it!

We went to the mall to visit the Easter bunny, but the Easter bunny wasn't there. Avery was really sad because she wanted to make sure that he knew she wanted her very own camera. Later that day we went for a walk and saw a bunny rabbit in the grass. We tip toed as close to the bunny as we could to get a good look. Then the bunny started to hop away. Avery started running after it and yelling "Please bring me a camera Easter Bunny! Bring me a camera!"

One day I needed to go to the grocery store and I really wanted Andy to come with us, but he didn't want to go. After begging a few times, we left without him. On the way to the store Avery was incessantly asking me why Daddy didn't come with us. I kept saying "I don't know Avery, I don't know." Finally after the hundredth time of asking I said "Why don't you call your Daddy and ask." So I dialed Andy's cell phone and handed Avery the phone. When he answered she said "Daddy, why you being a stinker bum?" Of course Andy thought that I told her to say that, so he didn't think it was very funny, but I was laughing so hard!!

We're Back!

Last week I had to have a few discussions with Avery about not using "potty talk." Some how, all of my "heart-to-heart" talks with her seem to backfire on me. She is almost 3, going on 16. So, the other day I took the wrong exit off of the freeway. I've been trying not to say Crap so much, so I said "PooP" when I realized that I went the wrong way(not that poop is really much better than crap). Avery proceeded to give me the no "potty talk" lecture in her most stern, grown-up voice that she could. It went something like this:
"Mom, we don't use "potty talk." That is not polite. Instead of saying poop, you need to say dang it. Okay? Let's try again. Show me that you won't use potty talk or I will have to send you to time out. Okay mommy, pretend you just missed the exit and say dang it because we don't use potty talk."

She doesn't let us get away with ANYTHING. Kind of cute. At least I know she is listening:) Then, yesterday, Andrew messed his pants at Target. On the way home I started singing "Andrew stinks, Andrew stinks, P-U, P-U" to the tune of frere jacques frere jacques dor me vous (random I know). Once again I got the no "potty talk" talk from Avery. After her shpeal, I said, "thanks for the reminder Aves, but I didn't say any potty words. It's o.k." Then she started singing the song back to me " Andrew stinks, Andrew stinks, P " and then she paused. "See mom, you said Pee." I laughed and tried to explain that it was the letter P and not the potty kind of pee. I don't think she really understood. We sang the ABC song, and then she just giggled when she got to the letter "P". Now I think she thinks she can sing her ABC's and get away with a little potty talk. Funny Girl!

My Computer cord shorted out, so until I get my new one in the mail, we are going to take a little blog break. Stay Tuned, we will be back soon!

Is October Really Over?

This Holiday was made for our little Candy Monster Avery! She had a blast Trick or Treating. She was a fairy angel for Halloween (she had to have a magic wand with her costume). We got her Angel costume the same week that she was introducced to hula hoops in her dance class. She asked me if she could try on her wings and her Hula hoop. I told her that angels wear halos, not hula hoops. She looked at me and in the cutest littl voice she said "Okay Mommy. Can I try on my Halo Hoop them?" I wish you could hear her say it. It is SO cute. She really thinks it is called a Halo Hoop! Andrew was a little Monkey. He fell asleep before he got to trick or treat at the first house. He did get to try his first sucker though. He was one Happy Monkey!!

P.S. If you are listening to the slide show music, sorry for the double songs. I can't figure out how to take it off! I clicked remove but it keeps showing up. Any suggestions?

Tastey Tuesday

This is my mom's famous bread recipe. It is SO good and really easy. I just made it on Sunday. YUMMY! It makes the whole house smell so good.

Honey Wheat Bread

*Yield 3 large loaves

5 cups Hot Water

2/3 cup oil

2/3 cup honey

2 T Salt

4 cups wheat flour

Mix really well

then add:

3 T yeast (dissolved inH2O)

Mix. Then Add:

8 cups White flour

Knead for 10 minutes

raise in greased pan til double in size

Cook for 30-40 minutes @ 375*

put foil on top of bread for last 20 minutes

My Little Bigger Brother

This is my first attempt at blogging. I usually leave the creative work to Lauren. But as some of you know, my little brother's cancer relapsed and he is going through cancer treatment right now. I want to help him, and help some of our friends get to know Adam.

Having Adam as my younger brother hasn't always been easy. He beats me at chess, everybody loves him, he loves everybody, he looks like a movie star(Heath Ledger), he is athletic(though he has yet to beat me at golf or basketball), he is smart, funny, fun, and just the best kid I know. If anyone "gets" life, and understands what is important, it's Adam. He really knows how to love people. I think this one quality, to know how to love people, or charity, is the most Christlike attribute of all, and Adam has it nearly mastered. I want people who read this blog to know Adam, because knowing Adam, knowing his optimism, knowing his love, knowing his charity will inspire us all to be a little better. Each time I think of my little brother going through cancer treatments, I want to be better. If someone as good as Adam has to fight cancer and can do it being so happy and optimistic, someone like me can certainly deal with daily life with a little better attitude and treat people a little more like him. Love you bro.

Your "younger" brother in so many ways.

Andy

Please check out Adam and Alissa's blog: http://www.adamandalissa.blogspot.com/

Adam is trying to finish up school, and he and his wife Alissa just bought their first home a few weeks before Adam discovered he had to fight cancer again. He is in need of a bone marrow transplant, and even with insurance, it is quite expensive. If you want to help them out in any way, a fund has been set up at Bank of American Fork. Just call and ask to donate to his fund. http://www.bankaf.com/ Thanks for all your prayers and support on behalf of Adam and my family.

My family is also having a luau dinner/auction on November 15 in American Fork. If you are interested in attending, let us know and we will get you all the details.

Tastey Tuesday

I LOVE this cake. Even people who don't like coconut like this cake. I could eat the whole pan myself! Enjoy!!

Earthquake Cake

1 C. Coconut

1 1/2 C. Pecans (optional)

1 pkg. milk chocolate chips ( I only use about half a bag)

1 German Chocolate cake mix

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese

1/4 lb. butter

1 lb. powdered sugar

Make cake mix as directed on box; put half in bottom of 9x13 pan. Spread coconut,pecans, and chocolate chips over the mix. Cover with other half of cake mix. Mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar together. Dob on cake and spread before you bake. Bake at 350* for 30-45 minutes.

Squeeky Clean

Drew found my cell phone last week and sucked it to death. It didn't worked for days. I thought I would give it one last try and to my surprise, it actually turned on! I was so excited! Especially since Andy said he was going to cancel our contract because both of our phones weren't working(drew got to his too). Well, last night, I was playing with Drew on our bed and he had a big blow out. I took baby cleaning duty and Andy took bed cleaning duty. He took our duvet cover off and set it on the floor. After I cleaned Drew, I picked up the duvet cover and put it into the washing machine. Well, this morning I went to put it into the dryer, and guess what I found at the bottom of the washer? My cell phone! So if Drew didn't kill it with his drool, it sure is dead now! Dang it! So whose fault is it? Mine for leaving it on the bed, or Andy's for not paying attention and folding it up in the duvet cover?( say Andy, say Andy! that way I can persuade him to buy me a new one and not cancel our contract!)

Hooray for Halloween!

We got a fun Halloween package in the mail today from my mom. There were lots of goodies in it including Halloween books, Halloween towels( for the kitchen and a bath towel for Avery that my Mom made. She is so talented), Glow sticks, and a Halloween bib for Andrew. Avery started to read one of the Halloween books and when you turn the last page a scary voice comes on and says "HA HA HA HA" and the bats eyes light up bright red. It scared her so bad she threw the book down and jumped up on the couch. It was so funny. It took her a while to warm up to it, but now she laughs at it. We love it! Thanks Gramley!

Sweet Avery Jane

I love this little girl so much. She knows how to push my buttons and loves to tease me. But under that mischievous smile, she has a heart of gold. She is only 2 1/2, but is the most sensitive, service-oriented sweetheart. She is always thinking of others and loves to make people happy. She has been given a real gift, and it already shows. Here are just a few examples of things she did this past week.
My visiting teachers came over and they each had two kids with them. Avery went to the fridge and got out 4 Capri Suns and 4 String cheese and passed them out to the kids to keep them happy while we talked.
Andy's brother Adam got the bad news that his Cancer was back, and Avery spent hours making him pictures and then picked out her favorite fruit snacks at the store to send him.
Every Sunday I tell Avery to pick out some snacks to take to church. She always packs enough to give to her friends too. This Sunday she packed an apple, a banana, and a yogurt drink for herself and her friend Emma. The look on her face when she shares is so priceless. You can tell that she feels warm and fuzzy inside, and loves that feeling. She can already recognize it.
Avery is such an example to me. She helps me understand the scriptures that say men must become as little children (submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love) or they cannot inherit the kingdom of God. We are responsible for teaching our children, yet they seem to be the ones always teaching us.

Tastey Tuesday

I've had a couple requests for some recipes, so I decided to post a new one every Tuesday. Since the weather is finally starting to cool off, I'll start off with a really yummy and easy soup recipe that my friend Tori gave me. ENJOY!

Black Bean Soup

1 T olive oil
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 cans black beans
1 can (2 cups) chicken broth
1 1/2 c. frozen corn
1 can mexican-style stewed tomatoes
3 Bay leaves
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2-1 tsp. cumin

Heat the oil and add onions and cook until brown. Raise heat to high and add beans and their liquid and chicken broth. Break up some of the beans. Add corn, tomatoes(with juice), bat leaves, garlic, thyme, vinegar, and cumin. Cover and boil. Simmer for an hour or more, stirring often. Remove from heat and remove bay leaves.

I added about 3/4 cup of fresh salsa to the soup which added a little favor. I also served it with lots of cheese and tortilla chips on top! You could also add avocado and sour cream. Whatever sounds good to you.

How many Cheerios does it take...

to get ONE into Andrew's mouth?

Bad Mommy Award

Have you seen those blogging awards that people give to other bloggers like Wonder woman award, Nice Matters Award, Rockin' Girl blogger, etc. ? Anyways, I decided to make up my own that you can only assign to yourself. It is the Bad Mommy Award. I am the winner this week. Drew was taking a nap next to me on our bed the other day, and I got up to go downstairs for a minute. I didn't think he would wake up, so I casually set a few pillows around him. Next thing I know we hear a blood curdling scream and Andy ran upstairs to find Andrew pinned upside down between the bed and the nightstand! Andy rescued him before I could see, and I'm glad because I think it would have made me feel even worse. Poor Guy! Here is a picture of his war wounds.



Please tell me I'm not the only recipient of the bad mommy award! anyone else want to make me feel better and share a story?

For all my Pregnant friends

I saw this a few weeks ago while blog surfing and thought it was such a great idea. I never got around to posting it, but I'm glad I waited because now you can get a discount! It's a "Mommy Cover" to ease the burden of falling blankets when you are trying to nurse in public. They are so cute and so not one of those frivolous "excited for baby" purchases. I Wish I had one! Andrew is almost done nursing, but I'm definitely getting one for the next baby! Click Here to see the website and here to get the discount info. Let me know what you think and how it works! Here are some links to some cute baby slings I found Also... Puj Baby and gagagear. Has anyone found any other cool baby gear sites?

Tag, I'm it!

My friend Jess tagged me, so here it goes...

1.) what i was doing ten years ago: I was living in the dorms at BYU and having a BLAST! I pretty much hated High School so BYU was an amazing new adventure for me. I really found myself at BYU (cheesy, I know). To say I loved every minute of it is an understatement.

2.) five years ago: I had been home from my mission to Bahia Blanca Argentina for about a month and was trying to convince myself that I was normal. I was living with my good friends Jessica and Harmony in the Enclave and finishing up my last year at BYU.

3) one year ago: Last July Andy and his Dad drove a Uhaul truck across the country to Ohio where we would be living for the next four years while Andy attended Dental School. Avery and I stayed behind in Utah because two of Andy's brothers were getting married in August and September and we didn't want to have to pay to fly us all back and forth. We finally joined him at the end of September. I cried a little but adjusted quickly as we made new friends in our mini provo. About 40% of the dental students here are LDS.We love it here (as long as you don't mention traffic lights or traffic tickets)!

4.) yesterday: was really boring. The kids and I have been sick so the house was a disaster. I did a lot of cleaning and laundry and never made it out of the house which is sad because it was a beautiful day.

5.) 5 snacks i enjoy: Cantaloupe (I couldn't get enough of it when I was pregnant with Andrew, and the craving hasn't gone away. I can eat a whole one in one sitting!), Ice cream, Oreos, Chips, and red licorice.

6.) 5 things i would do if i suddenly had $100 million: I feel like I could spend it all in one day! Being poor students and all, we need so much...not that I'm ungrateful for what we do have :). I would pay off Andy's school debts, buy a house that isn't 100 years old and falling apart, buy two new cars (we've outgrown my little Jetta and are way squished), buy a dental practice, go on a family vacation, buy the kids and myself some new clothes (Drew has grown out of all his jammies and I'm afraid to ask Andy if I can buy some), move to California, invest some, put the k...oops, that's more than 5. I guess can stop now.

7.) 5 locations i would like to run away to: Tahiti, Hawaii, Australia, Europe, Lake Powell

8.) 5 bad habits i have: Procrastination, being stubborn, not ironing my clothes, I'm too sensitive sometimes, and I love to sleep.

9.) 5 things i like doing: scrapbook, crafty things, hang out with friends, shop, anything outside in the sunshine

10.) 5 TV shows i like: Monk, Flip that House, American Idol, dirty jobs, and I can't believe I am going to admit this...Hannah Montana

11.) 5 things i hate doing: Emptying the dishwasher, cleaning the toilet and the shower, paying bills, going to the doctor,and cleaning up throw-up

12.) 5 biggest joys of the moment: Andy, Avery, Andrew, cooking, and the Sun is shining!!

I don't know who to tag because I don't know who reads this, and everyone else has already been tagged. So, I tag Ashlee J. and whoever else is reading this!

Sweet Apples

I've been having a hard time accepting the fact that summer is actually over because I am SO dreading the winter. In the midst of all the drudgery I almost forgot how much I enjoy the Fall! The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp, and the apples are ready to be picked! We went to Patterson Farm today and the kids had a blast. First we stopped at the market and got some amazing fresh apple fritters and apple cider. Then we went to pick apples right off the trees. Avery would have picked them all day if we let her, and Andrew would have eaten them all if we let him! They were so sweet and delicious. They also had a Family Fun Fest complete with Hayrides, Corn Mazes, tiny tractors to ride, Hay to jump in, pumpkins, Tree houses, and much more. There were so many fun photo ops, but our camera isn't working!. Here are the few that I did get. Happy Fall to you all!

The Great Debate

I've always thought that Andrew totally looks like a boy. But, Andy says that you can't really tell a baby's gender until they are like 12. He argues that if you put any baby boy in girly clothes (or visa versa), no one would know the difference. He thinks it is just your mind telling you the gender because you already know it. I'm still not convinced. My mother-in-law and I were arguing this point with Andy, and right then, the painter said "What a cute little girl!" to Andrew( he was just in his diaper). Okay, score one for Andy. Then, it happened again just a few hours later. O.k., two points for Andy. I'm still sticking with my opinion though. Anyways, I just started up an etsy store, and I don't have a baby girl to model my stuff. So, I used Andrew! Isn't he Cute! :) Now I need your opinion on the subject. Does he look like a boy wearing a bow, or a baby girl? TEll me what you think. I hope this doesn't scar him for life. I'll have to destroy the pictures when I'm done. Or, maybe I'll save a few for his wedding video. ; )

Oh Oh Oh who's that kid...

with the OREO cookie licking out the creamy middle like she did when she was little!



About a month ago I got a strange craving for OREO cookies. Avery and I went to the store and picked some up. I got out two glasses of cold milk, showed Avery how to dunk, and then taught her the OREO song. Now, I've created a cookie monster! It has turned into a little nightly tradition for us. Before she goes to bed, she asks if she can eat OREOS with me. I am getting sick of the OREOS but I can't resist those big blue eyes nor the sweet bonding moment. She LOVES it and it is rather cute to hear her sing the song while licking the cream out of her cookie. I've probably gained 5 pounds from our new found tradition, but its worth it!