Pay it Forward

I just love contests (I don't really know why, because I rarely win!) This time, however, I just happened to be the lucky winner! Woo-hoo!!!!!! A while back my Uncle Rob won a pay it forward from his daughter's blog and then I won his pay it forward contest!!!!! YEAH!!! So now I am going to "Pay it forward." So what does this mean for you????? I will continue on the contest and have my very own pay it forward contest! You have until Saturday, January 3rd to leave me a comment, and I will randomly pick a winner and send you your own package. Then, when you get the package I send you, you have to have your own contest and pass along the love. Hence the pay it forward concept. So comment away! If you can't think of anything to comment on, I would love to know what Holiday traditions you and your family has. Good Luck everyone!!!

p.s. Thanks uncle Rob, I did get the email and I am already deciding what to get with my Food Network Gift Certificate!

Count Down to Christmas

I am taking the challenge of writing 30 posts in 30 days. (Thanks Catherine for the idea). I am doing this because I need to be better about writing things down. After all this is supposed to be my family journal.
Yesterday, the kids and I made advent countdown chain calenders. The kids had a lot of fun. First I had them color a Christmas Picture. Then we made a chain out of red and green strips of paper connecting them together. Rylan finished his, but was quickly off to something else after and I had to finish Alana's. However they have been excited about ripping of one link of the chain off every night before bed. They quickly take it off, admire the rest of the links and say "that's how many days until Christmas" and then rush the one taken off to the trash can. It is very cute.
In the morning they get to eat a chocolate from their other advent calender (thanks Nana for buying them). They have been a fun tradition and both advents give the kids something to look forward to. One in the morning and one in the evening. They get so excited about it. That is what I love about it, children make the magic of Christmas possible. So we are officially counting down. 23 days to go!

Blessings in Abundance

This is the time of year that always lends to reflection on how thankful I am for what I have. I feel so blessed!! Not to say that I haven't had my fare share of trials (so it seems sometimes)...but honestly I do have a lot to be thankful for!!! It may seem cliche to list all the things that I am thankful for in my life, but since this is my family journal I will attempt to do it anyway (as incomplete as it may be....since I have so much to be thankful for!) I am going to start at the beginning....
My parents-I have the most amazing parents, and I wouldn't be where I am without them!!!
My testimony of the gospel and my Savior Jesus Christ. The Atonement and all He sacrificed for me.
My brothers-the older I get the more thankful I am for them, because they are my link to the past and to the future.
My husband-Someone who treats me good, and he is a wonderful father.
My Children-I am so blessed to have the most amazing kids!!! They are so smart, cute, and they teach me so much every day! They are what keep me going!!! Excited to have one more to love!
Being Pregnant-Even though it's difficult to be pregnant sometimes, I am thankful for the opportunity! I realized this early in my marriage, when it took us 3+ years to have kids. I know what a special blessing this is to be able to bring a child into this world.
A place to live-I am thankful for a place to live (there's no place like home...need I say more?)
Food-Yup food, I love food! But seriously it is a basic necessity.
Freedom-I am thankful that I live in a free country and that I am able to make my own choices!
The Internet-sounds silly, but you really can do so much and find good things on it. I guess I should say modern technology.
Showers-Ahhhhh! A nice hot shower. Try going with out one for a while, it makes you appreciate them.
Good Health-I am thankful for the most part that I am healthy. It's no fun to see people struggle with health issues.
My own trials-Sometimes it's easy for me to think that my trials stink, but sometimes when I see other people and their hardships it just makes me thankful for my own.
Good People and Friends-Other peoples examples, honesty, and my friends (it's just nice to know someone has your back).
I have so much more to be thankful for than this, but I figure this is a good start.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I will post more about the Holiday later.

Survival Mode

I have been in "survival mode" lately. I have been doing only what needs to be done...maybe a little extra if I feel good. I have been feeling a lot better lately. I don't feel sick on a regular basis anymore, mostly smells will set me off. Also, I am just tired. Which is why I have only been able to keep up with the most important things. (Don't get me wrong I am still very busy, I have a 4 year old, and a 2 year old--It's not like I get to sit on the couch and eat chocolate). I am excited for this baby though. We aren't going to find out the gender. This one will be a surprise! So to all of you out there, please don't feel bad if I haven't called, emailed, talked, or been able to get together with you. I am simply living in "Survival Mode". Thank you for being patient with me and for staying in touch. I think that is what I need the most. :)

BTW, Tony signed me up for facebook. I was trying to decide if I wanted to and he made the executive decision. I think it will be fun to find some old friends and stay connected with everyone. So look me up!

Modern Mom

Who knew that being a "Modern Mom" could be so busy! Some days I just feel like this (although I am never sitting down and I don't have a glass of alchohl like pictured above) It just seems like things just keep getting busier!!!! When my dad seems me runnning around to get things done he just laughes now and says to me "Have you ever seen those modern women?--Gosh they're busy!" I'm sure it comical to watch and he just thinks it's funny, but seriously...I NEED MORE TIME!!!! Ahhhhhh!!!! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being a mom!!!!! Love it, but there is always so much to do, and so little time to get it all done. I will make a list (yes, I am totally a list person) and if I cross half the things off of my "To Do" list I feel pleased with myself for all that I have accomplished in a day (not to mention keeping my children happy). I am open to suggestions if you all have an advice on this subject. I am just a modern mom keeping it real and loving what I do!

Breakfast Bake

Crescent Roll Breakfast Bake

1 can Pillsbury crescent rolls

1 package bacon (cooked and crumbled)

21/2 c. cheddar cheese

4 eggs

1/2 c. milk

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper or to taste

Press crescent rolls into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch buttered pan. Mi eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over crescent rolls. Sprinkle with bacon crumbles. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

**Variation can use 1 lb sausage, browned and drained well instead of bacon and use Mozzarella Cheese instead of Cheddar.

It's a very easy recipe. I didn't have any good breakfast casserole recipes until I found this one, but I really like it. Hope you all enjoy and if you have any good breakfast casserole recipes. Please pass them on.

Here you go Dorey, sorry it took so long and the party was awesome!

Picture Tag

I saw this on my friend Shari's blog and have been wanting to do this. I thought it might be fun and might give you a little insight on me. This is how it works: For each question look up the answer on Google Image Search, then choose your favorite picture from the first page of results. Just as Shari did....Tag to anyone who wants to try it out

Your age

28

Favorite color

Green

Favorite Vacation Spot

Hawaii

Where you grew up

Salt Lake City actually not in the city, but a suburb and most people know where SLC is.

Place you would like to visit

Italy

Favorite Food
Most any kind of Past (bring on the carbs!!!!)

Favorite Treat

Icecream!

Past Love

Art (since I don't get much time for it anymore)

First Name

Charayne (or Rainey a nic name)

Last Name

Simister (everyone calles us SiNister)

What you are doing right now

Blogging and being a mom

Meet Mr. Moo!

I would just like everyone to meet a VIP in our family. This is Mr. Moo. ("Mi-ter MOO"as Alana would say.) She adores this stuffed cow that she got for her first birthday. She loves to sleep with him and her baby. She makes sure that we tuck not only her into bed at night, but the baby and Mr. Moo also. Alana you are so darling and I love that you are already so passionate about the things that you love!

Primary Program

Today in sacrament we had the annual Primary Program. It just happens to be my favorite Sacrament Meeting of the year. This year (since I have been in the primary) I was asked to be a part of the program. It was really fun to be able to have a part and practice with the kids in the primary that I have taught for the past year and a half. Ryaln and Alana did such a good job. Since Alana is in the nursery she was able to sing and then the nursery kids got to sit with their families. Rylan got to say what his favorite thing to do with his family was and he said "To wrestle with my daddy and go places with my family." He memorized his part (easier since they were his own thoughts and words), but he did such a good job! Rylan I just love how you aren't afraid to talk in front of people (most of the time). I felt the spirit so much that I almost cried. I will post a copy of the program in case any of you want to read through it. Anyway, it was an amazing meeting and I am glad that I got to have a part in it. Also, I have a new calling in church now...I am the Relief Society Secretary. I am a little nervous since all I know is Primary, but I am excited for the new challenge. I will miss all the girls that I taught, it was a great class. What a great day! It was such a blessing to have felt the spirit, hear my children and have such a wonderful meeting!

Refreshing!

I love Jamba Juice. I have been a big fan of it since the company opened and was originally called Zuka Juice. It it just goodness in a cup. I can't drive by a store with out hearing Alana or Rylan say "SLUSHY." I love it!!! It doesn't matter what flavor I get, it is just so refreshing! YUM!

Pssst.....

A BUN IN THE OVEN!

Fully Baked April 2009

Miserable or Happy...

Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others. By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves. Gordon B. Hinckley
Thanks Tami for this wonderful quote. This past week I have been thinking about what makes other people unhappy and how they take their feelings out on others.....this quote is perfect and I intend on applying it more in my own life. Thanks again for the quote!

Memory

Fun if you want to participate.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I have together. It dosen't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog, and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty fun to see the responces. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Escape to Midway

We wanted to get away for the weekend, and it just so happened that Tony's mom volunteered to take the kids overnight, and my dad let us use his timeshare in Midway, Utah. So we packed up and drove to Midway. Tony had to work late Friday, so the kids and I drove up, saw the beautiful scenery, ate at the Train restaurant in Heber and then spent some time relaxing at the condo before Tony got there to join us. We got up, went swimming (the kids loved that!) and then ate at the Train Restaurant again. Rylan loves this place because he is totally into trains and Alana enjoyed it just as much because of all the toy trains to play with there and the restaurant has a train that moves along the ceiling. It is pretty neat. Then in the late afternoon we took the kids to Tony's parents (Thanks Dave and Gayle for watching the kids). I got a pedicure and then we went to dinner at The Claim Jumper. After dinner we wanted to look around at some shops, but it was getting late and they were closed, so we ended up going back to the condo and watched a movie and we both fell asleep (yes, we're old). It was a very fun and relaxing weekend. I love Midway, because it has so much charm, darling shops and old houses and flowers in pots and baskets along the streets. Many of the houses look Swiss or European. It is a fun quaint town to visit and I love how it is nestled in the country. It is perfect for a weekend getaway!

Favorite Things Swap

I had a friend tell me about this Favorite Things Swap. (Thanks Dorey) What you do is gather up a few of your favorite things and then each person participating in the swap, gets a partner and swaps things. It sounded really fun, because you get to put together your favorites (home-made or store bought) and send them to someone else. In return get some cool, random, favorite things. I think that it will be fun to find out about someone else. Here are the things that I am going to send. I will post pictures when I get my package! Totally cool, fun, different, and so exciting! Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Here are the pictures of the package I sent to my swap partner

And here's what I got from my partner.

The best part of it all was recalling my favorite things and being able to share them with someone else. Although it was pretty exciting to get the package today and see what was inside for me (it was a little like Christmas). I needed a little excitement! Overall it turned out great! Thanks Rosa for the great stuff and it has been fun getting to know you! Maybe I'll try this again in the future. It was pretty cool!

FYI: Going Private!

Just an FYI for any of you who read my blog...I am going private. I have been thinking about doing this for a while now, and it is time. So if you would like to continue to view my blog, please send me your email address. As of Friday my blog will be for invited readers only!

A new love

I signed Rylan up for swimming lessons on Monday. His first lesson was the same day. He's had a great time both days. The class is a two week class Monday-Thursday for 1/2 hour. He has really enjoyed it so far and has talked non stop about it. I am so proud of him and how fearless he is most of the time! Rylan, I hope you enjoy swimming lessons. Someday you will be a wonderful swimmer and you are already a little fish. For now, it is his new love.

p.s. Alana wanted to get in so much that I signed her up for the Mom and Tot swim class next week.