A must for Thanksgiving

I bet you thought I was going to say Turkey or Pumpkin pie, but.....with Thanksgiving fast approaching....I have been thinking about all the food and indulgence that takes place from Turkey Day all the way into the New Year, when people realize, hey...maybe I should set a goal and start eating better...possible work out a few times a week. Ha ha ha. Well why not start now. (Me included trust me....I'd like to shed a few pounds). So here is what I've been doing. Tuesday mornings I go to a totally awesome circuit class. My friend Brecke is a certified trainer. She is just darling and I just love going to her class (can I say that since I'm not a morning person???) It's been great, and I will be bummed when it ends. My goal is to get back into shape, and start eating even better. I want to have a healthy lifestyle. Check out her blog even if you just want some great work out songs or tips on eating.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Keep it SIMPLE!

The past little while I have been thinking that I need to simplify my life and do only the things that are the most important. I'm going for that feeling like when you have your email in box totally full of so many messages and then you finally get it cleared out to just one or two important messages....ya that's the feeling I'm going for, but for my life and not just my in box (although that would be nice too!) I was looking for ideas on the internet and I came across these tips. Check it out here.
I just loved it, because it seems like it's this time of year that you start thinking about all the millions of things that you have to do, places to go, things to buy and all that, and then in January, you look back while you're setting those goals and think, what the heck was I doing. So this year, maybe I will try and follow these tips for simplifying and stay sane during the Holidays this year.


7 Tips for savoring the simplicity:

1. Plan ahead: I have my gift list bought before December begins. I buy a little throughout the year for extended family members and I depend on the items I buy after Christmas every year for small gifts (teachers, friends, Sunday School teachers, etc). I also make many of my gifts. (Every Friday in November, I'll be sharing some homemade gift ideas!)

2. Create a budget: Make your list and check it twice! If you commit to buy only three gifts for your children, stick to it. Don't impulse buy and don't use your credit card.

3. Plan birthdays/anniversary parties at the beginning of the month.

4. Be the Master of the calendar, not the slave: commit to things that you will enjoy! It's okay to say No.

5. Involve your kids in the decorating, wrapping, gift-making, and cleaning up of the aftermath. If there's a "kid's table" during holiday dinners, use brown paper as a table cloth, so they can draw place settings or turkeys. Use fun holiday kid-friendly plates too!

6. If your hosting a big family meal, it's okay to ask guests to help out. Delegate side dishes and desserts to willing guests. Don't try to do it all by yourself.

7. Be reflective with your family. Before you eat Thanksgiving dinner, share why you're thankful. At Christmas, remember what the day truly celebrates.

**Please let me know if you have any tips or have seen any cool tips on Keeping things simple. I would love to have you share them. (Not just for the Holidays either)

Thinking Thankful

This time of year is usually a time of reflection, and having gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy. I want my kids to be able to do that also and realize how many blessings they have by being able to express what they are thankful for. I found this cute thankfulness place mat that I plan on setting on their place for Thanksgiving day on a blog called www.living locurto.com. I thought it was so cute. Check out the blog here. And here is a link, if you want to print out this absolutely adorable place mat for the kiddos to color. As my kids get older I want them to make lists of all the things they are thankful for.

Darling and a half

Got out for a bit today with the fam. Did a little Christmas shopping and mostly window shopping. It was fun to hang out with the hubby and kids. While we were out, Tony asked if I had ever been to that store...I look over and see a store I had never been in before, but it looked really cute. Instantly interested. Had to go see what it was all about. The store is Persnickety Clothing. You can check out their website/blog here. So darling! I love the brightly colored clothing and styles. I can totally just see Alana wearing something like that. The best part about it, is that for ever article of clothing they sell they donate an article of clothing to a child who needs it. I just love that idea. So cute and a refreshing change from the same-old same-old everywhere else. Check it out! Darling. I'm thinking of getting Alana something to get her pictures in....now I just have to decide which outfit. Darling and a half right?

That's Spooky

Wanna know what's spooky? I'll tell you, this year for Halloween the the kids ended up having a whole week full of fun. As if one night full of fun and candy isn't enough!!!Tuesday started things off with Trunk-or-Treat with the ward. The youth provided hot dogs, chips, drinks and took the kids around to get their candy. It was a lot of fun to see the ward dressed up in their costumes.Alana and her friend Rylin (her mom and I made the tutu's together for them)Alana and her friend Rylin ((we made the tutu's for them together)

All of us at Trunk-or-Treat

Eating the hot dogs and passing out candy

Above is our Bishop...and below are some members of the ward in their costumes.Wednesday we carved pumpkins as a family. The kids came up with some pretty creative pumpkins and then Tony carved them. We had a yummy spaghetti dinner to boot.Check out the carving of this pumpkin compared to the picture Rylan drew. Pretty close huh?

Friday we went to a Halloween party at my cousins house and the kids got to play with the cousins and eat good food.

Saturday, we got costumed up and went Trick-or-Treating around the neighborhood. I think I'd have to say that this was my favorite part, because we were all looking forward to it. The weather was beautiful and we got to go for a nice stroll around the block. In my opinion Kelton probably had the most fun, he loved being outside and seeing everyone dressed up in the costumes. He loved the fact that when we got home to look at the loot, that his daddy gave him a sucker. I think that the kids are finally getting the concept of Halloween, because every time we would approach a door they would knock or ring the door bell and shout "Trick-or-Treat!" as loud as they could.Sunday, we went to "Nana's" house for her annual Halloween get together. She went all out this year with Homemade pizzas...made to order. Treat bags, a doughnut eating contest (how cool is that?), pictures in the leaves and let's not forget the leaf fight that somehow ensues after pictures every year. The kids just love this part. They have so much fun running to, jumping in and throwing the leaves. All the cousins together in the big pile of leaves

My kids in the leavesPlaying in the leaves/leaf fightThe doughnut eating contestWe celebrated the October birthdays. Then we all got sent home with more food and candy than we came with. Talk about a month of fun! So many fun activities and way too many treats. So if that doesn't frighten you, then I'm not sure what will!

Gone

Where has the time gone? My baby is 6 months old already! It seems like it was just yesterday that I was pregnant with Kelton. He is already rolling over, babbling, and sitting up now too. We are finding out more and more about his darling little personality. He loves attention and he loves to laugh. He tries to grab anything that he can get his pudgy little hands on. I have to be careful now if I have him at the table, because he has just about tipped a few plates full of food over on me. Immediately, whatever he gets hold of goes directly to his mouth for testing. I love that he is so curious about the world around him and the possibilities it holds for him. It's amazing how much he has changed in the past few months and I love watching his progression in his motor, verbal and social skills. They are all improving every day! I am so thankful for such a sweet little spirit and can't believe that it has already been 6 months.

Oh and p.s. I finally started Kelton on solid foods. He had oatmeal baby cereal yesterday. He really liked it and I'm sure he will just love being able to try more things.

NO WAY!

You will never believe this one....ok you probably will, because my kid brother is so dang awesome!!!
My brother Creighton is super talented in making movies and doing all sorts of things funny. So awhile back he made this movie and entered it into a contest. He was informed that he won a camcorder. But the plot thickens and it totally gets better. He was just one of about 10 finalists. He called tonight and told us that he ended up being the grand prize winner....and got 2 round trip tickets to New York, Hotel, and Broadway tickets. How lucky is that??? Actually I chalk it up as talent. Check out his video if you want a good laugh. I guess that is why he is studying film and advertising. Way to go Creighty. You totally rock, and while I'm a bit jealous, I am totally excited for you! You are amazing and incredibly talented. I am glad that you are my brother and I hope you have fun! Congratulations.
http://animoto.com/play/uv1mAEp66FXLf2QbKaSuMQ?utm_campaign=share_email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_email

Sail Baby

For some reason, I just love lullabies. There is a particular one that my mom taught me when Rylan was little. She would always sing it to him, and then I learned it. Often times we would both sing him to sleep. When Alana was born we would sing it to her as well. I still find myself singing it, now to Kelton. I just sing it. I didn't even know the name of it or anything. I just sung it because my mom and I would sing it together. I love the song, so I finally decided to find out what the name of it was. I found out that it's called Baby's Boat or Slumber Boat. I am so fond of this song and I can still hear my mom singing it. I enjoy singing it to my babies and rocking and snuggling them. I am going to post the lyrics. I guess this song has been around for a while, I hope that me singing it to my kids will keep the tradition going and maybe someday they will sing it to their kiddos also. I sure wish that I could ask my mom where she learned it. Maybe I will have that opportunity someday. Maybe I find it irresistible because it reminds me of my mom, but I hope you adore the lyrics as much as I do. The words and melody are really beautiful....

Baby's boat's a silver moon

Sailing o'er the sky

Sailing o'er a sea of sleep

As the stars go by.

Sail, baby, sail

Out across the sea

Only don't forget to sail

Back again to me.

Baby's fishing for a dream

Fishing near and far

His line a silver moonbeam is

His bait a silver star

If you find that dream so fair

Happy may it be

This will always be my prayer

May God watch over thee.

Sail, baby, sail

Out across the sea

Only don't forget to sail

Back again to me.

There is some variation in the lyrics, but you get the idea. What are some of your favorite lullabies? If you have one, I would love for you to share it with me. Enjoy and sweet dreams!
Here are some great websites if you are interested in songs for babies and kids:
http://www.kididdles.com (You can listen to the song on this site)
http://www.englishplaynow.com
http://bussongs.com/songs
http://www.lullabyisland.com/home.php?pg=songs

Sorry...just one more thing. Apparently there is a book by Jeanne Titherington.I want to check it out too. It has a really good rating on Amazon.com. Perhaps I will put it on my wish list. :)

Cricut Contest Entry

This is contest entry for those crazy folks at TodaysMama and Cricut. Be sure to check out Cricut's cool new cartridges and the chance at $30,000 in travel for you and your friends at the Great Gypsy Escape site!

Great Escape Meme
1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be? Australia. I think it would have a lot to offer me. Beaches, Scenery, Culture, Diverse, Shopping, Etc.
2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car? Sometimes the peace and quiet is nice, most pop music or songs from the 80's. Anything by Journey.
3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do? Pamper myself and then, do a little shopping and find something nice to do for someone.
4. What is your guilty pleasure? Just one???? Chocolate. Shopping?? or Jamba Juice??? Definitely something good to EAT!
5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home? Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. (My Senior trip...saved most of high school to go with my Aunt and my cousin) Amazing trip.
6. Last book that you couldn't put down? Harry Potter
7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch? How about Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure or Somewhere In Time.
8. What is your favorite local escape? Midway, Utah. Quaint little town and could find lots of things to do or just be happy doing nothing. Charming.
9. How do you escape on a budget? A visit to the dollar store or Garage Sale. I love to find a good deal and I still feel like I was able to shop and get great stuff. Could be surfing the internet, I like that too.
Best food you've ever had while on vacation. The food in Germany. Sauerkraut!!! I love to try new foods, it's exciting!!!

Milestones

Ok, so seriously in the last day we have had some major milestones around our house. First and foremost Alana made her first poop on the potty and told me every time she needed to use the bathroom. (Sorry if this is too graphic for you, but we are just a little excited around our house about this one). She was thrilled and proud that she is getting to be a big girl.
Alana, I am so proud of you for finally telling mommy and going on the potty....now all that money I would be spending on diapers can be used for your future prom dresses!!! Way to go princess. As promised, we will have a "pink party" for her. That was what she wanted for her reward if she could do it. I will post more details on that later.
Second, and just as important as the first....Kelton Rolled over for the first time!!! He is getting so big! Time just flies by. He loves sucking on his hands. He loves getting attention even more. He is sure to give a smile out to anyone who will talk to him. He is holding onto toys now and loves being tickled. Way to go Kelton!!!
I am so proud of all 3 of my kids and the major milestones that they accomplish every day! I love you guys!