The Whole Family!

Tommy and Jen got in today from Utah! It's so fun to hangout again!

After having the best pizza ever from Mellow Mushroom, we opened more gifts

and then played some Wii...

A Late Merry Christmas to All!

Christmas in Tennessee

Hannah had a lot of fun opening her presents...

One of Hannah's favorites- Elmo!

While many of our friends and family were battling snow on

Christmas day, we were at the park enjoying a sunny warm (65 degrees) day.

Giving Elmo a little goodnight lovin'

1. Grandparents

2. Beautiful rolling hills of Tennessee

3. Insurance

Marilyn Monroe, Move Over....

Cause Hannah's joining the world of Pop Art!

I admit, I'm a giveaway junkie! (I'm such a dork, I know!) Each morning while Hannah eats her oatmeal I enter some giveaways. With a very tight budget we just don't spend money on things and so giveaways are my way of treating myself.

I've mentioned a couple of my giveaway winnings already in latter posts. I'll post all my many others and give credit to the wonderful blogs at some point in time...I really need to give credit. But for now I am posting about a giveaway that I just won. Drumroll...

A personalized 20 x 24 stretched canvas portrait, Warhol Style courtesy of All Pop Art! I won it at a website I love....sandierpastures.com

Here's a fun example of something like what I'll get, only with Hannah's face!

Sushi, Santa, and Hats...

I'm pretty frequent with my postings so I feel like it's been forever since I posted last! A whole 9 days...that's a long time.

I have to admit, there hasn't been very much excitment here in our Okeyville home. I just finished up with online classes, so I can now enjoy two and a half weeks of freedom before having to log back into Blackboard. Chris has been extremely busy studying for exams. Some days he has just shut the office door and studied all day except to break for meals- No Lie! He's been working so hard and even though I miss him, I'm so proud of all the hours he has put into his classes.

On Monday Chris did the cutest thing, he placed note cards on the washer (Mondays are laundry day in our house so he knew I would see the cards there) and wrote one word on each card. I had to flip over to the next card and so forth to get the message. In short it said that I would get an early Christmas gift- dining out at my choice of Sushi restaurants! This was so sweet, first of all because he is the one working so hard but yet wanted to treat me, second because he's not the biggest fan of sushi (he'll eat it though), third because he could tell I needed a break, and fourth because we never go out to eat (has to do with the budget thing). So yesterday we enjoyed a lovely sushi lunch. Chris even really liked the roll he ordered!

So on another note, we keep thinking that Hannah is on the verge of walking. She's taken a few steps on her own here and there and will walk (today she ran) but only while holding onto my pinky.

She's so cute though, whenever we walk into a room with a picture of Jesus on the wall she points and says 'Sheshus' in a whisper. She has also learned the term nose and loves to find it when asked to. She likes to find belly buttons too. Just ask her to find yours- she will!

And now for the pictures (I know that's all came here for anyway)...

A couple of weeks ago Chris' parents sent us a train set. How fun is this! Chris loves train and has also passed on the excitement to Hannah. Often times I catch them just sitting around it and playing.

This past Saturday Hannah and I went to the Ward Christmas party. This was Hannah's first time sitting on Santa's lap. I think she did pretty well. She didn't cry, just looked a little unsure of the interesting looking old man. (She'll love him soon enough though...ones she knows what he's all about!)

Sunday night we went to the Myriad Gardens. During the month of December they decorate it with lots of lights and you can get in for free. Do you recognize the first plant? It's our Love Fern!

Last Friday was a hat day (and a naked day) for the Nanas...and a naked day

1. Free Stuff
2. Mom's Lemon Bar Recipe
3. Tennessee in 4 days!

According to Ghetto Okeyville...

I'm a Crappy, Idiotic Mother.

(Don't you love when a post starts out this way)

No really I am though.

At least according to some lady driving by Wal-Mart, I am.

This okeyville lady decided to ruin my lovely shopping morning by rolling down her window and yelling at me,

exclaiming that I am an idiot and crappy mom for not having a hoodie on my daughter. A incase I didn't hear the fist time, she felt like repeating it again.

And just to clarify- I did have a hoodie on my daughter but Okeyville seems to have a problem with wind and wind likes to blow hoodies off.

But why am I really a bad mom? Because I couldn't keep my mouth shut. I had to yell back at her, telling her not to call me a bad mom and that the wind just blows the hoodie off.

Who's Ghetto now! Me!

The best part of this- it took place all while trying to put money into the Salvation Army's Donation bucket. Man! I'm a bad mom.

But what I really wanted to tell this Okeyville lady was not to judge me. I'm harsh enough on myself about my lack of mom talent. It's a sensitive subject. I realize I'm not top Mom, I try though. And hope I'm doing an okay job.

I would also tell her,

'that's fine- if you want to buy her a jacket

or coat that fits then go ahead.

But for now all she has are last winter's jackets.

That's right, sizes 3-9 months!

I do my best with what we have!

So go ahead if your so concerned about us,

walk your butt into Walmart and buy her a coat!'

She drove off before I could say that long speech though.

(oh and Grandmas don't stress about your little munchkin-

I won a target gift card so as soon as that comes in the mail we are off to buy her a warm toasty coat with a hoodie of course, maybe one that velcros to her hair...)

And to end the post in all Randomness...

Goodness, I miss Logan!!!

(and sorry, no pictures. I try not to take pictures of bad mom scenes.

Thanks for letting me vent though. It actually is kind of funny after writing it down. Come What May, And Love It, Right?!)

______________________________

1. A Sweet husband that lets me vent

2. shelter from the WIND

3. Chocolate

Christmas Cards

This week I have been busy gathering addresses from all four corners of the world (ok, well not the world per say) to send out our Christmas Cards. Why is it during this time each year I am reminded of friends that I have yet to talk to or make contact with since the year before. I really need to work on that!

But even with the guilt trip, I still enjoy looking over all the names and thinking of how much each person means to us.

Yesterday I came across the address of an old Bishop of mine. And it reminded me of all I have to be thankful for...his name brings back memories and reminds me of Unanswered Prayers...

A little over four years ago I sat across his desk looking for some comforting words and hope. He instead quoted a Garth Brooks song (cheesy I know but yet true- I think only in Lewiston would a Bishop quote Garth Brooks). My Bishop told me that sometimes even when we want something really bad God shows us his love through Unanswered Prayers. I didn't want unanswered prayers. I wanted everything to be fixed.

But I have learned that sometimes through the hardest trials Unanswered Prayers are 'God's Greatest Gift'. He loves us so much that he is willing to give us trials so that we can also experience pure joy.

I know Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. I'm thankful for a Bishop that knew that about me. I realize there will be more trials and hardships to come. I know there will be more Unanswered Prayers. But God is All Knowing...

During this time of the year with extra focus on our Savior, our Heavenly Father, and Families I am especially very thankful for my Unanswered Prayers, the wisdom and guidance of a Bishop, and the blessings that have come from putting trust in Heavenly Father...

My Week

Let's see, it went something like this...

Monday- Classes started

Tuesday was exciting with Hannah learning to say 'Jesus'
only it's more like 'She-Shush' but still cute...
A Tender Moment in my book

On Tuesday I also won a $50 gift card to Target- Wahoo!

Wednesday our friends, Adam and Robin came into town.

It was so great to see some Logan Buddies and hangout!
Wednesday night Robin and I went shopping with the little munchkins

(Corbin and Hannah, not Adam and Chris)

Thursday we met back up with Adam and Robin

and we all went to the Science Museum.
So Much Fun!!!

I think we went more for Chris and Adam than the kids!

And Friday I substituted for a kindergarten class- not quite as fun...

Too many crazy kids in too small of a room!

1. Hannah's kissable chubby neck

2. Chris' ability to fix all

3. Winning the Target GC- very much needed

I Just Never Seem to Win....

Until Now!!!

So yesterday I won a signed book, well this morning I got online to check the winnings of the Black Friday Giveaways and I won the 3pm drawing!!! I will be receiving a conture bag filled with goodies...and my husband thought I was crazy for entering giveaways! HA!!!

Speaking of giveaways- check out my favorite hair blog site for a cute giveaway and mention I sent you. Click Here: Snowmen Bows Giveaway

Today was a Great Day!

I have always loved the day after Thanksgiving. It's tradition to pull out the Christmas Decorations, play Christmas Music, and wear pajamas- all day!

Oh and to make the day even better... I won something in a giveaway from Total Mom Haircut! I'm way excited for my prize- A signed book called The Stay-At-Home Survival Guide by Melissa Stanton.

And now I end the day with a Chick Flick and some blogging...

1. Sarah McLachlan's Christmas CD

2. Winning Something

3. A Cute Husband that Helps put of Christmas Decor

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Our day consisted of...

Chris and Hannah waking up sick, and me dragging them to the local Turkey Trot. I ran the 8K and finished in the time I wanted (I was hoping for anything under 45 minutes, I crossed at 43:20 something). Oh and for those that are wondering- My Knee has never felt better! It hasn't hurt one bit in the past month (knock on wood).

So I think being out in the cold for my race did Chris in... he was feeling much worse by late morning and so we decided to miss out on dinner with friends. I took what I had made to the hostess' house and filled up some tupperware with everyones delicious dishes for us to eat at home. It was strange just having a Thanksgiving Dinner by ourselves. On a side note though- we ate Fried Turkey for the first time today and I have to say it was so GOOD!

And Now our Thanksgiving Day ends with watching The Office.

Tomorrow we start on Christmas...

__________________________________________________

1. My Family- I'm thankful for my wonderful Red Heads!

And for our Families and their love and support

2. Our Freedom- I know it comes with a price

and so many have fought for our freedom,

and that I am very Thankful for

3. Our Home- for a very tight budget and next to no income-

we are blessed with a wonderful place to call home

4. Friends- I miss our friends in Utah

and Thankful for the friendships I've made in Okeyville

5. Holidays- I love making gifts, decorating, but more importantly-

focusing on family, friends, and Christ

6. Elmo's World- Best Entertainment for my little crazy one

I'll be staying in my PJ's for Black Friday

Oh and Putting up Christmas Decor

Oh and entering in the Black Friday Giveaways- HERE!

And I do wish the best of luck and happy shopping to all the Black Friday Shoppers!

Wishes and Books...

On Sunday I made a wish....
That Hannah would come up to me with a book in hand and want me to read to her
(Usually I come to her with the books or she sits by herself with a stack to 'read')
...But on Tuesday my wish came true (over and over again)

WHOA, now that's a Mess. Usually I'm not a big fan of Messes...

...But this is a beautiful mess, don't you think?

My Mom, the Librarian (there are many other great titles to her name too) passed on this love for books...Thanks Mom (and Grandma- see another great title to her name)!!!

1. Book Fair

2. Some more good finds at the Library

3. Warm Fuzzy Socks

Cure for Homesickness?

I Miss Logan...

... And My Logan Friends.

Today I'm allowing for some homesickness.

No worries, I'll be fine come tomorrow

And back to working on becoming a True Okey.

(But Today consider yourself- Extra Missed)

Picture is by artist Larry Winborg

Family Pictures...

Last week we went to the Myriad Gardens for fall pictures. The leaves finally started changing colors, perfect for outside pictures. I love the style of photography in these pictures. I think non posed pictures are the best for capturing the personality. Kristen (the photographer) has been so generous with taking pictures (for free!) of families in the ward just so she can have practice and do something she loves doing. Go Here to check out her photography blog.

Oh, and this might be considered picture overload but I just couldn't choose a few to display. Out of over 100 pics, I think I did pretty well narrowing it down to under 20! Also, these pictures inspired me to cut Hannah's hair, so don't worry she can now see! I also have come to the sad realization that her hair doesn't hold curls. If your asking youself 'what curls', well that's my point. I did try but they fell out within a couple of shots. Oh well, I think she looks beautiful even with crazy hair!

1. Kristen for taking our Pictures!

2. My School term is almost done!

3. Countdown to Thanksgiving Day!

Cuteness Over Load

I know I'm pretty bias, but I think these videos are coming close to hitting as much cuteness as one person can take in a single day...

Hannah knows that our hearts just melt and we have to give in to whatever the demand is at the sign of this little move-

Poor Thomas the Tank Engine- He's been replaced by a red, furry puppet. Elmo! Hannah loves Elmo's World and watches it over and over. Here she is doing some crazy dancing and singing. I think she picked her grooves up from some tribal dance show or something, let me know if you know the name of it!

1. DVDs from the library

2. Bedtime

3. A daughter that is very ticklish

To Be More...

There are so many things about myself that make me cringe sometimes. Like today when we went to go donate blood I waited an hour (with Hannah on my lap) just to fill out papers. When I went to the desk to start the paper work I was told that I couldn't hold Hannah and answer the questions (Chris was going to hold her after he donated and while I was then donating, make sense?). Anyway, I was ornery and told the lady never mind and that I wished she would have told me that an hour ago and that they were taking to long so I would just have to not donate.

First of all, who goes to donate blood and then pulls out an attitude? Seriously, I go to do a good deed and then leave having showed a non-Christian attitude to a lady only trying to do her job.

Now realize I am not posting because I'm having a woe me, I don't like myself, or I'm a terrible mom syndrome... But rather I am posting this because I recognize that there are many things I need to improve on. I think it's important to admit faults, I have several. So I thought I would start off with a my very own list of B's to help me out. Maybe I'll embroider them onto a pillow...if I only had such talent.

This is my list of B's... I feel like we all need one (not my list of course, but one of your own composition...)

I Wish to B more Patient (my family deserves that one the most)

To B more Empathetic (Empathy during adversity is true divinity. I love this quote- only I don't know who said it. Anyone know?)

To B more Positive (half full glass anyone?)

To B more Motherly (that's my job, to be a mother- I need to embrace it more)

To B more Relaxed (a to do list is not always needed)

To B more of a Wife (I nag to much, poor husband)

And lastly...Usually I make a short list of three things I am thankful for but to help me with my B's I feel like a longer list is needed (not every post, just this one)...

1. I love my family, and I love the poor student family years (although it'll be nice when they're done). Moving to Oklahoma, living on a limited budget, and not having any family around has helped us to rely even more on each other .But more importantly it has helped us to turn to our Heavenly Father more often. And Oh how we've turned to him! He is our Anchor.

2. As much as I make fun of Okeyville, it is a blessing we are here. We are blessed to have these three years to grow so close as a family and to grow close to our Heavenly Father. We have met wonderful people here. We have learned about a whole new culture here in the Midwest. We love it! I miss Logan, friends, and family but this is where we are meant to be (for the time being).

3. I love being a Mom! It's had some up and downs like messy diapers, late nights, and chocolate pudding smeared on a once freshly cleaned floor but I am so happy to be a Mother. Hannah brings joy like nothing else I've ever known, with the exception of my husband (but you know what I mean). I'm so grateful to be able to raise her in a sealed family, a home under the covenant. She deserves those blessings, every child does! (which reminds me- a shout out for Adoption Month! Wahoo!).

(To B more Positive... I think that's Checked off my list now! HeHe)

My cute Red Heads! This is a sneak peek of our family pics...more to come. Oh and check out our very talented and amazing friend's photography at http://www.kristens-pics.blogspot.com/

Politics, sigh

(Disclaimer:This post is not to bash McCain or McCain voters. I believe that both candidates would make decent presidents. Obama's ideas for resolving major issues just parallel my own feelings a lot more than McCain's.So with that said, please don't take offense if you aren't Democrat. I don't even consider myself one party or the other- I vote for who pushes for the issues I see most needed. I don't agree with all of Obamas stances and I don't disagree with all of McCain's. Anyway, with that said here's my politics post-the one and only politics post)

Yesterday while driving I frequently passed people with signs that read "Honk for Obama".

I Honked- Several Times.

I have made a point not to discuss politics on my blog- until now.

After reading a few other blogs and hearing indirect comments about the world coming to an end and that voting for Obama is immoral, oh and 'How the heck could a Mormon vote Obama, you should read your Book of Mormon more', I feel compelled to use my 1st amendment right and speak...

I am Proud to have voted for Obama...

I'm still a Good Mormon

I'm still a Good Mom

Why I voted for Obama...
Maybe it is because my family and I have needed assistance in the past.

The government has helped us on that one.

Maybe it's because I've taken one to many Social Work classes.

Darn those Liberal Professors.

Maybe I hope that one day when I finally am a LSW I will put those same programs that have helped us into use to help others.

I still want those programs to be around for others.

Maybe I voted Obama because our "land of opportunity" needs a little help.

The CEO's don't need help.

Maybe because one day when we are well off (or not)

I will still want to help the lower class.

I will be okay with my hard earned money helping others in need.

Maybe because our Health Insurance ways need a new way.

Health Insurance, that's a whole other post...

And Maybe because I still consider myself a Moral person, even after voting Democrat...

...Rumor has it, there are a few Apostles that are Democrats.

Pres. Faust was a Democrat.

The Last of Halloween '08

Today I am sad to pack all of our Halloween decor into it's designated box to be stored until next October.
Halloween has always been one of my favorites. I love making it into a marathon holiday, spreading out the activities weeks before the actual day.
Some of the fun activities for this last week of Spooks and Goodies....

Hannah and I went to Haunt the Harn Homestead where we trick or treated, went on a hay ride, and petted horses.

Hannah loved the Homestead, especially the huge area to crawl around and play

Thursday night we went to the Story Book Forrest

Halloween night we stayed home to hand out candy. We watched Halloween movies and ate a Perfect Halloween Dinner

Our neighbors yard

Hannah's favorite new toy- her Hannah sized pumpkin. She likes to roll it around.

1. Just one month til Christmas Decor!

2. Leaves changing red and orange

3. Leftover candy