Elf Kit

I've been making the Martha Stewart Elf Kits for a few years now and have always found my own kit to be such a lifesaver! Last year I gave one to each of my siblings on Christmas Eve. I found a cute box at the craft store and included the following inside...

scissors
batteries
small ziploc baggies
large trash bags
pocket knife
screwdrivers
small notepad
pen

You could also include an extra memory card or camera battery. And almost all of this can be found at the dollar store.

Having all these necessities on hand Christmas morning is so great. When Christmas is all said and done, refill the things you used and you'll be ready for next year!

Snow Finally!

It seems like last winter we couldn't get the snow to stop and this year I have to say I have been wondering when it was finally going to come! Well we got a nice snowfall on Sunday. Luckily we had bought a snow blower on Saturday. I actually had to talk my husband into getting it. What man doesn't want an excuse to spend $600+ on a machine that only he can operate?? He fired it up on Sunday afternoon. After 25 minutes he came inside and I asked him what happened? He said nothing, I'm done! Good purchase, very good purchase. We might actually stayed married through the winter.

Baby Anna

My sister was being induced with her 4th child last Friday and invited me to come. I have always lived in another state when my sister has had her babies and I've never actually watched the birth of one of my own children. The fear of fainting or throwing up at the site of them coming into the world has always deterred me from watching. But I decided this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I spent the day with her in the hospital while she labored and finally that evening I got to witness the coolest thing ever...her birth! I was overwhelmed by the feeling of this miraculous event that we as women get to be a part of. Baby Anna is beautiful! And I even got to cut the cord (thanks, Scott!). This day will definitely be remembered as one of my favorites that I am sure I will remind Anna of in years to come. Thanks to my sister and her husband for letting me be a part of this day with them.

Strep x 5

So I haven't posted in a while because we have been overtaken by the Strep Throat monster at our house. Nathan got it right before Thanksgiving, gave it to me right after Thanksgiving, then I gave it to Lauren who then gave it to Jason and now Nathan has it for the second time! Little Luke has endured a bunch of grumpy people for the last couple weeks and hasn't gotten it...YET. I guess we were all just feeling the spirit of giving this holiday season in a slightly different way. I'm done with giving (of strep throat at least).

On a lighter note we had my entire family to our house for Thanksgiving. We deep fried a turkey for the first time and it was SO delicious. We had such a wonderful time with everyone here. The girls all spent the night and headed out at 5 am for Black Friday shopping. That was a blast as usual and I ended up with some pretty good deals. Being with my sisters and mom (and my friend Megan) was really the best part. AND my dad came along this year to be our personal buggy attendant/line holder. How cool is that??

Last Friday we hosted a White Elephant Party at our house. It was so fun! Jason and I couldn't stop talking about how much fun we had and how blessed we feel to have such wonderful friends and neighbors around us. We had some great gifts and some even better food (I feel the need for a recipe exchange!). I can't wait to do it again next year.

Simplify

I've been trying to find ways to "simplify" my life lately. And while I still have a ways to go, I've found a few things recently that are really working for me. My laundry is always an overwhelming task for me each week. I usually do my laundry on Monday. And by the next Monday I have just gotten it folded. So recently I was watching TLC with the kids about the family that has 17 children and 1 on the way. All the sudden my laundry task didn't seem as daunting as what that mother faces each week (20 loads!). But I did notice that everything went from the dryer to a hanger. I hang things occasionally like dresses or dress shirts, but I had never thought about hanging everything except socks and underwear. So I headed to Walmart and stocked up on kids sized hangers and was ready when my next laundry day came around. I seriously can't tell you the last time I did laundry and had it all put away on the same day...much less multiple loads. I was so thrilled! I hang up all the clothes right out of the dryer. Then I throw underwear, socks and jammies back into the basket. It only took me a couple minutes to fold those. The kids were thrilled that they only had to put away a few things and I felt almost overjoyed hanging the rest up in the closet. Not only is my laundry day easier, but the kids don't complain about putting their laundry away, and it is so much easier for them to pick out their school clothes each night.

My laundry room before:


My laundry room after:


Chores are another responsibility I find overwhelming at times. In the summer the kids did really well getting a daily chore done. It seemed easy when we had no time schedule or extra activities going on. Then school started up and the kids almost thought chores weren't a requirement anymore. I've tried multiple chore charts and it seems I can't even keep up with those! So we came up with a new idea that really seems to work. Its called Chore Sticks. I got colored Popsicle sticks and put different chores on them. Some are easy (feed the fish) while others are a little more difficult (clean the bathroom). There are also blank sticks which mean its a free chore day (the kids love those!). Each day at breakfast the kids usually remind me that they have to pick their chore stick. They have all day to finish the chore the picked. I leave the stick out for the week so it is not chosen again. If they choose not to finish their chore that day, it is added to the next days chore and all chores have to be done by Saturday. I feel like this teaches the kids the importance of doing chores, but also allows them to feel like they have a choice in the matter. My kids have been known to swap sticks as well!

Chore Sticks



And finally, Family Home Evening. Sometimes we are really good about this and sometimes we are really bad. This year I got a subscription to the Friend magazine. In the back of the Friend each month it gives 4 FHE ideas that go along with the stories in the magazine. This has been the greatest solution to getting FHE done each week. We can do it as simply as it instructs or we can add to it if time allows. There is usually little or no preparation needed and it goes right along with the lessons being taught in Primary Sharing Time that month. I also feel like these simple ideas have taught me that FHE doesn't have to be a super service, lets do crafts and then make a ton of treats night. Its about getting together, letting our kids talk and express feelings in an intimate family setting. Simple.

The Friend magazine

Through the eyes of a 2 year old

Luke got a hold of my camera and took some pictures. The kids I had a good laugh at these. Of course, I am not including the 400 pictures he took of the kitchen floor. I think he was trying to tell me I need to mop!

WWF Here we come...

Nathan joined the Weber High wrestling club and had his 2nd tournament on Saturday. Jason has been attending his practices with him twice a week, which Nathan absolutely loves! After his first practice he wanted to wrestle Jason to show him his "new moves!" He is still learning, but he was really proud of his 4th place medal. Way to go Nate!

Daddy Who?

Today I took Nathan to the pediatric dentist in our area. When he walked in to meet Nathan he asked him if he knew a Dr. Jason Church. Nathan said that he did. The dentist asked him how did he know him. To which Nathan replied, "From the Ogden Clinic." The dentist said, "Does he also happen to be your dad?!!" Oh yeah, that. I rest my case. My husband needs to spend more time at home.

Last Home Game

Last Saturday we took the kids to the last home BYU football game. We figured it would be an easy win and we could leave whenever we needed to. Amazingly, we made it all the way to the end of the 3rd quarter. After a $3.50 root beer, beautiful weather, a lot of candy, and a Cougar win it was a great way to spend a Saturday together.

OneRepublic

Friday night I surprised Jason with tickets to see OneRepublic. When we walked into the events center we were feeling a little bit out of place...it was a big teen fest! I told Jason I'd probably see one of my Young Women there. We got settled into out seats which were up pretty close and were enjoying the opening act when Jason said I think that's Sharlie (one of my Mia Maids)! I sent her a text and completely embarrassed her I'm sure by standing up and waving while yelling her name. Oh well. It was an AWESOME concert and we had a great time.

A Hula Girl, Darth & a Future MD

We had a great Halloween this year. After Classic Fun Center, we came home and finally carved our pumpkins. Why is the tradition so fun when the parents end up doing all the work? Lauren did help scrape out the inside of a pumpkin this year, which was pretty nice. After we finished carving, we got the kids ready for trick or treating and headed to a friends house for dinner. After dinner, we made the neighborhood rounds and got plenty of candy! It started to rain about half way through our trek, but the kids weren't ready to give up. Even Luke made it most of the way. When we got home from trick or treating we decided to visit 'Hogwarts.' A family in S. Ogden does their yard up each year like Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from Harry Potter. It was so neat and the kids had a lot of fun. They rode a rope swing and got pelted with foam bludgers, drank pumpkin juice, got to meet Rita Skeeter, Buckbeak, Albus Dumbledore, Hagrid and a few others. They both tried their skills at conjuring a patronus and taming the monster book. They even had a toliet with Moaning Myrtle! It really was a magical, fun experience. And we were all exhausted by the time we made it home at 11 pm!

The best treat we ever got on Halloween...

Our sweet, angelic baby boy turned 2 on Halloween. I wish I could freeze him! Jason and I agree that we could have 10 more just like him!! We took Luke to Classic Fun Center for his birthday celebration. We all had a lot of fun riding, bouncing, climbing, and playing! It was a great day for the kids to have off school. We ended up celebrating the rest of his birthday the following day (who wants cake after trick or treating??). He got a new ride on bike, some blocks, and a couple remote control cars. We love you sweet boy!


This video is for the benefit of grandparents (really, you don't need to watch it unless you want to witness of family of really bad singers!)

We Won!

Lauren and I decorated a pumpkin for the school Pumpkin Decorating Contest this past week. Lauren was the creative brains behind the project and I took care of the execution. Our efforts together got us the Most Creative Pumpkin award for the 2nd grade!

A girl on a mission....

Lauren decided to try on my heels yesterday after church. I guess she couldn't bare the thought of taking them off when she scaled the pantry shelves for fruit snacks. Impressive! I can't say I would even attempt that.

Gingerbread Squares

No explanation needed...these are just plain yummy!

1 pkg (14.5 oz) gingerbread cake mix
1/2 c. butter, melted
3 eggs, divided
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, combine gingerbread mix, butter and 1 egg. Spread mixture evenly in 2 greased 8" square baking pans. In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, 2 eggs, and powdered sugar. Spread evenly over gingerbread layer in each pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely in pans. Cut into bars and store in airtight container.

Luke discovers play-do!

 

Search, Ponder, Pray & Craft!

I taught a lesson on Sunday for the Young Women (I got called as 1st counselor a couple months ago and I absolutely LOVE IT!) about scripture study. Of course I had to figure out a way to involve something crafty, so this is what I came up with. I have to admit, I love this part of being in Young Women's. I could have never gotten away with this in Relief Society. Anyhow, if anyone wants instructions let me know.

I've Been Tagged

I was tagged by my friend LeAnn and since its been a while since I have done one of these I will bore you with the details...

What I was doing 10 years ago...
-been married 2 years
-had graduated from BYU
-working at Pebbles in my Pocket
-Jason was going on medical school interviews
-living in Provo and wishing we were out!

5 things on my to do list today...
-laundry
-work on my lesson for Sunday
-help put out bark in the yard
-get a movie for Family Movie night tonight
-go to Costco

5 of my favorite snacks...
-chocolate
-candy
-homemade goodies
-diet coke
-diet coke (that counts for 2 b/c I drink too much!)

5 jobs I've had...
-project manager Pebbles in my Pocket
-designer for Making Memories
-scrapbook teacher for EK Success
-orthodontic assistant
-MOM!(the best one so far!)

5 things I would do with a million dollars...
-pay my tithing
-pay off our school loans
-pay off our house
-college funds for our kids
-if anythings left take as many romantic vacations with my husband as I could

5 things that made me laugh this week...
-Luke dancing to rap music
-playing church volleyball (I really stink)
-pushing a stroller up a mountain sized hill for exercise
-Nathan constantly talking about Spongebob or "Dark" Vader
-Luke calling me "mom, mom"

Feeling Crafty

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but it brings out the baking/crafting side of me. I saw these cute pumpkin ideas in the October issue of Family Fun magazine and thought I would give it a try. They were really fun and super easy. Last year I made these cute witch hats and pumpkins. I'm slowly adding to my collection of halloween decor.

Baby Ryan

My youngest sister Karen and her husband had an adorable baby boy on Wednesday. Its so fun having a new little nephew/cousin in the family.

It's Naked Day

Yesterday morning after Nathan got out of the shower, Jason told him it was naked day at school that day. Nathan first said, "it is?" Jason once again told him that it was to which Nathan replied, "Is it on the calendar?"

Needless to say, he did not go to school naked.

Rub A Dub Dub, Cute Baby in a ...Sink?

It started out as a simple foot washing in our scrub sink (small sink in our kitchen island) and turned into a full on bubble bath. As you can tell, Luke is small for his age because most almost 2 year olds would not fit in this little sink! He loved it!

I love this game

I know this post may seem silly, but I really am getting sick of looking at myself in the 1960s. So I thought I would post about my all time favorite game. I'm pretty sure my mom got me hooked on this game a long time ago because it seems like she is the only one I can ever remember playing it with. I've stayed up late nights trying to dethrone the "Racko Queen" with no luck. The even better part of this game is that now I have taught Lauren how to play and she loves it too. I don't have to beg anyone to play with me because I mention Racko and Lauren is always willing. We played together tonight and she beat me for the first time! Looks like another Racko Queen in the making...watch out grandmom! Racko....$5.99 The look on Lauren's face when she declared "Racko!"...definitely priceless.

Yearbook Yourself

I saw this on my friends blog and couldn't resist trying it. These are seriously hilarious (and slightly embarrassing!).


1960
1978
1982
1994

Yummy Deliciousness

I don't know what it is about fall, but all the sudden I feel a constant urge to eat soup and bake things I don't normally bake all year. Molasses Sugar Cookies (soft gingersnaps) seem to be one of the first things I love to make. Next comes the onslaught of everything and anything pumpkin. So, watch out...this is only the beginning!

Kate's Fantastic Gingersnaps (This recipe comes courtesy of a fabulous baker, Ellen. Somehow I inherited a 4 page sheet entitled Ellen's Favorite Dessert Recipes and they have become some of my favorites too. These cookies are super easy and one of my favorites!)

3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar, plus extra for rolling
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 t. baking soda
2 cups flour
1/2 t. salt
1 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. ground ginger
1 t. ground cloves

Set the oven to 350. Cream together the butter and 1 cup sugar, and beat in the egg. Stir in the molasses. In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, flour, salt, and spices. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Roll small balls of the dough in sugar, place them on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Oops...I did it again.

I pretty much convinced myself that after I ran my first 5K in May that I would never need to do it again. I had successfully checked it off my "do once in my lifetime" check list. Then I met my friend LeAnn who once again convinced me to run another 5K. I was really questioning our friendship until I finished the race unharmed and a little more exhilirated than the first time. Thanks LeAnn! And to make it even sweeter I finished 3rd in my age group (and yes, there were more than 3 of us). 10K here I come...NOT!

Got grass?

We do! It has been a long summer of subcontracting out our yard, but on Friday we finally saw the fruits of our labors when they laid our sod. It actually looks like someone is living here now! Of course the kids are disappointed that they can't play on it yet, but it will be kid ready before they know it! I never realized how much I appreciate little pleasures like grass!!