A Winter Wonderland

The view from my front door: The snowman I practically had to talk the kids into building (although they sure were excited to use a carrot for the nose.) We have had an unheard of amount of snow for the Northwest. School was canceled for the last 3 days before Christmas break started. And most of the roads are pure ice. Our gingerbread house:

The little candy snitcher:



Sissy at her preschool Christmas program. She was freezing cold, so she sat with my jacket on her. She was NOT excited about this program. But at least she got up there with her class. She looked incredible frightened, and bit her nails the whole time, but hey, she was up there and we are proud of her. My pictures of her up there didn't turn out though.

Time for a haircut?

Okay, so the hair was getting a bit long....

Russell thought the pony tail was really funny (he did it, by the way.)

Here is the after shot BJ's first real hair cut (the front had been trimmed before.) So it's a little crooked (he was a moving target the whole time.) The problem is now that I left it a little long hoping he'd still have a little curl, but instead it just poofs out at the sides. Sigh. I guess the next hair cut might have to be with the clippers! And maybe I'll get around to washing that face.

Christmas tree farm, and Is there a Santa?

We made our traditional trip to the tree farm on one rainy, muddy night. I forgot to take a picture of Russ hacking it down, but here he is after he had netted it. There was absolutely no one else there and we made it just before they closed, and just in time to see Santa. This is as close as BJ would get. It's the first time I've ever seen him be afraid of someone!

Bumpy and Sissy didn't want to sit on his knee or actually tell him what they wanted, but at least they stood near him for a picture... I think they just wanted a candy cane.

Anyway, the next day Ammon told me that Santa doesn't exsist, that it makes much more sense that it's moms and dads that play Santa. I thought he was a little young to quit believing in Santa, and I felt like if I really assured him that Santa was real, that he would still believe. But I couldn't do it. He was looking at me with that, "I'm trusting you to tell me the truth" look, so I told him that no, there is no Santa. But, he's not allowed to tell his sister or friends who still believe. He seems so grown up sometimes! But then he has problems making it to the potty and still throws tantrums, and I think that he doesn't act old enough. I guess I can't win either way.

Blog name

So if any of my blog readers have not checked out my other blog, head over here to help me rename the blog. Thanks!

The little mischief maker is at it again.....

Thanks Giving

I've been postponing this post because I had to prepare a talk for Sunday. My 4th talk in this ward! I should be getting good at it, but it is just as difficult every time.
We had a quiet Thanksgiving this year. For the first time since we've been married, we didn't go anywhere or host anyone for dinner. I missed the hub-bub a bit, but then again it was nice to sit around in our pajamas all day and have no schedule whatsoever. Dinner was ready when it was ready and we enjoyed some good food and spending time in a relaxed way with our family. Normally our family time is something that keeps us all busy, not that lets us hang around the house together. So here comes the traditional "I am thankful for..." list. Wouldn't be Thanks giving without it.

Chocolate, Berries, turkey, vegetables, okay-- just all food in general.

A hard-working, righteous husband

Roudy, but oh-so-adorable children.

My example-setting wonderful parents

My large and comfortable home

My new camera

Green things-- gardens and trees all things growing

Old carpet that it doesn't matter if the kids spill on

Liquidator stores and yard sales

Friends who will sing with me

And most of all, my Savior Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

Last Day-- Finally! Phew.

On our last day in California we went with Ammon and Talia to the Chula Vista Nature Center. They have a fun little sting ray petting pool which was of course the biggest hit of the day. On the way back to Grandmas, we had to pick up a send-off lunch from Point Loma Seafood, then it was pack pack pack and head to the airport. It was a great vacation, and it was so good to spend some time with Mike and Cassie and their kids and with Grandma and Grandpa Barfuss.

Family vacation, day 7

On day 7, Tuesday, Russ and I had a leisurely breakfast at a restaurant at Seaport Village. It was pouring rain! Then we stopped in at the California care center to visit Kerry's mom. Then we went to the temple again. Glad there was no protests there! (It was election day.) Anyway, we went home and got the kids and went back to the temple so they could see it and we could get some pictures. Then we went to La Jolla cove and saw seal beach and a beautiful sunset.

Family Vacation, Day 6

On Monday we went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Grandma and Grandpa came (Russ was at the vet conference again) and the kids had a great time. That evening I didn't bring my camera, but Mike, Cassie, Scott, Russ, and I went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and then Russ and I took off to the Holiday Inn on the Bay for some relaxing kid-free time. It was very nice!