And So This Is Christmas

On Christmas Eve we went out to dinner at Outback Steakhouse with Kevin's family. We were excited because it's one of our favorites, and we pretty much stopped eating there after I lost my employee discount about 4 years ago. The food was delicious and the girls were really well behaved considering. Have you tried their chicken sandwich lately?

When Brooke started to wander off around the restaurant, I gently told her that if she didn't stay with us, that Santa was going to come. I really didn't think that it would scare her, but it did, and both of them stayed on Grandma Shirley's lap for the rest of dinner. Who knew? I wonder if I can use Santa threats the rest of the year, or if they are only valid around Christmas...

A fun family tradition on Kevin's side is the "Good Night Fairy," who secretly leaves us each a new pair of pajamas every Christmas Eve. She knows our size and color preferences, and always does a great job, plus she usually shops at Target.

We decided to spend the night at Kevin's parents house, and so after the girls went to bed, we got busy testing out Brenna and Brooke's Christmas gifts from us. Luckily they were able to pass a very vigorous inspection.

Christmas morning we ate breakfast, and waited for everyone esle to get there while the girls discovered a few of their gifts waiting by the tree.

It was really fun watching Brenna and Brooke unwrapping their own gifts, and getting excited about all their new toys. I think Christmas will only become funner each year with them.

What do you do when you win a pug portrait from DI at a white elephant exchange?

You wrap it up and give it to your sister-in-law that has a pug of course. Next we went to have Christmas with my side of the family and enjoyed a tasty brunch of Eggs Benedict, mush, and Cinnamon Bread French Toast, followed by the opening of more presents. A few fun but unexpected gifts this year were a "luggable loo," which is a portable toilet used while camping or when the world ends, and a solar oven from my dad. When times get tough we'll be baking cookies in our sun-powered oven and sitting on our loo. I think we may actually be excited for 2012. We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed spending time with family.

Holiday Happenings

Thanksgiving weekend, Kevin and I went to see the new Christmas Carol movie in 3D. It was a really fun movie, and the 3D experience was less nauseating than I thought it would be. I must say that Jim Carey made the perfect Scrooge and that the glasses made us look super hot in a futuristic sort of way.

{Behold, Kevin's kissy/gangsta face. It seems to manifest itself while we are at the movies for some reason}

On December 1st, Kevin and I attended a Brooke White fundraiser concert, which was awesome. I know Brooke from high school, so it is fun to see how successful she has become since American Idol. I love her music and that she is a such a great role model.She is so down to earth too!

{Behold my man/tween-meeting-Hannah-Montana-for-the-first-time face. Yes, I hate this picture, but it's the only one I got.}


The Godaddy Christmas Party was on December 12th and we were really excited to go for the first time. There's this big hype over how much they spend on it each year, or so they say. It was definitely bigger than any holiday party I have been to. They rented out Chase Field and had musical performers, video games, catering, an ice skating rink, two fireworks displays, and a whole lot of money giveaways. We had a great time, even though we didn't win any moo-lah.

{Notice how I've got some major skills when it comes to taking pictures of ourselves. Ask me how you can be successful in this too}

On December 22nd, we did a cookie exchange with some friends. I must say that I thoroughly enjoy exchanging goodies with others and that the girls really liked decorating gingerbread housesoh, and eating chocolate cupcakes for lunch too.

We also enjoyed two ward Christmas parties, going to see the lights at the Mesa Temple, and having a White Elephant exchange.

Overall it's been a busy but amazing month!

Santa-phobia {A Progress Report}

Some of you might recall the girls' first experience meeting Santa last year. It was a tad traumatic to say the least, but it helped me to realize how scary Santa must look to little children. So after warning the girls of his large red suit and big fluffy hat, we decided to try again, hoping that they might be more open to befriending the bearded stranger.

(that just sounds so wrong to me)

A year later, they were still not amused by him, or his miniature candy canes, and the only person they wanted holding them was their dad. We had not intended on being in the picture with them, but it was for the best.

Afterwards, when the girls were drawing on their letters for Santa, and marvelling at the miniature train station, the jolly man motioned for them to come over and see him. You could tell that he genuinely wanted them to be comfortable around him, but it just wasn't going to happen. Brenna and Brooke were immediately rooted in our laps chanting "I don't want it," over and over.

We did ask them what they wanted Santa to bring them for Christmas.

Brooke, whose eyes were still locked on the large scary man, replied that she would like a choo-choo train and baby brother.

Brenna had a few more gifts in mind that included a choo-choo train, puppy, baby brother, lipstick, bunny, sheep, piggy and chicken.

Santa has his work cut out for him this year.

A Thanksgiving Toast

To my first time participating in the Mesa Turkey Trot {2 mile fun run}, and learning what a bib is.

To being 14 minutes late, running it solo anyways, and passing up a few grandparents and small children along the way.

To the beautiful Arizona weather that enabled us to eat and play comfortably outside.

To time spent playing with cousins.

To having a Thanksgiving assignment other than my usual vegetable or orange jello salad.

To food so delicious, that every morsel was accounted for.

To fitting in three family gatherings in one day, that kept us busy, but also reminded us how much we have to be thankful for.

Mint To Be

With Christmas rapidly approaching, and since I am feeling festively plump today, I have decided to honor everything mint. If you are not a mint lover, you may not appreciate this, but maybe I can convert you to the green side:)

Mind-Altering Mint Oreos

I discovered these puppies during my last grocery haul at WalMart. The girls were somewhere in between getting ran over by my cart, and everyone else's in the store, and my sanity was quickly declining. Now I NEVER buy oreos......never.......ever! Only because I know that I will have to come to terms with the small print on the back. That day, my happiness meant more than the small print, and so they made it into my cart. Try them, but be careful.

Pleasantly Peppermint Ice Cream

This has always been one of my holiday favorites, along with an occasional egg nog or pumpkin roll. While some like mint chocolate chip, I prefer chocolate free peppermint variety or the mint ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery. Lucky for us, Dreyer's makes peppermint in slow churned which is half the fat, so you don't have to feel so guilty when going back for that second helping.

Mouthwatering Mint Brownies

I've had these on a few occasions and found them to be so delicious, when made correctly. FYI the smooth green filling can not be subsituted with your favorite mint toothpaste.

Moisturizing Mint Lip Balm

Chap stick to me is just as essential as water and air to breathe. I keep several around the house and in my purse in case of a sudden chap attack. As we all know neglecting the lip's need for moisture can result in ones "lips hurting real bad." Burt's Bees and Bath and Body works carry several different mint flavored balms, from chap sticks to lipsticks. The one pictured above is my favorite.

Pedicure Perfect Peppermint Foot Scrub

After a long day on your feet, there's nothing like giving your talons a little TLC. Start off with a peppermint foot scrub, followed by some peppermint foot lotion. Your tootsies will be in hoof heaven. Gotta love that.

Perfectly Peppermint Hot Chocolate

I know they make mint cocoa mixes, but I'm a fan of making a delicious hot cocoa and then dropping in a miniature candy cane. By the time it's cooled off enough to drink, the candy has already dissolved and created a delicious mint flavor.MMMmmmm.

Do you have any mint favorites?

FHE

Our family home evening included Chic-Fil-A ice cream, playing in the play area, and Kevin and I discussing our talks for this upcoming Sunday. There's nothing like delicious ice cream to soothe your nervousness.

What did you do for Family Night?

An Award

Amy at It's a Lovelly life, was kind enough to give me this blog award.

I'd like to thank Amy for her sweet award,

and blogger for providing my blog,

and my husband for giving me good looking children to blog about.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

With the award, comes the fun task of answering the following questions in one word, or pretty close.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? grease lightning
3. Your mother? wise
4. Your father? tall
5. Your favorite food? turkey subs
6. Your dream last night? no clue
7. Your favorite drink? strawberry lemonade
8. Your dream/goal? homebirth/vbac
9. What room are you in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? writing
11. Your fear? my inadequacies
12. Where do you want to be in six years? bigger home
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something you aren’t? perfect
15. Muffins? Lemon Poppy seed
16. Wish list item? secret
17. Where did you grow up? Mesa
18. Last thing you did? phone call
19. What are you wearing? smelly gym clothes
20. TV? too much
21. Your pets? stink
22. Your friends? kind
23. Your life? blessed
24. Your mood? content
25. Missing someone? Lewis Family
26. Vehicle? Sienna
27. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? thrift
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When was the last time you laughed? last night
31. When was the last time you cried? last night
32. Your best friend? Kevin
33. One place that you go over and over? el bano
34. One person who e-mails me regularly? Dad
35. Favorite place to eat? Ned's Krazy Subs

I follow about a kazillion blogs, and I truly enjoy reading them all. I will nominate two that have inspired me lately.

Terresa at The Chocolate Chip Waffle for her beautiful writing, and for inspiring me to take writing classes to improve my own talents.

Teea at The Lamb Fam for her amazing example of strength throughout hard challenges, and her ability to write about life's experiences openly and honestly.

From The Book Of Brooke

"Brookie, who are your friends?"

"BOYS mommy, BOYS!"

When Billy Met Fairy

This was the first year that our whole family dressed up for Halloween, and it was really fun to finally get everyone into the spirit of the holiday. A family theme was what we had originally intended, but we ended up going with what came easy and inexpensive.

While attending my nephews baptism a few weeks back, my sister mentioned to me that Kevin looked a lot like Billy Mays. With his blue shirt, khaki pants, and 2 day scruff I had to agree. That was the beginning of Billy.

As for the girls, well they seem to be a little more high maintenance when it comes to costumes. I was hoping for something a little more light weight than last years costumes, (as I expected it to be another warm Halloween) and I wanted something that they would actually enjoy wearing. After finding two pairs of wings and two dresses at a thrift store, we settled on fairies.

This left me very confused as to how I was going to link Billy Mays to fairies with my costume. I decided not to pursue any cleaning product costumes, and to just join the girls in their fairydom.

A Tooth Fairy seemed mature enough, and fit quite nicely.

And so you see what happens when Billy Mays meets the Tooth Fairy, and they fall in love.

We enjoyed several Halloween activities this year.
The girls got to frost and decorate cookies on three different occasions, which made them very happy.

We had a family Halloween Party for the first time where we carved pumpkins, and made paper witches shoes.

some of the attendees included:

Sally & Jack,

two Inn-N-Out workers with their cute Double Double,

and a professional chef.

We also attended two trunk or treats, and came away with a pretty decent stash of candy.

I can't wait until next year!

To Everything There Is A Season

Potty training has been a work in progress.

Some have taken to it more than others, and that continues to be the case.

Brenna was making her usual daily deposit, until last Saturday night. After the ward Trunk R' Treat, I took all of the candy that was bite sized and filled up the potty incentive bowl. After experiencing her first Milk Dud, Brenna was suddenly needing to visit the potty 7 times a day. I found her requesting more liquids than normal, and sometimes purposely depositing one nugget at a time. She devoured all the Milk Duds, Whoppers, and M&M's in a matter of days. She knew what she wanted and she knew how to get it. Who knew a little chocolate would do the trick?

Her sassy sister Brooke recently appointed herself to the the role of doodie dumper and flushing fairy. She takes great pride in her work, and will scream and fight Brenna to the death in order to maintain her pro bono practices. Her breath quickens every time the candy bowl is lowered from the bathroom cabinet and Brenna's fingers glide across each glossy treat. Immediately, she will begin to plead her case with a wrinkled nose and random grunts. Her time on the potty is spent reading the IKEA catalog or coaching Brenna, but nothing more.

I can't quite figure her out but as they say, everything has its season.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Today we got our first real taste of fall.

It had us busily searching for our jackets,

rewinding the AC dial in our car,

briskly rubbing our goose bumped arms,

and attempting to pat down the angry static in our hair.

It was delightful.

I just hope it's here to stay.

Trick or Treat, Witches Feet

Let's be honest.

I'm not a very craft-driven person. Unless it somehow saves me money, or free food is involved, I would rather just pass, and spend my pennies at the thrift store. So yes, I do like crafts, but it's just not in my blood to want to make them on a regular basis. My Martha potential continues to wane, and I'm ok with that.

I came across these cute paper witch shoes at Skip To My Lou, and I wanted one. They only require two pieces of card stock, glue, and whatever ribbons or decoration you choose. (click on the link for the directions)

These are perfect for gifts, a visiting teaching goodie,a table centerpiece, or Halloween decoration.

Just don't let your toddlers try them on.

24+2+2

Kevin turned 28 yesterday!

He was able to take the day off of work so we could have a full 24 hours to celebrate the special occasion. I was his Westley and he was my Princess Buttercup, and his wish was my command.

For breakfast (in bed), he requested strawberry crepes, which reminded me a lot of the cheese enchiladas I made the night before. If I had it my way, I would rename them strawberry enchiladas, as it sounds much more enticing than crepes.

I tried to help the girls understand that it was Daddy's Birthday, and not a reenactment of theirs from last month. They were excited, at the mention of cake, and did their best to shower their Dad with kisses and mini party hat stickers. After finishing his meal, he was off to get an hour massage while I got the girls and I ready for the day.

For lunch, we made our way over to Joe's BBQ to get his free Birthday meal. Their macaroni and cheese is stick to your ribs delicious, and every part of the meal holds it own when it comes to flavor.

The weather was nice enough to sit outside on their picnic tables, and let the girls chase the birds. They really seemed to enjoy it.

After we had sufficiently stuffed ourselves, we came home and put the girls down for their nap. Kevin opened his gifts, and then left to do some shopping with his gift cards.

While he was gone, I washed and vacuumed his car, which was another gift to him. It definitely needed a good cleaning, as a lot of the insides were still coated with pizza dust from working at Papa John's. I made it nice and sparkly, and doused the seats with Febreeze, because there's nothing like the feeling of driving in a clean car.

That night, my Mom came over to babysit so we could go see a movie. We went to Slices for dinner, and shared one of their mongo slices of pizza, which was very tasty by the way. Afterwards, we went to see the movie Surrogates. It had a very interesting plot, kind of a cross between The Matrix and I-Robot.

After the movie, we came home and made Kevin's favorite dessert. Angel Food Cake with strawberries and whip cream. I found it amusing when realizing that our family is now mathematically compatible. Meaning that my age plus each of the girl's ages, equals Kevin's age. It might not seem as exciting to some, but it did help a lot when it came to trying to find candles for Kevin's birthday cake last minute.

Happy Birthday

to my sweet husband and best friend:)