Happy Birthday Dusty!

Dustins birthday usually falls on or right before or after Thanksgiving. So we were still at his Mom and Dad's this year because it was the day after...yep, that's right...BLACK FRIDAY!!! He's always a good sport about it though, even though most people forget...this year it was his Mom! I came up for breakfast, gave him his birthday kiss and wished him a "Happy Birthday" and she felt so bad she lit a candle and put it in his pancake. We had fun going up the canyon to find the perfect Christmas tree and he wouldn't rest until he found it. It took a good hike and a lot of pulling and tugging and some very wet and exhausted kids, but he did it! It was perfect! The ride home was a little slow with out (HUGE!) tree taking away the jet stream, but it was worth it. The house smelled great when we got it inside and all decorated. We ended the day taking a few family pictures and heading home. Happy Birthday Dusty---We LOVE you!

Over the River and Through the Woods....

Happy Thanksgiving!!! This year we spent Thanksgiving at Dustin's Mom and Dad's. We had a great time! We got there Wednesday night dove right in to a "P.J." party with the kids. I made them all pajama pants (at the last minuet, my first attempt at sewing anything that you can wear---very fun and surprisingly they all fit!) and got them shirts to match. They started out with a pillow fight and ended up watching "UP" on Grandma's projector. They loved it!Thanksgiving Day was full of lots of good food and funny conversation. There was even a "who could wear the silliest sweater contest...I think Ryan won the prize, his even had blinking lights!
After dinner everyone relaxed and enjoyed the company. It was even warm enough outside for the kids to go burn off all the slush they drank...Dustin's parents are finishing their addition and it looks like a real cabin inside. It was fun to go "Over the river and through the woods" to Grandmas for a real old fashion Thanksgiving!

We have much to be thankful for this year, but most of all I am thankful for my family. My little boys and the smile they put on my face each day. I am thankful that we are all healthy and strong. We have been blessed!

29 and staying put!

This year I turned 29 and I have to admit I was just a tiny bit upset that I am almost 30! I know i've told everybody that it's no big deal, but now that I am the one on the edge of the proverbial cliff it's a little unnerving!LOL! This was however a great birthday! And who's to say I can't turn "29" again next year right? My Mom and Holly came down and fussed over me and catered to my every whim. We had great food, a cute cake and a nice visit. Thanks Mom, for making me feel special! Dustin surprised me with the ENTIRE box set of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Women---my favorite show growing up and I am sure he will regret this when I'm glued to the TV and not to the washing machine! LOL! I Love it! Mom gave me all new towels and rugs for my bathroom---something I've needed for a long time and refused to indulge in. It's so fun to have all matching stuff! I got lots and lots of new books so when I get a headache from watching Dr. Quinn I can sit in the tub and read---another one of my favorite pastimes! Dallin and Alex are glad that one more Birthday is done and are couting down the days until Dustin's so that their turn will be next. Thanks everyone, for making my day so special! Let the parties begin!

"Guess what mom..."

Derrick's new thing lately is saying "Guess what Mom?" and then when I say "what?" he says, "I love ya!" I love this. He says is at the most random times, usually when I'm getting after him about something he's done that he shouldn't have, and it pulls me right back to reality and reminds me that this is all worth it. I am thankful for my kids and the things they teach me each day. To be kind and to love unconditionally. Other things Derrick is up to are picking things up off the ground. Everywhere he goes he finds things to pick up off the ground. Weird things, money, BB's, weird rocks. His eyes are constantly scanning the ground for weird objects. He says he "lookin' for treasure" and although the "treasures" are not always pleasant, I love that he is so curious.

This is another funny conversation between him and I in the car...

Derrick: "Mom how did you grow up so big?"
Mom: "I ate all my vegetables."
Derrick: "What are Veg-la-bles?"
Mom: "Things like carrots and celery."
Derrick: "So if I eat a LOT of carrots I'll grow big?"
Mom: "Yes--so we are going to need a LOT of carrots"
Derrick: "Ya, and we're going to need a LOT of dip!"

LOL! Derrick loves to dip anything. If it has ranch dressing on it, he'll usually go for it---even carrots.

Other things I don't want to forget are:

*Zeke's open mouthed kisses. You know when he comes at ya with a big open mouth like he's singing you're in for a slobbery smooch! :D Love them!

*Alex likes to get himself dressed-he doesn't like the shirts I pick out for him anymore.

*Dallin likes to get his own milk on his cereal.