A look back at a wonderful holiday weekend

We hope that you had a wonderful holiday. We certainly were blessed.

First we have a glorious Christmas morning. Santa visited out house and left the boys wonderful surprises. The stocking were filled till they were quite over flowing, the presents abound while the children sat glowing. Mom in her PJ's and Dad getting starting coffee we snuggled in for the precious moments of glee.

Zane testing out the his new bean bag

Jacob showing off his new giggling Elmo chair

A little brotherly love

Zane helping Jacob with the present he picked out for Jacob.

Jacob ripping open a present from Santa

Zane opening up a gift

Taking a minute to play with the games (Zane received a V-Smile pocket and a game boy. Jacob is checking out the game boy while Zane is working on the V-Smile.

This is a ginger bread house that we put together earlier in the week. Zane and Kass were able to decorate it and make it so beautiful.

Christmas day - night dressed in their new PJs and getting ready for bed after a wonderful day playing with all the new stuff.

This is the day after Christmas. I went out and shoveled nearly a foot and a half of snow off the drive way. What a great work out that was. When I was done I went and gave Zane a Snow man kit I had gotten, and told him to go ask Daddy to help him. So they got all dressed up and went on out. Jacob and I watched from the window. First Kass took a shovel and piled up a bunch of snow, then he carved away the beautiful and large head you see. Zane had a great time, and of course named him frosty. We are so glad to have frosty as part of our winter decorations! Or our only winter decorations.

Santa Claus is coming to MY HOUSE

YEA it is finally Christmas Eve. I am so excited. I was up until at least 1:00 am last night wrapping presents. If nothing else our kids are going to have a great day tomorrow. I am especially excited for them to open their presents from their grandparents. My dad and step mom got the boys some really fun stuff - it has been killing me not to let them open it early. And my mom and step dad got great toys from discovery toys - luckily they have been at their house so as not to tempt me. We are going to have such a great holiday.
I hope that the snow is not too bad tomorrow. I know the reports are ominous, but I am going to wait and see. Tonight the boys and I are going to church service with my mom. Poor Kass has to work until at least 7:00 pm (darn it- hate when the pay check gets in the way of the fun.)
Tomorrow we are planning to get up and enjoy the first part of the morning with the boys and then go to my mom's house for more presents and food and fun with family.
Oh - I made up the cutest thing ever - I have a blank paper for Zane to make a letter to Santa Claus tonight it is all cute and christmasy . AND THEN - he will receive a wonderful letter back from Santa. I am so darn creative!! LOL
I hope that you all have wonderful holiday! Be safe and enjoy one another.

A change is good

Well, for those of you whom I haven't called and complained to about my lack sleep the last few weeks, let me fill you in. Jacob got a cold, and was teething, and decided that he did not want to be in his crib any more. When we would go to put him to bed, he would climb up my arm till his feet were on my shoulders. Then cling to me for dear life to not be put in the crib. I have no idea why the sudden change, but we felt bad, so we let him sleep with us. (BAD IDEA) We did not sleep because our little 22 pound child would turn so that he could kick at least one of us, while putting his head in the others chest. (I got the feet). Kass soon decided that he would just sleep down stairs then to fight Jacob. So I have been working to get Jacob back into his crib. We think he is still too young for a toddler bed.

First Step: put Jacob to sleep in our bed but move to his own bed (check)

Second step: Don't bring Jacob into our bed at 3:30 in the morning because he has woken up and refused to go back to sleep (check)

Third Step: Find away to be able to sleep in my own bed and not on Jacobs floor when he wakes up at 3:30 and refuse to go back to sleep alone. (um...sorta)

Fourth Step (and great idea): Move Jacob into Zane's room - then he won't be alone!! (check)

So last night was our first night with Jacob in Zane's room (now the bedroom and Jacob's old room, the toy room). Jacob woke up about 5 times (yes 5 times). First time he went back to sleep. Second time, I had to stay in the room with my hand on him until he went to sleep. Third time Zane woke up and got out of bed to talk to Jacob (what a nice brother). Got both boys back in bed (much more difficult this time with Jacob) Fifth time, I brought Jacob to our bed. I just wanted 10 more minutes.....(no so lucky - he was awake and it was 6:00 AM) Hopefully tonight goes better.

Zane's Side

Jacob's Side

The new "Toy" Room.

I do want to note that I believe that I will be able to move my sewing stuff into the closet in the "toy" room. There is so much more room. I just need to go through all of Jacob's clothes and get them boxed up. Then - the closet is MINE!! Then I can start working on my crafts.

A New Year is on its way.....

With the upcoming new year quickly approaching I have been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish in 2009 ....so as I create and add to this list, edit, delete, rewrite.....please feel free to share you goals for 2009. Maybe I will steal one of yours - especially if it is easier then mine!!
So to start it off....
1. Declutter - I love this word. I don't think I have ever been very good at this. I was always the type to collect. I never really liked moving my room around, and changing things. When I did get the bug to clean and move things, it was a long day or week. This may be a long YEAR. Our basement is full of things we don't need, my closet has clothes I don't wear, our garage is full of more stuff, and the kids toys are over flowing. So as I plan my attack on all of the stuff that is over taking our house I have to decided what to do with it. I have saved all of the boys clothes. So do I start taking them to Kid to Kid? Of course that brings a whole new issue of whether I really think we are done having kids. Then there's all of the other stuff we have hiding in the basement and garage. Should I try to sell it at a yard sale or KSL or....just donate it to get rid of it??
2. Craft - This is one I really want to explore. I have decided to start a craft group that will meet once a month and craft. Sadly I do think that my crafting will be very reliant on my completing number 1. As of right now I don't have the space to craft. I dream of a room of my own with cabinets and a sewing table, everything beautifully organized. I have been watching all of these great blogs and being so jealous of all of these crafty people. I don't want to be jealous any more ... I want to create...
3. Paint - I hate the bathroom, and desperately want to recreate a wonderful place for the boys. As of now, it is a horrendous shade of pink. (not my choice - it was that way when we got here...and sadly we have been here 6 years and have not changed it). I also want to paint my room, and the living room, and would like to redo the boy's rooms. (the hope is to put the boys together in one room, and make the other room a toy room. I also have big plans for their closets - I want to build in shelving so that we have more space for everything.
4. Start going to Church. I tried this last year, and found it to be very difficult to take a baby to church. Even though Jacob was an excellent baby, he seemed to want to eat right at the time all of the services started. Zane has been asking so many questions about God, that it would be nice to have someone else answer them for a while...lol poor teachers.

Well that is the list so far, hopefully not to ambitious. As I am sure that I a not done...

Zoo Lights

We had a wonderful evening at the Zoo on Friday. They have really done a great job decorating the zoo. Luckily we knew it was going to be cold, so we bundled up the kids with several layers. I had gotten Jacob a new hat and mittens - he looked so cute in it. Sadly he really didn't want to leave the mittens on, and his little hands would get so cold. Did I mention that it was FREEZING. OMG it was so cold. I looked forward to the craft!! and the free cookie, because we were able to warm up! I don't think Zane even noticed the cold, he was too busy running around and playing with his buddy Noah. I wish it hadn't been so cold, I don't think we saw the whole zoo, but it was just too cold.
And...since I totally forgot my camera....here is a link to the Ayers blog and the pictures they have luckily already posted!! (thanks Laura)
http://sleeplessinsaltlake.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-fun.html

Zane the Great Snake Tamer

We were invited to a Reptile show with my mom, Stuart, and my nieces. It was a lot of fun. We were a bit early and the kids got to run around and play, and run, and run, and run. It was crazy. The reptile guy ( http://www.scalesandtailsutah.com/ ) was a little late due to traffic.

The show was so much fun. The guy was really entertaining, telling jokes for the kids, and the parents.

Through out the show he was asking for volunteers. I noticed that Zane was not raising his hand. Whew, I was glad. Then all of a sudden I hear "I am brave!" and I look to see my little man standing up. They guys says okay, come on up. Zane goes behind the curtain and comes out with this....

He was so brave. He didn't seem to care that there was a SNAKE wrapped around his neck and arm. I was so proud.

Jacob's 18 month check up

Our Jacob is just about 18 months now. I took him in a few weeks early so he could get his flu shot. So he is now in the 15th percentile in his weight (it has gone up from 4th percentile last time) YEA - so the doctor is not concerned any more. He is in the 40th percentile in his height, which is about the same as he has always been, and the 30th percentile in his head.

Jacob did not like the nurse measuring his head, he screamed. She took him to be weighed, he screamed. Then we sat in the room and waited for the doctor to come in. He explored the room, opening this and that, laughing and playing. Then the doctor came in. Jacob climbed right up onto my lap and wanted nothing to do with the doctor. At first we just talked about his habits and went over some questions. I talked about how stubborn Jacob is, and determined to do what ever his brother does. Then the doctor had to check Jacob out...that was hard. Jacob screamed, cried, kicked - he did not want this guy touching him. By the end of the visit I think the doctor had a bruise on his leg from Jacob kicking him. The doctor did agree that he is very strong and stubborn. We also found out that he has 4 teeth coming in right now. That is crazy...the kid only has 7 teeth - he is getting 4 more all at once. That explains a lot.

Here are a few pictures of Jacobs new favorite place to sit. The coffee table....

He says "cheese" and gives us his sideways grin

This was a great smile - still saying "cheese" Love it!!

This was today, he kept putting his arm through the neck hole...what a weird kid. But oh so cute.

A little brother love. The boys played outside today for almost 1 hour. I loved this shot of them looking through the fence. They chased each other and did the slide and threw the ball around. Just wonderful weather today for playing outside.

Zane was playing with Jacob so cute today, he put on the goggles and chased Jacob. Who immediately runs to me and tries to hide under my legs.

Tagged by Becky...

Rules:
1) Post rules on your blog
2)Answer the six "8" items
3)Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV Shows
Grey Anatomy
NCIS
Jon and Kate plus 8
17 and counting
House
Numbers
Sons of Anarchy
Spongebob (hey if you have to watch it you should like it too)

8 Things I did yesterday:
Made a great breakfast - eggs, toast and SAUSAGE!
Worked
Took Jacob to the Dr (doing great see next post)
Went to grocery store for bananas (can never have enough)
Picked up Zane from Grandma Rose's visited for a bit
Cleaned kitchen
Sat with Zane while he practiced piano
Tucked the boys into bed and went to bed early! (yea me)

8 Things I look forward to:
When Kass is home and the boys are asleep
When Jacob hugs me and gives me kisses
When Zane laughs - such a cute giggle
Going to bed at night
Going to a movie
Time with family and friends
Black Friday (I can't WAIT - what will those deals be)
A nice dinner cooked by someone else

8 Favorite Restaurants:
Panda Express (that counts right??)
Beans and Brews (they totally have food)
Johny Carinos
Macaroni Grill
Outback
Texas Roadhouse
Citrus Grill
I don't know anything - as long as I am not cooking

8 Things on my wish list:
A lot of property in the middle of somewhere (yea I want to still do things)
New flooring in the kitchen and dinning, and new carpet in the rest of the upstairs
A cleaning person ( I so hate to clean)
A unlimited pass to the movies (popcorn included)
A new super loaded mini van
Seeing Kass' family (both at home and in Cali)
Time to read
A new super wonderful embroidery machine that quilts!!

8 People to Tag:
If you don't blog, just email me or put it in my comments for everyone to see

Laura
Misty
Mom
Mitta
Jen
Ash
Jenni
Ann

Let it snow, let it snow.

We woke up this morning to a ground of white. Zane was so excited he could hardly stand it. He wanted to go out in the snow at 6:00 AM. Our only recourse was that we didn't think he had snow boots that would fit him, so he waited until after school. I went to walmart to get him some snow boots, but I must have been the millionth person to have that idea today, because the selection was poor and sadly nothing for our Zane.

So we had him try on his old boots, and he said that they fit. I am sure that he would have said anything fit if it allowed him to go out side and play.

He had such a great time playing in the snow. I think he tasted most of the back yard. I know yuck right, but kids will be kids.

Jacob and the Slide

My little Jacob is so independent. He doesn't want your help, doesn't need your help. He will find a way to do what ever he wants. This weekend he busied him self with learning the slide outside. Luckily it was a wonderful day, and he was able to really enjoy running around.

Here he is walking around, yet again to go to the ladder. Note our HUGE cat Absi is out checking out the yard.

Starting his way up the ladder

taking a break in the middle

using those strong arms to pull himself up. I dream of the day those arms will be used to carry in grocery bags!!

Reaching the top

getting ready for take off

Trick or Treat?

October 30th, we did a trial run - My mom was going to be out of town for Halloween, so Jenni and I being the wonderful kids we are got the grand kids dressed up and took them to her work.

You can see that Jacob is pulling at his costume - he screamed when we put it on him, and immediately tried to take it off. I don't know why they make children's costumes with a zipper - and in the front of all things. Don't they know that kids are sneaky.

Halloween Night

We opted to put Jacob in the stroller - (yes I said we - because Kass was home and able to go trick or treating with us - YEA) He refused to put the hat part on, but still looks like a super cute kid. Kass looks pretty good too.

Our neighbors came trick or treating with us. They are dressed as the Darth Vaders - and Zane is a Fireman (great costume huh - love that is had built in reflectors)
This is in front of one of the neighbor's houses - They have all kinds of great blowup stuff in their yard.

Such a cute boy! By the end of our route, Jacob had decided to get out of the stroller, one of the older boys gave him a little bucket. He was running to keep up with them - it was so cute. Man on a mission. Very determined little man.

Zane did get the hang of Halloween, and had a great year. He would go to the door, ring the bell or knock and yell "trick or treat". I was so proud. Kass and I enjoyed watching the kids run from house to house. When we got home, we did still get a few trick or treaters. Zane would sit and wait for them to come knock on the door. Then he would hand them the bowl of candy. He didn't say anything, just handed them the bowl. We had to continue to remind him to tell them to take however many - or he would need to give it to them. He was sad when the doorbell stopped ringing. I love that he is such a generous kid. Loves to give to others and to make others happy.

On the road again....St. George

***From October 17th***

Grandpa Dale's 90th and Grandma Barbara's 80th Birthday's with a big family bash.

What a great looking family. Moments like this make the 6 hour plus trip with two young children really worth it. We left Friday morning, and made our way south. We spent a good hour traveling 20 miles due to construction. During this time Zane would ask for more fruit snacks (about every two minutes). Jacob slept through most of the construction. (YEA) We arrived around 5:00 in St. George. Checked in to a great hotel, right by the pool changed and made our way to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

(Zane with his Great Grandpa Dale)

We had such a wonderful time getting to see my Uncle Al and Aunt Tess and their kids. I don't think we have seen them since I was prego with Zane.

(Grandma Barbara looking stunning - can't believe she is 80!!)

The next day back at the hotel, Zane and Ry were swimming (I was out shopping with Jacob). I received a phone call from Mitta telling me what Kass had had to jump in the pool to rescue Zane and Ry. Evidently Zane had on floaters - but wasn't trusting them. So he was trying to hold on to Ry - who isn't big enough or strong enough to support them both in the water. The result, two children taking on water fast. So like the super hero he is Kass jumped in fully clothed to rescue them both- YEA. The day is saved. Sadly we had one loss - his cell phone was in his pocket and after trying to revive it for several days we had to call it a loss (Sad)

Zane now tells everyone the story of how his Daddy jumped in the pool to save him - "he is my life saver!"

Kass was a wonderful daddy during the party. He let me visit with my family while he followed Jacob around and tried to not have to be a hero twice in one trip. (Jacob will try to climb anything.

So glad that we had the chance to see so many great people. We are lucky to be related to such great people.

Uncie Turns 17

***From October 12th, 2008***

(a problem with the computer caused a delay of several posts)

My "little"brother turned 17 years old. I can hardly believe it. We had a wonderful time at my mom and step dad's house. The grand kids enjoyed being able to play together and do anything they want. Because there are no rules at Grandma and Grandpa's house. (except that mom and dad have to pick up all those toys they got out before we leave)

We, Aunt Jenni, Uncie of course, cousins Tori and AJ, Great Grandma Zeeh, and Great Grandma Rose!!

Here is his cake - 5 (five) layers. He asks Grandma Zeeh to add a layer for the past few years. And being the wonderful grandma she is, she obliges with his wishes.

The toy rooms - after.

Silly Faces

Lovin on Grandma

Zoo Day

On Thursday, our friends invited us to go to the Zoo. It was such a great day for seeing the animals and walking around the zoo. First it was off to the Asian Highlands, we were looking for the Tiger - one of my personal favorites, and down he came from up top, and right into the water. For those of you who don't know, the water feature of his enclosure is right up against the glass. It was so exciting, he was swimming around and rubbing up against the glass. The boys loved it!! Jacob was pointing and laughing, and Zane was watching in awe. I was giddy with excitement - Tigers are soooo beautiful. Below is a great picture I got of a tiger on my last visit - sadly, I forgot my camera on this visit but di have my phone - but only got a few shots.

I always just want to snuggle with the Tigers - acutally I love the Asian Highlands because of all the cats!

Our friends, Laura, Sam and Mac were great. We rode the carasel, and the train - the boys dont like to miss the train. Then Laura watched Zane while I went and bought a few Christmas presants. The Zoo is selling the street signs that they have on lamp posts through out the city, but mostly we have seen them on Foothill on our way to the Zoo. Zane loves them. All they have left are thse huge ones that are taller then me. I think they are great, and get one for each boy - I am picturing great jungle themes as they get older.

Zane, Sam and Mac had a great time running around the play ground, Laura said they had just gone up and down the snake slide the whole time. Bundles of energy. Jacob and Zane were done by the time we were in th car. I think Jacob was asleep before we even hit Foothill. Zane was a trooper, and lasted until we were on the freeway.

Heres a couple pics of Zane, Sam and Mac on the Elephant statue. One of my favorite places to take their picture. Jacob wanted nothing to do with it, and would not hold still for his picture. Maybe next time.

Zane's Reading!!!

Yes, it is true, our Zane has started to read! He is so proud, and so are we.

It all started last week at Costco (yes I love Costco). I was browsing the books, and saw a collection of books called BOB BOOKS. I remembered them from my time working at Barnes and Noble. Great books to help kids start reading. I thought "I'll pick them up and see what happens, eventually they will be usable."

So later that night, Zane and I sat down and looked at the book. He sounded out the words -
"Mat, sat, Sam, sat " Etc .... I was in SHOCK. He has continued to read every night, one book at a time. I am still in shock. What a smart boy we have!

The Boys New Pics

Here they are, just a few pics of the boys. They really did turn out great.

These are Zane's "School" Pictures. Since he is in his 2nd year of Preschool, and last year. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. He looks soooo old in this picture. Not my baby anymore.
Jacob is 16 months in this picture. Notice the tongue - that tongue is ALWAYS sticking out. The poor guy has four teeth on the top - and only two on the bottom. However, the two on the bottom are not centered, they are one middle one, and then one to the left. We are still waiting for the other two to make there way through.