We saved Christmas

We came up with a great plan. We took the Wii out of the box and with some of the other toys that we bought for toys for tots told the kids that we were "giving" to those less fortunate for Christmas.Since most of the homes around us are vacation homes we picked an empty one and ding dong ditched that house.Then we came home put the kids to bed and went back for the toys and Wii box.We then took the real toys that we got for toys for tots and dropped them off at the mall. I was surprised that my kids had no issues giving the wii away.Isn't that just the greatest plan.And I'm glad my kids are to young to read our blog.

Steve ruined Christmas

So we got the kids a Wii for Christmas from Santa. Steve hid it under our covers upstairs.Then put a movie on for the kids to watch and didn't move it. Of course they found it. And I am mad. The first Christmas we have been able to do something for our kids(seeing as how Steve now has a job) and it is ruined.And I am sad and mad.

Let it snow

The kids named our snowman fuzzy??? And we thought the kids how to tag. We spray painted a vest on Fuzzy and a smile.

Dallin and Eliza have snow eating issues. Where ever we go they always have to grab a handful or an icicle. So over the past 2-3 days we got about 3 feet of snow. The kids where in heaven. Mom made the best of it. We played a lot in the snow and went sledding. It was just supposed to be my last week before the Christmas break to get things done. However on Friday was their classroom Christmas parties and I was in charge of both.We did a Hawaiian theme for both to make it a little easy on me and I gathered enough flowers from some flower shops in town who where nice enough to donate. Also I got Safeway, Albertson's and Frys to donate each about a 20$ gift card.However we did need enough flowers for 50 kids so we had each child pitch in 2$. Each child got to make a Hawaiian flower lei.I forgot my camera and someone is supposed to send some to me so hopefully I can put some up. I'm glad that day is over. And on Friday night I came down with the worst sinus cold ever. I hope I get feeling better soon there is a lot to do before Wed. night.

Christmas scripture.

I wanted to put this scripture on my Christmas card but everyone disagrees with me. But I like it, I wanted a scripture talking about the gift he gave us.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5

Christmas card pictures?

I need some help picking out which pictures to put on our Christmas card.I need one of each of the kids and one of the two of them together.Would everyone please tell me which there favorites are?And Aly and Brittany, you guys make taking pictures look so easy and I wish I had your talent. Love you both and miss you.

Making Christmas real with Music

My mom writes for Mormon times. Her new article is feeling the Christmas spirit through music. To read it click on the link on the top right hand side.

Dallin gives a talk

Dallin gave the talk in church today it was on "The prophets foretold Jesus Christ would come to the earth". He did a great job, but his testimony at the end was the best.
Dallin-"I know that the prophets told us the truth about Jesus being born. He is our savior of this world.He came to earth to sacrifice himself so we can live with our families forever and be an example for us.I love my savior."
I must be doing something right.(for now)
I wanted to add Eliza's testimony on the savior
Eliza-"I'm thankful Jesus was born so we can come to earth and live. I'm glad he teaches us how to live. I think at Christmas he loves us even more because we love him more.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I don't want to make anyone jealous but my tree is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I'm not a huge fan of my decorations,and I don't have enough decorations for this tree anyways. It's the first year we have been able to get a real tree so I wanted the biggest tree I could find. It's about 12 feet and takes up most of my front room but it makes me happy.

My Puppies

I think the reason I love her so much is because she looks like she is wearing lipstick.And because she will not leave my side. Dallin and Eliza always ask, why when you walk she walks and when you stop she just sits down?I tell them because she just loves me the most!!! She is almost 3 months now.

Leah is going to be 1 years old at the end of December. She would also be the best dog if only one thing. Lately if she can escape out of the house without a leash, Forget it she is on the run!! She is gone for about an hour running around the area and impossible to catch. She is faster and shiftyer(sp) than me.And she only runs away when Steve is not around.Other than that I kind of like her. Depends on when you ask me if it's when I just spent the last 30 minutes trying to catch her then not so much!!

Christmas Lights

We went to the lighting of the Christmas Tree here in Flagstaff. It is over at the Little America.Before they light the tree inside the hotel are carollers, violinist, places to make ornaments and other crafts for kids, hot chocolate and cookies.Lots of Christmas fun.However Dallin has already turned to cool for all of this. So outside is the big moment everyone is counting down 10...5,4,3,2,1. YEAH, lots of cheering in the crowd. It starts to die down a little when my son yells in a nice, slow, loud voice; BOORRIINNGG !!! Steve quickly covered up his mouth. I thought you were supposed to get attitude when they hit the teenage years. Oh well. Merry Christmas!!!

Eliza hard at work making an ornament!Dallin would not make one.

Steve lost his winter cap. Well he left it out downstairs and while I was cleaning I put it away somewhere. I just don't know where.So it's my fault and he decided to punish me by putting Eliza's scarf on his head and embarrassing me with his severe lack of style.

I need to kiss up to Santa.I want lots of presents this year!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING. we feel very blessed to have such great family and friends. Thanksgiving was small but fun. Just our little family. However the kids were very involved which made it fun and cute. Dallin and Eliza helped cook. Dallin was so excited to eat turkey and he did which astounded Steve and I. Eliza could not wait to start the party we set the table the night before so when we woke up in the morning she was ready to feast. I explained we still had to make the turkey. So she decided to plan a party. By the time I was paying attention she had carefully chosen a coloring book for everyone and placed it at there spot. She made place cards for everyone. Also piled on the plates where card games, legos, a game for us to play and suckers. She's going to be a party planner when she grows up. Steve did the turkey this year.I think he studied on the internet for about 3 days on how to get the perfect turkey. (kind of a dork) however a very good turkey.
So the game Eliza had us play (I did help with this one) was for everyone to write in cards what they were thankful for.
*Steve's card- Emily (yeah! I was first), Dallin, Eliza, our home, the gospel, all the blessings we receive, the mangy mutts(dogs), water so I can shower, and air to breath.
*Emily's card- Steve(you can check our cards we both put each other first, Dallin, Eliza, Leah, Lucy(the dogs), the gospel and my savior, for my Mom and Dad and brothers and sisters, my extended family, my friends, our home and it's location, my health, the earth, education, and my talents.
*Dallin card- My family, my toys, grandmas and grandpas, friends, the ultimate lego book, my dogs, and church.
*Eliza's card- my family, toys, Heavenly Father and Jesus, for all my books, for school, for Mrs. Bryson, for Leah and Lucy, for make-up, my bike and scooter, that I can say my own prayers, for U-B- Funkies, and my summer dresses.
Obliviously the girls are way more thankful in this family!!!

Busy at school

So Dallin's class did not a a harvest party during Halloween and then on the Friday the week before Thanksgiving I asked Dallin's teacher if there was going to be some sort of Harvest feast. There was nothing planned so again I opened my big mouth and said I would do it. I was then told that it would be for 2 classrooms since they were having there 4th grade buddies over to watch Charlie Browns Thanksgiving. A party for 50 kids to put together over the weekend.I popped popcorn, made a bunch of cookies and got a bunch of carrots. Easy enough and the kids had fun. Also I got a big hug from Dallin when I walked in the classroom. That made it worth it.

Dallin and his 4th grade buddy Jonathan.

These are Eliza's friends from school and church. Tabitha and Kennedy.

Eliza's classroom Thanksgiving feast. They made waffles for the parents and turned there own butter. Every Wednesday they have a cooking class. I thought that was such a cute idea I opened my big mouth and said I would help the kids make aprons.What started as a small project turned big. The kids wanted to sew so I set up shop for about 3 days in the classroom and all the kids got to sew there own aprons. It was actually a lot of fun and they were all so proud of themselves.

Make up picture day

So today is retakes on pictures. Eliza has to retake them because she did not turn in her envelope for ordering. However Dallin is the one who was so upset this morning. He had a huge fit about having to go to school. "It make-up picture day and I'm not doing it." I kept telling him he didn't have to take them. "Yes, Abby(a girl in his class) said everyone gets to do make up picture day and they make you all fancy and put make up on you." I had to reassure him there would be no make-up involved and that he didn't even need to go and have pictures taken. Oh the drama.

Tea Party

Today is Veterans' Day it just so happened that the kids had school off and every Tuesday is Steve's day off. So today the boys went off and changed the oil in the car and some other top secret guy stuff. So the girls decided to have some fun of their own. Eliza and I made food for our tea party. Eliza made a menu. We set the table with our fancy stuff and then got all dressed up. It was a splendid afternoon. With very delightful company.

Fire Station

These glasses kill me!!

I was so surprised at how many volunteer moms we had for this one. Moms I had never seen before.

Meet Lucy

I'm going to be very honest. I think I am trying to fill a void

The kids picked out her name. They named her after Lucy on Charlie Brown. You know the girl that always pulls the football away so Charlie Brown can't kick it. Her middle name is Light. Since Leah is Leah Shadow because she is black. So she has to be light. I will let you know how it goes over the next few weeks. Steve is already in love. He walks around holding her in cradle position. And now has her in his lap.

Trick-or-treat

Finally I have there Costumes on. I think about 4 people have called or e-mailed letting me know they want to see Dallin and Eliza's costumes. Eliza wanted to be a witch this year and Dallin wanted to be a reeper. I no longer have an influence in their choice of costumes. However I do think they look pretty cute. Happy Halloween. I can't wait for all the candy in the house. I'm sure the Halloween Fairy will be by our house to eat half of their candy.

Halloween Fun

We have also made a couple of other fun Halloween things. We made some bats that hang from the ceiling. Also we had these huge cardboard boxes and I told Dallin and Eliza they could turn them into whatever they wanted. They made coffins to lay in so they could scare kids when they came to trick or treat at our house. Where do they come up with these things. Happy Halloween!!

Lowell Observatory

For scouts we planned a night at the Lowell Observatory. They did a whole presentation on the universe. Then we went outside to look at constellations and stars up close.

The big huge Clark telescope was down so we got to use this one to look at some of the stars. It was neat but just way to cold.

Tag I am it

1. Where is my cell phone? I don't know, but I can find it if I have to.
2.Where is your significant other? he is at work.
3.What is your hair color?Blonde and I am a real blonde. Yes, there is highlights but i can get away with doing my hair every 6 months.
4.Your Mother?Strong, Brilliant, loves her Heavenly Father. When we asked Dallin who his phone a friend would be he said grandma, everyone knows she is smart.
5.Your Father?Quite but brilliant.He loves the lord. Trustworthy and loyal.I have great parents.
6.Your favorite thing?My family, my true friends. (you find out who those are in times of need) I love to design, give me a clean slate and let me go. Oh yeah and my puppy Leah.
7.My dream last night? I didn't have one I never do. But my kids did. They ended up in bed with us.
8.My dream, my gaol? I don't know. I'm way to focused on taking care of my family. That's it right now.I have hobbies and things I enjoy but it's not my time to think about me. Oh, I know travel. Someday see the world.
9.The room you're in? I'm in the living room.
10.Your hobbies?Riding my bike, designing anything mainly clothes.
11.Your fear? Letting people down. Silly fear- I hate feet. Terrified, don't put them on me or near me. It's not funny for those of you who think it is. I really tics me off!!!
12.Where do you want to be in 6 years? HAPPY, and seeing everyone I love happy!
13.Where were you last night?I was out on the red carpet all dolled up introducing my new clothing line. HA. I was doing homework, cooking dinner, picking up my hubby, and folding laundry on my bike. You know things that make you truly happy.
14.What your not?I'm not Rich
15.One of your wish-list items?right now I just wish we had a couch and kitchen chairs. My big wish live in a different country for a year for the next 10 years.
16.Where you grew up? In California.Doing what kids do riding bikes having fun barefoot.
17.The last thing you ate?a handful of honey nut Cheerios.
18.What are you wearing?Nothing. Ha for all of you who know me this will be a shocker, my work-outs.
19.My T.V.? I don't understand! But if you were to ask my husband he can tell you about the one he keeps dragging me to over at Best Buy. And that he has to keep pushing the time line back to buy.
20.Your pet?I love her. She is sitting by me right now. Leah is the best.
21.Your computer?I don't get it?
22.Your mood?I'm sad, with some happy spurts here and there. It will get better I hope.
23.Missing someone?Oh yes. I miss our baby. And my friends who I left in Utah.
24.Your car? Gets us around. Sometimes!
25.Something your not wearing?A bra.
26.Favorite store?thrift stores. Great thing there.Oh and garage sales.
27. Your summer?Homeless, vagabums. But we were happy.
28.Love someone?I love lots of people. My friends, ones I talk to a lot and ones a talk to a little. My whole family, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, and sisters.Moms and Dads. I love my children and am so thankful for them. I'm glad H.Father chose me to be there mom. And especially my husband. He is my safe spot on this earth.
29.Favorite color?i love all colors.
30.Last time you cried?When I answered the question do you miss anyone.About 10 min ago.


I tag Ashley, my sisters, Celeste and Juile. If you have time. Thanks Aly and you will not live alone with cats. I will move you in.

Small Brains

Dallin, Eliza and myself were in the car yesterday taking Leah to the dog park. There where Obama supporters on the side of the road downtown. I told Dallin to yell out the window Obama stinks he wouldn't. About a minute passes and Dallin says." You know mom, I think that those people who want to vote for Obama must have small brains. We should get them and take out their small brains and put in big brains so they can think . I think that is the smartest thing I have heard this whole election.

Daisy Girl Scouts

Eliza is thrilled to have her own thing. Dallin's scouts started about a month ago and every time they meet I would hear "when does mine start?" They had there first official meeting Tuesday. The vest and pins were very exciting, you can imagine.

Lord Vader

I tried to find one of Eliza being Darth Vader but apparently she has never turned to the dark side. For family night we got out all the Halloween decorations, blacked out the house, lit candles and told spooky stories. Oh, and found this Vader costume that we got for stuffed animals , and well now we have a dog so we dressed her up. She is such a good

sport. She just wore it, while the kids just laughed and laughed.

Aquaplex

Lettus Wraps

I have been wanting PF Changs lettus wraps for about 2 weeks, but there is no PF Changs I had to make up my own and since they are so good and easy I am going to share them with you. Defrost chicken half way and slice thin. In frying pan throw in chicken, sliced almonds and chives. How ever much you want. Cook with Ken's Steak House Lite Asian Sesame with Ginger & Soy salad dressing. Slice up cabbage. slice up carrots leave uncooked. Use bib leaf lettuse of if they don't carry it at the grocery store you are at (like mine) use romaine. Throw all the stuff in and I like to dip it in the dressing. So good. Let me know if any of you try it and do anything different.