wordless wednesday: we will freeze to see animals.

holla.

Whoa, that was a lovely few days off. It was filled with play dates, BFF, the zoo, presents, food, and fun.

I always have to ask why do we have to come back the reality of work (which is definitely a 4 letter word today), cleaning, responsibility, and did I already mention work? Oh, I did...yes, yes I did! WORK! Gah.

I might throw a wordless Wednesday post up for tomorrow...but other than that...I am taking a Happy New Year break! Along with most of the blogs I read, it seems!

So I leave with you my cuties!

merry christmas

from our house to yers! =)

santa has been by our house...

there is some sort of magic when santa makes his rounds.
you have to believe.

straight up magic

I don't wanna forget this. EVER.

We rented a movie tonight. While Van was up stairs watching it, and Vin was fast asleep...I decided I could start getting some of Vin's presents out from Grandma and Auntie Jill and Uncle Vince. Van came downstairs, and noticed a few toys that she hadn't known we had for Vin. She looked up at me with bright eyes and said...

"Mom, I think Santa was here. I think because he realized I wasn't asleep he only got some of it done!"

I couldn't bring myself to disappoint her, and I thought this would be a good way to get her to go to sleep quickly! ;)

It didn't stop there.

We walked into the kitchen, and Vin had thrown up...and I hadn't noticed.

This is where it becomes priceless...

"Mom, oh my gosh...this is snow. He tracked snow in our house. I gotta go to bed RIGHT NOW!"

I love her innocence. I love that she believes.

I love her.

little does she know.

Growing up my Grandma in the Mountains would give all of my siblings and I a homemade blanket. I always looked forward to it. I don't like to openly admit now that I was always slightly disappointed that I got the "boy colors", while my older sister would get the pretty pink. I always hoped that there was a small hole in the wrapping paper so that I could peak at my blanket.

I have noticed something my MIL gives to our children for holidays...blankets! I don't think she even realizes how many good memories it brings to my mind.

Thank you Mom for doing this, and not even realizing how much I adore it.

There is nothing like snuggling my babies up in a blanket from Grandma!

PS yes, I peeked in Vin's bag of presents...and yes, he is getting a blanket! ;)

wordless wednesday: it doesn't matter if santa doesn't look the same...she still believes.

20042005200620072008 2009

teacher christmas gifts part 3

This one is super simple for anyone, and being that we are only a few days away from Christmas...you are gonna need something easy, right?

Buy a bottle of water or a gallon...if you are feeling really generous! =)

Put a tag on it.

The tag should read...

I tried to build you a snowman in the heat of the day.
All I got was water...so Merry Christmas anyway.

That's all.

Easy peasy...right!

Yellow Belt - Tae Kwon Do

I remember the day Van made "splits club". The instructor called her to the front of class, spread two chairs apart, lifted her up...and made her do the splits suspended across those two chairs. I beamed with pride, and maybe shed a tear or two. It is always an amazing feeling watching your child accomplish something...especially something you could have never done at her age, or ever!Since then Van has graduated from Little Dragons, switched Dojo's, and has been practicing her little heart out to fit in with the BIG kids.

She had her first belt testing this past week, and to be honest she was really nervous. Paul and I were scared she wasn't going to pass.

Anyone that knows our Van, I mean really knows her, knows her competitive nature (thank you, Paul).

I sent a text to Paul half way through testing, and when I didn't get a response I geared up for the devastating call I would receive from Van.

To my absolute shock Paul called to tell me not only had Van passed, but she had broken a record! What the what! Our little sassy pants decided to prove herself to ever.y.one! She sat in the leg lift position for 6 minutes straight! (side note: Paul and I tried to do this the next day, I think we could only last 3 seconds!) She had 50 plus people chanting her name, and cheering her on. She beat the other kid by 2 and half minutes!! Seriously, so proud of her!!!

Yes, I am bummed I missed it, but man oh man it makes me far more happy than anything that she was able to do it!

I have always said my Van is everything I always wanted to be. Blonde, blue eyed, tall, athletic, skinny, and killer looks to go along with her fun personality - add her determination to that list! =) I love you, Savannah! I am so very proud of you, and that yellow belt you earned and proved to everyone you deserve!

9.

Vin here.I decided that you needed to hear from me on this 9 month milestone!

Can you believe that I am already so old?

Neither can I...Oh em gee!

Let me tell you a few things that you might not know about me...

My parents are finding out that my personality is a lot like my Uncle Kyle (hi, Kyle).

I am very adventurous.

My adventures just recently were...

Falling down the stairs...a few times.

I fell off the bed.

I decided to see if I could get out of my car seat when my Mommy wasn't looking, I am here to report...I was successful, and got a fat lip to prove it.

I hate that my Mommy makes me sit when I am in the bath tub, I would much rather stand.

Speaking of standing, I love to stand in my crib too. I stand and wait patiently for whoever will come to rescue me. I have already mastered the art of bugging my sister. I have heard that is what a little brother is suppose to do. I love taking her Littlest Pet Shop animals, and I stick them in my mouth as fast as possible...then she shrieeeeks! Oh, and because she shrieeeks, I've learned that too...and I am really good at it!

I have conquered 7 teeth, and not so gracefully. Give me a break, it hurts!

I am not a Momma's boy.

I am not a Daddy's boy either.

I like them both...a. lot.

Who can blame me, I got lucky with those two!

Okay, and my sister too. She has got mad peek-a-boo skillz!

Did I forget to mention...I love this thing people call a tongue. So fun.

Well, it's been fun to talk about myself, but all this bloggin' has warn me out...gotta go take a nap.

Yours Truly,

Vin

PS Of course, everyone loves my killer thighs, they are rather delicious...I am working on getting them even bigger and better ladies! *wink, wink*

Our Glimpse of Santa

Oh, can I just tell you how hard it is to get a picture of Vin lately? He is crawling, and crazy...not to mention this funny tongue thing he started doing when his teeth came in. I do have to say that I didn't get a smiling picture of Van done professionally until she was 1...so I guess I shouldn't complain about Vin (too much). We got our "Glimpse of Santa" pictures done last Saturday, and as always Jen was amazing...and patient! Even though I was a frazzled mess after, it was a nice feeling to know that you are helping a good cause.If you didn't get a chance to go to the "Glimpse of Santa," never fear! She opened up another day...Monday, December 20th (get her contact 4-1-1 on her website)!! If that doesn't work out, not only is there next year, but you can always donate money for sweet little Lizzie and her family. Go to Jen's website, and on the top of her sidebar there is a donate to Lizzie Pay Pal button! =)

The Juppy Baby Walker

Post EDIT: I will give one lucky reader a Juppy Walker...leave a comment if you wanna be a winner! =)

Just when I think they can not come up with another thing for babies...some person who is pure genius does!

Let me be the first to tell you about the Juppy Walker. If you already have heard of this or own it...shame on you for not telling me. I have had the Juppy Walker for a few months. Vin wasn't a fan at first, probably because I tried it too early. Now Vin can't get enough, and honestly neither can I.

What is a Juppy Walker you ask? You know when your baby likes to stand up non stop? You know when you baby is learning to walk so you must lean over to hold said baby's hands? You know how it kills your back?

This solves that problem...

• It saves your back from aching.


• Vin loves it, because he thinks he is doing it all by himself, making him feel all sorts of independent.


• The straps are adjustable so short people like me or tall people like Paul can use it.


• Worried it won't fit on your baby? I say to this...if it fits around Vin's thighs, it will fit on any baby! =)

For additional information please visit their website or facebook fan page!

disclaimer: I did receive a free Juppy! =) and if you comment you can be entered to get one for free too!

wordless wednesday: the best of december (so far.)

teacher christmas gifts part 2

This gift never gets old. I have used it for a. ton. of different holidays, and you will see why! BFF took me to a class 3 years ago, and this was one of the easy "make-n-takes".
This is what I call "The French Fry Box"...imagine that...because it is a french fry box!(I don't do tutorials, so be forewarned you might have questions with some of my craft projects...email me or leave me a comment)

You can either go to your local Mickey D's and use the actual french fry box as a pattern, or I can always send you the one I have.
Decorate your box first.
Then you can assemble it.
Put the cute shredded paper in the bottom.
What do I put in the french fry box?

Go to Winco (my favorite place for bulk food) and buy candy.

Put the candy in a cute little cellophane baggie with a cute ribbon. If you do this option, you wouldn't necessarily need to put the whole french fry box in the cellophane baggie.

If you wanted to put the whole french fry box in the cellophane baggie, I like putting the little travel size lotions from Bath and Body Works in it. Then you could put some cheese-E saying like "Have a SCENTsational season!"

Like I said before, you could do this for neighbors, friends, coworkers...it's not just for teachers, but Van's teachers will be getting a little gift every week until Christmas!

I have another small gift idea I will be sharing soon...stay tuned!

the UPS store GIVEAWAY!

Who doesn't love getting snail mail? I am totally addicted to it, and that is why I send 50 Christmas cards out...in hopes I will get some back!

With Paul owning his business we get a lot of packages delivered. So, it shouldn't be shocking to any of you that I know my UPS driver by name (hi, Norm). He knows my children's names, and is over the top polite to Van...doing some sort of bow, and telling her she is a princess every time she comes to the door!

In the past week you have probably heard me shouting from the rooftops that I am DONE WITH MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING...AND EVERYTHING IS SHIPPED! Even I am still in shock that I did it, because after all it the FIRST time ever!!

My last package went out on Thursday from my local UPS store, and will be in my Sista's hott little hands by Tuesday. I don't think that she believed that I shipped it, until she got an email notification with her tracking number. =)

Why do I ship UPS?

#1 reason - tracking number & quickness
#2 reason - insurance included
#3 reason - they taped up my box, because they are nice
#4 reason - I hope everyone has a nice delivery man like I do...
#5 reason - I did like that they sent an email notification to my Sista!

I understand if not everyone is on the ball like I am *giggle*, and you haven't gotten your Christmas packages sent out. I am hear with some good news...

They would like to offer you to ship a package via UPS Ground service, under 30lbs in the continental US, with a box dimension approx 24Lx16Wx13H or under.

Sweet.

Mandatory entry -must like FACEBOOK page.
you must ship from a UTAH store...

other entries...
tell your friends to "like" the UPS store on Facebook
follow @TheUPSStoreUTAH on twitter
tweet about giveaway
blog about this giveaway

Leave a seperate comment for everything that you have done. =)

*disclosure: I was given free shipping on one of my packages, but you should know I only speak the truth!

wordless wednesday: the little things in life make him happy.

teacher christmas gifts part 1

Since I don't really have time to scrap book with a crazy crawling baby, I have definitely found my creative outlet in small projects for Van's teachers.


I told you that I was going to the American Crafts warehouse sale (which, by the way, is still going on until the 18th). After you see this cute little gift, and see how much I spent...trust me you will want to head down to Orem (in Utah, of course!) yourself.

These cute little 6X6 photo albums with 10 sheet protectors in them were my ultimate find.
I made little notes for her teachers that said "I think you are a "picture" perfect teacher!" on them...with coordinating paper, of course!! Super easy, and if they never do anything with them I won't feel bad...you know why? I spent a whopping $7 for 6 albums!!

If you don't have a teacher to give one to, I thought they would make great friend gifts...just take teacher off, and put friend in it!

Stay tuned for my next teacher gift idea, and this one would definitely work for neighbor and friend gifts too!

blogging can be like highschool.

(in my highschool days...)

There are cliques.

Sometimes you feel like you don't fit in.

You can make friends that last a life time.

You can feel inadequate, and not cool enough.

There are bullies.

Comments can make you feel super popular...

There is always someone who is willing to stand up for you, and protect you.

You can make the best memories with bloggin' friends.

This past week was a good week.

Thank you for being supportive.

Thank you for standing up for me.

Thank you for inviting me to do fun things.

Thank you for all the comments.

Thank you for being you, and letting me be me.

I love all of you.

Von

How do you buy for Christmas?

I love this time of year...even working in retail. You probably already knew this, because I usually put my Christmas tree up in October.

This is the first year I feel prepared with my gift giving, and it's only the first week of December. I'm talkin' we already took the kids to sit on Santa's lap and all. It is an amazing feeling...probably not one I will feel very often...so I am relishing it.

Every year I analyze how we buy for Christmas. I like to watch what everyone else does. Some people go super practical with underwear, socks, and those snow pants they needed anyways. Then there are those "other" people who go all out, and throw caution to the wind buying Blue Ray players, the new Xbox Kinect, and flat screen TV stands for all those new flat screen TVs they HAD to have for every room.

I like to think we are somewhere in between these two kinds of people...which is honestly where I like to be. Very few practical things are purchased, a budget is set, and we buy either the toy Van wants or something comparable. Oh, and everything comes from Santa! =)

So, how does Christmas work in your house?

Progresso Soup

The Progresso Soup commercials always make me giggle. When I got a set of telephone soup cans in my review box Landon and I decided we needed to have some fun with them. Enjoy...

If you would like a set of telephone soup cans so you can make your own commercial comment away...and you will get a great Progresso Soup prize pack! =)

Happy Friday.

*my prize pack as well as the one I will give away are from Progresso through My Blog Spark!

depression.

I have been struggling. I am definitely a "tell it like it is" person, and have wanted to talk about it...but just haven't had time to sit and gather my thoughts.


At the end of my pregnancy with Vin, I was extremely depressed. I had Vin...it went away...for awhile. Then gradually I started feeling depressed again. It was scary for me, but I think it scared Paul more. It scared Paul so badly that he made me call the Doctor, and while making that phone call I cried trying to tell them I needed to come in sooner than later. Not one of my finer moments.

I got drugs.

I debated on whether to take them...and then I did it.

I started on antidepressants.

I started off by not wanting to tell anyone, and I still haven't told everyone (hi, sista!). I was a little embarassed that I needed "help" to get out of my baby blues. I then did what I do best...I joked about it, and made fun of myself for it. Then I went through "Oh, I am just fine", and went off of them. Then I went crazy again, and Paul lovingly asked me if I had stopped taking them. =) Now I am back to being someone I love...for the most part!

and guess what?

It's the Best. Thing. I. Have. Done.

I guess this is just another lesson of never say never.

addictions.

(I call these his "old man jammies")

It is no secret we were a little nervous to have a boy...the fear of the unknown. Even as I type that, I feel a little silly that we were nervous. Just the other day Paul and I were talking about how it feels like we have always had our little Vin. He fits in our family nicely, and we wouldn't change a thing, OF COURSE! =)

When Van was a baby we were addicted to buying little dresses. She didn't wear the same dress to church for the first 2 years of her life! I thought that we would never get addicted to anything for Vin, except maybe toys. Boys clothes are just not as fun. I am proud to say that after a few months...we have found our addiction for Vin. PAJAMAS!

This kid has so many jammies. It is always fun to see what new jammies he has on when I come home from work. Just last week I think he got 4 new sets. It is ridiculous...ridiculously fun that is!

American Crafts Warehouse Sale

Last time I went, American Crafts knocked my socks off. Without a doubt this is the BEST sale for all things fabulous! If I haven't already told you I have this new obsession with making things for Van's teachers...I can't wait to find me some more amazing stuff.

wordless wednesday: our baby doesn't cooperate for photos!

if you look close, it's not just a mess.

When Van was about 18 months she loved to line up her stuffed animals into a row on whatever she could, leaving one little spot for her to sit. She then would sit and eat her snacks amongst her favorite friends.Even though Van is much older than this now, she still hasn't gotten over organizing her toys, and sitting amongst them.

The other day I told her to clean up all of her Littlest Pet Shop stuff, because honestly doesn't this look like a disaster?She said "BUT MOM, they are all in families, and I can't put them away!" After looking closer, I guess she did have them all in a special spot. If you look closely there is a pile of aquatic animals, a pile of kittens, a pile of dogs...

I love my quirky Van!