Baking Cookies

So the other day I was in the need of some sweetness. I asked Clay if he wanted to help me bake some cookies, of course he said "yeah!", that is his favorite word know. I pulled a chair to the counter and started to gather the ingredients. Clay started to get all excited wondering what was going to happen next. He helped pour the sugar and flour in the bowl, which made a huge mess, but that is to be expected. He was so curious on how the kitchen aid was turning so fast and mixing everything together. I tried to get him to taste the mix but he was so sure about it. I tasted it and than he felt better about it and took a little taste himself. Than the next time it was a little bit more and than a lot more. I finally gave him the mixer and he licked it clean and only in 30 minutes or so.

I was expecting to taste the sweetness I was craving, but I wasn't expecting the sweetness from a little boy during the whole experience. We had fun baking together and I hope we will have more baking adventures in the future.

I was shopping the other day and while I was trying on some clothes Clay was running around the dressing room (which every time the store associate sees that I have a huge stroller they give me the BIG ONE, I love it) wearing my hat and checking himself out in the mirror. He loves playing with hats and ties, taking them on and off. I know I'm just bias but I think I'm going to have my hands full with girls chasing this one.

Happy Holidays

Christmas was so wonderful this year. We did our normal traditions with my family, going to Candle Light Christmas at Heritage Park. I love going there but unfortunately Clay was not feeling well so we only stayed there for about an hour. We did ride the train though and he loved that.

We had my family Christmas the Sunday before because it was the off year for my parents. We had yummy food, ham, potatoes, salad and other things, too. Than we had our live nativity with the grandkids, man was that crazy. Clay didn't like being in his shepherd costume my mom made. Than of course we exchanged gifts. It was a lot of fun being together.

Spencer's parent came up from California to spend Christmas with us. We were so happy to have them with us since this is the last Christmas before they go on a mission. We did some shopping, a lot of visiting and laughing. Cherie and I made a delicious Christmas Eve dinner and we ate in the light of the tree and candles. Afterwards we listened to some Christmas music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We of course read the Book of Isaiah about our Savior.

Christmas morning was fun. Clay was more interested in a little piece of wrapping paper than his present under the paper. After he saw what he was unwrapping, he wanted to play with it right than. Needless to say it took a while to open all his presents.

I don't have a lot of pictures because I recorded videos more than taking pictures. Clay looking out the sun roof at the lights.
Clay loves his chair Santa gave him.
Nana and Clay going down the escalator. He could do that all day.
Sharing some popcorn with Papa.
Daddy and Clay on the train. This was the beginning of Clay's melt down as you can tell with his face expression.

The True Spirit of *CHRIST*mas

As I was listening to the Sunday School lesson today, I was touch and felt Spirit strong in my heart. The lesson was about Christmas and if we truly are in the spirit of it. We know that we are celebrating the birth of Christ and that this time of season we are suppose to think of him. But are we at the level we know we should be? There are many distraction that keep us from the true Christmas Spirit, such as, material things, presents, decorations. Don't get me wrong buying gifts for others is a wonderful thing, but are we so consumed in this task that we are forgetting something more important? Are we letting the Worldly things get in the way of the True Meaning of Christmas?
You may recall this quote from the Christmas Devotional on Dec. 6, 2009, by President Monson, "For many people "over doing it" is especially common this time of year. We may take on too much for the time and energy we have. Perhaps we don't have enough money to spend for things we feel we must purchase. Often our efforts at Christmas time result in feeling stressed out, wrung out, and worn out a time when instead we should feel this simple joys of commemorating the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem."
For me this Christmas, I have personally been wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season. I have been concentrating my time and efforts to decorating my home and buying gifts for family and friends, worrying if it is enough or if they will like it. It seems if though I haven't even had the time to really stop and have a sacred moment with thoughts of my Saviors birth and all the gifts He has given me. Instead of doing these so called "important" tasks I should be showing my love for my Savior by serving others, putting my time into making sure the people that I love, and even the people I don't know, have what they need or serving them in any way needed.
Am I failing to see with my heart my Saviour who is most sacred? President Uchtdorf also said this in the Devotional, "Not being able to see the sacred either with our eyes or with the heart has been a fault of the humans condition since the beginning. Sometimes the most precious and sacred things are right in front of us, in plain sight, but we cannot or will not see them. This may be especially true during the blessed and precious season of Christmas. This is a beautiful time of the year. Trees are draped with sparkling lights, the stores glitter with dazzling decorations, and the streets bustle with crowds of shoppers seeking gifts for those we love. All of these spectacular displays and decorations that compete for our attention can be beautiful and uplifting, but if that's all we see, then we're missing something that's in plain sight. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we become so preoccupied with responsibilities, commitments, and the stress of our many tasks that we fail to see with our hearts that which is essential and most sacred."
I feel that this year I am one of those people that is missing what's in plain sight. How did this happen? Its just to show how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this time of year.
After today, I feel that I will not be missing it anymore, that I will truly feel the Spirit of Christmas. I will rejoice in our Saviors Birth, I will serve Him by serving others. I will show my love and faith in Him.

First Official Hair Cut

I finally gave in and made an appointment for Clay to get a much needed hair cut. I trimmed his hair about every 2 months and the last time I trimmed it....well it had to be the last. Spencer came home and said he looked like Lloyd on "Dumb and Dumber", it was time to have it professionally cut.

First of all this is what I have to deal with every morning.

Trying to tame this baby is difficult with toddler. Imagine a 21 month old running around the house with mommy running after him with a spray bottle and a brush getting strokes in any chance she gets.

We went to Cookie Cutters (who are great) and had them tackle the project. I was so pleased with this place, they had Clays favorite things all ready. A Winnie the Pooh movie, balloons, a sucker and bubbles. He did pretty good, wasn't so sure what she was doing to him though.

(Before the clippers came out)

(During the Cut)

(After the clippers were put away and the sucker came out)

(A happy little boy with a balloon)

As you can see the experience was a good one. I miss his hair thought, he looks so grown up now and I'm going to miss those curls in the back.

Paytin Melinda Sundberg

Paytin arrived here on the 19th of November. Her family was thrilled to have her come into their cute family. This is the third girl for Tyler and Melinda and we are so excited for them. Her older sisters Rylin and Jordyn are the best big sister. They are so protective of little Paytin.

I went down to California to help Melinda and Tyler with their day to day duties. With Tyler needing to go back to work and Melinda not able to lift things or drive after having a C-Section, they needed the help. I was more than willing to go down help and show my love for them. I was so anxious to meet Paytin, she is such a sweet baby. She eats and sleeps really well and is just brings so much happiness in the home.

I took Clay with me which I was nervous about because I didn't know how I would take care of the girls and Clay, but it turn out fine. Papa played with the kids, I cleaned, did laundry, made beds, drove kids to school and Melinda feed and took care of Paytin. I hope I made a difference and lessened the load for Tyler and Melinda. It was a great week and we had so much fun visiting and helping.

Giving the baby one last love before I left...until next time.

The girls just love their little sister.

Papa having fun with the grand kids before dinner.

Speed Bump To Christmas

As part of our holiday tradition we all gathered in the living room after our feast of turkey, stuffing, yummy yams and my Grandma's famous rolls, to discuss what we are thankful for. This year my Dad told us not to say the typical things even though they are most grateful things.

As we sat and thought for a bit we started going around the circle saying what we are grateful for. Everything that was said I am truly grateful for; the ability to read (since Macular Degeneration runs in my family), the seasons of the year, Spencer's job so I'm able to stay home with our son, Education, Technology so we are able to keep in touch with our families and know whats going on in their lives, transportation so we are able to get places in a nick of time, my ancestors for all they had to give up to come here, plumbing I know its funny, but think about it. So many LITTLE things to be thankful for aren't there?

To get tot the real point of my post, the speed bump to Christmas. My dad was talking about something he had read and it was talking about Thanksgiving and how its just a speed bump to a "more important holiday", that it really is another family gathering, no big deal. I felt like this is true, no body really cares about Thanksgiving. You look in the stores and they have Christmas stuff up after Halloween. Ladies are planning their black Friday shopping out for Christmas gifts. Don't get me wrong Christmas is important and a very exciting happy time of the year. But I feel like Thanksgiving doesn't get the appreciation that it deserves. I think it needs to be thought of the Corner Stone of Christmas in the since that I am most thankful for our Savior Jesus Christ and for all that He has done for me, for his love and spirit that feels my life everyday. Because of him I have all the things I'm Grateful for; my family, the gospel, temples, a home etc.

Thanksgiving should be a holiday for gratitude and what more could we be grateful for than Jesus Christ's birth, His perfect life, His sacrifice, His example, His Love. I'm love Thanksgiving and I will always think of it as great holiday to open up the season of love and selflessness, to be grateful for our Saviors Birth.

(Thanksgiving pics coming soon)

Two Gals Out On The Town

I had the best Girl's Night Out last night with my wonderful sister in law, Amie. We bought tickets to So You Think You Can Dance Tour from last season. I originally bought 4 tickets but my other sister in laws were not able to make it that night because of surprise trips and other obligations. We were sad they missed out on the best concert ever.

Amie and I went to dinner and were able to converse with each other with out being interrupted by children (I have forgotten how nice that is). Than we headed on over to the E Center and met Adrien's sister and her friend, who bought the extra tickets. As we were trying to find our seats I realized that we were closer to the stage. I thought this isn't right. We did find them, row 3, which I knew that but I thought we were on the upper level. I couldn't believe how close we were. I certainly felt better about how much the tickets were now that I saw where we were seating, row 3 (I miss read the seating chart).

Anyways, it was amazing to see the dancers in live concert. They were real people not just some contestants on a TV show, they were flesh and blood doing what they do best. They were even better than they were on the show. I love watching dancing. It was a night to remember and will have to do again, next time with all of us.

Happy Birthday My Love

(sorry this was suppose to be posted yesterday, but I got distracted by Clay, than I never got back to it)

Today my spectacular husband turns 32, don't freak out sweetie. Just a couple of great and fantastic things about my husband.

~~~~~

1- He is a wonderful Dad. Clay is always excited to see his Daddy when he comes home. He is definitely more fun than Mom is.

2- He works so hard to support this family. He is dedicated to make sure we have what we need and plus some. We have a comfortable life because of his hard work.

3- He is my soul supporter. With my cooking business, cleaning and my emotional break downs that come out of no where he is always there for me. He calms me down when things get over whelming.

4- He makes me laugh everyday. No matter what our day is like, he will manage to make me laugh by a tickle fight, a funny face or a hilarious comment. I don't know how he can tell when I need a lift from the day.

5- He is the most wonderful husband. He does everything in his power to make sure I'm happy. He is my other opposite half. He is my strength where I'm weak. He always lets me know how much he loves me and appreciates me.

6- The gospel is so important to him. He holds his preisthood close to his heart. He knows the scriptures so well, I feel like a little child compared to him and his knowledge of the Book of Mormon. He helps me understand the great truths that are in the scriptures.

~~~~~

This is just a very small glimpse of the great things about my husband, I could go on and on. I couldn't ask for a better man to be my husband and the father of our child.

Thank you sweetie for all that you do to support this family. We love you more than tongue can tell.

xoxoxo

Another Halloween Come and Gone

Pumpkin Patch

Clay loved the pumpkin patch, he was running around just pointing at all the pumpkins.

Our first family carving. Not to bad huh?

They have a pumpkin patch right down the road from us, so we decided to be in the Halloween spirit and take Clay. It was pretty packed but they had so many things for little kids to do there. Clay unfortunately was not cooperating with us with the pictures, those were the best ones we took.

As you can see we carved out the pumpkins and they look pretty good. Clay's is in the middle happy face, Spencer's is the left one(don't ask me what it is) and mine says BOO!. Carving pumpkins was a favorite tradition when I was growing up and I"m so excited to do it as our kids get older. The really fun part is growing them yourself.

~~~~~

Halloween Party

All the kids sitting for story time.

Clay, of course, was too busy with the balloons the whole time.

I couldn't even get him to eat anything, not even candy.

Why does he have this obsession with balloons?

Mommy and Clay, he was Mickey Mouse and I...well, was The Spider Queen.

Brion and Amie had a little family Halloween party. It was really fun, the kids loved it. They had great food to eat, a spook alley, story time with Amie's mom (who is the best story teller I've ever seen, it entertained me), and dancing. I think we need to do it every year. You up for that Amie?

Family Photos

While we were in California we had our family pictures taken. We had Spencer's dad and sister take them for us. Clay wasn't really working with us so these are the best ones that came out. My other talented sister in law who has a photography business touched them up for me. They turned out really cute I think. They look a little grainy (if thats the right word) on here but they really aren't like that.

California Fun

Clay's Mickey balloon that lite up at night, he wouldn't let it go.
Clay making sure Daddy was still carrying him.
Papa and Clay on the Pooh ride.
Rylin and Jordyn sitting in the "A" before you walk in.

TT and Clay on the Toy Story ride.

The whole gang waiting to get in.

Melinda and Jordy on the Pooh ride.

Riding the Mary-go-round.

Rylin is sure having fun on the ride.

We took Clay to Disneyland for his first time. He loved it! At first I think he was a little overwhelmed with what was going on. The girls were so excited to take Clay on the rides, it was so adorable.We took him on the Winnie the Pooh ride and he loved it (Tigger and Pooh are his favorite). We had to go on it a couple of times. We feed some ducks at lunch, He took a little nap while Mommy, Nanna and Rylin went on some rides. We saw the parade and danced the night away. We even went on the Pirates ride. For those who haven't gone on that ride, your in a boat going down a river and it has 2 or 3 drops that you do in the dark at the beginning. That was Clay's favorite part of the whole thing. He was upset when it was over. We had a great time with the family and can't wait to do it again.

~~~~~

Jordy and I in the back of the van, having fun.

Clay feeding the goats at the picking farm.

Clay very dirty from picking his pumpkin.

The girls with their pumpkins.

Close where Mike and Cherie live they have these picking farms in the mountains, where you can go and pick your own fruit. Spencer has always wanted to do that with me so we decided to go. Melinda looked online and found this farm that you can go pick pears, raspberries and pumpkins (those were in season...supposedly). We drive an hour to the mountains and find the farm. It was pretty cute, they had little things to do there. When we asked where we go to pick the fruit they said that they didn't have anymore fruit to pick, they ran out last week. We were pretty upset, driving all this way and there was nothing, except pumpkins. So we went and picked out little pumpkins for the kids and let them feed the goats. It turned out okay, but come on, take down the signs and update your website saying you HAVE fruit to pick, when you really don't. Anyways, it was fun watching the kids though.