Easter 2012

The kids are getting big enough where we can start to do fun things with them for holidays...we decided to do an egg hunt saturday night before easter.. so we died regular eggs{ which was so much fun they loved dipping them into colors and putting stickers on} so then we hid them for the easter bunny, then told the kids he'd replace them with magic glowing eggs with candy..they were so excited. after the egg hunt we watched a movie about christ and the resurrection..then went to bed

aftermath of easter morning....it was a success 

service day 24 and 25 and christmas eve 2011

Day 24 and 25 were personal to me so I'm not going to share them here on my public blog, But I will tell you it filled me with christmas cheer, reminded me what the season is all about, and touched my heart so deeply. Christmas eve was wonderful- I love it more than christmas, I truly think about the savior, how he knows me how he knows my worries , how he never leaves me alone, How grateful I am for his example, and the spirit he brings into people hearts,We went to the nativity pageant afer eating chinese food with the johnson fam,... The line to se the nativity was huge we had to wait an hour in line- it backed all the way up the hill and in a way felt like we were waiting to meet jesus, kind've cool- brooke and mik were with their babies back at the house- and they so kindly watched coco while she was sleeping- only having two to take care of was super nice, I felt like I could concentrate on the boys, and teach them about christ. So off barrett crystal debbie joel brandon me and the boys went...

We played on the hill running up to see the train tracks.because it's held by heritage park,they were so patient waiting, It was almost like my christmas present from heavenly father they were really well behaved for being cold outside, the lights turned on and you could see the stable...and the music was soft and Harrison yells out...it's Jesus!!! turn the lights off he has to go night night!,,I died laughing and crying just because it was so sweet- I've mentioned jesus to him,, but he was so excited.. almost like he knew him personally,, and I just lost it he's closer to christ than anyone in our family and you can tell he sensed it... Then greyson.. I swear he is just so hilarious,the wise men set presents down, He says presents jesus gets presents! He's sooo lucky!  Brandon and I looked at each other tryingnot to die laughing- recovering still from harrison,,,then the angles light up bright and start singing and harrison says mom santas here!- like it's time for his grand entrance, and everytime the sheep would walk across .. bahhh bahhhh, so it was tender - we held our sons, we looked at each other- whispered I love you, on christmas eve- watching the nativity outside all bundled in blankets, and I cried, it felt like christmas and I felt joy again so deep in my soul. So yes we might have a different path now. But last night I enjoyed my journey to holland and got to feel the spirit deeper than i think I would've felt it before. I'm learning to appreciate sooo much the tiny important things, I knew last night was a gift from my heavenly father to me,  So greatful that the boys were pretty well behaved besides losing mqueen in the bleachers and Harrison being upset for a minute. It was a beautiful night, I felt the christmas spirit, and I hope that I can remember what I felt and apply it to my thinking in the new year.

service day 8

So for day 8 I volunteered through my church the lds church- usually meembers of our relief society try and find service projects to do throughout the year and they happened to find this awesome one this year-we helped with the ikea treelot in calgary- which donates 14,000.00 to the calgary food bank every year, but it means they need people to help with the tree lot- punching receipts and wishing people a merry christmas passing out candy canes showing them where the twine is ect...it was so authentic, and cheery and 4 hours in the cold was nothing,because you got to see all these happy people picking our their christmas tree, its amazing how cheery people can be around christmas- makes me truly wish the feeling lasted all year. it smelled so good. Ive never had a real tree, and I have to say I might be converted-Anyways they had this adorable little trailer- I had to get a picture- I loved her!- totally reminded me of a christmas story and how they go pick out their perfect tree. all in all a great night,I left feeling uplifted and festive.

service day 7

Superstore has greenery on sale right now it's 50 percent off- I guess they think everyone has already bought greenery for mantels and urns..so I saw these  gorgeous wreaths and decided to get 2- and go put them on random peoples doors..theres a lady that lives on my street that also has a child that goes to renfrew- her daughter has cerebral palsy- she dosn't know that I know she lives on my street- but I can see the bus stop..I have great admiration for her..not even knowing her personally. Her daughter always has sweet bows in her hair -you can tell that girl is so so loved.- so we snuck to her door and stuck a nice perty wreath on it..I think this has been my favorite one so far.- The other one- I just drove around and saw a mom unloading grocery's-after she went in I put one on her door- she looked like she was working hard- I promise I'm not a stalker..I just wasn't sure where to put the second one :)

our moms...

Are so wonderful.{ don't you love the 80's hair!}

We don't know what we'd do without their love and selflessness and laughter. I now understand what it's like to be a mom and with that comes a whole new understanding and love so thank you - for loving us

24th birthday!

First off I apologize for these pictures- the flash wasn't quite working right- But anyways I had a wonderful birthday. My friends surprised me -and took me out to lunch. They have the pictures- because I forgot to take some on mine.

Have I mentioned latley that I have amazingly fun friends whom I adore. I'm so glad We moved to Cranston when we did. I was worried nothing would be as great as Midnapore. Because I have some amazing memories there also.

Later that night Brandon took me on a date I've been beegging him to do with me forever- a true canadian experience- 5 pin bowling.- only 5 pins and smaller bowling balls. The middle pin is worth 5 the middles 3 and oters are 2 points each. It's harder than it looks- but lots of fun! I came home to a clean house- I love when debbie comes and cleans for me- I don't ever ask and she just comes- seriously like the fairy godmother. I was especially greatful because right before we left the boys had gotten into the pantry found a huge container of sprinkles dumped them on the floor then sprayed the ground with their juice cups- sprinkles with juice on hardwood do not mix. Also thanks to Brooke who watched my boys while debbie was cleaning so I could have a nice night out with Brandon

It's ironic that on the day I was born 24 years ago--my mom was bowling and it put hr into labour. And yes who says you can't wear a ruffly skirt bowling- although the shoes did look a little dorky. It was a blast- and only having chloe with us made us feel a little like wow this is what one baby would've been like. So much easier! She liked the lights in there we think.- Whats with our kids and lights?

luck of the irish

Brandon took the 17th off as a lou day from work so we thought wed go get some important stuff done like getting Chloe's passport pictures taken and sent in so we can cross the border. Brandon and I arn't really animal people- so needless to say the only pet our kids will get is a pet rock. So we took them into petland while co co's photos were developing. The boys loved the birds- they were a little scared of the dogs- but they loved the fish and birds. It was cute to see them so intrigued.

oh harrison your pouty face ... one day a girl will like that

happy little greyson all in green

Chloe in her st patty's day outfit from grandma- I love that I can put clips in her hair! And it's all fuzzy and black!

We all wore green but Unfortunately I forgot to get in a picture. I love St Patricks day and Can't wait until the boys are bigger to celebrate it like crazy. I have always felt a love for Irish culture especially dance. Sad I have none in me-

at least not that I know of!

christmas adventures 2009

When I looked at my pictures from christmas I realized I only took about 10! the rest are on my moms and sisters cameras- so until I get those I'll write about the few I did have. My mom got Brandon and the boys new matching ties for christmas- I think all my boys look so handsome in red! I love the picture with my dad holding all the grandkids- think he can hold 4?- holy cow 4 in 2 years!

and lastly- Our fam loves games seriously we are big game people- so here we are playing risk- brandon and my dad are intense! I had so much fun having my family come up to visit me- I know it's a long trek up here but I'm greatful they didnt make me endure a car ride while pregnant- I get extremely car sick- and its 10 times worse when I'm pregnant- so thank you for making my holidays awesome-

We had great meals-game time movie time laughing time shopping in edmonton time-making cookies time- chinese food time-we eat chinese every christmas eve in honor of the christmas story. Also we shop the day after x mas sales- canadian boxing day sales. West edmonton malls pool was a blast to take my family too. It's huge and has the best wave pool and slides ever. My boys loved having so much attention- they'd knock on my parents room door every morning because they knew they were there it was so sweet. I loved hanging out with my sisters and miss them and girl time with them so badly-it was cute to see them play wth the boys -uncle david too- sure knows how to spin and throw them around- they loved it.

After my family left we hung out with Johnsons playing beetles rockband opened presents- also had chinese and spent new years at Brooke and Miks house- it was so fun just playing games and having a nice relaxing night. The boys even slept in brooke and miks bed- allowing us a couple hours of freedom to play- soo nice- it was a great way to start a new year. Followed by a great kiss from the johnson- its tradition don't laugh!

reflections on christmas

As I sit here drinking hot co-co in front of my christmas tree. I can't help but notice the stillness and how beautiful the new sparkly snow looks. It feels like christmas and I'm excited for my family to come visit us in Canada. I've thought a lot about the season this year and how grateful I am for things in my life this year. I'm truly blessed beyond reason to be part of a special family. I'm greatful my boys are healthy and smart and that they are growing into little humans with amazing personality's . I love that they teach me to be selfless and in return they give me true moments of joy. I've loved watching them grow so much this year- their smiles giggles cute little walks and words. I feel so lucky to be their mother.

Also greatful for a husband who is and will always be my puzzle piece we complement each other in every way. I'm so greatful that were blissfully in love. I still swoon over this man on a daily basis- especially tonight watching him shovel our driveway in his cute sweats. I love his morning forehead kisses- even though half the time I'm still asleep. His little acts of love keep me sane. Hes such an amazing man and he makes me a better woman.

I also would like to express my love for my saviour. I had the opportunity to learn more about him this last semester through some classes- and I feel a closeness with him latley -truly as a brother. Someone I can talk to. There are days when I don't know how I'll make it to 5 pm and I know his love is there for me and I'm not alone. I feel a deep love for him his atonement his example his love for everyone and I can't wait to personally go to him and say thank you for walking this path of life with me. I'm greatful I know where I came from that I have answers to lifes huge questions that I know who I am

- happiness -

true happiness comes from jesus christ-

I love my brother my savior and my biggest example.

What a blessing that little baby so meek and humble is to my world. My hope is that I can keep that love inside me all year. So with these thoughts I wish you a merry christmas.

I hope your season is filled with bliss as mine is this year.

so my boys don't like something....

The fact that both of them have the same expression made Brandon and

I laugh so hard. Santa is scary mom and dad!

We're so mean for laughing!

My tree and sock dilemma

my boys climb on the couch- theyve already knocked the tree over...I'm terrified to put anything up.- The white kind've looks like natural first with fallen snow though...-but it's killing me not to put up my ornaments- I just know It will be a constant battle all through december if they go up. Not sure I want that battle.

my finished nativity- I love it! My first ever-and indestructable!

Ornament hanger form ikea- best 2 bucks ever spent- I love this little contraption- lets me get some of the ornaments out! Also comes in white.

Filled up my apothecary jars with some ornaments- I love how they glitter

some cozy pillows

presents are safe up there- put I miss my stockings!- yes I'm worried about the boys pulling them down- I didn't think about this 2 years ago- so what do you guys do to kid proof your holiday attire?

A Canadian Thanksgiving

{just had to post this picture of my boys in blue I think they look so sweet together}

I get the chance to have 2 Thanksgivings a Canadian and an American. So I get double the time to think about what I'm thankful for-and double the pumpkin pie mmmmm!This year we went to Brandon's Grandparents house. I love driving there because it reminds me of the song over the river and through the woods. I feel all holidayish just thinking about it. The food is always delightful and the annual rook tournament is always fun.
But anyways I just wanted to list some things I'm grateful for lately at this time in my life.
1. My health- I don't think I realized what a blessing it is to be healthy until I got really sick last week- I feel for people that have to be in pain every day and I'm glad my body healed so quickly.2. Prayer-It's something I can always turn to for peace and reassurance. It gives me a personal relationship with my Heavenly Father and I treasure that relationship. I have a huge testimony of prayer in my personal life and I know it makes a daily Impact on me.3. The ability I have to be going to school. Brandon has really sacrificed to help me be able to finish my schooling and I appreciate him working so hard for our little family so I can finish my education. I love to learn so much.4. The new life inside me that is healthy and strong. I love to feel her and I cant wait to meet her already strong vibrant happy spirit.5. Blogging/My Journal and how it helps me focus on what my priorities are in life- and how it helps me reflect on the little daily things about my boys that I love so much. On the hectic hard days I can go back and read about them realize how special they are. Plus it's a great creative outlet.6. My boys- they teach me daily about myself and they remind me that the little moments are important-They're helping me to become a mother- I'm not the most maternal person you'll meet- and they've helped me become more patient and loving- Truly helped me find myself in the mom world that I was so scared of.7. For my family-I have such great families on both sides. Fun, exciting, happy people. I'm so lucky that I get that in my life not many people can say they have just amazing families.8. I belong to such a great ward (church group) thats really involved- and I really love everyone in my ward and I feel a closeness with the women that I've gotten to know so far and can't wait to meet other friends.9. My friends. I have some amazing friends. always there. enough said.10. Flowers I really really love them- they make me happy- they fill my heart with little flutters-I can't go by the grocery store without looking at all the arrangements. I would love to be able to have fresh flowers on my table every day someday.

severed finger invitations...

So these are some invites Melanie my friend and I made for a Halloween get together. We Got the idea off of Martha Stewarts Halloween website. Basically you take plaster aparis make a mold of your finger- then fill the mold. Let the fingers dry spread ink with a little bit of water over the fingers. Tie a ribbon around them set on some reindeer moss and voila- creepy invite!!!!-with the tag line of don't forget! HAAA I LOVE LOVE LOVE HALLOWEEN!