Merry Christmas 2009

from our family to yours

Jared & Sydney

Gibson {5}, Easton {3} and Creed {8mo}

It's Beginning to Seem like Christmas!

This is the worlds fastest picture of my kids. We were already 3 minutes late to church but I knew if I didn't get it before we left, I'd never get it at all. I sat them all down and Creed held still for almost 30 seconds. I snapped some pictures and off we went.

I actually had some better pictures of the three of them but I really love the way Gibson and Easton are looking at their baby brother. Oh how these three love each other.

Gibson is hiding toys behind his back. It seems like there is always a toy in one of our pictures.

There are no ornaments on the bottom branches. Creed likes to eat them.

Easton had his tie off in the first 10 minutes of church. Gibson's shirt was untucked and Creed pulled off his socks.

I took the boys to meet the big guy. We went early on a Monday morning and waited for about 3 minutes. It was great. Gibson told Santa he wanted Bumblebee {news to me} and Easton wants Superman.

The boys loved it. Gibson has told everyone that he saw the "real one". I'm loving Gibson's excitement for Christmas this year. It's making our house very festive and very excited for Christmas eve!

Easton turns 3

photos by Kati Price

It doesn't seem like 3 years ago Easton entered our family. It all honesty it seems much longer. Easton's presence in our family seems like he's always been with us. I think he thinks so too, when you ask him how old he's turning he says 5, same age as Gibson. The two of them are two peas in a pod. Best buddies. Good Brothers.

Three years ago we drove onto the Mountain Home Air Force Base with a purpose. That of being induced by Dr. Paltzer. She agreed to induce me a week before my due date since Gibson had been born with Group B Strep and if Easton would have been born with it the Mtn. Home hospital was not equipped to take care of it and I'd have to be flown to Boise. So I was able to get antibiotics before having him.

I was the only one having a baby by induction that day. I believe one other baby was born but the hospital was quiet and I had a lot of attention from everyone who knew "Dr. Condie". It was a great delivery, a million times better than that of Gibson's.

Fast forward 10 days and "Baby Condie" was just that. We couldn't decide between Easton and Carson and it was on day 10 when the birth certificate department at the hospital called me and told me I HAD to decide right then and there that I told them Easton.

Easton is our spit fire. He's never cuddled, never sat in his crib and played. He insisted that he start sleeping in a big bed before he was 2. He had a funky crawl and will eat anything I put in front of him.

He loves Buzz Lightyear and lately Batman and Superman. He could drink a gallon of apple juice each day and never is full of fruit snacks or fruit by the foot.

He has a temper and lowers his voice when he's mad. He also will give them best hugs and "i love you's".

He is a perfect second child. He is an absolute joy in our lives and the past 3 years have been full of amazing memories that only Easton could have made!

We love you Easton.

Keep 'em coming

I picked this card holder up at Costco last year for around $14. It's one of my favorite Christmas decorations {other than my Willow Tree Nativity Set}. It trumps the one I got a few years ago from pottery barn for about 3x the price.

I love that Christmas cards have started to arrive. I love that I have a mailbox that I can wonder out to {in my pajamas} to retrieve them.

Christmas decorations are going to be sparse this year for a few reasons. 1) I haven't unwrapped the Christmas boxes yet 2) I haven't put away the boxes I've unpacked. The thought of putting all that stuff into a box so that I can unwrap another box and not have somewhere to put it is too much 3) I'm finding that sparse is good. Especially with a crawling 8 month old who likes to pull, touch and put things in his mouth.

This is last years full tree. I kept it up until March. Yup, March. Never tired of looking at it and love the vastness of the many wonderful relationships we have made over our years. It makes me happy....so keep 'em coming.

I thought I had a few more months before I had a helper in the kitchen.

I don't.

The bright side?

All of his hard labor wore him out! Ten minutes later, he was sound asleep.

New Address

I know you're all dying for my new address so you can send me a Christmas card.

So, here it is.

1149 South 1650 East

Springville, UT 84663

801-602-8423 Syd Cell

801-602-1353 Jared Cell

We'll eventually get Christmas cards out. They may be Christmas Eve Cards or even New Years card but I'll get 'em out. So if you want one, send one to me. That's the surest way of guaranteeing you'll see my cute family in your mailbox!

Flashback

On November 1st, my little sister Chana and her husband Fred ventured off to Arizona so that Fred could attend school.

Rewind, 8 years ago and Jared and I did the same thing.

We have a picture similar to this first one somewhere in the piles of pictures. Us and a moving van, in front of my parents house saying good bye. We had been married a little over a year and knew that it would be at least 4 years since our return, it ended up being 7.



She use to live in Logan and it was nice that she could pop in and out as her schedule allowed her too. Now, that drive is a little too long for a pop in and a pop out so I may just have to go and visit her:)

As much as I wish she lived down the street so we could have super fun all the time. I'm excited for her new adventure. We absolutely treasure our four years in Cleveland, year in Colorado Springs and two years in Mountain Home.

I hope they enjoy their time at school as much as we did.

It doesn't change the fact that I sure miss the girl.

Thanksgiving 2009

This year for Thanksgiving we headed to Moab to my brother Jason's house. It's always fun to go on a road trip and we were all excited for the much needed getaway.

We decided to take the ATV's and go on a little ride the day after Thanksgiving. Despite getting a flat tire on the trailer in Castle Dale and Jared spending an hour getting it changed in the cold dark night, we made it safely down and had a great time.

My sister-in-law Jen found the pattern for these adorable turkey shirts and so we made some for the kiddos. I think they turned out adorable and the kids loved wearing them. It was taking longer than anticipated so Jared made Easton's and Easton loved saying "dad made mine."

These two little tykes are about 7 weeks apart. Easton loves Addie and talks about her all the time. It was great to be able to spend a few days letting them play.

Creed enjoyed his first Thanksgiving. He loved the mash potatoes and the roll and started pulling himself up on the furniture and even walked along their fireplace.

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious. Moist turkey, perfectly mashed potatoes and just enough sides to fill every space in my belly! Gibson was insistent on eating the turkey leg but he didn't have too much space left after eating 10 {ten} celery with cheese sticks! Pumpkin Pie and Apple Crisp for dessert {hours later, after the nap and walk} and it was the perfect Thanksgiving.

Thank you Jason and Jen for allowing the three wild boys to take over your household. Everything was fantastic and we certainly enjoyed ourselves!

{The ATV ride was awesome too. I'm a wimp and drove slow. Jared is fast and made several dust storms for the rest of us. The boys loved "driving" and we ended at an amazing overlook that was picture perfect. However, I didn't take my camera since I don't have a point and shoot {hint hint Jared} and I didn't want to lug the gigantic SLR. So trust me, Moab is beautiful. You should all visit.}

Oh, So Thankful

....For This Handsome Man....



...Who gave me these THREE wonderful boys......


....who bought me this amazing house.....


where we will enjoy many Thanksgiving Days to come....

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Missing......

Not that anyone reads my blog anymore since it's oh so sad these days.....but I'll be back.

It's all good. We bought a house.

I'm sorry, did you hear me.

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE

Our items were delivered last week and so far we have emptied many boxes and have no where to put them so there's "stuff" everywhere.

The list of items to purchase is a mile long, I add to it everyday but haven't yet subtracted from it.

So, until I get internet at my house and a clear space to put the computer. Blog posts will be halted.

That is, because I'm at MY NEW HOUSE unpacking.

Halloween 2009

Halloween was SO low key this year, we loved it! Gibson and Easton chose costumes from the dress up box and a friend of mine had this chicken costume we borrowed for Creed. We hung out all day running a few errands, doing a little yard work and when we saw neighbor kids starting to head out, we got the kids into their costumes and headed out.

Last year we went to 5 or so houses. We were home and in our jammies by 6:30. I was looking forward to the same routine but the boys had other ideas. We went up and down several streets. Cousins joined us and the boys were in heaven. Towards the end of the night Easton was lagging behind but wouldn't give up. He eventually got a ride on Jared's back until we made the kids head home.

The kids had WAY too much candy so I let them pick out their favorite 10 pieces and then they exchanged the rest for a toy I had on hand. Which worked great at our house.

Optimus Prime

Gibson decided early on that he was going to be Optimus Prime. I eventually asked him why and he said because Jonny at school was going to be Bumblebee! I thought he was too young to figure out his costume with his friends but I guess not.

Baby Chicken

Creed was less than thrilled to be a chicken. He eventually warmed up to it but I think it's just because it was a little cold and it kept him nice and toasty.

BUZZ Lightyear

Are we surprised?

Autumn Leaves 2009

We tried to capture the last of the autumn leaves before the snow was scheduled to hit the valley. The boys didn't want to pose or look up at the camera. They were having too much fun playing in the leaves.


Easton, age 2 and 10 months. This kid is a clown. He was running and running and would dive into a make shift pile of leaves. The front of his shirt was completely wet from his drool! The only way I could get him to hold still was to bury him in leaves.

Gibson, age 5 and one month. I tried to convince him to wear a color more suitable for leaves and he chose this one just because I wanted him to wear something else. {sigh} he's at that age. Gibson gave me "painful" smiles and kept confirming the bribe before he'd smile for the camera.

Creed, 7 months. This little lad gets cuter each and every day. He's a stinker and is spoiled. He loved sitting outside and rolled his toes in the grass and kept reaching for a new leaf to eat when the one he was sucking on was removed by me. He's always happy and content and you can tell by the red dot on his chin that he sucks his bottom lip just a bit too hard!

I love this picture. Gibson is giving one of his "painful" smiles but I love that Creed is leaning in to give Easton a kiss. These boys love each other so much. Creed is happiest when he's in the same room as his brothers. He knows their voices and has begun to talk back to them when they talk with him.

We love these boys!

Words by Easton

"Mom, I love orange skies"

me too buddy, me too.

interesting, very interesting....

Found this on a friends blog who found it on www.sugardoodle.net. I'm not a huge caffeine drinker. Love myself a good pepsi at a movie or when we go out to dinner but seeing this, makes me want to even bypass the occasional soft drink.

Here's what happens when the common household spider is exposed to various drugs.

Scientists at the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have turned their attention from the mysteries of the cosmos to a more esoteric area of research: what happens when you get a spider stoned.

Their experiments have shown that common house spiders spin their webs in different ways according to the psychotropic drug they have been given. NASA scientists believe the research demonstrates that web-spinning spiders can be used to test drugs because the more toxic the chemical, the more deformed was the web.

* Spiders on marijuana made a reasonable stab at spinning webs but appeared to lose concentration about half-way through.

* Those on Benzedrine - "speed" - spin their webs "with great gusto, but apparently without much planning leaving large holes", according to New Scientist magazine.

* Caffeine, one of the most common drugs consumed in soft drinks, tea and coffee, makes spiders incapable of spinning anything better than a few threads strung together at random.

* On chloral hydrat, an ingredient of sleeping pills, spiders "drop off before they even get started".

interesting isn't it?

A Memorable Evening

A few years ago, a memorable evening for Jared and I would not have consisted of spending $37 on tickets for a 3D movie to Toy Story, let alone staying in the theater to watch a second one.

However, that was a few years ago. These days, there's nothing we love more than seeing our boys happy and taking them to Toy Story 3D brought smiles to all of our faces.

We didn't tell the boys we were taking them to the movie. I threw in their costumes and asked them if they'd like to put them on once we parked. You can see the answer!

Another $20 for popcorn and kids packs, the event was almost perfect. Gibson sat on one side of me quoting the show and Easton was on the other acting it out with the Buzz he brought with him. Jared and I beamed as we watched the sheer delight in our boys' faces.

It has been 3 years of a Buzz faze for Gibson and going on 2 years for Easton. With the upcoming release of Toy Story 3, I'm certain, Buzz and Woody are here to stay in our family.

{thank you grandma and papa Taylor for coming to get Creed, he never would have made it through infinity and beyond}

Creed at {SIX} months

The majority of the pictures I took of Creed had him sticking his tongue out at me. I guess it's what I deserve for putting him through the idea of a photo shoot!

I honestly can't believe that Creed is six months old. Over the past six months our little Creed has had several milestones. For instance:

*He can sit up by himself

*He can roll front to back and back to front

*He uses his amazing rolling action to get where he wants to go. He usually locks in on a toy he wants to drool on and rolls himself to get it.

*He gets stuck in his crib several times a day. I'm guessing he's using his rolling action and gets stuck in the blanket with his feet hang out the side until he's rescued.

*He gets up on his knees and hands and rocks......1st step to crawling!

*He will only use a binkie when he's beyond tired. Once he's asleep, he spits it out.

*He won't eat from a spoon. He lizard licks his food and when I am able to sneak a bite of food in his mouth, he furrows his brow at me and chokes it down.

*He's loud! Talking and singing and gets louder when he thinks he's being ignored!

*He has stopped sleeping through the night. He wakes at 3am, on the dot.

*He has to be rocked to sleep. It's his one vice and I secretly love it.

At his six month check-up

19lbs 5 oz {90%}

28 1/4 inches long {95%}

Creed is an absolute delight in our family. He is our happy thought and we constantly fight over who loves him more!

Chocolate Kiss Cookies

1 cup barely softened butter

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Cream together and then add

2 cups flour

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Take spoonful of mixture and cover Hershey Kisses.

Bake at 375 for 11-12 minutes.

YUMMY!

Flying High

Last Sunday the weather was perfect for flying a kite. Flying our kite was something we did often when we lived in Mountain Home. It was always windy in Mtn. Home!

When we moved to Utah last year, we only brought a few things with us. Our kite was not one of those things. Luckily, I have two boys who have eagle eyes who happened to spot a Toy Story kite at Costco. We of course purchased it and it has sat in the closest while we waited for the perfect windy day.

Last Sunday we were loading into the car to drive up the canyon to see the leaves changing on the trees when my boys eagerly announced that the wind was perfect for kite flying!



I threw together a quick picnic {hello peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and string cheese} and we headed to the park. The boys thought it was awesome to see Buzz and Woody flying so high in the sky and it kept their attention for almost 20 minutes! Luckily, Jared enjoyed it too and kept the kite flying high in the sky.

The fall chill is in the air and I know kite flying season may be behind us but I love that we captured a moment and went on a whim to fly a kite and lucky for us, we just happened to have one collecting dust in the closet.

{Easton is saying "to infinity and beyond" which is impossible to say without an arm in the air ready for flight}

{Just because posts are more fun to read with a picture}

I have a box. It's a shoe box, minus the lid. Actually, it's a shoe gift box that shoe boxes go in when giving to others. That of course is besides the point. The point is. I have a box.

This box is filled with stuff. Stuff that I have no idea what to do with. Stuff that I have plans to file, take out to the car, put away, make copies of, shred or in other words, do something with....just not right now.

The problem with the box is that it's full. It gets fuller every day as we clear the counter for dinner, I throw everything from the counter into the box. Move it to the floor, couch or unused chair. Then I find I need an item so the box is reshuffled, yet never empty.

I know this horrible habit comes from my mother. However, my mother doesn't use boxes. She uses cookie sheets.

My question is. How do I get rid of the box? What do you do with the stuff you don't want to file away, can't file away, think you'll use or plain just don't want to start another folder in the filing cabinet for?

I'd like to think that it's just because I've run out of storage room but I've had a box for years....it just doesn't seem to go away.

Please help me get rid of my box.

Who Knew

That eating from a spoon could be such a torture!

Creed has been our first baby not to enjoy the delicacy of rice cereal. Today we skipped the rice cereal and went to carrots. He did better but still isn't very interested in the idea of eating from a spoon. So we'll try again tomorrow.

And We're Off!

One of our children had so much fun last year eating dirt all weekend that we're doing it again!

This year we're hoping for warmer weather than last year but with the amount of clothes I've packed, we're prepare either way.

So hello good food, ATV's, games, reading good books in a hammock and visiting with family! Here we come!

Stroller Review

I have honestly been on the hunt for the perfect stroller for a few years. I found it and wanted to share.

This is the Joovy Kooper. This is what I love about it.

*reclines all the way for sleeping baby or toddler
*awesome sun shade
*full size. Fits Easton as comfortably as Creed
*handles are super comfy and perfect height for easy steering
*pockets on the inside. Perfect for pacifier for Creed or snacks for Easton
*2 cup holders and zippered pocket for me. Love that I can keep my cell phone and keys close but secure
*safe. To fold it you have to do two steps so kids playing around can't accidently fold it while baby is in it.

The number one reason I LOVE this stroller.
*folds like an umbrella stroller! Yup. Full size stroller, same size as umbrella when folded.

Plus, you can get it in all sorts of fun colors. We chose the red and we love it!

The only thing I don't like about the stroller is the basket size. It wouldn't fit a diaper bag in it but if you needed to throw a few diapers and wipes in you'd still have plenty of room. However, the handles are such that you can just drape your diaper bag on the handle which is much easier anyway since we're always getting in and out of it for treats and such.

Great stroller. Worth every penny! {test drove it at Babies R Us but bought it at Amazon for $50 cheaper}

Reaching Soccer Status

The day arrived, all too slowly in the time frame of an almost five year old.

We've been waiting for what seems like years to be old enough to play soccer.

Today, it happened.

Soccer Status has been reached.


With one practice under his belt, he headed to the field with all the confidence of a kid much older than him. He allowed me to snap a picture before telling me he needed to "warm up" before the big game.



As proud parents will say "he did awesome." No, really he did.

Soccer just may be his sport. He cracked his knuckles to warm up, he stared down the opposition and he ran his little legs off. He only touched the ball once, but it was just to move it so the others couldn't kick it. We all would have done the same thing.

He even scored a goal! Check out that face. We were all beaming! This kid has talent. It may be the shoes {Jared informed me that he had to have soccer shoes, gym shoes just wouldn't do} and I think I now agree with him. Gibson did run super fast in his new shoes. 

Family Picture. This is as good as it gets. We're happy, healthy and love the soccer status that we've now obtained.  

Perspective

I had a tough weekend with my kids. We couldn't seem to find a balance with anything which led to lots of fights, lots of needy moments and a  tired and short tempered momma.

Granted. My kids are 4 and 2. I should expect moments like these and in fact I do.  Most of the time I can handle it but for some reason this weekend I was even at my breaking point. 

Today I was grateful for the invite for Gibson to go to a friends house for a few hours. However, it left me a very sad Easton whom screamed, cried and threw a tantrum that he couldn't go as well. Oh, the balance. Oh, the injustice for only being 2 and having an older brother. I couldn't console him, which brought on a forced nap for both of us {yeah for Creed who jumped on the bandwagon and took his nap at the same time.}

My emotions have already been near the surface for a few days as my patience has been tested and as I have struggled with finding the balance of being a good mom and not giving in to every whim which then sets off a whine or a cry.....balance.

However, when I learned of the passing of Anne Creager I was stopped in my thoughts. The tears flowed freely and I had to say a prayer of thanks to my Heavenly Father for my children and for my health.

I met Anne when we lived in Cleveland. We were second year dental students and the Creagers were fourth year students. Anne and I were partnered up as visiting teachers in our church and so I had the privilege of being with her one on one every month.

Anne was honest, sincere, beautiful and radiated the love of Christ. She cared for the sisters we visited and it showed. She found a connection with each one of them and they opened up to her and allowed her to care for them and pray for them. I learned a lot from Anne just by observing her.

It's been over 6 years since I have seen Anne but the impression that she made on me has stuck. When I found out she was battling cancer I cried. I started following her blog and was uplifted and inspired just as I had been when I got to see her more often.

My heart breaks to learn that Anne lost her battle with cancer over the weekend.  The tears won't stop flowing as I think of her husband and her three beautiful little girls.

The time I had with her was so short but the impact she had on me will be with me forever and I hope that I too will take her example and pass it on. That I'll be a little kinder, a little more compassionate and a little more patient.

For me and this day, I'm going to start with my boys. I'm going to remember that they are young and learning. They are energetic and full of life and it's up to me to teach them the importance of living and just how short our time on this earth is.

So thank you Anne for touching my heart the way you did. You will be missed.

Homemade Goodness

I've seen the ice cream ball in several catalogs over the years. The description makes it very tantalizing by suggesting you get together and roll it around a campfire or an afternoon at the park and after a few minutes, you have ice cream for all to share!

I was absolutely delighted when we got this ice cream ball as a gift for the 4th of July. There was an abundance of cousins here so I filled it up with the required cream, sugar and vanilla and envisioned the cousins sitting in a circle and gently rolling it to each other all the while singing patriotic songs.

Oh, that couldn't have been farther from what happened. I'll just say that wars erupted and threats were made and uncle Doug who is 6 ft something ended up holding it over his head so no one could fight over it. He passed between his two hands until it was done.

When it was done, it was delicious but there was enough in there for, well, one adult or maybe three children. The turmoil and tears that it caused just wasn't worth it.

Lesson Learned.

Or so you'd think.

Yesterday it was hot and we had cousins over to play. The troops were getting restless but I was trying to keep them outside since there was sleeping babies inside. "The ice-cream ball" I said to myself. Once again, I envisioned the boys lightly bouncing it on the trampoline all the while the cream, sugar and vanilla working it's magic and becoming a yummy goodness.

Nope. The ball sat alone on the trampoline. Somehow during the few minutes of interest by the boys, it became ice cream. I handed each kid a plastic spoon and they devoured it.

As you can tell by the picture. Easton was the last kid standing. He scooped out every frozen piece of cream and enjoyed it as much as he did the first.

So, the ice cream ball isn't a total loss. The process isn't as peaceful and fun as I imagined it would be but the end product is delicious and after all, isn't that what matters!

Foodsaver Friday 

{except today is Saturday}

I've had a few people ask me about my foodsaver and what I actually intended to use it for so I thought I'd show you. Yesterday as I was preparing to make THIS banana chocolate swirl bread, I found my half eaten, opened bag of chocolate chips. This was the perfect situation to throw those chips into a jar and seal in the freshness.

Of course I couldn't stop there since I had the foodsaver out on the counter so I sealed up some peanut butter chips {which by looking at them should have been sealed months ago, they've lost their yummy color}, some rice and some apricots.

It took all of 30 seconds for each container and they fit nicely on my shelf and I actually can see how much of a certain product I have. {Plus those jars have measuring marks on the side, thank you Ball Mason Jars.}

When I get my large storage room {which I'm certainly getting} I have plans to seal a lot more things like flour, sugar, salt, and some spices. I'm just in love with the concept of buying in bulk and sealing in the freshness. It just makes sense. Unlike using coupons which I still don't get. That's a post in and of itself!

Yes, that is my newborn in an exersaucer! When did he get big enough to do that?  Time is cruising by.  We've been having too much fun this summer that I haven't taken the time to blog. I have some great things to blog about, like Gibson's preschool graduation BACK IN MAY! Hello, it's me, slacker!

As you can see in this picture. Creed is just the cutest, happiest little tike. He's loving the fact that he can sit upright in his exersaucer and after just two days figured out how to spin himself so he can take advantage of all the toys.  

 Just in case we get ourselves into a sticky situation, I've secured the help of two super heroes who are on call anytime I want them to be!  I found these Buzz Lightyear costumes at Costco and couldn't resist them.  Gibson and Easton are in utter love with them and they sport them several times a day. It's very cute to watch but I have a feeling that they won't be in good condition come Halloween.

Seeing their faces and hearing their imaginations at work I must say they were worth every penny!

Our summer has been great. It's gone far to quickly but we're going to enjoy the final few weeks before preschool begins and maybe, just maybe I'll blog about it!