Christmas 2012

This year for Christmas was kind of sad.  Both kiddos were very sick!  They came out of the bedroom with less excitement then normal.  After they looked at the unwrapped toys, they laid down and opened the rest of their presents on their backs.  It was so sad to watch.  They just looked plan miserable.  I think that the nasty influenza bug got everyone.  We all got our flu shot, but 3 of the 4 of us got sick.  It wiped out the rest of our holiday break.  BOO! 
Some of the things the kiddos got from everyone are as follows:
Lynnie Lou got Tinkerbell cafe from Santa, Floor Lounger from Mom & Dad, Babies from Grandma and Grandpa, A fishing pole from Papa and Bana, and a drivable truck from Neeners and Grandpa.
Bug got a fort builder from Santa, Floor lounger from Mom and Dad, Remote control guy from Grandma and Grandpa, Remote control truck from Papa and Bana, and a drivable truck from Neeners and Grandpa.
It was a nice Christmas, just not the best with the sick kiddos. 

The Last of Jack's Adventures

With Jack back at the North Pole, til next year, I wanted to make sure we put up the last of his adventures.

More of Jack's Adventures

Here are the pictures from Jack's adventures this past week:

Aunt Diane's Christmas Party

This past Saturday was Aunt Diane's Christmas party.  We all love going and seeing the family, but I think the kids enjoy it the most.  They get to play with their cousins and see Santa.  This year was no exception, in fact I think they couldn't wait to go.  This year's theme was patriotic, so we were suppose to wear red, white, and blue.  Dinner was All American, with hot dogs, hamburgers and beans. 
When Santa came, the kids were so excited, you should have seen Colin running to tell us that Santa was there.  It was a joy to watch all the kids.  Santa visited with all the kids and brought them each a little gift.  He also told them that Blizten and Donner? had a baby that they named Noel.  So, we have those stories to look forward to next time.
Thanks again Diane!!!

Zoo Lights

You all know how much I love to use coupons.  So, when Brian told me that he wanted to go to Zoo Lights, I kept my eyes open.  A few days later, I stopped at Wendy's for Coli's lunch and wouldn't you know it stated to ask for a coupon for Zoo Lights.  I did and it was a HUGE score.  It was $3 admission for up to 6 people on any Thursday night.  So, Thursday night we asked if Carter Man could stay with us and we took all 3 kiddos to Zoo Lights. 

It was very well done in my opinion.  It even impressed my very picky hubby (since he once upon a time, hung lights for Modern Display).  The kids loved, loved, loved Zoo Lights.  We got to see the tigers, and other kitty cats.  The seals were getting very frisky with each other in the water.  It was truly a fabulous night.  I took sooooooooo many pictures, I am not sure what to do with them all but, these are some of the ones I really like.

Jack

I just thought, it might be fun to put some picture up of where Jack has been over the past week.  The kids love Jack and are so excited to find him each day.  We are so glad that our Elf is part of the family.

Jack's first appearance was in Colin's stocking.

The kids wanted a marshmallow all day long and could not believe that Jack was in the mallow's.

Pausing to remember the reason for the season.

Hangin' out today and watching the kids from WAY UP HIGH!

 In the vase in the bathroom.  The kids had a hard time finding him, it was Lou that finally did and had to point it out to Coli.

This little elf is so funny.  He took this Kleenex box made it into a chair and then stuffed it with cotton.  He was in the kiddos room.

Jack making "sugar angels."  The kids were upset about how much sugar Jack used to make his angels.

Over the Weekend

Last Friday night, was the Kienke/Adamson family Christmas party.  I was the one in charge this year, which I am glad that I got it done.  It was so much fun to see everyone and it makes me sad that we don't seem to get together as often as we once did.  We enjoyed the food (potato bar) and then enjoyed our annual tradition of a White Elephant exchange.  The great grandchildren received a new toy from G.G. (my grandma).  Colin got Lego's that make a firetruck, helicopter, and ambulance.  Audra got Sleeping Beauty with 2 dresses.  In fact, all the little girls that are about her age got this.  They were playing dolls together.  It was soooo cute. 

Saturday, Aunt Lindsey surprised Bri and I.  She called and asked if she could take the munchkins to "Wreck it Ralph."  So Bri and I, got an impromptu date.  We went to Nuch's, which is a pizzeria and restaurant.  It was fun to try a new place.  I really enjoyed being with the hubby.  After, we got the kiddos back.  We went and Bri purchased a Keurig, with the sale and my coupons we ended up saving $82.00.  Plus got $20.00 back in Kohl's cash.  LOVE IT!  Then we went over to our friend's the Washington's home.  To give Trenden his birthday present.  I think he liked it!  What do you think?

Sunday, was stake conference.  I went by myself, as the kids would be so bored.  After, we went to Neeners and Grandpa's to help them put up their Christmas tree.  Lynnie fell asleep while Grandpa was fixing the lights on the tree.  It was a nice weekend. 

 

(I feel bad that Audra is the only one that I have pictures of this past weekend.  I did try in vain to get Colin in the picture with the spaceship.  I will have to be more diligent and get Colin in the next pictures.)

Elf on the Shelf

Yesterday, Lynnie and I were at Barnes and Noble, looking around when one of the workers brought over the Elf on the Shelf box and told us that Santa wanted us to have this.  So, I purchased the box and we brought it home.  I told Lynnie we could not open the box until the boys got home from school. 
When the boys got home they were so excited to see and hear that Santa wanted us to have this box.  We waited until Grandma Debby got here and then read the book.  It tell how we can't touch the elf, he will loose his Christmas magic.  We need to give him a name, and then he reports to Santa every night if the kids are being naughty or nice.  Once, the story was read, we named our elf and officially adopted him.  The name that was picked was, Jack.  After, Brian got home and had dinner they reread the story.
All evening, Jack sat in his box and watch us.  The kids kept saying they wanted him to move.  Colin asked if he could talk to him.  It was really darling to watch.  When it was time for bed Colin insisted that we go to bed too, so Jack could go back to the North Pole. 

This morning, I was still asleep in bed when Lynnie came running in to tell me that Jack was "above Daddy's head."  A few minutes later, Colin was in to tell me that Jack was in his stocking.  They were so excited and can't wait to see where he ends up tomorrow.

Grateful #4

Well, since I didn't get it done one other time this will be my last one.

18 - I am grateful for play.  The kids that you get to act like kids or be with your kids.  For the memories that you make while engaging in play activities.  For the creativity that one gets while playing.

19 - I am grateful for crafts.  For the time I can create things with my hands, mind and skills.  It is amazing that making crafts can actually give one some relax time.  It really makes me feel better after accomplishing these crafts.

20 - I am grateful for movies.  For the small time away from the world and the time that you enter into someone else's world.  For the one's that make you fall in love with the hero.  Or cry with the victim.  I love the time I spend in someone else's world.

21 - I am grateful for pedicures.  For the time you get to have some one else pamper your feet.  As a mother, wife and woman I spend so much of my time on my feet.  I am REALLY grateful for the person who spends time rubbing them down. 

22 - I am grateful for showers.  I know that I mentioned warmth, and the tub was mentioned there.  This is different.  This is the shower.  When I climb in after a hard run and rinse of the stink.  The way I feel after is incredible.  I love that post run and post shower feeling. 

23 - I am grateful for the mountains.  I love looking at the rocky peaks and knowing which direction I am headed.  I love seeing them change throughout the year.  I love hiking in them.  I love running on the trails and seeing what a wonderful world the Lord has given to us.

24 - I am grateful for the ponytail holders.  I love the days when I don't have to do my hair.  When I don't have the time or don't feel good and the ponytail holder just makes it possible to look ok, without having to put any effort into.

25 - I am grateful for nicknames.  I love that I can call the people I love different names.  It has always been a part of my life to have nicknames.  I love them.

26 - I am grateful for the wink.  I love the fact that I can wink at my kids and they wink back.  I send a little signal across the room just for them.  They don't even have to make a peep back.  It is just a little "hi."

27 - I am grateful for colors.  All the colors in the world make it such an amazing place to be and live.  I love that there are 50 different shades of purple.  And even though that is the best color ever.  I love that there are 50 shades of green, grey, pink, blue and yellow to compliment that purple.

28 - I am grateful for rivalries.  For the BYU vs Utah games.  For the games that make everyone sit on the edge of their seating praying that their team will be the victor for the year.  For the shirts, flags and other team memorable that flies when the games come on.

29 - I am grateful for dreams.  For the possibilities that come with dreaming.  Nobody may ever know all of my dreams, but it pushes us to work toward something.  To put faith into that dream and do what we can to make our dreams come true. 

30 - I am grateful for love.  After, writing about all these things that I am grateful for.  The thing I am most grateful for is love.  For the love that my parents gave me, and I always knew I was loved.  For the love that Brian and I share, which has given us an incredible journey.  For the unconditional love, I have for my children and how I would do anything to protect them.  For the love I have for other family, friends, life.  I know how lucky I am to have such an amazing life full of so much love.

Pictures from November

So here are just some pictures from the month that I wanted to make sure got on the blog:

Lynnie and I hanging out

 Colin sending his letter to Santa via the "magic mailbox at Macy's."

 Lynnie's turn.

Post Run on Thanksgiving 2012.

Tree Lighting

Over this past weekend, Brian and I talked that we should take the kids to the Holladay Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Well, yesterday was the day.  After rushing to get there on time, we waited for about 10 minutes.  But it was worth it in the end.  Once, it started there was a choir singing and then the mayor asked everyone to sing.  Won't you know that the jolly man himself showed up, he rode in on a firetruck.  Then they lit the tree.  It was a fun little family adventure out. 

Letters to Santa

This morning, I thought it might be a good time to write letters to Santa with the kids.  SO, they told me what they wanted to say and here are their letters.  I wrote their letters, but each child wrote their own names.  We will take them to Macy's mailbox for Santa today. 

Grateful #3

13 - I am grateful for book club.  They select books I would not read, but have enjoyed.  It helps me feel smart and involved in something.  I am grateful for those that are well read and shed some light on things I had not noticed.  I am grateful for the friendships I have made in book club.

14 - I am grateful for snuggles.  The act of being close to either my children, my husband or another loved one.  The way I feel their love for me and I share my love with them.  Whether it is first thing in the morning or on a sick day.  I love the snuggles.

15 - I am grateful for girls night out.  For the chance to be with other women who are mommies and to be child free.  It is a fabulous time to be with friends.  The laughs that we have, the serious talks/cries and the good times all around.  I am grateful for all the ladies in my life, that share girl night with me.

16 - I am grateful for coupons.  For the chance to get more food for less and build more food storage.  I am grateful to have back ups in case, I make something unexpected.  I am grateful for the awesome deals that I can find and pair with my coupons.

17 - I am grateful for warmth.   It comes in many ways a warm tub, a warm coat, a heater or a hair dryer.  I loved to have warmth on the cool/cold days that come this time of year. 

Breaking Dawn Part 2

It is come and gone for this Twilight fan.  Last night was the night we saw this movie.  I thought it might be fun to have a little dinner before we headed to the show, so I made a veg dinner (since Bella is now a veg).  It was Chipotle inspired salads.  We had Breaking Dawn Part 1, going while we chatted and had a good time.  We then finished up with Bella inspired cupcakes.  It was marble cake (yellow respresenting Edward, chocolate was for Jacob)  They were fun and everyone loved them. 

Then it was off to the show.  There was 6 of us all together Mom, Kel, Katie C., LaurenKate, Lindsey and myself.  What started first thing in the morning with the rivalary between us, half Team Edward and half Team Jacob, ended on a great note as they came together.  I really had a great time with the ladies.  Thanks again for coming to my party and going with me to the movie, that supported UFAN. 

I am a Proud Momma

Over the past week and a half, I have received both Coli and Lou's report cards.  Both kiddos are doing so well!  They both came home with good grades and I couldn't be more pleased with their hard work.