Wednesday night

So, I don't know about everyone else, but holiday decorating is not getting done around here. I do have all the boxes up from downstairs, and some of the easy stuff out, but that's it. The tree--for those of you who don't know, Shea is a real tree kind of guy. We can't have anything else. I can't even look in the general direction of the artificial trees at Costco without getting in trouble. His exact words were, "don't even think about it." So, since it's been snowing and freezing, we have no tree. We've got to get on it though and get one. That's my big hang-up. And, the village. I love it when it's out and glowing, but setting it up is a large, messy, frustrating undertaking.

I'm just a good complainer/procrastinator. Bottom line.

My boys are writing letters to Santa right now. Cooper wants a transformer, and Camden wants a tractor that he can ride--a real one that he can fit in. Good luck, Santa. I think they're just trying to think of cool toys--they really have no idea what they want. That makes it nice though. They'll be happy with whatever. They're such good boys.

This week has been nice. It's nice to be home, and thinking about the holiday season. I have the best intentions to get my shopping done early. I always do, but it never seems to happen. This year...

Tomorrow is a dr. appt for Lucy, poor baby. School for the boys. And tithing settlement.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great meal at the Hyatt today. It's not the same as homemade Thanksgiving dinner--but it was fun to have some new dishes. We enjoyed crab legs, shrimp, prime rib, pork loin, a yummy salad bar, assorted cheeses (Shea's personal favorite), and too many desserts to try. I had fruit cobbler, pumpkin pie, creme brulee, and strawberries dipped in the chocolate fountain. I passed up the caramel apples, cheesecake, chocolate cake, bread pudding, and others I didn't recognize. I also happily passed up oysters and pate. I've tried both before and didn't enjoy them--I'd rather save my calories for pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. There were three different kinds of mashed potatoes to choose from!

The hotel had a magician, a ballonist?, and a face-painter guy visiting the tables for the kids. The boys had fun--and enjoyed the day with their cousin Jonah. They are bowling right now with him, and Grandpa and Grandma. Shea, Lucy and I were ready to come back to our hotel. We have been enjoying our time with our family here--there have been lots of laughs!

Yesterday we took the kids to Sea World. It was fun to watch the boys watch the shows--they and Shea loved the Shamu show. I liked remembering the times I had visited as a kid. We had a fun day--but probably don't need to go back anytime in the next 20 years.

Tomorrow might be shopping--there are way too many great stores here. I hope the boys find something equally exciting to do. I'm not too worried. They could just drive around and comment on and drool over all the cool cars they see. Shea's favorite is the Porsche Carrera GT. But we've seen a few Lamborghinis, Lotuses, the Saleen S7, and Ben's sweet Freelander, and Adam's sick Yaris.

Jane, I don't know where you've been the last 3 days, but I took the food pictures for you. It's as good as I could get without looking ridiculous. I'm wishing I didn't take them now because I want to pick at leftovers and can't.

Safe in the OC

We're here! We left at 4:30 a.m. which ended up being the smartest move ever. Lucy either slept or ate her bottle until we got to Vegas. Only then did we get her out while we ate breakfast at IHOP. The boys watched almost four movies--and they were so good during the 11 hour drive. Getting to Vegas was easy--the last 4 hours to Newport seemed long because of traffic and construction. But, we're here. Crying was at a very surprising minimum, and the boys have already been in the pool.
Our hotel is amazing--thanks Mom and Dad. We're still waiting for the rest of the party to arrive. Mom, Dad, Matt, and Marc are on their way and should be here in a couple hours. Ben and Olivia and Audrey will stop in Vegas tonight and get here tomorrow morn. Adam and Ashley will get here late tomorrow night. She has a dr. appt. to find out what grandbaby #5 is! So, we'll know that tomorrow, and then they'll join us.
We're looking forward to swimming, shopping (well, at least I am), being with aunts/uncles/cousins, Thanksgiving at the Hyatt, and just not being home! We will miss our family there, though. But, here's to some new memories and maybe traditions!

A blog before we go...

So, Suday afternoon. Not my favorite, but we're getting by. My parents actually came and picked up Lucy and had her while we we went to church. Ours starts at 11; theirs starts at 2. I got to sit with just my boys and kind of enjoy sacrament meeting. Boy it seemed long though! I was missing her, and I was forced to listen.
After church, I hadn't made plans with my family about where/when to pick up Lucy, so I had to track her down at their church. The boys and I just sat in the foyer for a few minutes. Luckily, Matt came out and then he went to get Lucy for us. Now, we're home and getting ready to start packing. Shea wants to leave at like 4 a.m. so the kids will sleep for most of the drive. Early morning for the parents though!
I got released from my calling today. I've been pretty sad about it. All the rest of the old presidency got new callings except me. That doesn't help, but I'll just wait and see what happens. I've done my share of complaining to Shea--obviously he doesn't know how to help me. I think I'm paycho--a little bit. But I'm used to it.

Newport--get ready! I'm in serious need of a break from real life!

Lucy's Busath Photos--don't tell Candy yet! She's getting one for her birthday next week!

a 2 hour nap!

Yes, everyone. My sweet Lucy took a long nap this morning. I can't believe everything that I got done! I cleaned the main floor (minus mopping) and I totally cleaned the fridge, blinds, lights, etc. It was so nice! I got up and got ready first thing--I was going to meet Jane and Shannon, but was running 15 minutes late, so I didn't go. Sorry girls! I had good intentions, but then let my excuses get the better of me.

A BIG THANK YOU to Shannon for cutting Shea's hair. He is a hottie! It was so sweet of you to fit us into your busy schedule before you leave. We'll miss you! And the boys had so much fun on the go kart and scooter. You're awesome! They have such great aunts (and uncles--spoiled kids!

After the haircut, we came home only to leave again. I took the kids to my mom's and Shea and I went to dinner with my Grandma Burr for my birthday. It was nice to talk to her one-on-two and hear a few stories. We had a good dinner at Thai Village--it was really good this time, Shannon and Jane. I had the yellow curry. Shea had the lemon chicken, which he didn't like that well. My grandma had the best beef and noodle soup. We all tasted it. It was very good! But I wouldn't recommend the fried tofu.

Anyway, Shea's at a bishopric meeting, and I'm getting the kids to bed. Once that feat is accomplished--two loads of laundry are waiting to be folded. Yuck.

Biker Boys

I'm a slacker. That's it--plain and simple. I do stuff; I just forget to blog it. Or I'm too tired. Or Shea has already turned off the computer for the night, and I think it will take way too long to turn it on again. (30 seconds is too long in my mind, I guess.)

Yesterday was cleaning day. I got the upstairs bathrooms cleaned, then last night I noticed that the boys bathroom somehow got "uncleaned" if you know what I mean. Two 4-year-old boys does not equal clean toilets. Gross. Thank heavens for Lysol wipes.

Yesterday was also run errands day, do laundry day, and grocery shop day. And I made dinner. Chili with breadsticks and rootbeer floats for FHE. Yep. We had FHE. I guess I'm doing more than I realize--but still not blogging. I did email Cam in Japan, so that was good.

Today is more cleaning, reading with the boys, preschool, and a hair appt. for me. Yea! I love getting my hair done--I'm tempted to go dark--but I'm also a chicken. It'll just be a surprise! I'm also sick of long blonde hair everywhere, so I'm tempted to cut it, but I probably won't do that either.

Here are photos of the boys learning to ride their two-wheelers! They are getting so big!

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

2 (14 oz.) packages gingerbread mix (I used only one spice cake mix)
1 (5.1 oz.) package cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
1 (30 oz.) can pumpkin
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 tsp. ground cardamom or cinnamon
1 (12 oz.) container cool whip
1/2 cup gingersnaps, optional (I used two crushed Heath candy bars)

Bake the gingerbread (cake) according to package directions; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding and set adside to cool. Stir the pumpkin, sugar, and cardamom into pudding. Crumble half of gingerbread into the bottom of a large trifle bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of cool whip. Repeat layers. Sprinkle the top with crushed gingersnaps. Refrigerate overnight.

The boys went to school today. We then went to my parents' house to watch the BYU game. I wish it were more of a game--I only had to watch the first 8 minutes to know what was going to happen! Go cougars!

My mom wanted PF Chang's for dinner, so we all had take-out at her house. Yum!

A TWO car family!

Yea! After too many hours of researching, shopping, talking to salesmen, and looking, we bought a car last night. Cam and Coop were just as excited as I was. I think Shea would have gone home and thought about it for another week or two, but I'm a bad influence. I put a little pressure on him to make up his mind a little faster than he would have without me, (the salesman did a very good job meeting our requirements, I might add.) So, now I can go to the store while Shea is doing deliveries or other work stuff.
In other news, I voted yesterday, went to a RS meeting, but didn't cook dinner. Shea and I were starving by the time we got home at 8:30! So, I've been kind of a slacker.
Tonight Lucy and I are going with my "Jerusalem" girlfriends to dinner and to hang out. We usually go with our husbands, but whoever planned it, decided to have a girls' night. So, while I'm in SLC, Shea and the boys can go wherever they want! Knowing them, they'll head to Weinerschnitzel--mmmmmmmm my favorite!

Lucy's First Tooth!!! And Cam and Coop's First Book!

That's right! Lucy has a tooth on the bottom left of her little mouth! No wonder she's been loving the ice water lately! She will drink and drink from my cup until her shirt is dripping wet! She probably wouldn't stop then, and she only does because I make her.

Camden and Cooper each came home with their first book from school--Pam. They love to show me how they can read it! I can't believe how big they are getting. They only have to read the book 5 times before school on Tuesday, but they read it at least that many times to me today. They are so excited to be reading!

By the way, it is very hard to type with Lucy on my lap playing with the keyboard and grabbing for the mouse! Busy girl!

I cleaned the house today, took the kids to school, and went walking tonight.
Cam and Coop are still "Brigham and Boston."


Last night I finished "The Way We Were" by Princess Diana's former butler. It was kind of like reading a journal about his experiences with her. It was an interesting read. I really liked it, but then, I've always been kind of intrigued by Diana. Now I've got to finish "The Life of Pi" and "For One More Day." My book list just keeps growing!

The world of make-believe

Tonight Cam and Coop were pretending to be not themselves. Cooper would not answer to his own name--he wanted me to call him "Boston." Camden wouldn't answer to anything but "Brigham." I was instructed to answer to "Shannon"--but would have happily answered to any other of my wonderful sisters-in-law's names. Shea had to answer to "Todd." It's funny to think how their little minds came up with which one Shea and I should be that night. The choices for themselves must have been easy though! I'm so glad my boys love their cousins and aunts and uncles! They have the best!
I have tried twice to upload photos of Halloween and St. George--with no luck. I'll keep trying though. I've got some cute ones!