4 Days of Thanksgiving Fun

We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving weekend. I know we did. We kicked it off Tuesday afternoon when the boys got to go to Papa's a day early. I was supposed to work on Wednesday but because of the weather they closed the college down Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. That allowed Mike and I to spend some more time together and grab a bite to eat before the predicted "blizzard " hit. There was supposed to be a lot more snow on Wednesday but I didn't see any so we headed down earlier than expected and hit some Christmas shopping stores along the way and had a nice lunch together. We made it to Price and the boys who were having a ball with Papa and so I got to take Mike and Taylor to go see Harry Potter since they hadn't seen it yet. It was still good a 2nd time around. Then it was some rest for the night and onto Thanksgiving.

Thursday morning my sister and I hit the Thanksgiving Day sale at Kmart and then we all hung out at Papa's house for some Thanksgiving dinner and football. It was yummy.

My beloved Cowboys lost but they played a good game so I'll let it slide this year.

My poor Doodle caught some sort of cold on Wednesday and missed out on dinner and the first half of football snoozing away in the chair.

The rest of us hit our turkey induced coma's a little later.

Then it was time to plot and plan the attack of Black Friday. My sister and I ran to Walmart about 9:30 and scoped out the placement of things. I was able to score Mike his Xbox Kinect a little early and we made a plan of where to place people and went back to gather the troops. We took Mike, Taylor, Kevin, Maygun, me and my sister and placed us all throughout the store by 10:15 for the midnight opener and manned our posts. When midnight hit, it was shear madness but we were able to score everything we wanted and more. Then it was back to Papa's for a quick power nap then to JCPenny's for their 4 am opening. Made it there and got our goodies and had Mike and Taylor get in line at Kmart for the 5am sale there. We arrived right before 5 ourselves and opted not to get in line. That didn't stop us though. When those doors opened I ran faster than I have in ages and was able to beat the people in line to some items my sister was really wanting to get. I almost got in a little scuffle with one lady but long story short, I won! And we were able to finish our shopping and be back home by 7 am. I think that's a record. After some naps, we all went out together for breakfast and spent the rest of the day recuperating.

Saturday we spent lounging around and hanging out with Papa for most of the day. Then we came home making a stop in Spanish Fork to drive through the Festival of Lights. The kids loved it. I was glad we had waited long enough in Price to make it there just after it got dark.

It was a good 4 days and I think I'll still be recuperating for a few more. My poor Doodle is still a bit under the weather so we've made him an appointment at the night clinic tonight to see the doc. Wish us luck.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There are so many things that I am thankful for this year. First and far most my husband and my little boys, you brighten my days and keep me going and always show me what unconditional love is all about. I am thankful for a warm house and food on the table and that I am fortunate enough to often take those things for granted. I am thankful for my family who makes us laugh, cries with us and is always there for us, even on the days they drive me crazy;). I am thankful for Mike's job and for my job which allow us to do the things that we dream of. I am thankful for friends, old and new, whom without life wouldn't be the same.

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. May your tummies be full, your football be on and your naps be refreshing.

Love, Becca

P.S. If you are braving the cold and the crowds like we are tomorrow in search of the ultimate deals, be safe and buy me something good ;).

Christopher Pop-In-Kins

After we put the tree up I read this new book to Caleb. It's the cutest thing ever about an elf that wants to visit the humans so Santa sends him to check in on kids and he has to hide somewhere every day in the house between now and Christmas Eve and report back to Santa on if they have been naughty or nice.

And the very next day, who would appear but Christopher himself. He showed up in Mom's mixer first.

And the next day in the chandelier.

Today he's gracing our Christmas Card holder. I wonder where he'll end up day after day after today. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Dear Santa: A very brief Letter from Caleb

Dear Santa,

This year for Christmas I want a telescope, a DS game and a new Wii game. I think my brothers would like some new toys too like cars and trucks because they really like to play with mine.


Love,
Caleb Ouren

P.S. This is from my Mom

O Christmas Tree

After all of the weekend shopping and the 7 inches of snow we received overnight, you can only guess where my mind was. Today was the perfect day to knock a few more people off our Christmas list and get going on the Christmas tree. Mike and I were worried given the current "crammed to the max" capacity of our storage shed right now that we would even be able to get to our tree this year. But he managed to get to it and get out a few other decorations and the stockings as well. I am so thankful for that. My Christmas will be more complete having at least a few of our normal things out. We can't have them all out due to showings, but I'll take what I can get. Caleb was a great helper this year and was loving every minute of hanging ornaments. It was so fun to do it together. And since we won't be home next weekend to do it, I am happy to have it done already.

Putting up the tree then put me in the mood to start wrapping the gifts we've been starting to gather so here's a few under and next to the tree. I know you are thinking, "what about Thanksgiving?" I know, I know. But just look, doesn't the site of it make your heart even just a little happy? It sure does mine.

Nothing all year is ever more peaceful to me than sitting in the dark next to a lit tree and cuddling with a blanket and perhaps some hot cocoa. When it's this time of year the tree is the first thing turned on in the morning and the last thing turned off at night. I love to just sit and back in the glow or sit and stare at it. Pictures can never do that feeling justice.

Here's wishing you some happy tree trimming in the next few weeks if you haven't already. May your own trees bring you this much happiness.

Another Year Down

Another year down ! Friday was my Birthday. I turned 25 again. ;) I have had a great Bday weekend, starting even the night before when Mike came home from work with Birthday flowers in hand. It was a big surprise, I wasn't expecting that at all. Then he took Friday off to spend the day with me. We had the sitter watch the boys and went out to tackle some Christmas shopping and had lunch together at the Olive Garden. It was so nice just to be together no matter what we were doing. By the time we were done with that it was already time to pick up Caleb and go back to get the twins. But I snuck off by myself and enjoyed Mike's other gift to me, an 80 minute massage at the Spa Club. It was Heavenly. Then it was back home to enjoy my "surprise party" Caleb threw for me. I had to first buy my own plates and make my own cake for what he wanted to be a butterfly party. He did help me frost it and decorate it at least.



Then it was time for a little relaxing until my sister and her two oldest kiddo's arrived. DaNell and I ran off to see the installment 1 of the New Harry Potter. It was so good. It was late (for us old people anyway) after that so we called it a night and got some rest before a full day of shopping.

Saturday we got up and headed to the Power Hours sale at Kohls and then headed up to Park City to the outlet mall. We found so many screaming hot deals and came home with loads of new clothes. A little something for everyone. We shopped up there from about 10-5 and were pooped. But over all we saved over $800 between the 2 of us! That ROCKS! I'm not sure how much we spent, but I am sure it wasn't near that much. Plus I have lots of punch cards and bonus coupons to use up later. Then we grabbed all the boys that stayed behind and had a nice dinner at Chili's before they headed back home.

I would say that was a pretty good 2 day Bday celebration indeed.

Invasion of the AT AT

Up until now I had really thought I was doing a pretty good job at not having my kids become Star Wars fanatics. Those of you that know their father know what a chore that has been for me. But since the invention of the Lego Star Wars game for the Nintendo DS and the Wii, Caleb's minor love of the stuff has grown into an all out obsession of both Lego's and Star Wars. When he saw this thing in the store, his little eyes lit up and he knew just what to ask Papa Ringo for his Bday. And of course, Papa gladly obliged and spoiled him.

I don't think he likes it at all. ;)

This is me telling Papa Ringo (my Dad) what he wants for his bday on the phone, "Apparently this giant dog looking thing. It's called an AT AT (short for something I don't recall) and it's from one of the episodes." See my Star Wars knowledge is at it's peak these days. I've never really cared much for it all but when I admitted to Mike that I didn't even know what episode this thing was from I think he speed dialed a lawyer and had the divorce papers written up. I'm expecting them any day now.

And here's the final space ship thing (I know it has a real name but don't recall) that Caleb opted to stay home from Disney on Ice for and build with his Dad.

I took him to Toys R Us today to spend his Bday money that he received and after scouring the Lego and Star Wars aisles I was shocked when he opted to spend it on something completely different (whoo hoo!). But that's a post for another day. Until then maybe I'll study up on my Star Wars knowledge base so I can write up a comprehensive and informative blog about all the ships and contraptions......and then again maybe (most likely) not.

Disney On Ice

Some months ago I did something unusual for us and bought us some Disney on Ice tickets to use for a family outing. I thought it would be something fun to finish off Caleb's birthday weekend with. However, Mike had been complaining ever since I bought them about not wanting to go so I invited my niece to come in his place and today Caleb flat out refused to go. He wanted to stay home with his Daddy and build his new Star Wars Lego ship that he got for his Bday. So that meant I took my nephew who was visiting as well. So it was me, the twins and 2 other kiddo's. It was fun but I did learn a few things such as:

1. Packing 2 year old twins up and down the stairs to row 5 is hard. I ended up having to do both ways twice.

2. I am out of shape and sort of a whimp as emphasized by #1

3. I don't want to do it again any time soon. The packing of the twins nor the show.

and most importantly:

4. Hearing Zaden tell me to "Wook Wook at Me Mouse" and that Ursula the sea witch was "Scarwy" was worth it.

Seven!

I still find myself having a hard time breathing when I tell people my little boy is 7! But whether I like it or not, today was the day. He has been so excited and counting down the days. We had a great time at The Living Planet aquarium today for his Spongebob Party. Mom got there a little early and most of the decorating was done for me by the aquarium but I did put out this edible centerpiece. Love it and it's dual purpose, I think I'll cut it up for breakfast tomorrow. The only other decoration we put up was a Happy Birthday banner. Easy Peasy.

And here's the anxious Bday boy awaiting the arrival of his guests. He is 7 in case you can't tell. ;)

I bought a Spongebob puzzle to keep the kids entertained. However I think the adults were more entertained by it.

Once all the guests arrived and pizza was consumed it was present time. Caleb got lots of great presents. Lots of Spongebob and Star Wars stuff.

And of course, several people donned the appropriate party attire.

Caleb asked for an ice cream cake this year so we ordered one from Baskin Robbins. He picked chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate cake. It was divine! I've heard several compliments about how good it was even well after the party was over. Yum! They did an awesome job.

Caleb had to put on his own 7 candles to blow out.

He had 2 servings of cake. I mean, it WAS his Birthday and all. ;)

After cake, they were taken on a scavenger hunt to a few exhibits in the aquarium. It was really fun and then we gave out goody bags and people walked around the aquarium. Then it was back home for some more fun. Caleb's cousins Schydi and Leyton stayed with us after the party for a slumber party and some fun tomorrow. They've been spending the afternoon and evening playing Caleb's new board games together, watching a movie and playing hide and seek.

It was a great day and the best part was that the aquarium did all the set up and take down and clean up. It doesn't get much better than that. Now all I have to figure out is where to put all these new fun toys and gifts. Thanks to everyone for making this a special day for our little boy.

Going Bananas

Both boys asked for a banana after dinner tonight. I couldn't resist taking a picture of my two monkeys sitting on the table watching football and eating their nana's.


But then what should occur but this song getting stuck in my head?


Here it is, Muppet style......oh yes!

In My Kitchen

I've been feeling a little domestic this weekend and have been cooking up some goodies and trying a couple new recipes. It started Saturday Morning with this muffins. The recipe is called *Muffins that Taste Like Donuts. I , personally, thought they tasted more like cinnamon rolls but they were delicious none the less and will definitely be having a repeat appearance in this house in the future.


And today started with an early morning crock pot start to some homemade chicken noodle soup. A favorite in this house. Look at how it turned out. Perfection.

And then I tried out a new recipe for some *buttery clover leaf rolls to go with the soup. The house smells delicious.

What are you cooking up in your kitchen this fall?

*recipe sources available upon request.

Mr. Turkey

Some ladies at work handed these out to the office the other day. I wish I could say they were my idea or that I had anything to do with them, but sadly I can't. But they were so cute and so simple I had to share.

They gave them out with a cute little poem attached. You could make your own and copy the poem or come up with one of your own. These are great for co-workers, friends or even neighbors.

Supply List:

Fall colored mesh

Coordinating ribbon

Pipe Cleaners (tan and/or brown, and red)

Googly eyes

M&M's

Happy Crafting!

Happy Birthday Tracey!

Happy Birthday to one cool sister. Love ya Tracey and here's to making the next year one of healing and happiness.

P.S. I'm still Jim's favorite.

Caleb's 7 year Old Interview

Some of you may remember when I did this in anticipation last year of Caleb's 6th Bday. Well it's that time of year again. In just 10 days, my little boy will be a whopping 7 years old! So here's his new and some same answers. Click here to compare to last years answers.

Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Foods: Pizza
Favorite Teams: NY Giants, The Kari's (Huskers), The Utes. The Eagles and the Ravens
Favorite Drink: Orange Fruit Punch
Favorite Toys: Football Helmets, DS and games
Favorite Animal: Cheetah and T Rex's
Favorite Movie: Sponge Bob Movie
Favorite TV shows: Sponge Bob
Favorite thing at school: Recess
Favorite thing about Daddy: That I love him
Favorite thing about Mommy: That I love her too
Favorite thing about his brothers: they can tackle me now
Favorite thing about Papa's: Sometimes I can go by myself
Favorite things about Grandmas: I love them too.
Favorite person to visit when we go to Price: Papa Ringo, Aunt Tracey and Grandma Nette
Favorite person to visit in Omaha: Kari
Favorite thing about home: I can relax
Favorite books: The ones I can read myself like One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Favorite Place to go: Anywhere that has Smarties
Favorite Restaurant: Wendy's and McD's
What I want to be when I grow up: a football player for the Giants or some other team.
Favorite things to do: Draw pictures, play with toys and watch TV.

What do you want for your Birthday:
Crayons and coloring books
New Football Helmet
Legos
DS Games
Movies- Sponge Bob episodes or Star Wars,Clone Wars
Star Wars Toys
Superman Toys
Cars

You might have guessed from some of the answers that we are planning a Sponge Bob themed party this year and he chose to have it at The Living Planet Aquarium. Should be loads of fun. Pictures to come.

More Halloween Fun

Caleb had a good time trick or treating in the neighborhood with Dad on Saturday night. Here's his stash after he got home and dumped it out. It was cold and rainy so the twins stayed warm and dry with Mom, but as you can see he got plenty enough to share.

Our friends Scott and Holly had a little Halloween get together at their house yesterday afternoon. We didn't feel up to the challenge of getting all costumed up again so we went with the simple football team approach and all donned some jerseys and some black eye underlines for some of us. Not much different from any other Sunday at our house, but it worked. I snapped a few pics of the kids playing outside before we left.

We Hope you all had a good Halloween as well.

Quick Notes:

1.Happy Birthday to my sweet niece DaNell.

2. Only 25 days till Black Friday- time to gear up!