...more pictures...

Don't forget to scroll down from more pictures...I had too many. I should have done a slide show, but that would have been too much work! :0)

Seattle Times...

Here are some awesome fun pictures from Christmas in Seattle! We had a blast! Here are a few things we did..ate, talked, ate, watched movies (Hairspray...REALLY CUTE), opened presents, ate, went to the Seattle Aquarium, went out to dinner (Azteca-YUMMY), made goodies, shopped (Value Village BABY!), got snowed on (yup, it snowed on Christmas Day!) went to the beach... Just to name a few. The kids got so incredibly spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa and also Uncle Danner....man they love him!!!! I hope all your bruises from Wesley are gone now Danner. Wes sure likes to wrestle and throw punches. Another highlight...playing with thier cousin Lucy! What a sweetie pie! Syd and Wes both got a handmade quilt/comforter from Grandma Banks...today Syndie said I love this blanket because it smells like grandma! So sweet!

Windows and Christmas Parties!

So here is the picture of our window (inside and out) that we just got blinds for. It is such a huge window and so it is now nice to have some privacy, I also think they looks SOO nice!

Friday we went to Aaron's Christmas party at the Davenport Hotel (a really nice hotel here in Spokane). We ate YUMMY food (prime rib, chicken), talked, and danced. In this picture, these are our friends that are in our new ward and Aaron works with Bill. We hung out with them all night. It was way fun! We left before everyone got too drunk :0) Also our friends watched our kids overnight that night so we came home to an empty quiet house. It was sooo nice, but weird. We watched Man vs Wild (romantic eh?) and then went to sleep! In the morning we slept in, and then went shopping w/o the kids. MAN, I forgot what it was like to NOT have kids. It was fun for a night, but guess we will keep them! Thanks Sharps for keeping our rowdy kids overnight! They had a blast!

Happy Hump Day

We have been so busy lately! I really like being busy, but I can't seem to keep up with everything!

We are settling in our house and totally love it. We have been busy doing fix it projects and organizing etc. It has been cold and snowy here so not much outside time. Syd still goes to her old preschool, even though it takes an extra 15 minutes to get there now that we moved. I think with all the gas being used, this week might be her last week there. I am sad because we love it!

Two Saturdays ago me and 3 friends went to the Broadway Play Wedding Singer! It was soo incredibly good and fun! It was just like the movie (some parts word for word) but just different songs. I love doing things like that, I feel so "educated" or "learned" when I do things like "FINE ARTS." They wouldn't let us take pictures inside but I will post a picture of us walking in the snow afterwards.

We have a huge window (122 inches) in our front room. We finally found some blinds that fit! Aaron put those up and they look soooooo nice. It is also nice to have a little privacy! I will post pics later.

We are liking our new ward. We had our ward Christmas party the other night. We had a Turkey dinner and got to meet some nice people!

My kids favorite movie as of this week is Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Do you all remember that movie? It is SOO 80's or early 90's, but it is funny. My kids ask to watch it everyday. It's nice because I can get a lot done while they watch. I will be quiet now...I can't stop writing! Have a nice week everyone!

Recent fun-ness

So here are some pics of our recent snow fall, my mom and I organizing some books in our ugly looking basement, some new "christmas clothes" that grandma bought for the kids, us and decorating the Christmas Tree!! It was soo fun with my mom here. She got the house in order and spoiled my kids...just what grandma's do best!

Moving Time

So we are officially in our house (as of Friday) and are slowly but surely unpacking! We are already REALLY enjoying being homeowners but have also experienced our first "fix it" project. The bathtub was leaking from upstairs into the basement. Aaron, being the handyman that he is, got it all fixed up! Here are the pictures of the mess "before" and then the "after." We want you to all come visit now!

Turkey Day Feast!

Here are our Thanksgiving pictures! We went to our best friends house (The Sharps). We just made food all day ate an obscene amount of food and layed around all day (Aaron and Kenyon played Nintendo) an then we watched Oceans 13 that night. FUN and relaxing day, just like Thanksgiving is supposed to be!!! (yes wes is wearing his halloween costume...he won't take it off, I had to hide it).

Coming soon...

We are officially in our new house. We are tired but happy! I will post some move in pictures shortly (when I find the right cables to post the pics from my camera). Everything went well and my friends came over yesterday and helped me unpack my kitchen and organize!!!!! WHAT SWEETIES!!! My mom is coming tomorrow...CAN"T WAIT MOM! Hope everyone had a good turkey day!

Excitement!!

So, we signed all the papers this morning for our house!! We will be getting the keys tomorrow (Tuesday) and then begin the MOVE IN! I just wanted to share the exciting news! We are FINALLY home owners!!!!!!! It's about time!!!!

Have you Ceragemed today???

If you are wondering what the heck I am talking about...Ceragem is an automatic thermal massager that helps relieve body aches and pains, and helps with stress! What is, is a bed with rollers in it, and you lay on the bed for a 40 minute "therapy session." The rollers roll up and down your back and up your neck! Also it has inferred heaters in it so you get all nice and warm...it feels like you are laying in the sun!!! It has been so cold here, you have to understand this feels GREAT! The best part is...IT's FREE!

There is a "retail" shop in Spokane (and in other states as well) where you can go (there are 14 beds) and get free massages...AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT!! I guess the idea is that we will see the benefits and buy a bed! (I see the benefits, but I am not about to but a $3000 bed) but I am sure enjoying the free massages!!! I just went again tonight. My body has been pretty achy lately because I am constantly on the go with baby sitting kids, my kids, and also packing, because we are moving in a week! Anyhoo...I just wanted to tell you all to look out for Caragem...if you go to the Website (ceragem.com) it will tell you if you have an "office" near you so you TOO can get 40 minutes of warm, peaceful, relaxing, time, which lots of time, this is hard to come by!

Some thoughts...

The weekend was fun...we ate at our friends and visited Home Depot. That store has a new meaning now since we will own our own home!

I have been packing some of our things up...man we have a lot of junk. I have 12 boxes of stuff I never use. I bet if I thew it away I would not even miss it!

I have been scrapbooking a lot lately...I have to play catch up. It is way fun..I never knew I liked it so much.

I was sick (with flu like symptoms) yesterday and now Aaron is sick with the same thing. Good thing it is just 24 hours or less!

I have a really painful zit on my chin

I am playing 9 scrabble games on facebook right now (I know I am a dork, but I like scrabble)...I seriously need some practice because I am loosing all of them!!!!

I can not adjust to this time change and neither can my kids..we are all thrown off!

I recently read Rebecca (by Daphine deMauire). I have seen the movie, which is good, but I had never read the book. I recommend it if you like surprises. Also it is a little sad because you feel so sorry for her the whole time. It ends weird too but overall good. I give it a B+...That is about all for now.

Happy Halloween!

We had Trunk-or-Treating and a carnival at the church on Saturday. It was tons of fun for the kids and they ate (and are still eating) SOOOOO much candy!

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!!!

Yes, it is official...WELL Almost..contingent some paperwork! To see pictures to to Aaron's blog (labeled My Honey, in the right column). We are soooo excited! OUr closing date is November 20th!!! WAHOO!

Funny Sayings...

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I try to keep track of the funny things my kids say...today Wesley was trying to tell me something and he kept saying "Candy Lame, Candy Lame." Finally I realized he wanted to play CANDY LAND. Here is a picture of the buddy...I have been really slacking with the camera lately.
I was picking up Syd from school today. I always have the radio on (pretty low, NOT loud) in the car and today I heard from Sydnie "Hey Hey, you, you I don't like your girlfriend" (you know that song by Avril Lavigne!) HA. I guess she was singing a long but I didn't even hear the radio really. She is really observant and picks up on things pretty easy. She also likes Kelly Clarkson. I don't know why because I don't like her really. Anyhoo, I crimped her hair the other day and took some cute pics!

The Kiddos

So Syd and Wes are little buds (most of the time). The love to lay in the same bed (right before I tuck them in). They were being so cute one night I had to take a picture. A few nights later I went in to check on them and they had both fallen asleep in Syd's bed. SOOOOOO CUTE! Also Syd got her ears pierced and she absolutely loves her earrings (you like the pizza all over her face?)

Big BOY Wes and other stuff

So Wes just potty in his big boy potty! It is a MIRACLE! I just set him there (because I knew he has been "tooting") so I think I caught him at just the right time. So he went, but before he was done, he stood up and made a huge poo mess everywhere! At least he made some in the toilet I guess. I seriously can't believe it because he is against wearing big boy underwear and sitting on the toilet all together, so this is PROGRESS! YEAH! We are headed to the store to buy him so "incentives" to continue this! ;0) (only a mom, would write about this and poo and everything).

Also I just finished Twilight! I too was captivated! It really felt like I had feelings for Edward! I know how pathetic! I REALLY liked it. Thanks for the recommendation everyone. I can't wait to read the others!! Carrie how is These is my Words? SAD?

Aaron got a raise at work yesterday, and we were pleasantly surprised! HAPPY DAY! That is about all from this home-front!

Parent Advice!

I need help! Sydnie has a friend (who lives really close) and they do everything together including going to school. This would be a good thing EXCPET her friend is the biggest brat! AHHHH. She has an attitude and back talks and disprespects everyone, including her mom. I have seen Sydnie picking up on these AWFUL habits and it is nearly driving me insane! Today Syd's teacher called and said they are both saying they are sick and crying and whining which of course they are NOT! I seriously feel my blood boiling because I KNOW it is her little friends influence!! AHHGGG. I know Sydnie is NOT like this. She used to be sooo SWEEEEEET! She is acting like a brat teenager and I am not ready for that! I try to limit their play together, but they still spend lots of time together and at school they are attached at the hip. I am really good friends with her mom and I baby-sit for her all the time. I don't want to offend her in the slightest but I need to stop this!!! WHAT SHOULD I DO!!?!?!?! It wouldn't be such a big issue but I have seen EXTREMELY inapproprate behavior from her friend and I don't want my child around that AT ALL!! Any advice? What so I do with Syd? How should I tell the friend's mom? I am SOOO mad!

Thanks for letting me VENT!

House Hunting!

So I am going out to look at houses with our realtor today (for like the 50th time) so wish me luck. I am soooo ready to move into a house and have a yard etc etc. I will let you all know how it goes. The problem is, our price range is pretty low (dang student loans) :0( so we have slim pickings. Our really good friends just bought a house and they got a SCREAMING deal, so that really motivates me even more. Hope you are all happy today!

Thoughts about the weekend

This weekend was pretty busy. Here is what we did:

1. I baby sat a 10 month old little boy for 2 days (+ overnight). He was really good! He slept 12 hours straight (7:30 pm- 7:30 am)

2. My friend Megan from Pullman came to play on Saturday (and stayed overnight till Sun)

3. Aaron went to Pullman to go to the game (too bad the Cougs LOST :0(

4. I went shopping to Fred Meyer (70% off sale), the mall, Old Navy and Costco

5. Sydnie got her ears pierced! She did not even flinch or cry or anything! They looks so cute. I will post some pics soon!

6. My friend Megan and I put the kids to bed and talked till midnight! YES! I love those times!

7. Watched (some) Conference (it was hard with 4 kids running around)

8. Visited with Greg and Bonnie (they were in Troy visiting Great Grandma, they came by to say hi for a bit).

9. Now my house is quiet and relaxing because the kids are sleeping and Aaron is studying! I am liking this! Hope everyone had an AWESOME weekend!

Weekend O Fun

Okay, If you have never had a girls weekend, plan one NOW! My best peeps (Emily and Heidi) and I went to Seattle on Friday for a girls weekend with out KIDS!!!!! (We each have 2 kids). We headed out at noon and drove to the temple. We made the 6:00 session and had the BEST time. It felt so good to not have to rush back to the baby sitter and all that. The session was awesome! After it was over we headed to Greg and Bonnie's house. It was fun to see them. They bough pizza for us YUMMY! We talked then went to bed.

In the morning Greg made us his famous pancakes! They were TASTY. What a nice man! We headed off and went to Value Village (there is an AWESOME one in Lynwood) and then headed to IKEA. We spent around 5 hours (and could have spent more time) there. It was sooooooooo amazinly fun. Can I just tell you it is WAY better to go with out kids!!! We kept saying "oh man, it was so easy to just get out of the car with out kids and not fight with them to be good and pack for them etc etc. I bought all kinds of good stuff and had to restrain from buying too much! We drove back to Spokane right after that! These are our fun pictures we took while partying!!!! Heidi is blonde and Emily is brunette. This trip was just what we needed! Em and Heidi, YOU GUYS ROCK, love ya tons!. And thanks Honey for letting me go and keeping the house and kids under control while I was gone!

Green Bluff

Syd went on a field trip to Green Bluff and I got to go with! (if you don't know what Green Bluff is, it is a huge farm where they grow produce year round, and of corse it is apple and pumpkin season right now). We got to go on a train ride (pulled by a tractor) see how cider is made, taste cider (YUMMY!), pet some goats, pick an apple, and pick a pumpkin! It might have been more fun for me than for Syd. Did you know that in the US there are 2000 different varieties of apples?

Seen and Heard

There has recently been a sighting of 32 jars of canned peaches (that my friends and I made) They are sooooooo YUMMY! Another spotting of Shannon and Aaron at Starbucks! If you don't already know they make fruit smoothies (no coffee) and they are TASTY! We had "Orange Dream." Another sighting of Sydnie Wesley and Samantha playing like old pals together! Syd and Sam are good buddies. Sydnie wanted to skip her primary activity so she could play with Sam. Another sighting of Taya and with kiddies! What a fun weekend we had with them!

Funny Wesley

I was plucking my eyebrows in the bathroom last night and Wes came in and saw me. He said "MOM are you PICKING your NOSE" I said no, I am plucking my eye brows. He said plucking your "eye elbows?" I was laughing so hard I couldn't even answer him. He has such a funny way of hearing things and his perspective is so hilarious and innocent (ha, probably not really that). I love that kid!

This n That

Not too much news, just some thoughts! On Sunday Syd wanted to bring her new water colors to church so she could use them in Sacrament meeting. I told her no way because it will make a big mess. She said "and we REALLY shouldn't make a mess in God's house." I thought it was cute that she totally got it. I couldn't have said it better myself.

I have been baby sitting like mad (and not making money because I do it for free to help my friends who are struggling) but I feel like I am a mean mom and not really nice to my kids or the kids I am baby-sitting. Where is my patience!?

We went house hunting yesterday. We didn't fin anything that we HAVE to have, but it was really fun. We saw one that was in Mead (which has the best school district in Washington, OR so I read) and I REALLY liked the house and it was on a half acre but it was only a 2 bed 1 bath. WAY too small! We hope to buy with the next year and hopefully sooner. Our realtor is really nice (he is LDS) and really patient with us so that is nice.

It's raining here today and I am really not used to the cold because it has been so hot here for so long (not like Arizona though). I actually turned the heat on for a while this morning to take the edge off! Time to get out the down comforter!

This weekend will be so fun! Tyler and Taya and Shannon and Dave (maybe, haven't confirmed yet) are coming to play and to go to the temple! YEAH for family coming!!!! Next weekend me and my 2 friends are driving to Seattle (WITHOUT KIDS!!!) and just having a girls weekend out! We are staying at Greg and Bonnie's house and going to IKEA!! Happy day! I will tell ya all about it later! TTFN.
SHAN

I need to vent!

Okay, so I KNOW I live in an apartment where you have to be courteous of your neighbor and live by "the managers" rules but it is getting ridiculous! All summer the kids (naturally) play outside. When it was real hot I would fill up a little kiddie pool and put out on the lawn and they would get cooled off and have a good time. Half way through the summer I got a notice that kiddie pools were banned. I was bummed but it was okay. So no more pool, so they have been riding their bikes on the sidewalk which happens to go past people's windows. I got a notice on the door "please do not let your kids go on other peoples porches and look into their windows." I talked to my kids and they no longer do this (they didn't in the first place either...I am ALWAYS out there with them and I see what they are doing all the time! Anyhoo, they water the lawn here AT LEAST 3 times a day and so when it was hot, since they couldn't swim or ride, they would run through the sprinklers. As they were running through one day (minding their own business) our manager come over on her golf cart and says, they kids are NOT supposed to be playing in the sprinklers. AHHHG! So I get them out and tell them no more of that! (By the way this complex has TONS of kids and is really well kept up and always looks really nice...see the picture, but there is no playground, pool or anything for them).

So TODAY we are outside and the kids are collecting bugs in a jar, therefore they moved some bricks to get some worms etc (temporarily, of course, we do this quite often) and the manager came over in her dumb little golf cart and said "are you going to put those bricks back?" In my head I said "no I was planning on leaving them all over the sidewalk like this" but what I really said was yes, of course, we do this all the time and we always put them back. Anyhoo, she said well, they don't like it when you do that, so put them back! First of all, I don't know who "they" are (probably HER) and second...what CAN my kids do REALLY? Anyhoo, I DO understand this complex is nice and they want to keep it safe and good looking but honestly! It's not kid friendly at all and neither is the management!

Thanks for letting me vent, I already feel better...am I over reacting? It's too bad so many people want to sue the pants off everyone these days, I think that is why all this "NO" business. It's time to buy a HOUSE!