Jack Frost is BITING!

I got out the hats, gloves, scarves, etc - cause it's COLD outside!!

Having fun

My boys LOVE to be with their cousins! We went to a family bar-b-que for Jazz Season Pass Holders and I actually got a picture of them together!

Here's Hunter shooting a basket (at least attempting) at the Energy Solutions Arena.

Then last weekend, we had the BYU President's Christmas party (for faculty, their kids, and grandkids). It's been a tradition for Shayne's family for many years and it is continuing with our family. Here's the boys playing with their cousin, Ella, in the "balloon pit."

It was a hoot to see the boys in a SERIOUS competition of Musical Chairs.

A little visit with Santa.... Danny was not a big fan. But, do you see the REAL miracle of this picture? Cole is SMILING!

Danny is walking!

It's amazing that it only started a few weeks ago. Danny has definitely taken his sweet time to hit those "milestones" - crawling at 12 months and walking at 16 months! This past week, he decided he wanted to walk. Now that HE has decided to walk, he has proven himself as a very persistent and determined little guy!

A word from Hunter...

On Sunday, in Primary, the leader was talking about families and important qualities in families. She asked why 'love' is important in a family and Hunter was called upon. This was his answer...
"Love is very important and it is a part of a family. And you need love to make babies."

LOL!

It was soooo hard for all the leaders to not giggle at his sweet response. And no, we have not had the talk about the birds and the bees yet.

Thanksgiving and thanks... and a little shopping

I love having my parents close to us. What a treat to load up the kids, all the pies, rolls, and other goodies, and be there within a half hour to enjoy being together! I love my family. I am so grateful for a family who loves each other and loves to be together! We missed having Shayne's family by us this year and we send hugs to each of them!

On Friday morning, I started a WEE bit early... 3:05 am to be exact. I decided to set the alarm for 3:05 cause it looked just a little better than 3:00!! Anyhoo, I think it's mean that Sears did a 4am opening, but I had success and managed to get us a brand new washer and dryer for the price of 1! It was a SWEET deal and I'm still dumbfounded that I managed to get it. I waited outside for 1/2 hour, then inside at another line to get to the register for 45 minutes. That place was CRAZY!! At least I thought it was crazy till I decided to drive past Target - considering the prospect of running in to get a little thing I saw for Danny. Ummmmm, that line has about 1500 people... probably more!!! That was MIND BOGGLING and I was so grateful that I wasn't in that line! And it was definitely not worth a $10 toy!!

I just have to list a few things I'm grateful for:
my hubby
our kids
our dog
our warm house
our working cars
our extended family
the sunshine!
Hawaii.... just wish I was there!
my friends
my clarinet and piano
my memories
my Heavenly Father
my Savior
for all who inspire me to be better than yesterday
and for tomorrow - it is a chance for a clean slate to be a better mom, friend, and wife.

Only Cole...

#1:
Cole let in one of my clarinet students last week. As the student made her way to go downstairs, Cole very kindly introduced his dad,

"That's my daddy. And he's bald."

#2:
We went to Farm Country and as we were leaving, they brought in a real cow and let the kids come up and try milking her! Each kid got to squeeze twice and then let the next child try. Well, as we got in the car, Cole very excitedly exlaimed,

"I got to squeeze the cow's penis!"

It took the next 10 minutes to convince him that girl cows don't have such a part.

Oh, the conversations we have at the most improvised moments.

only cole.

New Rules + 5 minutes

So, after the big "FORTS" of Tuesday -I laid down new rules.
1) You can build a fort with blankets and pillows from your room only.
2) Toys are not part of a fort (just blankets and pillows!)

5 minutes later, (seriously, just 5 minutes) I went to see what they were doing in Cole's room and here's the result:

Why hasn't my kid figured out "forts" are not piles of things? I have built him several forts in our family room - but he prefers these forts. They just need a new name.... like..... "I want to build a pile of destruction!"

Quote of the week from Cole

C: "Mommy, when you are going to have another baby."
me: What?
C: "When are you going to have a new baby in your tummy?"
me: Not for a looong time!
C: "Yeah, cause you need to eat lots of vegetables and good food to make a baby in your tummy. Cause vegetables make babies."
me: oh, that's how!
C: "YUP!"