My little Valentine ♥

Swing Set

A couple of weeks ago Santa brought this swing set by since it was too big to fit in his sleigh on Christmas Eve! (Truth be told, there was a mix-up at Toys R Us)

Anyway - It took a lot of effort and help to put it together, but it was so worth it! I promise next time I'll post pictures with children actually on the thing...but I was rather proud of myself :) I did, in fact, put about half of it together myself!

I have this friend...

My friend, Trishelle, is totally freaking amazing in every way. She has this zest and passion for life that is so seriously out of this world. Callous words NEVER escape her tongue and she flutters around buoying up everyone with whom she comes in contact. Her testimony of the Savior is inspirational. She takes being a mother and wife to a level indescribable with words. Her family is her world, her friends are her passion and her Savior is who her life is centered around. I want to be like her when I grow up.

Yesterday on her blog, she posted this: "I may have shared the advice a clergy member gave to us a few years ago: When someone comes home, make their entrance a big deal. Make them feel important by letting them know how excited you are to see their face"

I must admit, I was literally reduced to tears. Most of the time when Mike comes home he is greeted with chaos. I am either in the kitchen trying to make something for dinner or behind my computer trying to catch up on work. The kids are whining, the TV is blaring and there is probably a poopy diaper that needs changing. It is not a peaceful, serene escape from the world that I have always longed for in my home.

So here's to trying to improve myself in a small, simple way with a promise to change the mood in my home, even for a brief moment.

Merry Christmas!

I suppose this better be up before Valentine's Day, am I right?

Christmas 2010 was infinitely better than 2009, when Hayden spent five days in the hospital. Feel free to take a moment and give me a pitty sigh...I still get choked up thinking about it!

Our family was on the receiving end of numerous blessings and I am so thankful to a kind, loving Father in Heaven who sees fit to bless us so abundantly. I love the holiday season so very much!

Trying to keep them still before opening all the loot...not so successful

Checking out the tent Santa left for them

Tearing into his first presents!

...with a little help from brother ♥

Snuggling with their pillow pets from Grandma Lorna!

Christmas at Grandma Brenda's!

It's really difficult to get a decent shot with two boys...

Preschool

Hayden's teacher takes pictures throughout the year and posts them on a shutterfly account. I love that she does this so I can see what's going on in school!

This was taken a couple of days before school started when we got to tour the classroom.

This was on the first day of school, I believe.

Music time with Ms. Rachel

Proof that my child can, in fact, sit still

Patiently waiting for a snack

Not sure if he's shushing or picking...you be the judge...

Playing on the playground

Every day there are different helpers for everything! Light switch flipper, door holder, snack helper and flag helper. Hayden is always so excited when he gets a turn!

Do you think he was thrilled to be the flag helper?

Snack time

This was during the fall festival...not quit sure what he was doing here...

Yeah - I'm a lame mom and didn't dress Hayden up that day...

Picking up toys

Thanksgiving program - SO CUTE!

Fall and Go Boom

Check out Dallin's very first goose egg! I bet you can't guess how he got it!

Craftiness

Just showing off some of my Christmas crafts!

Mod Podged Letters

Paper Ornaments
(Tutorial HERE)

Christmas Advent
(Tutorial HERE)
Each cone is filled with a scripture and Hershey Hugs or Kisses and either something fun to do or a little "prize"

Halloween

Uh...yeah...it's December. Maybe I'll get our Christmas pictures up by Easter? Dallin was a Giraffe...sad I didn't get even one picture of him!