Drum Roll Please.......

Boston

My trip to Boston was an amazing adventure! Boston is an incredibly beautiful city. We lived right downtown and had an amazing time just walking the streets and looking in all of the shops. We also got to go to the Children's Museum, (which I forgot my camera for) but WOW!!! I bet that has the chance of being the best in the country. My favorite was the entire grocery store with fake foods. Q and I had a blast putting all of the fake fruits and veggies in our baskets and then, he put on a smock and stood behind the cash register and he rung up my groceries.

This was such a great bonding time for Quince and I. We had such a great time on this trip. I really feel like the whole opportunity was such a a great blessing for us. I really missed my Maiya who was watched by the very gracious and capable hands of my sister in law, but I am so glad that I came to my senses and didn't take both kids.

On the airplane ride there, Q's ears were hurting so bad, I was trying to get him to eat stuff, and suck on suckers, and chew gum, but he refused it all, and got out of his seat belt and I had to chase him down the isle! Can you imagine if I had both kids!? I probably would have started crying too, and trying to run down the isles. On the rest of the flights he did great! He laughed when his ears were popping and took naps. It was just that first one that scared him.

I am glad to be home (I missed my Geren), but grateful for the break. It was amazing to see Mi again after 6 years. We laughed and laughed and had some amazingly deep conversations and her baby girl is absolutely beautiful, we bonded. Anyways, here are some pictures.

This was the view from the apartment window

Went ice skating at Boston Common

Greeted Santa at Quincy Market

Ate great food cooked by our very own personal chef!

But most of all got to hang out with this incredible family.

Roswell Trip!

We sure had a busy week last week. After church we went down to Roswell with G's family and were back by Wednesday in time to meet my parents after their 18 hour drive. (read my next post to learn more about how that went.)
We had such a good time seeing Geren's sisters, and their families and of course his parents and Grandma!
We first went to Carlsbad Caverns. G kept telling me how big it was , but I didn't understand how big until I saw it for myself! It just kept going and going! It was quite the sight.

Entering the cave.

Going down, down, down into the cave.

Quincey passed out for the last half hour of the walk. It was quite the tiring adventure!

The next day we went to White Sands. WOW! I mean it really looks like snow.. but it is sand. It was beautiful. And we even got to go sledding in it. It was a really fast but fun and memorable trip.

They use a snow plow to move the sand off of the roads. Trippy.

Thanksgiving!

We had such a blast with my parents and sister here. Quincey had a blast with their dog Izzy. And I think Maiya really liked having Izzy here, because Q was too busy picking on Izzy to pick on her! We were able to relax and watch movies, and eat out, and sight-see!

As mentioned before this year was my first attempt at a Thanksgiving Feast.... and, thanks to all the help from my Mom, it was a success! I am linking all of the recipes that I used for future reference, but you are welcome to look at them as well. :)


Here is a link to the recipe I used for the Turkey. It really was so tender, juicy and flavorful.



And Here is a link to the recipe I used for the stuffing. I didn't put the sausage in it, because I didn't want the extra meat, but I did use roasted Chestnuts. I am pretty sure that is the first time I have tried Chestnuts and it definitely won't be the last! They are really, really good. And I loved the texture and flavor that they added to the stuffing.


We also made an amazingly easy cranberry sauce.... recipe here.
The baked mashed potatoes turned out pretty good, I think we used to many potatoes though, but easily remedied.

And the fresh green bean casserole I thought was amazing.

Good thing this is only done about once a year! My mom and I were pooped! But really, I am pretty sure that this is what caused my Mom's back to go out :( But hopefully it was worth it.

Free Holiday Music at Amazon

I just went here and got a bunch of free Christmas music. I haven't listened to them all, but so far my favorite is... I celebrate the day by Relient K. It is so beautiful.
There is one by Lady Gaga... it has a fun dance beat, but leave it to her to make Christmas dirty. Anyway, I am so excited that it is December! I really do love Christmas.

Kevin Van Aelst

Had a lot of fun looking at Kevin Van Aelst's blog today. I think this kinda stuff takes a great imagination and creativity and I appreciate it greatly.

A Parent’s Thanksgiving List

My friend posted this on her blog and I ended up using some of it in my talk last night at the adult session of Stake Conference. Children are such a blessing to truly help us learn to be selfless.

List by Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard

Thanksgiving usually inspires parents to start a diet. But if you’ll indulge with me for a while, I’d rather list a few things I’m grateful for as a mother.

I’m grateful my children demand I talk to them when I don’t feel like talking, feed them when I’m not hungry, and change their diapers even when I’m all dressed up and ready to go somewhere special. I don’t think I’d discover the world outside my own needs without them.

I’m grateful my children haven’t learned how to hold back their tears when they’re sad, laughter when they’re happy, or screams when they’re frightened. They constantly remind me that emotions are for sharing.

I’m grateful my children have broken nearly everything in my home and used a crayon or ink marker on the rest. They’ve taught me that things aren’t important, but people are.

I’m grateful my children start out small and helpless so they don’t become aware of my incompetence until they’re teenagers. By then, we’ve both grown so accustomed to each other, we somehow manage to make it through the rest of life together.

I’m grateful my children get their pants dirty, pick their noses, burp without saying “excuse me,” and quarrel in public so I’ll never be able to get too arrogant, proper, or judgmental of other people’s children.

I’m grateful my children sometimes call me names like “weird” because sometimes I am “weird,” and it helps keep a person humble to be told they’re “weird” when they’re acting weird.
I’m grateful my children occasionally miss the bus at the precise moment I’ve stepped out of the shower, contemplating the well-planned, organized day ahead of me. Experiences like jumping into the car after throwing on whatever’s handy and racing to school have a tendency to loosen rigid plans into something better known as spontaneity.

I’m grateful my children always need new shoes, piano books, prescriptions, haircuts, fieldtrip money, tuition, food, toothpaste, and underwear. That way, I don’t have to waste my time thinking about a new sofa. It’s difficult to get wealthy and think about luxuries when you have to buy toilet paper and milk by the truckload each week.

I’m grateful my children know how to play. My five-year-old asked me to come downstairs so he could “teach me how to play” with his plastic animals. While Jacob demonstrated the subtle techniques for sinking a rhinoceros into couch cushions while pretending it was quicksand, I realized my young son was right. I really do need someone to “teach me how to play.”

I’m grateful my children question my every command and giggle when I get angry. It’s difficult to feel too powerful or self-righteous with kids around to remind you of how funny you look when you’re pointing your finger.

I’m grateful my children insist I hug, kiss, rock, or put my arms around them often. Otherwise, I think I’d forget how the sense of touch is so healing.

I’m grateful each of my children is unique when the same strange, inexperienced mother raised them. Somehow they don’t seem to let me ruin them much.

And lastly, I’m grateful for the gift of children in my life. God willing, I’d like to fill the rest of my days with those interesting people who call me Mom (yes, and sometimes “weird”) but eventually “weird grandma.”

Click here to read the original article.

Ha hahaha!

I stole this from my friend's blog... you know who you are! :)

A couple of videos....

In case you didn't believe me, I wanted to show video evidence.

Back in the Saddle Again!!! (Updates)

I just got done re-reading all of my past posts on this blog! What a blast. It is so fun to have the memories documented. It has inspired me to try to start blogging better again. I used to be so good at it but have slacked as of late.

First of all, I am so excited that Thanksgiving is coming up. My parents are planning on driving here and spending Thanksgiving at my house! This will be the first time that I attempt a Thanksgiving dinner and I am having fun with the planning and preparation. Been recording a bunch of Food Network shows on Thanksgiving meals. I will let you know how it goes.... I think trying new things is so fun.

And coming up in Dec. the kids and I are taking off to fly to Boston for a week. We are staying with a friend that I met while I was in Sweden. I am so excited to see her again after 6 years!!!! And to meet her brand new baby girl. I was originally nervous about the flight alone with 2 babies. But, I decided I would rather try and have it be horrible than not try. So, we will see!

Just so you know, I sure love my kiddos. They are both growing and changing so much. Quincey is still really into Spiderman and pretending that other people are his enemies. He often will just randomly yell, "We're not so different!" (pretty sure that he got that from the green goblin Spider man movie.) And our little miss Maiya is really not so little anymore! She is walking everywhere (she started walking about a week before Halloween), and has just really taken off! She also says, "YUCK!" Every time she has a dirty diaper. She also throws it away all by herself, and without me asking! What an angel. She also says yes, no, mama, dada, this, that, and knows a few signs as well.
They both nap for a couple of hours during the day, and sleep so well at night. I am sure spoiled right now. :)

Also, about a month and 1/2 ago Geren was called as the Bishop in our Ward. We already feel many blessings from this. It has been a change for sure, keeps us on our toes. At first it was really hard for Q to see daddy up on the stand but not able to sit with him, but he is getting used to it now. And thanks to the activity bag from his Grandma, and to many big helpers, he keeps himself pretty entertained, and I've actually been able to catch some talks!!

Okay! let's hope I keep this up! I still need to talk about my thoughts and feelings with So you think you can dance! Stay tuned for that!

Belated Halloween Pictures!

Yeah, you probably don't care anymore, I waited too long to post these. But nonetheless here they are. My little red riding hood and the hero that saves her from the big bad wolf.

Fall Pics

Pets

This was taken awhile ago, but this is the picture of the fish tank with 2 little fishies that we have been taking care of for a friend. The kids have fun feeding them and watching them swim. I've never really had a pet. As a kid, we had a dog, a super huge basset hound.... Lenny, but he stayed outside in a cage and I never really did anything with him (except smell him.... yuck.) So, having fish has actually been quite the step for me! I am really scared to get a dog ... or a cat for that matter. I need something that isn't aggressive, and definitely small! and doesn't shed. I would rather have a dog, for Q's sake... he needs something to run with. I am not talking about soon, just some time. And I am hoping I can get over my fear of them licking me, and their little claws crawling all over me. I am hoping it is like when you have a baby, how it's different when it's your own. I am more worried about this decision than I am about having babies! ha! I know I sound like a wierdo. :) But we all have our issues to overcome!

Lagoon!

This was awhile ago (Labor Day weekend.) But thought I would share some pics of when we went to Lagoon! Maiya was not afraid of any rides! She just smiled and laughed the whole time! I thought she looked so grown-up. And Quince did such a good job of protecting her, he is such a caring older brother. We had a really enjoyable day.

Just passing it on!

Go here to sign up to get 10 free pregnancy tests or OPK's. It looks legit. Just thought I would pass it on for those who might need these!

Q's New addition to his new addition

Remember when I posted about Quincey busting his head open here? Well, this weekend he was watching TV at Grandma and Grandpa's house (it is a little TV sitting on a chair) and he somehow pulled it on top of himself and it fell and hit his head...... The exact same spot where he had hit it on the chair a month ago! So, now it is a 2 in 1 sore. Poor guy... it's never going to heal!

A few delightful things

Family Tree of Vincent Van Gogh

His dizzy aunt ----------------------------------------------- Verti Gogh
The brother who ate prunes------------------------------- Gotta Gogh
The brother who worked at a convenience store ------ Stop N Gogh
The grandfather from Yugoslavia ----------------------------- U Gogh
His magician uncle -------------------------------- Where-diddy Gogh
His Mexican cousin ---------------------------------------- A Mee Gogh
The Mexican cousin's American half-brother ------------ Gring Gogh
The nephew who drove a stage coach --------------- Wells-far Gogh
The constipated uncle ------------------------------------- Can't Gogh
The ballroom dancing aunt -------------------------------- Tang Gogh
The bird lover uncle ------------------------------------- Flamin Gogh
The fruit loving cousin -------------------------------------- Man Gogh
An aunt who taught positive thinking ------------------ Way-to-Gogh
The little bouncy nephew ----------------------------------- Poe Gogh
A sister who loved disco -------------------------------------- Go Gogh
And his niece who travels the country in an RV --- Winnie Bay Gogh

I saw you smiling ---- there ya Gogh!

Is it weird that I think it would be cool to go to this?.. World Beard and Moustache Championships

Tutu!