project 4

I have another project in the works. It's a Blog. For church. Fourth blog to be exact. If you're interested at all click this and leave a comment or an idea. I would love some input and feedback.
Thanks!

White paper packages tied up with strings....

These are a few of my [current] favorite things!

1. My Eat Better America Calender that I got for free in the mail. Every month is highlighted with a healthy recipe. I'm determined to try all of them. Click here if you want one too.

2. Balsamic vinaigrette. Although this is a $30 bottle of BV, it's so worth it. Find it at http://www.surlatable.com/

3. Carmex chap stick. I've tried a lot of different kinds and this seems to be the only one that works. Fill out this form for your chance to win some free carmex products.

4. Chips and salsa. Paces mild salsa or Costa Vidas queso are my fave.

5. Sprite floats...that's right just regular vanilla ice cream and some sprite. Anyone wanting to try this out, come over and I'll introduce you. I just can't get enough.

6. flower accessories. They just dress everything up and making them is SO. MUCH. FUN! {more on this topic coming soon}

7. Perfume. I feel so eloquent owning an actual bottle of perfume. It will probably outlive me, but I love how adult-like it makes me feel.

8. Fabric Band aids. No other band aids even compare.

9. Extra gum...it's all about the florescent green kind.

10. Hemp hand repair creme from the Body Shop {and pretty much everything else they sell there}. Works wonders and I looove the smell.

11. My running shoes.

12. Peaches & Cottage cheese. It's the perfect snack.

13. Owls... Anything with an owl on it is pretty much fabulous to me. I think it all started when I was given my moms owl necklace...remember??? If not, here's the story.

Hope you have enjoyed a sneak peak into the latest things I'm into and loving. I'd love to see what all of you are into, so I double dog dare you to do this post as well.

Mokey Marbles

This is what I caught Oliver doing today. He got into the Mokey Marbles and threw them all over the living room. When I asked him what he was doing, he looked up at me with a rock in his hand and said "ball".

The Climber

He may not be able to walk...he may be a little chunky...and he may even be a little short, but do you think that's going to stop him from trying to climb up anything he can???

...I don't think so!

Haven't done one of these in a while...

Today Oliver turns 16 months. I thought I'd share some of the fun things that makes him so cool.

Favorites

Food: Bananas and Bread

Drink: Tomato juice

Toy: Balls

Playmates: His cousins

Blanket: His bright green lime fleece

A few things that are unique about O

He still doesn't walk on his own, but he can sure move.

He likes to dance and has started to sing when he hears the music.

He loves to climb on and off the couch and tries to climb onto the bed.

He says Dad, Ball, No, Don't, More (signs this one), What's that, uh oh, poop, and sometimes [on a good day] Mom.

He screams when he wants more food. I need to fix this problem asap.

He loves to splash in the bath tub.

He has 15 very sharp teeth and the cutest goofiest smile to show them all off.

He has to be moving around all the time...even when he sleeps.

He loves to watch shows with his dad. He only sits still with him.

He hates having his diaper or clothes changed....therefor, I hate it too.

He isn't very cuddly, but every now and then when he wants kisses, he'll stick out his bottom lip [as if he's pouting] and wait for you to kiss him. I love it!

His favorite room to play in is the bathroom....we now block it off.

He loves getting his ears cleaned and even closes his little eyes and lays perfectly still.

He will eat anything...yes, even cottage cheese now.

We really feel so blessed to have Oliver around. He is one fun kid and has taught us a lot about being parents and how special it is to have that calling in life. We know we aren't perfect parents and that at times he isn't the perfect child, but we do know that we are lucky to have each other to look after, to learn with and to love. We sure do love you Ols!

Brace yourselves...it's a doozy

Here is our holiday re-cap. It's crammed with good times and a lot of pictures. Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS EVE

We always go over to my parents house for Christmas eve. We usually start the night out with a huge dinner. Dinner this night was SO good. I even admit that it was better then Thanksgiving. After dinner I read a few stories to the kids to get them settled down before we dive into the sea of gifts. As you can see, we were all spoiled by our parents and each other. Then once the living room is cleaned up, we play with our new toys. This year we all got rock band and Wii games, so it was especially fun for the adults to play with our toys.

CHRISTMAS MORNING!


I think this was my favorite part about Christmas this year. Waking Oliver up and cuddling with him in bed and then making out way into the living room to watch him unwrap his gifts. He had a great time!


Our lovely neighbor Sue has a wonderful tradition of having her close friends over for a Christmas breakfast. We are lucky to be a part of this group. We ate so much delicious food and then sat around opening crackers, exchanging gifts and having a great time.

LATER THAT DAY...

We headed over to Grandma Holly's and Grandpa Larry's house. Once again we were spoiled with gifts. The kids had a great time playing and opening presents. The adults sat around eating the traditional honey baked ham sandwiches and snacks and it was perfect.

NEW YEARS

Last year we headed down to St. George to bring in the new year and had such a great time, that we decided to make it a tradition. Luke and I had been looking forward to this since summer when we were last there and we are happy to report that it did not disappoint.

We didn't do a whole lot and that was the plan. A few of the things we did was play a lot of Wii. The kids loved playing Raving Rabbids, the adults played Rock Band and Luke played everything else. I also started running with my favorite work out partner, Amy. Running in SG is going to be added to my list of fun things to do while I'm there. Oliver took a bath in the huge bath tub and loved it and enjoyed all the free space to play in around the house.

We also went to Pirate Island Pizza. This was our first time going and we actually enjoyed it. The best part were the bread sticks and then getting to play in the arcade. I hadn't done that in years and it was so fun to watch all the little kids having such a great time.


As always, thank you to my wonderful in-laws for sharing their home with us. We loved being there with family and already are looking forward to next year.



AND LASTLY...
Moose is back. We thought that Moose was going to be perfect for the family that took him...sadly, they didn't feel the same way about Moose. Luke got a call from the lady saying that they didn't think it was going to work out and they were wondering if we would take him back. Apparently they had some issues with him and Moose didn't care for them either. So, for now, Moose is home. I have mixed feelings about this, but I'm hoping something good will come from it.

We hope that you all had a great Holiday break. I always love the holidays, although they can be hectic at times, It makes me realize that I am blessed with so many wonderful family members and friends and that my life is good. We wish you all a happy and blessed 2010 and look forward to what this new year will bring our family as well as yours.

much too much

Enjoyed a wonderful Christmas holiday, spent 6 fantastic days in St. George and Moose is back. So much has been happening these past few weeks and my catch up post is in the works.

Stay tuned...