Trick or TREAT!!

I made these way cute goody bags for Dallin's class party! I got the idea from Martha Stewart but tweaked it a little. Her original idea called for cut branches to be the broom sticks. I didn't want to go outside and cut down all the trees and I could see the branches being turned into weapons in the hands of a bunch of 1st graders, so I decided to use pretzel rods instead. I also cut the lunch bags down a little. Otherwise it would take a lot of candy to fill them up and they would have been huge! Then, I added a cute little tag with a fun saying. (I hope this gives people the hint that these are brooms, not BOMBS as my father-in-law thought!) This was such a fun project to work on and even though we won't be here for his class party (we are going to the sand dunes) I think everyone will have a wonderful time! HAPPY HAUNTING!!

Fun Fact

Here is some shocking information...Today is the anniversary of when Brandon and I first started 'DATING'. That news by itself is not so shocking but what is is that it is our 17 YEAR anniversary!!! How can that be when I am only 20 years old?!? hehe :) I can still remember that day like yesterday (even what I was wearing). I guess it true what they say...time FLIES when you're having FUN!!

Halloween Preview

S P O O K Y !
I told Dallin a few days ago that I ordered his Halloween Costume and it should be here by today. He has literally been counting down the hours so I was getting kind of nervous when it was close to him being out of school and the UPS guy hadn't come yet. I was very relieved when he finally came just mintues before Dallin got home. (WHEW!) He was so excited he came running in and wanted to try his costume on right away!

Look at that face! He could hardley wait for me to open the box.
He decided on being Darth Maul this year. It was a hard choice between Darth Maul or Ghostrider. Darth Maul won out thanks to the fact that he has a doube bladed light saber. I was glad he chose Darth Maul.
Megan is the cutest witch!! She wanted to be a princess but I coudn't find any cute princess costumes small enough for her and I found this witch costume that was so adorable! She loves it and so do I.

I wanted to get a picture of the kids together but for awhile this was the closest that Megan would get to Dallin and she always had to be looking at him. She eventually got used to it but was a little unsure about it at first. I don't blame her though...he does look pretty SCARY!!
Finally a picture of them together

Someday...

One of the things I look forward to most when we move into our new house is having a Halloween Party for the kids and all their friends. I have wanted to do this for years but wanted them to be a little bit older. Hopefully by next year I can do it! I have been collecting ideas though and thought these ones from MARTHA STEWART are so cute!! (Maybe when I grow up I can be like her! Without the prison part though.) Isn't this a cool idea for a easy pumpkin? It's kind of creepy too! I think Dallin would LOVE it!
Spooky Goodies!

Who says you only need a Christmas Tree?
Cute Goody bags! Maybe I will do these for Dallin's class this year.
I think this would be great on buffet or kitchen counter. So cute!!


I love Halloween and all the fun creative things you can do to add to the holiday! (It might be my favorite holiday) Happy Halloween Everyone!!

My new goal

Okay...so I know my kids are on the smallish side, especially Megan. She is 27 months old and still wears 18 month clothing (with a few 12 month clothes thrown in there). But I have never been too worried about it until I took her to the pediatrician the other day and she wants to run a bunch of tests on her! What the?? She said she is the normal weight of a one year old. She usually teeters between 20-21 pounds and the doctor wants her to be about 25-26 pounds. She wants to check her thyroid if she doesn't gain weight in the next month. She is usually a pretty good eater but she has hit the 2 year old phase where she has gotten a bit pickier. So I have come up with a few ideas on how to chunk her up a bit.

Mommy's Idea #1

PediaSure - My doctor actually recommended this one and even gave us a few sample bottles. We totally phyched her out about it and told her how cool this new drink is. It even has a BEAR on the bottle! Dallin got in on the act too and told her how much he wanted some. She was really excited about it. We put a STRAW in it (doesn't everything taste better through a straw?) and watched for her reaction...

Megan's Response - NO WAY!!! After one sip she was more than willing to share with her big brother.

Hhhmmmm....what next....

Mommy's Idea #2

Carnation Instant Breakfast - Mixed with whole milk this could help pack on some pounds. Once again I began to pump her up about an "Chocolate Ice Cream Drink" . I even put it in her Hello Kitty thermos then sat back and waited for her reaction....

Megan's Response - NOPE!! She took a few sips but after that she was done. Any time I have offered it to her since then she has rejected it...

What now?!?!......

Mommy's Idea #3
Whole Milk - Somehow after she was born she got put on Soy milk. She seemed to be having a lot of problems on her regular formula and soy milk seemed to help. So will she go for some milk?.....

Megan's Response - KINDA... she doesn't like it by itself but if I mix it with some soy milk she will drink it.

While I have run out of ideas Megan has seemed to come up with one of her own...

Megan's Idea #1
COOKIES - Grandma's cookies and lots of 'em!!

Mommy's Response - whatever!

If anyone knows how to put a few pounds on a two year old let me know!

Thankful

Do you ever have those days where nothing earth shattering happens but you just look around and realize how blessed you are? For some reason today has been one of those days for me. Like I said...nothing in particular happened but from the moment I got up today I have been able to look around at my life and be so THANKFUL for what I have. Even though I have tons of laundry to fold (I can always seem to put it in the washer and dryer without a problem but I HATE folding it), rooms to clean, and a ton of contractors to call I have taken some rare calm minutes to really enjoy my loved ones. I cuddled on the couch with Dallin for a few minutes today before we got ready to take him to school and went to lunch with Brandon and Megan and just reveled in watching her say 'hi' to everyone she saw and just enjoyed looking at my oh so handsome husband! In the middle of all this I decided to set a goal for myself and make a list of some of the blessings in my life and things I am thankful for. Because I am 30 years old now I decided I would make a list of 30 things I am thankful for. Here goes....

1. My wonderful loving husband

2. My children's health and safety

3. The gospel in my life

4. This beautiful country I live in

5. The Freedom from want that we enjoy

6. Our great extended family

7. Everyone (on both sides of our family) has a temple recommend. This is a wonderful blessing!

8. Miracles!! My dad joined the church and is now a Bishop!! For any of you who know this story you know that it is truly a MIRACLE!

9. Brandon loves his job. I am so thankful he enjoys the work he does.

10. Brandon's job enables me to stay at home

11. I enjoy my job. (Not that some days aren't hard but I wouldn't change it for the world.)

12. No matter how big my babies get they always fit perfectly in my arms (I hope this is always true!)

13. I married my best friend

14. I learn from my children everyday

15. Our wonderful friends!

16. I have survived the summer in Logandale and the cooler temperatures are almost here!

17. My mom!! She did everything right. I hope I can have the same effect on my kids that she had on me. She let me have my free agency but taught me what was right. I remember when I first had Dallin I thought.."Oh my gosh...he might feel about me the same way I feel about my mom." Talk about having big shoes to fill!

18. Brandon is the best father and husband in the world!!

19. My children have wonderful grandparents. What a blessing! They have wonderful examples all around them!

20. My children have amazing aunts, uncles and cousins. Again, they are all active in the gospel.. blessing!

21. Dallin loves school and is doing great! This may not seem like a huge blessing but when I think about how it would be if he didn't enjoy it I am so thankful he does!

22. Our parents have been so supportive and helpful in helping us with our dream of building or house. Thanks again!!

23. I never have to hide anything from my husband. I know he will love me and support me no matter what!

24. Modern conveniences like Tivo and cell phones...I know that this may not seem like a true blessing but aren't we so glad we have them??

25. Heavenly Father trusted me enough to give me two of the most wonderful children in the world. ( I must have done something right)

26. Our family is healthy

27. Patience...not necessarily mine but the fact that my family has patience with me!

28. The holidays are almost here! I love this time of year.

29. Megan loves to sing!! She is learning a bunch of church songs and I could listen to her sing all day.

30. I am happy!

Well..there it is. That wasn't hard at all and I hope that I can look back on this when I am having those bad days that come every now and then and remember why I am so lucky!