Fresh Cut...

Christmas Tree! That's what we get EVERY year. It used to be a matter of discussion every year that went something like this:

Me: "Can we go buy an artificial tree, babe?"

Clint: "What? No, I always had a live tree and LOVE the smell of a fresh Christmas Tree! There's nothing like it!"

Me: "Oh yeah, there is! You know Gold Canyon sells a candle and the scent is called Christmas tree. I'll be happy to light one every day and that way I don't have to deal with the pine needles, and getting my lights just perfect on the tree, and go to every Home Depot and Lowes around to find the "perfect" tree!"

Clint: "It wouldn't be the same. It's what I always grew up with and just love it!"

So how do you argue with "good memories". And so after all these years we've spent hours (literally) finding the perfect Tree. This year though, I saw a sample tree and a sign that Costco would be selling Noble Fir's, just what I like. I called them the day they got them in and they told me that you don't get to look through the tree's and find the one you like, rather you buy it, pull up and they throw it in the back of the car. (Basically a drive- through service.) The best part: they "guaranteed" that all their tree's look like the display! So I sent Clint on his way and he came home with a beautiful perfect looking tree. Now I know some of you would argue that half the fun is finding the "perfect" tree on your own, but for me this set up is perfect! And if you're wondering if the tree was just like the display...it sure was!

Annual Standage Party

On Sunday was our annual Standage Christmas party. This is when all Clint's Mom's family gets together to enjoy time together, food, and fun! We always look forward to this as well as the kids. We enjoy seeing family that otherwise we probably wouldn't see all year and the kids love the trains and spending time with cousins. Clint's uncle has an amazing collection of trains and an amazing track throughout his yard. He opens it up to the public and this year seemed to be extra crowded. We had a lot of fun and thanks to the Sirrines for hosting and to the "real Santa" for letting each kid sit and talk to you!

Caden checking out the trains!

Archer was good for the group shot, but wouldn't sit by himself!

Is is just my kids, or do yours do the same thing??? Every time they tell Santa what they want it changes! Caden said something like a train; which was the first I'd heard. All the trains outside must have influenced that thought!

Mrs. Claus Holiday Party

Our neighborhood had a fun Mrs. Claus party about a week ago. They had hot cocoa and doughnuts and some music for the kids to dance to. Lexi enjoyed making snowflakes and Caden played with friends on the playground. Mrs. Claus was there and told each of the kids that she'd be sure to let Santa know what they want and that they've been good this year.

brotherly love

Archer was standing at the couch and whining non-stop up to Caden, who was sitting on the couch. I decide to put Archer on the couch. As you can see by his face that's all he wanted. He wanted a little bonding time watching cartoons with his older brother. It only lasted about 30 seconds, but was cute while it did!

8 months

Our little man Archie B turned 8 months, almost two weeks ago. (I am so behind!) I know I always say this, but seriously...where has the time gone? He is getting so big and here are a few mentionables at this age:

• Crawls all over the place and is now pulling himself up to stand
• Loves, loves, loves his Daddy! Every morning he's looking around to find his Dad.
• Also loves to eat! People food that is. He still has no teeth, but manages to mash most things with his jaw and swallow. If you're eating, watch out! He'll be right at your feet!
• Nicknames: Archie B, booper and Handsome-Strong. He'll respond to all three.
• Puts absolutely EVERYTHING in his mouth! My other two didn't do this, so I have to keep an extra eye on Archer at all times!

It was awfully quiet the other day. As I looked around I caught this little guy sneaking a sucker which he found on the floor in the pantry. I love this shot!

indian chief

Caden came home from preschool on Thurs. dressed like this! Pretty much the cutest indian I've ever seen! I got the camera to take a picture and said, "smile!" Caden's response: "No, Mom. Indians are mean. I have to make a mean face!" So here's his best indian face. Oh, and I did let him know that not ALL indians were mean.

ornaments

Lexi's school had a fun fundraiser the other day. They had Creative Hands come to the school and bring pottery ornaments that the kids could pick out and paint. Lexi and Caden each had a lot of fun. Can't wait to get them back and hang them on our tree!

A story I'll tell...

Clint captured this the other night.

This is our nightly ritual with the kids. They love reading stories. In fact, they love chapter books that they can sit and listen to. I love how interested and intently, even Caden, listens. Whether it's Clint or I we never go to bed without reading first to the kids!

NO MORE GUM!

Caden just came into the den, where I am busy trying to update my blog. He says, "Do you like my hair Mom? I cut it!" Ahhhh, I jump up and say, "you what?" The look he had on his face quickly turned to shame as I asked why he cut his hair? I led him right into the bathroom where I see the evidence on the floor, in the sink, and all over the stool. I then notice there is gum still stuck in the ends of some of his hair. He said he threw his gum in the air and it landed on his head. What in the world? What goes through a 4 year old mind? Now normally this might not be such a big deal considering he's a boy and we can buzz him and let it grow back in. BUT we have family pictures Sat. and I kind of wanted his hair to look good! After me freaking out a bit, getting him all cleaned up, and trimming a few hairs by Mom to even things out...I think it's going to be okay. Let's hope! He got a long talk about not EVER cutting his own hair and if he ever has a problem to come and get me right away. And as far as gum goes...he won't be getting it again for a loooong time.

there are benefits to blogging!

One of my favorite things about the holidays is receiving holiday cards from loved ones. Last year I was not about to send out cards because I didn't want to have pictures taken being big and prego. This year the time is fast approaching for cards to be sent out! We still have pictures that are yet to be taken...but we're working on it! Once the pictures are taken the next task is to decide what cards we want to use. Shutterfly has great cards/calendars/and invites for your holiday needs.

They have SO many cute Christmas cards! http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cardsstationery/christmas-cards Here are just a few of my favs!

Or if you want to beat the rush you could send out your cards early this year and surprise everyone with Thanksgiving cards!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/thanksgiving-cards

Or if you're hosting Thanksgiving at your home, wouldn't these be fun to send out?

Another favorite of mine during the holidays is attending parties! Shutterfly also has such cute invites for your party.

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations

These are the ones I love:

love these for a fun, casual evening!

or for a more formal night:

If you're interested in Shutterfly's holiday promotion check it out! http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Goodies Galore

Since when did Halloween become a week long holiday rather than just a day?

I have to say I felt like we lived in our costumes all week with all the fun parties. We started the week with a fun Birthday/Halloween/FHE party, had school parties, the ward fall festival, the school fall festival, and then laid low and passed out candy on Halloween. The kids loved it and Caden would have slept in his costume if I'd let him.

Fun face painting at the school.

Lexi didn't want to wear her costume to the school fall festival. So she wore her Halloween shirt instead and got a cute sparkly butterfly painted on he cheek. Caden didn't wear his mask, so why not paint one on?

It was still too warm out for Archer to put on his full costume.

Donatello??? So I'm told!

Clint couldn't let the kids have all the fun!

cupcake walk

My 50's sweetheart, Donatello (Mr. muscle Ninja Turtle), and my sweet Tiger.

Love this! Hopefully we can get one with all 3 next year!

Lexi didn't really like the glasses to go along with her 50's get up. I tried to convince her that they "make" the outfit! Caden was happy to wear his costume and take as many pic's as I wanted.

Archer being silly! Love the face!

He thought it was fun to play with the pumpkin bucket and put it on his head.

Jack O' Lanterns

Last night was the first free night we've had all week, so we decided to carve our pumpkins. Caden chose a scary pumpkin Zorro on a horse and Lexi made up her own classic Jack O Lantern face. As tradition holds true, I gutted (is that the right terminology?) the pumpkins. What's with that? I think it's fun, yet no one else wants to get their hands dirty. Maybe Archer will help me out next year? Just maybe. Archer lasted for the first 5 min. and then went to bed, which is why there are no pics of him. Once we had completed the carving we always take them out on the front porch and light them to get the "real" affect of how they turned out. Unfortunately, I could not find my tea lights any where. I must have misplaced them during the move. Clint couldn't wait until I made my way to the store the next day, so he went out and bought some that night. By the time he made it home (who knew it could take 45 min. to run in Bashas and Walgreens and find tea lights), it was way past bed time but we did get to see the lit pumpkins which the kids were pretty proud of!

Lexi was practicing her picture taking skills...

...hence my head is cut off!

Clint takes this night pretty serious! In fact at one point I asked if he had great family memories doing this growing up? He says he doesn't really remember doing this as a family. I on the other hand LOVE carving pumpkins and always remember doing it together as a family. I remember my Dad, the artist, would come up with the coolest faces and if we were lucky my Mom would toast the pumpkin seeds for us to eat. I hope to build the same memories for my kids!

looks intense and dangerous!

The final product! The picture doesn't do them justice.

are you scared???

Caden's Haunted House from preschool. Looks more cute than haunting to me!

Halloween Smores

Sweet Treats for the Ladies I visit teach!

Got this cute idea here