No need for Christmas toys

My generous friend, Kellie, from our ward brought over some of her kids old toys the other day that she was gonna get rid of. Maddie and Camden both dove right into the bag (well, not literally). But they literally played with them for the rest of the day and then some.

Camden is actually looking at the camera and smiling, very rare. I think he might be saying "cheese" as well.

The bag 'o toys also contained some swimsuits, which Maddie modeled for us over and over again (with panties and all).

I just couldn't resist.

Thanks again, Kellie, for supplying us with fun filled days to come!

Furniture Heaven

Alright, a few of you have been waiting on me to post my new furniture pictures. I'm happy to say that the wait is over! Hopefully you didn't get your hopes up too much. Here is what we got & I'm excited about it. First of all, (I guess I should have done before and after shots, oh well)...here is the TV stand or whatever they call it that we got for an amazing price at RC Willey. Previously we had a tall, Wal-mart entertainment center, which was manipulated when we got a bigger TV two Christmas's ago, to make it fit. I've wanted something new ever since. It's nice not to buy cheap furniture, these pieces may actually last awhile.

Next, is our new bed. I wanted to buy a whole bedroom set, but didn't like the dresser & nightstand that went with it, and it's not really in the budget right now...so I'm continuing my search for those. For now, this is great though. Although now I'm thinking we also need a new comforter! Ahh...it never stops!

Lastly, here is the one and only good thing that came from my "Black Friday" experience--the two patterned pillows on the couch which were normally $40/each and I got them for $12/each. Next year I'll have to go with some friends or something and make it a more enjoyable experience.

So, this year I will just enjoy watching my children unwrap their presents, instead of my own, which honestly does not bother me one bit. I always know everything I'm getting anyways! It's always fun to see their excitement, especially now that they're getting older...I just love it!

Merry Christmas to me! Ben was so kind to let me talk him into furniture this year. I love you babe.

(Sorry about the rain looking spots on some of the pics, the lense was dirty!)

A Little Preview

We had Ann, Ben's sister, take some family pictures for us the other day. I didn't want to reveal the final pic, since most of you will be receiving it via mail, so here are a few other fun ones...

Thanks again Annie, what would we do without you?

Thanksgiving Festivities

We've had such a fun Thanksgiving week, filled with lots of family and fun. First, on a sad note--I forgot my camera on Thanksgiving day :( I'm still upset with myself for not being able to capture everything on film. I'm a sad excuse for a blogger, I know. Despite my boo boo,we had a nice day up in Heber with Ben's side of the family (35 or so I think). Because of the large number, we held it at the church, which was nice b/c we worked off some of our extra calories by playing some volleyball afterwards. I did play in high school, so it's kinda nice sometimes to see if I still have any skills (or maybe I never did ?). Anyways, it was a good day.

The next day started off with some unsuccessful "black friday" shopping and a trip to Chuck E. Cheese for our niece's b-day. My kids love that place. Notice they don't like to look directly at the camera, which makes for great pictures.

Ok, he is looking at the camera in this one.

The merry-go-round

Maddie shaking it, while watching the big characters on the stage, she wasn't shy! (She had to hold onto the chairs for support)

Annie, aka "The Best Aunt Ever!"

Ann (Ben's little sis) is always taking my kids so I can have some peace and quiet and get things done, I don't think she knows how much I appreciate her. I love you Annie!

We ended that day with some furniture shopping...:) I'll let you know how that went later.

Santa, Big Girl

Our little Maddie seems to be obsessed with being a "big girl". Not only that, but loves to distinguish the difference between big girls and babies. The other day I was singing that "Santa baby" song, while giving them a bath and she thought that was hilarious. "Santa isn't a baby!" she said. Then she proceeded to sing "Santa big girl" for the remainder of her bath. Apparently I need to teach her that there are big boys in the world as well.

I am officially in the Christmas mood! I usually wait to decorate till after Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't wait any longer this year. This morning I got everything out and the kids are just thrilled. I'm just waiting for Ben to wake up, (he started the night shift last night) so I can retrieve the Christmas tree from under our bed. One day we won't have to store such things under our bed b/c of a lack of space!

Which brings me to my next topic...beds. I'm having a bit of furniture envy lately. I just can't get the idea of wanting new furniture out of my head. I'd love a bed and new dresser for our room as well as some sort of Entertainment center for our growing TVs. Is it safe to say, that if the TVs grow, so should the furniture around them? I know, I know...I'm being too worldly! I'm just hoping Santa will be kind this year bring me some, but it's kinda a tall order. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Maddie & Nattie

We had such a fun time last night hanging out with some old friends. Ben knew Scott growing up and he and Ben met me and Chandi (his wife) right about the same time. We had fun going on lots of group dates together. They just moved to Lehi, and we're so excited to have them so close. Maddie and Natalia ("Nattie" but I'm not sure if I'm spelling it correctly) had such a great time together. I don't think I have ever seen Maddie play so well with a friend before. They were born 2 weeks apart and destined to be friends...maybe Bosom Buddies. They never fought over a toy or had any problems together, it was wonderful! Thanks Scott & Chandi for having us over!

It got a little interesting when we would call their names, they would both turn their heads to respond.

Happy Birthday Suzanne!

My little sister, Suzanne, turns 18 today! I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday that she was peeking at me through the window of our house, as I was coming home from dates with my boyfriend in high school. She's the last one at home, 8 years behind me...so she often feels like an only child. Hurry up and graduate Suzie Q, so you can join us here in Utah. We all miss you :)