Christmas Time

It is that time of year again when I insist on getting pictures with out tree, and my family happily goes along with my persuading! I loved the kids outfits this year, and Pierce fell in love with his little tie. They are getting so big, I can hardly believe it!
It is so awesome to see what little friends Allee and Pierce are becoming, and it puts a smile on my face to know that they have each other. Allee is very patient with Pierce and loves to read book after book to him. Pierce is happy to let Allee dress him up in Princess clothes and their new game is to play house.

We are so blessed to be a family.

Here are just some quick pics of this week when Santa mailed Allee and Pierce letters. They were so excited that Santa remembered to send them back a little letter and they were happy to know that once again, Santa will visit our Missouri house as well as Gra and Papa's in Utah.

Cookies

Last year we made Gingerbread cookies and it was such a suprising hit that it is one of our new traditions.

I have some ever so eager helpers who most of the time just played with a hunk of cookie dough that I gave each of them. Allee insisted that the majority of our cookies needed to be in the shape of gingerbread men, "because they are called gingerbread cookies, Mom!"

We wrote our letters to Santa, and it's interesting to see what everyone asks for, and there are usually a few suprises. Derek and I also write letters to Santa which helps us remember the magic of believeing. We decided that we were only allowed to ask for three things this year, to help us remember the three gifts Jesus was given by the Wise Men.

Allee's list included: Pink Shoes (that was a suprise), an American Girl Doll, and Lipstick. I love seeing how her handwriting is progressing every year, and this year she sounded out the words herself, too cute!

Pierce's list: Firetruck, balls, and three Mickey's. I have no idea what he expects when he says three Mickey's, but he has been saying the same think for a month now.

After writing our letters, we decorated cookies. I give each of the kids a baggie filled with frosting and they think they are so big. Secretely it is far less messy than just giving them a knife with some frosting!

Pierce insisted that I take his picture today at lunch as well and this one turned out so cute, I had to post it instead of his from last night!
They are so proud of their creations!

Pics

I was trying to get some pictures for our Christmas card this year, and was that an adventure. The first two places I had picked out had terrible lighting and the kids were looking into the sun. I was irritated that they just couldn't keep their eyes open, and they were probably wondering why their mom turned into such a grouch. We drove around town looking for somewhere else to try and after a half an hour in the car we found this wall on one of the outer edge of the square. After promises of going to Sonic for drinks, we really got some amazing pictures. They were smiling and their eyes were open, and in my opinion that is all that matters!

Thanks to Sonic for making blue coconut slushies and apple juice (as well as a strawberry limeaid for myself and vanilla coke for Derek my assistant).

Thanks to Allee and Pierce for putting up with their crazy mom and her ideas of perfection. Sometimes I really don't deserve such wonderful kiddos.

One Fish, Two Fish

The kids were so excited to start swimming lessons this month. We were in Utah for the summer session, and quite honestly it worked perfectly in November. Summertime is so busy and once fall hits and daylight savings kicks in, there isn't much to do.

Allee and Pierce both LOVE the water and it was fun to see how much they progressed in only two weeks.

Allee learned how to swim with her face in the water. She is now an "expert" at the primary stroke, back stroke, and diving for rings underwater. Just ask, she will tell you how easy it is and how much she loves it.

Pierce and I took a Mommy and Me class. It was at the same time as Allee's and I figured it would be easier than trying to keep him out of the water. By the end of his lessons he was great at jumping in (his personal favorite), putting his mouth and nose under water, and he would even bob completely underneath.

We are so proud of our little fish!

Halloween

Halloween was definitely different this year. It was our second one away from Utah, and this year Halloween was on Sunday. Normally on Saturday we would be getting the kids all dressed up, but not here in Missouri. Derek and I had a couple of conversations about whether or not to take the kids out on Sunday, but we decided that none of our Halloween traditions broke the sabbath, and how could we not let them go.

We went to a trunk or treat at First Baptist Church which the kids thought was pretty fun, but honestly I am not a huge fan of trunk or treats. I think Halloween should be spent walking around the neighborhood, bumping into friends and neighbors and walking door to door (but that's my opinion!) Allee especially loved seeing her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Johnson who handed her hand fulls (not kidding!) of candy. She felt pretty special.

Afterwards we walked around our neighborhood, not because we needed more candy, but because everyone was out and that is the fun of the holiday!

Allee was Gabriella from High School Musical. This is the first year I haven't made the kids costumes and I was a little sad. I found this on such an awesome deal, that I couldn't pass it up! She looked beautiful and was covered in sparkles.

Pierce was VERY insistent that he would be a fireman this year. I tried to talk him out of it and I almost made him the costume I wanted, but after some coaching from Derek (like why am I fighting with a 2 year old over a Halloween costume!) I gave in.

This is the costume I made him last year. It was gigantic then and it fit perfectly this year. He was so happy with it and he was so excited to put it on.

The kids had a blast and ate way too much candy, but that's what Halloween is all about!

Carving Pumpkins

It's that sticky, messy, gooey time of year again and we love it!

This year Pierce was more than eager to help pull all the seeds out of his pumpkins. There was no trepidation, no pulling faces, this guy was on a mission. He didn't rest until every last seed was pulled from his pumpkin.

Allee was able to design and carve her own pumpkin this year. Derek helped with the mouth but that was only because I broke the good carving knife. She spent most of her time drawing faces, there is one on the back side of her pumpkin as well, she is always drawing, our little artist.

Derek made his traditional "throwing-up" pumpkin which was made even more spectacular by the bumpy knotty pumpkin he had this year.

We are ready, we are set,

Halloween Here We Come!

Success!!!!!!!!

It has taken me a little while to post this because I wanted to be really sure we were done. I didn't want to have to look back at this post and say, "remember when he did this?" It has been 6 weeks and I can confidently say with all the enthusiasm I can muster

PIERCE IS POTTY TRAINED!!!
He loves his big boy underwear, especially the ones with the balls around the waistband!
He was so easy to potty train. The first day I put a pull up on him at nap time and he was dry. The second day he refused to wear one for naps and has never had an accident. By day three he wouldn't wear a pull up at bedtime, and has never had an accident at night. Of course there are the occasional accidents during the day, but all in all it has been a wonderful experience (whew!) I was so nervous, everyone told me boys were so much harder, but this little angel proved them wrong.
Way to go Pierce!

10 Years

Ten years ago yesterday I was privileged enough to be marrying my best friend. I remember seeing him for the first time that cold morning and thinking,

"I really get to marry him?!"

That day went by so quickly. I barely remember what was said. I had to think really hard about whether or not our cake had raspberry filling.

But, I can remember perfectly clear, looking into his eyes as we were being sealed and feeling safe, warm, and loved. I always knew that I was going to love him forever, I just didn't realize at that time how MUCH I would love him forever.

10 years later I still get that warm feeling when he walks in the door from work. I still get excited when we go on dates. And I am so excited that I am the person who gets to love him forever.

Now, onto the fun part of our anniversary!

This is the package my present came in!

I never thought I would be the type of girl who wanted a present that came in one of those famous blue boxes, but guess what?? Now that I have received one, I totally am!

It was so beautiful, I didn't even want to open it.
I love, love, love my present. It is beautiful. In the light it sparkles like it is filled with hundreds of little diamonds. In practicality it is flexible sterling silver and the coolest ring I have ever seen.

Thanks for 10 amazing years my love.

Aunt Christy

We were so lucky to have my sister Christy come for a visit. She called me about a week and a half before her visit and said her dentist had the week off and she was coming out to stay for a week. We were all so ecstatic! The kiddos couldn't get enough of her (poor girl). She had to do all the bedtime baths, and put both kids in their pajamas. As soon as Allee came home from school, she wanted to read with Aunt Christy.

We were able to go check out the Amish Market, make candy apples, and eat at our favorite restaurant in Springfield, Nakato's.

We are so glad she took time to come and see us.

Da Bears

Just a little glimpse of what our family looks like come Fall. We are training the kids up young, they have no choice but to cheer for "Da Bears".

We are hoping for a fantastic season.

Go Bears!!

Allee's 6th Birthday

Happy 6th Birthday Allee!

This year I decided to make her birthday outfit, and these leggings and tights completely fit her fun personality.

We love our little girl so much and we are so proud of what a spectacular daughter she is. She is loving, giving, spunky, and always full of personality! She has been such a blessing in our lives and she challenges us and teaches us more than we thought possible.

We LOVE you Allee!

Allee wanted a High School Musical party this year, so some High School Musical gear was a must!

I thought these sunglasses turned out pretty cute and they are just what a girly girl needs! For her birthday dinner this year she picked spaghetti and garlic bread, her current favorite.

A few more of Allee's favorites right now:

Favorite Books: Junie B. Jones and Fancy Nancy
Favorite thing to do at home: Play with Pierce
Favorite color: Orange
Favorite thing to do at recess: Play on the spider web with Oliva and Parker

On Saturday, September 25th Allee had a party with all her girlfriends at the indoor pool.

Allee and Mikiah

I think Pierce went up and down this slide for a solid 45 minutes.

Allee's party was wonderful. All the girls had a blast swimming and then we had some High School Musical cupcakes.