can't play catch up anymore...

.....i need to just start somewhere bc i have too much that has happened. So, our most recent adventures.... Alison and Ryan came up to see us and we all went to the mountains! We stayed in a fabulous cabin and had a great time! Heath and Ryan dug an amazing course for sledding and it was so dang fast! Seriously, we all kept flying off the course. It was nearly 400 ft. long; 125 yards of sheer excitement and terror! At one point, Jace flew off and Ryan saved him from hitting a tree. Jace got up and said let's do it again! He was a little dare devil. There was a ton of snow to play in and the kids had a blast! It was so fun to get all bundled up and just spend some great time together. here's some pics but the videos are the best!

Thanksgiving Highlights

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DeLiciouSfoOd.SewIngniGhts.ArreSteDdeveLopMent.SunNyand
HOT.waLkIngRusTy. PeanUtButterCupTurkeys.HomEmaDerOLls.
GreAtcomPany.

Funk

I seem to be in a blogging funk because I have so much to catch up on. It's kind of like when you haven't talked to a good friend in years, and you keep putting it off because there's so much to tell...can you really stay on the phone for 2 hours? So, I need to update pics about Thanksgiving, Christmas, Arizona, sewing projects, Heath's 30th, and more! So, please forgive me blog followers and blog stalkers, but I'll get back on the ball soon.

slow....

I'm sitting at work wishing the day would go faster--looking at the clock thinking it has to be an hour later yet only 20 minutes have passed. Christmas day was a great day! We woke up and the kids got their stockings and the home-made sock monkeys from me. There was no having breakfast. The only thing on Jace's mind was presents. Thanks to his wonderful grandmas and grandpas the boys got more presents than we planned. that was a nice treat for them. I don't have my camera, but I'll post later.



It's crazy how Christmas expectations change as you get older. It used to be all about what I got. I didn't mind at all that I didn't open one present this year. In fact, I can remember Christmases being disappointed because I didn't get that much. My parents always gave us great gifts but nothing extravagant. Looking back, I'm grateful that there wasn't soo much focus on presents. One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions in my family is our home-made gift exchange. We only do it every other year. (this year was Heath's family xmas) We started it, I believe nearly 10 years ago, I think. We all draw names in December and this is the most anticipated gift of the whole day....mostly because you know that that person put their heart and soul into figuring out a creative home-made gift they would enjoy. Let's see, a few that I've made: Birdie Sling Purse, Framed Photo Collage, Embroidered Pillow, Family Web site, i can't think of others. Some that I've received: Quilt, Xmas Wall hanging, Pillow Blanket, Bean Bag, Stationary, Nursing Cover, Baby Blanket, Family Calendar. These gifts mean so much more to me and they are lasting.


This year it was all about the BOYS! I enojoy Christmas so much more with kids. It's so fun to watch their reactions to each gift and see how much they appreciate it. Even though this was a meager Christmas, the kids had no idea and were just happy for what they got. Camden kept saying, "Wow" and Jace would jump up and down yelling "Woo Hoo" Jace played with his police cars, dump truck and street sweeper and helicopter all day and Camden got a bunch of fun interactive gifts. The best part of the day though was just being all together. Heath's family came over and we had a mexican fiesta Christmas. The food was delicious!!!!!! I love seeing the cousins play. At one point in the day, however, I sat down on the couch and looked around at 5 different people playing on their new electronic toy. It was weird...no one was talking...just playing on their I touch or I phone or MP3 or Ipod. Understandable but a tad bit sad.


Later that day, we went and saw Sherlock Holmes, which I really enjoyed. The movie wasn't non-stop action but it was entertaining and I like the mystery focused stories. Plus, the acting was great. It's hard to believe Christmas day is over but I'm grateful that I was able to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this year. I am thankful that we could be together as family. I was hoping to do Christmas caroling or the nativity this year but it just got hectic at the house. It will be easier to start traditions when we're at our own home. :) We did squeeze in reading Luke Christmas Eve.

Arizona

Well, my Christmas letter is coming. My computer is being weird so that will come with all the news of the year. We are in Arizona now and have been for nearly 2 weeks! I got offered a part-time temp. position at an Aviation company and so we packed our bags and headed out of Denver until next year. The drive was mostly uneventful. hooray! We stayed with Heath's family friends (i know you're reading this :)) in Alburqurque so the drive wasn't bad. THANK YOU KRISTEN!!!!! The boys were checked out by the time we got there. They have such a cute family and the girls just adored our little Camden. He liked them too...it was a toss up between them and their dog. hee hee :)

So, now that we are here, I've been working almost every day. The first week was training and now is my DAY 1 on my own. Going great and I enjoy the job. However, I MISS those boys! This has been really good for me though...reminds me how much I love being a mommy and also how grateful I am that Heath will be the working one. (eventually) He tried to find a job too but I got an offer so we took it. Heath is being Mr. Mom and last night I asked him how he was holding up and he said, 'he's ready for me to be done last week.' :) Last Friday, I came home exhausted and the second I held Camden I started to cry. I hate that I'm missing just small moments and the second I get home, he won't let me go. It's really sweet but it also breaks my heart a little. I'm not devastated because I know it's only for a short time. On the whole other hand, it's really nice doing something I am good at again and being appreciated. My boss and associates seem thrilled with my work and have told me I can come back and work for them anytime. It's also a good reminder that I have some brains and that 2 kids haven't completely drained all my mindpower. :) I get off early tomorrow so I can prepare for Santa. We're going to make sugar cookies and sing Christmas songs all day! Can't believe it's Christmas but i love this time of year. Will blog again shortly.

Merry Christmas!!!

my nose is cold my toes are froze....

There's something wrong with this picture...everytime I've written, it's COLD. I think I forgot I lived in Colorado. oops. :) Last night, it got down to negative 36 with windchill and this morning it was negative 15 with no wind. I'm cold there's nothing else to it. I figure I better write about some things bc I'll have little or no time in the next few days to update with pics. So what's been going on in our lives????

First thing, we went to California for Thanksgiving and had a great time with my family. We did the Thousand Oaks Turkey Day Dash, ate homemade rolls, delicious turkey, stuffing, etc...the works. We sewed like no other! I finished a Christmas banner and an apron for my best friend's birthday. (Lane, I need a pic of you looking so domestically chic in it!) Got pedis and mostly just hung out, caught up on some Arrested Development episodes, went to Ventura Pier for tandem bikes and such, ate The Habit, That pretty much sums up a great Thanksgiving with family. pics to come for these.

Well, while we were there, Heath and I celebrated our 7th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Can you believe it? I feel old. My parents watched the kids and we had a much needed night out. It was just dinner but it was really nice to have dinner, talk and enjoy the Christmas scenery....ice skating rink and lighted trees. We were going to walk around but it got pretty chilly. I love these dates. We have such a great time together and I can just be myself with him and he loves me for it. The food was good but the company was better :) I love you Heath and I think I keep falling....

Got back from a great trip and it's been cold cold cold. Even too cold to enjoy the snow or sledding. We did go to a city winter wonderland celebration and it was super fun and FREE. Jace loved it and had fun with all the games. It was too cold to stay longer than an hour but it was a great family outing.

Let's see, we'll be in Arizona for three weeks because I sort of got a job! We've been looking for seasonal work to earn money during this break. I got a call back and they pretty much have given me the position they just want to meet me first. The hours aren't bad and I think a little break from full time mommyhood might be okay. I'll be the front desk receptionist at a private airport for a couple weeks. Maybe meet some celebrities taking their jet out for the weekend. :) Will def. enjoy seeing Heath's family and all the cousins.

I need to do so many things..clean the house, pack, clean out the fridge, go to the store, organize papers, bills, coupons, find a portable dvd player, finish my sock monkeys for kiddos, finish a tote bag, write Christmas letters, design a digital christmas card (no money this year) I don't think I'm going to get all done before we leave tomorrow so I'll just start with the most important...cleaninng. How come this always comes first. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to not care that the house is not in pristine order and the meals aren't planned. I can't live like that, i'd go even more crazy. :)

Oh, and did I mention Camden has croup and strep. So much fun! But really it hasn't been bad just a fever, irritability, stuffy runny nose and being hoarse. poor baby. He's been sleeping fine so that's what's important. :)

Hopefully, my next post will be a CHRISTMAS CARD TO ALL OF YOU! Warmest wishes for the holidays and travel safely.