Gingerbread House

Two months ago, I bought a gingerbread house kit to make with my kids.
We never got around to using it. The kids would either have runny noses, we would have too many sweets around, or we were preparing for one trip or another.
Today, I decided to make peanut oat balls, and the kids were so good helping that when I saw the neglected gingerbread kit, I decided that today was the day to actually make it.
It was fun and made this rainy morning pass by quickly.

the kids siring the peanut butter and oats

Jonathan helping his sister

sorting the candy, only eat a couple of peices

The house that the kids decorated

Claire's nap time yesterday. I didn't dare move her to her bed in fear she would wake-up. (It was a good choice)

Arizonatrip

So Jacob had go to Germany for nine days for work. We were both not thrilled with having to be separated so long. I knew I would need help not turning into an emotional monster mom, so the kids and I drove down to phoenix to be with family. It was a great decision. I had thought of staying here to save money and just try to do things with friends, but I'm glad I didn't.
The trip was so much fun! None of us got sick (a first) and everyday except our travel days there was something fun to do and cousins for the kids to play with. Jonathan missed his dad so much, so I was so glad he had distractions.
Also, I've got to say that there was a positive result from being separated from Jacob for a week plus; it is that ever since he came back, I have become better aware of how heavenly it is to be home with each other. I didn't realize how joy filled my family life is. I know that that is a special blessing not given to everyone, and I am so happy to have it.

riding the carousel at superstition springs mall

Jonathan wanted to ride the dragon and hang out with his friend grandpa

Nana gave Claire a hair clip that she insisted stay in her hair

Jonathan holding Claire

Cousins! Claire and Andrew finally bonded and I think are friends now

Dinosaur dance party with music and entrainment provided by awesome uncles

Claire at her favorite drink spot

pre-Christmas Pictures

Here's the pictures from before our December trip that I kept meaning to post

Jacob's name on the Skylander's Swapforce credits

Our Thanksgiving meal. (so yummy)

Jonathan put his head in the bowl while licking the whipped cream

Box fun

couch potatoes

The box as a boat. He sang row row row your boat as he paddled

Our creative boy

LifeafterVacation

Life after winter vacation always seems to take a little getting used to. It, also, tends to coincided with sickness. This year, however, the sickness wasn't so bad for the adults which was really nice. I wish the kids could have escaped getting sick, but hey, whats New Years without a little bit of throw-up all over you?
Our trip to Arizona was absoulutly amazing and too quick. I miss Jonathan playing with cousins and late night talks with our awesome family so much.
Our lives have been pretty calm, since getting over the before mentioned sickness. Joanthan has wanted to watch his birthday present "Peter Pan" with Cathy Rigby almost everyday or play Skylanders (he got four new ones from his grandma). Claire has been super sweet and happy since we got back. Oh, and the greatest news Claire is now going to Nursery and not crying about it. I think her nursery teachers are magic, they even got her to sleep last week.

I think the only down parts of my life are occasional Morning Sickness, trying to get Claire to bed at night, and Jacob possibly having to leave for Germany for 10 days.

MorningSickness

So its been about a month since I've posted anything. Why? Two words; Morning Sickness (or evening sickness in my case).
We are having a third! I am so excited about this baby, which is weird because so far s/he has just made me sick. Luckily, I have two amazing kids and God who keep comforting me that it will be worth it. In fact, I think this is the happiest I've been to be having a baby while simultaneously hating pregnancy with a vengeance.
The kids have been taking my lying around moaning pretty well, too. Sometimes  I just think Jonathan is an angel... until he decided to paint on his sister's face, yes, paint. (i didn't even think he could climb up to it)
Anyways, I think it is starting to get easier now and I can function in the evenings.
I still am very touchy as to what I like and don't. The weird thing about this pregnancy? Sound sensitivity. The wrong noise, song, whatever actually makes me feel physically sick, strange huh?
Anyways, here are some pictures that I forgot to post.

Playing blanket monsters with Dad

Garden I planted before morning sickness set in

Best husband ever

Ashley

I had a dear friend pass yesterday
She was a great friend and now after a night of not being able to stop think of the wonderful memories, it has finally hit me how I will miss her

Halloween and Fall

This is the first time I have lived somewhere that has a typified 'Fall' season; complete with red and yellow falling leaves

I have to admit it is rather pretty.
But the real hallmark of the fall season for me is always Halloween. This year, our family went as video game characters, and hardly anyone knew who we were - which is par for the course. I was so happy with our costumes, however.

Our ward had a fun Halloween party with dancing. On the actual day we went trick-o-treating and Jonathan loved it (he kept asking to go to more houses). Overall, a great Halloween, but now we're stuck with a bunch of candy :-/