Our Thankful Tree

This was such a fun Family Home Evening. I got the idea from a ward I visited in Richmond. We made this Thankful Tree with branches outside filled with a cup of dirt and rocks. Then I cut out leaves with construction paper and hole punched them. Then we wrote what we were thankful for and strung them on our tree (after a scripture about gratitude and a BOM story). Josh had fun participating as well and is currently enjoying finding the words he added (and his own name, of course). He calls it our family tree. We will make this a tradition. It will be fun to see how the kids' answers progress throughout the years.

And I made this delicious peanut butter pie for dessert (I was so on top of it!). Cream cheese, peanut butter, nutter butter cookies. Let me know if you want the recipe and I'll give it to you. It's super rich and yummy.

Bisbee 1,000 Race

This race was so much fun to run. All 4 of us gals rode up to Bisbee (2 hour drive) and ran this 5K plus 1,000 steps. It is equivalent to a 10K. It took me 1 hour and 3 minutes. It was a tough run, but I loved it. There is just something about races that are invigorating! In fact, I am training to run a half-marathon after the new year. And I'm looking forward to this as well. Somebody caught the running bug!!!

Why I Miss Virginia

(OK, so random: we were at Maymont Gardens and they had prickley pear cactus'. It made us laugh)

And why I don't:

Ryan and I always joked that it rained 50% of the time we spent in Virginia. Our stats were confirmed. Saturday, Sunday in Richmond was beautiful. Monday was overcast, but still nice. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday it rained and rained and rained and rained. It was cold, windy, and rainy. Ugh. It was then that I remembered why we moved to Arizona.

Javelinas

One morning I woke up and looked out my window and saw 2 javelinas eating the grass in our front yard. I have lived here for 1 1/2 years now and have yet to see one of these disgusting creatures. They are big. Very big pig like animals. I stared at them for about an hour wondering why they would decide to just show themselves at 8 AM one morning. My neighbor said that a bag of bird seed spilled on the grass. Who knew javelinas liked bird seed.

Trunk-or-Treat 2009

Our Halloween consisted of me cooking a delicious meal (pumpkin soup, homemade bread, and pumpkin cookies), running errands, and going to our ward's Trunk-or-Treat. I kind of wish our ward party wasn't on the actual day of Halloween so that we weren't worn out after the party, but....those are just my wishes. Josh wanted to still go trick-or-treating after the party, so we went around our apartment complex which were not used to trick-or-treaters because only a few had candy. But it's all about the experience, right? Funny kid. I put up his candy and it's been 2 days and he hasn't even asked about it.

Cafe Rio Salad Recipe

My friend, Janelle, gave me this recipe last year and I just made it for the first time yesterday. It tastes just like the real thing and it's pretty simple! Enjoy!

CAFE RIO SALAD:

Dressing:

2 tomatillos (green tomatoes wrapped in corn husks)

1 c. mayo

1/2 c. buttermilk

1/2 bunch cilantro

2 cloves garlic

1 ranch packet

1/4 t. cayenne pepper

Blend in a blender. Put in fridge overnight.

Meat:

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. salsa

meat of choice (pork roast, beef roast, chicken)

Cook 8-10 hours on low in crockpot. Shred meat with a fork when tender.

Rice:

2 c. rice

1 T. butter

2 cloves garlic minced

4 t. bouillion

2 c. water

3 T. chopped cilantro

1 can green chiles

3/4 t. salt

1/2 chopped onion

Add all ingredients except the rice. Bring to a boil, then add the rice to cook.

Options:

tortilla strips, parmesian cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, black beans

Put salad on top of cooked tortillas (you can add melted cheddar cheese) and add the meat, rice, dressing, and optional toppings. Yum!

Banana Nana

I love my banana nana Naters.

Playgroup Halloween Party

We went to our playgroup Halloween party today. SO MUCH FUN. Josh is a spider "fider" for Halloween and Nathan is a dalmation doggy. I got the costumes at Old Navy and they look adorable in them! We made necklaces, decorated masks, ate delicious food, and frosted cookies! Afterwards the kids watched a Halloween movie (Winne the Pooh) and the parents got to chat. Thanks for hosting, Janae!!!

We made those cute necklaces that Josh is hiding. Carlie died the pasta and they used them as beads.

Teamon, Alyssa, Jane, Grace, Ellena, Nathan, Joshua, Zachary, and Marshall.

Missing: TJ and baby Aaron

Tumbling Class

I enrolled Josh in a tumbling class at the YMCA. It is for kids 3-5 years old. There are 5 kids in the class, 4 boys and 1 girl. The parents only get to attend 2 classes: the first and the last. Apparently the kids aren't as good when the parents are watching. And it is to show us how much the have improved in the 9 weeks of the course.

Let's just say that Josh needs a lot of improvement. Both in listening skills and tumbling skills. But I think that he'll like it. And I think that it will be good for him. It's the first "class" he's ever been involved in (other than Joy School).

Here's a video of the teacher teaching Josh to do a pencil roll. She has her work cut out for her.

Nathan's New Trick

He is in that phase where he likes to carry around things that are bigger than him or just as heavy. He enjoyed climbing up on this stool and standing! But when I took the video, he was getting tired and done with his new trick, but you get the point.

And this video I just thought was just so cute. I love how excited babies get over the noises they make with things! (in this case, paper)

Halloween Party!

A friend of mine threw a Costume party. I dressed up as a pirate (aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrr) and Ryan as a soccer player. We ate delicious food and played my favorite party game, "Person, Place, and Thing". Thanks for the fun date night!

I know, I'm adorable, right?

A closer look: Like those pirate teeth?

Cutie Soccer Player

Painting Pumpkins

This year for Halloween, instead of carving pumpkins, we painted them. Maybe we'll carve some later, we will see. But Josh sure had fun painting! And, in my opinion, he did mighty well. I bought him a white pumpkin to paint, which was perfect. Then when he finished that one, Ryan and him painted an orange one. And then a smaller orange one. Then I put my foot down and said no more. 3 is enough for a 3 year old. Nathan watched with fascination. Maybe next year, kid. Just maybe.

Hose'n Around

When our neighbor, Julie, moved back to Colorado, she gave Josh her hose. And he LOOOOOVES it. Unfortunately, we don't go out too often because NATHAN DRIVES ME CRAZY OUTSIDE! All he wants to do is go up those scaaary steps and I have to follow him around like a protector. I hate it. So Josh and I go out while Nate is napping, usually.

And just so you know, we miss our neighbors soooo much. Mando passed away in August due to cancer. They were so wonderful, the first friends that we met here in Tucson. They were always to loving, patient, and giving. They gave Josh lots of praise, attention, and presents. Josh was really sad when Mando wasn't around anymore and would always say to Julie, "Mando is an angel now." And she would say, "Yes he is...." So sweet. I hope she enjoys Colorado. We couldn't have asked for better neighbors. They will always be in our hearts.

Loves from Us to You

Have you given your kid a hug today? They do wonders, do they not?

A Fun Picture

Zachary, Teamon, Joshua, Gracie, and Alyssa

Adorable.

Celebration Cake

When Ryan finished his Oncology rotation, we celebrated with a cake. Yeah, it was that bad. But a delicious cake it was! He talked about this cake weeks before he got it. It was one of the only things that pushed him through to the end...

P.S. You can get this cake at Beyond Bread. WORTH. EVERY. CALORIE.

Our First "Close Call"

Josh wakes up WAY too early for me. Like 6:00. It drives me nuts. Lately I have been taking Josh out of his room (before he wakes up Nathan) when I hear him stirring. (I know, I have eagle ears...I am a light sleeper.) And I typically put him in the computer/toy room until I decide to wake up. I don't like to put him in front of the TV because he always starts his day out grumpy when I do that. But I felt guilty making him leave my bed and really was hoping he'd fall asleep again, so I left him in our room and went to sleep on the couch. (If you're wondering, Ryan had already left for work). I came back in at 8:00 (2 hours later) to let him out and I smelled something burning. I noticed the bedlight was lying on the bedspread. I picked it up and it had burnt a hole in my bedspread. Sad days. I am so grateful it didn't turn into a fire, though. I may just have to stop being lazy in the mornings. Boo.

Crib Sharing

I'll be honest, the first time Josh crawled into Nathan's crib (AKA port-a-crib) I thought it was adorable. Then after numerous nights of Josh waking up Nathan to get into his crib, I was angry. Let's just say that Josh is no longer allowed in Nathan's crib. Even though he still asks almost every night. Stinker.

Agua Caliente = Ducks, Turtles, and Fish!

I love love love going to this park. We always go to McDonalds and get food and then have a picnic while watching the ducks. Then we feed them and walk around the swamp. This time we brought crackers. I think they prefer bread. Nathan is my little animal lover and was giddy over these creatures. Josh loves the ducks the most, but I am a huge fan of the turtles. There were SO many turtles swimming in the water. I love seeing animals in their natural habitat. We had a great afternoon.

Can you believe he is walking around barefoot in October!?!
Sweet baby boy. Although he's more a toddler now. Where did the time go?

Turtles on a log

Josh feeding the ducks crackers.

8 Ball in the Corner Pocket

Ryan and I got to go out on a fun date a few weekends ago. We have always been competitive against each other and when we were dating, we played a lot of games, including pool. We were getting a little sick of "dinner and a movie", so after dinner (at a Greek restaurant), we found a pool hall that allowed no smokers inside. We had a fun time. No one ever quite "won" a game. But both him and I "lost" a lot of games...scratching the 8 ball, calling the wrong hole...etc. But we had fun. We will definitely do this date again. And if anyone wants to double with us, all the better (I took a billiards class in college, so I can hold my own).

Splash Park...again.

I just love this Splash Park. And Josh has recently decided not to be scared of fountains. Which is great. This was actually taken about a month ago. Again, I've been a slacker. But the pictures are too cute not to share. Nate loves the water and had just as much fun as Joshy splashing away.

Checking In

We've been MIA for a bit. But we're still here. Still surviving. Doing quite well, actually.

Nathan is walking, which is fun. He beat Joshy by about 2 months. But it isn't a race now...really.

I am enjoying my life each day, being a mommy. I have come to realize (and I'm sure I'll need several more reminders throughout this period) that each of my days need to revolve around these precious boys of mine. I love them and only get to "control" their lives for a few short years before school, friends, and the world have a say. I am trying very hard to have beautiful moments with them every day. My spirit soars within me when I do. Man, I love these boys more than I ever thought possible.

Ryan finished his toughest rotation of the year. It puts things into perspective when he gets to see the kids and kiss them to bed most nights. I have come to love and appreciate every little thing he does to help me and the kids. We are partners...good ones at that. It is interesting how much we are appreciating each other right now. We both depend so much on each other. I believe it's what a good marriage is all about. I think we are the happiest in our marriage right now than we have ever been before. It's peaceful and I feel the Lord carrying us.

I have my Bisbee 1000 Race this Saturday (5K plus 1000 steps). I am looking forward to going up with good friends and having a no kids day. Ryan is looking forward to having an all kids day. I'll post pics of the race next week!

We are going to Virginia the 2nd week of November. We are very excited to see my brother's family, Ryan's cousin's family, and my BFF Dez and her family. It will be a great week! My awesome sister in law works for Jet Blue and was able to score us some buddy passes. So we paid $300 total for all 4 of us! We owe her big.

I will post some more fun pictures of all our past adventures this week. One a day is my goal. I think I can do it. Check out the video of Nate walking. He's such a cutie. I love that kid.

Nate is 1!!

Our sweet baby Nathan turned 1 on August 30th! We had a great day together. We just adore our little boys.

I only got Nate this Rody because he honestly doesn't need anything! He liked it at the store, but fell off it once and doesn't want anything to do with it. Ahhh, maybe in a few months...

My parents got him a cute book that when you push the animals, they make that sound. He really likes it!

This is how Josh felt about Nate getting presents, but not him....

He enjoyed a great bday dinner...

...followed by delicious bday cake! He did not hesitate to dig in! You go, boy!

All done!!

Nate's 1 year measurements:

Height: 30 inches (75%)

Weight: 22 pounds (50%)

Nate took about 3 steps last weekend, but then decided he wasn't interested in learning how to walk. He can stand by himself now. He usually does this by pulling up on furniture, then letting go. He likes to walk with my hands. He loves waving bye-bye to himself in the mirror. He is drinking from sippy cups and is completely off baby foods (yeah!) Says mama and daddy and uh-oh regularly and occasionally pipes in a new word. He tries very hard to copy what we are saying. But he talks a lot of jibberish. He screams and throws his head back when he is upset. He still likes to be held, but can't seem to make up his mind whether he wants to be down or held (makes for frustrating mommy days). Understands "no" and obeys it with a tantrum. If I ask him to point to certain words in a book, like pig, he will. Likes to dance to music. Watches everything Josh does. Laughs at everything Josh does. Likes his tongue. Does not enjoy books (yet). Likes mommy. OK, loves mommy. Really, is very, very attached to mommy. :)

Happy Birthday baby boy! We're so glad you joined our family!!!

Good Books

I need some good book suggestions. I'm not an avid reader, but I'm in the mood for something to enjoy; I typically like historical fiction or fiction. I'm not in the mood for romance, so please don't suggest anything cheesy like "The Time Traveler's Wife". Thank you in advance.

Grandma's 94th Birthday Bash

If you read my blog regularly, you know how much I love my Grandma Morgan. She is my hero and I was so happy to be able to spend time with her on her 94th birthday. My Aunt Gayle threw her a party at a reception center with NO KIDS ALLOWED. It was nice to be able to spend time talking to my cousins without interruptions from kids. My 2 brothers (from Pennsylvania and Virginia) flew down to join us. We had a fun weekend of attending the Salt Lake Temple session, bowling, Spaghetti Factory, and most importantly beating my brothers at Wii tennis. I love my family and don't get to see them very often. It was fun to spend time with them (without kids and spouses even!). I can't wait to see them again. I hope it will be soon.

Deric, Jason, Mindy, Grandma, and me

most of my cousins from my dad's side

My Grandma and her kids

The whole gang