Gingerbread Houses and Cookies

Each year my family decorates gingerbread houses. It has become quite a competition for the adults, okay just my sister and I. We had fun this year coming up with ideas and trying to beat out the other! Here are the finished products.
From left to right- Staci and Troy's; Zach's; Mine and Richard's

Arcadia and Mekensy had cookies to decorate. As you can tell Arcadia enjoyed all the frosting and sprinkles.

Christopher Pop-In-Kins

Last Monday for FHE we had a visitor knock at our door! The girls were so excited to find a bag from Santa on the porch. They had been waiting for an elf to come. Inside they found Christopher. Christopher is an elf that was sad because he never got to meet the children he helped make gifts for. Santa decided to make him children's elf and let him live in children's homes from late Novemeber til Christmas Eve. Christopher is magic and "pops" around the house to make sure they are being good. So far he is helping the kids remember to be good. Hope it lasts a couple more weeks! Opening Christopher. Arcadia had been a little nervous for a few days because she thought there was a real elf coming. This was the only time they could touch him because touching him will make him lose his magic. That rule is great because then he doesn't become a toy!Christopher, Arcadia and Mekensy listening to the story.
After reading our story and talking about being good we went to check out some Christmas lights. I found a house online and the kids were amazed. They have their own radio station and the lights go on and off to the beat of the songs. The girls could have stayed there all night. We highly recommend checking it out. The website is www.christmasutah.com.

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

We had a great Thanksgiving. Our day started off with the boys (and Staci) heading out to go shooting. They packed up all the pumpkins and junk from around the house and headed out just West of Utah Lake. While they froze outside my Mom, mother-in-law, me and the girls went to see this movie:
We all loved the movie. Arcadia's favorite part was when Rapuzels Mom said, "Do you want me to be the bad guy? I'll be the bad guy". Sometimes I wonder why certain things stand out to her?!

After the movie my Mom came to help me get the turkey ready. We had Thanksgiving at our house this year with my family. The girls were very intrigued by the turkey. Who knew that kids would love watching to women pull things out of a turkey. After some coaxing Arcadia did this.
Then they watched the turkey cooking in the oven. It was not cooking fast enough for them.This is what I did while the turkey cooked

Halloween ...I know, way behind!

Part of the reason I have put this all off for so long is because I didn't have my camera so I am waiting for everyone to get me the pictures they took! We had a great Halloween filled with many parties, carnivals, and parades. The girls were both dressing up as ballerinas and then they became ballerinas with wings. We had family and friends over on Halloween for soup and a little football. Luckily the rain held off long enough for us to go around a neighborhood. It was fun for almost all the neighborhood kids to go around together. Nothing like having to pass out candy only 2 or 3 times! Not many trick or treaters for us!!

Pictures from Arcadia's Preschool Parade

First Day of Preschool...Again!

Hopefully this is the only time she ever has 2 first days of one grade! Arcadia started school again today. She was so excited for a new school and a new teacher. Last year she went to a preschool near our old house and we were lucky enough to have a referral from her old teacher for this new school. The past couple of weeks before school started she wasn't not very happy about not having Miss Lindsey again and getting a new backpack. I think she wanted it to all be the same. Plus there would be not Shuggy at this school! She had a fun first day and if what she says is true managed to get in a little trouble on the first day! No surprise there! Good luck to her and her teacher this year!
First day of school picture and the first time in front of the new house!
With the new "packpack". Thanks Grandpa Mike and Grandma Jeanene. Mom never would have bought it for her!
Mekensy had to get in on the picture taking!

Looks Who's 2!!

I can't believe that Mekensy is already 2 years old! She has had an eventful past year and needless to say does not like going to the doctor. This past year she has learned to walk which quickly led to running, do some talking, broke and arm which required 2 separate castings, had nursemaids elbow, and multiple xrays on the other elbow. As you can imagine she DOES NOT like going to the doctor at all. She sure has cost us a lot in doctor bills this past year! Sometimes I wonder if she should have been a boy. She doesn't like princess movies, prefers to watch Up, Cars, Monsters Inc, and Bolt. She likes throwing rocks, digging in dirt and playing with sticks. She also has to do whatever her big sister is doing. This is sometimes a bad thing. We are working more on her talking and hopefully potty training soon! Fingers crossed! This may be the most boy Richard will ever get. Richard was out of town for school this year for her birthday, but we made the best of it. Thanks to all the family who made the day and weekend memorable.
"Driving" the car at Incredible Pizza. It was funny how serious she was about it. She wouldn't look up for a picture because she was so busy turning the wheel.
She was so excited to ride on the mini merry go round. I never let them do it at the grocery store. I'm a horrible mom!
Talking on her new phone. Richard's mom has one of the originals and she loves it so we got her a new pink one. The only problem is the cord is a little too short. She has to lay on the ground to talk in it.
Waking up to the traditional birthday balloons!
Sitting in her new chair taking care of her baby!
Pushing her new stroller. That night she begged to take it in her crib.
The princess cake and cupcakes

Long Lost Habels

Wow, has the entire Summer gone by and I haven't done a single post? I would like to blame it on a busy Summer, but I think it is me just being lazy. The past 3 months have been filled with new adventures and some old familiar ones. I'm just going to give a small recap of the events.

At the end of May we went to Manti with my family for our Annual Winn Family Memorial Weekend. We had a great time with my cousins and their kids. Arcadia took charge of all the little ones, big surprise. She was pretending to marry one cousin, and trying to act like mom to another. We had a fun time catching up and enjoying some down time.

In June we moved to our new house. After moving out of our West Jordan house in November we were all more than excited to have our own house again. We had a great time at Richard's parents and they were so awesome to put up with our craziness. The girls were sad to leave, but have really enjoyed having their own rooms. We have settled in and have made our house a home in a short time. The girls both have made friends quickly and really enjoy having a playground to play at everyday. We love our neighbors and look forward to many fun years here.

Here is a picture minus a garage plus a garbage can!

In July we celebrated the long 4th of July weekend with lots of food and friends. We went to the Murray parade on Saturday morning followed by a long day at Lagoon with Rich's family. The girls loved Lagoon and went on most every ride they were big enough to go on. I am terrible with pictures and think I might have misplaced a memory card so pictures to come! We then had my family over for another BBQ on Sunday. We had a great time eating sloppy joes and doing fireworks.

Over the 24th of July we went to Island Park with my family. We stayed at a very nice cabin there. Arcadia was able to practice her fishing skills by catching a moose, elk, bear, and cougar. I'm not sure how I feel about dead animal heads on the wall, but the girls enjoyed it. While there Mekensy caught the only fish with the help of Grandpa Mike. Thanks to Troy and Staci for the cute Princess and Barbie fishing poles! In Yellowstone we saw 4 bears, a huge 6 point elk, buffalo, and deer. The girls thought it was great, but I think Richard was the most excited. A couple of times he jumped out of the car barely remembering to put it in park and not turning it off.

In August Arcadia took swimming lessons for the first time. She loved her teacher and did pretty well. The first day she scared me a bit by walking further and further in the pool. It seemed like it was getting a little too deep and her teachers back was to her. As I stood up to yell to her the lifegaurd also stood up. He had been watching her too. Eventually she realized she should go back with her class.

More posts and pictures to come. We have had a great summer and are excited for school to start!

Last Day of Preschool

Today was Arcadia's last day of preschool. It is hard to believe a whole school year has come and gone. She has loved her teacher Miss Lindsey and will miss her very much. Next year she will be going to a preschool closer to home so she won't see her anymore. Today they had a carnival where they played pin the nose on the sun, threw beanbags through a whales mouth, bowled, ring toss, and many other fun things. The highlight for Arcadia was throwing water balloons at the teacher. Although she missed, it was the one thing she talked about on the way home. Oh, that and her "prince charming" Kaden. She was so excited to get a picture with him. I am really sad for school to end. The two day a week break was nice, but we are coming up with some fun ideas to keep busy this summer. I definietly won't miss the 40 minute drive. Thanks to Lindsey for all she did this year. She had a great time!
Arcadia with the boys! Big surprise!
Arcadia and Prince Charming

Arcadia and Miss Lindsey

More Pictures!

She doesn't like the camera, does she?!

New dresses! This would be the only moment the dresses and their hair looks nice!
Firefighter Day at preschool. Arcadia loved playing on the firetruck. She was a little disappointed he didn't bring his dog. (I'm not sure why she thought he had one!)

Feeding the ducks on the parkway

Random Pictures of the Girls

St. Patricks Day Morning




Mekensy's first cast! She pulled this one off that night! We went to the doctor the next day and she got a new cast on that when all the way up her arm!

Arcadia's 4th Birthday!

We can't believe Arcadia has turned 4! It seems like just yesterday she was learning to crawl and talk and now she is running and yelling at us! It has been a big year for her. She started preschool and has done amazing. She loves her teacher and a particular little boy. She has gone into Sunbeams and we have moved. She can be a such a sweet girl, but also a handful. Let's just say I'm dreading the teenage years. She already rolls her eyes-- need I say more. Enjoy the pictures.


The night before the party Mekensy drug a chair up to the counter and managed to pull a cupcake off!


The birthday cake! After a few hours and an entire bottle of red food coloring I was funished. Why do I get so ambitious?


Bowling


Arcadia got to chose to go bowling or to a movie. She had been bowling with Richard a couple weekends before and loved it so we were happy she chose this! It was fun to spend time with just the 3 of us! By the way- I won!!



Birthday morning. Living out of boxes threw me off a little and we had to make a late night run to Walmart for the balloons. Glad I didn't forget!

PICTURES- finally!

Wow, I have been trying for months to get these darn pictures to download. I thought something was wrong with the computer but apparently there is just something wrong with me!

We are still living with Richard's parents. Our house is scheduled to be finished the middle of June. It amazes me at how fast these people work. We go over everyday and it has been fun to see the progress. Everyday Arcadia askes if her room is painted pink and if they have moved her bed out of storage yet! It's funny because everytime she can't find something she says, "It must be in storage"!

Here are a couple of the most recent pictures. They are just starting the painting and cabinets are being installed on Friday. We are really excited!

Sticks and stones may break my bones....

and they did. Or at least the stairs or a push did. Good luck figuring that out. Last Saturday Mekensy was playing at our friends house and started screaming. When Richard went to check out the situation there was a 3 1/2 year old and a 4 year old blaming each other for pushing Mekensy! The push or fall resulted in a broken arm so now my little baby has a pink cast on for the next 3 weeks. It doesn't seem to get her down though. She did great during the xrays and the casting. I just hope she doesn't pull it off!

Still can't seem to get pictures to post so I'll have to try again on a different computer or you can look on facebook!!

Bad mom? Bad Child?

I'm not sure which one to go with, but to make myself feel better I'll pretend I have a bad child. On day 2 of being home she would not clean up her dress ups and when I told her they would go into the garbage if she didn't pick them up she basically laughed at me. I ended up putting them in a garbage bag and sending them out to the can. Her response was, "It's ok, I'll just get more for my birthday." Well, that didn't work. Then on day 3 at home she was obviously getting bored and when this happens it will be a disaster. I was on the phone with my mom and went to check on the girls. As I stepped onto the wood floor I discovered my sock to be soaked. To my dismay I realized that Arcadia had taken her entire 20 oz Sprite and dumped it from one end of the wood floor to the other. She was sent to her room to look at books while I cleaned up. During the 3 step process of cleaning she said she needed to go to the bathroom. I told her to go and then come right back. She of course didn't so when I went to see what was going on I found her and Mekensy using my shower gel to gel themselves. My conclusion is that I am either a bad mom who can't control her children or I have bad children that no matter what I do they are going to be naughty! Either way, please HELP!!

Beyond Pathetic!

I can't believe how long it has been since I have posted. It is really hard when you don't have your own computer with the internet. We are all doing well. It seems that all winter one of us has had some type of illness. I have had bronchitis twice and the girls just keep sharing the cold back and forth. I guess it's the pitfalls of preschool, nursery and babysitting. Richard seems to keep it all away though. It's not very fair. We are still waiting to have our hole dug for our house. It is getting very frustrating. Hopefully Ivory will get on the ball like they claim to be. I told Richard that I may have to go over with a shovel and dig it myself!

Arcadis is turning 4 next month. Wow how time flies and then makes you feel old. It seems like just yesterday we were having her way too early. She loves preschool and has a special "Prince Charming" there. Although he did throw a jar of playdoh at her last week. Oops! She really likes being in Sunbeams and has a friend in there to whisper and cause trouble with.

Mekensy just turned 18 months. It is so sad that she is just not a little baby anymore. It became very apparent when Richard's sister had her baby. Mekensy suddenly became a giant. She is running everywhere, trying to talk, and becoming very independent.

TRIED TO UPLOAD PICS AND IT WON'T WORK. OF COURSE THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM ACTUALLY TRYING!! UGH! I'LL KEEP TRYING!

Finally, a house!

Sort of anyway! We finally decided that we are going to build. We found a really nice area and have already signed most of our life away. We are so excited to be able to get exactly what we want. We have been looking for a year next month so it is time to make a decision. Let you all know how it goes!

Christmas Fun!

Wow! I think this must have been our craziest Christmas season yet. With parties, preschool programs, shopping, and the holidays themselves I am wondering where all the time went. Arcadia had a preschool program where they sang "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" and "Rudolph the Rednosed Reigndeer". I must say that I am really tired of hearing that song and even two weeks after Christmas she is singing it to anyone who will listen! Mekensy started walking, which has been great and also horrible. She is now able to get into even more and when I try to escape a room for a moment of peace she is right behind me.

We had a great Christmas. We had a fun time seeing all of my family at our annual Winn Family Christmas Eve party. It was so fun to see all of the little kids playing together. There are 11 kids and 9 of them are 3 years old and younger. It was a bittersweet time because my Grandma was not able to make the trip up from St. George and that day we had heard that she was not doing well. On Christmas morning the girls loved seeing what Santa left for them. Well, at least Arcadia did. Mekensy didn't care at all. We then had breakfast at my Aunt's house and got the sad news that my Grandma had passed away that morning. It made for a sad Christmas, but knowing that she was able to spend Christmas with my Grandpa and not be alone was comforting. We opened gifts with my family then had Christmas Dinner and opened gifts with Richard's family.

We had my grandma's funeral just after New Years. It was a wonderful tribute to her. I miss her so much and I hope she knows how much she meant to me. I am so grateful for the gospel and even though having a loved one die at Christmas time is hard it really makes you think about Christ and that because of Him we can see them again. So all in all it made for a good Christmas. Let's just hope next year isn't as crazy. We hope all of you had a great Christmas. I will hopefully post pics soon!