Christmas!

We had a fun Christmas this year. We tried to cram a lot inot the last week we weren't sick. Movies, dinners, family, LOTS of hot chocolate, 16 dozen cookies, deliveries, lights, and music. Then came Christmas eve. We decided to go out with the girls. We made the last of three delivery trips, and headed out to Chili's.

Afterward we headed out to the lights at Thanksgiving point. Unfortunatly they closed early Christmas Eve and we missed it :( I was more sad than the girls. They took it like champs and we drove around different neighborhoods to look at lights. On the way back, I gave the girls a little treat of chocolate. This is what we found after a few minuets....

We got home, read the Christmas story in Luke, and opened their Christmas Eve present. They didn't get jammies this year since they own a million pairs, but they did get a new ornament to hang. Aubs got an Aurora one, and Soph got Ariel. Then we got some treats lined up for Santa on his special plate, and of course some milk. Aubree felt so special to pick out the spot where Santa would be able to find it. She decided (again) that right by the fireplace would be best. Then it was bed time. Aubree was itching with excitement. She couldn't hold her body still as she was getting in bed. Dave had to stomp around and let out a few "Ho-Ho-Ho's" to enhance their experience.
Christmas morning:

8:30, no word from the kids. We snuck in Aubree's room and she was calmly lying down, fully awake. She was too excited to even come down stairs. It took a few minutes to convince to get out of bed! (Soph was still out cold, so we let her sleep) Aubree feels emotion a lot stronger than most people. When she's overloaded (with excitement, anger, surprise, it doesn't matter) she doesn't know how to handle it...so she usually breaks down until she feels the emotion less strongly. It's taken us a while to figure this out, but now that we have life is a little easier. Anyway...she had a hard few minutes, then it got fun. We brought Sophie down and she was all about her new car Santa left. In fact she wouldn't leave it. Dave had to drive her in by the tree and she was presented with her gifts through the window!
Aubree was super excited that Santa knew how much she loved Polly Pockets, and brought her a HUGE set.
We all scored big! It was a fun morning.
Dave got:

A Jazz jersey, a set of his favorite hair care items, I-tunes gifts card, his favorite movie of the year How to Train Your Dragon, a San Francisco Giants hat, President Monson's biography, and $.

I got:

Beautiful albums of the girls made by Dave, necklace, perfume, gypsy (and accessories), cuttlebug, a bunch of new cartridges, embossing plates, A book my Dad wrote an excerpt for, a couple beautiful ornaments, and $.

The girls got:

polly pockets (lots and lots), books, blocks, new blanket, velour outfit, big stuffed doggie, car, $, new hair care items, beautiful temple pictures, princess memory, barbies, doctor kit, squinkies, zhu zhu pet, Tinkerbell, Bolt, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Toy story 3, fairies, stacking blocks, hat, gloves, candy, princess phones, princess silly bands, squishies, sippies, a new table and chairs, baby accessories, craft accessories, and probably more that I'm forgetting whew!!!!

We spent the rest of the day up at Grandma's..

with a delicious brunch including the famous cranberry bread his Mom makes.

Movies, and lounging..
and most of all PLAYING!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tangled

**Spoiler Alert** If you haven't seen the movie yet**

Now that we're all better and cooped up, we decided to take the girls to see Tangled. I honestly had no desire to see it until I heard reviews from critics and friends. It's a good thing we did! We all LOVED it. Both girls sat through the whole movie with out any complaint.

Aubree really feels emotion, and this movie was no exception. During the lights scene she kept looking back up at me and had a huge grin on her face. She'd turn around and hold my face and smile, say I love you, and look back at the screen. She did that many times during that scene and I could just see how strong she was feeling the movie. The other scene was when Rapunzle healed (what's his face?) with her tear. When he woke up and they kissed Aubree had a look of sheer and complete joy on her face. I'm not sure if I've ever seen that look before. She talks about the movie all the time and we can't wait for it to come out on DVD.

Sophie enjoyed it just as much. She gasped, laughed, made sure they weren't too sad...and my favorite, when Rapunzle's hair got got cut off she said "Oh, no...hair go?" She was totally absorbed throughout the whole movie. It's a fun stage to be able to take them to a movie, watch the whole thing, and still not pay for either one!

I LOVED, LOVED the movie. The story, the music, the humor, emotion. Classic Disney. It was a little weird that Mandy Moore was the princess because I know her (as an artist, not personally :) But she did a really good job, so it didn't ruin anything. I just had to keep images of "A walk to Remember", "Princess Diaries" and various music videos out of my head so I could see her as Rapunzle and not as "Mandy Moore doing Rapunzle" if that makes sense...any way AWESOME movie and fun night out with the family.

Proud Mom

Aubree has really enjoyed her first month at pre-school. She has a cute new paper to bring home every day. And a fun advent for this month. Already I can tell she is learning. She's better at her shapes, spelling her name, and she now writes the letter "A". She has a crush on a boy in her class named Sawyer. And I finally got to meet her teacher and class yesterday (my friend Laci takes her every morning) and saw cute little Sawyer. He's totally the pretty boy of the class, he has golden curly hair and bright blue eyes, basically a boy version of Aubree. And she told me that he was going to grow up and be a handsome prince! It's so fun that this is my life now. School, stories, teachers, friends, and programs. She had her first program! And it was a proud Mom moment. She was too scared to sit up on the stadium, so I joined her for the whole program! But I was not the only Mom up there! They are all three and four so this is their first exposure to these things and they still need Mom, which is fine by me. Since Dave couldn't make it, I was sitting up by Aubree and her teacher with Sophie on my lap. And I was SO proud of both of them. Sophie happily sat on my lap the WHOLE program (which lasted an hour) and Aubree did really well. She was a cute little elf with a hat and a scarf. She stayed in her seat the whole time and participated. She didn't want to sing :) but she did ring her bells, and bang her sticks at the appropriate times. I couldn't get ANY pictures or video...but I kept her program for her.

That was proud moment one. Number two is this:

I have been getting so tired of the same movies OVER and OVER with being sick, and the other day I told the girls I was putting on a Christmas movie and that was what we were watching...so I got out my favorite one: ELF! And both girls LOVE it. They now request it in their list of favorite movies! It makes me so happy :)

Being Sick

This time of year rolls around and I am so excited to enjoy all of the holiday traditions...and then it hits me, EVERY YEAR. And every year I forget until it happens again! Between all four of us, we've been sick for about two weeks now. Luckily it's only kept us down for a few days, but it's that ANNOYING cough that won't relent. So this has been us for pretty much all of December... Pajamas

blankies..movies..
and snuggling..hopefully we're all on the upswing and can enjoy the rest of the Holidays!

Sophie has never been a binky baby..never had ANY interest until a couple of months ago. Well, I was not about to let her get stuck on one now..but grandmas house is stocked with them and she somehow is able to sneak some out with out us noticing...so I have to pry them away when they make their appearance..
Sophie has become quite the little cling monkey. Mostly to me, but if I'm not available..Dave decided to get out the baby bjorn. Since my 21 month old weighs the same as an average 1 yr. old, she fit perfectly! I'm not sure how well she liked it, but it helped Dad get the dishes done.
For some reason Sophie has decided that any article of clothing with a zipper, needs to contain surprises inside. If I'm wearing a zip jacket, she'll unzip it, shove some toys..or whatever she can find..and zip me back up. This drives me crazy! But as of late she's been doing it to herself. Since we've basically been living in pajamas, she has plenty of opportunities. And this is just one example of what Iv'e found while going to change her diaper...
So far I have found (on different occasions): bottles, binky's, an assortment of toys, paper she has drawn on, clothes, sippie, an assortment of food..and random nick nacks. I have to make sure and check her now when ever she wears this kind of pajama..

Sophie's words are growing every day and it's too hard to keep track now..so this will be the last update on words...and these are just my favorite new ones, not all of them:

Santa

Snow

Elf

Honey (which she calls me and Dave)

I want it

I need a baba

I got paid for groceries!!!

On one of the two shopping trips I made this week I was actually handed money back, as I carried out a few bags full of groceries! Yay! It's so fun. So for the weeks tally...I spent $60.45 TOTAL for a weeks worth of food!!!! And I saved $92.50! Again, I don't have pictured the meat and produce since you don't get great savings on them...but everything else I pictured...

From my first trip to Smiths:

What I got:

Pillsbury crescent rolls (2) and sweet orange rolls (2): paid $0.50 each

Cool whip (2): paid $0.49 each

Tub margaine (3): paid $0.79 each

Scope mouthwash (1): paid $0.99

Dozen medium eggs (2): paid $1.04 each

Cuties clementines (1): paid $3.00 (produce doesn't normally have coupons, but sometimes they do and it is wonderful!)

Betty Crocker cookie mix (4): paid $0.50 each

Reynolds baking cups (2): paid $0.29 each

Texas Toast croutons (5): paid $0.49 each

Dawn hand renewal dish soap (4): paid $0.49 each

Pretty good right? Well how about this? These are all from the same trip, but these were all my free items or I GOT PAID for them!

Free items:

Ronzoni garden delight pasta (2)

Carmex lip balm (2)

Martha White muffin mix (1)

Krusteaz cookie mix (8)

Bumble Bee Tuna (5)

Morton Salt, got paid $0.21

Powerade, got paid $0.21

And now for my favorite part....I would have done all my shopping in one trip, but I had to come back because they were out of a lot of items. I was debating all night if it would be worth it to go because I had to go at 11:30 at night (when they get their new shipment, but before midnight when the sales end...) which meant missing the gym the next morning..but I'm glad I did because I walked out of the store with $0.75 in my hands and all these groceries!

No-yolks (4)

Banquet pies (4)

Yakisoba instant noodles (5)

Cornstarch (3)

Carmex lip balm (3)
And that was my week of food!

This month we..

looked at LOTS of bubble pictures on the computer..

watched movies..

had injuries..

built toilet paper towers, over and over..

finished up some Halloween candy..

Got a trim from Aunt Cha..

played with Aunt Kels..

Made a beautiful tea cake with Brody..

and gingerbread houses..

played dress up..

went to the dentist..

snuggled with daddy..

drank from a squirt bottle..

read some books..

and started pre school..

Sophie's new words:

off, fall, snow, dangit, hair, ear, please (finally), Lion King, "Guy" (bowler hat guy, Meet the Robinsons), up, down, walk, play, stop, yes, no (my favorite), horse, phone, shirt, look, tent, run, do it to it, good to go, I don't know, and what the heck (hh-hh-heck)

can identify:

hair, head, eyes, nose, mouth, tongue, ears, tummy, fingers, hands, bum, private, toes and feet.

I've slacked on animal sounds. She has to re-learn them all :( but she's so smart..it won't take long.

It's been a long and crazy month...and we're ready for another one!

First Day of School!!

Pre-school that is! But I still can't believe it. I had a hard time deciding when, where, arranging (with one car) and such...so she started a little late. But it's a perfect solution to the winter cabin fever...And the best part is that she is in a class with her friend Helen. So she is more comfortable going.



She wanted to take Blackie to show and tell. They have them bring something from home that they can have if needed and share with the class. She was so excited. She asked me if I was going to cry. I didn't. But come kindergarten, who knows?

Thanksgiving

I've been thinking the past couple of days, of what I am thankful for. A lot of my blessing are taken for granted until I really realize how impact full they are. What's been in the front of my thoughts lately is the blessings of security, safety and comfort.

The fire in Herriman hit too close to home. We were thankfully in the safe zone, but Dave and I did have the conversation of what we would pack and take if we had to be evacuated. It was surreal making these type of plans not for "just in case" but knowing we may have to act on it that very night. It gives you a whole new perspective.

Also with the blizzard warning Tuesday (which was LAME) we were prepared to be hunkered down for the night and following day. The knowledge that we had shelter, warmth, food, running CLEAN water, and entertainment :) was priceless. I can't imagine not having these simple blessing that I take for granted any other time of the year.

That's what has been on my mind lately. Trying to think of the "simple things" that are quite in fact very very monumental, and giving thanks that I am blessed enough to receive them.

I am always mindful at this time to be sincere in my thought and prayers. I am indeed grateful for my Savior. The comfort I have of this knowledge is nothing short of amazing. I know that he thought of me, Aymee, who for all intents and purposes in a nobody, but he thought of me, felt my pain and sorrows. I love him deeply and will always be grateful for His sacrifice.

I am thankful for my husband Davey. He is a thoughtful and caring husband. He works very hard so that I can fulfill my dream of being a stay at home mom. He is crazy, fun and always has something mischievous up his sleeves. I am thankful for my two sweet girls. I am always learning from them. They make my days full of meaning and life. And I am thankful for all my family and friends who boost me up, keep me going, let me vent (thanks Mom, and Karen) and love me for me. This is a wonderful time of year and I am thankful for the reminder to always show gratitude.

Boutiques and Friends

This past week I have had the opportunity to have two booths, in three days. It was a lot of work but so much fun. And I had so much help from family and friends. Thanks, you guys! (You know who you are :) The first booth was last Monday. It was at the airport! Not the airport that everyone thinks of though....it was in a building right next to the control tower where all the Delta employees work. My friend Sheena hooked me up with this one. Her mom works there and suggested it to me. I didn't take any pictures, but I had a lot of fun. Sweet Dave took the day off work and stayed home with the kids while I worked :)

My second booth was this past Friday and Saturday at the "Sweet Tweets Boutique" It was pretty traumatic..but turned out okay. The set up was chaos and I had a very limited time crunch since I was off the the Harry Potter opening. So I caught a few blurry pics'

Unfortunalty the space I was guaranteed, that I paid for, was not totally available. I had to make do with what was left (even though I got there early...) I was not happy with the result, but it was either that..or pull out. Which I was very tempted to, but didn't.

Part of my space got commandeered, and I had to take out a few displays...funny thing was, my space that got taken over, was by a really nice mom-daughter duo, who I'm going to do a booth with in the spring! You never know how things will turn out. And see those cute skirts in the back? Aubree and Sophie will be having their 4 and 2 yr. portraits in those. LOVE them.
I'm still not sure how it turned out because we get paid in 7-10 days...but I met a lot of fun, talented people.
Here's proof that my Dad WAS here for the week...

Saturday night we met up with friends and took the kids to "The Party Place" as Aubree calls it. Cam and Sophie were having a blast while Aubree and Daddy were riding the go-karts. (See Dave's facebook for a cute video...)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1

We were invited to a pre showing of Harry Potter. Thursday night at 6:30. My brother-in-law's brother rented out a theatre and we all got tickets! The only downfall was it coincided with about 10 other plans I had that night! So I had to miss a card night (totally fine), my friends baby shower (she said she understood :) and it was the same night I HAD to set up my booth for the following two days! So it was a pretty crazy night. Luckily the set up time changed and I was able to get everything done. Thanks to my family (yes Chels you are family) who is so willing to help with my kids and support me in my boutique. THANKS guys!



I LOVED all the images for this movie. There are some GREAT pictures!

Anyway, about the movie...it was, of course awesome...I think Emma Watson is just so cute. She's fun to watch. And watching Daniel Radcliffe grow up is like looking to the future to see how my brother will grow up. The 8 Harry's was AWESOME. I wish it lasted a tinsey bit longer, he did an amazing job portraying all the characters. Over all it was a pretty slow movie. I was talking to my friend Chels about it, and she brought up the point that during that whole segment in the book (minus a few intense parts) your supposed to feel their frustration of not getting anything accomplished, moving from place to place and doing essentially nothing..so in that respect, the movie did a great portrayal. It just didn't make for the most riveting scenes..I do have two complaints...Which I'm sure you all can guess the first...the stupid naked scene. REALLY? REALLY? Does Harry Potter REALLY need that in there? NO. They could have accomplished the same feeling with clothes on. And when I heard she would be topless, but it would be shot from the back, I thought it would be tolerable. Well, since it was shot from the side you get some nice side boob action, and why oh why did it have to show the scene twice? Once would have been PLENTY. Seriously. If I had a teenage boy I would not want him to see it. You may think I'm one of those crazy mom's or a prude...but how easily does satan use this specific tool to drag down and ruin lives? Anyway enough preaching. My second complaint is that they totally skipped over Kreachers Tale. Which is just about my favorite side story in book 7. I was really disappointed about it :( But don't get me wrong here...I am a HUGE fan, I was so excited to see it, and I thought it did a brilliant job of setting up the last movie that will be INTENSE. We were able to go with with two of my sisters, my Dad, and my Aunt and Uncle. It was a fun, busy, crazy, night.