Spirit of Christmas

Ellie wanted me to take her picture this morning in her Sunday dress. Doesn't she just look adorable. She is just such a joy. We are having fun doing all our different count downs to Christmas. Yesterday we went to the mall and did some shopping. It was interesting! She got to see Santa from a distance and loved it. We are hoping to get a chance to take her to see Santa before Christmas. This morning I was really overcome with the spirit of Christmas. I was reading to Ellie a book about the Nativity. I want her to really understand that Christmas is not about Santa and presents but about the birth of our savior. As I was reading this book to her my emotions were overcome by the love I have for Jesus Christ. What a blessing we have to be able to celebrate his birth. I know that there are some people who think Christmas has become so distorted and commercialized but I firmly believe that you get out of it what you put into it. I hope that all of you will be overcome with the spirit of Christ this Christmas season. He truly gave us the greatest gifts that we could ever ask for.

Great Big Sister!

My sister Crystal keeps bugging me that I don't get on and post enough so here is my post for today. Last night when I was extremely frustrated and trying to get my kids down for bed. I took a deep breath and laid down by Ellie. I told her "I love you so very very much!" her response back was "I love Ethan so very very much!" Well who could ask for more than that. A sister who still loves her brother at the end of the day. She really has become such a great big sister. I was really worried for the first few months of Ethans life because she was so rough with him. I am so thankful at how well they do play together.

Ethan has decided that he should feed himself allt he time! Well Oatmeal is just a little messy. He is such a funny kid.

Thanksgiving

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year I felt that I really had so much to be thankful for. Ellie, Ethan and I went to my parents in Thatcher. Brandon had to stay home and work. We were very sad without him. He did have a wonderful dinner with Tyra, Jarom, Talmage and Hugh's family. I am glad that they took care of him. It was so much fun to see Ellie and her grandpa bond with each other. One of the many blessings of having my parents closer is that they get to see my kids more than 2 or 3 times a year. Ellie is still talking about them and their house. She had so much fun. We went up a few days early and it was nice to just have some down time. I helped bake pies and rolls. I love to cook and be in the kitchen. Thanksgiving morning. Sandy's family was there and wanted to go out riding 3 wheelers and my parents rhino. We drove out to an area and it was so cold. Ellie had gloves, hat and jacket on. It was so windy. She loved riding in the rhino. After her first turn she made sure that Ethan got a turn too. Needless to say he didn't love it. He cried the whole ride. I held him the whole time and kept telling him he was having a great time. Of course I forgot to bring my camera with me so I didn't get any pictures of us our riding. My mom is so wonderful she made towels for each of us with our names on them for at her house. She is always doing such thoughtful things. I am truly grateful that I get to live so close to them. It has been such a blessing in my life!

Arizona in November

Last week was beautiful. The weather was around 85 degrees. Here are the kids outside playing in the water table. They love the water table and so when the weather does cool down I am not sure what they will do. So for those of you will cold weather we are enjoying our November outside in the sunshine.

Family Picture Disaster

Ellie is hiding so that her picture will not be taken. She was such a grouch. But we love her anyway.

If you have ever tried to take a family photo with a 2 year old and a 1 year old you know our experience. But to make matters worse Ellie was a huge grouch and refused to participate. So needless to say we finally gave up and realize that this maybe the best we will get this year.

Check out my Slide Show!

Ellie was the cutest tinkerbell and Ethan a great Pirate. They had so much fun. Ellie really loved the whole trick-or-treat idea. All day long she kept asking if it was time yet. She had so much fun.

Childhood Games

Ellie loves to play duck, duck, goose and hiding go seek. I get such a kick out of playing these with her. When playing hide-n-go seek she only counts to 3 and very fast so you have to run to even come close to hiding. Duck, duck, goose is so funny because little Ethan loves it. I have to hold him the whole time because he loves you to run with him. You can see it in his eyes when Ellie just mentions the game. I am loving this simple time in their life where these games are so entertaining and fun. Their laughs are music to my ears. The lesson they teach me is to take time to play simple childhood games.

Ethan's Birthday Party

We did Ethan and Hudson's 1st birthday together at the park. They had a great time. The funniest part was the cupcakes. Hudson went icing first and Ethan went cake first. They both were so cute.

Cheddar Beef Enchiladas

This is a recipe I discovered on allrecipes.com but this is my version. I had to change it. We love these and this recipe makes two pans. I always throw one in the freezer for another day.

Cheddar Beef Enchiladas

1 pound ground beef
Chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup water
2 cups cooked rice
1 can black beans or pinto beans (rinsed)
1 can El Pato Sauce
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
10 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 (16 ounce jar) salsa
1 can cream of chicken soup

1.In a large skillet, cook beef, onions, and garlic over medium heat. Drain grease. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Add El Pato Sauce. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir in rice. Cook and stir until liquid is evaporated. Spread about 2 Tbsp. beans, ¼ cup beef mixture and 1 Tbsp cheese down the center of each tortilla; roll up. Place seam side down in two greased 13in x 9-in x 2-in. baking dishes.
2. Combine salsa and soup; pour down center of enchiladas. Sprinkle with reaming cheese. Bake at 350º for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Ellie in Boots!

On Sunday Ellie came walking into my room wearing my boots. I was impressed at how well she could walk in them.

Sentimental

As I watched Ethan walking through the living room I was struck with how much older he looks with his new haircut. A part of me was sad at how fast he is growing up. It is amazing to me how fast the time goes by. I love his new look, I guess I was just being sentimental.

1st hair cut

Today Ethan got his first haircut. He will be one next week. His aunt Tyra did a great job. He was so wiggly.

Two Really fun kids

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

An Update

Since it has been almost 2 years since my last post i thought it ws time to update our blog. As most of you know Ellie is 2 1/2 years old now and Ethan is already 10 months old. Brandon is still doing real estate and I stay busier than ever. I just had my first week back at doing preschool from my home. Plus this summer I took a job working that Mountainside Fitness in their childcare area. i am going to keep doing that a few days a week too. Ellie did great this summer in swim lessons. Both of our kids just seem to live in the water. Ellie keeps telling Brandon that we need a pool at our house. How can you agrue with that. Ethan is on the verge of walking. My life will get that more interesting once that happens. Both our kids had a great time at our Reynold's Family Reunion. Ellie spent alot of time digging in the dirt. What can I say she takes after her mother.