It's been a while

Ok. I thought I would be way better at this blogging stuff than I am. I think about it from time to time, but I rarely have time to sit down and upload pictures and add comments. Life has been so busy here in the Hoskins house hold. Ryan works nights, so I am a single mom Monday through Friday. I am here alone trying to do homework (mine and Calebs), fields trips for Brady and other projects that his teacher asks for, and Young Women (which I LOVE). Did I mention that I also work? Needless to say it gets difficult to stay on top of hobbies that I once had. So, I thought for the time being I would add a little something for now and try to get the pictures added later.

I am soooo sad to see that summer is officially gone. I want the warm weather back. As some of you already know, we spend A LOT of time camping this year. I think Ryan calculated it at over 32 days. It seems like I was just getting laundry caught up from one trip when it was time to pack for another.

Every year we go to Hyrum Reservoir for a family reunion with Ryan's family. And this year was no exception. We take our boat and spend the weekend out on the lake. Every one has such a great time. Well this year it was only 50 degrees out side. A little too cold to be playing in the water. I was so disappointed. I didn't get to go last year because I had finals I had to study for and this year it was freezing. And being Mom-of-the-year that I am, I only packed shorts, swim suits, t-shirts and flip flops for the family. In my defense, it has never been cold when we have gone. Needless to say we were all very cold all weekend long. It was still fun spending time with the family even if it wasn't out on the water. We hung out with each other playing games, sitting around a camp fire and going into Logan to the Cheese Factor.

Then we made a few trips down to Manti. I love it down there. There are so many nice places to ride our four-wheelers and we camped right behind the temple. The first night we were there Ryan and I took the boys for a ride just after sun set and parked above the temple. We were able to look down and see it glowing. It was the most amazing sight. I can't wait for next year so we can see it again. This trip was also cold. We went down there with my Parents, Sister and my niece, Mylee. We spent a few days out on the trail on our wheelers, only to get stuck in a down poor. That may be an under statement. I think I would have been drier if I had jumped in the shower with my clothes on. We were soaking wet. We initially parked under some trees to try and stay dry, until it started to get dark. So we decided we needed to get the kids off the mountain and into some dry clothes. It seems like it took us for ever to get back to camp. We had used plastic grocery bags to put over the kids like ponchos and used any extra jackets and hats we had in our packs to wrap them up to stay warm. Poor Mylee. She was on the bike with my dad and he had her covered from head to toe. She couldn't even see. But she was mostly dry when we got back. And it didn't seem to bother her. In fact it didn't seem to bother my boys either. Brady was freezing but he never complained or cried, he is such a trooper.

We also spent a lot of time up in the Uninta's. It was so fun to spend time together with out all the distractions that we have at home. Like TV, computers, phones, friends, and chores. It all goes away when you are in the forest. You have to depend on each other for entertainment. On one of our trips there I had thrown a rock out of my way, it landed on another rock and broke into perfect puzzle pieces. Brady played with the rock all weekend. Since he love it so much I had to bring it home with us. It is still in the trailer for next time we go camping.

I have to admit that by the time summer was ending I was getting tired of being gone so much, but now that I am stuck at home, I wish we were gone. I can't wait for the warm weather to come back so we can pack up and head out.

School, School, School

With the end of summer already here, we are all falling back into our normal routine. Well, what will be normal for the next few years anyway. Caleb started 1st grade last week. I think he is doing well, but it has been quite an adjustment for all of us. He is still trying to get use to the early mornings (he's not a morning person) and the full day of school, and I am trying to adapt to having a 1st grader. I think it was harder, (I know it was) than sending him to Kindergarten. The first two days, I worried all day about him getting his lunch alright. I felt like I was completely left out of the loop. I want to know what they are doing all day, and not having that control left me feeling a little helpless. But, I am starting to realize that this isn't going to change, no matter what I do, he is going to keep getting older and older. I wish I could freeze time or just slow it down. It seems that as I get older, time goes quicker. They are growing up right before my eyes and there is nothing I can do about it. I can't even imagine how loony I will be when Brady goes into 1st grade. I better get the meds ordered now, so I can be prepared. And with all the excitement of Caleb going back to school, so did I. Another math class for me to conquer. So far it is going pretty well. I am ahead on my homework (that never happens) so I feel I have time to study a little extra if I need to. And Brady will be going back next week. One more year of pre-school. He is really excited to go back and start learning new things. He has been wanting to learn as much as Caleb lately, he asks me every day to help him write his name, and my name, and his brothers name. And he wants to read the books Caleb is bringing home from school. I have to read them to him, but he is trying. It is so fun watching them when they are so interested in learning. I hope that never fades. I hope they both have the desire to keep learning as much as they can. And I hope I am smart enough to keep up.

Grieving

Leland B. Allen "Deacon" Taylorsville/Lyman, Utah - Our kind and beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Leland Buchanan "Deacon" Allen, age 74, died July 1, 2009 at his home in Taylorsville.He was born July 25, 1934 in Lyman, Utah, a son of Samuel Fay and Helen Amelia Oldroyd Allen. He married Ronalee Gleave, June 23, 1956 in Richfield, Utah. Deacon drove truck for LA Young Construction, WW Clyde Construction and SJ Groves Construction. He was a member of the LDS Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Ronalee, of Taylorsville; his children: Vickie Lynn and Bruce Herd of West Valley City; Sam and Dana Allen of South Jordan; Roger D. and Traci Allen of Taylorsville; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother and sister: Dr. Raymond Archie Allen of Pasadena, California; Myrl and Reed Kendell of Provo; sister-in-law: Gwen M. Allen of Taylorsville. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Leland Allen; his parents, Sam and Helen Oldroyd; brothers and sisters: Fay O. Allen, Maureen and Brent Morrell, Eugene and Shirley Allen, and Ethal Allen. Graveside services will be held Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the Lyman Cemetery. Friends may call for viewing at the Bennion 3rd LDS Ward Chapel, 5775 South 2700 West in Taylorsville, Wednesday evening, July 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. or at the Lyman LDS Ward Chapel, Thursday morning from 11:00-12:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Lyman Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah. Online guestbook at: http://www.springerturner.com/

This is the obituary for my Grandpa Allen who passed away on July 1st. It has been something we have all been expecting for the last couple months, but no matter how prepared you think you are, it is still so hard to lose a loved one. I know that he is in a better place and he is no longer in pain. I know he is living with heavenly father and he is with his parents and son, Michael. The hardest part is watching his loved ones who have been left behind, try to find their way with out him. I know that over the next week or so there will be a lot of laughing and crying, as we reminisce about the man that he was and what he meant to each of us. He will be missed. We love you "Yellow Grandpa". See ya later.

My Favorite Holiday

The 4th of July is my all time favorite holiday. I love going to parades and being with my family. I love the look on my sons' faces when the first fire work has gone off. But, mostly I love going up to the Cabin with all of Ryan's family to eat steaks, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, salad and yummy fruit. Let's not forget the home made ice cream (my fave). We go up there for lunch and spend the after noon playing games and winning fun prizes provided by Ryan's Grand parents. They always have a piggy bank full of their change that they have saved over the year and who ever guesses the correct # wins the bank. I have only won once, but I have won lots of other fun things. There are prizes for Bingo and a present stealing game that we play with our names and birthdays. This year Ryan, Caleb, and Brady all had presents at the end. What lucky boys. They were so excited. Then we headed home for some fireworks in the street. Aside from the mosquitoes that ate me alive, it was a blast. Not very big, but together with the ones I love most. I can't wait for next year.

WJHS Class of 1999

I know that by admitting that I have been out of high shcool for 10 years gives away my age. But, I just attended my reunion this past weekend, and I don't want to forget it. Since I have been out of high school, I have been working, became a wife (not that long after graduation), and a mother to the most wonderful little boys ever. Not to mention the on-and-off again school that I have been trying to do. I know that some day I will have my degree. I may be 50, but it's better late than never.
Any way, about the reunion.........I heard about it a few months ago when Ryan's cousin asked if I was going (we went to school together). I knew that Ryan wouldn't go with me and I didn't want to show up at the door solo. Since I hadn't seen any of my friends for the last 10 years, I didn't have a date. But, thanks to Facebook, I had been in touch with a few of them. Over the past couple weeks, I had gotten asked if I was going to be there. Still, I couldn't decide. Just last week while chatting with my friend Katie, she said she didn't want to show up solo either, so she said we should go together. I reluctantly agreed. I hadn't seen or talked to her for 10 years and I was so nervous about what we would talk about. Or if we would still be friends. A couple days before the reunion we talked on the phone, and it was like we hadn't missed a day. It had me wondering why we haven't kept in touch for so long. So we met up just before the reunion started so we didn't have to go in alone. And as we were walking in, I told Katie that I wasn't sure I wanted to stay. I hadn't even given it a chance!!! I can't believe I was so embarrassed to go. I saw a lot of my girlfriends and we sat together, had a nice dinner, and reminisced about old times (parties, mostly). It was like a giant GNO. It was so nice to get out of the house and spend time with old friends. I hope that we will remain in touch and continue to be in each others lives. There are a few people that didn't come that I wish would have been there, but for the most part, I saw every one I wanted too. I am so glad I went.

"Take my training wheels off"

Brady has been bugging me for about a month to take his training wheels off. I kept putting if off and putting it off until today. There was finally a break in the rain for a few minutes so we headed out side. When we got his bike out....both tires were flat ( just my luck). Fortunately for us, Ryan has an air tank that had just enough air in it to pump them up. Before I took his training wheels off and had to put them back on, I told Brady that if he could ride Caleb's bike I would take his training wheels off. So he hopped on his brothers bike and away he went. I didn't even have to run behind him! He's a natural. He now has his very own two-wheeler. He was so excited that he had to call Dad "right now" and tell him. And he is so proud of him self. I love watching them accomplish their goals. It made my day. If only he would have been this easy to potty-train.

Funny things kids say

I started this blog originally to document all the little things that I never want to forget. I try to keep a journal, but this is so much easier, and I get to share some of the funny things that happens in our home. So, that is why I am blogging today. Brady just came into my room and told me "Mom, you need make Caleb to to the Devil." I just started laughing. He said Caleb had hit him so he needed to go to the Devil. I explained to him that isn't something I am able to do. Only heavenly father has the ability to send him to the Devil. That seemed to satisfy him for now. He ran right back into his room for some more.

Opposites Attract

While I was putting laundry away today, I noticed something that I probably should have noticed, oh, nine years ago. My closet. I know it sounds weird, but I just noticed how my closet defines part of my life. Ryan's side of the closet is so clean and organized. He doesn't keep anything he doesn't need and he goes through his clothes regularly. My side, on the other hand, is a disaster. I keep every thing, even if it doesn't fit. Cause, I might be that size again some day, and when I am, I will wish I had those pants to wear. Big or small, they all stay. I know I just cleaned out my clothes about a year ago and took 3-4 garbage bags of clothes to the DI. Things I had been keeping since high school. What am I doing? . After stepping back and looking at my mess, he must love me tons to live with my unorganized mess, and not say much about it. I am sure it drives him crazy. I know that if the roles were reversed, I would be bonkers. I do keep the rest of my house pretty clean. But, the spaces that are just mine. I don't worry enough about. After taking a step back today, I need to invest a little more time in my space and get it organized a little.

My side (I don't have enough hangers, so there are also clothes on the floor)

His side

Camping

We ventured out on our second camping trip of the year this last weekend. We hooked on to the trailer and loaded up the 4-wheelers and headed off to Otter Creek. It is in the south-east portion of Utah. What a long drive. It took us 4 hours to get there. I haven't been down there since before I became a mom, and I didn't remember it taking that long to get there. I was getting so impatient. I felt like my 4-year old "Are we there yet?". Once we got there and got set up it was so nice to get away. We fished (I even got a fishing liscence), rode our 4-wheelers, went to the cafe for a great breakfast and sat around the camp fire. The boys even made a friend, Hunter, his family was camping just accross from us. They had such a great time. But, stupid me!!! I left my camera home. I thought about it while I was at the store before we left, and still left it in my nightstand, so no pics this time. But we plan on going again the beginning of June so I will have to take twice as many to make up for missing this trip.

Caleb thinks he is getting so grown up. I let him drive my four-wheeler with me on the back and he thought that was the greatest thing since ice cream. Ryan even tought him how to cast his own fishing pole. That occupied him for a whole day. He didn't have any bait on the hook, so he wasn't really fishing, just casting. But he enjoyed it. And he can't wait to do it again.

While we were sitting around the camp fire, a bird in the tree next to us was chirping. Although I don't know if you would really call it chirping. Any way, Ryan told Brady to listen carefully, because it was the boogeyman. Brady sat quiet for a few seconds to listen then he asked "Mom, the boogeyman isn't in real life, huh?" Being the mom-of-the-year that I am. I decided to go along with Ryan, and I told Brady that he better be quiet and listen so the boogyman didn't hear him. As the night went on Ryan kept mentioning the noise to Brady. Brady finally decieded Ryan was wrong. This is what he said "Dad, thats not the boogeyman. Thats a transformer" He was dead serious. I started laughing so hard I was crying. When I was able to speak, I asked him what transformer it was he said Bumblebee. He is so innocent and believes in super heros, but not the boogeyman. He is so funny, when he isn't getting into trouble.

I am so glad my boys are old enough for us to enjoy these things together. I love spending this time with them. It is amazing how much they learn in such a short time, and how much they grow. Even though I miss them being babies, I really enjoy hanging out with them now.

(I can't get the spell check to work, so I hope everything is spelled right)

Our first camping trip

Ryan and I were suppose to head down to Moab over Easter for the Jeep Safari. We go down there every year with our ATV's about that time. We have watched the jeeps climb the rocks a few times and it was amazing. Well, this year we got invited to go with one of our friends in her Jeep!! I was so excited to go. I couldn't wait to be sitting in the back seat of the jeep crawling up the Widdow Maker. But, to much disapointment, we couldn't go at the last minute. Since we both had the time scheduled off we decided to hook on to our little trailer and take the boys camping. We found a camp ground with vacancys in Palacaids. It's just south of Manti. Right out the back ouf our trailer was the lake. It was such a great place to go, it was nice and clean, the parking spot was paved and there was grass and trees. Not a whole lot of dirt. I am so glad since it rained a lot while we were there. Ryan took the boys fishing on Friday, but he wasn't gone long before Brady was crying that he was cold. It rained all day Saturday, but Ryan and Caleb were able to get out fishing a little in the afternoon. Brady didn't want to go since it was still pretty cold out, so he stayed with me and we watched "Air Buddies", over, and over, and over. I didnt' get any pics of the fish since I didnt go freeze with them. But I did get some cute pics of this duck (that we named Quackers) that kept coming into our camp. He was there every morning. The boys loved feeding him bread for breakfast. And since it was Easter weekend, the Easter Bunny had to visit us in the trailer. They were so excited when they woke up and saw the presents and candy. Even though I was disapointed that Ryan and I didn't get to go on the Jeep Safari, it was fun spending the weekend with our boys.

A new hobbie

A couple months ago, I had to wear red jewelry to my Brother-in-laws wedding. To much dismay, I couldn't find red anywhere!! I shopped all over and nothing. Since I had run out of time, I decided to make my jewelry. I wasn't all that impressed with the outcome, but I enjoyed it. A lot. So I bought some tools and some more beads and stones. And look what I have created. I love it. I can't believe I haven't tried this before now. For someone who doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, better start. I am building up quite the collection.

Time for an update???

I haven't had much to blog about lately, so I have kind of abandoned my blog for a while, but I am happy to report that I have a few things to share. As usual I have been keeping my self busy with projects. I haven't been in school this semester and I feel like I have way too much time on my hands. So Here is a little peek at what I have been up making.



My friend is having a baby boy and her husband is instant that they have a diaper bag that isn't the slightest bit girly. He loves camo, so I made this for them. I couldn't find any cute camo fabric, so I hope they like it.


This was just a busy project for me. It's a skirt for me . I am so impressed with myself. When I was making it, Caleb asked me "Are you going to wear it?" I answered "I hope so". Well, I can. Now I feel like I can sew anything. I plan on making PJ pants for my boys here soon. Hope they can wear them.



This is a little dress and bracelet (you can't see it very well, it's hanging around the hook of the hanger) I made for my little niece Mylee. She looks so cute in it. I even made here a matching bow.


And this is the thing I am most excited about. Last week I visited my Grandma and she asked me if I wanted all her paints. She use to paint ceramics but hasn't for a while. I was so excited to add to my already huge collection. And, she even gave me this cool spinning stand to keep them in. Now I just need to head to The Wood Connection to get another project to paint. Thanks Grandma!!! I love it.

Pay it forward

I responded to this on my friends blog, and now I am required to post it on my blog. It is just a little game, here are the rules.......

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!

2. Winners must post this challenge on their blog, meaning that they will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on their post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Counts!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate pictures and comments! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenter's on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!!

My projects

When it gets cold outside I get really bored. I love doing projects, but haven't had any cute ideas for a while (I have, I just haven't had the money to do them). Since going through the temple, I have been wanting a big picture of the Salt Lake Temple to hang over my stairs. And for Christmas Ryan's parents gave us money to go pick out a picture. I finally went and found the perfect one. And I found a really cute vinyl saying to hang above it. It looks so cute. I was thinking that it needed something to go on the sides, so off to Wal-mart I went to find dried flowers to make some arrangements (which I have never done before). But they turned out really cute. After we got the picture hung, we hung the flowers and they looked like they belonged in a funeral home. I was so disappointed. I was so proud of my self for throwing them together with out any direction, and they didn't look good with the picture. I took them down and put them in my bedroom where they look awesome. Then just when I was getting bored again, my sisters-in-law all decided that we should wear a black dress with red jewelry to our brother-in-laws wedding (the colors were black, red, white). So, shopping I went. I went to Kohls, JCP, Target, Wal-mart, and online to a few other places and couldn't find any red jewelry. Honestly, no red jewelry anywhere. I just decided I would have to make it (something else I have never done). So, I went to JoAnns and bought a bunch of beads and made it my self. I don't love it, but it served it's purpose. The wedding was last Friday and it turned out gorgeous. I still have a few more ideas to keep me busy over the next few weeks before it warms up, I just need to head to the store to get started.

It says "Miracles happen to those who believe" And this picture doesn't do it justice. It is pretty big.

Happy Birthday Mylee!!!

My cute little niece just turned one on Feb 18. I can't believe it is her birthday already. She has brought so much joy into my life. Since I don't have, nor will I ever have, a little girl she has been so much fun to spoil and love. Here is a video I got of her eating her first birthday cup cake.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!!

How Time Flys

Holy Cow!!!! I can't believe it is March already. Spring is just around the corner, and I can't wait.

A little Thank you.

Last weekend I had the privilege to speak at our Stake Conference. I was so nervous to stand up in front of strangers and talk about something that is very personal for me. I just wanted to send a little thank you to every one who came to support me from our ward, and my family. You are all so great and I love you all. I can't thank you enough.

Speaking

About a year ago I was asked by my bishop to speak in our Sacrament meeting. I had never done this before and I was extremely nervous. I was just asked to tell my conversion story and how I became a member. It should have been easy right? It wasn't. I was so nervous I thought I was going to faint. I started crying before words ever came out of my mouth. And I bawled the whole way through. I don't think anybody could understand a word I said. And when it was over, I went running for the hall for a deep breath. Well, that was the most terrifying moment of my life. Until.........I got a call from our Stake President wanting to meet with me. I thought for sure I was getting a stake calling. Wrong! He asked me to speak in Stake conference. I was terrified!!!! I just replayed my talk I had given to our ward and thought there is no way I can get through it. Well, this last Saturday was the big day. That morning I still had no idea what I was going to say and I was getting really nervous. I had been to the temple just a couple days before and prayed for some inspiration and hadn't gotten it yet. So, Saturday afternoon, I locked my self in my room with my scriptures and started reading. I thought I had come up with some pretty good stuff and I jotted down an outline of what I was going to say. I prayed that I would have control and not stand up and babble and cry for 10 min. I just wanted to keep my composure so the congregation could understand me. I think I did pretty well. I was the first to speak, but before my turn a couple sang a beautiful song. I'm not sure of the songs title but it brought so much peace to me and when it was time for me to stand up, I suddenly felt confident and relaxed. I knew I would be able to share our story and touch the people who heard it. I sincerely believe that my prayers were answered, not only during my talk, but many, many other times. I am so grateful for all the blessings that we have.

Classic Fun Center

Happy Birthday to my Cousins little boy Kyler! He just turned 3 and he had his party at "Classic" I didn't even know that place was still open. I hadn't been there since Jr. High. WOW! Has it changed. In addition to the skating rink they now have a huge bounce house room and jungle area that kids can climb around in. The boys loved it and wanted to stay forever. They got to have pizza, play arcade games, bounce in the bounce house and climb the jungle. So, Thanks, Kari, for including us. We had a blast.

Birthday Update

I know, I am a little behind schedule, but I have been spending all my free time at the gym. I have decided that I need to have a bikini body by the time the pool opens. Lets just say, I have some work to do.

Anyway.....Caleb just turned 6 (Jan 26). Holy Crap! I can't believe he is 6 already. It seems just like yesterday I was on strict bed rest trying to get him to stay in just a little longer. And now he only has a few months left in Kindergarten. Time flys when you are having fun. He had a great day. Pugsy Grandma and Grandpa came out and surprised him with dinner, presents and ice cream cake. He had no idea they were coming. We hid there car in my garage and when he got home from school he couldn't believe they were here. He was so excited.



Make a wish!


RC Transformer Robot


Art Desk (with paint, yikes)


Ice cream cake.


He hates getting cloths, but he looks so handsome.

Happy Birthday Buddy! We love you so much.

Stay tuned

I guess its been a while. I promise before the week is out, I will have you all updated on what's been going on in the Hoskins' home. So stay tuned...........

Puppy update

So it's been a few day since Max joined our family, and it it taking some getting use to. Since I am allergic I have been a walking zombie from allergy medication that I have been taking. But, all in all he is doing pretty well. He is so mellow (for a puppy). And he is doing really well potty training. Although I think I would have to say that it is easier training a baby than a puppy. My boys love him so much (that includes Ryan). They think he is the greatest addition to our family. I am so glad that they all love him so much. Seeing them happy, makes me happy!

Newest member of our family

I'm not sure if you know or not that I am extremely allergic to dogs. Most animals in-fact. I currently have a dog, but she has to stay outside because when I touch her I get hives. Well after my parents dog passed away in August, they got the cutest little puppy ever, her name is Molly. She is only 3lbs. Well......While we were at my moms house last weekend Ryan was playing with the puppy and decided he wanted a little house dog. Since I have a problem, falling in love with their cute little faces, I couldn't say no. So tomorrow we will be bringing home Max. Welcome to our Family. (I guess I will have to be loaded up with benedryl)

Wii

Ok. So, I have been wanting a Wii for a while now. I didn't even have a clue about them until my wonderful Brother-in-law insisted I play tennis with him. I'm not sure who had more fun, me playing or him and my nephew laughing at how quirky I am. Any way, my work did a drawing for one and of course I didn't win. But thanks to my wonderful parents, we got one for Christmas. Thanks so much Mom and Dad. We love it. I look online every day at all the fun accessories we need to get. It is starting to consume my life!! I have even joked that I am going to buy Ryan a Wii Fit for his birthday (that's on Saturday). But, then I worry about what he will get me when my day comes around. I have had so much fun just watching my boys learn how to play.

Back to normal

Caleb went back to school today, and I feel like we didn't do anything fun while he was out for 2 weeks. I had made a few tentative play dates but with the holiday hustle and bustle, it never worked out. Now that is is all over and things are getting back to normal, hopefully we can start playing with friends again. Well, after school of course.

Over all we had a great Christmas. It started off a little rough. Santa Came about 12:00 AM and I had only been in bed for 1/2 an hour when Caleb came in my room and told me that he threw up!!!!! As he was walking out of my room he noticed that Santa had been here and he wanted to start opening presents. Since I hadn't even had a chance to fall a sleep yet I insisted he go back to bed. And at 4:00 AM, Bunches came in my room and told me that Santa had come. Again........I made him go back to bed. But after we let them finally get up at 7:30, they were so excited.

This is the ornament that Caleb made for us.

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Caleb was pretty serious about playing his new Leapster.

I didn't think we would be able to go visit family because Caleb hadn't been feeling well, but he kept telling me he was fine and he wanted to go to Grandmas. How could I tell him no on Christmas? It was a day for him, so off we went. And of course, I left my camera sitting on my counter, so no Grandma pics.. Sorry. But I did get a few when we went to my mom and dads the Saturday after. I know, I am so rude. (I don't have any of Caleb, well he hung out in the bathroom, still sick.)

Bunches loves Mickey Mouse Club House

Mylee is so excited to open her present from me

This is the cute quilt I made for Mylee. She loves it.

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Even though I put so much work into having the perfect Christmas for my family, and the days leading up to the actual event I am quite grumpy and hard to be around. It is so worth the work to see my family happy. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. I know we did.