Christmas

This year Christmas flew by way too fast. We still had a great season and Brooklynn is already asking when Christmas comes again. We celebrated Christmas early with my dad and then did our normal crazy busy Christmas Eve traditions. First we started out with the Oldroyds for dinner, nativity and new jammies. This year Brooklynn and Tyler were Mary and Joseph again and about half way through Brooklynn was bored and had both her hands under her chin. After we went to Grandma Beans for a couple gifts and dessert. Brooklynn wanted to stay and play with Grandma, but Santa was coming soon. We got home just before 9 to get to bed.

Earlier in the day we made Santa some cookies. Brooklynn also insisted on leaving carrots for the reindeer and celery for the elves. (She said she saw it on t.v. that they liked celery.) The next morning Santa ate almost all his cookies except one and loved it. He left us oranges and a thank you note. On the P.S. of the note he said "the elves favorite snack is cheese and crackers, the celery was good too." Hopefully we will remember next year.

Christmas Eve my sister Terra slept over with Brooklynn and they both slept until about 7am. Brooklynn came storming in our room so excited. "Look what Santa left in my room." We have a stocking in our rooms and Santa leaves one present. We did that growing up, we couldn't come out until our parents came and got us. So they told Santa we needed one of our gifts in our room to keep us busy. Cam woke up about 7:30 and off we went to open presents. Brooklynn loved it and opened them and threw them to the side to open more. Cam was perfectly happy eating dry cereal. He did not want a present and when we tried to give him one to open he threw it far away from him. Christmas Eve I was thinking boy there are a lot of presents, why are there so many? We were trying to have a smaller Christmas. Although there were also Terra's, and our kitty Boo had a few too. After opening them I realized that we had given them a couple of Brooklynn's birthday presents. OOPS! This year Ryan and I gave the kids bikes. Brooklynn got a cute princess big girl bike and she loved it. Cam got a wiggle car to ride around on. Ryan got an awesome Cork pop gun from Santa and I got a new shirt. Terra got a book, Brooklynn got a littlest Pet Shop doctor's office and Cam got a tool set. We always love that Santa leaves $5 in each of our stocking's. We are saving it to do something as a family. After we went back to Grandma Bean's to exchange gifts and then to the Oldroyd's. We were back home about 3 and had all afternoon and night to play with our new stuff. It was a great Christmas and we love spending it with both sides of our family as well. I am so thankful for these holiday times although a little commercialized, we still get a lot of family time and talk about the true meaning.

Just a little quote I stumbled upon today. Thought it was good and I know that I always need a reminder. {Christmas and Berkie's birthday updates will be coming soon}


"The Lord gives us a spirit of hope and a feeling of comfort and confidence that we can overcome the obstacles we face. He has shown the way to gain strength during our struggles. With His assistance, we have the ability to succeed."

--L. Lionel Kendrick, "Strength During Struggles,", Ensign, Oct 2001, 24

Random things we've been up to.

Last week we went to the library for Story time and the librarian said "After story time we have a very special visitor!" Brooklynn looked at me so mad, she had something to say to me. "Mom, is it Santa? I am not seeing Santa." So after I thought I would have Cam see Santa again and hope that maybe Brooklynn would be ok. Well, she wasn't and so this is her Santa picture this year. She wouldn't even look through the windows to watch Cam sit with him. Poor girl.


The kids went to their dentist appointment and Brooklynn was so big. She had x-rays done and did great. I love their dentist office.


Cam really liked the cool chair that he got to play in.


Brooklynn is now a pro at the dentist and doesn't cry and is happy just watching a movie.


NO cavities for little Cam in his 6 teethies. With kids under two they just brush their teeth and get them comfortable with the dentist and make sure there aren't any problems.


Brooklynn had no cavities and is brushing and flossing so good. Way to go Girly! She still has a Class III posterior cross bite and will probably still have to get that appliance thing in the next few years to fix her jaw. SAD :( But I will do whatever she needs to do to help her.


Cam loves Cherrios, especially the fruity ones. A few days ago Brooklynn and I made this decoration for our tree in the kitchen out of Cherrios and popcorn. Cam loves to eat. If he had a huge bowl of crackers or cereal he would probably sit there all day and just eat. It didn't take him long to discover there was food on the tree. There are random spots that are empty. It is funny. I catch him all the time eating from the tree. What a goof ball.


This morning Brooklynn wanted their snack on a train. So she made her own and her little piggy is even riding underneath. They are so silly. They make me laugh every single day.

Santa and a Gobb-Ling!

Last week for our Ward Christmas party they always do a Breakfast and then Santa comes to visit. I knew that Brooklynn didn't want to sit on his lap because she had a few requirements before coming...
1. Santa cannot eat Breakfast with me.
2. Santa cannot pinch me again (last year he went to shake her hand and she insisted he pinched her.)
3. I AM NOT sitting on his lap.

So we didn't make her in fact she was so upset that Ryan had to take her out of the room. It is very sad. I keep telling her he is so nice and brings presents and he is just like a grandpa but wears a red suit and hat and has a beard. She always laughs like, Oh ya. But than is just scared to peices.


Cam on the other hand I wasn't sure what his reaction would be. He was confused, uncertain, but did not cry. What a little cutie. He just sat there like, "uh, what am I suppose to do?" The gnome sitting with them is part of a family reunion thing (The amazing race and we had to take different pictures with it. This will be a good memory.)


Do you know what a Gobb-Ling is? No, not Boblin or Goblin. "Gobb-Ling ling" As Berkie would say. (She always repeats the second part if we don't understand.)

Don't you worry I didn't know what it was either. And no it is not the gnome, we named him Brown Noser. Earlier in the week when Brooklynn and Cam were taking a bath this was our conversation.

Berkie- "Gobb-Lings are real animals, I build them with bubbles in the water. They can swim."
Me- "So they are bubbles that you make?"
Berkie- "Yes, they are real."
Pause
Berkie continues- "Oh and they are soft and fluffy. You gotta be real real careful."
Me- "Oh yes, I see."
Berkie- "Oh no, he died." "Well I will make a new one."
I was just enjoying watching her, especially when Cam kept trying to pop the bubbles and she would make new ones.
Berkie- "This is the sound they make ~hhhhhhffffffff~" (Breathing really deep out of her nose.)
Me- That is kinda scary.
Berkie- "No, it's not scary, they are nice they are real animals."

She sure has quite the imagination. Brooklynn is so fun to watch play, she is very entertaining.

Muffin Tin Monday- Polar Express

It has been a couple weeks since we have done Muffin Tin Monday so I thought I would do it today. The theme was Favorite Christmas book. Well I have several favorites but one of my all time favorites is The Polar Express. Every year in my family we would get a new book for Christmas. I remember reading it most of my life for Christmas.


So we made a train out of a sandwich with a teddy graham as the conducter. Licorice train tracks. Brocoli represents the woods that they drove through. (The carrots are for the reindeer.) Ranch represents the snow covered ground. Hot chocolate and marshmellows, just like they served on the train. The popcorn is the bells on the reindeer. And the chocolate chips and sprinkles are all the elves that were lined in the streets.


She is such a goofball, always being silly for the camera. She ate her yummy lunch really good too! I need to get back in the habit of MTM. Well last year I did this theme as well and it is another favorite book of mine. Click here to see last years.

Best Kids Ever!

So cute. I took this tonight when they were watching The Polar Express. It has been a rough week with Cam not feeling good, but anything is worth moments like this. Brooklynn is such a sweet Big Sis and Cam just loves to follow her around. Cameron has had a thing about putting crackers, cereal and random food items in a bowl. But he has to eat it on the couch. Hmm I wonder who he learned that from...(Ryan) It is just so cute.

Berkie and Cam, I love you both so much. Brooklynn always tells me. "Mom, you are my best mommy EVER. And one of my best friends." So I want to tell you guys. "You are my best kids. Love you."

Ryan's birthday

Okay okay, so I am a blog slacker lately. But just because I haven't blogged about it doesn't mean that I forgot my hubby's birthday. So Ryan is old now. He turned the big 30. Woo woo! Twice now in the last year the subject has come about his birthday and throwing him a party. He didn't want one so I am a good little wife and listened. Good thing too, Cameron has been sick and pretty miserable all week.

Brooklynn wanted us to make Daddy his favorite breakfast, Pancakes and eggs. So we planned on getting up at our normal time that morning (6:30-7am) and making breakfast. Well since Cam was sick he was up all night and ya, we slept in. Well with his weird working hours it just didn't work out. But we were able to make him a cake. It was a white two layer cake with Strawberry filling and strawberry frosting. It's not what it looks like on the outside but inside that counts. And it is yummy. Brooklynn really wanted to dye the frosting green. The purpose of the Gnome is for a family reunion thingy (we are doing the Amazing Race, super fun!) But it also resembles that I am married to an old man now.



So Ryan had some presents waiting for him. His birthdays are always hard, first off he always buys whatever he wants before his birthday and second it is right before Christmas.

Ryan really wanted this little toy that we saw at Gardener Village one day. So I got it for him. He really is just a kid at heart.

Brooklynn is amazed by it and loves to play with it.

Cameron likes this gift best. Okay, so here is the story... On my birthday I really really really wanted a big nice crock pot. I had been using a small one that my mom got for her wedding. It is old and takes about 2 hours longer to cook. Ryan thought that was dumb and said, "I might as well buy you a vacuum too so you can cook and clean." (Plus he did get a video game that came out on my birthday too.) So I thought I would give him this vacuum for me. We have a Kirby but it is so big to take to vacuum the stairs and little messes. We wanted to give it to Cam for Christmas, but already went overboard. So that is why I got him a little vacuum for his birthday.

He also got a new shirt, not the scooby doo one Brooklynn wanted to buy him. And a few other little fun birthday things. It was a fun day that we spent together.

I am so thankful for Ryan and the 9 crazy birthdays we have spent together. We have gone through a lot together and Ryan is the rock. He also has been there for me through some other personal things medical and especially when my parents got divorced. Ryan is always there for me. He is a great husband and dad. Ryan is my best friend and always makes me laugh, especially when I want to be mad. Can't I just be a grouch sometimes, but no he always has to lighten the mood. (That is why I love the kid.) He really is the life of the party and I love every minute I spend with him.

Conversation with Berkie

I was getting out Christmas decorations and even gave Brooklynn some to put in her room. She wasn't being too gentle with some of the stuff...

Me: Brooklynn, please be careful with that. It is made of glass and will break.
Berkie: Just like my heart.
Me: Your heart is made of glass?
Berkie: ya, DUH!

I am Thankful

"Gratitude is of the very essence of worship. … When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives”. Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love."

~ Gordan B. Hinckley, "With a Grateful Heart"



Cameron really enjoyed his dinner. He is such a good eater. Cameron will acctually eat more than I do sometimes.


Well Berkie sure looks cheery huh? Brooklynn and her cousin Caleb had fun eating together at the kids table.


We started this last year although Ryan claims he has no recollection. Anyways... The week of Thanksgiving at our meals we write down what we are thankful for. Of course we are thankful for our home, family, friends, food to eat, the gospel and a living prophet. We had so many, but some of my favorites are...
Ryan- I am thankful for my energy & strength to run. Video games. My wife and kids.
Dani- I am thankful for my camera to make memories. Good friends who know, love and accept me. My amazing husband who really makes me feel like Cinderella. Two perfect little blessings that drive me crazy, but I love them.
Berkie- I am thankful for pumpkins, leaves and camels.(she really said that)My mommy's camera too. My kitty Boo, I love her berry much. (so cute.) My Tigger Brother Cameron.
Cam- I am thankful for everyone's food that I take, Sissy's toys, my mad climbing skills. (sister helped with his.)


When it was my week to teach Preschool we made Trees out of hand prints. We were going to put what we are thankful for on them, but I decided to leave it blank. I am going to get a frame and put it up every Fall. I think it turned out cute, and Brooklynn was very proud.

For Thanksgiving it was with my side of the family. This year the Budd's decided to all get together to have one last big Feast. It has been a long time since we have had Thanksgiving as a whole. There was about 75 people there. It was so much fun. Also this year is my mom's year for the family reunion and she did the Budd Amazing Race. So far it has been a blast and we have had a few events already. We have matched up big news events with the year and done some cemetary searching and on Thanksgiving we did several things; dig up a clue, put together a puzzle with a clue, blow a bubble with 10 peices of gum, find a gnome on the beach with our color hat on it. It is so fun. So far my family has gone from 2nd place to 3rd to 4th. OOPS! Well it ends New Years Eve so we still have a few more events to catch back up. We can do it! It was a great holiday and I am so blessed. I do have my "woe is me" moments. (I am not too bad, but could always be better.) I am really working on being more positive and grateful. I know that no matter what happens or life brings I have a choice to be happy. I really will try to choose that more often.

Our little Monkey

A few weeks ago we heard something moving around and saw that Cam was pushing his highchair around. It was so cute, so when he wanted to eat he would push it out to the table and when he was done he would put it back. Well a few days later we heard him moving it around and then it got quiet. I went in the kitchen to find he pushed it over to the cupboards and was almost on top of the counter. Once he realized he could do that, he started getting in his highchair when ever he is ready to eat. I got him on video halfway through. I love his proud expression, crazy little boy. We sure love him.

Family Pictures

We did family pictures on Saturday and considering that Brooklynn cried for about the first 15 minutes. I think they turned out pretty good. I love Cam's big smile. Brooklynn is kinda making the "don't smile" face. She is still gorgeous no matter what.


This picture turned out cute, even though Brooklynn was still sad. This is Cameron's new face. He reminds me of Zoolander. "I am ridiculously good looking."

MTM- Thanksgiving/Thankful

This was last weeks Muffin Tin Monday. The theme was food you are thankful for. Brooklynn loves pizza, bagels with pink stuff. A big carrot with ranch, any kind of cookies. Grapes and crackers are a favorite snack. And Brooklynn would eat cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'll bet she would eat cereal in her sleep.



Although I am not always able to do Muffin Tin Monday, Brooklynn loves it when I do. She eats so good too.



Yum, she loves big carrots. What a silly girl. She walks around like Bugs Bunny eating them.

Little Zack

My sister always says that our nephew Zack Dennis looks like Zack Efron. I never saw it until recently. It's not super close, of course my nephew has darker skin. But I think it may be the beautiful blue eyes and the wispy hair. Either way I sure have a cute nephew.

My baby doesn't need me anymore...

Cameron is no longer nursing. He has always been such a mamma's boy and would not go to bed with out nursing. I got him down to only once a day, just before bed. My plan was the end of the year to stop nursing but I had to stop a little early. I thought it would be really hard and he would cry all night or at least wake up for me. Um... no!



The first night he didn't cry or even make a peep. He slept 9 1/2 hours. The second night he cried for about 15 or so minutes, but this time he slept 11 hours. Now a week later, he had no memory of our time together. He's all grown up.

64 years!

Last Saturday was my grandparents 64th Anniversary and this week is my grandpa's 90th birthday. On Halloween we went there and my grandpa was on the roof, cleaning out the rain gutters. He can be stubborn and takes joy in doing his own yard work. He told us that he can still do it, because he isn't 90 yet. But only a few days away now. So the Budd family had a big party to celebrate both. We were in St. George for part of it, we got home around 6:30 and the party was at 7pm. Cameron was exhausted and I knew he would not get back in the carseat. Ryan stayed home with him and Brooklynn and I went. (sidenote: Cam really needed his sleep. He slept 11 1/2 hours)


Whoo woo! My grandma is a babe and gramps is quite handsome. I am not going to say the whole story, but they met very young and fell in love. (g-ma 13 g-pa 18) Unfortunately Grandpa got drafted into WWII and their engagement was put on hold for one year. While he was in training Pearl Harbor was bombed and things changed.


Four years later my grandpa returned home and they were married 7 days later. They are truly in love and so cute to watch. What great examples to me of how to be and just love each other no matter what.


My grandma had asked me that she needed a nice picture of her and Grandpa. So last fall we went to the park and took some pictures. Aren't those two just so sweet? I love when they talk about the war years or their wedding. They just love each other so much. I love you guys.


What I wrote last year.

Half Marathon

After we dropped Ryan off at the Marathon, I found a front row parking spot. So we ended up staying the whole time. Since we already had our car packed up. The kids watched half of the Dinosaur Ice Age movie in the car. Then we decided to get out and go cheer on the runners. They had two heats going, the women started an hour before the men and there was a 5K. So we got to see a lot of runners finish and the first place finish. The kids loved playing on the bleachers.


Ryan's parents were down in St. George also. They came to the race to watch him finish. Cameron had fun with Grandpa and really liked playing with his glasses and ears.


The race started 15 minutes earlier than we thought and when Ryan's parents got there Ryan finished about 2 minutes later. We are lucky that Ron saw him so I could get a picture. Wahoo! Go RY!


There is my cheeser! Brooklynn found a friend that she was playing with for awhile. It was cute, everytime people clapped and cheered she would turn around and clap. Then get back to her ponies.


Because it started earlier and the 5K and women runners, I really didn't know where Ryan finished and what time. Of course he did great! He finished one minute longer than his goal time at 1 hour 22 minutes. And he was 2nd place in his age and 8th place overall. I am very proud of Ryan and his accomplishments.

Even though it was a very short trip we had a lot of fun. Thanks to my cousin Sara and her hubby Eric who let us stay with them.

I ♥ Faces - Balloons

Just an old picture I took of Brooklynn last about a year and a half ago. To see more I ♥ Faces go HERE.

Halloween Happenings

Sorry the pictures are so grainy. The real pictures aren't I don't know what the heck happened once I loaded them to the post. Enjoy anyways.


"Lions, Tigers, Bears. Oh my." My cute little munchkins.


Dennis cousins, some of the Oldroyd Cousins and our family. I couldn't decide whether to be a good witch or a bad witch. I am really pink.


Brooklynn went to a fun Halloween party with her friends. They were so cute. I love her friends Thing 1.


When the hubbies were gone hunting my sis-in-law and I took the kids to Gardener Village to go on a witch hunt. They had fun and we found all the witchy poos.


My neices and nephews Katie, Abbie, Tyler and Chase. Or as Brooklynn says it "AbbieTylerChase" (one word)


Another cute picture of the kids at Gardener Village.


After Gardener Village we went to my mother-in-laws house and the kids decorated trick or treat bags. We let them color one side and then my talented neice Katie drew a picture on the other. Berkie's has a cat making her sassy face and Cam's is Superman.


A few weeks ago we went to the Thanksgiving Point Cornmaze. It was so much fun. It started out cold and I was worried about the two babies, but we all had fun. Cameron loved playing the the cornbox.