Thanksgiving 2010

If you count the girls in the picture above, there are a few extra sitting around making candy houses while the turkey cooks. The "extras" belong to my friend Rachel. Rachel and I have been friends since our days together back at the BYU. We were roommates and what a wonderful roommate she was! I tell you she hasn't changed either! She is so much fun and just an outstanding person. She and her husband and four daughters joined us for Turkey Day this year. I am thankful for good friends and especially Rachel and her family!

Looks like I was on the wrong end of the photo here. Nice hair everyone has don't you think? =)

I had to snap this photo...two reasons.. 1) the giant drumstick on Addie's plate 2) It is now official that she is allergic to Amoxacilin. If you look closely you will see the "freckles" she has all over her face and hands. Luckily her reaction wasn't beyond the hives. Sweet Adeline, I'm so glad and thankful that you will be fine.

So I tried a new recipe this year that was just too good not to share. Here it is if you are curious. YUM! You won't be sorry!

Also made the famous Dixie Salad and it was a favorite (apples, oranges, grapes, pomegranite, marshmellows and whipped cream all mixed up together). I tried a few Pioneer Woman recipes. I liked the cranberry sauce a lot but was so-so on the green bean casserole. I figure I'll try this one next year. If I'm the only one that is going to eat them, I may as well make them a little healthier. This looks awesome too...next year. I also think I need to work on the old turkey. He turned out good...just a tad on the dry side in my opinion. A great meal though and great to be with family and friends.

I "only" weigh three pounds more than I did a week ago. =)

We've had a wonderful weekend counting our blessings. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too!

Adeline & Avrie are 5!

My babies are now five! I can hardly believe it myself and yet when I look at them I realize that yes, it is TRUE! They have grown so much in a year! We decided to invite the girls from their class over for their party. They wanted a My Little Pony party. They chose the hats, the plates, the cups, etc. They helped me make some giant lollipop decorations that were on the tables. The surprise though was the candy table. When they woke up in the morning and saw the candy table...they were so excited!

Avrie wasn't too sure about having a party that wasn't on her actual birthday...but she soon found that having two celebrations is actually pretty cool.

Both Avrie and Addie loved having their friends over and had a really happy time. Kermit and I were just happy watching them be happy. He shot some good footage....maybe I'll have to put him up to making a little birthday video. I hope! =)

I love these girls. It blows me away when I think of their rough beginning at life. I feel so blessed that they continue to thrive, grow and learn. My whole life I thought it would be cool to have twins but never did I dream that I would actually have some of my own. It blows me away how different two girls can be from one another. It also amazes me how such differences can compliment each other. They are a perfect pair. I love these two forever. Happy Birthday my sweet girls!

More of October

What would October be without our visit to Goebert's Farm! I love the picture below. Avrie is holding the zombie's hand! he he. =)

Last but not least, here is the video again. The resolution isn't very good here so click the link here for a better picture.

Halloween 2010 - Sugarbuzz Video

This Halloween was a good one, as expected!

Annaliese was a snow leopard, Adeline was Little Red Riding Hood and Avrie was a Jack -o -lantern.

Me, a witch. Kermit, himself!

Saturday we headed to our church for a fun Halloween party. The pictures above are from the party. (Oh and I must add that I won a little prize for "the most unique" chilli for the cook off. I do love that white chicken chili! The kids were quite impressed that mom could cook something worthy of a prize. To them, good cooking means dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets from the freezer.)

Sunday was Halloween. Trick or Treaters kept coming by the dozens. We thought passing out candy was as much fun as getting it! When we finally ran out of candy we went out for our own turn at trick or treating. Good times! (note to self...buy FOUR Costco bags of candy next year!)

Also, here is Kermit's latest video appropriately entitled "sugarbuzz" with footage from our post trick or treating. Thanks Kermit for putting this together! So cute! Click here to view on Youtube.

Primary Program

Today was the Primary program at church. It turned out so good and I was so proud of our girls and their friends.
This morning before church we had quite the drama going on. Avrie was so upset and nervous about it and was crying and sobbing that she didn't want to go. Annaliese was excited and practicing her lines and practicing projecting her voice while dressing herself in an outfit that looked like a six year old put together....(a jumper that didn't fit anymore along with hot pink cowboy boots...luckily she was open to other outfit suggestions). Adeline was busy trying to convince me she didn't need to wear tights and had on a pair of old pink suede shoes that didn't fit Annaliese anymore but didn't quite fit her or match her outfit. I had overslept so was barely dressed myself. We were a like a crazy family trying to pull it all together it was funny actually.
We finally made it...just a few minutes late. Avrie was still upset and trying to convince us that she was not going to participate snuggled on my lap. When it came time for them to go up she hesitantly went up with the encouragement of the primary president. Whew.
They did great! All of them! Annaliese said her lines perfectly and clearly and loudly. She knew all the words to the songs and was terrific. Avrie and Adeline did their lines perfectly as well. The sweetest thing though was how Adeline comforted Avrie the whole time by holding her hand. MELT ME! I wish I had a camera..it was too sweet. Avrie really appreciated the extra love from her sister for sure.
Our ward meets in an elementary school....one built in the 1940's. The auditorium is old and the acoustics are not very good. The amazing thing is that we could hear everything perfectly where usually it is very difficult. It was such a well organized and well rehearsed program. The primary presidency did a fantastic job with the kids. I think it was one of the best primary programs I've ever seen. Great job to all and especially my girls! You made us so proud! =)

Field Trips

When ever the kids have a field trip for school I try to go with. Their school is small so they rely on parent drivers for all field trips so I usually get to go. Here are some photos from Annaliese's trip to Goeberts Farm. It was pretty cute. All the kids got to feed all sorts of animals and take a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin. Fun!

Avrie and Adeline took a trip to the Swedish American Children's Museum. We had never been before and were very impressed! The play areas were adorable. They made a craft and learned songs and learned all about what farming was like in America and Sweden.
We'll be going back for another visit one of these cold winter days coming up for sure.

I didn't have the chance to really read any of the books that they had at the museum but they looked adorable. We love good picture books at our house. I'll have to take a trip to the library and check them out. Maybe we've found some new books to add to our collection? I hope so!

Pictures from Columbus Day Weekend

The link below is some pics from Columbus Day. For some reason I can't get it to load on to the blog so this will have to do for now.
http://www.slide.com/r/ywefIK7E6z-6WN3QQ3QOkefcR54-l9r6?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

Columbus Day 2010

I can't believe how quickly time is passing! I don't have my summer pictures posted and we're half way through fall! I have a good list of excuses going in case you were wondering but that is all they are...excuses, even if they are darn good ones.

For Columbus Day the kids had another three day weekend so we decided to head back east for some New England color. MY FAVORITE! I wish we could spend all of fall in Massachusetts! The girls and I flew out on Friday evening and Kermit picked us up in Boston (he was able to fly in earlier that day from NYC). We got in late but it was so worth it. Saturday we were up early and just enjoyed being away. Most of the day was spent wandering the property collecting all kinds of "treasures" (colorful leaves, acorns, rocks, bugs, etc.). Kermit spent time on his tractor of course giving the fields a final mow before winter. Saturday night Kermit's mom took care of the kids so that he and I could go out for dinner. We ended up at a place called Harrington Farm that was nearby. We have become quite the food critics. =) The appetizers were amazing ... but should have stopped there. Good time to just be together though.

On Sunday after church we took a hike at our favorite Wachusett Meadow. It was milkweed season! Love the pictures we got of the kids with all the fluffies in the air (pics coming soon)! The weather was perfect...like 65 degrees perfect! The whole weekend was just wonderful and so memorable. Today Adeline asked me when we could go back. Sadly...probably not until summer. Bummer.

To end the weekend we drove a few hours north with all the family up to Vermont. We LOVED the drive! We took as many scenic detours as we could. We drove through tiny towns that looked like they could have been frozen in time 150 years ago! A few were all decked out with festive Halloween decorations. The drive was beautiful! We had a reservation at a little B&B called the Inn Victoria. We had dinner at a "fancy restaurant" next door. Everyone did great and was well behaved with good manners and ate all of their food (very fancy pizza). The kids thought they were in heaven with all five of us in a huge King bed. The next day we headed to a little farm (like a REAL one) and picked apples and fed animals...then back to the airport and reality. Great memories though! Wish we didn't have to leave! I do love fall...it's my favorite and it's even better when we get to spend some of it in New England. Thank you Columbus for making this long weekend possible! =)

I love my brother Derek. His best pal, partner and K-9, Renzo passed away this week. You can read about it here http://www.ocregister.com/news/link-269718-renzo-work.html. This dog was like no other! Hang in there Derek. We love you!

Labor Day Weekend 2010

So this last Labor Day weekend we decided to take a road trip with the kids south. All the way down to Bella Vista, Arkansas, home to my grandparents. What a great weekend we had! We broke up the 10 hour drive by stopping in at the half way point both coming and going. I planned ahead and booked a hotel (woohoo for me...no sleeping on the side of the road in a car b/c every hotel along I-55 is full)! We were thrilled beyond thrilled to get a clean and comfy room to stay the night, a free hot breakfast in the morning and...a pool to play around in, all for about $99! We vacation in style! ;) (And did I mention I didn't have to sleep in a car with a wiggly four year old on my lap? Yay!) Truly though, it was a prefect weekend!

On our journey we stopped in St. Louis to show the girls THE arch and ended up randomly running into my old friend Terica and her family. That was so cool ! I love that girl and she has the cutest family ever. She and her family live there now and it had been awhile since I'd been in touch with her. We were both pregnant with our twins at the same time when they lived here in Chi-town. It was so fun to see her there! (Terica, can I get that picture you took so I can insert it here...until then imagine two hot momma's here.)

After our St. Louis adventure we pushed on to AR for the long awaited visit with my grandparents. We had hoped to go down for a visit this summer but Grandpa's health was too poor for us to make the trip. Finally he was feeling better and was up for some company so we jumped at the chance to visit. The girls had been praying all summer for their Great Grandpa W. to get better but they really didn't know who he was. The last time they had seen him they were babies! The girls were so excited to finally be able to see him and Anna. It was great. I was so happy to see him as well. It had been about four years since I last saw him. He hasn't changed a bit and I love it. He is older sure, but he is still Grandpa. When I called to tell him we were almost there I could tell he was just so happy and told me to get over there now. Our visit was short, just a few hours. We sat at his kitchen table and visited for awhile then the kids and Kermit went out back and played. Anna made a delicious lunch for us. We visited some more then we headed out. Short and sweet but oh so worth the effort to be there. I love my Grandpa and Anna. I was so glad I got to take my family to visit.

Farewell Logan Square Ward, *sniff*

After months of hearing that it would happen, it is finally official. Logan Square Ward has been split. Our family will now be part of the newly formed Lake Shore I Ward. We have been members of Logan Square for over 10 years and will miss it. It has been home to us.

We have met and loved so many families from all over the world in our Logan Square Ward. We have truly loved the experience. Some of my best friends I have made in this ward. We will especially miss the "old timers." Those are the families that are settled here in Chicago, those few families that are constants, that we've seen year after year. It's weird to feel like we are saying good-bye to these dear friends. Nobody has moved...we just won't see them every week like we have for years.

I know why the split needs to happen. The ward is enormous with over 800 members. Only half are active, but of that half, about a quarter have very unique and serious needs. Logan Square is also transient. Every 6 months, about 25 new couples move away and 25 new couples move in. It is constantly changing and difficult for one bishopric to keep track of so many new faces and take care of so many special needs.

With mixed emotions I turned in all my RS keys to Bishop Malli tonight. I also gave him a bunch of the manuals and other materials that I will no longer be using. Last Sunday they released everyone from their callings but asked us to keep doing them until the transition is complete? I am a bit sad. I have loved serving in Relief Society for the last year and a half. I am sad that I won't be able to have that calling that pushed me to grow daily. I had wonderful counselors who I will miss working with. It was great to be able to serve along side such awesome women. I do just love the sisters of the Logan Square RS! All of them! I also feel a little sad because I feel like I was just starting to get the hang of things. For me there was a high learning curve. Maybe I'll have the opportunity in my new ward to serve in RS again, maybe not, I don't know. I know that the callings we receive are inspired. I know that God knows what He is doing so I will trust in that either way. I also know that good things are in store either way.

So farewell my to my Logan Square Ward. We love you always!

Summer

I love summer almost as much as I love fall. One of the best things about summer is that we get to see our families. We traveled from coast to coast to see everyone and we just loved it. What is better than staying up late every night playing with cousins? It is so great to be able to relax and catch up with everyone. Before summer vacation comes to a close I hope to get some photos posted of what we have been up to these past few months.

This picture is from a hike we took at Wachusett Meadow in July. We love it there! It's just beautiful! Speaking of beautiful...Love those girls! Fun times were had this summer...come back soon for pictures galore of all our summer adventures.

It only takes a moment

Tonight I was watching all of our videos that Kermit has put together. I love this one and I don't think I've posted it here yet. He made it for me for Valentine's Day. Most of the footage is almost a year old now. Wow how my girls are growing! I almost get teary looking at their little baby faces. (I just wish that the video wasn't frozen on my face like that...why can't it be frozen on a cute picuture of my girls? Oh well.)

Memorial Day Weekend + the rest of MAY 2010

Guess where Kermit and I spent Memorial Day weekend!
No kids!


My old stomping ground!

(Um, that would be DC in case you couldn't see the capitol there in the background on the first pic.)

Everywhere we went we kept saying, "the kids would love this....lets bring them back." Guess we'll just have to do that. This place is such a blast to visit and is where Kermit and I spent much time dating those three years....so we'll bring the kids back for SURE!


We visited the American History Museum one day and the National Gallery of Art the other. We could have seen a ton more....except when you sleep until noon....guess we'll just have to go back!

This was my first time back since I left almost 11 years ago. I loved flying in to Reagan Airport looking down at Arlington and all the old familiar places I used to go. It took me back to a time when Kermit and I would fly back and forth just to see each other for a weekend. Here I was doing the same to see my man after not seeing him all week. (He had been there on business and I flew in to join him for the long weekend.) The difference this time is that we got to go home together rather than saying good bye! (And I just realized something....Memorial Day weekend was the weekend we got engaged! That is a post for another day but all the more reason to celebrate!)

I loved my cab ride to the hotel passing all the familiar places and beautiful winding roads. I'd live there again! Oh, how I loved DC!

That weekend there was a huge parade of veterans riding motorcycles through town. Not just a few motorcycles...thousands and thousands! Thanks to all the veterans that have served our country! We love you and appreciate all you have done!

We visited the new World War II memorial. It wasn't there yet when I lived there. We liked it, but felt it was too modern for our taste. We love what it represents. Too bad this wasn't completed sooner when more WWII vets could go see it.




We stayed at a hotel across from the White House. Hay Adams. Very cool! No pics of the hotel but here is the White House anyway.

What a fun trip! Can't wait to go again! And take the family next time!


*****
Then there was the rest of May....


We are getting ready to say good bye to our good friends the Francoms. Boo hoo! Don't leave us!Good luck to you friends!


We played in cotton wood fluff. Aaaaahhhh Chooooo! Where is my zyrtec?


Visited Brookfield Zoo. If you look close there are giraffes back there.



Checking out the animals. This was only our second time at Brookfield. Pleasantly surprised this time! We just may have to go back again soon!



Grandma and Kimmel came to town! Yes, its that time of year when grandma makes her trip back to Massachusetts for the summer and when she stops in Chi town to see us! We love it! This time Uncle Kimmel came too! We visited the Art Institute....


and Millennium Park.

We had a blast with them! We cant wait to see them again soon on their turf!

And last but not least...May brought us many a family bike rides. Loving those bikes! We get lots of smiles as we ride down the street. Dad takes the lead with the three girls behind. I ride in back to push along any slow pokes.

GREAT TIMES in May 2010~

April 2010

Let's see.... a few pictures from my phone to share. It was a beautiful April. Easter was a warm day here which NEVER happens. I loved that we had General Conference on Easter. I wish it could be like that every year. I loved staying home with the girls hunting for eggs. I loved hearing wonderful messages and talks! It truly was a day centered around family and the peace that comes with Easter. A perfect day!

(I think I have some other pics taken with our good camera...stay tuned...they may turn up yet!)

March Madness 2010

We celebrated Kermit's birthday with style this year! He blew out 45 big ones with all the girls gathered round to witness. His favorite gift (or maybe our favorite) was the pack of sticky mustaches! All the pics I took were on my phone....why do I do that? They just don't turn out. Luckily my parents were in town and snapped a few with a real camera. THANKS DAD!

I really need to just catch up on this blog. Too much time has lapsed and I'm drawing blanks. This much I do know.....Kermit had an awesome birthday! I have a picture to prove it!

California Video

February 2010 = Lots o FUN!

February brings many things. A few of our favorite things....Annaliese's Birthday for one and Winter Break for two! This year we spent winter break in warm and sunny, balmy and beautiful California. We were able to celebrate Annaliese's sixth birthday with family! Love this girl! Can't believe my girl is SIX!!!

She wanted a cat cake...so a cat cake we made, complete with six whisker candles!

We also went to Sea World...great time! (This was about a week before they had to hold all Shamu shows due to the killer whale attack. Um, so glad we missed that one. Yikes.)


And no trip to CA would be complete without a trip to the Happiest place on Earth!

And a happy time it was!