October 31, 2008

Notes to the boys

Lunch Notes

I usually pack the kids lunches the night before and I always put a little note on their napkin, just to let them know I love them or good luck on a test etc. My mom used to do it when we were growing up and I loved it. Just a little reminder someone is thinking about you :)

I was on a friends blog and she found this site. I thought it would be fun to share...it gave me a few fun new ideas. In the world today our kids need all the love and encouragement we can give while they are young, because the rest of their life the world will be knocking them down!

Here are some cute ideas...

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Don't trade this sandwich, I made it for YOU!

Mom hopes you like this tasty lunch...
I miss you and love you, my honey bunch!

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Know as you're eating, I'm thinking of you!

I have a surprise for you...see you at 3:00!
XOXOXO

Lizards are green, bunnies are furry,
I miss you, Davis...
Come home in a hurry! XOXOXO

You are DINO-mite!!! (Draw a dinosaur!)

Tonight you don't have any chores...
Have a great day!

I'm picking you up at (blank) time and
taking you for a special treat! LOVE YOU!

Good luck on your spelling test today!

Draw a picture...they'll be surprised that you know how!

Put a joke in their lunch...

If you really wanted to go all out, you could buy some small, inexpensive toys to surprise them with every once in a while...kind of like a happy meal!

October 26, 2008

***HALLELUJAH***

We have KEYS!!!

We moved here to Arizona a year and two months ago. Tyler's cousins were so wonderful to let us rent their house for what we thought was going to be a month or two, while we waited for our home to be built...Little did we know it would be a year!

We never unpacked anything because we kept thinking, "next month we will move," and nothing, then, "It will be next month" then the next month, and so on and here we still are a year and two months later. This is the entrance to our house we've been renting and it is literally wall to wall, floor to ceiling boxes everywhere in the house. It's been paper products, plastic utensils, a pot and a pan, a couch, kitchen table, and our beds. I have to admit the clean freak in me has been going a little crazy. I have to keep reminding myself...it's temporary!

Well, we just closed on our house and I have keys in hand, so it is official...we are moving! YEAH!

Honestly, I have to say that despite the many trials along the way, we have been deeply blessed. This last year has given me a greater appreciation for the simple things. We really don't need much in life to be happy. We are so grateful for the gospel, our family and friends who have helped us along the way. We love you all!


This is a glimpse of our chaos


October 15, 2008

Fall Break

The kids were out of school for Fall Break, so we went to the Happiest Place on Earth!
I just love to go when it is all decorated for the Holidays. It reminds me of going as a child, that jolly, giddy, happy to be alive feeling!
We got some autographs, pictures, Candy Corns, saw all the pumpkins, and lights down Main Street...LOVE IT!

My mom's sister Jarnie and her husband Kevin came from Utah and stayed for a week along with her son Mike and wife Kara. It was so fun to visit with all our cousins and family.


Ashton's favorite ride was the train because he got to see Dinosaurs
and other animals. We also took him on The Matterhorn for the first time...he just barely made 35 in. He was a little hesitant at first as we were waiting in line and he kept hearing the abominable snowman ROAR! I kept telling him it was a fast choo choo train, and he got all excited...until we got on the ride. He was grabbing on to the handles for dear life and dead silent. When we came out of the last turn into daylight, my mom looked back and said, "Jill, he is WHITE." He told me, "Mommy that so fun." When we got off we called daddy and told him he was such a big boy and went on the fast train. Ashton told Tyler, "Mommy hold me really tight and I saw a white monkey."(abominable snowman...Monkey, it's all the same?)



Spencer was so excited to finally be tall enough to go on California Screamin, you have to be 48in. and with the help of a little toilet paper in his shoes...he made it! He wanted Grandpa to go with him and he LOVED it!!

Kaden was so excited too because he go to go on Indiana Jones for the first time!
He actaully was tall enough 46in. and He loved it!
This trip was a monumentous occasion at Disneyland! We have not been there in over a year and it was a nice little reasurrance that, YES, my children really are growing! There is hope for them afterall.