A Few of My Favorite Things!

So I was inspired by a friends blog that I enjoy reading. She always has good ideas, things I'd like to try, something new to check out. Since I am in my own little world most of the time I like to see what others have found to be their favorite things. As I've been thinking of my own favorite things, I realized I am truly a creature of habit ... I have a few tried & true favorites, of course not as good as Oprah, but I thought I'd share anyway ... in no particular order

1. Sugardoodle.net. I was recently put in the Primary presidency, not a calling I ever thought I'd have (or like!) But actually it's kinda fun, but this website saves me... it's full of ideas & tons of great stuff...

2. The Office. Thurdays night is our date night, pathetic I know, but every Thursday we set the DVR, put the kiddies to bed & have a little time to just laugh ... together... good date huh?

3. This is Clinique's double face powder. It's foundation & powder in one. I have used it for years, it lasts awhile, I always buy it when they do Bonus Time. (So I'm cheap!) It lasts all day & feels very light.

4. C.O. Bigelow's mentha shine, I'm sure it's all of your favorite's too! I love the mentha feel, but with the feel of gloss. I have several flavors & colors, I keep them in the car, makeup bag, purse... all over! I like to stock up when they're on sale.

5. J. Crew slippers. Mine are red & a little different, but they have the rubber sole that I love. Since I got them at Christmas, I pretty well live in them if I'm at home. They are comfy & cozy, but you can still take the garbage out or go get the kids from school! My hubby thinks I'm weird because I wear them all the time... oh well.

6. Cardigans. No particular brand, I just like them, alot! I try not to wear them everyday, but I want to. They are easy to wear with anything, dress them up or down, and the best thing... they hide my little trouble spot right in front! (I have a few trouble spots, but this one is the worst!) I like this one, it's from J. Crew, it's longer & also addresses my other problem spot!

Note: I didn't always shop J. Crew, but now that my favorite sister (love ya!) manages one, I get a heads up on good sales! I know, I'm spoiled, I don't deserve her....

7. Nicolas Sparks novels. I love his all of his books, I have read & reread all of them. I don't always have alot of time to read, but it's a nice way to escape once in awhile.

8. Sonic. I love Happy Hour - for those of you who don't know, they have the BEST ice ever... those little round pellets? I love 'em! During Happy Hour all drinks are 1/2 price. Diet Coke with fresh lime- need I say more? I used to feel dumb going thru the drive thru for only a drink, but I know I'm not the only one. You can also buy a bag of ice...

My Family, When Did We All Grow Up?

It's not too often that my siblings are all together at the same place. Practically never anymore. JM doesn't make it home very often, he keeps busy with work & school & socializing in SLC. We see Val & Heather more often, but it's always fun to have everyone together.

I have been threatened with my life if I post these pics on my blog, but I'm willing to risk it! I am the dorky sister who makes them pose for a picture, I'm sure they will thank me someday, I don't remember the last time we had a picture together.

As I look at this picture, I can't believe how grown up we all are now. Wasn't it just yesterday we were fighting & arguing, wishing we were all grown up & out of the house. Now we are grown up, living our own lives, having our own adventures, going through our own trials. As I look back, I cherish the memories that we laugh at, and spend hours reminiscing about. I have a great family & love all of them so, so much. I have truly been blessed to have parents that have sacrificed much, and I hope I can give to my own children all that they have given to me. I love you guys!

My boys

Today was Eli's first day in Primary as a Sunbeam. He was thrilled, since I am there too, I got to watch him. He thought he was pretty neat, he did pretty good sitting still & listening. Allie was a bit lost going to the nursery alone, but I'm sure she'll be the Queen-B in no time.
Branden & Eli think they are the UFC champs, I guess it's OK for them to think so, I'd hate to break their spirits. They are good buddies. Eli thought it was pretty cool to have a matching sweater with dad, Branden thought it was kinda corny, oh well. It's not easy finding "cool" sweaters that actually match!

My boys, they are both pretty cute, sometimes sweet, and always cuddly.

Christmas!

Allie got a baby... that is the only thing she ever asked for. She was thrilled, a bit overwhelmed, but so happy & excited. Branden built her a cradle for the baby & also a table for her tea parties. She's my little momma.
Eli was so funny! Everything he opened, even underwear & socks, he would yell & say, "Cool! I love it!" I told Branden he could show a little of that enthusiasm when he opened his underwear & socks! He recently has become obsesses with football & the Steelers (no thanks to his dad!) Eli got the Steelers get up & a Leapfrog, and a Geotrax train. He was thrilled with everything & has been so excited & happy.

Madelyn got her American Girl doll. She has been wanting her birthday last April. I picked her out when I was in NYC. I am not a mushy person, but I got teary when she opened the doll. She was so happy I thought she was going to cry! That was my favorite part of Christmas, watching my kids open their gifts, being so sweet & thankful for all they got. They are great kids, I love em! Maddie also got the cupcake maker, which isn't as big as mess as I thought it would be. Although it only makes 1 at a time, she thinks it's great. She also got a CD player for her room. She is really growing up on me! She'll be wanting an Ipod & cell phone next! I like the toys!

Allie didn't get up from her new table for a few hours, she had to open all her presents while sitting there, take care of her babies & have a tea party. The kids have really enjoyed each other, & even shared their toys .. it really was a Christmas miracle!

Christmas morning, Branden's family has a tradition of doing breakfast. We gathered at Brad & Lisa's & had a nice breakfast & exchanged gifts. We played some games, listened to Tayler play his guitar & sing some Christmas songs. I love all the family together time. Christmas seems to go so fast, but it is so fun to be together, everyone is happy & loving & laughing...

Of course there has to be a few melt downs! Allie had a few moments, but hey don't you wish you could just throw a good fit once in awhile?

Maddie & Alyssa playing with the new presents.

So there was a complete blizzard on Christmas day! We had gone back to my mom's house to exchange gifts & hang out & it snowed, and snowed & snowed. The wind was blowing too, so there were drifts & the entire house was covered. It was so pretty outside. I told Wiley (Whit's boyfriend) to go jump in the snow... and he did! I wasn't serious, but he is just a kid. There were drifts over 3 feet deep. Needless so say it was a treacherous ride back to Richmond.

Branden spent the whole next day scraping our entire neighborhood... there was alot of snow! It was so pretty, the kids had a ball. It wasn't the right snow for making a snowman, but they didn't care...

Eli, Maddie & Allie climbing the "mountains" dad made with the tractor.

Allie, Maddie, Eli & Austin our neighbor boy, they had a blast outside.

Our little Belle, she is such a funny dog. She loves the snow, she just buries herself in it. She was excited as the kids were...

Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a safe & enjoyable holiday.