December Fun--Part 1

It's been a whirlwind of fun around here! We've been so busy that I haven't had the time to sit down and actually blog about it all. So here it goes--catch up time.
Of course December was filled with shopping for Christmas gifts. Only once did I take out both boys on my own. After that, I realized that either people just weren't going to get gifts, or I would wait for the days when Kevin could come with us. I'm happy to say that we were able to buy a gift for everyone on our list, even if we were last minute shoppers. These shopping days wore us all out--the boys fell asleep on the way home.
And of course we had to make sugar cookies to help us get in the holiday mood. Rylan had a ball with the sprinkles. I think half the bottle ended up on the first cookie.
I LOVE sugar cookies. I've made them twice this month. But for some reason I really really do not like making sugar cookies. And here's why...I don't have a standing mixer. I had a very powerful hand mixer that did a fantastic job, but mixing in even the largest bowl I have creates a big mess. Dough flies everywhere and we don't have any pets to clean it up. Okay, so I thought I had a good hand mixer. Last time I made sugar cookies my mixer broke. I was seriously thinking to myself "This mixer has lasted me a long time and it's a cheap brand (sunbeam). What would I do if this mixer broke?" And then it broke. And it seriously was just at the moment I was thinking what a great mixer it was. (I got it for my wedding almost 6 years ago and it really was very powerful. My next hand mixer (which I need to get soon) will be another Sunbeam. I just have to find where they are sold.) Good thing my mom lives close. I called her up and borrowed her mixer. I think now's a good time to talk my husband into getting me a Kitchen Aid! But back to the sugar cookies which I so love to eat. Another reason I don't like making them--they take too long! Not only do you have to make the dough, but then you have to roll them out and bake them. But it doesn't stop there because I like my sugar cookies frosted. So then I have to make frosting and frost them. But I admit. It's all worth it in the end because I sure do love sugar cookies. (Can you tell I'm a very simple person? I'm not one to put too much effort into my cooking and baking. Is that bad?)

I bought Rylan's snowsuit a little big this year, hoping that maybe he can wear it again next year. He hasn't gotten much use out of it so far this year. It took so long for the big snow storms to come. And then when they all hit at once it was so cold I didn't want to take him outside! He played in the snow while daddy shoveled the driveway and hopefully we'll get to go sledding some day soon (maybe this weekend when we get another storm).

Rylan loves bulldozers, tractors, cranes, whatever. Kevin thought it would be fun to put Ry on this bulldozer. Rylan was so excited but he doesn't show much emotion so you'll just have to trust me.

Daddy's Turn

Athleticism has never been one of Rylan's greatest assets and I think I know where he gets that from (or should I say where he does NOT get that from??).

Awhile ago Kevin was tossing a beach ball to Rylan and Ry would hit the ball with a tennis racket. Okay, so you'd think since the beach ball is pretty big Ry would get it every time, right? Let's just say Ry had to practice quite a bit. It's hard to tell in this picture, but he did indeed hit the beach ball and the ball is actually off the ground. Anyways, Kevin played with Ry for quite some time and Ry was hitting the ball most of the time. Kevin left to do something so Rylan brought the beach ball to me and asked me to play. I tossed the beach ball and BAM!...it hit Ry right in the face. Okay seriously, how hard is it to pitch a beach ball at a large tennis racket? Sheesh! Sorry Rylan, you apparently get your athletic abilities from your mommy! Well, after the ball hit Ry in the face, Ry picked it up and said "Okay, Daddy's turn" and off he went to find daddy. Ouch! Maybe I need just as much practice as Rylan.

He's a Blessing

Yesterday was such a wonderful day for our little family. It was Asher's blessing day and it really was such a great day. We have church at 1:00 which isn't usually my favorite time (I would prefer 10:00 or 11:00 but oh well) but having late church is GREAT when you're going to have company over at your house after. It gave me a good amount of time to get ready and make sure the house was decent looking. I gave Kevin plenty of chores and he helped out so much in getting the house and Rylan ready.

We were early enough to church to save some seats and luckily the majority of Kevin's family arrived early. My family on the other hand...well, I'm just happy they were there in time for the blessing!! My entire family was there including my grandparents and my aunt. All of Kevin's family was there, except his parents who are far far away, so they were excused :) It's always so comforting to have the support of family and to be able to share these special times with such great people. I really don't think I'd ever be able to live away from my family...and Kevin knows that. I think if one of us moved, our whole family would have to move.

Kevin did a great job on the blessing. I was a little distracted because Rylan had too much excitement with his cousins at church with him. I kept trying to ignore him so I could hear the blessing but he was not being very reverent...and he's usually very good in sacrament meeting. But what I heard of the blessing was beautiful and brought joy to my heart. I know my Heavenly Father loves this little spirit that is in our home and part of our family and I know He will bless my little Asher throughout his life.

We crammed our families into our house after and they immediately began asking for food...so we fed them. My family helped in providing the food and seriously, I couldn't have done it without them. They are so fantastic in coming up with a great menu and a good variety of foods which all tasted delish. We had a meat and cheese tray with rolls and crackers, sausage rolls, guacamole appetizers, a veggie tray, cinnamon rolls, truffles, fruit and dip, chocolate cream puffs, lil smokies, ooey gooey bars, chocolate pretzels, cucumber toasties...am I missing anything? It was perfect.

I have to admit I was a little sad when it was all over and everyone left...and not because I had a mess to clean up! If it was up to me, I think I'd find a way to have dinner with family every day of the week. It's too much fun not to! And we have to do it all over again because I wanted to get a picture with everyone and I forgot until most people were gone...sad.
So thanks to everyone for coming and supporting and being part of our special day. I held Asher all night and didn't want to put him down. He really is a blessing in my life and I can't wait for all of you to be able to get to know this little who I know has a beautiful life ahead of him.