Eeks! I wasn't very good at writing down quotes this month...
Rylan:
(December 4, 2011)
We had an early Christmas party at my mom's house for the kids to exchange Christmas gifts before Kacy's family heads to Australia for the next couple months (boo hoo!) The kids were unwrapping gifts and someone started the good ol' "hey look! She got a box!" and everyone else would chime in "Cool, it's a box!" After about 7 or 8 times of this hilarious box joke Rylan asked me "How come everyone keeps getting boxes?"
(December 23, 2011)
Asher: "Whose present is this?"
Me: "That's daddy's present."
Asher: "Brooklyn's daddy?"
Me: "Your daddy."
Rylan: "Our daddy that lives in our home?"
As opposed to their daddy that lives somewhere else? Ha Ha Ha?
(December 31, 2011)
Rylan to Kaleb: "Come here, I want to whisper you something."
Asher:
(December 12, 2011)
He saw a cute stuffed polar bear at the store and just HAD to have it. I rather liked it too, so I couldn't say 'no'! I told Asher I would buy it but he had to earn 5 points before he could play with it. So later I told him if he made his bed and cleaned his room I would give him one point.
Asher: Batting his eyes and smiling "Two points?"
Me: "No, one point."
Asher: Head hanging low "O-tay".
Where is this three year old picking up on bargaining skills??!!
(December 22, 2011)
Asher: "What's that?"
Me: "My shirt."
Asher: "Your arms are coming out!"
I had just been at the gym and I was wearing a tank top. I guess he's not used to seeing so much of my arm! :)
While on the Provo river boat cruise looking at their light display they were playing Christmas music. I joined in and Asher said "Mom, stop singing." So Kevin started singing, knowing he'd be asked to stop. Sure enough Asher said "Dad, stop singing." This kid, for some reason, does not like me (or Kevin!) to sing. I used to sing to Rylan every night before bed and now that he shares a room with Asher I don't get to sing to him as often because Asher doesn't like it. Occasionally Ry will ask me to sing him a song and I'll just have to ignore Asher's pleas to stop singing. And I promise I have a half decent singing voice! :)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2011 Books
The Road--
We read this for book group which surprised Kevin. He had read it before and really liked it. And I really liked it, too. Well, it's hard to 'like' a book that is sad to read. I don't think it was liked by everyone in our book group, but I'd recommend it.
Pathfinder--
So good! I'm an Orson Scott Card fan (well, I've only read a few of his books) and this one did not disappoint.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet-
February's book group book and very, very good. It's a popular book and I can see why.
Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt--
Deborah recommended this to me and I really liked it. It was an easy run read and I thought Cee Cee was a great character.
The Girl in the Green Raincoat--
Book group book for March, would not recommend. It was based on the movie "Rear Window" I believe, but it was just poorly written. I'm thinking it was written for a newspaper and then compiled into book form so maybe that has something to do with it.
Midnight for Charlie Bone--
Fun 'Harry Potter'-ish type book. It's the first in a long series and when I went back to the library to get number 2 it was checked out. I didn't read anymore during the entire year...did I forget about it? It was a fun book though so I'll have to get going!
Miss Julie Speaks Her Mind--
My mother in law really likes this series and I thought it was pretty good. Another southern character which I tend to like. My sister Deborah did not like this book at all but I'd easily pick up another Miss Julie book and read it.
My Name is Asher Lev--
I can't quite figure out why I like this book so much! I've read it before and it left an impression on me so I suggested it for book group. I ended up not being able to host this month but I'm thinking they said the majority of the girls like it! I don't read many books more than once but I liked it the second time around, too!
These is My Words--
This ended up being a book group choice later on in the year and it's very, very good. I had heard good things about this book for awhile but the title didn't interest me. I'm so glad I read it though. Definitely recommend.
Moloka'i--
Book group. I didn't like this as well as some of the other girls but it was still a good book. I think it was kind of hard for me to read since it's a sad situation.
Some Wildflower in My Heart--
I think I saw this as a recommendation to someone else on Facebook. I read this after Tyce was born so I have good memories of reading, holding my little one. It's about an older couple so I couldn't really relate and I remember thinking several times I wanted to read a different book. So it was an ok book. Not one I'd tell people to read.
The Maze Runner--
So good! The first in a trilogy and I'm excited to read the next ones.
Crispin-
Another good book. Easy read. I'd recommend it.
I Capture the Castle--
This book had been talked about several times so I finally checked it out from the library. It's a little strange but I really liked it. I've talked to a few people who weren't as into as me, but I enjoyed it :)
Incarceron--
I wanted to like this book. I think it's a trilogy but one that I won't finish. For me it was confusing and anytime I sat down to read, it would take me awhile to get into the book and figure out what was going on again. Maybe I just read it at the wrong time in my life when I needed an easy read :)
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie--
So good! This character has other mystery books about her and I really want to read some more.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother--
I have such mixed feelings about this book. It was good and I believe in some of her ways of raising children, but as a mother who often feels guilty about my mothering it was so hard to read about her being so mean to her children. Obviously there are times when we have to discipline and be strict but she just went overboard (in my opinion). Of course, we'll see how successful my children end up :) Overall it was a good, interesting book and I'd recommend it just for fun. (I just won't parent my children in the same way :)
The Mansion--
This was a book group option (we ended up reading a different book that I didn't read). It's a super quick read and perfect for Christmas time.
All Is Swell: Trust in Thelma's Way--
I borrowed this from my sister in law and read it over Christmas break and while at the cabin. Super cheesy...almost embarrassing. But I was entertained and I'll probably read the next two. It's about a boy, Trust, who is called to serve his mission in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere called Thelma's Way. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a must read, but it was light and required zero thought.
We read this for book group which surprised Kevin. He had read it before and really liked it. And I really liked it, too. Well, it's hard to 'like' a book that is sad to read. I don't think it was liked by everyone in our book group, but I'd recommend it.
Pathfinder--
So good! I'm an Orson Scott Card fan (well, I've only read a few of his books) and this one did not disappoint.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet-
February's book group book and very, very good. It's a popular book and I can see why.
Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt--
Deborah recommended this to me and I really liked it. It was an easy run read and I thought Cee Cee was a great character.
The Girl in the Green Raincoat--
Book group book for March, would not recommend. It was based on the movie "Rear Window" I believe, but it was just poorly written. I'm thinking it was written for a newspaper and then compiled into book form so maybe that has something to do with it.
Midnight for Charlie Bone--
Fun 'Harry Potter'-ish type book. It's the first in a long series and when I went back to the library to get number 2 it was checked out. I didn't read anymore during the entire year...did I forget about it? It was a fun book though so I'll have to get going!
Miss Julie Speaks Her Mind--
My mother in law really likes this series and I thought it was pretty good. Another southern character which I tend to like. My sister Deborah did not like this book at all but I'd easily pick up another Miss Julie book and read it.
My Name is Asher Lev--
I can't quite figure out why I like this book so much! I've read it before and it left an impression on me so I suggested it for book group. I ended up not being able to host this month but I'm thinking they said the majority of the girls like it! I don't read many books more than once but I liked it the second time around, too!
These is My Words--
This ended up being a book group choice later on in the year and it's very, very good. I had heard good things about this book for awhile but the title didn't interest me. I'm so glad I read it though. Definitely recommend.
Moloka'i--
Book group. I didn't like this as well as some of the other girls but it was still a good book. I think it was kind of hard for me to read since it's a sad situation.
Some Wildflower in My Heart--
I think I saw this as a recommendation to someone else on Facebook. I read this after Tyce was born so I have good memories of reading, holding my little one. It's about an older couple so I couldn't really relate and I remember thinking several times I wanted to read a different book. So it was an ok book. Not one I'd tell people to read.
The Maze Runner--
So good! The first in a trilogy and I'm excited to read the next ones.
Crispin-
Another good book. Easy read. I'd recommend it.
I Capture the Castle--
This book had been talked about several times so I finally checked it out from the library. It's a little strange but I really liked it. I've talked to a few people who weren't as into as me, but I enjoyed it :)
Incarceron--
I wanted to like this book. I think it's a trilogy but one that I won't finish. For me it was confusing and anytime I sat down to read, it would take me awhile to get into the book and figure out what was going on again. Maybe I just read it at the wrong time in my life when I needed an easy read :)
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie--
So good! This character has other mystery books about her and I really want to read some more.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother--
I have such mixed feelings about this book. It was good and I believe in some of her ways of raising children, but as a mother who often feels guilty about my mothering it was so hard to read about her being so mean to her children. Obviously there are times when we have to discipline and be strict but she just went overboard (in my opinion). Of course, we'll see how successful my children end up :) Overall it was a good, interesting book and I'd recommend it just for fun. (I just won't parent my children in the same way :)
The Mansion--
This was a book group option (we ended up reading a different book that I didn't read). It's a super quick read and perfect for Christmas time.
All Is Swell: Trust in Thelma's Way--
I borrowed this from my sister in law and read it over Christmas break and while at the cabin. Super cheesy...almost embarrassing. But I was entertained and I'll probably read the next two. It's about a boy, Trust, who is called to serve his mission in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere called Thelma's Way. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a must read, but it was light and required zero thought.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Christmas Day
Such a wonderful Christmas Day! Our boys are not early risers and Christmas morning was no different. They came in around 8:00 to get us up and going. While I waited in my room with the boys, Kevin went downstairs to get things ready. He turned on the Christmas tree lights and got the video camera set. (He forgot to turn on the Christmas music so I did that after I came down. I don't know why I like those Christmas songs playing while we unwrap presents, but I do!). He called us down and Rylan, Asher, and I headed down together. (I don't remember if Tyce was awake at this point or if he woke up shortly after.)
There was a bit of hesitation as we made our way downstairs, but when Ry saw his instruments from Santa, he was so excited! He immediately picked up his trumpet and started making some music. Yeah for Santa! Asher got a dinosaur from Dinosaur Train which he liked well enough. He seemed to just kind of wander around a bit. Maybe he was taking it all in :)
We got to work on the presents and it was all just so exciting. I think since Ry already had his much anticipated instruments, he was so grateful for each gift he got to open. I knew he would be happy about his Gears Trio blocks...I'm excited for them, too! Asher was also great at being excited and having fun opening his gifts. I think his race track was the most exciting for him.
Tyce had all sorts of entertainment!
Kevin and I also had a few gifts to open. We weren't going to get each other gifts, thinking we were going to buy a van before Christmas and that would be our gift to each other. But, that didn't happen so we were both scrambling for last minute gifts :)
The Aftermath. Yep, we had fun!
Our church starts at 11:00 so after opening gifts and enjoying the morning we quickly got ready. Kevin and the boys all got matching ties recently and they were all so SO handsome!
Church was fantastic. We only had sacrament meeting and it was really good. The songs were all so beautiful--by the congregation but especially by the choir. The bishop spoke about different levels of the Christmas spirit. He talked about the Santa Clause excitement and how we grow to enjoy Christmas for the true reason--Jesus Christ. And how serving and loving and celebrating for our Savior truly brings us joy and love for our fellow men. It was all so wonderful and it was all too short!
Oh, so handsome!!
We came home to relax and enjoy the day before heading to the Holman's for some family time.
Rylan brought his instruments with him to the Holman's. We had our own little band during the (noisy) car ride!We had a delicious traditional Christmas dinner at the Holman's and had a great time talking. Grandma and Grandpa had gifts for the kids (and adults--wahoo!!) Rylan was super excited about his new play dough pizza maker and Asher was thrilled with his dinosaur pillow pet! Oh, I do love to see that happiness on my kids faces! We gave my parents their gifts as well. Then we let the kids have fun together while the adults got to play some fun games.
It was such a wonderful day and really maybe my favorite Christmas in many years. I can't even explain the joy I have in my heart. It's such a special time to spend with family and to celebrate the birth of our Savior. It's only through Him that I am able to have the joys of my life--my children and husband.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Doyle Christmas
I always love our Doyle Christmas parties. We get together on the 23rd and that way everyone can be there. It's perfect!
We partied at Andy's house which was set up and decorated festively. He had snow globes at the kids place settings and of course his BYU Christmas tree (among other things)! We had the traditional fondu with bread for dinner along with a salad and and super yummy drink that Andy's friend made for us. Oh it was all so good!
After dinner and some talking and some Wipeout on Kinect, we gathered in the front room for the kids gift exchange.
Dallin started it out since he's the oldest. He gave a gift to Asher--a sword! Kevin bought Asher and Rylan both a sword and shield for Christmas and Dallin gave Asher the sword we were going to give Rylan! So we'll switch it up and just give Asher the matching shield and gave Ry the other sword and shield. (Did that make sense?) Asher was excited about the sword. I know there will be lots of fighting off bad guys!!
Lauren (or maybe it was Luke or Levi? I know it was one of the Vostis but now I can't remember exactly who. Hmmmm.) gave Ry a laser gun which was a huge hit! It lights up and makes sounds and is just the kind of gun Ry likes to play with.
The grandparents gave the grandkids their own cereal! So fun! They all wanted to open them right away :) Tyce got some rice cereal--cute :)
(Ry gave Oliver a drawing book that I was so excited about I had to buy one for my boys :) And Asher gave Emma a scarf, headband, and lotion. I thought the scarf was so cute I wanted one for myself but I refrained! Christmas shopping is so fun!)
The kids played with their new toys for a bit before we sent them away so the adults could exchange gifts. Mark gave me a purse which I LOVE. Love the color, love the size, love the style. Perfect! He gave Kevin a new jacket--nice!
We gave Dennis a SL Real scarf, Mary Kaye a book (Devil's Food Cake) and a pair of tickets to the Desert Star Theater for the two of them.
The folks also gave all of us personalized vinyl people which we will save to put on our van (if we ever get one!!) and a popcorn foot warmer thingy! The whole gift exchange was a fun success. I love Christmas!
We all stayed and talked as long as possible. The grandkids have a sleepover at the folks house this night every year so the families with kids left, as well as the folks. My kids don't get to join in the fun since we have a different fun tradition they get to enjoy on the morning of the 24th (breakfast for my mom's birthday). So we stayed at Andy's house even longer, along with Mark and Steph (and Andy, of course). It was very late when we finally left but I could have stayed even longer to talk :)
Such a great night! I love Christmas, I love family, I love food and gifts, I love traditions, I love talking and laughing. Life is good :)
We partied at Andy's house which was set up and decorated festively. He had snow globes at the kids place settings and of course his BYU Christmas tree (among other things)! We had the traditional fondu with bread for dinner along with a salad and and super yummy drink that Andy's friend made for us. Oh it was all so good!
After dinner and some talking and some Wipeout on Kinect, we gathered in the front room for the kids gift exchange.
Dallin started it out since he's the oldest. He gave a gift to Asher--a sword! Kevin bought Asher and Rylan both a sword and shield for Christmas and Dallin gave Asher the sword we were going to give Rylan! So we'll switch it up and just give Asher the matching shield and gave Ry the other sword and shield. (Did that make sense?) Asher was excited about the sword. I know there will be lots of fighting off bad guys!!
Lauren (or maybe it was Luke or Levi? I know it was one of the Vostis but now I can't remember exactly who. Hmmmm.) gave Ry a laser gun which was a huge hit! It lights up and makes sounds and is just the kind of gun Ry likes to play with.
The grandparents gave the grandkids their own cereal! So fun! They all wanted to open them right away :) Tyce got some rice cereal--cute :)
(Ry gave Oliver a drawing book that I was so excited about I had to buy one for my boys :) And Asher gave Emma a scarf, headband, and lotion. I thought the scarf was so cute I wanted one for myself but I refrained! Christmas shopping is so fun!)
The kids played with their new toys for a bit before we sent them away so the adults could exchange gifts. Mark gave me a purse which I LOVE. Love the color, love the size, love the style. Perfect! He gave Kevin a new jacket--nice!
My favorite brother in law of the night :)
We gave Dennis a SL Real scarf, Mary Kaye a book (Devil's Food Cake) and a pair of tickets to the Desert Star Theater for the two of them.
The folks also gave all of us personalized vinyl people which we will save to put on our van (if we ever get one!!) and a popcorn foot warmer thingy! The whole gift exchange was a fun success. I love Christmas!
We all stayed and talked as long as possible. The grandkids have a sleepover at the folks house this night every year so the families with kids left, as well as the folks. My kids don't get to join in the fun since we have a different fun tradition they get to enjoy on the morning of the 24th (breakfast for my mom's birthday). So we stayed at Andy's house even longer, along with Mark and Steph (and Andy, of course). It was very late when we finally left but I could have stayed even longer to talk :)
Such a great night! I love Christmas, I love family, I love food and gifts, I love traditions, I love talking and laughing. Life is good :)
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve
Every year we start out our Christmas Eve day by meeting up with my family for breakfast to celebrate my mom's birthday. It started out as a breakfast to honor her (and it still is!) but I'm pretty sure it's a tradition we all look forward to and love. It's also the only time of the year I allow myself to order the stuffed french toast from Ihop--so good!! My mom is a beautiful 60 year old woman this year. 60! She's so young!
With no plans for the afternoon, we headed to the crazy mall and bought me a shirt :) We halfway attempted to go see a movie with the Holmans but I was tired and they were already home so I didn't push it. Instead we came home, relaxed, and delivered fudge to some neighbors. I stopped by my mom's house at just the right time because they had just finished eating some soup and had some leftover--dinner for me!!
We met up at my mom's house with the rest of the fam for ice cream and brownie pudding cake. Of course there was a beautiful round of "Happy Birthday" to my momma. Did you know a hot pudding cake melts wax candles?! HA HA! That didn't stop us from enjoying our dessert :)
My mom opened up her gifts and we all chatted for a bit before heading out to do our own Christmas Eve thing.
Rylan has been so excited to open gifts. We only open one gift on Christmas Eve--a book. Rylan is in need of pajamas that fit so this year we also got them some jammies. So they had two presents to open and they couldn't wait!
Rylan looks happy in this picture, but he really wasn't too thrilled with his two gifts. "A book?" "Clothes?" He tossed both of them to the side and sat there staring longingly at the other gifts under the tree. His book was 'Art and Max' and I know he's gonna love it! And I loved Ry and Asher in their matching jammies :)
I think Tyce needs matching jammies next year!
We read their new books to them before bed and then tucked them in for a good night's sleep. Such a fun day!
With no plans for the afternoon, we headed to the crazy mall and bought me a shirt :) We halfway attempted to go see a movie with the Holmans but I was tired and they were already home so I didn't push it. Instead we came home, relaxed, and delivered fudge to some neighbors. I stopped by my mom's house at just the right time because they had just finished eating some soup and had some leftover--dinner for me!!
We met up at my mom's house with the rest of the fam for ice cream and brownie pudding cake. Of course there was a beautiful round of "Happy Birthday" to my momma. Did you know a hot pudding cake melts wax candles?! HA HA! That didn't stop us from enjoying our dessert :)
My mom opened up her gifts and we all chatted for a bit before heading out to do our own Christmas Eve thing.
Rylan has been so excited to open gifts. We only open one gift on Christmas Eve--a book. Rylan is in need of pajamas that fit so this year we also got them some jammies. So they had two presents to open and they couldn't wait!
Rylan looks happy in this picture, but he really wasn't too thrilled with his two gifts. "A book?" "Clothes?" He tossed both of them to the side and sat there staring longingly at the other gifts under the tree. His book was 'Art and Max' and I know he's gonna love it! And I loved Ry and Asher in their matching jammies :)
I think Tyce needs matching jammies next year!
We read their new books to them before bed and then tucked them in for a good night's sleep. Such a fun day!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Asher
This little boy is just growing up too fast. It's hard to believe he just has one more week in the nursery at church and then he'll be a Sunbeam! He talks non-stop...to me or to his 'babies' (Curious George, Stitch, or monkey) or small animals that he'll carry around. And I guess I'm gonna make him grow up just a little bit more come January when it's time to potty train--we're all excited for that--HA!These days he loves to play on the computer. He gets on all by himself and easily finds the PBS Kids or Peep icon.
I'm having so much fun watching my kids learn and grow. If only they just didn't grow so fast!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Christmas Cookies
In years past we've made sugar cookies with the intention of taking them to some of our neighbors. Then we never get around to delivering them. Well...maybe we just eat them all before they even get packaged up! So this year we just made sugar cookies for ourselves. It's the season of selfishness, right?! Actually, I had decided to make fudge for some neighbors instead, and we did end up taking a plate of cookies to our neighbors next door. Better than in years past!
I love a good sugar cookie. I used the same recipe as I usually do but something was off. I mean, they were still good. We managed to eat up every last crumb. But I think I'll try a different frosting recipe next time. Valentine's Day?
It's fun to make cookies with my boys so I'm glad this is a tradition for us.
As a side...Asher came up to me with his fists up, ready for a fight and said "Who wants some of this?" I had to have a picture!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Cavity Free!
I took the boys to the dentist today. This was Asher's first visit! We went to a pediatric dentist here in Spanish Fork. Rylan did okay the first time he went to the dentist but I thought he would do better with a pediatric dentist.
The boys played with trains while waiting in the lobby. When we were called back they did great getting their x-rays done. When it came time for Rylan to sit in the chair and get his teeth cleaned, he refused to open his mouth. I tried bribing him, we tried to get him to watch the tv up above or even play the xbox but he refused. The dental assistant ended up practically sitting on him. She was very gentle and was able to do what she needed to do. Rylan did much better when the dentist came in!
Asher had no worries and just had fun playing the xbox!
They were both given Del Taco certificates for being cavity free!! They got their goody bag which included a token for the machines in the front. Rylan chose a bouncy ball and Asher got a ninja with his token.
It was a successful trip to the dentist!
The boys played with trains while waiting in the lobby. When we were called back they did great getting their x-rays done. When it came time for Rylan to sit in the chair and get his teeth cleaned, he refused to open his mouth. I tried bribing him, we tried to get him to watch the tv up above or even play the xbox but he refused. The dental assistant ended up practically sitting on him. She was very gentle and was able to do what she needed to do. Rylan did much better when the dentist came in!
Asher had no worries and just had fun playing the xbox!
They were both given Del Taco certificates for being cavity free!! They got their goody bag which included a token for the machines in the front. Rylan chose a bouncy ball and Asher got a ninja with his token.
It was a successful trip to the dentist!
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