A Very Merry Christmas

This Christmas seasons has been the most hectic and jam-packed Christmas that I can remember. I barely finished my shopping in time. Barely. Bryan and I actually had to go out shopping on Christmas Eve so that he would have something to open the next morning.

In the last two weeks I wasn't even home for a full day once. This month was filled with shopping and planning for a ward Christmas party, completing that party, Christmas shopping, spending time with Rissa and her kids while they were in town, several trips to the doctor, 300 cupcakes to decorate, a wedding, family parties, sick kids, sick husband, sick me, being snowed in, gingerbread houses, making stockings, birthday parties, and much more.

As busy as it was, it ended up being fantastic. The boys had an awesome morning. Santa returned to being the genius that he is. Jace reminds me everyday how much he loves his power tool workshop, and Cole can't get enough of his choo-choo.

We got spoiled by both families. We got some awesome gifts - thank you everyone!!!

Christmas was lovely except for the one present it left behind to the 12 of the 15 members in my family and several more on Bryan's side......THE FLU!! It was a nasty bug that left most of my family members in great pain and stomach turmoil. My poor mother actually caught it early Christmas morning, and Jace caught it later that night. He ended his night lying on the couch being miserable with a bowl close by.

Luckily that's not what he remembers most about our very merry day.

The Stockings Were Hung...

by the chimney with GREAT care. 10:29 PM Christmas Eve, our stockings finally made it on the mantel.

Back in September, I bought the pattern for these babies, determined that I was going to make new stockings for our family. They were adorable and it was time for new ones and so I just couldn't pass them up. I bought the fabric in October or November, deciding that I would get a good head start on them. That didn't happen.

Other priorities came and the stockings went. I would work on them here and there, but it was getting down to the wire and these puppies were a little more detail oriented than I expected. I toted them around with me to a few family parties and worked on the embroidery in order to get them done.

Bryan kept telling me that I wasn't going to finish them, but I vowed that they would be finished in time for Christmas. Alas, on Christmas Eve at our family gathering, the final stocking was completed. Cheers were heard from the crowd. They knew the importance of this accomplishment.

We got home that evening, and I with anticipation hung my beautiful, small (but beautiful) stockings by the chimney with care.

Amateur

Even though I have had four years of experience with children at Christmas time, I am apparently still an amateur. Today I have failed at hiding Christmas presents and keeping them a surprise. In the rush of putting on a ward Christmas party and all of the hullaballoo of what it demands, I quickly stashed a couple of the presents under my bed hoping they wouldn't be discovered by my eldest until I could move them. I should have known.

What was Santa going to bring the boys this year? We had decided he would deliver Jace a new, bright green Hot Wheels bicycle and Cole was going to be the lucky recipient of a Black and Decker Junior Tool Set. After struggling to decide what in the world Santa was even going to get Cole, we were so excited that he had this genius idea. We just knew Cole was going to love it. We bought some accessories to accompany Santa's tool set to give to Cole. I quickly stashed the them along with some other meaningless presents under my bed.

This morning, Jace picked up an ad and pointed to the very present that Santa was going to give to Cole and declares that that is exactly what he wants for Christmas. I have never heard this request before, the only things on Jace's wish list have been a bigger Megatron and a horn. Where was this dire need for a tool set suddenly coming from? Later he was talking to Bryan and I and said, "I want the Black junior tool set." I gave Bryan a puzzled looked and asked him if he told Jace what the name of the tool set was. Jace chimed in and told me that no, he learned it from the man on TV.

Then revelation hit. Oh no, he was going to steal Cole's present on Christmas morning and not even give a Santa's ho,ho,ho about his ultra cool, revving, bright green Hot Wheels bike.

While I was out fulfilling some church duties this afternoon, Jace was the official spoiler of Christmas surprise. I came home to Jace's discovery of my well stashed presents and his excitement that HE was getting tools for Christmas - just what he always wanted. We have convinced Jace that Cole is getting tools for Christmas. But don't worry, he's okay with this because he's still going to get his bigger Megatron and he'll just share with Cole. Which means he's going to completely take it over.

Now Santa's going to have to rethink what he delivers to the boys Christmas morning. Maybe he'll be kind enough to allow Bryan and I to save Jace's bike for his birthday and he can give Jace the tool set. And just maybe, maybe Cole will miraculously start speaking in sentences and declare his absolute need to receive a certain toy from Santa on Christmas morning. And we'll just have to pray that it's not a Black and Decker Junior Tool Set.

41 Cents and Hours of Fun

41 Cents. Why have I ever spent more than this miniscule amount on a toy? Today on our shopping adventures we went to a great party store, and Jace discovered a "Mr. Incredible" mask. It was 19 cents, and of course we had to get Cole one too, thus totaling 41 cents. The boys think they are absolutely awesome, Jace wanted to nap in his. Cole laughs hysterically when they put them on. So now I have Mr. Incredible and Dash running through my house chasing and fighting Syndrome. Aaaaah, I love cheap entertainment.

WANTED: A Bubble and A Disappearing Act

Yes, I'm looking for a bubble, preferably in the 2T size. Anyone, anyone? Hmmm, no one knows where I can buy a bubble to put my 18 month old in? Well, I desperately need one. We thought Cole had a FAT lip last week.

Shoot, we hadn't seen nothin. He fell again and this time he bit through his lip and into the skin. However, it didn't cause a gaping hole, so we didn't have to go get stitches. Almost, ALMOST. He actually had an instant bruise below his lip and it was slightly bleeding on the skin. I know, hard to explain, but it did go through to the skin this time.

His lip is GINORMOUS!! Poor child. I really could use a bubble. I don't think he's going to have any lips left by the time he turns 3. No, wait... make that 2.

As for the disappearing act... Anyone know how to make these beauties disappear?

We went shopping last night to the mall and joined up with Grandma Pam. We were at Mervyn's checking out all of the awesome 50-70% off deals, and Jace wanted to try on some light-up Transformer shoes. I let him with him knowing that I wasn't buying them for him. I REFUSE to buy character light up shoes. In my opinion, so impractical, and not cute. (No offense to anyone who likes them for their kids.)

So he tried them and and showed his Grandma Pam. "Do you like those?" she asked him. Of course he likes them, they're Transformer shoes!! "I'll buy them for you," she then tells him. WHAT??!! No way. I told her over and over not to buy them for him, I hate those shoes. Bryan then discovers what's happening and tells her the same thing. "But I told him I would buy them," she replies. A Grandma can't go back on her word.

Are you kidding me? Now there will be a fight with my child about what shoes to wear every time he has to put some on. And the best part... while standing in line to pay for these beauties she tells Bryan, "I refused to buy those type of shoes for you boys when you were little." I guess your own kids can't look like dorks, but it's okay for your grandkids to?

Just kidding, Pam. I love you and the fact that you want to spoil my kids. But next time, try not to spoil them with character shoes.

My Poor, Genetically Challenged Child

I shouldn't have spotlighted Cole earlier this week. It cursed him. I said he wasn't getting enough face time; well, he has found a way to make it on....all by himself.

Monday night Cole was plowed into by his older brother out on the driveway. For sure we thought he would need stitches in his lip. It was gashed wide open and peeled back. We rushed over to Urgent Care, but luckily no stitches were needed. Just a big ol' fat, nasty bloody lip.

Today, while he was at his grandma's he fell down her front steps and broke his right wrist. He apparently thought he was big enough to walk down them. I've been given so much grief for my childrens' previous injuries and broken bones, but this time I wasn't there.

Cole was born with the Turner genes: the soft-boned, clumsy, awkward Turner walk/run, accident prone genes. Luckily those genes bypassed me, but unfortunately carried on to Cole. (You would think he was Rissa's kid!) It's great being a Turner; however, those genes are somethin' else.

Berry Naked

At times I feel like I only post about Jace. Let's be honest, it is most of the time, but it's because that kid is just too darn hilarious for his own good.

I love my boys equally, of course I do. So to prove it, here is some blog time for Cole. I just couldn't go without posting these stinkin cute pictures of him.

Berry smoothies for breakfast = very yummy & very messy

I allowed him to have some naked time the other day after his bath. I usually don't because he immediately marks his territory. I believe he was enjoying his freedom and his cowboy hat.

Hahhh-ahh, Hahhh-ahhh....

"Must come to the DARK side. Hahhh-ahhh, Hahhh-ahh."

(There's just a little too much Star Wars on the brain, if you ask me. If you can tell, he even has his Star Wars shirt on - two days in a row.)

Boys intrigue me.

Future Missionary

Tonight for FHE we had a lesson on missionaries. I got the cute lesson and activity ideas here. We talked about what a missionary is and does, and that Jace can be one someday when he turns 19. After the lesson we did an activity to allow Jace to practice being one.

Cole and I went into a bedroom and waited for the "missionaries" to knock on the door. They knocked, I opened it.

Bryan started the conversation: "Hi, we're missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and this is my companion. He would like to ask you something."

Jace asked, "Can we share a message with you about Heavenly Father?"

I cried. They came into the room, Jace opened his BOM Reader and searched for a story of Jesus to share with me.

I am proud to be the mother of this future missionary.

Dirt, Sweat, Work, and Green

There has been a reason why all of the Halloween pictures and events have been delayed. It's called installing a yard and cleaning up from installing a yard. Last week, every day of the week, we were out working on our yard getting it ready for sod. Shoveling dirt, raking dirt, hauling dirt, installing sprinklers, shoveling dirt, raking dirt, and hauling dirt. Did I mention there was a lot of DIRT.

Every night we were covered head to foot in it. Cole ate dirt. Jace threw dirt. The boys had a blast. I wish I had pictures of how completely filthy they were each and every day. The loads of laundry, the brown-stained socks, the dirt filled tubs, the dust-bowl of a house is evidence of our hard work. And then...

Friday, Halloween, we finally got it! Sod. One could never know how beautiful grass could be.

Isn't it beautiful?! We are LOVING our yard. The pictures can't even do it justice. I can't wait for Spring to come to fill all of those flowerbeds with wonderful flowers, plants, and even a garden. For now I think (hope) that my house will be clean for more than a few hours.

And....a BIG thank you to Dallin for all of the hours you spent helping us install our sprinklers in the snow, rain, and sleet and some sun. And to Joslyn for allowing Dallin to help us all of those hours when you had a newborn baby to take care of. Blake and Chad, thank you for your help. Thank you Travis for driving cross-country to pick up our new tree. And thank you Mike for helping us with the sod. Thank you, thank you.

Yoda, I Am

Halloween week was full of fun events. We started the week off at my mom and dad's carving pumpkins and decorating cupcakes.




The cupcake decorating started off well, until Bryan got bored and started decorating the boys.

I carved Yoda for Jace. Bryan carved Buzz Lightyear for Cole.

Thursday we got together at the Ericksons and had chili and scones and let the kids show off their costumes.

Friday Jace got to dress up for pre-school . Bryan got dressed up for work. What a cute Leatherhead.

Jace is on a Star Wars kick right now and so he decided to be Yoda. When someone asked Jace what he was for Halloween, he would tell them, "Yoda, I am."

Of course Cole had to be a Star Wars character too. He was Darth Vader. When you ask him what Darth Vader says, he opens his mouth big and wide and breathes heavy, "Hah-ahhh, hah-ahhhh."

They were adorable.

The boys (Dad included) had a great time trick-or-treating in the rain with Jace's little buddy, Rusty. And like Jace told him as they were headed home for the night, "Let's do it again next year, Rusty!" Yes, lets.

I had to add this last picture - Jace took it.

Flu Shot, Anyone?

Today I took Cole to his 18 month check up. He's very tall and very healthy. While we were there they offered to give the boys flu shots. I knew it would be no problem for Cole, but Jace on the other hand would be a different story. I told the nurse I would think about giving Jace one because I wasn't sure if I wanted the drama in the doctor's office. I mentioned it to Jace before the doctor even came in to see Cole and .... he melted down. Over and over he told me he didn't want one. Now I know there are just some things in life that cause pain to your children but you have to do it for the greater good. I made up my mind. He was gettting that flu shot.

After Cole's check up the nurse came in and gave Cole his shot. He whimpered. Over. Done. Not a big deal. Jace was next. I told the nurse she might want some help. I picked up Jace and he started screaming, crying, and yelling at me telling me he didn't want it. He locked his legs around my waist and I was doing everything I could to pry his legs off and get his pants down to expose his thigh. It wasn't working. The doctor peeked his head in and asked if we needed "reinforcement." Indeed we did. So a second nurse came in and she pinned his legs over the end of the exam table, I pinned his arms and upper body down, the other nurse pulled his pants down and poked him with that mean needle. Bloody Murder ensued.

The nurses left and I was left with the aftermath. I heard lots of various complaints and screaming and crying. I had to laugh to myself because when we're in the doctor's office you can always hear the new babies crying after they get their shots, and I think, "The poor things." But this time everyone was hearing my very determined and upset 3 year old telling me how much the needle hurt and how much he didn't like doctors.

As we were leaving the exam room, (still crying and hollering) the doctor and nurses were sitting just outside the door and Jace so delicately informed them as he left, "I don't like doctors anymore, AT ALL!" They had a good chuckle. As did I.
I'm sorry, Jace. I still do love you (even though I made you get pricked by that mean needle). After all, it was for the greater good.

Pumpkin Pickin' Fun

Yesterday we spent the day with Mimi, and whenever we do that we always end up having a great time.

First things first: the boys & their turtle shells. As soon as we walk in the door they have to put on their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shells. And yes, they are bike helmets with their "swords" stuck in the back of them. The creativity of a three year old and the 'must do what my older brother is doing' of a 1 year old.

We started off the afternoon with canning DELICIOUS homemade applesauce. Seriously, SO good. It's always fun being self-sufficient and Martha Stewart-esque.

After some short naps we were off to the Punkin' Patch with Aunt Joss, Baby Jaiden, and Mimi. What is there not to love of a field covered in brilliant orange pumpkins.

Cole loved riding in the wheelbarrow.

Jace loved picking Baby Jaiden's pumpkin. I think Jaiden had a total of about 5 or 6 by the end.

Mimi got a good workout pushing the wheelbarrow of pumpkins and boys, I had fun taking pictures, and Joss had a great time find the 'perfect' pumpkin. No, seriously, she looked for THE perfect one. You could just see her artistic mind at work.

I love October.

A Day of Errands and a New Mission

Yesterday was a day of running errands. Squeezing them in between nap times and lunch is always a trick.


That's why I tried to improvise and do a pre-lunch in the car before they possibly fall asleep.



And I found these little humdingers of a deal.

I have a new mission..... NO more plastic bags!! I know how bad they are for the environment, I don't have a recycling garbage can here in Eagle Mtn., and I have a growing mountain of them in my garage. So goodbye plastic bags and hello reusables. You can't do much better the $1 per bag at good 'ol WalMart.

Home from Disneyland

We had the awesome privilege to go to Disneyland last week and we got to take along some fun folks. My parents and Bryan's parents came with us and what a time we had! I can't even begin to describe how excited Jace was to go. And Bryan...I think he was more excited than Jace. With the parks decorated for Halloween, it adds a little something to the experience.

(Of course this happens to be the only FAMILY picture we get and Jace refuses to look at the camera!)

We ate lots of great food with a couple of stops to Baskin Robbins (per Papa Gene's request).

We're glad we took Papa Randy along. Being handicapped has its advantages. No lines. (And its disadvantages. But that's a whole other post.)

Grandma Pam was there to ride with Jace on all of the big rides (40 inchers) so that he could snuggle up against her bosom.
Thank goodness Mimi was there to keep the boys entertained and happy with M&M's (a secret weapon.)

Oh, and the 88 degree weather was also a plus. It made for a pleasant time shell searching, castle building, and burying Jace at the beach.

Thank you Mimi and Papa, Grandma Pam and Papa Gene for making it a wonderful trip with lots of memories! (Dad, you especially made it memorable. We'll never forget Space Mountain, the forgotten medicine, the ruined luggage, the ER visit,.....)