YOU NEED TO PUNISH ME!

Funny Story...

I left work early on a Friday afternoon so Dan and I could take the kids to see a movie. We were planning on seeing the Tooth Fairy, with Dwayne the "Rock" Johnson. Jaxson was especially looking forward to this. I left work later than I wanted to, as always and called Dan to tell him I was on my way home and to get the kids ready. Well instead of getting the kids ready they were off playing with friends and we had to go round them up.

We weren't sure where Jaxson was playing; however the next door neighbors told us he was at Dylan's house. When we went there, nobody answered. Dan even called out to the back yard to make sure they weren't playing outside and didn't hear the doorbell ring. He received no response, so we left and began our search for Jaxson. We started calling other neighbors and driving and around, nobody had seen him and he was no where to be found. We dropped Reagan off at my parents house anyway and continued to look for Jaxson. About 20 minutes later we went back over to Dylan's house and he had been there the entire time. They just didn't answer when Dan called out to them. Dan told Jaxson to go home and told him he was in trouble.

By this time we had already missed the movie (which we had purchased tickets for), so we went to pick Reagan back up and take her home. My parents were kind enough to offer to babysit her later so we could still catch the show, but we weren't sure if rewarding Jaxson at this point was a good idea. Jaxson then called us while we were picking up Reagan from his friend Jacob's house, asking if he could go to Karter's. Dan replied by saying "What are you doing at Jacob's? You are supposed to be home. You are in trouble for not letting us know where you were." We went back to the theater and explained our situation with our son and they were kind enough to give us a credit for our tickets.

As we arrived back home, Jaxson was in his bed sleeping (because he knew he was in trouble). At that time Dan and I had decided to go to the later show, because we didn't want to sit home on a Friday night and do nothing, so I went upstairs to talk with Jaxson about what had happened over the last hour and a half.

I woke him up and asked him if he knew why he was in trouble? He stated it was because he didn't tell us where he was going. I agreed and also explained to him that the reason it is a problem is because I love him and I worry about him. I told him it is about being safe! Not knowing where he is is scary and he always needs to let us know where he is going.

I gave him a hug and told him I forgave him. I then asked him if he wanted to go to the movie and he told me "No, because I needed to punish him." I responded with "What if I am done punishing you?" he stated that he shouldn't go to the movie because he got in trouble.

He honestly was not going to go to the movie because he thought he shouldn't due to his actions. It was so cute that I had to try not to laugh out loud. What a sweet boy to know when he had done something wrong and needed to face the consequences of his actions. At that point I really wanted to take him to the movie. We talked some more about safety and forgiveness then after some convincing he decided to join us for the movie.

JOESPH SMITH

On Martin Luther King Day we decided to take Madi and Jaxson to Temple Square for the day. I thought they would like the movie playing in the Joesph Smith Memorial Building about the life of the prophet Joesph Smith.

We started out our day by delighting ourselves with lunch at the Lion House. The kids had never been there and they have delicious rolls, not to mention everything else. As we ate lunch we talked about Brigham Young and how the house we were eating in was his home. We ate far too much - pie, rolls, etc. and then off to the Joesph Smith Memorial Building we went.

The kids learned quite a bit about Joesph's life and what he was able to accomplish here on this earth. The message was quite powerful! I will forever be amazed at what he endured and the faith of this man. I truly believe he was preordained to bring to pass the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I don't believe many people would have had the strength and tenacity of this man to keep going the way he did. In spite of all he suffered he never denounced the truth of what he had seen and been taught. He gave up his life for us so that we could have the gospel in our lives. I am indeed grateful for the prophet Joesph Smith! I just hope my children got a glimpse of what a remarkable man he was!

After the movie we headed over to the visitor center at temple square and learned more about the pioneers and the construction of the Salt Lake temple. We spoke to the sister missionaries for a while and wandered through all the exhibits in the visitor center.

It was an excellent way to spend the holiday. I can only hope that I am teaching the right way to live and what matters most in this life. I am grateful for my family and the blessings it brings me!

HOOPS and MORE HOOPS

Madi and Jaxson both enjoyed playing basketball this winter. It made our Saturday's a little crazy having two games each day, especially because they were never close together. Madi usually played at 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning and then Jaxson would play in the early afternoon. (Nothing is ever convenient)
Madi got to played with a couple of friends from school (Adalyn and Jessica). This was her first time playing and she really liked it. It was a workout for her that she wasn't used to, running up and down the court. The girls were interesting to watch because most of them didn't have much experience and nobody wanted to touch the ball. As soon as the ball landed in their hands, they were automatically looking for someone to throw the ball to. I'm glad Madi enjoyed playing the game instead of focusing on the win, plus it was nice to get some physical activity in!


Jaxson's games on the other hand were entirely different. It is amazing to me how competitive the boys become at such an early age. It is all about winning to them (although we try to teach him otherwise) I do love the confidence Jaxson possesses, it used to bother me until someone told me that it will go away quicker than it should, let him enjoy the fact that he believes he is superior at everything!

Sports with Jaxson is always entertaining because he is so in to it. The boys on his team are all fighting for the ball and when given the opportunity, it isn't about teamwork, its about being a ball hog. Jaxson is actually a talented player for his age. With Jaxson being my only boy, I am going to enjoy watching his as long as I can. (I know there are still a lot of years left in him, so maybe I won't always feel this way; but I'm glad I do now.)
Jaxson also gets to play with several friends in the neighborhood and friends from his baseball earlier in the year. Even his coaches are his baseball coaches. I believe it gives the kids a good sense of sportsmanship and teamwork, even if they all want to ball. It is excellent associating with the same kids with every sport.

LITTLE GYM

Reagan has been enjoying Terrific Tots at the Little Gym over the past few months. At the end of each semester the parents get to attend the class, while the kids show off their gymnastic skills and singing voices. At the end of the program they all receive medals.

Unfortunately for me, due to my working schedule I missed most of the program; however Dan was there to support our family. It disappoints me not to be able to be a part of all this. My kids are growing up way to fast and I hate missing out on what they love to do.

Reagan's favorite part of Little Gym is when they get to play in the gym. She has no problem trying everything. That girl is not afraid of anything. I love her fun personality! The other fantastic thing about Little Gym is she gets to go with her cousin Cash!

CHRISTMAS JOY'S!

I definitely felt the hustle and bustle of the season this year being a working mom. I can't tell you how many nights I stayed up until 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning working on gifts, shopping, baking or wrapping presents, etc. just to find myself getting up at 6:00 or 6:30 the next morning. In spite of it all, I love Christmas! I love doing things for other people and I love seeing how excited my kids get in helping others. I love watching their faces and the excitement in their eyes on Christmas morning. I love baking and enjoying all the Christmas treats that are around (English toffee, mint sandwiches, orange sticks, peppermint ice cream, cookies, etc.) I love getting up early the day after Thanksgiving and shopping with the rest of the crazies of the world. I love reading Christmas stories and hearing about acts of kindness and service. I love seeing everyone in their new Christmas outfits for church and listening to the program during sacrament meeting. I love hearing about our Savior and reading the Christmas story from the scriptures.

This year I decided to let Madi have a Christmas Party with her friends, but make it a service party at the same time. She invited most of the girls from her school class and they all came over on a Saturday night for an evening of "Sweets!" Sweet-service, sweet-treats, sweet-friends! We tied 20 blankets for the Christmas Box House and then made modge-podge stocking and Christmas tree ornaments. He had hot chocolate and cookies and did a gift exchange for the girls. They are all very "sweet" and LOUD, but had a great time!

One of my favorite events at Christmas time is the white elephant gift exchange we do with my family. We decided a couple of years ago that instead of drawing names for each other that we would do white elephants instead. Dan and I starting planning our gifts at Halloween. First we purchased the ugliest looking cat from the Halloween store and then spray painted in grey. Growing up we had a cat named kitty that had mange. Every year she would grow an enormous amount of hair and then she would shed it in large patches. Every summer we could expect to see kitty running around with wings while she was in the shedding process (it really was disturbing). With that in mind, I cut the hair on the cat and gave her wings, the final touch was the name tag we put around her neck, which said MANGE! It was hilarious when Melissa opened the box. Our next gift proved to be a gift that everyone thought of. A month ago, our family was getting pictures done and there were several emails going around about what to wear. Doug decided to take it a little further and had Becca take a picture of him in some black lingerie with the words JOY next to him. He emailed the picture to everyone stating that this was what he was planning on wearing. Dan and I then ordered post-its and a large poster of Doug for our next gift. We even threw in a Crazy Mom calendar (pictures of my mother at her best). A few others made ornaments of Doug and a framed picture of Doug. It was quite hysterical. Everyone (including Doug) had a good laugh!

I started a tradition a few years ago where I purchase a ornament for each of the kids. Something that represent them that year. My plan is then they grow up they will have a box of ornaments to take with them to put on their first Christmas tree. I remember being newly married and not having money to purchase a tree, let alone the ornaments, so i thought this would be a good way to start them out and help them remember different things throughout their lives. This year The kids received the following; Madi - Twilight ornament, Jaxson - football, Reagan - Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Santa bought the kids some incredible presents this year. Reagan received a mini-trampoline which we put up in the playroom. Dan and I got sick of her asking to jump on the trampoline everyday. She didn't care if there was snow on it, so we helped Santa out and gave him this suggestion. Reagan also received a collection of Mickey Mouse items, including ad train, Pluto the dog and memory game. She can't get enough of Mickey. I love it! Madi's favorite this year is the Twilight series, I made her wait until she finished 5th grade to read the series and then when summer hit, she read the first three books within a few weeks. Anything Jacob she loved and she received it too (calendar, hat, puzzle). Santa also brought her a vanity for her room along with a hair straightener, blow dryer and accessories. Jaxson as always wanted sport related items. Santa is wise and brought him a snowboard, la-cross sticks and golf clubs. That boy is so active and wants to do anything where he can keep moving.

TEMPLE SQUARE LIGHTS

Every year we visit Temple Square during the holidays to see the spectacular lights and to help get us in the holiday spirit. This year was particularly cold as walked around main street and around the temple, so we didn't spend much time there; however Reagan loved the colorful lights and walking through the trees. After our short visit to Temple Square we visited Grandma English and brought her a basket of holiday treats. Grandmas always has her village up around her tree, so the kids are mesmerized by watching the moving figures beneath it.

THANKSGIVING SWEATERS

Dan and I hosted Thanksgiving for my family this year. We decided to have an ugly sweater party and had the best time planning the festivities.

First we sent out invitations to everyone with a turkey in an ugly holiday sweater and asked everyone to wear their holiday best! The invite was entitled "Thanksgiving Holiday Style!"

Due to the nature of the event we decided to make it really festive, combining both Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations. The tables had Christmas table clothes with orange plates and Thanksgiving napkins. The centerpieces had a combination of Santa's and Christmas trees, next to corn-a-copias and turkeys.

We spent a few weeks preparing for the event by making the kids their fashionable holiday sweaters and shopping at the D.I. for Christmas vests and turtle necks. We made Jaxson's shirt into a Christmas tree and let him decorate it with lights and ornaments. We topped it off with a festive Christmas hat including a start for the top. Madi's sweater became an advent calendar, full of surprises in each numbered pocket. Reagan had a beautiful red velvet Christmas dress, decked out with ornaments. Dan decided to go with the Uncle Eddie look from Christmas vacation, but more festive, sporting a red holiday dickie and a thin white sweater, accompanied with a holiday vest. I was decked out with a poinsettia turtle neck and custom made Santa head sweater vest. I must say we were dressed to the nines! The best part of preparing for this holiday afternoon was spending time with our family and laughing the entire time as we came up with our attire.

During our feast we had a CD playing of the worst Christmas music we could find on itunes. We hosted a contest for the best holiday sweater and the winner received the coveted prize - FRUIT CAKE! We also played BUNCO and the dollar game; no one left empty handed, we had prizes for everyone.

It was a fantastic evening, such a fun party that included everyone. Not sure what we are going to do next year to top this!

HALLOWEEN CUTIES

I always look forward to Halloween, the decorations, fall weather, picking out costumes for the kids and yummy treats! This year because Halloween fell on a Saturday I was able to spend the entire day with the kids. So I decided to start the morning out right with a good jack-o-lantern breakfast.


I made pancakes with bacon for the mouth, candy corn for the nose and I froze jellie bellies in gummy lifesavers and vanilla pudding for the eyes. Madi and Jaxson could not figure out what they were and didn't want to eat it, but Reagan dug right in (no fear in that child).



Madi and Jaxson both had friends to go trick-or-treating with, so off they went as I took Reagan out. She enjoyed trick-or-treating this year; when we got home she started taking candy from the bucket for our trick-or-treaters and put the candy into her own bucket.


As always we had our traditional dinner in a pumpkin with spiced cran apple juice! No spud nuts this year because Mom was in Denver; however I make sugar cookies instead to make up for it. They were delicious.

MOAB

We decided to take the kids to Moab in October. It has been a favorite destination of both Dan and myself since we starting dating back in 1993. The first trip I ever took to Moab was with Dan - I am still amazed today by its beauty. Since that first trip, Dan and I have come back several times, river rafting, 4 wheeling and hiking through Arches National Park.

We thought the kids would enjoy the beautiful scenery and being outdoors. My cousins Troy and Chris were nice enough to rent us out their condo so our family along with some extended family all drove down for a long weekend.

We spent some time in Arches National Park, our favorite Arch (still) is Sandstone Arch, as we are able to climb all around this area and on top of the arch; in addition the hike to the arch is covered in soft red sand, the little ones loved it as much as us adults.

Our favorite part of the trip had to be sledding on the sand hills across the street from Arches National Park. We all went to the dollar store and purchased sleds and spent the entire afternoon sledding down the hill. I don't think Jaxson will ever come clean. The kids were hilarious and along with the BOYS of the trip (if you know what I mean). It is fun to be a kid again!

PUMPKIN PATCH

One of the things our family looks forward to every October is a trip to the pumpkin patch. We are lucky enough to live very close to the best pumpkin patch around! The kids love running through the corn maze and using the wheel barrels to gather up all of our pumpkins and I love taking pictures of them.

We also enjoy decorating our porch with all of our pumpkins, straw and skeletons.

The pumpkin patch was a little different this year because they put all the pumpkins in huge rows, usually we get to pick the pumpkins right off the vine (which is my favorite part). Once we got there, I didn't care as much about picking the pumpkins off the vine because it was freezing! As much as I enjoy the pumpkin patch, I enjoy the warmth more! The kids couldn't of cared less about the cold, they wanted to ride every tractor, takes lots of pictures and run through the corn maze dozens of times. Despite the cold, I still loved every minute of it!