Tree Hunting Fun!

I LOVE having real Christmas trees. I love the outing, the smell, and the unique shapes and sizes that each year has to offer. Jordan's family is big on cutting down their own Christmas trees and it is a tradition in their family to go the day after thanksgiving. They have vaulted ceilings in their home and have brought back the biggest trees I have ever seen fit through a doorway. We are definitely going to keep this tradition and this was our first year hunting for one on our own.

We had a good time and the kids loved seeing the snow, they wanted to stay longer just to play in it but Maicey had to get to school. We weren't sure where some good places were but managed to find this one - it was pretty much the only one around that was the style we wanted. We decided it was a keeper and cut it down. The kids favorite part was crossing the frozen stream. Jordan tested it out and said it was safe to cross so we put our trust in him and went one at a time. Don't worry it wasn't very deep, if it did crack it would have been below our knees.

When we got home Jord got the tree ready and ended up cutting off about 3 ft from the bottom.

As he was cutting off the bottom there was a large limb that came to a second point which came

off with the cut. So our final tree was alot smaller than the original but it fits just perfect in our home!

Jordan made a stand for the extra limb which made a nice mini tree and we gave it to Corey and Maryanne. What a deal a 2 for 1.

Coyote Track that Jordan pointed out to the kids!

It's a keeper!

My favorite part was the top, what a great point.

Cut er down.

Walking across the frozen stream.

One at a time.

After Jordan trimmed off about 3ft, trees really do look smaller in the wild.

Our Cute Kiddos.

-THANKFUL-

This is our thankful tree. I got the idea online and thought it would be a good idea to help instill the reason as to why we have thanksgiving. The kids loved putting leaves on the tree with what they were thankful for written on them. Violet even got involved and after rewording thankful to what makes her happy she caught right on.

Maicey is most thankful for... Mommy, Daddy, Vivi, Gage, stores, food, and paper.

Gage is most thankful for... toys, toilet paper, toilets, mommy, daddy, and Maicey.

Violet is most thankful for... "G", her hair, and Jesus-Jesus loves me

I am so thankful for my sweet, sweet kids. They brighten my day and strengthen me to do better. Also for the BEST Husband, he is considerate of my feelings and is always there for me. He believes in me and lets me know that he loves me--everyday. You are the best! For all of my extended family who shows such great love and support to me and my family, they are such great examples to me. Most of all I am thankful for my Savior, without him I would have nothing and because of him I am so blessed. He strengthens me and gives me hope and I know that he is there for me-Always.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had an unusual Thanksgiving this year without going to our extended families. I have to admit it was nice though relaxing at home with each other. We had the usual feast and the kids colored some pictures for decoration. A little bit after we ate Maicey said, "Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday!" I replied, "why not?" Maicey said, "All we do is eat."

Dear Santa

Well, I do realize that it is not even Thanksgiving yet but Hey, Santa's at the mall and I made the mistake of telling them so today is Jordan's day off and we went. First they put their letters in Santa's Mailbox and we saw Santa.

My camera went dead when I was trying to get a picture with Santa (go figure) but they were content standing next to Santa.

Maicey said she wants a baby that goes potty

Gage said he wants transformers, sword, and game.

Violet was so cute when she said Strawberry Shortcake (she has been really into her lately)

Thanksgiving School Party!

I decided I better volunteer in Maicey's class if she's going to have any parties, I don't know if there is a lack of Parents who will help but I am happy to. It is fun to see Maicey in school and see how she interacts. I made this cool turkey and as you can tell I'm pretty proud of it, it is nice when things I make actually look like they are supposed to. We did a craft, played pin the feather on the turkey and had a "feast."

When I was standing by Maicey's table one of the boys at the table said, "Did you know that Braxton (a boy in her class) used to like Maicey."

Maicey was so cute and neive about it when we were talking at home. She was kind of sad that someone didn't like her. I explained to her that sometimes when boys say they like her that they think she is cute. Maicey immediately turned bright red and had a huge grin.

Gage

Gage was eating a piece of cheese and he said, "Hey mom, this is Idaho." What do you know it does kind of look like Idaho!

Lately Gage has been asking for his own boy baby doll. I remembered the girls had two babies that were mine when I was little and one happened to be a boy. Gage is so cute with his baby, he doesn't have it too much during the day but he cuddles with it at night. I asked him what his baby's name was and he said, "Baby Boy."
It was so cute tonight though because as he was playing with it he said, " Mom my Baby's name is Conrad." I replied, "really" then he said, "Conrad's a good name Huh?"
Gage loves to be around his uncle Conrad. He loves to cuddle up next to him, try on his sunglasses and hat, he loves playing the games on his phone, and he especially loves it when his uncle spins him around in the air. Conrad is a great uncle to the kids and I know Gage feels his love. Now his baby goes by the name Baby Conrad.

Best Buddies!

I noticed Gage and Violet quietly sitting on the couch with their babies close by. Violet had made a special bed next to her and Gage was reading his a story. What great nurturers.

Flexible Maice!

You did it Maicey! Maicey's dance teacher challenged all the kids to practice stretching and whoever could do the splits would get a candy bar. You practiced some but I think you were just born with flexibility. Ever since you were born you could mold and bend in crazy positions and it looks like you still got it. You passed off two of the splits the middle one and the left foot out. I loved to see your face when your teacher said you did it, you looked so proud and had a smirk on your face.

Many Disguises

Oh my Gager, it seems like I have tons of pictures of you in disguises but each one is new and different. You definitely like to be the part when you are playing. Dad said to you, "Nice Goggles" and you replied, " These help it cause it is bright." It looked like they did help you get all the bad guys.

Welding Hobby

I had to sneak in and get some pictures of Jord welding up a project. He has done welding in the past for fun and decided it would be a good winter hobby. I love to see the things Jordan comes up with he is so creative and puts great thought in the things he does. I am so greatful to have you in my life.

WHAT YOU DREAM UP

What an imagination Gager, I love to see the things you think up. Today you came walking down the stairs with your slippers, sunglasses, and one of daddy's old hats. You sure looked cool and strutted around like you knew it.

I love my Daddy!

Gage you love your daddy. Whenever Dad is home you are his shadow following him around.

Fairy Dust!

After a few long months Maicey you finally lost your tooth. You had a friend over two nights ago doing gymnastic moves over the couch. I heard you say, "Mom, what is this, is this my tooth, I think my tooth popped out!" You were really excited and unsure what had happened. Your tooth popped out and landed right in the palm of your hand. You were so cute about the tooth fairy and immediately put it under your pillow, you also wanted to ask her what she does with the tooth.

The next morning you ran to Mom and Dad's room to show us the dollar you were so proud of and a letter from the tooth fairy. Who would have thought the tooth fairy uses your tooth to build houses for her friends? You couldn't believe your eyes when you examined your pillow and notice that the tooth fairy left behind fairy dust--REAL FAIRY DUST!

I love your toothless grin!

In All Her Sweetness

I love this picture of Vi. Most of the pictures we have of Vi show her funniness, craziness, and spunkiness. This picture shows all of her SWEETNESS. We love our Vi, she is our sweet little pumpkin.

Christmas Already.... You Better Watch Out....

Well I decided to have the kids write their letters to Santa early since they seem to constantly change their minds as xmas gets closer. Maicey asked for a barbie computer and a baby that goes pee in her potty. Gage asked for a game system, sword, gun, transformers, and a baby boy doll (Violet and Maicey always has theirs and he gets the last of the pick)

Gage was so cute he actually said he wanted a baby boy doll and a real baby boy. He has been asking for a baby brother so he can share his room with him. He thinks he is cheated because Maicey and Violet share a room and he is all by himself. I had to explain to him that Santa doesn't bring baby's and mommy isn't ready for a baby yet. My cute boy! When I asked Violet what she wanted Santa to bring her the answer was, "I want candy." I asked her if she wanted anything else and her reply was, "Only candy, santa gimme candy."

After the kids wrote their letters we were talking about Christmas and we sang, "Santa Claus is coming to town." After the song and talking about being on Santa's list and being good the kids were on naughty watch. It is so funny what impact Santa has on kids, they were very quick to say sorry and try to do good.

Gage kept teasing Maicey and Gage as usual and Maicey said, "Gage Santa is not gonna visit you." Gage was all worried and asked me about it. I told Gage that Santa knows he is not perfect but when he makes mistakes he need to say sorry and try not to do it anymore. Later on that day Gage was so cute he came to me and asked,"Mom does Santa only give you two chances because Maicey told me not to go in her fort and I went in two times."

I love Christmas Time and the feeling in the air when there are lights and trees. It may be a little early to get ready for Christmas but why not, it will be here and gone before we know it.

*Jump Rope Star*

Maicey today you came home from school so excited. You couldn't wait to show me your prize you won for being the best jump roper in your class. Your school had a contest for jump roping and you were the top one in your class and got to go to the principal's office to pick up your prize. I am so happy for you and loved seeing how proud you were of yourself. You are very determined and whenever you get something on your mind that you want to accomplish it is hard to get you to take a break or to try again later.

Grandpa and Grandma Doty Came to Visit/Deer Hunting!

Guy and Conrad came up to go deer and elk hunting with Jordan. The next week Guy and Julie were coming up our way so they decided to stay and give deer hunting one more shot. Jordan was able to hunt on his days off so he had fun spending time with family and hiking around. Guy and Conrad hiked I don't know how many miles but they hiked all day pretty much for the whole week. Unfortunately they were not able to shoot any deer but it was not for lack of effort, I think the weather was just too nice and not very many deer in the area. It was fun to have all of them down and the kids loved playing and being with them. The night before they left Gage said to me, "Mom can Grandpa buy the house next to us, then I can go over there and play." It was so cute!

Maicey doing Grandma's hair.

Uncle Rado reading to the kids, they love Rado!

The kids loved to tease Grandpa as he tried to get them. They are so playful and had

such a good time trying to get away.

Ready to watch a 3-D movie with Grandma

Violet, Gage, and Maicey wearing their googley eyes that

Granny and Papa Jones got them for Halloween.