FHE with the McFadden's

Megan invited us over for FHE on Monday night. It was so much fun. She made us some awesome pizza (cheese, pepperoni, and bbq chicken). Then we did a craft with the kiddos. Megan found a fun idea of making homemade ornaments. She found two ideas, we were only able to execute one on this particular night. The other will be made later. We made popscicle stick Christmas trees. Zoe and Aidan did a fantastic job of painting their trees. Then we added some sequins for ornaments and a star for the top. For those of you unbelievers out there...the little kids totally did this on their own. Megan and I just supervised. I wouldn't let Aidan eat the paint, and I placed dots of glue on the tree so that Aidan could put his sequins on. But other than that they did it themselves. What awesome little 2 year old we have! Look out Martha Stewart!

Aidan and Zoe painting their trees. We love acrylic paint.
Easy clean up.

The finished products.
The painted tree with the ornaments.
And the painted table. What talent!

Thanksgiving...my first

This year was my first Thanksgiving where I was in charge of doing everything. So this year I made it a pot luck style Thanksgiving. The Larson's brought rolls, stuffing and a pumpkin pie. Virgie and Bob brought a cherry pie, green bean casserole, and some ham. Suzie brought an apple pie and her divine deviled eggs. Me, being the nerd that I am worried and thought about this day for weeks. I made up a seating chart to make sure that everyone had a seat and everyone could be comfortable. I then made up invitations that I only gave to people that already said that they were coming. Ridiculous, I know but it is how I roll.

A view of the seating chart. Everyone and everything has a place.

In the words of Sandra Lee, on the Food Network, this was my table-scape. I used butcher paper for the table cloths. I cut out pieces of felt for the place mats. I even got out the special cutlery. We got this beautiful cutlery for a wedding present and I had never used it...until today.
Virgie and I made gum drop turkey for everyone as part of their place cards. I used the tops of the orange gerber daisies as decorations on the table. I had them from our wedding and couldn't bring myself to throw them away, glad I didn't.

Brian bought me a roasting oven. I love it! I used Amy's citrus recipe for the turkey and it was delicious. I was worried about it not cooking all the way, but as you can see it was fall off the bone moist. Yum!

Me slaving away on the potatoes. I wanted to make sure that we had enough. WE HAD MORE THAN PLENTY. We are still trying to eat them all up...

Bob and Virgie enjoying dinner.

Suzie and Keira Jo.

Keira Jo and Nate trying to act normal for the picture.

Lorraine, Ann, and Jeff (Pat is behind Jeff's head) eating.

After dinner we visited for a little while and then said goodbye to everyone so that they could enjoy their Thanksgiving Day Naps, courtesy of Trytophan. Brian and I relaxed a little bit and got Aidan to nap. Then we went and met up with the Larson clan to go to the Jazz game. Ann was able to snag some free tickets, so went we and had a blast. Aidan was concerned at first but enjoyed the outing. He even got into the mood and started dancing and clapping when the music to get the crowd excited. He did a fantastic job of being good. I did have to take him out into the mezzaine area (where the concession stands are) and let him run around. We actually did two laps around the EA Center, so I am convinced that my Thanksgiving Dinner wasn't totally a bad idea (not that I diet anyway).

Me, Brian and some of Aidan at the game.

Aidan and Daddy. Go JAZZ!

The Jazz won by 20 points against the Chicago Bulls. Go team Jazz!

A special thanks to all who helped me to make this Thanksgiving awesome.

The Lincoln's for their tables, chairs, and recipe.
The Bovee's for their chairs.
The Larson's for their chairs, food and fun.
Suzie Packham for your help and awesome deviled eggs.
The Arnold's for coming and sharing your food, love and extra dishes.
Nate and Keira for helping rearrange the living room.
Matt for helping with the table-scape.
Aidan for eating the gum drop turkeys and helping me to realize that even if the cheesecake has a hand print in it...it just gives it more character.
Brian for everything you do. You are a lifesaver. We (I mainly mean you) rearranged the living room, cleaned the house, decorated for the day, cooked for 15, entertained the child, and had a wonderful disposition all day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Today is Turkey Day.
Today was my first time to make
Turkey for Turkey Day.
Wish me luck!

Pictures to come later....

Happy Birthday Brian!

It is Brian's birthday today and I wanted to finally take
a moment and wish him a
VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Dear Brian,
I love you. You are my
boyfriend/lover/husband/best friend/companion/confidant.
I will never be eloquent enough with words to be
able to thank you for all that
you do. I just hope that on
this day,
your birthday,
you know that I love you and appreciate
all that you do for Aidan and I.

I love you.
Here are some pictures to show him (and you)
how much I love him.

Our first official picture together. This was the picture
to introduce him to my side of the family.
I am so grateful that he choose me... ME,
to be his companion.

One of our official engagement pictures.
This poor fellow was willing to
marry me. He was willing
to accept me for the crazy, neurotic, obnoxious,
and hilarious person that I am (or strive to be).

Displaying our love during our honeymoon.
I don't think anyone has seen this picture before.
A little intimate, but it shows what
he is willing to do.
Love me and make me happy by allowing such a photo.

One of the greatest vacations of my life...our honeymoon.
I seriously love this man!

During one of our quick, scenic road trips.
Spur of the moment drive up to
Logan/Garden City/Randolph/Evanston.

And lastly, he is an amazing father.
He is so available and willing to do things with Aidan.
Aidan loves his Daddy.
Aidan loves everything about his Daddy.


Brian

From Aidan and I

We love you for eternity sweetheart!

Aidan playing in the snow

This morning we woke up and hurried outside to play in the snow. The first pic is of Aidan jumping around and the second is of the snow angels that he and I made. You can't see them very well but we did it and it was fun. We also shoveled the driveway and sidewalk. Aidan was a big help until he decided it was more fun to run up and down the sidewalk and then fall into the snow. We also were able to officially meet our next door neighbor, Frida. I am so glad that after all these months we were able to visit for a little bit. I am not a very good conversationalist, but it went okay. Aidan loves her! He adopted her as another Grandma already. He took her by the hand and showed her how he would run and fall into the snow. Silly boy. I love the snow. It makes me realize how much I love fall and winter. Well I love mostly everything about fall and winter...there are those drivers that should be driving. :)

Jimmie Johnson # 48

Jimmie Johnson I love you.
I applaud your skill and finesse.
I watch this sport for you.
I call you IceMan.
I call you a man of men.
You have never disappointed me.
Well, until today.
I am in awe of your 4 time Championship win today.
What an amazing feat.
You are incredible, but then we all knew that.
I was hoping that the need to be competitive and win would slow you down a bit.
I hoped Mark Martin would have chance this year.
He did have a chance this year, but alas you are awesome.
You have now proved it possible and probable.
Once again I love you....but STOP!

If you don't stop I will be forced to
find another drive
to support every week.
No body likes to see the
Yankees, Bulls, Patriots, Red Wings, and others...
every single year win every single championship.
It takes away from the game, the sport.
I dare say, very discouraging behavior.
So here is your warning.
I am serious.
ENOUGH my love.
I enjoying watching NASCAR...
not Jimmie Johnson Rocks TV.

My sweet boy...

Despite some of the things I tend to say, I love this little man. Tonight I was sitting on the couch, channel surfing when I felt something on my left arm. Aidan had taken my arm in his and laid his head on my arm. My heart melted at the simple tenderness of such an act. So I quickly grabbed my phone and snapped this photo. Shortly after this picture he grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. I don't know where he gets it from but I love it.

Aidan and the Ballroom

Today I was lucky enough to substitute at the day care. Even better was it was for Lorraine, so that meant I was able to play all day long with Aidan in his class. How delightful! One of the best parts of the day, both for him and me, was when we went to play in the ballroom. Usually the children go outside to play but because it is getting colder outside the younger kids have this fantastic room to play in. The room is about 6 X 6, a descent sized walk in closet. It is filled with balls and the kids are allowed to go nuts in here. There are some of those gymnastic pads in there not to mention the "pool" (as seen above). Aidan was in heaven and so was I. I kept trying to figure out how to make a ball room in our house. I haven't come up with anything yet, but if I do...I am sure pictures are sure to follow.

Bad news....

Wal-Mart is a bad place. Very bad place. I am here by grounded until further notice from associating with you. You are a bad influence. All my common sense is gone as I entire through your front doors. My mind goes to mush when I have a list of items in my mind. I am unable to be frugal and prudent. So this restriction is until further notice...or until Brian allows me to spend more money.

Image taken from Google images...as always.

Just thinking...

So I was just thinking. Christmas is next month! I am so prepared and ready for it. I am more excited for the fact that I will be able to share information with you all, on Christmas day. I have been busy this year. I wanted to be creative and frugal so I used my noggin to make some presents this year and can't wait to show you all. Yippie! So that being said in 35 days I will have some awesome pictures to show you all...

Cryptic Again...

So I found out some news tonight. News that breaks my heart. I wish circumstances would allow me to be able to hug her and love her. But, alas, she doesn't want it. All I can do is think about her and remember her in my prayers. I pray that one day we can both see through this trying time and come together without any animosity, come together as a family and love. Love so thoroughly and honestly that nothing could break it. I am devastated that I can' t do more. My mind keeps taking me to different scenarios to be involved and help her. But I can't. She doesn't want it. I wish I knew of some way to show her I care and that I love her, I guess we can just wait it all out. I hate that answer. I hate the situation. One day, one day...

Know that I love you and I wish things were different. Know that I wish I could be there for you, if not for you, for me. Being productive and active would help ease my heart. I am sorry for you and this. I love you.

Indian headbands...

This week Family Home Evening update. We had the McFadden's come over for a yummy dinner of Fetticini Alfredo and Baked Chicken with a Cranberry Green Salad. Then we visited for a little while and then we made Indian headbands. I was trying to think of something that the little ones could do that would help us learn a little bit about Thanksgiving. Aidan and Zoe are still little but they are started to understand and grasp ideas and concepts. Aidan and Zoe enjoyed coloring on the paper that we would later use for the headbands. Zoe was apprehensive in wearing hers, so Lincoln did. And Aidan, ever the hat wearing young boy, loved his. Aidan even put a feather in my hair. Too cute. These were the only pictures that we took. Enjoy.

Lincoln enjoying his Indian headband.

Aidan loving his headband.

Fun morning adventure...

Today I got an early morning phone call. Miss Megs called and wanted to know if Aidan and I would be able to join her and Zoe at the Aquatic Center. At first no, then maybe, then no (I got a call to go to work), then yes (another call saying no worries about going to work). I woke Aidan up and got him dressed quickly and ready to go.
At first he was not willing to go, and then I grabbed his swim trunks and the Little Swimmer diaper. He totally knows that these diapers = super fun time. So we hurried to the swimming pool. We quickly dropped our stuff off and found Meg and Zoe. Today it wasn't hard at all...it was just them in the little kid pool. Zoe saw Aidan and then Aidan saw Zoe and the party began. Yippie!

I am a nervous mother. So many things make me nervous, but I am trying to expand my horizons and go after the scary (if you know what I mean). I am not a good swimmer. I am not overly fond of being crazy in a swimming pool. And I get so crazy when kids splash me in the face with water. It is much worse now that I have Aidan. I am scared that in the half a nano-second something will happen. Don't tell me I am crazy either I know and I also know that I have very good reason to be crazy. Well, that being said I have been taking Aidan swimming since he was just super tiny. I want him to not be scared of water but to be prepared and wise and understand the power of water...and to have fun.

Well today we didn't stay long. About 40 minutes. Aidan was scarying me to the extreme. He finds it entertaining that he can walk around the kiddie pool area by himself and not tip over. He also loves that he can dunk himself. You heard me he will purposefully fall over and dump his head into the water. Here's the kicker. He holds his breath and releases little air bubbles and then comes out of the water laughing. He loves it! I did not teach him this. It scares me to death! The other thing he kept doing was push himself away from me and then go underwater. I know that this is probably very natural, but it scares me just the same. I want him to love the water and understand boundaries. That's why next time I will be putting him in his life vest. I couldn't handle anything happening.
Aside from swimming with my little dare devil and nearly having a heart attack. We had an absolute blast...as we always do with the McFadden's. Thanks for calling us to go swimming!

All images borrowed from google images.

A happy husband makes for a happy household

Growing up the saying was if Momma ain't happy no one is happy. That was probably true, especially in my household. Dad wasn't around much (always the breadwinner) so we dealt with Mom most and it was the wisest course of action to just keep her happy. Well the last four months I think, in my household it is the other way around. I am most happy if Brian and Aidan are happy. And if Brian isn't happy, Aidan usually follows suit.

Some background.

In July Brian's XBOX 360 red ringed. The blasted red ring of death visited us. Yuck! Basically if you XBOX lights up with a red light instead of the glowing light green, it means your box has bought it; it has gone off to live in the land of scrap. His box did have a warranty on it through Microsoft but we missed it by 8 days. ERRRR! So Brian being the best in everything he does, did much research and found that he could totally get a cheap XBOX online and re-wire and re-program his old XBOX . He finally found one for $30 online and began his modification process. Needless to say Microsoft was prepared for people like Brian and made sure that all of the tricks were worthless. So know instead of a coveted XBOX to play video games, we have a glorified sleek looking DVD player.

Well on Tuesday after an incredibly futile attempt at cracking Microsofts programming, he saw it. Wal-Mart was having a special sale. Today at 8AM (supplies were very limited) Wal-Mart was selling at XBOX 360 for $200.00. But here's the kicker they give you an instant rebate, if you will, of a $100 gift card. This makes the box basically $100 and you get a free gift card. Brian asked me what I thought. DO IT! We have a Wii here and that is fantastic, but my boy has been needing his Halo/Assassins Creed/ Gears of War/ Mass Effect/ Lego Star Wars fix for months.

Isn't it sad that he had his XBOX for so long and couldn't play it due to his work and family responsiblities. And then it dies. AND THEN HE GETS LAID OFF! Seriously, can we say irony!

So Brian was both excited and nervous... we went yesterday and asked questions (no stupid mistakes were going to foil this purchasing experience) and then Brian did not go to sleep last night. Nope, not at all. He was worried he wouldn't make it there on time or he wouldn't be the first one there. So at 430AM he left the house to wander around Wal-Mart for 3.5 hours to get this machine. I am happy to say that I was sleeping uncomfortably in my empty bed. And guess what...yes he got it. So now we are broke but he just bought himself his birthday and Christmas present (getting me off the hook) and he is a happy husband. I love my happy husband.

On a side note...I had alarms set all over the house. If he wasn't able to go and purchase it for himself I would have gone myself. Once again a happy husband makes for a happy family.

Friday + Date = Fun night!

Brian and I decided to go and see a movie. Not much is out right now that we want to see. Everything come out here in the next couple of weeks. But a lot of people have been saying how much they enjoyed watching THIS IS IT. It is a documentary of sorts of the pre-production of the much anticipated 50 sold out shows in London. I have some confessing to do now. Michael Jackson was my first boyfriend. When I was a wee lass I was able to see his video of Billie Jean and it was love at first sight. How could you not love a man you as he walked and sang the cement lit up? Or even better danced with a tiger. Seriously people...LOVE! And the other confession...if given the correct circumstances I would have paid money to see him in concert. Was he on my list of must sees...no. But I know all his songs (I can sing to them), I enjoy watching him dance and yes he is an amazing performer. Personal life and circumstances aside, he was pretty rad. And for those of you curious minds out there...Man in the Mirror is my all time favorite song.


After dinner Brian and I decided to go and get some food. I am so glad that this place exists and that it is so close. Prices are on the higher side, but Brian and I love the food. Our favorite is the Chicken Curry. Delicious! We have only shared this experience with Suzie and that is not because we don't love the rest of you. Most people we associate with issues with allergies or spice; this location has a lot of both so to keep you safe we just go by our selves. But it is very yummy!
This isn't from the restaurant but it is chicken curry. I just wanted to show all you friends out there how yummy it looks. I am hungry for it right now! Yummy!
After dinner we went to get Aidan, thanks to Ann, and Jeff for babysitting. Then we headed back to our house to play video games with Brian's brother Matt and their cousin Aaron and his son James. They played Halo 3 until the wee hours of the morning. But when it was all said and done, totally worth it. What an enjoyable relaxing well needed night after a crazy week. Thanks to all for a great night.

Pictures Halloween 09

Aidan, myself and my Mamita!

Aidan and my Mamita

Michelle giving Aidan a haircut.

Everyone playing with the new train.

Getting Addison ready for Halloween.
Addison was a lioness.
Jordan was an 80's aerobic instructor.

The lioness.

Aidan trick or treating.
Can you see the lumberjack?

The kids and their costumes.

Halloween weekend blurps.

I am a blogger and so I have to blog what we did this weekend. I will however be incredibly boring and not go into much detail. Overall I have hated this weekend and the little bits of annoyances, but I don't want to dwell on that anymore. My heart hurts too much. But at the same time there were some wonderful things that happened (its just too bad that they will forever be overshadowed by horribleness). So I choose to tell you only the good things that happened. The things that I hope to remember, happily, for a while.

We left on Thursday morning to start our trek to St. George. We stopped at IKEA first and spent entirely too much money on things we needed, but more on things we wanted. Our most friviously expenditure was $15 on a wooden train set for Aidan. As we picked it up we both agreed that it would be a Christmas present, we had it opened before we left the store. All of us enjoyed playing with it. As I type this blog, Brian and Aidan are playing with the "choo choos" and giggling. Delightful. We also had the opportunity to stop in Provo and visit with a Chilean family from my mission. Even more wonderous was that my Mamita (a member from Talagante who took care of us sister missionaries, she was a listening ear when I needed her...even though I couldn't speak a lick of spanish at the time). We only planned on staying and visiting for about an hour...two hours later we had to pry Aidan away from his new friends and hit the road again. The drive south was uneventful and relaxing. Aidan travels very well. We arrived at Harrison and Jordan's about 8PM. Jordan and Harrison shared yummy pizza and fries with us. Then Jordan and I went to the store for some munchies. We returned to her apartment and ate chips and salsa and watched DALE. Love that movie.

The next morning I woke up and visited with Jordan as she watched Addison and McKenna (Addison's best friend). Much was said during this conversation. I don't remember anything mean, negative, wrong, or even slanderous but something happened. From this conversation the weekend went down hill. For lunch we met up with Harrison at Troy's BBQ. A very yummy and afforable BBQ place in St. George. I recommend it to all. Then we went back to Harrison's house and attempted to help Jordan finish all of her baking for the next day Halloween party. Then McKenna's mom Michelle came over and gave both my boys haircuts. Aidan lovely long blone locks are so gone. He know has a big boy haircut. Thanks again Michelle. That night we all went to my parents house for a spaghetti dinner. Everyone was there but Harrison and Jordan and Kellie and her family. They got together and did something. Then me, mom, Suzie, and Corteney (Jacob's girlfriend) went out to Hurricane to Brandi's house for a party. We didn't stay too long (Brian was babysitting) but long enough to have a good visit with them. When we got back to my parents house Aidan had been asleep for about two hours and had just woke up (he went to nap at 830 and woke up at 1030PM!). After a short visit with my parents we left. Aidan was in the middle of his screaming fit (not made screaming...he just found that he can scream and enjoys doing it). So we decided to get Brian some dinner (he doesn't eat spaghetti). Then we returned to Harrison's place.

On Saturday we woke up and prepared to go shopping. It was me, mom, Suzie and Corteney. We originally wanted to go and get stuff for Corteney's baby (due Jan. 25) but found it very difficult without knowing the sex of the baby. So we just spent random bits of money all throughout St. George. Then we went and baked some corn bread at my mom's house. Dad was making two big pots of chili. Delicious. Nothing says yummy chili like the one that dad puts his TLC into. Then at 530 we headed to Harrison and Jordan's house for a fun night of food, friends and fun. Jordan made a lot of delicious treats. Then we took all of the little kids out to go trick or treating. Ethan was Optimus Prime and Maren was Cinderella, Aidan was a lumberjack and Addison was a lioness. What fun. We didn't get to do many houses, people don't answer their doors anymore, sad. After trick or treating we returned to the apartment. The visiting was fun. Then everyone started to leave and it became just a few stragglers at the apartment. Brian and I decided to take Aidan over to trick or treat at my mom's apartment. We headed over and they found it funny. We then made my dad (the only one still dressed) go with us to take Aidan to some of his neighbors homes. Then we went and visited Jacob. Jacob lives like four houses away. Jacob gave Aidan most of his candy and then we just visited for a while. Then we went back to Harrison's apartment.

On Sunday we woke up. Jordan had made a yummy breakfast, only I ate it though. Then we all got ready for church. We decided to head over to my parent's house so that they could get ready without feeling like we were in the way and needed to be entertained. Then we all headed over to the church for the baby blessing. What a great turn out for such a beautiful little girl. Bob and Virgie, Suzie, us, Kellie's family, my parents, Jacob and Corteney and Ryan and his family came. What a delight to see his family. I love his girls so much. Ryan was so nervous because it has been a long time since he was in church but I am glad he survived. LOL. Grandpa Bob did a fantastic job giving the blessing. It was absolutely beautiful. Then after church we went and attempted to pack our stuff up and change our clothes. Apparently this is where it all fell apart. Jordan made comments that hurt my feelings and I had had enough. We packed the car and planned on leaving right then and there. We left some stuff at my parents house so we needed to go and find the keys. We let Aidan play at the park with Ryan's girls (there was a BBQ after the blessing). We got our stuff and went back to retrieve Aidan. My dad insisted that we not leave just then. Allow ourselves to calm down. We then went and visited at my parents house for a while and then (I know my dad and Brian did this together) conveniently it got too late to travel. Brian and Dad were working on computer stuff, and using Microsoft time...ridiculous. Later that evening we all we to Denny's to eat. What a nice relaxing event between all the drama. We giggled and played...and Jacob and Corteney came with us. Then we went back to my parents house to sleep. The next morning we woke up and went to In N Out for lunch, goodbye to everyone and left. During the next four hours much happened. Amazing all the damage I can do while driving. The sad news is that for whatever reason this time Kellie has decided that she doesn't want to be a part of the family ever again, especially my sister. She has cut us all off. I don't know what I did, but I think I know what brought this on. Jordan had a very stressed out weekend and was saying things to everyone that were mean and hurtful. I think she said something to Kellie. Whatever it was I don't care anymore. Both these siblings have left my heart aching like I could never explain. So there. I will no longer discuss or be in contact with either sibling and their families. Their wishes. I am not catering to drama or allowing myself to be abused anymore. I feel terrible for my mother. She doesn't deserve any of this.

On a happier note...Jacob and Corteney found out what sex the baby is...a boy. Clearly and without a doubt a boy. Sorry dad your theory didn't work (his girls started out with boys, the Boys start out with girls). They have decided on the name Ezra Tiberius. But call him Ti (like Ty) for his nickname. Jacob has always wanted to name his boy Tiberius...good for him. For those of you questioning its origins it is a name in the Old Testament...and more popularly the middle name of a famous captain we all know and love to hate. :) Captain James T. Kirk...sounds like Jacob huh? What a mouthful for that poor boy. Ezra Tiberius Armga. Brian and I are just going to call him ETA...LOL. But DO NOT call him E.T. That is a no no already.