New Year's Eve Party

On New Year's Eve we went to Nate's parents house for a rockin' party. Nate's sister, Julie planned it all and she did an awesome job. {Thanks Julie!} We started out with fondue... who doesn't love fried and chocolate covered food???! Then games, games and more games. We had so much fun. The pictures of Nate trying to do the splits and Kim's face-pulling skills were just byproducts of a game of fierce competition!! Although, my team lost in the end, we still pulled off some extreme skills! Paper Bag Ballet was interesting. Some of the guys (not my guy, though) were the winners. The object: to pick up the paper bag with your mouth balancing on one foot. With each success the bag gets cut and you have to go lower. That game takes some serious balance, flexibility and strength from muscles you never knew existed! The donut eating contest was a nice excuse for Nate to get in some PDA... I'll spare you the graphic details... we lost, if you were wondering. Hmmm, I wonder why??? All the while, the kids were downstairs running around playing, watching movies and doing projects. Each of our kids stayed awake until mid-night, even Haley. She was so tired, but just wouldn't go to sleep. I don't blame her. We were having a great time!

Haley Look-alike Meter

Am I bored or what??? People ask all the time who Haley looks like... now we know! Although, I tried Rachel on the look alike meter and it came out equal. Everyone knows she looks like her dad so I think this is a bunch of bull. It was a fun way to waste my time, though! The laundry awaits...

Salt Lake Temple

The day after Christmas we attended a session in the Salt Lake Temple with all of Nate's family. It was the first time all of us were able to attend together. It was great! Thanks Eric and Kim for planning it. Nate and I got married in the Salt Lake Temple and don't make it up there very often so we really enjoyed being there and reminiscing. It was pretty darn COLD, too. It's a shame we weren't on the "snuggly" side of the picture!!

Dang That Toy

Haley was playing in our playroom all alone. Everything was fine and dandy, but then...... I hear her screaming. So I rush up there thinking I'd find her stuck on something or hurt in some way. I found her hiding in the little alcove up against the wall. I looked all around for something that could have hurt her, but didn't see anything. She wasn't bleeding or anything. I picked her up and asked her what happened [knowing she can't really tell me because she doesn't talk much yet] and she points to that stupid Beware of the Dog game. Are you kidding me?!! It had been dumped out of its box and was laying on its side. It must have caught her eye and that was all it took. It terrifies her! Poor girl. Who would have thought a stupid game would cause so many problems. You'd think I'd want to get rid of it.... nope, not happening. I don't like it to scare Haley, but the others, now that's entertaining!!

What was Santa Thinking???

It looked like a harmless game. A little like Operation-- don't touch the sides or else it will buzz or maybe a bit like Buckaroo-- if you don't stack the supplies on the mule just right he'll buck. Their purpose? To startle, NOT terrify.

Well, with this one it's don't mess with the dog bowl too much or he'll RIP YOUR HEAD OFF!

Holy crap! First of all, I know Santa saw the commercials and since it showed up at our house he apparently thought it was a harmless game, but Santa isn't going to listen to 5 year olds as much as he did this past Christmas!

I get the game out and set it up with Rachel, Kaden and Tye. I went first, just to try it out. Phew... nothing. Then Tye tries, but is totally freaked by the thought of what the dog might do. So he says he's not playing, but sticks around to watch. Then Kaden takes his turn and WOOF! Startles us pretty good, but scares the crap out of Tye. He's in tears and terrified of this plastic dog. He's convinced it is the devil. He won't even come back into the room while we play the game. Rachel took one turn, but didn't dare take anymore and Kaden tried one more time and put it away. I thought I'd put it down in the game closet and it would collect dust for years and years until my grandchildren would discover it. Then it could be the cause of all their childhood fears and issues as it was for their parents....

Much to my surprise the kids are warming up to it. Nate played it lastnight with Kaden. Today, Tye didn't want to play the game, but liked it when I made it bark-- from a distance, of course. All the while, a very concerned Haley was cursing at it while standing on the kitchen table!

Snowman

My sister gave everyone a snowman kit for Christmas. We finally used it! Thanks, Shell! And yes, Tye is licking it in the top right picture. Hopefully it wasn't yellow snow... we do have a dog!

Fortune Cookies

Nate and I ordered some Chinese for dinner the other night. We cracked open our fortune cookies, read them and had a good laugh.

Nate's said- You have a charming way with words. Write a letter this week.

Mine said- You will soon be receiving some good written advice.

I'm still waiting. . .

Top 10 Reasons Why I Hate Naps

• They make me grumpy.
• I only NEED them when I'm pregnant. [I'm NOT pregnant.]
• I have weird dreams.
• I sleep WAY longer than I should.
• They make me feel guilty, like I should've done something that was actually productive.
• Long naps make me more tired... 10 minutes usually does the trick.
• My kids don't understand the concept of, "Leave me alone. I'm sleeping."
• I get sweaty. [That's something you really wanted to know, huh?]
  
• I can't fall asleep when it is actually time to be sleeping at night.
• I just don't enjoy them.

So now that I've graced you with my wonderful attitude after waking up from my long winters nap, I hope yours was more enjoyable than mine!

Christmas Day

Where are all my pictures???? Seriously... you're looking at them. I must have been preoccupied, but with what? Who knows?!

Our kids didn't wake up until about 8:15 Christmas morning. That was nice! We ate breakfast then opened gifts. When I was growing up my parents always made us eat breakfast AND get dressed before anything. Our tree was also in a room that could be closed off so it wasn't right there looming in our faces as we got ready. There was so much excitement anticipating my dad opening the doors (or the sheet in the doorway in my earlier years). I have always wanted to do things the same way, but my Christmas tree, most years, is about 5 feet away from my kitchen table. So keeping everything hidden is impossible. The kids took turns opening their presents and I think were very happy with what Santa brought them. They are some good little kids!!

We have a Christmas brunch at Nate's parents house each year. We all help cook up a storm of yummy breakfast foods including ebleskivers. It was a success, like usual! We stayed until evening playing games and just hanging out. That's what I love about the holidays. We went to my parents that evening for more games and turkey rolls... yum! It was a really great day. We love our family so much and feel blessed to live close to the majority of them. When we got home that night it was snowing and the wind was blowing pretty hard. I snapped a quick picture of our White Christmas... then RAN back in the house.... brrrrr!

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. We started our day with some baking and cleaning. Then that afternoon we went over to Scott and Jamie's house to let the kids have some Christmas fun with some of their Bishop cousins.

They made graham cracker gingerbread houses.

They played games.

Tye was broken hearted because he didn't "win" (middle picture), but in the end everyone got to open a present and all was well. We were only there for a couple hours and headed back to our own home. I think it was a great idea. It gave me a break from stressing out and it gave the kids something fun to do.

For the last two Christmas Eve's we have stayed home to start our own traditions with our children. This year being our third year you'd think we'd have it all figured out-- Nope! We are still trying to fine tune things, but we have a few things that we have decided on... a turkey dinner, act out the nativity and open a couple gifts. We'll see what the years to come bring as they get older and can stay up later!! Really, it's all about being together as a little family, enjoying each others company and remembering Christ. I just HAVE to stop procrastinating!! Let's see... last year was the first year we baked our own turkey... actually, first time EVER baking a turkey. We were running around town and set our oven to start at a certain time. Ha, ha! It didn't. We ate around 8:00 p.m.! So this year turned out a lot better. The only thing that didn't turn out as well as I would have liked was my pecan pie. Oh well. I didn't need all those calories anyway!! {If you have any fun Christmas traditions, I would love to hear about them.}

I didn't get pictures of the kids acting out the nativity, but they are on video. Rachel was the director and producer. Don't mess with her ideas! She gets the honor of being Mary every year. Tye was a shepherd and Kaden was Joseph. Haley was a wiseman along with me and then Tye switched roles to join us. Nate was our fine narrator and a lovely doll was our baby Jesus. It was a great night and the kids went to bed really well. Nate and I had some wrapping to finish up, but it didn't take long.

Christmas Eve is my very favorite. As a child it was so magical for me and I hope I can make it feel as magical to my children as my parents did for me.

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

We just wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas. We've been busy baking, cleaning, wrapping.... the list could go on and on. I don't think my stress level ever lowered, but we're having a good time and have enjoyed the fun things we've done so far. The kids stayed up WAY too late last night playing with cousins and have been fighting all morning, but I just keep reminding them of the true meaning of Christmas and they have seemed to settle down a bit. Without our Savior we wouldn't have this wonderful holiday! We know Jesus Christ lives and is mindful of each and everyone of us. We are grateful for His birth, life, death and resurection. We send our love... Merry Christmas!

Nutcracker

Rachel's dance studio performed in a Nutcracker production on Dec. 20th and 22nd. Nate and I stayed to watch her first performance... and missed watching BYU's bowl game. (Of course, in the end we didn't miss much!) Nate was a good sport. After Rachel danced in her Snow Fairy scene I brought her out to watch the rest of the production. She was in heaven! That was the best part, watching her watch the dancers. She loved it! On the 22nd she had a matinee and evening performance that we didn't stay to watch. I had my reasons, three to be exact... #1- I didn't want to pay 10 bucks per person for a ticket, #2- An hour and a half of watching people dance just isn't my thing, and #3- The danseur or ballerino (yep, that's what a male ballerina is called. I had to look it up!) Ok, um, not sure what my reaction was suppose to be, but Nate and I were trying not to laugh too loud! I'm sorry, but a man in tights... and when I say tights, I mean TIGHTS... just shouldn't be something to be seen in public or anywhere for that matter!! Well then, so-- anyway, we couldn't take pictures of our sweet daughter actually dancing and no camcorders were allowed so I had to buy a "professional" recording of it. I don't have it yet and Rachel's part was so short that I don't know if it will even be worth it. Ok, ok.. it will be worth it, but it was a rip off!

She really did a great job. She is getting to be so brave and confident. We are so proud of her!

Kaden's Kindergarten Christmas Song

This is mostly for the grandparents, but of course everyone is welcome to watch. Warning: My video skills aren't very good when I have a one year old and a three year old climbing on me... Oh and he's on the opposite side of the gym. Enjoy the lovely lady's hand as well as Kaden-- and try not to get sick!

Rachel's First Grade Christmas Song

Once again, for the grandparents mostly. This recording leaves much to be desired. Yes, there is something on the lens, but I can't do anything about it now! It isn't as easy as it looks to hold perfectly still, press the right buttons and polish up the camcorder!

Christmas Outfits

After church I snapped these pictures of the kids in their new Christmas outfits. I didn't do the matching thing this year, but mostly because I didn't plan ahead. Haley was mad because we took Kaden's candy cane away from her. Very rude of us-- I know! We gave it back to her and all was well... the stars and planets realigned and we were able to snap a few more photos!

Swensen Christmas Party

It was so good to get together with my whole family on Friday the 19th. We were glad the Harwards were able to visit and to meet their new little baby, Chandler. I was especially glad Nate made it home safely. He had been gone since Monday and was having quite the ordeal flying home. There were weather problems just about everywhere he was flying to or from. He was originally suppose to get back in time for the kids to sing at school around 1:00 p.m., but finally arrived at my parents house around 7:00 p.m.. Needless to say, I was soooo glad he was finally home! He will be home for the rest of the year and probably into the first part of next year.... YAHOO! [Sorry, I got a bit carried away there.]

So, here we are at meal time... Uncle PJ and Haley deep in conversation, "Mmmm, this roll is so good! My mommy made it." [ha, ha-- they actually were good, but I'm sure that's not what she was saying!]

We sang lots of Christmas carols and the kids loved it!

Grandpa and Grandma Swensen give the grandkids new pajamas each year. The kids think they have to change into them as soon as they are unwrapped. There was a mad dash to the bathroom to change into them! Each age group matches and we take a group picture of the little stinkers. There's nothing like family! We missed two other parties to be at this one and wouldn't have had it any other way. Thanks for the great time! We love you all!

Crunch Time

I am feeling the crunch. . . and I'm not talking about sit-ups. . . although, I probably should do some! No, I am feeling extremely stressed about Christmas. I am a procrastinator. I take that back, I am THE Procrastinator! I don't mean to be either. It just happens. It's who I am. I make lists, but forget to check them twice! Nate has been keeping me calm this afternoon- bless his heart. He is so great at keeping things in perspective. I've got him out braving the stores right now. What a man!! I was going to go, but I would have probably spent twice as much money as he will and it is COLD! I am freezing in my house (not to mention the crowds), so why would I want to go out? I love Christmas and I'm hoping to be able to enjoy the next 5 days. . . stress free? Is it possible? Uh-mm, I wouldn't count on it! Yeah, me neither!

p.s. I did shovel my walk before Nate got home. I thought that wouldn't be a very nice welcoming to leave it for him!

Winter Wonderland

This was Tuesday's snow fall. Kaden and Tye couldn't wait to get out there and play. I was glad I was in the house! My fireplace is my new best friend!


I did shovel our walks Tuesday, but this is what they look like today... I haven't made it out there yet. I don't want to either. My nice neighbor usually clears my driveway and sidewalk with his plow, I just have to do the walk up to the porch... I've shoveled my whole drive way more than once. I can't move the next day!! Just, no one come over, then I won't have to worry about it! Nate can do it tomorrow. I'll write "Welcome Home" in it! :)

Caroling

We went caroling with some of our neighbors Monday night and had a fun time. It was COLD, but we all survived. Haley's feet were a bit colder than I expected when we got home, but she was happy the whole time and I got her all warmed up. Nate was in Tampa and we missed him! (We'll gladly take the pay check, though! Thanks for all your hard work, Nate!)
Tye had just poked his eye with his glove (in the larger picture) and wasn't too happy about that, as you can imagine. Rachel and Kaden just sang their little hearts out! My choir of angels!


Afterward, we warmed up by drinking hot chocolate and sitting by a fire in our neighbors backyard. (How do you like my awesome picture? Ha, ha!) It would have been so much easier for me to just stay home, but I'm so glad I took the kids out to spread some Christmas cheer!

ELF WANTED- Must have toy building experience

Tonight as we were getting dinner on the table Rachel was talking to Kaden about what she wants for Christmas. Each of my kids have huge lists of just about anything and everything there is in any given catalog or toy store. They know they can only get a few of those things so I thought this was rather clever of Rachel to think... She says to Kaden, "I just want an elf for Christmas so he can make me ALL the toys I want." Nice. Way to think of others and the spirit of giving this holiday season, Rachel! I think I need to throw in an extra FHE lesson this week!

I'm In BIG Trouble

When Haley woke up from her nap today, I picked her up out of the crib and started to walk down the hall. I noticed she wanted to grab her bink (a.k.a. pacifier), but I didn't let her because I'm trying to only let her have it in her bed with the hopes of eventually not using it at all [BUT I'm in denial about her growing up and not being a "baby" any more and I'm ok with the bink for the time being, but I know she's getting too attached and it's MY fault... how'd you like that run-on sentence?!]. Well, next thing I know she whips out her puppy dog face- she sticks her lower lip out, she won't make eye contact with me and she starts to bury her head in my shoulder. I tried to cheer her up, but she kept pointing to her bedroom. FINE! I took her back to her crib where she finds her bink. She sticks it in her mouth and smiles! Oh dear... I've got my work cut out for me!

My Favorites

My sister-in-law, Jess, made these picture ornaments for us probably 4 years ago and I have to say they are my favorite! She captured them perfectly. Rachel "loving" Kaden. They are like best friends still today.

My sweet Rachel...

Project After Project...

Just about everywhere you look, there's some sort of project that someone has made... but Kaden definitely takes the cake in this area! He used to be obsessed with staples, but since I grounded him from them the next best thing is TAPE, of course. I find tape everywhere. I may not have any left to wrap Christmas presents!! So if you receive a gift from us that's stapled together, you'll know why! Here are some examples and as you can see, reindeer have been on his mind!--

This reindeer was made from a kit, but only because he wanted to make one out of wood like Grandma Swensen's, but that just wasn't happening... at least not that day so I picked this one up at the craft store. And that Santa is plastered up there with yards of scotch tape!


These projects below are the result of Kaden begging Nate to take them to Grandpa Bishop's workshop yesterday. Everyone thought up what they wanted and helped design, cut and sand their own project. Kaden- gun (painted different colors on each side), Rachel- heart, Tye- road (not so sure where that idea came from!) ... Aren't they creative?!

911 Dispatch

How many 911 calls would be too many in one week???

I would normally say one, but this week the correct answer is two. Yep, Tye and Kaden each made an emergency call from Nate's cell phone. I always hate answering the callback after we've hung up, BUT the callback is better than the policeman at your doorstep making sure everything is ok!! (That happened 4 years ago courtesy Kaden!) Come to think of it Kaden's always the one involved. . . . #1-- day after Thankgiving (4 years ago), #2-- a few months after that, #3-- after learning about 911 in preschool, #4-- now with Nate's phone. Sheesh! Ever heard of the boy who cried wolf?!!

Lunch with the Bishop Brothers

Kaden and Tye made their own sandwiches today...

Give Me a Freakin' Break

Ok-- So Tye took scissors to our leather couch and did this! The flash on my camera makes all the scratches show up way more than they regularly do, but there are still scratches on every cushion and the arm rests. So we find out today that the warranty we bought (which was a first) doesn't cover scratches... if he would've punctured it, yes. I am so mad right now.... grrrrr! Oh and it was intentional so therefore not covered-- uh, hello! A three year old with scissors, like he knew he was ruining my couch. So I guess if he would have made a big fat hole in it, it still wouldn't have been covered because my devil child is accountable for all his actions according to the stupid warranty company! Anyone know a "licensed leather professional" (yes, in their words) to help us camouflage this mess? That was the company's only suggestion for us. You won't catch me forking over my $90 next time I buy a new couch!

Thanks for letting me vent. I feel much better now.

Music to My Ears

This is just one of the daily things Haley loves to do. She just learned how to climb up on the piano bench. It's a little higher than some so it wasn't the easiest task, but she has it all figured out now. Her tunes are lovely... and the nice duet with Tye was music to my ears!

On the subject of pianos. Rachel is so excited to be starting piano lessons next week and even luckier to have her Nana Bishop as her teacher! She's been begging and begging to do it. I think she's at the point now that she can get started and really like it and do well. Good luck, Rach!

First And Definitely Not Last

There's a first for everything! Nate has never painted Rachel's nails (or anyone's, for that matter). I was busy and couldn't do it so I recruited him. I asked her later if dad did a good job and she said, "Um, well, he did ok." Hey, "ok" is good enough for me! Don't worry, Honey, you'll get the opportunity to do it again!!

Festival of Trees

This year at the Festival of Trees there is a display in honor of my nephew Samuel who passed away in March of this year. Nate is out-of-town (surprise, surprise!!) so my parents were kind enough to take me and the kids with them. We met up with some more family members when we got there. Rachel said Sammy's display was her favorite and she loved the gingerbread castle. Kaden just whined for treats the whole time and Tye had lots of fun with his cousins, Ben and Peyton and his uncle PJ. Thanks for a fun evening everyone! We miss Sammy and loved seeing his short life honored!

(Thanks for the pic, Laura... sorry I stole it!)

Ice Cream Cupcake Recipe

I am by no means a great or even good cook, chef or baker... you can even ask Nate. He'll vouch for me! Some people have asked for this recipe so here it is.

ICE CREAM CUPCAKES

Make cake as directed (I used a cake mix). Place about 1 tablespoon batter in baking cups. Bake for approx. 8 minutes (keep an eye on it, you don't want to over cook.) You'll end up with about a 1/2 inch of cake. Let cool on counter for about 15 minutes then place in freezer for 3-4 hours- keep them in the muffin tins and cover with saran wrap. After the cakes are frozen, let ice cream sit out on counter for about 10 minutes or so... until it's soft. Scoop ice cream into cupcakes level with top of baking cup. Cover and place back in freezer for about 4 hours or overnight (I did overnight). Top with whipped cream, chocolate, caramel or whatever you want when ready to serve! Don't forget-- YOU choose your flavor of cake and ice cream. The possibilities are endless!

I put our frozen leftovers in a freezer bag. Questions? Just ask.

Simple, tasty and convenient!