Older ... and Wiser Too

Last night we celebrated Jason's birthday.  My mom had been up on the weekend so I took Jason out to the Keg for a birthday dinner and then to a movie (the new Star Wars - which he had seen already but was more than happy to see it again as I hadn't seen it yet).  So on his actual birthday last night we just stayed home and celebrated with the kids.  After teaching piano I made one of Jason's favorite dinners - Singapore Noodles.  After dinner Jason watched hockey (the Oilers won!).  Then it was time for cake.  I had made a spice cake with cream cheese icing.

The boys had made cards for their dad and Ashton made a little gift for him.  (His real present he hasn't purchased yet as he wants a new mat cutter and needs to pick that out himself).

What do you think?  Pretty good likeness?

We sure love you Jason!  You are the best husband and father and we appreciate how hard you work to take care of us.

Hope this upcoming year is wonderful!  Happy Birthday!

One Lucky Mom

My beautiful kids ready for church.  Is it just me or does Cadence look like she is hatching an evil plan!  Feeling so blessed.

Christmas Day 2015

Still slowing trying to get my blog up to date.  Christmas was relaxing and fun at our house.  My mom had joined us which was wonderful and the kids loved having her.  Christmas morning started with Ashton throwing up all over his bed around midnight before Jason and I were even able to get to bed.  My saint of a husband took care of the mess and Ashton was back into bed with no further incident.

At 8 am I felt a little poke on my shoulder.  I looked up and it was Bowen saying it was 8 am and could we all please get up.  I couldn't believe everyone had slept so late.  I guess Bowen had been up for a while but was hanging out in his room til he thought it was safe to ask.  We got everyone up and headed downstairs.  Cadence didn't quite know what was going on but enjoyed opening her presents. We all got spoiled and loved everything we got.

The boys favorite gifts - Ashton got a metal detector, and Bowen got a 3DS.  They were both excited.  My favorite gift was an abstract painting that my very talented husband painted for me.  I love abstracts and Jason had never attempted one before.  I think it turned out awesome.  We've hung it in our family room.  The colours are perfect! (Sorry the picture has a bit of a glare.)

Then the kids got to work playing and putting lego together while I prepared dinner.

Later we had a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

I was telling my mom I appreciate all the work she did when I was a kid to make Christmas special.  It's a lot of work for moms, but I love every minute of it.  My dad was close to my heart this Christmas too.  He loved Christmas and a lot of my traditions are carried on from him.  My only complaint is the season comes and goes far too quickly.  Til next year!

December & Christmas Eve 2015

December snuck up on me this year, but we managed to get ready for Christmas.  We decided this year that as a family we would be secret santas for another family.  We let the boys pick a family and then starting December 13th we dropped off something for them at their house each night..  The boys had so much fun dropping off the gift, quickly ringing the doorbell and then running away before they got caught.  They did a really good job being sneaky.  It was very fun and helped us all get in the Christmas spirit.

Other December fun was the Stake Music Festival.  Ward choirs were not involved this year so I didn't perform but both the boys sang in the stake primary choir.  They committed to going to an hour practice for 8 Saturdays prior to the performance.  I was very proud of them and the choir sang beautifully.  Although they probably wouldn't admit it I think they enjoyed it.

We also attended Ashton's band concert.  He is playing the trumpet this year.  I couldn't believe how improved they were from last year.  It was also great that Grandma was able to attend both of these performances with us.

My visiting teaching partner Shelley and I held our annual brunch for the sisters we visit.  One sister was unable to attend but the rest of us enjoyed waffles with all the toppings, bacon and banana bread.

The next day I held my Christmas Recital with my music students.  All but 2 of my students were able to come.  We started by playing some music games, and then the students played the pieces they had prepared for each other. They all did a great job.  Afterwards I fed them snacks and they watched Mr. Bean's Christmas Special.  (I have pictures but my one camera is having issues downloading pictures - you could look at last years post the pictures were probably almost identical - ha ha).

We were blessed to have my mom spend Christmas with us this year.  She came up on Christmas Eve.  We had our traditional Christmas Eve fondue.  Soooo delicious!  We had oil with tempura shrimp, crab and steak bites; cheese with sour dough bread and mushrooms; and chocolate with fruit. The boys love this tradition.  

After dinner the kids opened their Christmas Eve presents.

Before heading to bed we watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "The Nativity Story".  Milk and cookies were left out for Santa.  Their stockings laid out in front of the tree and then excited kids were quickly off to bed.

Other October Happenings

In October Jason got a new job (sort of).  He still works at Aurum but under Core 3D.  He is the Senior Technical Advisor for Canada.  His new position now includes a bit of travel which he has enjoyed so far.  He`s been to Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto.  He is really enjoying his new role.  It utilizes his skills and involves a lot of problem solving which he excels at.  It is wonderful to see Jason happy with his career, and it even came with a bit more money.

Ashton had a crazy hat day at school.  He eventually settled on wearing only one crazy hat but this was his original idea.

We also celebrated Jason`s mom getting married in October.  She had a reception in Cardston on Thanksgiving weekend.  It was a lovely day.  Ken and Debra exchanged rings.  I sang `What a Wonderful World`` accompanying myself on the guitar.  With Ken and Debra joining in on the last verse with special words she had written.  Then we had a wonderful turkey dinner, I was asked to bring 6 dozen homemade buns.  It was great to get together to celebrate. 

Cadence wore the dress that my niece Cora wore to mine and Jason`s wedding almost 15 years ago.

We were pleased to share in Debra and Ken`s special day and are thrilled to see them so happy.

And of course every month finds Cadence getting up to no good - but being completely adorable doing it.

Halloween 2015

I have been so terribly neglectful to my little blog.  I'm sure it hasn't really been noticed (except for maybe my mother who has told me she has given up that I'll ever update it).  It will probably take me a few days to get caught up but I'll try to get it done.  It's been a busy couple of months since I last updated.  First of all Halloween happened - yes we have to go back that far.

The usual fun was had with school parties, carving pumpkins, and trick or treating.  Cadence even got in on the action this year and trick or treated to a couple of houses before she`d had enough and her brothers continued on without her.

18 Months Old

Our Cadence is 18 months old!  How did this happen so quickly.  She is definitely not a baby anymore and is an active, busy, mischievous, sassy, adorable toddler.  She started going to nursery at church.  She went by herself the first week for about an hour then I had to go in with her.  This week she started screaming as soon as I reached for the door.  Daddy joined her in nursery.  I guess it will be a bit of an adjustment for her.  She's been going through a bit of a clingy stage.  I took her to a doctor appointment the other day and she screamed the entire time even though I was with her.  I hope this stage is short lived.  She is so fun.  Has so much personality and her brothers and daddy still love her to bits.

Age - 18 months (October 7, 2015)
Weight - 26 pounds
Wears 18 to 24 month clothes
Shoe Size - 4 or 5
Says - daddy, mom, shoes, sussie (soother), doggy, nummy num, hi, bye, see ya, mine, no, see see (thank you),  sees (please), more, cookie
Still loves her soother (doesn't suck her thumb anymore)
Eats everything (cut up really small), and drinks whole milk
Has 3 teeth
Loves to watch treehouse in the mornings and sit on the couch and drink her milk
Has a thing for shoes and drags them all over the house.  As well as the rocks from my plant.
Eats with a fork (most of the time)
Loves to tease her brothers - will grab something of theirs and start running, looking back to see if they are chasing her.
Is a bit bossy - can't imagine who she got that from?
Nods her head for yes, or shakes her head for no when we ask her questions.

Is definitely a little stinker with a mind of her own.

Her brothers think she is the cutest thing ever!!

Cadence you are such a joy to us.  We are so grateful you were able to join our family.  Love and Kisses!!

School 2015-16

Last week the boys started back at school.  They got prepared by buying any school items they needed.  Their dad gave them each a father's blessing the night before they went back.  Bowen was first to go on Tuesday morning.  He is in Grade 4 this year.  It is his last year at his elementary school.  He was pretty excited to see his friends and find out who his teacher would be.  We headed to the school, they all assemble in the playground and you go around and find what list your child is on.  We quickly found his teacher and Bowen said he was fine and I could go.  Getting so independent.

Ashton started back at school the next day.  He is in Grade 6 this year.  He told me he was fine and didn't need me to come to the school with him.

If I'm not allowed to come to the school I was at least going to take pictures of him leaving.  Since that morning he hasn't even needed me to drive him to the bus stop - he just walks over himself.  How did my boys get so big and independent.  It makes me proud and a little sad all at the same time.

At least Cadence is still little and needs me.  At least for a little while.  She is growing so fast.  She very much enjoyed her first chocolate chip cookie the other day.

She enjoys her juice as well.

I hope it is a great school year.

Garage Sale

This past weekend we held a garage sale.  We had been collecting things that we were wanting to get rid of all summer.  We put up some signs and priced items and put everything out on the driveway.  People arrived early and we were able to get rid of quite a bit.

I had gotten up early and made chocolate chip cookies.  Ashton made some lemonade and Bowen made signs.  The boys sold a little bit, but were disappointed that more people didn't purchase lemonade and cookies.

Overall it was a pretty successful day!