Mohawk

So I finally gave in and cut Isaac's hair and let him have a mohawk. Its awfully cute on him, but don't tell anyone I said that, cuz the deal was that he could have it for only a day then it had to go. (this was daddy's and I's deal!) I think Erik might win this one! for some reason it fits him, or at least his attitude recently.

Crumbs

I woke up today and saw that I had way too many bananas sitting on my counter and they were not gonna make it another day....What to do?

Make yummy, delicious Cranberry-Banana-Pecan Bread

I was so proud of myself, I had plans on taking pics of my mad kitchen skills....but as soon as it was out of the oven, the kids devoured it (because lets face it, its hot banana bread or nothin') So I will spare you the pics of the left over crumbs and the crumbs strune (is that a word) about the house...which my 10 month old, is all too happy to try to clean up for me!

Maybe next time!

Tomorrow: 1 hour bread....1 hour....4 loaves....1 to give away...3 to keep....one happy family!
(I might even get a picture of them!)

Dido!!

Ok...so my my cousin wrote this in her post, and I just loved the way that she said it, and I agree with it completely...so I am just going to re-post what she said! Clara, I hope you don't mind, but these exact thoughts have been going through my mind these last few days, and I just think you said it much better than I could have. (I will only change names!!!)

V-Day
Valentine's Day on on Sunday. A lot of people (my husband included) will tell you that its just a made-up holiday to make guys spend money and look bad, and besides, you should cherish your sweetheart all the time--who needs Valentine's Day. Well, to all who say that, I say this -- WHATEVER!!

The same statement(s) could be made about any holiday. Christmas - shouldn't we remember our dear Savior's birth everyday (the 25th of December isn't the right date anyway)? Fourth of July - isn't it great to live in this country every day, not just a certain one mid-summer? Easter - the death and resurrection of the Savior is definitely something we should carry with us every second, is it not? Thanksgiving- grateful one day a year..anybody? St. Patrick's Day- lets face it, this is just a reason for people to get drunk. Halloween-well, if you have a problem with holidays, we shouldn't even start on Halloween. Birthdays- I am pretty sure I will remember the birth of my children forever, as does my mother with her children. The list of designated "days" goes on.

I feel like men say this so they are justified in ignoring the holiday. I know Erik would have a fit if I were to say this about the Fourth of July (you know--the one day a year he gets to play with fire and blow things up?) So why do I hear some women saying this? I am sure I don't know. Reverse psychology? A game? Maybe their partner says it cuz they know Valentines will be ignored, so they say it to feel better. I don't know. Unless, you people are going to be equally skeptical of all holidays and their origins, give February a break!

All holidays have their purpose. They give people a chance to slow down and remember what's important. I wonder by what percentage church attendance increases at Christmas or Easter. These people should probably be attending services every Sunday, but at least they went once. At least for one day a year the world (over generalization, I know) can stop, sit back, and think about the Savior. (Twice, if you count Easter). It's better that not at all. I am not saying Valentine's is not blown out of proportion....it most definitely it...just like Christmas. I am not saying I expect Erik to buy me a tennis bracelet every February 14th, just like I don't expect him to buy me a diamond ring every year on our anniversary. NO!! I just expect some thought! A nice heartfelt note would be very agreeable to me. Just some thought and maybe a little bit of time!

I don't even have a personal overwhelming passion about this heart filled, pink and red holiday...I am just saying, the whole point of Valentine's Day is to remember the ones we love, a designated time to remember someone we care about. Just like anniversaries, Mother's Day, Christmas etc... So what if it is a completely fabricated day of importance? ( I know there's some significance--St. Valentine--I don't know the whole story). I know women (myself included) can get their hopes up and be bothered if disappointed -- but that's not the point ( besides can't the same thing be said of the anniversary, Christmas, or birthday present?) The point of February 14th is just another opportunity to express your love for someone. There is nothing wrong with that. I recommend to the men that swear its all about the $$, to write a song, a note, nothing expensive. Put time and thought, real though, into it and see how she re-acts. If after that, your one and only still has complaints about how much dinero you did or didn't spend...you might have bigger problems.

Well said Clara!! My whole opinion on the holiday/celebrating thing, is that it is a way for us to slow down and remember those around us, to celebrate that person or persons! But more importantly to teach our children! This is what is important to me. I know that we should be teaching our children everyday, and we do, but its also fun to take that special time out, during those holidays, whether its V-day or Christmas, Mother's day, or Father's day...Birthdays. To get them excited to do something extra special, to honor somebody, to get them out of their own head and think of someone else! At least that is what I am trying to teach my kiddos and that is what I made sure to express to my hubby this year, I don't necessarily want a romantic dinner (not saying that I wouldn't take one, if offered!!) but I wanted him to take the kids and have them get involved in whatever they decided to do today, so that we all can have sometime to think and get excited for someone else!

A quilt for Isaac!

Grandma did an amazing job on Isaac's train quilt! He feels like he finally belongs on the big bed that he sleeps on! He LOVES his all the trains on it! Thanks Grandma we sure love and appreciate all that you do for us!

Birthday Party

A couple of months ago, Ellie's best friend and neighbor moved away and yesterday he came back up to Ferndale to celebrate his birthday! Ellie was in 7th heaven with Ezra. They had a great time at the Jumpzone and had icecream at McDonalds!

A new year!

I just can't believe that its already 2 months into the new year! Is it just me or is it going by to fast?
So, I haven't updated in a while, and I went to go add a bunch more photos, but then realized that I didn't have the pics on the new computer that we got!!! ( we had to get a new one, the old one finally died!)
Spencer is 9 months old and is crawling all over the place! I think you forget how much stuff they can get into at this age now that he is crawling all over the house, I have to make sure that I clean the kitchen floor after every meal, or else he will do it for me....he wants to put everything into his mouth!!!
Isaac is so darn cute I can hardly stand it, he still drives me nuts, but he is only 2 years old. He is doing better at listening and obeying, so I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. He loves his trains, and loves his new train table he got for christmas...I don't know what we ever did without it, it still, 2 months later, keeps his attention for hours at a time!!
Ellie is thriving at school! Just loves her teachers and asks everyday if she gets to go to school. She loves her ballet and tap class, and her teacher says she is very strong and coordinated! She is such a delight to have around the house, she loves to play with her little brothers, though she is constantly asking us when she gets to have a baby sister...in due time!
As far as Erik and I we are doing great, we are still waiting to hear from the Sheriff's department up here for a job! This whole waiting thing has really tried my patience, but I think I think, that we are close! At least I feel a change coming on (does that make any sense?)

Photo Update!

Ellie's first dance performance! She did amazing!!! We are so proud of her!