UP Party

Today we had Ashton's long awaited UP party. We've been planning it ever since Bakerella posted these UP cupcakes and I knew what we needed to do...We had some friends over, each kid painted little bird houses and then played while they dried. We lunch, hotdogs were served for the kiddos, Russell's meal in the movie...I was happy they all liked them, I was worried because kids are so fickle. Anyways, the moms had a more suitable lunch, thanks Manda for sharing your delicious spinach pasta salad and her infamous no-knead bread. The kids watched UP while the moms ate and when the kids got to rambunctious we ate the sprinkled covered treats. Before the party ended the kids tied balloons to their birdhouses to take home. It went as well as could be expected with a bunch of two and three year olds. In any case, I love you Ashton!!!

Circulon

When Tyler and I first were married we registered for the least expensive set of pots and pans, knowing that they would do the trick and that they would be replaced soon anyways. It's been almost five years and while they have not only held up but are still functioning we are moving on...and moving up! We ordered our circulon 10 piece set off of amazon at a steal of a price and they are worth every penny! It is The Only Dishwasher Safe, Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware (oven safe too). Ooooooh, they cook so evenly, so perfectly, I am in love!

Cake Pops

So my kids are a little bit picky...Well, at least Ashton was when he was one. Normal for most, right? Well, I've dug myself into a very deep hole that will only get deeper in time. It started with a cookie monster sandwich. No big deal, little outline using a gel writer on his sandwich. We progressed to Elmo pancakes (quite an art) monkey cupcakes, and continued with new pictures on sandwiches using edible ink pens...Then of course I had to try my hand at all of bakerellas goodies and amongst them where elmo and cookie monster cake pops. So here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. I wish I would have taken pictures of the good ones, each time I make them I haven't taken out the camera fast enough and of course they want the best ones first!

RO-DE-O

Ashton has been pretty jealous of the daddy and mommy dates lately, so after our date last weekend we promised that we would take him on a family date. Yesterday here in San Antonio was free grounds admission for military at the Rodeo and Tyler had the night off so we went and met up with some friends! It was perfect! It was overcast and chilly so there were not tons of people there. We were only there for a few hours (Tyler sleeps during the day plus we went before dinner), but we had fun with the few hours we had. There were a bunch of the big inflatables which Ashton LOVES (jumping is his passion). He went out of his comfort zone and stood in line for the Nemo inflatable and played all by himself (well, without mom, dad, or Kate). I was so proud of him!!!

They had a huge carousel which the kids were head over heels for. It was indescribable joy for me too to feel Isaac's little tummy roar in laughter while riding his moving horse. Poor Isaac was sooooooo jealous from then on out as he was too little for the many rides Ashton enjoyed later with Kate...Overall, great time!!! (I would have taken more pictures but my battery died!)

Happy Valentines Day!

Ashton and I made some awesome robot valentines to take to a Nursing Home with the young women in our ward...He had a blast delivering them but I knew I needed to make some for my boys when I saw the look of desperation on Isaac's face and we passed them to all the males in the home...except for him and his bro. We also made these "monster mailboxes" (both ideas from the Family Fun Magazine). This will definitely be a tradition. Ashton loves making crafts and had a great time making the eyes and gluing on the parts and I thought they were ADORABLE and a perfect place to stuff their valentines cards, candies, and presents...So will be doing this EVERY YEAR. Here are the kids discovering their loot. The Loot

And I couldn't resist the chance to stuff my boys with heart shaped pancakes. The only thing missing was my incredible husband... We did however have a romantic date the night before...

And we have to include the boys with the Valentine stuffed animals that they received in the mail along with many other goodies from Papa and Nana Rust! Thanks, the boys LOVE them!

Pay it Forward

So....this is at least a year overdue. I signed up on sister's blog many moons ago to "pay it forward". It was kind of a thing last year and I got involved, received my gift and then dropped my end of the bargain, until now. So this is how it works:

Leave a comment for me on this post and I will create a delightful gift, made and designed especially for you within the next three months. I know, three months sounds like a long time to wait, but I promise it it will be worth it, and I'll hint that it might possibly involve my sewing machine (I just bought a book of patterns by Amy Butler!!!!!)...Here is the catch, upon receiving your gift, you in turn have to "pay it forward" in any fashion you choose. So let the fun begin!!!

And just for fun, this is what my sister created for me!!!! I little saying that I am quite fond of as noted in THIS post...

Bitter Sweet

I just found out that my Grandfather, Grandpa Black passed away this morning. It is a bitter sweet moment. Bitter because he was and will always be my Grandpa and I haven't seen or talked to him in years. Bitter because my Dad has to deal with losing both his parents in the same year. Bitter because he was a good Grandpa and always had fun with us when we were young. Sweet because he has suffered from Alzheimer's for many many years and now has his memory to companion him once again, Sweet because he is reunited with all his loved ones who passed on before him, Sweet because he can now enjoy the journey through the next phase of life. Sweet because I am confident that there is a Plan of Salvation created by a loving Heavenly Father who knows and loves us and is awaiting our progression so that we might return to Him and especially sweet because I know that I will see him with my own eyes in the flesh again.
I love you Grandpa!!!

First Step!!!

Today Ashton and I witnessed a beautiful moment in the life of Isaac. My boys are very much boys and while we were building up our stacking blocks to knock down over and over again Isaac got very excited. He was very eager to help stack up the blocks for the quick thrill of blocks scattering threw the air. He would stand all by himself (this is only the 3rd time he's done it) to stack the blocks and on one occasion he took his FIRST STEP toward the recently built tower to knock them down! He was so controlled and so happy!

We also enjoyed some fabulous mint brownies...I almost think that boys enjoyed them more than I!!!

Getting Set Apart

So I finally got set apart for my scary but exciting church calling. I don't know that I have really felt nervous to be the Young Women President (I am positive that being the 2nd counselor for a few months helped me get over the nerves of working with the YW) but I have felt inadequate and overwhelmed and challenged soooooo it was absolutely wonderful to get set apart by our bishop. I love that God trusts worthy men with his power to bless the lives of his children, and specifically to bless my life. With that setting apart comes the assurance that God is not only on my side but that He is going to strengthen me and guide me (so long as I continue to do my part) so that I might be the instrument in His hands that is needed at this time. I love serving in the church. I love that I have an opportunity to grow and learn from my leaders and my God as well as from the beautiful and unique girls that I have. I hope that the girls enjoy having me as much as I am enjoying them!

On the Eigth day of Christmas

On the Eighth day of Christams

we're nearly out of rhyme
So we sang 8 Christmas carols
To enhance our Christmas time