Thanksgiving

We had such a blast this week in San Diego! Kayley, John & the Krages helped us have one of the most memorable Thanksgivings we will probably ever have. Xander was in heaven since Nana, Grumpy and Uncle Jake were there and also because he got to play with "Wrinkles" the dog and all the Krage children. We made it to Sea World on Wednesday. And despite the fact that Xander did not get more than 8 hours of sleep the night before he only broke down and cried once--because Mommy told him he could not ride Shamu. He really did not understand and still asks to "ride the whale." :) He loved the animals though and so did we. Despite the waterfall being broken (it wouldn't shut off--so it really soaked everyone) on the rapids, Daddy enjoyed the rides and Mommy enjoyed watching everyone have a great time. Thanksgiving day was a blast--we were in charge of pie crust and we pumped out 8 crusts in an hour. Dinner was fantastic with lots of new recipes that will definitely become part of our family recipe book. Kayley did a fantastic job figuring everything out and organizing dinner for 22+ people. Friday was definitely awesome since Ben & I left Xander with Nana and went on our Anniversary date. We took a 2 hour cruise of San Diego bay (since the 2 days prior we were on our feet the whole day and my feet were getting a little big!) and then enjoyed dinner there as well. We love family, we loved San Diego and we are so grateful we got to share our holiday with those we love!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY XANDER!

My son is 2! And boy can we tell...not because he's "terrible" (although he has his moments) but because learning is everything right now. He'll randomly do and say things that I never knew he could do--like tonight for example. We were changing his diaper and he broke out into "Happy Birthday"--without forgetting a word! It is so fun. We never know what he'll surprise us with next. As you can see, I made a train cake for the big celebration. Trains are everything to this guy right now--especially if it is Thomas. The best part is Thomas (to Xander) is a character in a book. We tried the movies (we rented one from the library) and he gets bored but he LOVES the books. So I'm ok with him loving this "cheeky" train. Anyways, we sure love our little man and are excited to continue watching and helping him grow!

Tagged

So, I NEVER do things like this but the dishes are done, Xander is asleep and I don't feel like watching TV or reading a book...so here are the rules and 6 things about me:

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then go to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1) If I had an extra $10,000 to spend, I would buy a string bass. I really miss playing one. And I'd love for kids to know that their mom spent 9 years in an orchestra.
2) When we finally find a place to call home, I would like to get my teaching credentials and teach high school. Preferably Government or US History or World Cultures...something like that.
3) I have a secret wish to be able to sing again. It has never been the same since I had vocal cord pallups in the 10th grade...someday I'd love to even sing a solo in Church and have people say, WOW!
4) I would also love to learn to dance. Especially when I see movies like, "Save the Last Dance" and Julia Stiles audition to Julliard in that flick...it makes me want to learn to move like that.
5) (This is harder than I thought) When Ben retires, I'd like to open a Bed & Breakfast with him...in a country/rural area where people can come fall in love again. And our kids will be able to visit us with our grandkids and there will be room for everyone!
6) There is nothing I like better than a clean, organized home on a Sunday afternoon with my amazing husband and Xander. After church when we are home resting or playing is the most wonderful time of my week.
-The End-
I tagged the following people: Em, Sheryl, Stephanie, T, Rachel and Amanda

A Good Thing about AZ

I know I complain a lot about AZ...so here is one thing I am thankful for here. There is NO daylight savings time! So we did not change our clocks last week and therefore I did not have to adjust Xander's nap or bed schedule. In times past we would always have a rough day or two as we tried to get used to our new time--but not here. YEAH ARIZONA!!

Phoenix Zoo

I didn't snap very many pictures at the Phoenix Zoo this past week. But we did have a great time. The Thunderkids group that we hang out with (kids whose parents go to Thunderbird) had a field trip to the Zoo on Wednesday. The zoo itself was beautiful--an oasis in this desert area. There were lots of animals--more than we had time to see! I think Xander's favorite was the monkey cage that we got to go in to...as seen here, it is an open cage that we got to walk through. The only thing Xander remembers now though is that we had to wash our hands when we got done because the monkeys pee everywhere and well, good luck getting a 2 year old not to touch things!

Thank Goodness #2 is almost here!

I guess I never realized how lonely my son was until the other day when I found him playing catch with his stuffed dog. It is his favorite game right now...he throws the ball at the dog and giggles when it hits the dog. He always aims for the "nose". Hopefully he'll be just as excited when his sister arrives, right?

Sgt X

Xander is ready for Basic Training! He loves doing push-ups. Every since mom showed him how to do one (with an 8 month belly, I only managed one but I did do 1!) he has loved showing off his muscles and doing push-ups at random times.

Better Late than Never?

I know, you are suppose to carve the pumpkin before Halloween! Well, we did not even buy the pumpkin until the day before so our real opportunity was last night. Mom had gone to get a few tests done (one downside to the baby measuring smaller than I'm used to--I don't feel her move unless I focus all my attention on my belly--don't worry everything is A-OK!) and so she suggested to Dad that to pass time he and Xander could carve the pumpkin. I can't believe what a happy boy I found when I got home! He couldn't wait to show me the seeds or 'beans' as he calls them or how the top comes off to reveal NOTHING. Ben actually had him scoop the pumpkin himself and he loved the ding he got each time the spoon hit the bowl we had for the innards. We might try and do a face tonight--who knows? We may carve pumpkins every week until they go out of season? It is a pretty cheap activity, huh??

Family Home Evening--Music Time

Alright, I know what you are all thinking. Xander is definitely my son! Just because I have pictures doing the exact same thing at the same age doesn't necessarily mean that. Seriously though, Xander just loves to conduct the music. Anyone who sits next to us at Church ends up busting up as he prepares each time a Hymn is sung. I just love my son!!