I'm not sure if my kids like to sleep in their own beds, they keep falling asleep in the craziest places all the time. They really don't get that from me because I find it hard to get to sleep so that totally came from their Dad. All these pictures were taken within about a week of each other. They are all NUTS!
Well once again I have TONS to catch up on but oh well it's life and it's not going to change any time soon. My Mom and Dad came over right before Thanksgiving. The week before they got here was CRAZY getting the basement finished but now it's finally done, well there's a few little things to be done but it's looking great.
Anyway having my Mom and Dad here was great, it was busy almost every day but it was so fun doing lots of things with them. The first week they were here it was Thanksgiving and all the family went over to Sherisse's house for dinner which was lots of fun. We all ate WAY too much but the food was delicious and it's just one day so it's ok, at least that is what I tell myself. I was excited for black Friday this year because my Mom was going to come with me. Dad wanted to go too but he went on his own, I told him he didn't need to go so early for what he wanted but he said he wanted to experience it so he did! We got up bright and early and were on our way. Rod, (Steve's brother) came over to our house to stay with our kids so Steve could come with us. Sherisse, Steph and Mollie all came too so it was fun. Our first stop was Walmart, it was AWFUL in there. It's always really busy but this year people were already in line with things before it was even 5am. Also things were in crazy places but oh well, we got a few things and then it was on to the next store. We went to Target, Porters, Home Depot, Fred Meyer, Lowes and had to stop into good old McD's for breakfast too, I LOVE their breakfast, yummy! We did try and go to JoAnn's to get fleece too but the line to get material cut was HUGE so we went back there another day. I think my Mom thought it was all abit mad but she was glad she went.
My Dad wanted me to sing while he was over so I called my friend to see if she could play for me. She's so good at playing the piano, I'm always asking her last minute so I really appreciated her hard work and her taking her time to help me out. I sang a song I've sung before with my sister but when I practised right before church I couldn't hit the first note. When I got up to sing I did the same thing. I kept trying to fix it but it wasn't happening so I had to stop and say "sorry, I'm totally off, I need to start again" so I did and it went so much better. It was pretty funny, it's a good thing I really don't care what I look like because otherwise that would have been pretty embarrassing. FUN TIMES!
The Monday after Thanksgiving we went to the Michael McClean concert. Sherisse came with us so we asked Steph to watch the kids. I've already written about the next part of that wonderful story so I won't go into more detail about that night. It was a great concert though, Mom loved it, she had to go and say hi to him afterwards and she even got a kiss on the hand which she thought was amazing! I was meant to teach preschool that week too but I traded last minute with my good friend Natalie, she's amazing. Later that week it was Maddie's birthday. She had invited a few of her closest friends from school to a bowling and pizza party. It was LOTS of fun and everyone had a great time. Steve was even able to come early so that was fun too. Mom and Dad's friend Josh who served in their ward came up too from Utah so it was nice to see him again, Syd loves him, poor Josh! Sherisse got pizza for all the kids, good job she got more than I asked for though because they ate TONS. Maddie had a wonderful time, bowling was a great party idea, I think we'll do it again another time. Afterwards we opened presents at home from family. Mom and Dad got her a cute CTR necklace (for her baptism) and a DS for her birthday and Christmas. We got her some new scriptures with a bag. Also a CTR ring and a DS game. She was in heaven, it was a wonderful day for her.
Friday night we went up to Rexburg for the David Archuleta concert. My Mom LOVES him so she was very excited. Sherisse was going to come with us but her and Brad both weren't feeling good so Maddie ended up coming with us which she was happy about because she had wanted to come all along. There was this other guy on first who was ok but everyone started going crazy right before David came on stage. All the girls went NUTS once he actually came out, it was hilarious! He sang all his normal songs first, the one Maddie and I knew really well was fun, we got up and danced with all the other super fans. Then he sang all his Christmas songs which were really good too. He does have a great voice but it was funny to watch all the girls just go crazy, we had one girl in front of us who was really nuts but it was fun to watch her go crazy.
That Saturday Maddie got baptised! My little girl, getting baptised, MADNESS!!! It's seems crazy to think that my first little baby is already 8, I really am getting old but you know what, I don't mind. I'm so glad Maddie made the decision to get baptised. She's such a good girl, sassy at times but mostly good. She is such a beautiful talented little girl. She started playing piano this fall and she is doing so well. She's very good at maths too and good in class which makes me not worry too much about her. I really do feel blessed to have such a wonderful daughter, I'm not the most patient Mom but I'm grateful that she is patient with me. I'm so proud that she loves the church and was so excited to get baptised, what a great example to her siblings and cousins. She was the first grandchild on both sides to get baptised so it was a special day. The day went by so fast, we finally got into the room and before we knew it she was in the font and it was over. Brad and my Dad were the witnesses and of course Steve baptised her. It was amazing to see her standing in the font with her Dad, my beautiful little girl getting baptised. Lots our friends came to support her and I really appreciate that, especially poor Alex, he missed his state wrestling tournament to be there, what a great friend. Brad was also SUPER sick but he came just to be there for Maddie. THANKS to everyone who came, we love you all. Afterwards we went to get Maddie's ears pierced, she had been looking forward to that for so long but as we were walking up to the store she started to shake like mad. Right before they were going to put her ear rings in she started to cry because she was so nervous but she wanted to do it. Then as soon as it was over she was fine and very happy. We then went to Chuck A Rama's to have lunch with all the family which was lots of fun. I'm so glad we have such a wonderful family and friends who support and love us. It was sad not to be able to have all my family there but I'm sooo glad my Mom and Dad were able to be there.
That Sunday was time for my Mom and Dad to leave. Right after sacrament we went back to our house to say our goodbyes. The girls were both a mess! They cried and cried and were so sad. Maddie was able to calm herself down but Syd was just too sad and was crying all the way back to church. I took her to class but she was just crying all the time so I let her come to class with me. It was so nice to have my Mom and Dad here but so sad for the kids and us when they have to leave. It would be so nice to live closer to them all, I always wish that one day they will all move over here. Hopefully it won't be too long until they're here again.
Time really does go by so fast. This year has flown by, especially since school started. There has been so many things going on, I'm looking forward to a new year and hopefully a little less things going on. I know life will always be busy but I want to try and not be sooo busy and take more time for my family and myself so I don't go CRAZY! I think I got abit too burnt out from everything these past few months so I want to try and take it abit easier. There are always so many things we want to do but there are different times and seasons for everything. There will be different times to do all the things I want to do so I want to try and not feel like I have to fit everything in right now. My kids are still small so I was to treasure that time more and when they're all at school I can do more of the other things then. Life, it's crazy but I love it!!!
Today Arin, Kristy and I got together to paint crafts. I got everything painted so I was VERY glad about that. I had been wanting to do it all for a long time but life is just so busy so once again it's half way through the month but oh well, it's mostly finished now. Here's the link to my craft blog, I especially love the nativity!
http://cheekybanditcrafts.blogspot.com/
My Mom and Dad have been here for about a week and half and we're having such a great time. I got tickets for the Micheal McClean concert this past Monday so we were all excited. Steve's Mom came with us and we left all the kids with Steve's sister Steph. Trish's family had just got back from California so Tre and Kaylie came over too so Stephy had all 6 kids! We weren't too worried though, they all love their Aunt Steph and Trish was coming to get her kids an hour later.
The day has finally come and the basement is finished!!! Well pretty much finished. There's a few small little things that need to be done but the walls are painted, the carpet is in and Maddie finally has a lovely finished room.
My friend Heidi sold us this HUGE bean bag the other week but it's been shoved in the middle of the living room upstairs. So tonight after we got the doors hung, the beds put in the new bedrooms, we were finally able to rearrange the basement so it could fit downstairs. As you can see Steve is already enjoying it. I think we're both just sooo tired from working in the basement ALL week until 12-2am for 4 nights in a row.
Maddies room looks LOVELY! I've been so excited to get it finished and it's almost there. We need to get a few more things, hang a few more pictures up, get the blinds up and her closet finished but it still looks great! It's such a cute little girls room. Maddie is already loving it, she looked so comfy in her new bedding. I took pictures but I'll take more when it's totally finished.
YAY for having the basement finished! The hard work paid off, now I just need to get everything organised and put away.
I just made another new craft. I'm planning on making an elf, santa, penguin and a reindeer that will be the same kind of size and style. I also want to make some bigger things so let me know if you have any great ideas. 
He is $10 unfinished or $15 finished.
I've had this craft cut out and half way finished for about 2-3 weeks and today I finally finished it. I think it turned out pretty cute. I still need to put the words on which will probably be "Let it snow". I have a bunch of other Christmas ideas that I need to cut out but this week has been too crazy. Plus we're not trying to finish our basement so we'll see if I really get time to cut anything out. Oh well for now I'm just glad this one is finished!
HERE'S THE FINISHED PRODUCT!
This is what poor little Hadley looked like this morning! Her poor eye is so sore and she hates when you try and touch it. I hope it gets better soon. When Spencer had this last week his eyes were just stuck together a bit and then I washed them off and he was fine for the rest of the day. Not with Hadley though, it just is sad all day. I hope it goes away soon!!!
Tonight we've been trying to work on filling all the nail holes with putty in the basement. Hadley was following me around everywhere and then she started getting fussy so I could tell she was tired. I went to go and get her bed ready and when I came to get her this is what I found!
I've been trying to come up with some more Christmas crafts, this is one that I started the other week and today I finally got time to finish it. I was rushing so I just quickly thought of what designs to put on the presents and I don't love them but they're ok! I need to go and get some silver ribbon, I quickly taped some ribbon on that I had, it doesn't match at all but I wanted to show what I will do once I get the ribbon I like. I'm also not sure I like the mouth but oh well, it's the first time I've made it. I have LOTS more fun ideas that hopefully I can make this week if I have a minute. Let me know what you think!
He is $15 unfinshed and $20 finished. He stands 4ft tall!
This year we didn't think Steve's family would be here for Halloween so we really weren't in the mood, plus I was just wiped out! We were glad though when Sherisse called and said they would all be back. Every year we get together and have soup and chili and the kids go trick or treating. It's so nice to be able to spend time with family, we're blessed to be able to live so close to them. Here's the kids in all their cuteness!!! 
Here's my most handsome husband!!! Steve's hair was getting really long so we thought we would give him a fun haircut for Halloween to go with his ever so lovely mustache! This is what we came up with, sooo GORGEOUS!!!
Steve is starting a new job next week. He has been with his current employee since he graduated from BYU-Idaho. It will be different and hard for him to go to a new job but I think it's going to be so good for him. He works so hard and has done so much for his current employer that I know he'll be successful where he is going. I love him so much and I am so grateful for how hard he works to provide for our family. I LOVE YOU STEVE, good luck with your new job!
Tonight was the Elementary School Halloween Carnival. A few months back I crazily said I would be in charge. I really don't know why I do these things to myself, except I feel bad for my friends who are over the PTO. Anyway so I started planning and things were going together well so I wasn't too stressed. So many teachers volunteered to help and some of my friends did aswell so that made it so much easier. We were able to do the spook alley upstairs too this year so that made things was less stressful. I wish I had taken pictures of that, I think it turned out pretty cool.
My friends helped me out sooo much! It's so nice to have such wonderful friends who would help you out with anything so THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!!! Thanks to all the people that volunteered their time to man a booth, be over the food, be in charge of the mad scientist lab (sorry I suckered you into that Shera), set up, clean up, get the spook alley ready (Susan and Arin were amazing), look after my kids so I could run around like a mad woman, anything that helped the night be so great.
One of my favourite booths was the palm readers. Lovely Trudy and Ginger volunteered their time to do that and they went all out. They looked AMAZING in their costumes and were so great with the kids. I took a bunch of pictures of them because they were just cracking me up so I had to share with everyone else. I love these ladies, they're the BEST!
We called Cameron and Katy last minute to come and help with the spook alley and I'm so glad they said they would because they were amazing. All the kids commented on the scary lady at the door, Katy looked great! All the kids in the spook alley were great and all of them were asked last minute so THANK YOU!
So this past Sunday I was released from being in the RS presidency. We had known it was coming and in some ways we were excited for the change and the break. I never thought I would ever serve in the RS, I always thought I would be in YW. After serving in RS though I don't think I could ever imagine being in YW now.
Anyway about a week and a half ago I got a call to meet with the Bishop and I knew what was coming. It was an emotional meeting but also something that will be good for me and my family. It didn't take long for them to give me a new calling though, I'm now the ward choir director. When he called me to do that I told him I had no idea how to lead music but that I would learn. It will be good to do something so different and I'll be glad to learn something more about music because I love to sing.
Well it's been almost 2 weeks since I knew we were getting released and I've felt so different. I'd never had a calling where when I got released I felt such a change but I've felt such a difference this time. I truly loved that calling and love the sisters in my ward. I feel so blessed to have been able to serve in RS and be a part of such a wonderful presidency and organisation. I never cared about being in charge so I won't miss that but I will miss the bond with the sisters that my calling gave me.
Even though I'm not in the presidency anymore I still love all the sisters in my ward so much and would do anything for any of them. We have such an amazing ward and I have the greatest friends ever. We have a wonderful unity together and I'm grateful to be a part of a ward where the sisters love each other so much and would do anything for each other. Thanks for all of you that made my calling be the best calling I've ever had. It was fun and I know the new presidency will be GREAT! After going to a couple things already, it's kind of nice not being in charge, it will be nice to have a break and to be able to go to meeting and activities and just enjoy :)
This month for craft group I asked my friend Maggie to be in charge. She's a wood crafter like me so she came up with a cute little turkey and a cute mummy that we found online. It was nice to go and just paint something and not have to cut them out. The turkey is a mini version of the big one I made and the mummy is so cute I think. He's meant to be holding something but I haven't figured out what I want yet. I love making these crafts, plus they're so affordable, way better than spending $20 or more at a craft fair or store. Thanks Maggie, everyone loved it!
I finally started a new blog! This is something I've wanted to do for such a long time and I finally did so I'm so excited. I'm sure it won't be anything AMAZING but it will be something fun for me to do so I'm excited about it. So here you go, here's my new blog...
http://cheekybanditcrafts.blogspot.com/
I've been wanting to buy some wood saws for a long time so I can make wood crafts. I got compound/chop saw towards the beginning of the year but last month I finally got a scroll saw so I've been really excited!
After being away all weekend it was so good to see my kids again. I loved the break but I missed my cute little monkeys. The other night Spencer got a hold of the camera and wanted to take lots of pictures so here are some of the ones we took, he's so funny!
This past weekend Steve and I took a trip to Utah for my early birthday present. Steve's Mom looked after our kids so we were able to spend a few days together doing some really fun things. I took my camera but of course didn't take very many pictures and am now regretting that. We left on Thursday afternoon and as soon as we got to Salt Lake we took our things to our hotel and then met up with Rod and Mollie. We got something to eat and then we went to the Jazz game. It was a preseason game against the Nuggets and it was lots of fun! We were pretty high up but it was just fun to be there and it was nice to spend time with Rod and Mollie. It was a late night so I was falling asleep in the car on the way to the hotel.
