Our Christmas

We had a great Christmas at our house. It was a lot of chaos and a little bit of work for Santa to get presents for 5 kids, but it was a lot of fun.

I decided this year not to worry about taking too many pictures at all the Christmas celebrations. I was trying to simplify our lives, cause lets just face it, Trent and I are having a hard time handling things right now.

So, sad to say, I don't have a picture of the Johnson Progressive dinner, which is always the Sunday before Christmas. We love this tradition-always good food and good company. And I got a great new appetizer recipe. Thanks Celeste!

We also got to celebrate with the Veigel's on Tuesday. Another great party with awesome food and awesome company. The kids had a great time playing in the play room with their 2nd cousins (?). Afterwards we drove through a park that has a ton of lights shaped as different things and, new this year, a flashing light tunnel to drive through. The kids loved it.

The last party was Wednesday night with the Jensens. This is such a fun one. We get to eat breakfast food (always a fave) and open gifts from Dodee and Pap (always so generous). An added treat this year was a 'reciting' of The Grinch That Stole Christmas. It was awesome.

Christmas Eve was celebrated with Trent's family. Another delicious meal (thanks Teri). It was a pretty relaxing night with only part of the family there (when you get ALL the cousins together it gets loud and crazy pretty quick!). Afterwards we drove home and got the kids into bed and got to work on organizing Christmas

Christmas Morning-

Please don't judge the dirty, greasy mirrors...like I said Trent and I can't seem to get on top of things...


Stockings-

I love stockings and so do the kids.

Presents-

Presents are always fun aren't they? The kids had a great time ripping through their gifts. Except Paige. She was hilarious. If you notice in this pic she has only a tiny corner of wrapping paper torn off. She is getting up to put it in the garbage. She was more worried about getting the wrapping paper in the garbage than getting excited over her gifts. I wonder where she gets it...

Trent gave me an awesome gift. A girls weekend in St. George. Aaaahhh.

And I gave Trent an even awesomer (I know that is not a word) gift. Trent and I have issues. Lots of them. One of them is Trent's unhappy funk that he has been in for a couple of weeks. So, I always joked that we needed 'happy pills' at our house. So, Christmas Eve I decided to give Dr. Sunshine a call and get a prescription for some ProHap. Trent has yet to try them because he is afraid he will get addicted...

Thanks to everyone that made our Christmas a memorable one. We appreciate all the work that went into parties, food, and gifts. We hope everyone had as good a Christmas as we did!!!

From all of us to all of you:

Merry Christmas!!!

Best. Present. Ever.

On Monday night I got the best birthday present ever. Back in March my kids got their pictures taken by the oh so talented Karina (you should see her latest post). One of my favorites was the foot picture. I thought it would go perfectly in my upstairs TV room. Well, unfortanately for me, but fortunate for Karina, everyone else realized how awesome she was and she was booked from then on out. But Kim pulled some strings and got the picture, then she and Trent had it framed. I was so surprised to say the least. Trent said he has never seen me react that way to a gift before (and Trent has given me some pretty amazing gifts!). I was screaming and jumping and couldn't be any happier.

I love it. Absolutely love it.

Doesn't it just go perfectly in that space?
Thank you, thank you, thank you Kimmy for thinking of this gift. I find myself just sitting in the kitchen staring at is. It is perfect. And thanks to Karina for taking and editing the pic, even with your super busy schedule. And thanks to Trent for helping Kim put it together. It really made my 30th birthday one to remember!!!

Temple Square

I just love this picture. Enough said.

Sweeping Sam

I am loving the gift that Santa decided to give Paige this year.

She actually does a pretty good job too.

ChristmasParty-1

We had the annual Smith party on Monday night. My favorite part is that Santa gets to come and see the kids. I am sure my kids would say that is their favorite part as well. The kids were so excited when Santa finally got there and they couldn't wait to get on his lap and get a present.

Not a single one of them was afraid. It was awesome. Oakley, Paige, and Morgan even gave him luvs. It was pretty cute.

The excitement of the gifts. They couldn't open them fast enough.

Side Note: I got a call from work 45 minutes before we were supposed to be at the party, hence the reason my girls look like orphans...and extra points for Trent for taking them all by himself until I could get there.

9

Well, Trent and I have been married 9 years today. Sheesh. We are getting old. If you want to see my post from last year click here. Its a little more sentimental and stuff. I don't feel like doing that this time. As most of you know we celebrated my birthday and our anniversary in St. George kidless. It was awesome.
As soon as we dropped Paige and Morgan off Trent and I could feel our vacation start. Even something as simple as driving is so much easier without our crew.

We ran in the mornings. I know I look dumb. I felt like an Oompa Loompa from Willy Wonka, but it kept me warm. 30 degrees in St. George isn't right. And don't you love the drastic difference between our clothes of choice? And just for the record I was able to run a total of 5 miles over the weekend. A HUGE improvement from before which was nothing at all. I still have pain, but it isn't to the point where I want to chop my leg off. Although I still can't run hills. That does make me want to chop off my leg.

We got to enjoy the hot tub down there. It was actually really nice with the cold weather. Although, still bugged that the water ruined yet another one of my swimsuits. Why don't I learn to rinse my suits after I get out?

VEGAS

We went to Vegas to see the Newlyweds and to check out there new pad. It was really fun to be guests at Jake's (& now Candice's!!!) place. It was great to have the roles reversed!

One of the best things I learned over the weekend was that they are going to be putting a Max Brenner in Caesar's Palace!!! For those that have no idea what I am talking about check out my New York post here & here. Now I have another reason to go back to Vegas!

We had to get a pic to document our night out. Oh and I got to see a Jimmy Choo shoe in real life. I have no idea why anyone would want to spend that much on a pair of shoes. I didn't even see a cute pair either. Not that I think any heels are that cute...

Trent had the best steak he has ever tasted that night in Vegas. We walked the strip forever to find a place suitable for Trent. Yes, I said Trent. I know everyone thinks I am the picky one, but I always argue Trent is worse than me!

The fountains. It was so amazing to watch. Very Oceans 11. Wouldn't that really be something if Brad Pitt, George Clooney, or Matt Damon were standing next to us? Although, both Candice and I would agree that we had 2 much better guys with us!

And to end the post with my favorite phrase from the weekend, "We're outta here!"

Sin City....

isn't as bad as I thought it was. I mean, you put a dollar in a slot machine and you get 72 back? Nice. Here is how it all unfolded:

The Gamble:
The Victory Dance:

The Celebration:

The Golden Ticket:

The Winnings:

The Video:

Just notice how many times Trent says we are cashing out/leaving/done during the video. I think we counted 6 or 7?

*Dislaimer: I really don't believe in gambling, I just wanted to try it one time. *

I LOVE PRESCHOOL!!!

You know, just the other day I was thinking that I should get stuff to make gingerbread houses, but as soon as that thought came, the thought of the overwhelming mess came as well. Ya, that was all it took for the nice, fun mom to be overpowered by the not so fun mom. So, how lucky am I that my boy's amazing preschool teacher did the job for me?!? Or should I say how lucky are my boys?

Thanks for the pic Kim!

I feel like Pheobe...

...from the Brad Pitt Thanksgiving episode when she sees Brad Pitt come for dinner, looks up to the Heavens, and says, "well done." That is how I felt when Jacob Black took off his shirt. Make fun of me if you want, but you cannot deny that his body is "well done."

Now if only Edward could follow suit. I was definitely on Team Edward when I was reading the books, but after seeing New Moon I may be changing teams. Wait, what am I saying? I am for Jacob all the way. Why couldn't Edward bulk up...or at least wax for the movie???

Just look at how much better the fake pic on the left looks. Not as big as Jacob, but still very nice, a little more cut and no hair. Not a huge fan of the real Edward on the right.

Now this is well done:

They didn't have to use a fake pic for Jacob's movie poster (although I am sure this picture is not entirely real). I'll just say it one more time..."Wow...well done."

***

If you couldn't tell, I finally saw the movie last night. It was good. Obviously, Jacob did not disappoint. I still like Edward, I just think he needs to get his body in gear.

We hit up Rumbi before the viewing. Me, Kristen, My Mom, Emily, Mindy, Alyssa, and Tracy. Always good food.

This is us after some eye candy.

Thanks for those that came to celebrate my birthday with me. It meant a lot to have you there!

I just don't get it...

Picture all my kids sitting/laying/standing/jumping in front of the TV when Sponge Bob comes on. I am sure most of you know the opening theme song for the cartoon. My kids love to sing along to it. Actually they don't sing, they scream. It is lovely.

TV: Are you ready kids?

My Children: Aye, Aye, Captain!

TV: I can't hear you!

My Children: AYE, AYE, CAPTAIN

TV: Oh, who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

My Children: Sponge Bob Square Pants!

TV: Absorbent and yellow and porous is he!

My Children: Sponge Bob Square Pants!

TV: If nautical nonsense be something you wish!

My Children: Sponge Bob Square Pants!

TV: Then drop on the deck and flop like a fish!

My Children: Sponge Bob Square Pants!

TV: Ready?

My Children: Sponge Bob Square Pants. Sponge Bob Square Pants. Sponge Bob Square Pants.....Spong Bob Square Pants! HA HA!

Seriously, is this what cartoons have become? What happened to Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse (not the new Mickey Mouse Club House, I mean the old classic), HeMan, and Thundercats. Now those were some good cartoons...

The Tree

We finally got our tree up this week. The kids love it. All of our ornaments are on the bottom half of the tree and I actually might just leave it like that. Once again, I just don't have it in me to rearrange them all to their perfect places. I really must be in a rut...

Our Thanksgiving

Better late than never right. I have been a major slacker in the picture taking department. I just don't have it in me right now. So enjoy this pic!
Here are the highlights of our long Holiday weekend:

* Turkey dinner at Dodee's church. Always, always good food. The kids had a great time playing with balls and getting a ride from Jill too.

*Black Friday. Yes, I was one of those crazies that got up early, stood in long lines, and went to multiple stores for multiple good deals. This was a first for me, but I enjoyed it. It is always fun to hang out with the Jensen girls!

*Craft Day. Every year Dodee & Lori get a craft for all the girls to do. Seeing how I had to work I got there late and didn't get to enjoy the fullness of craft day. Still love the craft and I am going to finish it someday...

*Football. We watched The Game at Trent's parents house. I just went for the people and food seeing how I don't care too much about the Y or the U...

That's it in a nutshell. I am hoping to get back into the world of pictures and blogging. I just have to figure out how to get out of my rut...

Scared & Thankful

We have recently made up a book group in my neighborhood and this month we read the book Scared by Tom Davis. We couldn't have picked a better book for the month of November. It is an amazing story about the African people and ALL the hardships they deal with day after day. When I finished this book I felt so lucky to be where I am and I felt so guilty for complaining about the things I complain about. Here are a few examples of those things I complain about, but should be grateful for:

• I complain about my kids getting sick, coughing so hard they throw up, and keeping us up at night. I should be grateful that this is all I have to deal with. Not only can I get medicine quickly for any sickness, but really, how hard is it to deal with a cold? So many other people have real health issues. In this book it talked a lot about the AIDS problem in Africa. I think I should be thankful for the coughs in my life.
• The endless laundry. Trent and I can't figure out how we finish 3-4 loads, get them folded and put away, and the laundry chute is full again. We are always grumbling about the never ending laundry. But we are so lucky that we even have clothes to wear, cute nice clothes too.
• Meal times that last forever. I dread meal times. I dread the fight with the kids to get them to eat what I make, I dread the messes they make, and I dread the clean up. From start to finish it probably takes a good hour and that is when I only make a PB sandwich. In this book it talked about the people going days without food, they didn't know when their next meal would be, and a lot starved to death. It is disgusting that I complain about having to feed my kids. At least I have food to give them.
• Taking care of my kids. You all know I complain about this and I shouldn't. I am very lucky to have 5 cute kids to raise. The main little girl in this book took care of her younger siblings and she was only 10. She never complained and she gave everything she had to others. Once again, I feel guilty.
• Cleaning my house. I am sure no one likes to do this. The people in this book lived in a little village in one room houses and dirt floors. I am sure they wouldn't complain about mopping their kitchen floor if they had one to mop.
• Cops. I complain about them pulling me over and giving my tickets, but who wouldn't right? This book talked about the corrupt government in Africa and crime that goes unpunished. We are lucky that we have 'people' to protect us and arrest the bad guys.
• Men. I honestly don't complain about men, especially the men in my life. I have lucked out to have an amazing husband, dad (in law), grandpas, and brothers (in law). The men in this book were horrible to their women, horrible. I am blessed.
• Taxes/Government. I hate seeing so much money being taken from my paycheck. It kills me. But how lucky am I that I live in a free land. That our roads and other things are fixed for us, we can do whatever we want, and we get the chance to vote for our leaders.

I would recommend this book to everyone. It is an amazing, sad story. It has made me stop and think about my life. How did I get so lucky to be born when and where I am? How am I so lucky to have a beautiful family with an amazing, hot husband? How come I get to eat 3 (sometimes more) meals a day? How come I can go shopping anytime and by a whole new outfit that I don't even need? Why do I get to eat a big Thanksgiving meal until I can't eat anymore?

I hope I can change my attitude about my life and realize how amazing it is. I really do love it, I just need to act like I do. Here is to Thanksgiving, hopefully I can live up to what I have been blessed with.

Isn't Family Night...

...supposed to bring the family closer together?

The night started out with a great idea for our Family Home Evening-go to Jill's and let Trent fix a couple things. The kids were excited to go see Jill and Brooke as always. Unfortunately, they didn't behave. Aiden spent a good part of the night in time out. Upon arriving, Jill told all the kids not to touch her Christmas tree (which is beautiful), so what is the first thing Aiden does??? You got it, he touches the tree. Time Out. Jill had a curtain rod on the floor and I told the kids not to play with it, so what does Aiden play with? Time out number 2. The night continued like this and by the end of it that kid was pretty close to being beaten. Before you judge me because of that last sentence just know that there were a couple other events earlier in the day that led up to Trent and I having no patience left for Aiden's tactics.

And not to single Aiden out completely, the rest of the Hoard was having issues too. By the end of the night we told the kids we were going to put big worm bugs in the ears to make them hear us and do what we say. You know, just like the new Star Trek movie when Niro puts the big slug in Captain Pike's brain to get him to do what he wants??? Ya, we are psycho parents, but Andrew didn't like the idea of a big bug in his head. Maybe the threat just might work...And once again, before you judge us, maybe come and take over our household (watching 5 kids, meals, cleaning, laundry, AND working) for a couple of weeks and then we can talk.

So, I am thinking that next Family Night we are all going to go to separate rooms and ponder the complexities of life. No interaction with each other = less of a chance of yelling parents and time outs. Sound good? It sounds 'Heavenly' to me.

Boy Talk

Aiden was catching up on the gossip with his cousin Josh. I guess he figured it would be a long conversation and decided to make himself comfortable.

Who is Their Mother?

That would be me, I just have no control over them...

Vents

Do you remember doing this?

I sure do. The other day each kid was on a different vent in our house. It was pretty funny.

Mini Softball Reunion

Friday night we had a mini softball reunion at none other than Firehouse Pizza (I had to get my FHZookie in for the week). It was fun to catch up with these girls. Softball was basically my life from the time I was 8 until I graduated High School. I would hang out with my fellow teammates all summer long, with tournaments every weekend and practice every other day. We had a great time together. I always get a little sad when I think back to my softball days. I miss them.

Here is a pic of the girls that lived close enough to come. Me, Jenny B., Melissa, Jadee, and Laura. Maybe when we have our next reunion we will have a few more girls. Thanks for the night Deja Vu'ers!

Ooowwuuuu!

Last night we had a little girls night at Jill's new pad. It was AWESOME! We had a little impromptu dance party to cheer Jill up after she got the wrong costume in the mail. I know, Jill doesn't realize Halloween is over. We danced our hearts out to Shakira's She Wolf. We have some video footage, but I still want people to like me so I am not going to post it...

The reason for the gathering was to watch The Proposal. It was all right. I had heard that it was SO good, so it was kind of a let down. Although, I didn't mind looking at Ryan Reynolds body. Wow.

Thanks Brooke and Jill for having us over. It really was so fun, hilarious, relaxing, and weight gaining. I loved every minute of it!!!

J & C

Jake and Candice got married yesterday. She was beautiful, he was handsome, and they were so happy. It was perfect!

We tried to get a family shot at the temple. I have to emphasize the word tried.

A few shots waiting for the bride and groom to come out.

They had their wedding dinner at The Point. It was awesome. And a night without kids made it that much more awesome.

We are so excited to have another member of the Jensen family. We couldn't have asked for a better wife for Jake!

Congrats Jake and Candice! Hope you are having fun in Hawaii! Just a little jealous as I think about the snow that we are supposed to get...

Girls Night Out(s)

Friday AND Saturday night I got to go out and enjoy some 'me' time with a bunch of girls. It is always nice to get out of the house and Trent is always nice enough to watch the kids anytime!

Friday night I went to Kimmy's Nickel Auction. This was an amazing experience. If you are like me, you have no idea what this is. A bunch of girls get together and sell things they don't want/use anymore. And you bid in 5 cent increments. It was awesome! Take a look at all the stuff I came home with for only $3.80. Amazing isn't it? What really took my price up was that big pad of scrapbook paper. I purchased that for $4.25. Got into a little bidding war for that one. And if you are wondering how I only spent $3.80 after I said the paper was $4.25, well, I sold a purse and a pair of shoes and made $1.05.
Here is a list of my loot: 2 shirts for Oakley, pullups, Revitalift, Garnier deep conditioner, scrapbook paper pack, 2 picture frames, glass Christmas tree, princess coloring toy, vegetable cutter, and a bag to bring it all home in.


Saturday night I went out with Kristen and Alyssa for a much needed girls night. It had been a while since the 3 of us had been together. We went to Chili's where we ate way too much food and then we went and checked out Alyssa's amazing Lining Room. These girls are some of the best and I love how close we have gotten over the past year. I am already looking forward to seeing you both again!

Kristen (Piggy), Alyssa (Toots), and Me (Stinky). We earned these nicknames at girls camp. And I won't share how we earned them to the whole wide web world...

The Skinny...Part 2

All right everyone. I really wasn't expecting to get so many comments on my skinny jeans. A lot of you requested more pics before you could make a proper decision. So here you are, the jeans with the boots and, scarily enough, a shot of my backside. Don't judge the bum to harshly...its a work in progress...

I, for one, love the pants with my boots. I think the tags will be coming off soon...

And to answer some questions: the boots and the pants came from Ross. And actually, come to think of it, I think the shirt did too.

The Skinny

I have crossed to the dark side. I purchased a pair of skinny jeans (which is kind of an oxymoron since I had to buy size 11 to acutally fit into any of the 'skinny' jeans). I never thought I would end up with a pair of these pants, but it had to be done. You see I bought a pair of sweater knit boots that MUST be worn over pants. Therefore, I had to buy some pants that would fit inside the boots. The result: Skinny Jeans.
I actually really like how they fit, but I can't bring myself to take the tags off just yet. I can just hear Trent making fun of me already. He hates skinny jeans. Really hates them. I do have to say that they aren't the 'painted on' skinny, which makes them a little less appalling. So tell me what you think. Should I be brave, remove the tags, and strut my size 11 legs in the skinny...or just take them back to Ross and buy a serving dish or something.

My Heros

Most of you know I HATE moths. Hate them. And lately we have been getting a ton flapping around our house at night. Gives me the willies. The other night Aiden and Andrew took their bats and started whacking the moths. I loved every minute of it. Not only did it keep them occupied for a good 1/2 hour, but they killed the enemies as well.

Aren't they so brave?