does knocking on wood really do anything?!

Knock on wood.... but I have been feeling way less stress this holiday season! It may be because we aren't worrying about buying the world, but focusing on family and traditions and Christ.

Starting in January our family blog is merging with our photo blog! I am ready to have everything in the same place and Lee has been helping me come up with some new great things for our photo company :)

But until then....

Here's a bit of what we've been up to:

delia's head was almost eaten alive by a hairbow while fake-ice skating

took family pictures with awesome Wendy from Blue Lily

Eden taught us a class on how to pose for pictures out on the back patio one Sunday after church

and Gwen LOVING life before going to see the boring Tempe Christmas Lights Parade (disclaimer it hasn't been a bust in the past, but lame-o for 2010)
sidenote: I think I really down deep don't know how to change my blog header.... it has a tally and we are going to have to change the 1 boy to 2 boys, I don't know what to do about that... not as funny now that Lee isnt bombarded by girls... easy way out, merge blogs.

done and done!

do you know?

I've been thinking a lot lately about what kind of mother I am. After all, I am preparing to be a mom to FOUR!!! I'm loving that I choose to do less and make my family and home my #1 priority.

This article by one of the best speakers sums it all up and should be read by all women in the world.

I also wanted to share and remind myself about these super tasty dinners I've made lately. They are so fall and perfect with the changing weather. Now if only the leaves would change :(

Egg Noodles

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie--- delish!

Pot of Chili

Haven't made these yet, but cupcakes in a jar?! Love it!

Found it.

Tonight we lined up on the couch and watched Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Snacking on candy corn caramel popcorn and dreaming of the upcoming season.....

I couldn't help but browse for Christmas presents after the girlies went to bed.

I told Lee all I wanted this year was a basket for my bike. I think I found it.



What are you eyeballing for presents this year?

Grim Grinning Ghosts!!!

Whewww!!! what a week! Halloween is my favorite holiday, but shesh! the older kids get and the more parties etc we have... I am totally wiped out!

Monday: Went to the dr 1st thing in the morning. I was only 16.5 weeks along, but the dr asked if I wanted an ultrasound and I told him it was our 8th anniversary the day before. Wouldn't it be an awesome present to surprise Lee with our baby's gender?! Well turned out to be a SUPER GOOD AND AMAZING present, because next thing I knew, I was at costco ordering hotdogs for lunch. Wrapping our little baby boy's ultrasound pictures around a weenie for Lee's lunch and driving to his work to surprise him. It was a hoot!Speaking of hoots, super fun cupcakes that the girls decorated this week:

Wednesday: Gwenny chowing her pumpkin pancakes. Yummm.

Thursday: Annual Halloween Dinner Carnival with friends. Always a pleasure. Full of magic, lizard lips, and dragon's tounges this year. A fantastic witch's brew and lots of immagination. As a mom I am learning kids just love being together in costume, playing uninterupted. Which is fine with me.... I kinda like to talk :) Candice hosted this year and had such fun activities. The kids put together a witch's brew from a selection of crushed skeleton bones, dragon's tounges, ghost's hearts, lizard lips, and a few other creepy and super fun ingredients. The kids were GROSSED out! Later when Candice pulled a switchero and traded the pot of brew for a yummy slush they were all too scared to taste it.

Friday: Eden took mummy wrapped water bottles for their class Halloween Picnic.
Saturday: Neighborhood chili cook off and trunk or treat. The girls LOVED getting into costume and complete make up. I am totally loving their ages and little personalities. Not to mention my sweet little kitty Gwen who loved to walk around and swish her tail. That girl. And can't end this without showing off my hilarious Lee's character this year.

He was Hot Rod and didn't break character. Well.... maybe for a second when his stunt went wrong and he clocked the neighbor boy with his skate board.

Whoops! And I'm off to snuggle on the couch and watch a movie. Oh, and scrub my face so I don't have green pores in the morning.

coming up for air

hmmff. life happens, whether you blog about it or not.

But, to help me remember, here's a few things that we've been up to since 05/10.. yikes I haven't really blogged for that long!!

August: took the plunge and started cooking baby porter #4; I'm completely sick and avoid the world at all possible costs. no.... really.

September: Lee turned 30 and I surprised him with a trip to Boston. Had too much for for too short of a time. The girls stayed home with Liz and they may like her better than me all because she bought them a zuzu pet and a butterfly barbie. hmm.. anything else for September? Ohhhh yes. Killed ourselves, no wanted to kill ourselves helping move my dad and sisters out of their house. The Jones' Family Home? RIP.

October: awesome General Conference, Went to The Land and Sea World for October Break, still feeling sick...... and still to come? Annual PCC, Killer Demolition Derby at the State Fair, 10 year MHS reunion that I choose the state fair over (Sorry, too expensive for what it will be... and have you beem to the semolition derby?!, 8 year wedding Anniversary, and the best holiday of the year!!

doodles on the brain

My chalkboard that usually is filled with inspiring or witty quotes got erased today and covered in swirlies. I may keep it for awhile.
I was inspired by these beautiful images over at seesaw

Our family room got a fresh coat of paint this weekend. Its now same color as our kitchen (pictured above) and I am loving it. The color is called pensive sky from Behr and Lee has blamed much of his sitting and "thinking" on the couch on the new hue. It is so bright and cool feeling. A welcome relief to the 110 degrees we are still enduring :(

My brain is getting all the details sorted out for Gwen's 1st birthday dinner we are having this weekend. I think I'll have to take some pictures of my sassy little tan baby.

Speaking of pictures, I took some bright and fun back to school pictures for my friend this weekend that I need to share a sneak peek of:

doesn't that make you smile? That girl and her faces!!

just today.

I guess I haven't blogged yet (to catch back up), because I am simply overwhelmed.

Where to start? I've tried a few attempts at summer catch up ALL in one post.


But you see, that is overwhelming.

So,

I've decided.

I'm just going to take it one post at a time.

Because each fun life event is too important to give just a picture and two words. (you should never start a sentence with because p.s.)

We'll start with today. Eden our big 1st grader is off to school, and delia is just plain bored. I guess I'm not as fun to play poly pockets with. Besides, moms have work to do.

Gwenny is fast asleep taking her morning nap. Did I mention that in 10 short days my baby will be ONE?? This tiny girl has had a whole year of life!!!
delia just had me put in our favorite... Wizard of Oz and its taking all I have to not disregard my wedding edit and go plop next to her on the couch.Have you ever seen full pop cans tied to the back of a just married car? Well these were, and the explosion when the couple pulled out was hilarious!! Coke spraying everywhere. Very clever :)

Happy Friday!!

Do you have a date planned? We are hitting up Lolo's for some tasty chicken and waffles. We walked in as first timers last Friday and I instantly decided I liked the place as my ears soaked up Lauryn Hill and they had a HUGE red velet cake displayed for the tasting. Not to mention the sweet red kool-aid in mason jars. mmmmmm.