Christmas Ideas

Lets face it, we buy our kids tons of toys and they only end up playing with 1 or 2 of the many toys they have. So here is my question... What are the 1 or 2 your kids play with? We are keeping Christmas very small this year and the years to come. We realized after last few years there was no point in the many presents, I think it was more for me then my kids. Plus, I hate the thought of my kids getting almost everything they ask for I know that isn't healthy. I want to make the few they get really count. What do your kids love and what do you love? I tag you to leave a comment, make your own blog post, etc. of some of your favorite things. Here are a few of my FAVORITE toys and things for me. Why do I love them? Because they keep my kids busy so I can get a thing or two done. I couldn't live with out:

We love our Doodle Pro. We do need one for each kid. They can't really both play with it at the same time. We can take it places and not worry about losing it. There is no clean up and everyone loves it. We have tried the cheaper one and they broke and dont worry nearly as well as the nice. Spend the extra few dollars for the name brand.





When kids come over this is the hot toy! I love it for fine motor skills. They are made by Fisher Price's TRIO line. They come in girl colors as well. We make swords, people, dinosaurs, hooks, and the list continues out of our snapping blocks. Girls and Boys love these and every kid that comes over plays with these.



I love b12 it has helped me so much with gross I know but PMS and energy. I haven't used this brand but if you go to a vitamin store they can help you find one. You will notice a difference your first cycle.



I LOVE THIS CD!!! My kids do as well. Not annoying at all. Adults love it, kids love it.  My new two favorite songs are on this CD.





I love this work out video. It is quick, hard and totally doable with little one running around or if you don't have a lot of time. You will notice results for less then 30 min a day. There are 3 different work outs on the video. You can get it as cheap as $5 on line.

 

Tag your it. I should of done this a week ago so I could have some ideas prior to Black Friday... I guess what I am saying is the sooner you post the better. I hope some of these ideas are helpful to you!

Goodbye Old Guy

Bitter-Sweet, we sold the truck. Bitter for Josh and Sweet for me. In car years, this poor guy was getting a bit old (14 years). I know it wasn't easy for Josh to say goodbye.  Apparently it doesn't matter if the paint is peeling, 12 miles to gallon (not to mention he commutes an hour each day), leaks oil, etc. A guy likes having his truck. The argument always comes up that we need a truck (or other people need to use our truck) I counted a total of 3 times we "needed" the truck. Perhaps it is the peace of mind? I am grateful we sold it because we should save money on gas. I will admit, I was excited that Josh drove a truck when we met (weird I know, it reminded me of my Grandpa). Maybe that is why guys love it, it is a chick magnet. Either way, Josh was a great sport and sold it quickly. He rebuilt the truck with his dad (it had a salvage title) and I know it meant a lot to him. Any how. I thought I would post pictures. It will be one of those cars you never forget.
Liam asked where Daddy's truck is I told him we sold it he then said, "Ohhh that is sad Daddy had the thing for like 20 years!".

Feliz Cumpleanos Layla!!!




The Birthday Girl

 

Opening Presents

He already took off the head. Now he is after the candy.

I am sure Jace helped prepare for when his bigger brother Carson broke the pinata. He is so cute!

One of Layla's favorite peope, Auntie Tara. There is no where she would rather be then sitting right next to her Auntie.

Even though Layla has only been here for two short years I can't help but wonder how we ever had a life with out her.. She has brought so much joy and taught us so much in this short time. Layla personality has kept us on our toes. I will never know someone as determined, passionate, sweet, and as strong willed as her. Her laugh is contagious. She can be such a ham. When I think of Layla I think of:

-Her twirling her hair

-The way she always says "I love you". She waits until she really connects with someone and then will go out of her way to go tell them in her muffled pacifier voice, "I love you"

-Her pacifier

-How much she LOVES her brother

-The way she closes her eyes to fall asleep

-How she always makes sure her hair is done

-What a hard little worker she is

-Hey hieroglyphics (she will sit and fill a paper with all of these tiny symbols when she draws)

-Her feet scooting across the floor as she flys by on her three wheeler

-How much she smothers Panther our cat

There is so much I admire about her personality. We have all heard the saying, "The harder you work the bigger your reward!". Layla is a perfect example of this. I have met very few babies/toddlers with this strong of a personality. I am so grateful she has it. I would describe it as Passionate. Some of the hardest moments and feelings I have had my life have involved parenting. But the reward of doing your best and doing it right far exceeds the low moments. The reward of parenting really can't be put into words.

Layla completes are family. She is strength to us all. I can't wait to watch as her personality continues to grow and blossom into someone I know will be truly amazing. We love you Layla, thank you for being a part of our family.

A Little Fun

Fancy and Sassy Layla Dee

Liam Hobart, Loving Life (and pirates and cowboys)

Layla's latest one liners...

"______ hurt my feelings!" The blank is someone who has not allowed her to have her way, took a toy, sat in her seat, etc. She remains mad at this person until someone new "hurts" her feelings. Often time it is her baby cousin Dereck who hurts her feelings. Shes a little jealous.

"______ just hit me" this involves anyone who is near her when she trips and falls. As many of you know she can be a bit clumsy at times. One time I picked her up from nursery and they told me, "she only fell twice today". This is a big deal.

"Mommy do my pretty hair. All the bows." This results in a hair style similar to the one above.

She LOVES having her nails painted. She will hold still the entire time. She loves pirates (influenced largely by her brother). She is a excellent sword fighter. She loves to tell people she loves them. I always say this but there couldn't be a better way to describe her then, "Sugar and Spice and everything nice." I couldn't ask for a more perfect daughter.

Liams Latest:

"Mom, will Miss. Darci ever teach me how to sign booger?"

"There are a lot of cars at church today. We sure are going to feel the holy spirit!"

"Are Carmel and apples friends?"

In church they told a story of a little girl who wanted a bunny and saved for a long time. She finally had enough to buy the bunny but not enough to pay tithing as well. They asked the kids why she shouldn't buy the bunny. Liam raised his hand and said, "You don't buy a bunny because it will poop all over your house!"

He loves to learn, draw, play pirates, play cowboy and anything that involves imagination. He doesn't need fancy toys. A wooden spoon and box will turn into a ship and sword. He prefers using his imagination. He LOVES to be around people. I couldn't ask for a more perfect son.  

The Best Halloween EVER!!!




 

We couldn't be happier for Kevin and Amber. What a neat couple with a bright future! Thanks for letting us be such a part of your big day!

Boys will be boys even if it is at the temple. Sweet Averie is a tom boy with pink and glitter. I relate to her :)

Seriously, she was the cutest fairy EVER!!!

We had the best Halloween party. How couldn't we? Look at the pink poodle in the front.

I have lost hope in Liam having a natural smile. If it is forced it looks like this. We have pictures of me doing the same thing at this age.

There is nothing as tender as Daddy Daughter bond.

The costume fashion show

There is a smile from our Halloween Fairy

I can't begin to explain how perfect Halloween was this year. It wasn't about the amount of candy or the cutest costume, as you notice Liam wore the same costume again (we had to get our moneys worth) and our dear friends lent us Layla's. It was about spending time with family and making memories that will last a lifetime. The cousins were so busy playing with each other that they didn't seem to notice the lack of candy (maybe 10 pieces).  It's in moments like this Halloween weekend when our purpose on this earth is really made clear. Family is what matters most and family is what brings us the greatest joy. I hope to do nothing but nurture this important relationships. The more I spend time with Josh's family the more I realize how blessed I am to have married into the family I have. They are hard workers, so selfless, never have a mean thing to say about anyone, and are some of the most valiant people I know. I have never met a group people so willing to serve and be there for each other. I consider his sisters, my sisters. And feel honored to have Ed and Dwyla as my Mom and Dad. What a blessing it is to have the Perriton name. I've learned so much about life from the family I was raised with. Lately I have come to realize I get to learn new and different things from my Perriton family as well. I never knew there was more then one right way to do things :) I love you all and thanks for making this my most memorable Halloween ever.

Pre-School Program

Liam LOVES Pre-School (even though his body language says differntly in these pictures). He is such a boy. The two girls stole the show while the boys stared right back at the crowd.




 

I couldn't be happier with Liam's Pre-School. He loves it. Plus I love that it is two hours twice a week. It still allows me to savor this time with him, he is only this little for a short time. I want to get as much time in with him before he heads to elementary school. I think this time in my children's life is so crucial for me building my relationship with them. Never again will I have them so dependant on their Mommy. I have to remind myself of how precious this time really is from time to time. I know you other Mommy's out there understand what I am saying :)

Cornbelly's

I love Cornbellys. If you are in Utah the month of October it is totally worth your time and money. It is perfect for the family. I know I always say this, and never thought I would say this but, "I LOVE UTAH"! This is just one of the many Family Friendly activities I love doing. The best part is my Mom was here for the party and Autie Tara's family made it as well. We have LOVED having her family here the last few months. It makes realize there is NO reason for family to live away from each other :) Life is so much sweeter the more family you have near.

I love Fall

Liam and his best friend/cousin Taryn

This time of year couldn't be better. Crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and beautiful colors. Here are a few pictures of us enjoying the weather. Don't go away Fall :)