Mucho Luck =

LOTS OF CLOTHES!

Alright, crazy post, but I'm too excited about this (and aaron doesn't share my enthusiasm for spending money:)). Yesterday I won a very cherished coupon from old navy - 50 dollars off a purchase of 100 dollars - essentially half off whatever I want. These coupons are so hard to get that if you aren't on the site the second it uploads, fat chance you'll get it, within 30 seconds they are all out.

So I was estatic last night when I won this coupon... but my luck got even better today. Apperently starting today Old Navy has an additional 50 percent of their clearance - newly set out clearance. I hit seriuos jackpot. I stocked up on pants for Travis for the next two years - why not at 2 dollars a pair + the fifty free dollars worth at the end. I could go on and on about the steals I found for Whitney, Travis and even maternity clothes for me - but I'll let pictures do the talking. In the end I spent $58 - saved myself $144 (coupon + additional 50% off clearance).

Here's the truckload in the bags still

And hung up all together, I think I did some good "stocking up"

Merry Christmas

We had a great Christmas this year. Life is so easy and exciting with two kids who are at a stage to understand and get excited for Christmas. We started off Christmas Eve with a nice dinner/birthday Celebration for Aaron. We played pin the nose on the Snowman, treasure hunted for our Christmas Eve present pajamas and played Grandma's Twas the night before Christmas present game. We somehow fit in birthday cake and presents too. It was really fun having Grandma and Grandpa over to add to the excitement.

My favorite part by far was seeing the excitement in the kids for Santa to come. While tucking Whitney in she asked if I would leave the Christmas lights on so Santa could find our house easier. I of course scared them by saying how if Santa comes when your awake then he'll leave without bringing presents so he doesn't get caught. Whitney was pretty worried and asked if she drank from her sippy cup that night if Santa would come. I told her "of course" to which she replied "but mom - it's really noisy when I drink it he'll hear me." Too cute.

I wish I could always remember the excitement on the kids' faces when they got up. Whitney snuck a peek and saw a glimpse of what Santa brought - she about freaked out in adrenaline. It was so funny to watch them wiggle on our bed for 2 minutes waiting to go see what their presents were.

Everything went smoothly, the kids and us had a blast, Santa brought what they wished for, and our day couldn't have been better. I'm so thankful for another magical Christmas. Christmas was always amazing growing up - and now that I get to watch my kids, it's just as exciting! Merry Christmas - here's a few pics off Aaron's phone camera, since our flash on our camera decided to die the first picture I took Christmas morning.

My Nativity

I know most people's favorite decorations are usually the Christmas tree, lights, ect... but my favorite decoration is my Nativity set. Of all the many decorations I have collected, my favorite box to open is my Jerusalem box. To me, this is not just stuff, but physical evidence reminding me of my experiences I had in the holy land. I love the smell from the box, the pictures, souveniers and other treasures I find inside. Funny how something so simple could bring so many emotions.

I could sit and stare at this nativity for quite a while. It's simple - nothing extravagant by any means. But it's what I loved for what I could afford at the time. And to me - it's as perfect as my memories from my experience. It enriches Christmas for me that much more because it reminds me of everything that matters - my faith and testimony in Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

My Beautician

Whitney was so kind to do my hair for me on Sunday...
I think it by far passes any beauty that an Easter bonnet could provide. ..
There would be no need for hats on a bad hair day...
and no one would notice that my roots are a different color than the rest of my hair....
And this picture is posted in small on purpose...

She liked the hair do so much that she did it to herself the next day, I don't think her date approved.

She's obsessed with princesses, make-up, dress-ups, and now... hair, oh great!! Where did this daughter come from. She's going submit my name to total make0ver as soon as she can read and spell!

Gratitude

This month has been so nice. Our lives continue to slow down in pace along with the weather cooling. Which means more time with just me and the kids. I've loved it. Some days are a little much for me, but I'm glad I have such good kids with fun personalities to entertain me.

One thing we did as a family that I loved was a gratitude turkey. Every night each of us would say something we were thankful for, write it on a feather, and add it to the turkey on the wall. I wish I took a picture of it. Without fail Whitney would remind us every night, which was a good thing since I remembered maybe twice. It was fun to hear what my kids were thankful for and report myself on what I was thankful for that day.

After a great thanksgiving holiday with lots of family and food (which sadly was probably close to my usual portion sizes) Ithought I would list a couple of the things I am most grateful for:

1: Family - I know its a usual answer, but truly, family is my entire life right now. I'm grateful to be a mom and watch my kids grow. I'm grateful for a husband that works hard and is so patient with me. I'm grateful for parents and siblings that provide the support and added spice to my life. As much as my surfing bum days sound so great, I know it wouldn't bring the fulfillment that my current lifestyle does.

2: Health - need I say more. I'm grateful for healthy kids, long runs (which I miss so much!), sports (also miss), and the ability to run and play with my midgets. And also the ability for my body to carry this child. I'm trying my best to ignore my growing behind and remember how truly lucky and excited I am to add another child to our family.

3: 5 senses - random I know. But I often have thought this month how appreciative I am of being able to listen to my kids' cute voices, watch them grow from baby to kid, give them hugs, kisses, and tackles. I'm grateful for those 'little things' that really are such huge things in enriching my life.

Honestly I have to much to be thankful for. My entire life has been and continues to be one big blessing. My Heavenly Father has blessed me with the whole package. How indebted to him I feel and truly am. Happy Thanksgiving!

As a side note - an incident happened over thanksgiving that left me with a nasty swollen face. I looked more like a hammerhead shark than a human. I laughed my head off every time I saw myself in the mirror and am still shocked my family could look at me and talk to me as if I was normal. I know I wouldn't have had that kind of self control - so thanks, and thanks for the fun.

Halloween

Happy Halloween. We had a blast. Here is a pumpkin I carved in honor of how I felt being pregnant. One of my favorite artworks yet.

Mr. Buzz lightyear.

Although I did talk Whitney into being something other than a princess for Halloween, I wasn't quite sure how to pull off "robot" for a costume. So I lazily let her be a princess..... as long as she at least wore a wig - to make it a little halloweenie.

Off trick-or-treating. I think the kids had just as much fun answering the door and handing out candy though. They'll learn some day :)

The Results are in....

I'm 3 for 3! (In guessing)

We're having a girl. Whitney was very excited! Travis just thought it was cool to see the baby swimming in my tummy. :) I couldn't be happier that she's healthy and everything looks good. Half way there.