Christmas Festivities

I love the magic that comes with Christmas!!!
We had a fabulous day of just relaxing! I especially loved that we didn't have to be anywhere but HOME. Or wear anything but PAJAMAS. It was a wonderful Day!

Christmas Eve Festivities

We made cookies for Santa, cutting, baking, and frosting.

We had our Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner, PIZZA HUT.

Read of Christ's Birth as recounted in LUKE.

Bathed the kids,

Opened NEW pajama's made by their MAMA.

Prepared Santa, and the Reindeers GOODY plate and sent them off to bed.
We are ALL excited to see what Christmas morning will bring.

Nightly WWF

After Jap gets home and we have dinner. 'IT'S ON'. The kids spend the rest of the evening wrestling their dad. Magoo thinks it's fun to climb on everyone.

Jay didn't like sharing his water with Dad. It was cute to see him push Jappy's head away from his straw.

Fun on the Farm

Thanks to the Call's they shared a day at the farm with us. The girls got to feed the cows, pet the horses, and drive the 4 wheelers on their own. It was just a relaxing afternoon, with GREAT company.
Dallas and Mady feeding cows.
I think their exceeding the weight limit

Dallas driving on his own, Ace needing to take action, Dallas didn't see the need to turn or stop.

Coal for Christmas

We still own our house in Coeur d' Alene which is, or was rented. In October we found out the renters wrote a bad check, we didn't think much of it. We just hoped they would get it together and pay their rent. 2 months later they FINALLY moved out. We got a call from the property management company tonight, that takes care of it for us. They said "the carpet is unclean able we're going to need to replace it. AAHHH And of coarse they're going to need to repaint. Seriously people, Why do renters think that they can DESTROY something that's NOT theirs?
Then Yesterday I was driving home and noticed that the girls power wheels was missing from our yard. Some #*@ STOLE IT right out of our yard. GRRRRR
This is just the tip of the ice burg of the last few days. I didn't even get into the 4 WD going out in the Durango, The Honda on its LAST wheel, I got stuck at the bottom of the hill after a snow storm and had to beg a neighbor to take me up the hill. And how my children are Sassy. I had to take the eldest out of Sacrament last week for her RUDE DISRESPECTFULL Attitude. (I haven't had to do that Since she was a toddler)
I'm having a hard time feeling the Christmas Spirit. (If you haven't noticed)
I'm hoping next week is Better! Or I'll Be on the naughty list.

Tis the Season

Tis the season to lose my mind Fa la la la la la la la.
My kids are good all year long until December. Does anyone else have that problem??
They fought all day today. and I mean fought. Hitting, yelling, stomping. And we absolutely don't allow hitting. So they spent a little time in their room this evening. I bribed them with making cookies with me and then it was a SILENT NIGHT
We had a busy weekend with Christmas parties, and dinners and some Fun activities.
Jessi came and spent the night and watched our kids so we could go to a dinner at the church. She made Gingerbread Houses with the girls, which turned out so Cute. They have a permanent home as the center piece on the table. It just makes me smile when I walk by them. I LOVE when Jessi comes and I know my girls feel the same

Friday morning Jappy's sisters came into town with their daughters and we made candy. It was a full day of mixing and chocolate dipping, and worth it. It's fun to be together and laugh about silly things we do and say. It hasn't happened for a long time, I think we all needed it, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Jessi and B making Carmel

I have some of my shopping done. But still a little ways to go. I don't know when I'm going to do it. Jappy has a full week of driving and late nights a head of him. That means late nights for me.
Half of our Christmas Decor is up. I haven't found the time to finish it. So much to do and so little time to do it in.

Forgotten Carols

If you haven't seen the Forgotten Carols with Michael McLean your missing out!!
We got dressed up, curled our hair, picked up the sitter for the 'Bear' ,and headed to Idaho Falls. Just Jap and I and the Girls.
We had a great time!!
It was a wonderful way to start the Holiday Season, and remember what the Season is ALL about.

A lot to be THANKFUL for

We had a fun Thanksgiving this year. Our niece and her husband came for the weekend, along with Uncle Alan. We prepared food, ate to much, watched football, napped, and played games. And of course laughed a TON.
Ms. Jessi in the kitchen making a mess
The boys had a makeover with the girls. They were very good sports about it, and
I believe they still have their toes painted. Bryce being tortured
Jessi and I woke up early to hit the Black Friday sales. It was fun to have someone to shop with this year. And we witnessed some interesting people that morning. We are pretty sure we witnessed a shoplifter flee the scene into the get away car. Jessi was tempted to take an innocent shopper down (if he had the toy she wanted) She eyed his merchandise and decided it wasn't worth it. It was a fun morning and we found plenty of things to laugh about.
Jappy played in his annual turkey bowl, and had a great turnout. Nobody seriously injured. But I do know that plenty of Ibuprofen was taken afterwards.
My girls are VERY animated. Especially when they see the camera.
Our family has a lot to be Thankful for, as do all of you.
Our FREEDOM, and THOSE THAT PROTECT IT.
Our HEALTH, HOME and EACH OTHER
Extended FAMILY that cares about us
OUR FRIENDS that SUPPORT and LOVE US as if we were part of their FAMILY

Uncle Alan's 50th Birthday Party

We had a suprise Birthday Party for Uncle Alan. We had a 'roast' in his honor. It was entertaining to listen to stories about Alan's younger years, and to remember funny stories.
Decorating

The Roast

Uncle Alan and the Grand kids

Pinata Fun

The kids favorite part was the clean up.

First Snow

We had our First Snow on Saturday. The Girls were THRILLED.
The snow brought some mighty SLICK roads.
I discovered our 4WD is out on the Durango. Really BAD timing for that to go out.
I spent the day Hemming pants. While Jap worked on his talk for the Spanish Branch (first speaking assignment and they asked him to do it in Portuguese/Spanish) It was a good experience for him to stretch himself.
The snow is starting to get us ready for the Christmas Season. It won't be long now until we have our Lights and Tree up. Our neighbor already has there Christmas Decor up. Jappy asked them "What's the fun in putting up your Christmas lights without Snow and Ice on the roof? Where's the adreneline rush in that?" Oh the things that Jappy Lives for.

B lost a TOOTH!!

Brooklyn lost her first tooth last week!!!

She was so excited for the Tooth Fairy to visit

15 mos

We took the "Bear" to his check up last week. He was a complete ANIMAL in the Doctors office.

He is 'technically' in the 40% for height and weight (according to the nurse). The doctor came in and said "oh he's in the 50 ish %" I said "oh the nurse didn't say that she said 38 and 41%". Dr Fulks says "yeah 50 ish"

We LOVE this DR.!!!!

We sat and visited about my WILD man. I shared my concerns for the lack of vocabulary. He said 'He's right on' and to "NOT compare him to what the girls were doing at this age". He did say that he sees him doing somethings ahead of schedule and to not worry.

What Jay IS doing:

CLIMBING up and on everything

Distinguishes between Mama and Dada. and yells for me 'MAMA'

New Signs: Fish, candy

New words: Shoe, up

No is still not a word in any one's vocabulary

But he understands most of what we say to him.

He jumps, spins and RUNS, catches,and throws Everything

Makes church VERY difficult. I'm constantly apologizing to the people around us because of all the distractions we cause, and for the toys that fly through the air.

Likes to Lead the music and Sing

Loves his bed, blanket and pacifier

Mostly sleeps through the night.

Drinks through a straw

LOVES to give babies hugs

Great eater, loves Vegetables, and sometimes even uses his spoon

Empties any cupboard just to climb in it.

Likes to wear the girls hair accessories. Headbands, ribbons

Loves to be outside

Cries when we leave him, but only for a minute

Gets excited when the girls get home from school

We recently bought him a new car seat and it is forwarding facing and he loves it!!!!

He doesn't take his eye off the window he loves to see all there is to see.
The first day it was turned around I would look back at him and he would giggle every time he saw my face.

He is such a sweet and lovey boy. I wouldn't trade him for anything.

King of the Mountain

The weeks just fly by. Nothing exciting to report. But my mom was complaining about not seeing an update. We had the flu couple weeks ago and I feel like I'm starting to get back in the swing of things.
Magoo climbed out of his crib last week. He hasn't done it since but I'm sure it will happen again. I had laid him down for a nap (or at least I think I did) and went out to get the mail, and when I returned he was wandering the house. I questioned myself "Did I really lay him down?" "No, I laid him down"
I just didn't think he would be escaping so soon. He's constantly trying to get on the table, and gets the biggest grin when he isn't captured before he reaches his destination. A friend of ours has a little boy the same age and he commented on how his little boy is starting to chunk up again.
I said "Jay will never be chunky again, he's too WILD "

"We have had such a warm Fall the kids have spent time outside after school. The girls are so Sweet to him and take him out and play with him, he LOVES it.
We cleaned the garage this weekend. I love it when it's clean. It just makes me happy. We put Summer away, and we are now ready for snow.
Jappy's been playing football once a week with guys from church. They play at the church under the lights. Boys are so silly in that they love to relive the "glory days" Thankfully no injuries or enemies." They All seem to enjoy it. He's also decided to join the Gym. We'll see how long that lasts.

Happy Halloween

Well we have survived another year of costumes, trick-or-treating, and sugar highs.
The kids had fun at the ward trunk-or-treat. Jay loved having the run of the parking lot. He enjoyed having a candy in each hand and running from car to car.
We only carved one pumpkin. Thank goodness I've decided that carving Real pumpkins is for the birds. None of us like it we just like the end result (and watching Mady gag when she touches the insides). I'm going to joanns on Monday to get a few fake ones for next year.

So Jay was Bam-Bam and I was Betty Rubble and the girls wanted to be cheerleaders. The pics don't do our costumes justice. Jay was adorable with his club in hand. My dress was impressive. I'm pretty proud of my creations.
Uncle Jared is here for a visit. I'm sure every time he leaves here it just reaffirms that he's never going to have kids. Especially after he spends the day with our tornado tomorrow at church. We love when he comes. But sad that those visits are far and few between.

He's one of "THOSE"

Jay man is full of energy and mischief. I never thought I would have a child like this.
Last night we found him playing with Jappy's phone in the toilet. (thankfully it's insured) My girls NEVER did anything like that. He's constantly emptying cupboards and climbing in. I just heard dishes clinking. I ran upstairs and he's on the table finishing Mady's cereal. AAAHHHH
He is feeling a little under the weather so I would like to think that he would mellow out. BUT NO.

I've been slacking in my blogging updates.
Last week the girls had Parent Teacher Conferences. Both are excelling in their classes. And they're loving school. I'm enjoying being in their classrooms weekly. It's nice to see what they're doing and meeting the kids they associate with.
We were able to have Brielle come and play a few weeks ago. She's so petite and Jay's such a Bull. He went to play with a toy that she had and she kept yelling at him "don't don't" Jay looked at her confused. He NEVER hears those words around here.
He's not saying a whole lot. He's still waited on hand and foot. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Jappy had a Birthday last week. We didn't do anything extraordinary. We did get a sitter and just the two of us went out to dinner. Which never happens. His birthday fell on Columbus Day so he had the day off. He wanted to do carpool that day so it really felt like it was my birthday, I didn't have to run kids anywhere. The girls love to spend time the their dad and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Work is going well for him. He has been super busy, and has been in a snow storm already. Gotta love Winter (Fall).
Last week was Stake Conference for us and Jappy got a new calling....
He was Called to the High Council. We are shocked, and scared. But I know that he'll do great.
He's over Stake athletics, education, music, and the stake's audit. He has yet to be released from the Elders Quorum. So he has double duty for awhile.
He's a little apprehensive about this new avenue in the church, but excited about getting to know the people in the stake.



I have found myself finding a piece of creativity with in me. I made Jay a cape. It's so cute and he loves it.
Amber brought her clan this weekend to visit and we made some super cute hair bows for our girls, and I made Jay a bow tie. I'm SO PROUD of myself. I cant wait for him to wear it. I finished his BAM BAM costume. He's ADORABLE in it.

Hosebeasts

When I was in high school I was So lucky to have a great group of friends. We did almost everything together.
One night the boys decided it would be funny to butter our cars while we were all having a girls night (I really think they just were upset they couldn't be a part of our party)
Anyways I was MAD to say the least and I went to everyone one of there houses to let them know how MAD I was. A Few days later I got a CD of songs that the boys put together, telling me how sorry they were. It is my favorite CD. Over the years and through the moves I have misplaced it. So sad. But every song on it has a memory for me; of them.
I was washing the dishs the other day and this song came on the radio. It made me smile and think of the boys. So I added it to my playlist so that now I can hear it often.
I wish we all stayed in better contact, but life gets busy. We all got married,and have kids of our own. But hopefully someday we will be able to meet one anothers families and pick up where we left off. I sure miss you guys. Psychohosebeasts included!

Jay loves to play and get into things.

I made muffins Saturday morning and he thought he would help himself to as many as he could fit in his little hands. He was pretty proud of himself.

Small spaces have become his favorite place to play.

When doing the laundry he scurries into the drier as fast as he can, because he KNOWS he's not to be in there. He has discovered the lazy suzanne that I keep my pots and pans in. He enjoyed his lil merry go round

He discovered he can climb the chairs. I found him on the couch looking over the banister, down the stairs.

BOYS BOYS BOYS

Inspiring Weekend

We have had an emotional and spiritual weekend. I spent the weekend in Logan with my sister-in-laws, and nieces for Time Out for Women. It was a wonderful two days there, Listening to the speakers and feeling the spirit so strong. I look forward to these weekends every year to recharge, and remember how important my job as a mother is. It helps me appreciate the blessing that I've been given. I love it and I'm looking forward to next years.
While I was gone Jappy took the kids to Tremonton to reunite with his extended cousins. Jappy's uncle Glade was in attendance, He resembles Jappys dad a great deal. The kids had the opportunity to meet him and get an idea of what Grandpa Jeppsen looked like. It was an emotional moment for Jap. As it always is when we see Uncle Glade. However He did not get any pictures So if anyone took any send them my way.
Today we fasted for a family friend. We felt the power of the Holy Ghost with us all day. Our heart is full of love and gratitude for this young boy, and feel blessed that we were able to take part in a fast on his behalf. We don't know what is in store for him but we know that the Lord is aware of him and his family.

Two weeks ago we took the kids to the state fair in Blackfoot. They enjoyed the animals and lots of fair food. The got to pet a steer, and milk a cow (not a real cow) they did however see the cows get hooked up to the milking machine... interesting.
Somehow we got out of them riding rides. Lucky I know. That saved us some money :) but it was a fun night out.
School is going well for them. Last week was my first week in the classroom with them. It feels good to be there and to meet their friends and get a better feel for their teachers. This weekend is the school carnival and I'm lucky enough to be in charge of a few things. Hopefully all will go well.
Magoo......... The mornings are INSANE. That's when he's at his peak of business. While I fix the girls hair in the morning he dives into the tub and plays with the bath toys, and climbs in and out repeatedly. Then while I was getting ready to leave for Logan he opened the drawer that I keep the curling irons and and hair dryerin, and emptied it out and climbed in.
He makes us Laugh daily with the things he finds to play with, or puts on his head.


The girls love bath time in our tub. Bubbles are their most favorite thing. They love to make themselves hats and crowns with the bubbles.
Football season is in full swing at our house. We had a small get together last Sunday for the First game of the season. Oh how I love football season. I'm being VERY sarcastic. It wouldn't be so bad if he only watched 1 game but when he records everyone AAAHHHH
I'm looking forward to February already. :)