Pass the Kleenex please

This is the most amazing Christmas video that I found on YouTube. Really, take the time to watch it. I used it for our ward Christmas party last week, and since that's over I can now share it with all my friends and family. Just be sure to pull out the tissues. It is a real tear jerker.

Tis' the Season

It's December!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Three Turkey Gobblers and a Farmer

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday--remembering all your blessings, eating good food, playing/watching football, wearing sweaters, relaxing, and being with family. You don't have to shop, dress-up, or even decorate. Holidays also make me think back to my teaching years. This song comes to mind every Thanksgiving. (Big thanks to my amazing family for playing along!)

The night before Thanksgiving
when I had gone to bed.
I heard three turkey gobblers,
and this is what they said...

The first turkey said,
"I think that I will go,
and hide behind the haystack
where no one will know".

The second turkey said,
"I think I'll climb that tree
and hide up in it's branches
where no one will see".

The third turkey said,
"I think it would be fun,
to hide the farmer's hatchet
then run, run, run, run"!

Then on Thanksgiving morning
when the farmer came around
those three turkey gobblers
could not be found.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING! HOPE YOU ENJOY EATING YOUR TURKEY GOBBLER!!!

Happy Birthday Margaret!

This is a picture of my beauty queen mother-in-law Margaret D. Nadauld. Isn't she so lovely? She certainly isn't lacking in the looks department. I stole this picture from a family friend's yearbook a few years back. It reminds me of all the things I love about her.



When I first met Margaret I was a little star-struck. It was about six years ago at this time that she hosted an entire Thanksgiving feast for our BYU singles ward. I was dying to meet "Aaron's Mom", who was just released from her calling as general young women's president. Her conference talks always had a huge impact on me.

I really don't believe that there are many people who enjoy their mother-in-law like I do. Margaret is always sweet, complimentary and loving. She is considerate, generous, uplifting, talented and I value her opinion very much. Margaret is a very Christ-like person making it so easy to love and adore her.


I've also learned a lot about her since I've become a part of the family. Here are a few that I want to share:
1. I love how much Margaret enjoys being together, talking, and LAUGHING. I guess being the mother of seven boys has its advantages...they always keep you in stitches (especially these boys) and make a joke out of any funny thing you do.

2. Margaret can make anything beautiful in seconds. She can whip out a meal to feed the masses, vacuum the floor with perfect lines, present a batch of homemade cookies, and play a piano concerto with such ease.

3. Since I've had kids that don't sleep regularly, I've noticed some unusual nighttime patterns in the Nadauld home. Margaret usually awakens in the middle of the night to read. She is always feeding her mind--and I love that. On many nighttime occasions she has helped me with my fussy kids and we chat together. She is a great listener.

4. Margaret is fast at getting things done (something I hope to get better at). I am so impressed with how efficient she is. I know where Aaron gets this amazing trait from now. We went shopping once last Christmas and I had to secretly run in my silly high heels just to keep up. I'm bringing my tennis shoes this year.

5. Margaret is so good with the grandkids and they just love her. She is so sweet when she talks and asks them lots of questions. She is always encouraging and loving.

6. Of course, the biggest thing that I love about my mother-in-law is that she was such a good mother to my Aaron (or her Aaron..our Aaron). She taught him well. He honors his priesthood, treats me with such respect, and knows how to work. Her legacy of love, devotion, and testimony is visible in all of her children and grandchildren.



In this family, we call her name blessed...on this special day and everyday. So, Margaret...let's go shopping (with the girls) and watch a little Sabrina during Christmas to celebrate you!

Hey Nadauld clan (and anyone else that reads this)..it might be nice to all write in a fun memory you have about Margaret. I'm sure that making her laugh would be a welcomed birthday gift.

Family Night is FUN!

Lately, Mary has become so excited for family night. She asks about it during the week and looks forward to dancing as a family for one of our activities. It's amazing how much the little things affect our children. I would have never guessed that Mary could understand the difference between family night and any other night we're reading scriptures or doing something together...but she does. It makes us stronger as a family and is such a blessing.

Here is a picture of last Monday's family night. We were reading our King Benjamin's speech to the people while under this tent. We still haven't figured out how to make scripture reading super appealing yet. But I know it draws us together and brings a sweet spirit into our home. Oh, and one more thing...I LOVE the new Nursery manual. They are PERFECT family home evening lessons for the little ones (Thanks Annette).



Hope you all have a very HAPPY FAMILY NIGHT!!!!

Fall Fun...MOST CERTAINLY!

Okay, you know it's getting bad when the latest comment on your post asks you to update your blog, thank you Christine. I was getting sick of looking at my cheesy conference tag answers anyway! So, enjoy some of our fall fun family adventures.

Here's pumpkin carving for family night. I really looked so beautiful before I started etching a design on the pumpkin. I most certainly did not stay in work out clothes all day....nope. This was my ...It's Okay to Get Dirty outfit with matching hairdo... for pumpkin carving only...of course!!!




Here are some fun leaf pictures in our backyard. The one in the top right corner is of Marcus raking...he was just trying something new. I most certainly did not have him rake all my leaves before he could eat some chicken nuggets for lunch...nope...I would never be that kind of aunt...of course!




Lastly, some pictures of all the Halloween fun including: the most darling kid party put on by Kari Holley, party planner extraordinaire... and the most amazing adult 80's Halloween party put on by... Kari Holley, Smurfette, aka party planner extraordinaire... and the most amazing Tri-ward Trunk-or Treat, where I most certainly did not make Kari Holley, party planner extraordinaire, direct the traffic so I could take it easy...nope...I'm just not that kind of activities committee chair...or friend...of course!




But this is most certain... I love fall and all of it's fun...of course!!!

Conference Tag

My cute friend Mistie tagged me the other day, and I thought I'd switch it up a little to include some of the things I heard/learned from General Conference last week.



I am... a daughter, a mother, of great worth, and loved.
I Wish ... I would live according to all the truth and blessings I've been given.
I Want.... my children to know the truthfulness of the gospel for themselves.
I Have.... a testimony of the divinity of Christ, our source for hope.
I Hate... how weak my prayers are.

I Fear... I am not as prepared as I should be.
I Hear.... the words of the Lord each conference.
I Always... love a good laugh, especially during a hard time.
I Usually... forget.
I Am Not... alone.
I Dance ... for the journey.
I Sing... to feel peace and the spirit.
I Never... regret my temple marriage.
I Rarely... look for missionary opportunities-need to change that!
I Cry... when I hear Elder Eyring get choked up. What is it about him?
I am Not Always... courageous.
I Lose... myself when I serve.
I'm Confused... by nothing spoken of during conference. The gospel is really clear and simple.
I Need... to simplify my life with righteousness.
I Should... attend the temple more frequently.
I Dream... for a quiet and reverent sacrament meeting, even with children.

I tag .. . . . . Tiffany Idiart and Kari Holley

Noah is ONE!

First of all, sorry for the long absence. I guess I loved reading Aaron's way-too-nice, kind of-sort of-true blog that I couldn't bear to replace it with another post. Plus, did you notice the 17 comments? That's a record. Not that I'm jealous or anything. Sorry for the lack of comments on your posts. I have been reading them daily, just got lazy. Please don't boycott me and stop commenting.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOAH!!

Well, I can't believe it, but my little man is one--how quickly time flies. I feel like I was just in the hospital holding him and listening to conference on our laptop. He was just the cutest boy I'd ever seen from the second he entered this world.



Noah is my darling very busy boy that spends most his days walking around, pointing his finger, finding things to gnaw, poke, explore and grunt over (including electrical sockets and showers). Although in many respects he is all boy, he also has such a tender and loving personality that keeps me entranced. I can now see the special bond that exists with mothers and sons, different than mothers and daughters, but equally as wonderful and important. I am so grateful to have one of each!



Noah has the most hilarious expressions. There is the Cheesy Grin--nose scrunched, big teeth sparkling and head tilted back, which according to my Dad I make. Who knew? And then there's the Godfather Lip Curl--upper lip tucked under the lower, head back, eyes squinted. And the Look What I Just Did Glance followed by self-praised clapping and giggles. My personal favorite is the Magnum--lips puckered looking oh so male modelish. And finally, who can resist the I'm So Shy and Adorable Gaze that he passes out to female strangers. This I don't really like, because it only reminds me that one day Noah will get married and all my hugs and snuggles will be replaced with some lucky girl.



I love that Noah is pretty tough. He doesn't seem to mind being dragged by his sister here and there and playing big two-year-old games like chase, fetch, and hide-and-seek.



Noah's a dream come true in the eating department. He loves veggies and fruit and even my cooking. Although he isn't very big, he has a great appetite and makes his Mommy feel so good with all his "mmmmmmmmmmm" this tastes incredible sounds.



Noah is fearless. On the boat he will grab onto the rail and push his body towards the water like he's fleeing a burning building. I feel like I'm tackling a crocodile every time I give him a bath. He is full of energy and adventure. He loves to climb all over the place, including stairs (which he just took a huge tumble down the other day. Yikes! Luckily, it was on my parent's cushy carpeted steps).



I think Noah will be a dog lover. He is always staring at my brother's dog through their French door windows, shaking and grunting in excitement begging to touch and play with him. It's a Where the Red Fern Grows thing I'm sure. According to Aaron, every boy needs a dog even though I for sure don't want to take care of one. Hopefully we'll always have a family member with one that he can visit or a lot of stuffed animals, just like this cute one from his Grammy Nadauld.



Every time Noah sees or hears the outside door open he makes a mad dash for the fresh air, rocks, and weeds like a child just after the recess bell. And when I quickly close it before he escapes he doesn't get mad. How nice.



Noah loves music. I swear he's singing when it's on. He makes the cutest sounds. He is also very interested in any stereo equipment, buttons, and electronics in general. He'll be smart for sure.



Noah is one handsome boy just like his Daddy. I'm hoping he will develop his Daddy's dark coloring in time. But for now we sure enjoy his blonde eyebrow (yes, that's not plural...unfortunately), cleft chin, curling fluffy hair, and jet blue eyes like his Papa Steve.



I love this stage where you can begin to see personalities unfold, realizing that your child has always existed, an individual, with unique talents and abilities. And seeing that, while you will always be connected through the beautiful gift of creation and family, he belongs to a very loving Father who has entrusted His child to you, to be raised in love and righteousness. Thank you!

I just love everything about my Noah Stephen. He is a lover, he is a go-getter, he is fun, and he is sure good. Happy Birthday Son! I'm looking forward to many more years loving and enjoying you, provided you don't drown or get electrocuted from all your adventures!

Allison is the best, Here's why...... posted by Aaron

So as many of you know I decided to take the kids on a little adventure for the weekend to see Grammy and Papa-Steve in St. George. I thought this would be a fun weekend to get away and we could spend some time with the grandparents, swim, go the football game, participate in the Dixie run etc. Let me tell you what I learned while on my "vacation."

Top 5 reasons why Allison is the Mom and "in charge" of the kids.

1. I knew full well I was going to have to buy some diapers upon arrival in St. George, but of course I tried to do everything possible to make the small supply in the diaper bag last all weekend. It was a huge success until I made it home Monday afternoon when Allison asked why Noah's bum was red. I of course had no response.

2. I had a very hard time figuring out what to feed the kids. It seems like they were always needing something to eat. All I could find was some bread. I wasn't about to make something and actually breaking out the baby food and finding a baby spoon was just too much work. I am amazed at how Allison keeps us all fed and happy.

3. I am not sure how to get ready when the kids cry when you leave the room. In order to take a shower we had the whole family in the bathroom. I would peek from behind the shower curtain to see Mary flushing one of Noah's toys down the toilet or to see Noah trying to dive into the bathtub. Allison seems to get ready everyday no problem, I need to get some advice for my next adventure.

4. Swimming with two kids that don't know how to swim was a challenge. Mary wanted to constantly jump to daddy and Noah wanted to crawl into the hot tub which felt like a few hundred yards away. When I would run to save Noah from diving to his death Mary would be getting into her diving position with her little arms over her head. As soon as I would save Noah I was back to the pool to save the next drowning child. I guess that is why they invented floatation devices, but only Allison would be smart enough and prepared enough to use a floatie.

5. Candy!!! Need I say more. when I came home both Allison and I agreed that Mary really needed to brush her teeth. I used candy a lot last weekend to bribe Mary into sleeping, sitting still, putting on her seat belt on the plane, being quiet in church etc. Brushing her teeth was too much of a chore and I figured I would be home in a few days anyway.

As you can tell this was an eye opening experience. I feel like I am a hands on father, but I think I might be kidding myself. I admire how Allison is able to get it all done in a day. At the end of the day I couldn't even get out of my clothes to go to bed, I would just lay down fully dressed and before I knew it Noah was crying to get out of bed at 7:00 AM.

Allison, thanks for being such a great mommy. We love you!!!

The Name Game?

I still love the name Noah. It's just that when he does something he shouldn't, like rip the plug-in out of the electrical outlet and insert his finger in it's place while you scream "No!" and make a mad dash for him, you're not sure that he gets it. "No!" and "NO---AH!"...so close...he either likes the attention from doing something naughty or he thinks you're playing with him. He just laughs hysterically and shakes all over (not from the electricity but from excitement...I hope!).

Missing My Family

So, it's a little after 1:30 AM and I can't sleep. It's so quiet, not because everyone's asleep, but because I'm the only one here! Aaron has single handedly taken the kids to visit his parents for the entire weekend. I had been planning to spend Friday night and Saturday morning at a Relief Society retreat, when Aaron announced that he was taking the kids to St. George. What an amazing husband!

He boarded the plane alone, walked three miles from the terminal with Noah in the stroller, Mary walking behind, one car seat awkwardly positioned on his back, and another dangling off the stroller, suitcase and diaper bag in hand, and then boarded bus to shuttle to car rental. Wow! I don't think I could have done it. Even though it's tough doing it all alone, I know he's loving the time with the kids and his family...and I'm sure they are too! I wish I could just watch them from a bird's eye and see how darling they are together.

Now, it's very unusual for me to be experiencing insomnia. Typically, I can knock off in seconds. Perhaps it's because I got nine hours of heavenly sleep last night. Today (technically yesterday now) was very productive. It was filled with errands all over town (you know the kind you dread to do with children, like returning stuff), perfectly balanced meals for one, a great uninterrupted work out, and housecleaning galore. Now all I'm missing to enjoy it is my family.

I just keep thinking about this funny face Noah makes. Isn't it cute? He reminds me of a little leprechaun.


HURRY HOME!

A Fun Tag

My cute cousin Lana tagged me. Here it goes...
All About My Aaron


1- Where did you meet? In our BYU ward. We were in the same FHE group.
2- How long did you date before you were married? Friends for 5 months, dated for 1 yr, engaged for another 4 months (about 1 1/2 yrs)
3- How long have you been married for? 4 years
4- What does he do that surprises you? Aaron is always doing something thoughtful for me...calling on his way home from work, bringing me flowers, or taking the kids for a walk when I need a break. He hears things that I say I want or need and doesn't forget.
5- What's your favorite feature about him? His eyelashes, dark coloring, and overall handsomeness
6- What's your favorite quality about him? He works hard. He is a wonderful father and makes me laugh all the time.
7- Does he have a nickname for you? What is it? I think so. Honey? Why can't I remember? He's on a camping trip, it's been a few days.
8- What's his favorite color? Anything but red--dirty Utes!
9- What's his favorite food? Subway sandwiches
10-What is his favorite sport? He loves to watch soccer and tennis on TV and loves to water ski.
11- Who said I love you first? He did and then I said, "I do too".
12- When and where was your fist kiss? In his BYU apartment on his love sac
13-What's your favorite thing to do as a couple? Ride his motorcycle, play tennis, or go out to eat
14-Do you have kids? Two
15- What's a hidden talent that he has? He plays the piano and sings!
16- How old is he? 27
17- What's his favorite type of music? Anything.
18- What do you admire most about him? How quick he is at accomplishing things, how wise he is, and how well he remembers things I just don't-especially people's names.
19-What's his favorite past time? Looking at craigslist, houses, and cars
20- Do you think he is going to read this? Yes.


I tag, Jen Boyle and Cindy Larsen and Ambyr Nielsen and Christine Idiart (maybe then she'll put in a new blog entry-or Jared if you read this, you can do it about Christine)

Torture Chambers

Two places of torture...in my own home!

I love that zucchini bread sounds somewhat healthy since it has a vegetable in it...but it's really not at all...especially with the chocolate chips I added. If I didn't have this garden, I don't think I'd make it. Maybe no zucchini next year?

Notice that this comes after the zucchini bread picture...punishment!

Swimming in the Big Bath

Mary has been taking swimming lessons every Tuesday and Thursday from her expert swimming coach Auntie Sarah. She loves going to the "Big Bath" (pool), playing with cousins, trying new things in the water, and eating "lot-li-pops"(Otter Pops) after she's done!


Here is Mary and a few of her cousins getting prepped for their 2-3 year old class to begin.


They have their lessons on the ledge of the pool and are fixated on Sarah's every word!


Look at her mad back floating skills!


Mary is now putting together all her new techniques...reach pull, blow bubbles, and KICK! Way to go!


A special thanks to Auntie Sarah and her helpers, whom Mary adores!

Lost....and FOUND!...or was it really lost at all?

I am not sure if this disease is genetic (because I think I've seen it manifested in Aaron's twin before) or just male in nature. The typical symptoms begin with your husband not been able to find something that he should know the location of. This is followed by the question: "I can't find ___; do you know where it is?" This usually results in the wife finding the item in warp speed.


Yesterday, Aaron asked me where a cleaning bucket was. I should have gotten it for him, but instead I asked, "Did you look right outside the garage door?". He replied, "Yes". I said, "Really?". He said, "Uh, not that well". So, I went and got the bucket located two inches from the garage door? Hmmm. I'm getting a little suspicious. But really, he was using it to clean our porch, so I hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining. Plus, he is always helping me around the house, more than he should in fact. I guess I can only say something when it's related to food that's EXTREMELY visible in the pantry.

Don't tell... but, I really don't mind being the finder in the family...it's fun to feel omniscient! And who could ever get mad at someone who looks this good anyway?

I've been tagged...and so have you!

My dear friend Jen tagged me the other day and I didn't really get it until late last night. So, according to the rules, you have to take a picture and post the following ten things when you get tagged (scroll down to see). You're not allowed to clean up or stage. Disclaimer--this was first thing I did this morning, so don't look too close, especially at me!

Emilee Carruth, Dianna Boyce, AnnDee Nadauld, Val Davies, Makell Boyd, and Kristy Swenson... you've been tagged (be sure to tag 6 more victims when you post yours). Note: You have been selected because I want to get a glimpse of where you're living--especially you Dianna--who never posts any pictures of her new house!

1. Your closet (This is a combined picture of both my side and Aaron/some of Allison's side in our walk-in closet. Notice our new hanging method--drape clothes over rod. The hamper is just one foot away from where our clothes are laying, under our shoe shelves on the left, but we still can't manage to put our clothes in them.)


2. Your laundry room (with swimming attire hanging)


3. Your fridge (I was told to show the outside of the fridge, if it's inside, that could be scary! Maybe you're a little braver than me.)


4. The kitchen sink (Yes, that's zucchini bread from a missionary discussion last night--that zucchini is coming out my ears!)


5. Your favorite room (hard to decide...but our great room really is pretty great-- cooking, eating, lounging (area not pictured), watching tv, reading, and "working" in our office" (where I blog and pay bills) all together in one. Sometimes I even take a nap on our cooshy sectional, making it universal in things I like to do, except soaking in the tub, hmmmm. It also leads to our backyard, with nice french doors, windows, and light. Some kid asked us once why our couch and TV were in the kitchen. Okay, it's not great in the "size" sense just in the "things to do and enjoy" sense).

6. What the kids are doing right now

When I first started doing this Noah just woke up in his crib, by the time I was done, Aaron was headed out the door for work and Noah was hoping to follow.


This is Mary watching Dora with her bed head. Mary's hair is usually curly when she wakes up 'cuz it gets all sweaty, but yesterday I had put in a bunch of product and pulled it back so it was straighter than usual, however, just as crazy.

7. Bathroom (Almost all of it is pictured. The sun was strong on the one corner, so I couldn't get a picture of the end of the tub and the toilet. Notice that the messy vanity is mine.)


8. Favorite shoes (Here are three I like probably the most--I couldn't choose just one.)


9. Dream vacation (Pretty much anywhere with this guy and in warm weather. I've been everywhere I want to go (Bahamas, NYC, & Europe), except Hawaii, maybe some day.)


10. Self-portrait (Okay, remember this is first thing in the morning. I rarely show anyone my glasses too, so enjoy. Poor Aaron.)