On our way to Christmas...

Thanksgiving was such a fun day. We went to my parents' house where my whole family was (All 35 of us!) and though we filled the entire house, we had such a great time catching up with everyone and eating our guts out! It was Kolton's first ever experience of feeding himself (besides biter biscuits and cheerios) so we naturally stripped him down and let him have at it. He did really well and got quite messy but had the time of his life! He especially loved my sister, Cristi's sweet potatoes!



On Friday, after a crazy day of early-morning shopping (meaning 3am-2pm) and many great deals, which I can't disclose lest Wes reads this blog, we went looking for our Christmas tree. This is a tradition we have had since we were married. We always go to Idaho with Wes's family and chop down our own tree. The trees are generally pretty scrawny, but that is what we love! Kolton had a great time, even though it was pretty cold, and he thought the snow was pretty great. His daddy even let him 'drive' the suburban (parked and not running, of course!) We got home last night and set it up and then decorated it today. Here are some of the photographic highlights courtesy of www.scrapblog.com!

HAPPY T-DAY, EVERYONE!

I just want to say that I am so thankful for everyone who has touched my life this year- which includes all of you and so many more. I could not be more thankful for our beautiful son, Kolton. He lights up my life with his smile and giggle and each day he reminds me why I have wanted to be a mother for so long. I have no doubt in my mind that amazing things are destined for him. I am equally so incredibly blessed to have Kolton's birth mom, Cori, in our lives. Can you think of anything more selfless, more loving, or more giving, than to say to yourself "I know this child needs more than what I can give right now- and I trust you to take him and raise him" I cannot think about Cori without feeling my heart ready to burst with gratitude and I know that so many great blessings are in store for her. (Cori- we love you so much!!) I am also so very thankful for my fantastic hubby, Wes. He is above and beyond the best dad in the world to Kolton. He lights up the house when he comes home from work, and he works so hard to keep us above water and to make our lives as great as they are. He is an amazing priesthood holder and member of the church and I am so proud to have him as my eternal companion. Above all, I am thankful for my Savior and for the fact that he loves me enough to give me all I ask for (even if it's not on my schedule) and that he wants what is best for each of us and is there when we need him. I hope you all have as much to be thankful for as I do this year. We get to go to my Mom's house this year for Thanksgiving dinner- so I am planning on rolling my way clear into the new year! Blessed be the name of left-overs! Love you all!

Feelin' Crafty!

Ahh- I LOVE the holidays!! It totally brings out the crafter in me. This year, I am sort of all about the paper crafts since Stampin' Up! has some really cute Christmas paper. Last year was more of a sewing year, and the year before that it was cross stitch. I still plan on sewing some Christmas jammies and blankets for Kolton, though. I guess eight years of being childless has really taught me a lot about how to pass the time (like I even HAVE any now!)- but I confess I am addicted and plan to hold on to the crafty side of me (whom I like to call "Craftitha") for as long as I can. Here are some of my latest projects:

(This one is actually a wall hanging, the ones above it are just cards)
I want to see what everyone else is doing! Happy crafting, all!

Our little boy is growin'!

So, yesterday we were able to take Kole to his 9 month appointment. We were excited to hear that we didn't need immunizations this time, and then they dropped the flu shot bomb..*sigh*. They also had to test him for iron by slicing his foot. It was pretty funny because when the medical assistant poked him he just looked at her for a few seconds and then did his little giggle. Anyone who has been around him knows the giggle. It's kind of a little 'huh huh huh' (a bit like Beavis and Butthead, actually--uh--not that I would know....) So, here are his stats:
Weight: 20.3 lbs (46th percentile)
Height: 29" (74th percentile)
Head: I can't remember the inches but it is in the 65th percentile)
Dr. Carlson was really impressed with him and thinks he will probably be walking before he is a year old because he holds himself up so well! We shall see.
When Kolton was born he received this cute little teddy bear from the hospital. He has one and so does his birthmommy. Here are a couple of pictures to show how much he has grown. Isn't he just amazing? You are looking at one proud mommy, here!

Here he is- one day old with both bears

Here he is in March

July

This one was yesterday (please excuse the orange mouth- he loves his carrots)
I am still so in awe with what a miracle and blessing he is. He makes me smile so much every day and he totally brings out the goof in both of us (as if we needed more of that!)
Happy 9 months, kiddo!

We Be Jammin'

So, I came across this awesome deal at the grocery store the other day- a whole CASE of strawberries for only 5.99! I couldn't resist so I picked up the case so Wes and I could make some jam. When we lived in Oregon, we used to go outside and pick blackberries all the time so we could make jam (they grow wild everywhere up there). We miss doing that- so it was a fun way to spend our weekend! We made three batches of jam to give out for Christmas this year and I must say, it is quite fabulous! So, I have decided to show y'all how I make it, just in case you want to jump on our jam-wagon. :)

First, you need 5 cups of strawberries with the stems and any gross pieces cut out. Quarter them and mash them with a potato masher, like so:



To prepare your jars (one batch fills about 9 8oz jars) I just wash them in the dishwasher with the rings and leave the dishwasher closed until just before I need them, so they stay warm and don't crack when you add the hot jam. I take the tops with the seal (don't re-use old ones, the seal isn't as good) and pour boiling water on them in a separate dish to get the seal all gooied up so it holds to the jar better when I tighten the lid.
Now, dump your berries in a large pot (we bought a large stainless steel pot just for doing jam years ago and it is one of the best things we have ever purchased, FYI). Add one package of 'Sure Jell' (in picture above) and stir over high heat until it comes to a rolling boil (meaning it is still boiling even when you are stirring) . Once at a rolling boil, add 7 (yes, 7) cups of sugar slowly to the pot while stirring. I usually pre-measure the sugar and have it nearby. You can also add a 1/2 tsp. butter or margarine which helps it to foam less. Continue stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a rolling boil again and then let it boil for exactly one minute. Then, turn the heat off and begin ladling your jam into your still-warm jars. Usually we do it assemby-line style where Wes ladles the jam into a jar that I am holding while I take the 'seal' lid and place it inside a ring. When the jar is full (around 1/8 inch from the top- our first batch of jars weren't as full as they needed to be) place the ring and the lid on the jar and tighten it. Make sure you are holding the jar with a dish towel because it is quite hot!
Now, here is what other jam recipes won't tell you- you don't need a canning machine to do this! After I have tightened the lid on the jar, I place it on a dish towel upside-down like so:


After 10 minutes, if you turn the jars right-side-up the heat from inside the jar will pull the seal down and seal the jar completely for you! You know it is sealed when the little bubble on top is flat and doesn't pop back up. Once it is sealed, it can last for up to one year and when it is opened, up to three weeks!


I hope you guys get a chance to try this out! It is really pretty quick to do and it is so cheap and yummy. In the sure-jell package there are directions for all types of jams- so go wild! Kolton wheeled around the kitchen and got into the drawers while we were making it and we lit a Christmas candle and the house smelled like heaven. I love the holidays!

Happy Birthday, Wes!

Okay, so his birthday was on Monday, but you can't expect me to post the pictures THAT fast, can you?! My husband is the only man in the world who says "I want to sheet rock the basement for my birthday". *sigh* So, I called in the cavalry (meaning my brother, two brothers-in-law, and my dad) and they all worked on getting our downstairs family room done. I can't believe how much they accomplished! Now it's up to me to mud and tape-- ahhh, the gift that keeps on giving- that's what I'm all about! :)

This is my dad and my brother Larry- both a bit high on sheet rock dust...and my bro-in-law, Scott- not putting up with their crap :)

Obviously it was a bit dusty to take a picture- but you get the idea...Wes and my bro-in-law Jim at the end of the night- lookin' good!
The birthday boy- 31 and counting- what a hottie!

So, to add to our great week, Wes's sister and my brother (who are married) celebrated the arrival of their newest baby, Madison! She is number four and has two brothers, Kaden and Zach, and a sister, Ali. I am so excited for their family! She is very adorable and so tiny! I can't believe Kolton was actually smaller than that when he was born. So, here are some pictures of the little cutie pie:

Here is her mommy, Jae Lynne (she'll kill me for posting it- but I think it's adorable!)

Here I am- the proud aunt! Isn't she completely precious?!

All in all- we have had a super duper five days and we look forward to Anniversary #9 tomorrow! Yes, November is a crazy month for us- but what better time to be thankful, right?! :)

Our silly little guy

Well, Kolton is getting into more and more trouble. He is starting to tip over the garbage can and open cabinet doors- time to pull out all the safety gear! Milo also makes a rare appearance in this video as do my pumpkin jammies!



And he is also starting to stick out his tongue!

My Husband is a Genius!

So, in the past I have discussed this gate that Wes made for Kolton (Well, he made it so that Kolton cannot plummet to his death down the stairs, anyway) I am so proud of him! I just kind of tell him what I want and he just pulls it out of nowhere and makes it even better than I had imagined! For my birthday and anniversary he is making me an entertainment center and I am so excited to get rid of our newly-wed cheap-o Walmart special TV cart! My parents think he should sell these gates- what do you all think?!




And here is Kolton helping daddy with the entertainment center:

A very happy Halloween

Well, here I am- finally getting to our Halloween post! It was a pretty busy weekend and to top it off, I got pretty sick on Sunday- some unknown achy creepy bug that knocked me on my butt for most of the day, but I am feeling better today, so, hooray! To sum up our Halloween, it was a dream come true for me! Every year since I have been married (and that would be almost nine years) I make Wes dress up with me and we always have a fun time passing out candy and going to every party we are invited to. Every year I have had fun but I have also had that sadness of, 'why can't I have a little family to share this with? This would be so much better with children of our own.' Well, this year my wish came true! Kolton is such an incredible little guy and I can just sit there and watch him play and learn for HOURS before I realize I should probably get something done around my house! It is my birthday today, and for the first time in a very long time I can't think of something to wish for when I blow out the candles because I have it all with me right now! Anyway- I am a bit sentimental today- maybe it is because I am on my last lap in my twenties! But, our Halloween (back on topic) started out with us heading up to Grandma and Grandpa's house (on Wes's side) and getting some treats and lots of cute pictures there. Then we came home and passed out candy to the cute kids from our neighborhood. At around 7:15 some of my nieces and nephews came over and I went with them and Kolton to do a bit of trick-or-treating. We had sloppy joes and hot cider at our house for everyone and then we went to my sister's house to watch Indiana Jones. It was a really fun day and, of course, I had to do a smilebox about it- so enjoy!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook