Family

Family

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas 2012

We weren't sure if we were going to get a White Christmas this year, but on Christmas Eve it snowed!  Not a ton, but enough to give you the feeling of Christmas.  Today we are getting more snow and possible even more tomorrow.  Maybe we'll try and take the kids sledding this weekend.  
 Tony shoveling the walk.  

This year we stayed home for Christmas.  I was very much looking forward to not traveling and hauling Christmas to Boise and back.  Christmas Eve Nathan, Maegen, and Mackay came over.  We had breakfast for dinner.  Then opened new p.j.'s, listened to Tony read about the birth of Jesus from the scriptures.  Then I played Christmas carols while every one sang along.  I was able to at least play the melody for all the songs.  I'm not the best pianist  but I tried.  Then Tony came up with the idea of calling our parents and singing them "Oh Holy Night" over the phone.  They all loved it and it gave us a sense of togetherness.  Then after Nathan, Maegen, and Mackay left we watched Polar Express.    
The Christmas tree with all the wrapped presents before Santa came.

Christmas morning started at 6:30 a.m.  Carson was the first one up.  I was going to make him wait until 7 because Alaina and Charlie were both still asleep.  Tony overruled me and Carson woke up Alaina while Tony and I got Charlie up.  Charlie was less than thrilled to be woken up in the wee hours of the morning, but once he saw the toys he was happy.
Alaina sporting her new p.j.'s from Grandma and Grandpa Foster and slippers from mom and dad with her loot.  A new baby doll with accessories and play food for her kitchen from Santa.  A new dress and headphones from her stocking.  New books and a lamp from mom and dad.  A princess laptop from Grandma and Grandpa Elton, and a movie from Carson.  
Charlie got a racing track from Santa.  Balls and a tie that matches dad's and Carson's from his stocking. Books and mega blocks from mom and dad.  A smaller racing track from Grandma and Grandpa Elton.   
Carson sporting his p.j.'s from Grandma and Grandpa Foster and slippers from mom and dad.  Transformers Sideswipe, Remote Control Car, new bike helmet, and a BSU hat that matches Dad's.  Headphones and a tie from his stocking.  Books and lamp from mom and dad. A puzzle from Alaina and Hero Factory Legos from Grandma and Grandpa Elton.  
I got a bike helmet (my first one ever) and it even matches my bike.  Head phones to replace the ones my kids destroyed.  And attachments for my kitchen aid!  
Charlie playing mega blocks with dad.  
Tony got some real southern BBQ sauce from South Carolina, a Chevy Camaro Hat, and another BSU hat. 
The aftermath.  

I made Christmas dinner.  I had planned on us eating at about 2:00 but didn't end up eating until almost 6:00 because the stupid Turkey took forever to cook!  It was all very yummy.  A citrus brined turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, candied yams, stuffing, veggies and dip, and drink.  Of course later we had chocolate cream pie, pumpkin pie, and banana cream pie.  

We had so much food left over that we will be eating leftovers tonight for dinner!  I'd have to say that aside from the turkey taking forever to cook it was a good Christmas.  

Oh, Charlie!

Charlie is 17 months old now and continues to make 10 messes to my getting 1 cleaned up!  I think this picture explains it's self!

Charlie actually likes cinnamon and peppermint candy.  Charlie is actually a really good eater and I am continually surprised at the variety of foods he'll eat.  My other kids weren't/aren't ever that way!  

12 Days of Christmas Cont.

 "I'm glad I Skored you as a husband" with a Skor candy bar. 
 "You're one Hot Tamale"  
"Let's Make Out!"  with a bag full of Hershey's Kisses. 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Christmas Making

The kids were starting to drive me crazy with the "How many more days until Christmas?" question so I had them make a chain to help them keep track.  It's working quite well.  
 Alaina's isn't quite as uniform as Carson's but it's very festive!
 Carson's chain.

Last week was Tony's work party.  This year it was at his boss' house.  They fed us stake, baked potatoes, rolls and the fixings!  It was yummy!  How many boss' cook for their employees?  Another thing I'll say about Leo (Tony's boss).  He treats his employees well!  
 It's a Lodge Dutch Oven.  I told Tony that this Dutch Oven was mine!  I used it last Sunday to make our roast and it was delicious!  

Every year at Christmas I make goodie plates to give to our friends and neighbors.  This year we gave out all the goodies for FHE.  The kids really enjoyed taking the goodies to everyone and Tony and I really enjoyed staying the warm truck!
 Ginger snaps, fudge, rice crispy treats, peanut butter cups, and oreo balls!  
All the goodies ready to be delivered!  

12 Days of Christmas

A couple weekends ago Tony and Nathan went ice fishing at Henry's Lake.  Maegen and I spend the weekend together shopping, talking, playing games and such.  We also put together these treats to do the 12 days of Christmas for our husbands.  Here are pictures of what I've given to Tony so far.  

 "You make me snicker"
 "I soda like you"
 "I'm stuck on you"-with a package of gum
 "You're a joy to have around."-with an almond joy
 "Life's a circus.  I'm sure glad we're in it together"
 "To me you're worth 3 100 grand" -with 3 100 grand candy bars.  
 "You o-fish-ially have my hear"
 "I love you to pieces"
 "Life would be unbearable without you"

Maegen and I had a lot of fun making these for our husbands.  Our favorite one is the fish one!


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Starting Early

I've noticed lately that Charlie has had a great desire to be big.  He wants to do what we are doing.  Where we are doing it and when we are doing it.  In some cases this is very difficult, because frankly most of the time he just isn't big enough yet.  But in this case it's just cute!  

 He was determined to have a turn mopping the floor!  
 Charlie's having a good time too.  
Ironically all my kids really like to mop the floor.  It's a good thing because in this place it needs to be done more often than I would like.  

Putting up the Tree

A few weeks ago we put up our Christmas tree.  Each year we go to a tree lot and pick out a tree.  But I guess tree lots have gone extinct in eastern Idaho, so we bought our tree at the local grocery store again this year.  As is custom Tony sets the tree up, I put on the star and the lights, the kids put up the decorations, and I rearrange the decorations after the kids go to bed.  This year Nathan, Maegen, and Mackay came over too.  We had hot chocolate afterwards. 

 I'm putting up the star with the "help" of Charlie.
 the kids decorating


 Charlie wants to help too!
 Charlie even has to help put the water in.  
 The finished product.  
Mmmm, hot chocolate.  

Popsicle

I know it's the wrong time of year to be enjoying popsicles, but Charlie seems to be enjoying this one a whole lot.  Even though it is banana flavored...yuck!  


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Full Storage

Yesterday I went to post some pictures I had taken of my Brother's and Sister's families over Thanksgiving.  But I have used up all of our free storage on google.  I am so sad.  So alas it may be awhile before I am able to post again.  :(

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Flashbacks

 My niece Lily, she was 4 or 5 in this picture.  
 Yes, we had Oreos at our luncheon.  
 The Foster Girls of 2003
 The Foster Boys of 2003
 Nice Jeff!
 Becky and her girls.  
 Tim and Callie
 I think I was hugging someone and that's why Tony holding my bouquet   
 Grandpa and Rose
My mom and dad.