Wrestling

Al just reminded me that this weekend while he and Carter were wrestling, Carter said, "Daddy, can Heavenly Father come down and wrestle with me?" I was in another room and just started to crack up. We had a quick lesson on how we feel Heavenly Father's presence.

So stinking cute.

7 loads of laundry washed, folded and put away. Whew. Why is going on vacation so much work?!

Since my last post...

I have...

- Gone to my sisters house for 3 days to help her with a Relief Society activity while her husband was out of town. (I put 7 kids to bed by myself one night - my 2 and her 5) We had a blast hanging out and scrapping

- Started and finished this birthday scrapbook project for Al's 30th birthday. It was a HUGE hit and he loved it. Thanks to all who participated! He said it is the best birthday present he's ever received.

- Had a big birthday breakfast with Al and the kids on Saturday morning.

- Decked the halls - all our holiday decorations are now up!

(This is Al alternately checking the score of the Michigan v. Ohio State game and putting our tree together)

(Makenna and Daddy having a little snuggle break - just a cute picture)

- Had family pictures taken. They turned out so cute. I should have them by Tuesday.

- Had a birthday/date night out with Al at the Cheesecake Factory (yum, yum).

- Spoke in church today.

- Had a bday party with a few friends at the house tonight.

Makenna sampling the cake before the party started!

Happy Birthday to you! Al had a little helper blowing out his candles.

A big happy birthday to my wonderful, smart and handsome husband. We had a wonderful day yesterday. I love you sweetie!! (Check out Al's ode to turning 30 on his blog!)

Now we have just a couple of days to get ready for our big Thanksgiving trip. It's going to be busy but we're super excited! Hopefully I'll get the family pictures posted before we leave.

Tumble Tots

On Tuesday mornings while Carter is at preschool, Makenna and I get to hang out at Tumble Tots. It's a cute little tumbling class with lots of cool equipment and fun parent/child activities. Carter did something similar at about this same age, but this class is quite a bit more structured and I like it better. Makenna EATS it up. She never stops moving. In fact, I took 27 pictures today during her class and these are the only two that are actually ok and in focus.



The craziest thing happened today after our class. I started visiting with one of the other moms. She was asking me about Makenna's bows and I offered to help her make some (for the millionth time :) ) As we were visiting I mentioned that we had just moved here from the east. She asked where we had moved from and when I told her CT, she about fell on the floor. Turns out that she and her husband moved here from the Hartford area about a month after we did. To make it even MORE bizarre we realized that we are both LDS. So we lived in the same stake in CT and are now living in bordering wards here in Seattle. She even grew up in CT with some of my close college friends. Such a small world. So we have a new friend and have a playdate/bow making session scheduled for later this week. It's just too weird - what are the chances of the 10 other moms in the class that she and I would have that connection.

Ok, and I just have to say that I had no idea how much I would love having lots of LDS people around. I run into people everywhere we go. I met a cute girl at the park a few weeks ago and then saw her at church a few days later. The parents of one of Carter's little friends from Preschool grew up in the same stake as I did and we have all sorts of fun connections. It's great! AND I love that my ward boundries are about 4 miles square - it makes things super convenient for callings/playgroups, etc. (now that was a random rant that I didn't plan for this post).

A totally frivolous shopping post

I am a cheapskate when it comes to shoes. I have no idea why. I hate spending good money on shoes. Almost all of mine and the kids shoes come from Target. I rarely spend more than $20 on shoes (exceptions include running shoes and nice boots, and Allen always gets expensive shoes because he has like 4 pair.). I know this is a quality Allen appreciates since it is the only area in which I am practical when it comes to clothing my family (just can't resist those cute Gymboree outfits). I also wear my shoes for a long time, usually until they are falling apart. I really need some new casual brown shoes. Can't find anything at Target. So I decided to hit the Nordstrom semi annual sale. Cute stuff, but who needs to pay over $50 bucks for shoes (usually more like $75 and up). So today I headed out to Payless. I can't remember the last time I went in there. I wasn't expecting much but I came home with 3 pair of brown shoes. I was pleasantly surprised at their selection today. And the total for all three was under $50!! Now that's what I like.

I also broke down and bought a pair of those cropped pants that everyone is wearing with boots this winter. Pretty saucy, if I do say so myself. I think I'll save them for Thanksgiving. My last quest is to find something dressy for the holiday season. I haven't needed anything dressy for years so I have nothing. But we already have a couple of dressy occassions on our holiday calendar this year (yay!).

(PS, the middle pair had to go back. Just weren't doing it for me with some of the outfits I envisioned them with. Plus, I guess I don't need THREE pair of casual brown shoes, no matter how cheap they were. A moment of madness there.)

When I'm Big...

Carter has this thing where he hates it when I call him my baby. He insists that he's a big boy. Pretty much every day we talk about when he's a really big boy all the things he will be able to do. First of all, he wants some Healies - my nephew has some and Carter is obsessed. In case you don't know, they are the shoes that have a wheel in the back so the kids can skate around on them. Anytime he sees a boy with them on he begs for them. I always have to tell him, "someday, when you're a little bit bigger." Every time we talk about when he's a little bit bigger he says something to the effect of, "When I'm bigger then I'll get to play with the knives." Because I always tell him that he is too young to use the knives to cut things. Today he added to the list running on the treadmill. I always have to tell him that he's too young to use the treadmill to exercise. Today he said, "Mom, when I'm bigger then I can use the treadmill and play with knives." So funny the "priviledges" he is looking forward to already.

I have been BAD about taking pictures the last couple weeks. I'll have to get on that.

I was that mom today.

Oh yes I was. You know, the one with the screaming kids who are crying because she won't buy them what they're asking for. The one who you look at with a mix of pity and disgust. And you KNOW your children will never, ever act like that. Because, after all, you're a better parent than that. The weather is rotten, Makenna was up for most of the night for no apparent reason and Carter didn't eat breakfast or lunch and was hungry and tired. I shouldn't even try on days like today. I should stay home and hibernate with my grumpy kids. But no, against my better judgement I ran around today. Unbeknowst to me, schools are all out today because of veterans day so every place we went was noisy and crowded. Tonigh Al goes to camp with the Scouts--in the rain. And I get to entertain the yahoos by myself!!

Good things come to those who wait...

Or my ode to Craigslist.

We love Craigslist. My sister and her husband really turned us on to it when we moved here. They've bought all sorts of stuff off of CL, including a car and a boat. So we've become Craigslists fanatics. Before we buy anything we check CL first. So this summer we bought our trampoline for $80 -- it needed new mats but we still saved hundreds of dollars. Then we bought a modem for our computer for $10 - again saving at least 50 bucks. And then this week we scored on a treadmill for--get this--$75!!! Al has wanted a treadmill for a couple years but I never felt like we had enough room in our CT house. Ironically, this house is actually smaller but we're just going to squeeze it in. Anyway, it's a nice treadmill that some girl inherited and just wanted to get rid of. And we were lucky enough to be the first callers. The thing with CL is that you really have to be dilligent in checking it and acting quickly. We have gotten such good deals because we have been patient. So, check it out, you won't be sorry.

(PS- while you are checking things out, check out my sisters new Blog: http://jackson-five.blogspot.com/)

A few random things...

On Saturday night we were hanging out with some friends and Makenna climbed on their couch and fell off, straight onto the corner of their coffee table. Face first. Here is the proof:

The majority of the bruising is on her cheek where she hit but now she also has a black eye to go with her lovely bluish-brownish-yellowish cheek bruise. Poor baby. We were out and about today and pretty much everyone who saw her asked what happened. I told them. But in the back of my mind I couldn't help but wonder if they were all thinking that we were abusing or neglecting her. It's her first real injury. And it further solidified in my mind why we've chosen not to have coffee tables in our house. (She is wearing pjs and dress up clothes, which she charmingly calls "pretty").

Did you get yours today? I hope so. Sadly, for the first time in my adult life, I didn't. We didn't get registered to vote in time. I am super bummed (especially since it is my fault-Al had his registration sitting in the envelope for weeks before I did mine and mailed them off). There were a lot of things that I REALLY wanted to influence. Lesson learned. I take my voting responsibility seriously and I am disappointed in myself.

But I DID get this today. I have a very happy boy this evening.

Both kids said funny things today. This morning while we were getting ready for the day Carter wandered in and asked me if I was a Pteranodon. I didn't even know what I Pteranodon was so I asked him about it. He answered me in a super annoyed voice that it's a "dinosaur that flies, mom." Sheesh. He knows more than I do already. And then this afternoon he asked me if I had a thorax. I swear, preschool has been the best thing EVER for him. He eats this stuff up.
Today while at Costco, I was looking at some pjs for the kids. Makenna kept repeating a phrase and pointing. Finally, I realized she was saying "And Beyond" and pointing to Buzz Lightyear pjs. It was so so cute. She keeps calling him "And Beyond." (Buzz's catchphrase is "To infinity and Beyond"). She also walked around the kitchen today asking for something. It took her getting the bread and jelly out of the fridge to realize she was saying sandwich. She says it like NNNich.

Anyway, just a few random things. Mostly for the benefit of my journaling/scrapbooking!

Cats and Dogs!!

No, we are not getting a pet. I am talking about the weather. Oh my word. It has been raining for 4 solid days. Yesterday, a friend of mine told me her rain guage was at about 5.5 inches for the previous 4 days. Flood warnings are in effect and the weatherman has been calling this the storm of the decade. I guess I'd take the rain over snow any day though. I braved the weather and took the kids to the mall this morning for some time at their play area and lunch at McD's. We're all a bit stir crazy. This afternoon we've built a blanket fort. Such good times.

Not too much going on here, which is perfectly fine with me. We saw the Santa Clause on Saturday and it was super cute. I'd recommend it to anyone. Finished up our Christmas shopping for the kids during our weekly date night. Had friends over for games last night. The usual.

Stay warm and dry, you Pac NWesterners

9 Years

I rarely post on my family blog because Monique does such a great job. I love reading how she describes the fun events of the day. Nothing fills me with more joy than my wife and children.

However, today I take the opportunity to post about my Dad, Gibb Frost. Nine years ago my Dad passed away after suffering a severe stroke 2 days earlier (10/30/97). At the time he died I was serving as a missionary for the LDS Church in Pueblo, CO.

My dad's death was rather hard for me because it took time to sink in. I hadn't seen my family in almost two years (1 was three months shy of completing my missionary service). People change a lot in two years, so I felt out of touch and lonely.

I went home from the mission for three days and attended my Dad's funeral. Being at the funeral was a great blessing for me. It allowed me a brief time to change gears from missionary to son/brother and mourn his death.

My Dad wasn't perfect, but he was/is a great husband and father. He taught us important lessons about life including hard work, honesty, and compassion for others. He taught us important lessons about religion including Jesus Christ's teachings and respect for others beliefs. He devoted his life to his wife and children. He made nearly every performance, game, or activity his children were involved in (as did my Mom).

At any rate to my Dad I say, God Bless You. I love you. You are the greatest. I can't wait to see you again. And, until we meet again, Give 'em Heaven!

Moving on...

Ok, I am SO done with Halloween. I was done with it about a week ago. It was fun but I'm sure glad it's over. So.... let's move on to the REAL fun stuff. Guess what I bought today at Costco? This:



Isn't that so much fun ?!? All the tv shows I grew up so conveniently packaged on DVD! I've been eyeing it at Amazon for quite awhile and found it today for a lot cheaper. The kids already watched "Santa Clause is coming to Town" this afternoon and begged to watch it a second time. I love Christmas. Growing up my mom made us wait until September 1 to begin playing holiday music - and it was hard to wait that long. I guess you could safely say we're Christmas freaks in my family. We usually make it until about October 1 these days but we've been playing the Christmas tunes around here for weeks already. Anyway, I am into Christmas full force. All my online shopping is done and should be here within the week. I purchased a whole bunch of gifts today at Costco. My homemade gifts are done. I have the kids Christmas outfits purchased. And my Christmas cards are designed and started. I fully expect to be done with them by the end of the week. I think I'm especially anxious this year because it is the first year since we've had kids that Al hasn't been in school. We are both thrilled with the prospect of a fun filled holiday season. Now, when can I put my tree up (only kidding... kind of).

The best 72 hours of his life

Our otherwise super fun day came to a disappointing end tonight. We went to the mall to trick or treat, then to dinner and then I took Carter to a few houses in our neighborhood. When we got home, Al whispered to me, "the fish is dead." We sat there trying to decide how to break it to Carter (who was in the bathroom brushing his teeth). Al took the fish into the bathroom and explained that he went to live with Heavenly Father and we needed to flush him down the toilet. I listened from the kitchen. Carter was surprisingly calm until he saw me. He buried his head in my lap and cried and cried that his little fishy had died. Such a sad thing to have to learn as a little kid. I think it was the best 72 hours of his life, having a little pet fish to love and care for. It makes me want to go right out and buy him another one, but I don't think we will. After all, how in the world do you keep a little goldfish alive?!? And I can't imagine doing this every three days. One heartbreak is enough. Poor guy!! Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Pumpkin Carving

Today we finally carved our pumpkin. Carter has been begging for days, ever since his teacher showed him the "gooey stuff" inside the school pumpkin. As you can see, he had no problem getting his hands dirty. M is so squeamish and would not even touch it. Carter chose the face design himself. He's really fascinated by Dracula and his "big, sharp teeth" so he had to carve the pumpkin accordingly.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road!!!

Well... here is the big unveiling of our costumes for the ward Halloween party last night. I'm so happy with how it all turned out. We got stellar reviews. Our pics here aren't great- we had a really busy day yesterday and the kids were already tired when we got there. Hopefully we'll get more on Halloween. The ward party was great. They had a game booth where the kids could win a real life goldfish. After about 4 attempts Carter won his very own fish. I'll have to take a picture of it and post later. Both kids are obsessed with our poor little fishy. Makenna walked around all morning screaming "Fish, Fish, Fish..." and trying to climb up on the counter where he currently resides. We'll see how long he actually makes it!

Pikes Place Market

Yesterday we went with Al's brother Steve and his wife Meg and her parents to Pike Place Market in Seattle. They were in town for a wedding and we had a great time with the short time we had together. The market has so many neat things to see and taste. We had lunch and tried tons of food samples. Makenna ate this entire cinnamon roll by herself.

Carter enjoying his smoothie.
The group along the waterfront

Carter holding a fish in the market. This was right before the guy yelled at us for picking up the fish. Oops. He REALLY wanted to hold a fish and was pretty sad that he didn't get to hold one of the huge ones. I have a ton more pictures but I seem to be having technical difficulties uploading today. We had a blast being with Ste and Meg and stayed up WAY too late hanging out. Hope you guys had a safe trip home!!

Preschool Pumpkin Patch trip

Friday was Carter's preschool trip to the pumpkin patch/organic farm. We all had fun petting the farm animals, going through the corn maze, picking out pumpkins and learning the life cycle of a plant. By far, Carter's favorite part of the day was digging in the dirt for worms. We had a hard time getting him to leave the digging area and leaving the worms in their natural habitat. On the other hand, Makenna was super scared of the worms and cried whenever Al tried to get her to touch one. Too funny. The kids both loved the giant pumpkin and picking out their own pumpkins.

I am the mother of a little boy.

This is how I know:

1. I’m constantly unearthing rocks, twigs, bark and occasionally a stray dead bug from the pockets of pants and jackets.
2. ANYTHING can be turned into a weapon. A stick, a pretzel, a toothbrush…etc.
3. We have started occassionally having that boy smell in C’s bedroom. You know, “that” smell. Ewww. Somehow, they all seem to have it until they get married and then it miraculously and mysteriously disappears. Hmmm.
4. I have to wipe down my bathrooms. Every. Single. Day. Enough said.
5. And this is the newest thing. The thing I don’t like and have no idea how to stop. The sudden obsession with potty and bodily functions talk. I have no idea where he learned it since it certainly didn’t come from home. I suspect one of his little friends at preschool learned it from an older sibling and has taught Carter all about it. Corrupting my innocent boy. Anyway, I try really hard not to overreact since I think he does it to see my reaction. But um, it’s gross.

But yeah, he’s ALL boy all the time. And I wouldn't change a thing. (Except the potty talk, of course).

Pumpkin Patch

Today we finally made it to the pumpkin patch. The kids had a fantastic time picking out their pumpkins, petting the farm animals and getting harvest treats. Al actually took them to a fall festival last weekend (during my Super Saturday) but forgot the camera. And we have another trip to the PP this week with preschool but we just had to take advantage of the perfect weather for our own family trip.

Blessing Day & Autumn Album

I have no idea why my pictures are all funky on here. But here's a layout I did today. A total scraplift from my sister Nicole. I also did this adorable autumn album earlier this week and I love it. I haven't even added the pictures yet but I'm going to display it with my other fall decorations. The album is actually 10 pages but here's just a couple.

Closed!!!!

Just wanted to let you all know that we finally closed on our CT house today. It has been a long 6 months and we are happy to have it over with. Many thanks to family and friends who have supported us and prayed for us. We know there were many who prayed for us and we felt strengthened by your prayers. Thank you!!! We hope someday that the lessons will be crystal clear but for now we are relieved to have the burden lifted.