Christmas Celebration

We had such a busy Christmas but it was a lot of fun. For Christmas Eve we had family over at our house for dinner, decorating cookies, decorating the "Christmas Train", hot chocolate and a Nativity program put on by Adrienne. I think the kids had a blast!!! We sure enjoyed watching them have fun and we all loved the Nativity. Paige was "Mary", Fletcher was "Joseph", Kate and Owen were the "Wise Men" and Skylar was the "Angel" - a sassy Angel at that too. Savanah narrated for us all. Here are some pictures from the night.
Here is the gang after they finished decorating the Christmas Train!!! All aboard!!!
Owen couldn't get enough of the cookies - They were pretty scary - I think the Angels looked more like Bats and the stars looked more like sea creatures!
Our Nativity program.
The kids got to open one gift on Christmas Eve. Take a guess? PJ's.
Brock in his new pajamas. Lookin good little one!
Just before bed we left out the best of the best cookies for Santa. Then the kids were off to bed.

Christmas Day we opened gifts as a family and then went to Jim and Adrienne's home for Christmas Day dinner. There was so much good food there. And we were able to enjoy the company of the Zimmermans, Lowrys, and the Brians. Too bad I forgot to take pictures then.

Print and Color

For all you who would like to PRINT and COLOR our family photo... here ya go!

I'm an idiot!

I can not believe that I dared to take on the line for Santa just days before Christmas all by myself. I went without a diaper bag, no snacks and no toys. One hour later this is all I got. I seriously thought that I would be in and out. Poor Brock was over it by the time we got to the front of the line. I seriously think if we would have gotten right in he wouldn't have been scared of Santa. Well, live and learn right? Next year I'm going the first week of December!

Owen Wants for Christmas!

Over the last few weeks I have been asking Owen what he wants for Christmas and every time he says "presents" - today when I asked him I got an answer.

"Marbles, Balls, A Birthday Party, Cake and Treats."

Paige is such a big help...

... sometimes I just don't give her enough credit!

Christmas Party

Last night we had our Second Annual (we skipped last year) Christmas Party - this time it was at the Austin home. It was so much fun! There was a white elephant gift exchange and lots of laughs. Here are some photos of the occassion.

Breakfast with Santa!

Here is Owen soaking in all the love from Santa!
Look at these angels singing. So very sweet.
This past Saturday our ward had a Breakfast with Santa Christmas party. It was a lot of fun to get together in the morning for lots of food and fun. All the kids came in their jammies. The primary performed their annual nativity and the nursery even sang a song - well, they all stood there and tried to sing. It was very cute. Then Santa came and all the kiddies got in line to tell Santa what they wanted. The biggest suprise was that Paige herself got up there. Paige has not sat with Santa since she was Brock's age. She haw been TERRIFIED and finally she did it! I was so happyy for her.
(Special thanks to Troy Bourne for the photos)

Have you ever seen a baby Porcupine before?

I think they are adorable and want to keep one - but could you even imagine?

It's Begining to Look a lot like X-mas

Isn't it? Well what da' know it's that time of year. I absolutly love it. We usually make a night of buying our tree but this year we got it through the local high school's baseball team (for a fund raiser). I would love to say that decorating was all singing and smiles, but that just wasn't reality in our house this year. The kids were running around chasing each other and fighting over who held the lights. In the end, the lights were hung and we all enjoyed the sweet holiday spirit. Ahhhh... Christmas time. John strung the lights on the tree. What a great help he is.
Owen gets all tangled up in the lights - he loves to point out all the colors.
Look at that face.... there is just something so special about a FIRST Christmas.
Guess who? Well if you look close enough -- it is Owen laying underneith the Christmas tree as we hung the lights. I peered down and what do I see? Owen!
Here the kids are enjoying the lights.

Thanksgiving in Utah

We started off our week flying to Utah just me and the kiddies. The kids and I stayed at my sister Emily's for a few days. There we had a blast going to Jump On It, we saw the Bee movie, shopped and played with the cousins. Thanks Em for a good time.

Here is a photo of Jump On It - it's this crazy place where everyone goes crazy jumping from tramp to tramp. They even have bounce houses and slides for the little ones.
I think Paige was a little sad in this photo due to crack the egg - I think she got cracked a little too hard. And little Brock is still in his PJ's because he kept getting woken up to go places... I guess that is the life of the third child right?
We did the activities we typically do in Utah, one of which includes dinner and shopping at the mall. Here is Owen and I just minutes before he fell asleep on the bench at CPK... we hadn't even gotten our food yet - I guess we really wore him out that day.
This year was super special due to the Zimmerman reunion. John's cousins all got together at a local stake center for pizza, basketball, jump rope, fruit loop necklaces and a lot of catching up. Here are some 1st and 2nd cousins having some fun.
Here is Brock and his 2nd Cousin Zeek Zimmerman - Brock is just a week or two older. Is it just me or is Brock's head twice the size???
Well I have to say it was a successful trip up for the holidays. John says it was our best trip yet - I think it's just because our kids are getting older and we can actually go out and do things rather then stay in all day for feedings and naps. I'd also like to give a shout out and a big thanks to the Smith family for Thanksgiving dinner. We didn't get any pictures that day, but it was sure fun combining for a the festivities.

What the @#$%???

As far as BRAD WOMACK goes you can .... @#$%!!!!! I'm pissed!

My theory: classic commitment issues. Poor mommy and daddy broke up and now baby Brad can't get the pacifier out long enough to commit to a women. Good luck baby Brad.

Recipe

Lately we have been on a big kick of making home made play dough. The kids love it and it is great when the weather is bad and you are stuck inside. Here is a GREAT play dough recipe I've been using for the kids lately.

2 Cups Flour
1 Cup Salt
2 Cups water
2 TBL. Oil
4 Tsp. Cream of Tarter
Food Coloring (I like to use Candy Coloring because it turns out brighter and looks like the color of real Play-Doh)

Mix flour, salt and cream of tarter together. Add water, oil and food coloring. Cook the mixture over low to medium heat for 3 - 5 minutes. Keep stiring until the mixture forms a solid ball. Coll and store in an air tight container. Enjoy!

Tagged

Ok, SARA "TAGGED" me the other day and I've just been too lazy to think of Seven things... so don't hold your breath.

RULES:
1. List the link to your tagger (like I did with Sara) and also post these following rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog - some random, some weird, etc.
3. Tag 7 people at the the end of your blog also leaving the links to their blogs
4. Let them know they are "TAGGED" by leaving a comment on their blog

THE FACTS...strange or not ~

1. I have a criminal record. I know - crazy hugh? Don't worry it isn't glamorous! When I was a teenager some friend and I snuck into our high school pools and got caught - we were therefore arrested for... drum roll... Trespassing and Curfew! I know it's pathetic, but I did have to do 20 hours of community service at a local park which later got me one of my favorite jobs in college at a local park/daycare. Who knew?

2. I'm addicted to chocolate. Yes, I'm sure you all think that you are... but you aren't. If chocolate is in the room I HAVE to have it. I can not refuse it, of any kind. I use to love Milk Chocolate, but as my taste for chocolate has matured I have grown to love Dark Chocolate (The Real Chocolate Lovers Choice) even more. I love all types of chocolate and anything made with chocolate - I think if Cocaine was covered in chocolate I would take it... I'm kidding!

3. I love to argue. Ok, that sounds horrible and it kind of is, but that's not exactly what I mean. Ever since my Debate days in high school I love to take a side and stick with it till the bitter end. Sometimes I will find myself, embarrassing enough, arguing things I have NO IDEA about. I have learned to admit this problem and I am seeking help to control this horrible habit I have. The problem now is that people that know this about me now don't believe a word I say. I have been known to make things up in the past and I no longer do that... I think?

4. I don't like sports. Never have... can't imagine that I ever will. I think the biggest problem here is lack of knowledge. I know nothing about the rules and how to play - therefore how can I truly enjoy the game? right? I think this stems from being raised in a house with mainly girls. To give you an example I was once talking to Adrienne about Football. I said, "I don't get it...everyone is tackling everyone out there - why don't they each take about 8 players off the team and then play, it would be less crowded out there." I think she literally laughed in my face.

5. I'm the worst speller in the world. I think it is genetic, because my Dad says he is bad too. I hate to say it but some times I don't even try - I just ask John if he is in the room. You may think they are type-o's and they might be, but half the time I'm just that dumb!

6. I have always wanted to be a SPY! Or anything like that - a detective, private investigator... whatever. I think I dream up things just to use my detective intuition. I think the Sorensen girls were born with it. I can't wait to bust out (yes I said bust out) my skills when my teenagers try and get away with things!

7. I love the arts. I love museums, plays, musicals or anything like that - what is the last thing I've done... oh I think it was Go Diego Go! The problem is I am never able to see anything. I can't tell you the last Museum exhibit I've been to - it's been years since I've seen a play or musical. I long for it, but yet since I've been married - it just hasn't happened. I still reminisce about my single days that I spent doing those things. Some day John.... someday.

You have been tagged.

Heather - that's right you got to start a post sometime.
Adrienne - com' on
Emily S. - Bring it
Lori - Let's hear it
Christy - I know, you just made a post
Amber - You know you love it
Stacy - I can't wait to hear what you have to say

Girls Get-Away!

This past weekend I went on a relaxing girls get-away with my sisters and mother to Eden, Utah. (Stacy... you were missed - you've got to come next time) There we worked on crafts, read books and magazines, karaoked till the wee hours or the night, jacuzzied and played games. It was a lot of fun, but for me... very tiring. Brock was a disaster! He was up all night!!!! Don't worry - it was still a ton of fun. Here we all are outside of Eats of Eden (yes that was the name of the restaurant)
Here are the two babies that made it out to the trip - Brock was the only boy allowed.

Halloween

So here they are... all dressed up and ready to go. As you can probably tell Owen is a pirate. When asked what he is he says "A Pirate, Arrrr Matey!" It is pretty cute. Paige is a mermaid or Ariel. I went looking for a wig last minute and they were all sold out. They had every other princess wig but Ariel - maybe it's a more popular wig due to the red hair - she was ok with not having one though. Brock, despite what you think, is a Devil. They kids kept saying he was a bat because of his wings, but he was a devil (he's red and has those pointy whatchamacallits on his head.
Here is Brock and Sophie. What cute babies they are. Sophie is using Paige's old costume - we have been lucky enough to lend that costume out every year since Paige used it... I'd say that is money well spent.
Here are the trick-or-treader's. What a bunch! The adults took turns taking the kids around, but Jake was the only one cool enough to dress up. While we weren't out begging for candy we were at home eating warm potato soup, spinach artichoke dip, fresh home-made bread and orange-chocolate cake. It was a great night!Poor Owen was standing at a door waiting for it to open when he looked next to him to see a kid in one of those terrifying scary masks. He stayed home after that and said, "scared... orange face." Poor little guy. I'm sure it won't be long till he wants one of those scary masks for himself.

Pulling Paige's Tooth

As you can see from this picture, Paige had a tooth that HAD to come out. Lucky for her Wendy was determined to pull that tooth. She offered Paige some "real mommy make-up" to pull the tooth. Here is the short video of Wendy pulling Paige's tooth out.

And of course, here is the smiling face with her new make-up.

Halloween Preschool Party

Today was Owen's Preschool Halloween party. He got all dressed up in his Halloween costume and went to school so excited for the day.
It wasn't till I showed up for the party that he decided to be a sad little boy (hey, is there a pattern here from last night???). Anyway instead of singing the Halloween songs they practiced he insisted on hiding underneith the dinning room table. Nice! It wasn't until the cookie decorating and trick-or-treating with his class that Owen decided to surface. Oh well, what do you do? One of these days Owen... one of these days! I know this kid is out to drive me insane.

Pumpkin Patch

Well last night was our annual family trip to the Pumpkin Patch. You'd swear it was Mormon night last night with all the LDS families there. We saw a lot of friends and families there also. We met up with the Lowry family and Paige and Tess went on a ride together. Owen wasn't interested... he wanted to go on the train ride.
After John stood in line for the train ride, they got the the front and Owen threw a fit and decided he didn't want to do it - that set Owen's mood for the remainder of the night. At this point we would have wanted to go, but after prepaying tickets - we were going to stay. After all everyone else was having a good time.
As you can tell Brock is all smiles as usual. I'm sure he would have enjoyed a ride or two but he was perfectly happy perched on his mothers hip.
We ran into the Brian family and Paige did a couple rides with them as well. Owen still was uninterested in any of the rides, so he stood it out.
All in all it was fun, we didn't even attempt a family picture due to Owen's nasty mood and my lack of getting ready that day. It was just one of those days where there was too many other things to do. So we'll just have to take a family picture another time... soon.

Sunday Night!

Tonight we went over the John's brother Mike's house for a little birthday dinner and pumpkin carving. Skylar's birthday was today and we celebrated with some yummy sour cream enchiladas, yummy cake and pumpkin carving. Here are a few photos from the evening.

Here is John and Paige carving a pumpkin.Owen just loves going to his cousins house and playing with all of Fletchers toys - today it was CARS!
Of course, Brock on his mommy's lap.Happy Birthday Skylar!!!

Lars and The Real Girl

I went to see this movie late last night with some girl friends and I must say that I can't get it out of my head. I absolutly loved it. It is a very different type of comedy that can even be a little sad at times - but I was laughing out loud at so many parts. This isn't the type of movie you want to see when you are tired - it runs at a slow pace but it was still captivating to me. I must recommend it to anyone who is a Ryan Gosling (The Notebook) fan. I thought he was still adorable in a dorky type of way.

What is Happening???

Here is a satallite photo of the state I call home going up in flames (the red marks were digitally put there but the smoke is for real). What is the deal with this? We can't go outside because the air quality is so poor. There is ash everywhere, the other day we left our kitchen window open all night on accident and woke up to our kitchen covered in ash. We keep our windows closed all day and it is close to 100 degrees outside. School has been canceled tomorrow, not because of snow or rain, but SMOKE. I tell you we need rain! I'm two seconds from going outside and doing some sort of Indian rain dance around the palm tree in my back yard - so help me bring on the winter weather.

Ahhh... What a Weekend!

Gosh it has been so long since I have made a post or even looked at blogs. I feel so out of it. Anyway, this past weekend was a blur - lots to do and all tuckered out. Saturday morning was the Mud Run. There was so many people that I knew running it this year (including ALL of my sisters) it made the experience a lot of fun. Here are a few snap shots of the run.

Here is the group I ran with along with another group that our group ran with... are you following? My sister Elena was able to sub in for someone on our team, my other 3 sisters ran solo.

I KNOW, I know my shorts are so freakin short. Believe it or not when I ran the mud run 2 years ago I was 10 pounds lighter and it didn't bother me so much. Let's just say I learned my lesson this year. I'll be using different shorts next time. We were jumping into the mud in this picture, but the bottom was cut off so it you can't tell.... just an fyi.
There is always time for a photo op. Here was the half way point at the Castle on top of the tallest hill... ok, well it felt like the tallest hill when you are climbing it!
(Me, Tracy, Paul, Emily, Elena & Wendy)
I was also so fortunate to have all my siblings together for the first time in a long time. This usually only happens at weddings, there was no wedding, just a special occasion for my grandma. It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone. My brother stayed here with me and we had a great time together. I can't wait for him to bring his family out here for another California trip. I promise I'll do the beach, Disneyland, Sea World and all the other So Cal tourist stops. I just don't get to see my one and only brother that often.