Adventures in the Tundra

The boys and I were given a great Christmas gift. We were able to go to Ohio for 5 days and spend time with my parents and brothers. It was so much fun, however it was FREEZING COLD. We tried to play in the "snow" which was mostly frozen ice but Austin had a blast (well Mason too) and that was what matters. We were able to see Jennie again and we played my new favortie game.. Apples to Apples. It is sooo much fun. We visited most of the extended family so we spent time with Aunt Faye, Uncle Bob "the builder", Aunt Kathy, and Gary. We also were able to stop in at the Goddard School to visit old friends. And we just relaxed at Mima and Poppop's house. All in all the trip was real fun! (Experiencing some technical difficulties with the camera so will post pictures later)

EXHAUSTED

Saturday Mom was out of the house all day so Dad was in charge which meant the boys had no nap. This is usually ok because that means they will go to bed early, however, this was the night of the branch party so that wasn't such a good thing. Anyways we were running late and it was 30 minutes before we had to leave and this is the scene that Dustin and I walked into...

Branch Christmas Party

We had lots of fun at the Branch Christmas party. They had lots of fun activities that the boys enjoyed doing such as cookie decorations, and christmas tree decorating (paper tree). The food was so yummy.. the ham was baked with pineapple so it was very juicy. Although everything was nice I would have to say that the highlight to the night was SANTA CLAUS. Austin was especially excited to see Santa. He told him he wanted "lots of stuff". So I guess we can interpret that to mean that he would be content with anything. Mason was more excited to get the gift that Santa was passing out so he didn't even sit on Santa's lap by himself. Oh well here are a few pictures of the night.

Baby "Bath" Bliss

My friend Kimberly was suppose to have her shower on the 15 of November because she wasn't due until Dec 6, but baby Carter had his own time schedule and came early, so we had to postpone the shower. It turned out to be lots of fun and there was way cute and yummy foods. My friend Desi made this way adorable punch.. it was a turquoise punch with cool whip on top and rubber duckies floating in it.. it reminded me of a bubble bath. Then my WAY talented friend Tera made the cake. It wasn't just any cake.. I didn't want to cut it because it was so amazing. It was a 3D rubber ducky cake. The pictures don't do it justice. Anyways I wanted to honor Kim with this post and say congratulations on your adorable and sweet addition... AND I wanted to spotlight my cleverly, talented friends Desi and Tera.

Christmas Angels

This morning for part of my personal spiritual study I read a couple messages in the December Ensign (for those of you unfamiliar with what the Ensign is, it is a magazine that our church publishes). As I read these stories I noticed that the recurring theme was one of giving selflessly (Christmas Miracles). It really touched me to read of those who sacrificed all they had to help others in need. Tonight as I was searching for Christmas music to add to my blog I stumbled across a Martina Mcbride song titled "Concrete Angel". I have added it to my playlist and request that everyone click on it and listen carefully to the words. It is actually a sad song.. that speaks of a girl who overcomes her own trials. The sadest part of the song is not only the difficult abuse that she deals with but that those around her ignored the quiet pleas for help such as her tears and bruises. It is my hope that during these holidays we can all put aside ourselves and listen more carefully to the cries for help around us whether it be a prompting to visit a neighbor or call a friend. Maybe help an elderly person to their car on an icy day. Whatever our Christmas Miracle may be let us listen to our hearts, act upon them and be the instrument in the Lord's hand,

BLACK FRIDAY

My friend Tera had never been shopping the after Thanksgiving.. and everyone has to do it at least once in their life.. So I drug her out of bed and Tera, Kelly and I went shopping. We left at 6:45 in the morning. We went to Kohl's, Walmart, and Old Navy. It actually wasn't too bad.. I think the traffic and parking was the worst part. And we did find lots of good deals, especially at my favorite store.. KOHL'S. We all had fun.. here are some pictures to document Tera's first Black Friday EXTRAVAGANZA.

TURKEY DAY (s)

Before I post about Thanksgiving Day I will continue on our week and talk about Wednesday. It was a fun day. We took the most beautiful drive down the Foothills parkway. We drove on top of a mountain and eventually made it to Chilhowee Damn.. the whole drive was beautiful. Dustin compared it to something you would see in Colorado! Wednesday evening we went to dinner at our friends to celebrate Thanksgiving and their Daughter's first birthday. We had so much fun! Thank you for a delicious dinner Stocking family.. the cajun turkey was so YUMMY!!
Thursday we spent the day at Mammaw's and Pappaw's. We had so much fun we went for a wagon ride, ate lots of food, and relaxed. Here are some photos of our TURKEY DAY.

More Leaf Fun...

Twilight the Movie

Thanksgiving week was a busy, busy week for our family but it was full of firsts, and adventures. I know Monday we had fun but I am going to skip over to the big day. Tuesday Dustin didn't have to work so I was able to go to girls day out with my friend Tera. We had a blast! First we went out to eat and since she had never been to Panera I introduced her to a new love, and she loved it (of course part of her meal was the ever so tasty cheddar and broccoli soup). After filling ourselves with bliss we went to see TWILIGHT. And it was a good thing we went together because we probably would have annoyed lots of people otherwise with our laughter (there were only a handful of people besides us at the theatre.. we lucked out).. my favorite part was probably the previews. Just Kidding. There were some really good parts but there has to be opposition in all things so there were some really awful parts. The movie started out with bad acting by the end I wasn't laughing as much and was actually enjoying it. I think as the movie went on the acting got better. I don't know I just felt that they could have done a little bit better at keeping closer to the book.. I understand that they couldn't be exact but there were little things that could have stayed the same and made all the difference in the world. Oh well that is just my one opinion and hopefully the next movie will be much better.

Thanksgiving Fun!

Our little playgroup decided that we would start a tradition and have a party for all the holidays, so this is our "thanksgiving feast". The food was all very festive.. I thought these turkeys were extra cute especially since I know they took time and patience! We colored fun turkey pictures, decorated turkey cookies, ate, and played in the leaves. Austin loved the leaves (all the kids did)! Austin misses the snow so much and really wants to play in it. Since we haven't had snow yet and probably won't see much he decided to find a substitute and made leaf angels instead. We had so much fun as we jumped in the leaves, threw the leaves, and buried our friends in the leaves! (I was the supervising adult outside so I got to relive my childhood and I joined in the fun!) Even though it was one of the coldest days yet it didn't seem to phase the kids.. they still loved the leaves!

First time writing NAME

Mason felt left out so we let him scribble his name too!

Close shot of his name.
Dustin taught Austin how to write his own name! (at the beg. of November)

KRAZY fun, weird tag

My friend did this tag and although it is pretty strange it was fun to see what my answers ended up being so I reccommed you try it out it provides a good laugh!
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) snowball ford
2. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR'S NAME: ("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) The Dancing Clouds
3. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Cookies in Cream Pumpkin chocolate chip
4. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) T-Ray
5. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME:(fave color, fave pet) Purple Cramer
6. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Rose Cleveland
7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Rayto
8. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Yellow (pink) lemonade
9. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers or grandmothers) James Martin (I was suppose to use grandmas cuz I am a girl but my grandpas names just worked!) Grandmas would be Emma Ethel
10. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Too sexy reeses peices
11. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Marie Lewis
12. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Micheal Minneapolis
13. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Autumn Rose
14. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) : Mango Jammies
15. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Cracker Cherry Blossom

1- 800- SAFE-AUTO

Austin was sitting on the ground playing with his cars when Dustin grabbed my attention so I paid closer attention to what Austin was saying.. He was sitting on the floor singing the Safe Auto Jingle as he played with his cars. As cute as this was it made me realized that he must watch way too much TV.

Twilight Series

My life is back to normal.. well I don't think it will ever be normal again after reading those books. My reccommendation is for everyone to read those books. I LOVED THEM! Like I admitted before I never thought I would love them but I did.. I was never going to read them even with everyone telling me too until my sister told me I would like them. SO I read them and now here I am a crazed Twilight Saga FAN. I even read Edward's perspective. The movie comes out in 2 WEEKS.. I am so excited!!!! However I think I will be disappointed.

Jack O Latern Fun

More Halloween Fun

Before Trick or Treating some friends came over for dinner. We ate the traditional sloppy joe cooked in the pumpkin, salad, yummy pumpkin desserts, and this adorable Jack O latern pizza from Papa Murphys. Thanks everyone for the food and fun.


This is a picture of trick or treating in our Branch President's neighborhood. Sorry it is so dark!



This is a picutre of the boys favorite game at the branch fall party. They got to attack Bro. Moss with balloons until he begged for Mercy.. it was great fun to them.


This is a picture at the zoo when it was 42 degrees one of the coldest days we have had. It was so cold my camera acted up the whole time so I don't have many pics.


Here is another picture of our day at the zoo with our friends Kimberly, Willem, Erin, and Abby.

Hopelessly Addicted

I have to admit I thought everyone was a little strange when it came to the raves about the Twilight series and then I was talked into reading them.. and now I AM TOTALLY ADDICTED. I LOVE THEM.. so I am sorry for the lack of blogging but my life is consumed with a new love right now.. just ask my neglected family. Never in a million years did I think I would enjoy them.. but I LOVE THEM!!!!!!! If there is a way that anyway has Eclipse and I can come get it by like Tonight or Tomorrow I would forever be in your debt. My friend sent it ebook but I can't open it and my mouth is watering for it.. I have never been so desparate. Oh well.. farewell for now.

Happy Halloween!

Here are the boys wishing you a Happy Halloween (these pics are from the church party but we will post more pics of all our Halloween adventures after tonight!)Just a side note Mason tied with his friend Willem (who went as Bob the Builder for cuteset in the costume contest!)

Some Funnies

(1)The other night we had painted Austin's face because he could not wear his mask to church. He fell asleep on the way home so we did not wash his face. he woke up in the middle of the night because he peed the bed. While I was washing him off Dustin said wash his face too. So I took a clean wipe and started to wash his face.. his bewildered, super annoyed reaction was "Hey I didn't pee on my head!"

(2)We drive two cars to church because of Dustin's calling. We always try to park next to Dustin to make things easier. Well today Austin says "Mom I want to ride in the red car" My response was no not today. His response " But I want to ride in there because I really hate carseats and that car has no carseats"

(3)We were driving home from church today and the car behind me was driving very crazy and it was scary. My thought aloud was I do not like this guy benind me he is frustrating me because he is driving like a maniac. Austin's response "Is it my Father"

Sinking Feeling

Today I decided to do a load of laundry since Dustin was home.. so I went and put a load in the washer.. but he had to go run errands so he left. A hour later I realize that I had to go switch my load to the dryer or the laundry nazis would take care of it, so I decided that since the boys were both sleeping I would sneak out real quickly and throw it in the dryer (the laundry room is right next door to our building) Well.. this idea backfired! I came back to the apt to get back in and the door was LOCKED... panic took over me.. who locked the door? The boys were both sleeping.. I surely didn't.. how was I going to get back in.. I banged and banged on the door very loudly hoping Austin would hear and wake up.. he didn't, however Mason did and I could hear him banging on his bedroom door back at me. He dosen't know how to open doors yet and just didn't figure it out. Austin was sleeping in my room so Mason couldn't wake him up. I was out of luck.. the office was all the way down the hill and I just didn't feel comfortable leaving the boys for that long while I walked there and back, so I quickly ran to my friend Morgan's apt and she drove me down the hill. I got the master key and all was well. What a HORRIBLE, AWFUL feeling that was to be locked out from my boys. The lesson I learned from this experience is two fold.. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want my washer and dryer..we don't have hookups:( And I won't EVER do laundry when Dustin is not at home or without the boys (which is very limiting but oh well!)

Carolina Fun

This weekend we made a trip to North and South Carolina. Jennie, my future sister-in-law and I have been wanting to get together since we live so close (well not too far) from each other. So we finally found a weekend that would work with her intense school schedule.. she is studying to be a Physician's Assistant. So we made plans to meet up with Jennie in Morganton, North Carolina at Foothills cornmaze. It was so much fun and true to southern fashion it was designed as Noah's Ark with a cross, rainbow, sunshine (the works), it even had Faith spelled out in it. It was fun! Dustin especially loved splitting up so he could cut through the corn and scare us. While we were there we decided to take the hayride that stopped at the pumpkin patch but we only let the boys pick out a small pumpkin because the regular size ones were 6-8 dollars... which is, no offense to the farmers, a RIP OFF. We are going to get our carving pumpkins here in TN. Anyways.. we had tons of fun getting to know "Aunt" Jennie a little better and hope to do something fun with her again soon.
Towards the end of the week Dustin got an email from one of his fave mission companions and Best buddies saying he was going to be visiting his mom in Colombia, South Carolina so he was hoping that we could meet up somewhere. Well since we were already in the neighborhood we decided to drive down and see him, so after saying farewell to Jennie we made the 2-2 1/2 hour drive down to Colombia. We had fun meeting Derek's wife Jackie and reminiscing about the mission. We wished we could have spent more time with the Scheer's but we had to return home. Although our trip was short and sweet..WE HAD A BLAST! The drive there and back were BEAUTIFUL.. and the trip was so fun!

Bubble Fun

WEEKEND WONDERS

Our weekend started with a little HALLOWEEN party at our house with some friends. We decided to decorate canvas trick or treat bags with my cool HALLOWEEN sponges (they turned out much cuter, the picture shows an unfinished product). My TOTALLY AWESOME friend Tera made the TOTALLY AWESOME, FESTIVE food. She made the pasta salad with deviled eggs on top so they looked like eyeballs. She made the best eyeball juice.. it was creepy but delicious to drink. The sandwiches were cut out into halloween shapes. She decorated those adorable monster cupcakes that were too cute to eat (well almost). Plus she supplied all the festive halloween paper supplies. It was tons of fun! Saturday we woke up bright and early and went to the mountains. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL.. the leaves are starting to change so it was so nice to hike in all the color. We hiked half of Abram's falls but little Mason took a spill and it was getting to treacherous for the boys so we turned around. But while on the trail we saw the AP's (missionaries) and the mission President and his wife. After the mountains we came home to watch a hopeful but disappointing TN game. The boys had fun shaking their pom poms. Then the boys and I finished the night with the Shriner circus... they LOVED IT.. I have never seen Mason sit so still, so quietly. Sorry the pics didn't turn out so well so I only posted one very dark one. The boys loved the circus even though we had to leave early so we could prepare for Sunday. Sunday we went to church then Mammaw's and Pappaw's house. We had a busy but fun weekend!

Our Weekly Adventure

Every week we go to story time at the UT gardens.. I always tell my sister about how much she would love this place.. and that she would have probably worked here or studied here if she had gone to school at UT.. SO this past week I took pictures of parts of the gardens so she could see what I was talking about. And I threw in some random pics that I thought were too cute to pass up.

Bob the Builder

Mason's latest obsession is Bob the Builder. Everytime anyone is at the computer or watching television he begs for Bob because he knows he can watch it on either one. He loves his Bob books and brother's bob clothes. Whenever we go into Walmart he becomes very excited because of the Bob ride right inside the door. And they adore my uncle Bob because they think he is BOB the builder.. they even call him that. Austin's Bob the builder doll is now his and nobody can touch it but him. He insists on wearing his bob boots with anything (although mom objects when going into public if they don't go with the outfit) And He loves to wear his bob slippers around the house too (thank you Telisa for the slippers, they have to be more comfy than the boots)Anyways needless to say when I was over my friends house the other day who has a little boy, the first thing he did was come walking out with this hat on saying mama BOB, while pointing to his head.

LONG weekend

This is how the boys put themselves to sleep yesterday for nap.. I had laid Mason in bed but I guess he still wanted to play for a little longer and past out while playing. Then a little later..I came out of the bathroom to find Austin out cold like this.. must be comfortable.