Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree....

Our Tradition every year is to put up our Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. It seems that Christmas comes and goes so quickly each year(and more quickly with each passing year), so I like to get everything out and enjoy it for as long as possible. The older the kids get, the more fun it is, too. Rory LOVES turning off all the lights except the Christmas lights, and laying on the couch and looking at the tree. Last night he did that and kept saying how beautiful it was. It was so sweet, and brought back memories of me doing the same thing when I was young. It rained all day yesterday(the first measurable rain for almost 6 months), so we built a fire in the fireplace, watched movies, and just enjoyed the warmness of our home. It was wonderful. Here's some photos:

Rory decorating the tree, he did so well!

Sorry for the bright lamp...but here's our stockings. Micah's Mom makes one for each new family member, so each kid got one for their first Christmas, and I got one my first Christmas as a Kim. Micah's Grandma made his(furthest on the right).

Our beautiful tree...we still have to keep it barricaded behind the couch and chair so that little hands can't pull things off as easily.

Our Advent calendar. I put activities for each day on strips of paper, so Rory and Sydney can pull one out each morning to count down to Christmas. We did things like watch a Christmas movie with cocoa and popcorn, read Christmas books, go look at lights, make and deliver cookies to frinds/neighbors, have a picnic, make ornaments, go to the Poway tree lighting, bring food to a food pantry...etc. etc....I'm really excited about it.

Merry Christmas!!!

Thanksgiving and my favorite time of year.

So we spent Thanksgiving Day at my parent shouse this year(we went to Micah's family the previous Sunday...so we got two Thanksgiving dinners in less than a week..yumm!) Anyways, here's some photos commemorating this year's festivities. I did not get as many photos as I would have liked..I seem to not have the time lately to pull out my camera. I need to make sure to do that no matter what.

Here's a cute pic of Syd, just had to add it. How'd I get such beautiful babies?I can already tell that her and Rory both will be little heartbreakers.

Uncle Kevin, Aunt Kasey, Grandpa Drury and Sydney watching Rory at his ice skating lessons the night before Thanksgiving.

Granpa carving one of two turkey's, plus we had a ham, plus enough food to feed an army...it was all delicious. We are so blessed...

Rory playing Wii..He beat everyone at swordfighting(on the Resort game). I mean EVERYONE. He's really good. (I don't remember that kid's name next to him, someone my parents invited).

The Missionaries from my parents ward waiting to eat.

Micah spent a good portion of the day in one of the bedrooms watching football...

Okay, Sydney came out from Mema's bathroom with two brushes. We went to investigate where she got them from, and here's what we found, plus her immediate reaction. We couldn't help but laugh.

Rory having fun running around. The both fell slaeep in the car on the way home, and went right to bed. We always make sure to have them ready for bed if we're going to be out past their bedtimes...jammies on, teeth brushed. That way we can transport them directly from car to bed.

All in all, a fantastic Thanksgiving. We have so much to be greatful for this year. Here's what I'm most thankful for this year:

1. A husband that works hard so I can stay home with my kids.

2. My husband having work.(Thank you Paul!)

3.Beautiful, healthy, smart, fun, and energetic kids to keep me on my toes.

4. A loving family.

5. Having all of our immediate and some of our extended family within 25 miles.

6. A home to protect us, and so many luxuries( dishwasher, washer and dryer, soft and warm beds)

6.Living in the United States of America.

7. Servicemen and women that protect the freedoms that I enjoy and often take for granted. They are extremely selfless and I can only hope to be a little like them.

8. Wonderful friends and neighbors that I can count on for anything.

9.An abundance of healthy foods to eat.

10. A nice car that works and serves us well.

11. Living in San Diego(particularly Poway). I love it here.

12. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

13. The Book of Mormon.

14. The Gift of the Holy Ghost, to help me in my daily life.

15. Having a Temple so close...that alone is amazing.

16.Thomas S. Monson, a Prophet of Jesus Christ.

17.My Savior, Jesus Christ.

18. My Heavenly Father.

19. Being able to learn and experience new things everyday.

20. Knowing I can be with my family for eternity.

That got long, but those are some of  the things I am most greatful for. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I'm a winner!! (Not a weiner)

My husband and I have an uncanny way of winning things. Especially on the radio. We had a few months a while back where we would each win something at least once or twice per month, and it has supplemented our income when we do(we just sell whatever our winnings are, usually tickets to concerts, events, theme parks, etc....)
Anyways, I won tickets today on Sophie 103.7 for a New Years VIP yacht party that they are throwing. So either I'll sell them, or Micah and I will go and have fun. We'll see!! It's such a rush to win stuff. Just had to brag a little!! it is always worth it to call in when they say to, because you just never know.  Hope everyone is having a great day!

Sydney Bean

Sydney is a princess...here's some Sydney photos from the past week:

In case your wondering, it's tomato soup.

At Sea World at the polar bear exhibit:

Eating her favorite treat, popsicles.

Finished product.

I finished painting the headboard and distressing it, and Micah brought it in today. I still have a long way to go in my bedroom, I still am going to get a swing arm wall lamp for each side of the bed, I am painting a tall bookcase that will go on the right side of the bed, new artwork or something for over our bed, plus new bedding and hopefully a new rug. I am buying things when I have the extra money, so it's a very slow process. Maybe by next Christmas it'll be done...(okay, hopefully it won't take THAT long!!!) Anyways, let me know what you think, it didn't distress as easily or exactly as I would have liked, because of all the details in the paneling made it a pain in the rear, but it's still fine.

Ruben H. Fleet

Today was a science day. We headed out to Balboa Park, one of our favorite places to go. It brings me back to the days of elementary school field trips to the different museums...anyways, if Rory hadn't of thrown a massive tantrum on the way out, it would have been the perfect morning. As I dragged him the the car kicking and screaming, threatening to take all the stars off his behavior chart(which I did do), I asked myself if he even realizes how lucky of a boy he is to have a Mom that takes him to so many different places. Well, another day will hopefully come where he shows some appreciation. Maybe when I'm on my deathbed? We'll see. Here's some photos(and for the record, Sydney was an angel the whole time..we even went into the Imax theatre to see a movie about the Amazon, and she sat as still as could be in my lap and watched like she really wanted to know about South America, I was so impressed.)

My hubba hubba husband...

I just love that play on words. So he finished building our headboard made from that old junky door and I just need to paint it. Any ideas on colors/finishes? I was originally going to do an off white(the color is pearl or something) to match the nightstand and I'm going to paint a tall bookcase to go on the other side of the bed that color, too. Anyways, but since the dresser was painted black and distressed, Micah thinks we should do the headboard that color, too(black and distressed). What do you all think? I'm so proud of his handiwork, it came out exactly like I imagined, and better! And please don't mind the huge mess of garage that you can see...it's in desperate need of cleaning out and re-organizing.  Oh, and the two little holes from the door knob he filled and sanded, so those aren't there anymore.

So Micah is not known for his lovey dovey ways. He isn't a touchey feely type of person, nor does he hand out compliments on a regular basis. But I came home and found he had written "I love you beautiful" on our chalkboard, much to my pleasure. And he had cleaned the floor. The quickest way to my heart is to clean the floor!! Anyways, I left that up on the chalkboard for the past few days because it brought a smile to my face evrytime I saw it. Well, today after my leaisurely Sunday afternoon nap, I awoke to this slight change:

I was not aware that he wanted me to respond.

Yesterday was our wards Super Saturday, and I got to make this cute sign:

We just used scrap book paper(I doubled mine up to make it a little more interesting), and modge podged it onto a wood board, and used vinyl letters on top. Wow, I CAN do crafts!

And lastly, a few picutres of the kids at the park:

Until next time!

Check out my new blog...

So with ALL of my spare time(hahahaha), I started a new blog. It's basically one that I use to review my favorite things, little hints or tips, maybe some cool fashion finds, good deals, music or movies I like, little rants or raves. Just general Kelsey Approved stuff.  Anyways, check it out, and hit my "Follow" button. And let me know what you think.
http://www.courageousmother.blogspot.com/

Tagged!!

I was tagged by my great friend Debye to answer these questions, so here goes!!
1. Where is your cell phone?
On the counter, needing to be charged, but I'm too lazy to plug it in.

2. Your hair:
Ugghh, is in that awful in between growing out stage, and is pulled back by a headband right this second.

3. Your mother:
Is wonderful. I just saw her this evening, and am lucky to see her often. I love her so much! And she's the best Mema ever. Rory actually cried this morning because he said he missed her so much.
4. Your father:
We are exactly alike. Both obnoxious, opinionated, and determined. And I'm proud to be like him.

5. Your favorite food:
Depends on the day, today it was tomato soup(I only like Progresso tomato and basil). I also love cuban sandwiches, sweet potato fries, dark chocolate, and barbecue. Yumm.

6. Your dream from last night:
I dreamt we had an earthquake. I've been feeling earthquake vibes alot lately. Maybe I can feel small ones without realizing it.

7. Your favorite drink:
A bad one...coke or dr. pepper. Or water with lots of ice.



8. Your dream/goal:
Ultimately,to live a life without regrets. But also for my husband to get his business running and have LOTS of work!


9. What room are you in:
Living room


9. What are your hobbies:
I am really good at "starting" hobbies...so right now it's sewing. And couponing, reading, running, and can talking on the phone be consided a hobby?



10. What is your fear:
My kids/husband getting really sick or dying. And finding a rodent in the house. If I EVER do, we are moving. Immediately.


11. Where do you want to be in 6 years:
In a house here in Poway with atleast one more bedroom and a yard, but within a 4 block radius. And with one more kid.

12. Where were you last night:
At mutual. I'm the Beehive Advisor.

13. Something you are not:
Patient. Not at all. It's a daily battle
for me.

14. Muffins:
Eh. Unless I can have one of the oat ones at Souplantation slathered in honey whip butter. Then Yummy!!

15. Wish list items:
New pair of frye boots, True religion sammy jeans, new down comforter and duvet set, rug for my bedroom, and new artwork for my bedroom walls.I'm sure I could come up with a few more things, too. ;)


16. Where did you grow up:
St. Louis, MO, and Vista, CA.


17. Last thing you did:
Had some girl time with my sis-in-law, Lynnette. Love you!


18. What are you wearing:
My underwear. Yes, that's all. It's almost bedtime...it's .late

20. Your pets:
None. Not a pet person. I have enough work without having to clean up poop from an animal.


21. Your friends:
I have great friends. I'm really lucky!


22. Your life:
Has bumps, but is wonderful.



23. Your mood:
Tired. Does that ever go away? But good!

24. Missing someone:
Family that lives far away, or I don't get to see too often.


25. Vehicle:
Toyota 4Runner


26. Something you’re not wearing:
pretty much everything right now. ;) Just being honest!!


27. Your favorite store:
Oh man...right now Tulle, Target, Home Goods, Gap, Shade,  (and I love Anthropologie, but am too cheap to actually buy anything).  Well, the list can go on and on...


28. Your favorite color(s):
green, white, black, yellow

29. When’s the last time you laughed:
Tonight.


30. When’s the last time you cried:
I can't remember..I think I teared up watching the preview for that new Sandra bullock movie coming out soon...

31. Your best friend:
My husband.

32. One place you go over and over:
 Any number of places.


33. One person who emails me regularly:
haha, I just went through my deleted emails, and the largest amounts are from my Mom, my relief society president, and my father in law.

34. Favorite place to eat:
Miami Grille


I am going to tag Lynnette, Holli, Sophie and Jayda. Please play along, girls!!

Halloween etc.

We went to Sea World AGAIN this week with our friends Rosa and Mia. Rory and Mia are really good pals, and love hanging out together, so it was a fun day. We went on the bucket sky ride over Mission Bay, Sydney loved it, she kept saying "Wow!!" and pointing out all the boats.

The night before Halloween we finally carved our pumpkins. It was a fun night, we carved, watched Monster House, lit a fire in the fireplace, and drank hot chocolate. I think that will be our new Halloween Eve tradition.

Micah's handiwork...

Rory and Mema.

Me and Rory.

The best picture we could get of Rory and Sydney...she wouldn't hold still(obviously since Mema had to hold them both in place for this one. Rory was Buzz again, and Sydney was a monster ballerina.

Our firs house of the night, our neighbor, too. She always has full sized candy bars for us...thanks Teena!!

It was a fun night...Rory got lots of candy, I've been eating all of it(ugghhh), and I think we can retire the Buzz costume...if you notice, they have turned into high waters. He had a growth spurt last week and literally grew almost 2 inches in that week. The costume was fine the week before!! Anyways, it has officially been a year since I started this blog, too. Wow!