Halloween

Tanner picking one of his pumpkins from our garden.

Da Boys

Porter James

Yeah, candy!

An apple, seriously?!

Halloween was fantastic this year. Before the trick-or-treating ensued my family had an open house style dinner and show of the costumes party. Everyone brought a soup to share and of course we had some crusty bread to go alongside. I couldn't resist making a bunch of fun and yummy treats for the kids and adults alike. We had a great time visiting and then we were off to fulfill every child's dream, lots and lots of candy. Most of the candy magically disappears over night, but we do save some of the good stuff and let them enjoy for a few days, before it all disappears. I wonder if this same stunt was pulled on me?

A Mother's Nightmare

When the crying didn't stop I pulled him away from my shoulder to check him out and this is what I was staring at! Don't worry I didn't take this picture until we were at the doctors office and he had been cleaned up and checked out.

Happy as a clam at the hospital!

Our first big "owie" happened on November 11th. Porter fell off the couch, not a long fall, but when you land on the whisk you are holding this is what happens. I saw him fall and went to pick him up and comfort him because I thought he would be scared, but when the screaming didn't stop I decided I better check him over. Needless to say it wasn't pretty, but I kept my cool, cleaned it off a little and then frantically called Scott and told him he needed to come home right now. In hind sight I probably should have given him more information than that since he came barging through the door 2 minutes later panic stricken. My mom hurried over to watch Tanner and Mason and we rushed Porter to his doctor who confirmed that he needed stitches, but that because of the location on his face we were going to have to take him to the hospital and have a plastic surgeon sew him up. During all this time apparently Porter peed A LOT, because when I finally stood up to leave the doctors office Porter and I were both soaking wet. So on our way to the hospital Scott dropped me off at the entrance to the Gap and in 5 min. I had a new outfit in hand and we were on our way. I on the other hand got to sit in the ER for hours soaking wet and smelling like I needed depends...good times!
Porter was amazing through the whole ordeal. After the initial crying he never cried again. Not even when they put the IV in his arm. The hospital staff was amazed and we were very grateful. The plastic surgeon did a wonderful job and Porter is healing great. One day this post might be the only proof that it ever happened.

Thanksgiving

I only have one picture for Thanksgiving, but it pretty much sums it up...YUMMY! This was one of the best Thanksgiving meals I remember having in a long time. I think this had a lot to do with the fact that my husband decided he wanted to be a real man this year and barbecue our own turkey even though my mom was making a turkey too. I refused to be involved in the process because years age when we were going to be having Thanksgiving alone in Arizona with my parents I was in charge of the turkey and I swore I would never touch another one as long as I live--disgusting!!! (I don't even like turkey, so why go through all the effort). Well that threat didn't hold out for too long and I soon became Scott's sous chef. Trust me, I didn't touch the turkey, but I did prep everything for it and walked Scott through what to do. I also ended up making a delicious orange, cranberry glaze to go on top. Scott did an amazing job and the turkey turned out perfect. I will admit that it was the best turkey I have ever eaten and for the first time in my life I actually enjoyed eating the turkey and went back for more! Way to stick to your guns hun and not let me talk you out of it. Can't wait for next years turkey! The rest of the food was amazing as well and we got to enjoy Thanksgiving this year with all of my family except my brother and his family who stayed in Vegas with their newest, adorable addition.

Christmas Happenings

I guess I will start with Christmas and work my way backwards. But first let me start with a brief explanation as to why I have neglected my poor blog for so long. Our computer died!!! A huge thank you and an even bigger shout out needs to go to our friends Austin and Emily who for my birthday fixed the computer for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I have felt so...lost! So needless to say I have a ton to get caught up on.
This Christmas season was great. We did the usual drive around the Spanish Fork park lights, movie nights in the basement with donuts and hot chocolate, cookie making with the Ortons and of course our Christmas Eve dinner, just to name a few. This year we were lucky enough to have Scott's family in town to enjoy some of the festivities with us and of course my family had to endure the Christmas party I threw for them.
Of all the fun we had carrying out our usual family traditions and spending time with our amazing friends and family, two extra amazing things happened to us this Christmas for which we feel very blessed and are beyond grateful for.
FIRST
Christmas Eve morning we get a knock on our door and what to our wondering eyes did we discover? A porch full of presents!!! I'm not kidding, 16 presents in total. We have never been on the receiving end of such niceness(is that a word), love, service, thoughtfulness and the list for how we feel goes on and on. Anywho we still have NO idea who the anonymous givers are or why they chose us, but we are extremely grateful, very amazed and feel lucky to have been on the receiving end of something so selfless and Christlike during this wonderful season! Maybe Utah isn't so bad afterall! :)
SECOND
On the 17th of December I discovered that I was pregnant. No I am not kidding, and yes this is a huge miracle and an amazing blessing. Truly this was our greatest Christmas present this year. So although 2008 has had it share of trials for us, it has been full of an abundance of blessings for which we give much thanks!
I don't have very many pictures of all the festivities since I was not feeling my best, but here are a few.