Christmas 2010...

This Christmas was both really good and really bad. I have been so sick over the past week (fevers, nausea, coughing) so I didn't really get a chance to fully enjoy the holiday. I haven't been this sick in a very long time, and just went through the motions of Christmas.

However, our little family got SPOILED! Scott and I both have amazing families that really make the holidays worth while. We came home at the end of the night with an entire car load of presents! I'm so glad we live near our families, and get to share this special time with them.

We started off our morning with just our little family. (Scott and I love being alone with the boys in the morning) Though Braxton got excited to see his presents....ultimately he just wanted his breakfast! Carter got a new bike...from Scott. A few nights before Christmas, Scott asked if he could get something special for the boys from just him...it was perfect! He spent so much time thinking about what to get them and ended up getting them their favorite presents! (maybe next year he'll do the Black Friday Shopping.)

We then headed to Scott's family's house for a great lunch and more presents. I'm so glad we all got to hang out with each other, exchange gifts and I got some "down time"

Once we left the Morris' house, it was off to the Moore's. I was so sick by the end of the night that we stayed for a couple of hours and then went home to bed. I wish I took more pictures on Christmas than I did, but I was too out of it to even think about anything other than making it through the day.

I have been feeling so much better over the last 2 days though, and we've been playing with the new toys...so here are some cute pics...

Carter, Brax, Scott and I all got aprons from my sister (for when we all bake together) Carter's says, "Master Chef" Braxton's says, "Taste Tester" Scott's says, "Quality Control" and mine says, "Boss." They're prefect...and we broke them in today.

My dad got Carter the Smart Cycle video game. He knows I'm not a big afn of video games, especially for the boys, but this one a great! Carter cycles after each letter in the alphabet, steers clear of spilled oil and water...and just really has a great time. Because he got Carter the bike, he bought the giraff bike for Brax. Braxton thinks he's doing the video game too...

Though I was super sick, it was a great Christmas for the Morris Fam! Now it's time to bring on 2011!!!!

The Latest....and Picture Overload!

Thanksgiving...what can I say...other than it was just what we needed. We were at my mom's this year, which means it's pretty chill (there's only my brother, sister, mom and dad) so it's just relaxing...I couldn't think of another way to spend it.

My mom came up with this adorable Turkey Craft that we did after our meal....

The boys loved making (and eating) their candy turkeys. My sister made bracelets with Carter too that were Thanksgiving themed.

Right after Thanksgiving....Scott turned 27! He's now officially OLD! We both worked that day (I worked late that night) so he went hunting a couple days before his actual birthday to celebrate.

He came home very proud. Carter and Brax were so interested in learning about the different parts of the dead animals (gross I know) But Scott was so good to show them and let them feel how soft they were.

I sewed! I know it's not really that cool but it is for me! I made 2 aprons for my cute hostesses. And they LOVED them. They wear them while hosting parties and everyone asked where they got them. They were a lot easier than I thought too!

I've been doing some "Creative" bribery with Carter lately. I made little cards that Carter got to color and I called them "Mommy Money." He got to earn Mommy Money for doing little chores around the house....then he got to "buy" a craft from the Mommy Store with his money. He thought it was the greatest thing on earth!

He chose a pen that you fill with colored sand....it was both educational and fun!

One of the many perks about working at a Family Fun Center is being able to share it with the boys. My sister was the FatCats mascot last week for the parade and I brought Carter with me. We walked around passing out coupons...and Carter got to see the parade! Win-Win. I love when it works out that way!

FatCats also had our company Christmas party tonight....with a special guest!

They had inflatables...that the boys absolutely loved! (this was Brax's first time and man that kid was in heaven!)He didn't want to get out!

Unlimited free bumper cars....

free arcade games.....Braxton won the Jackpot!
Carter raced with his friend Garen...this would have cost us $2 to play...but tonight it was FREE!
We actually bowled for the first time tonight! We've just never had the time to bowl with the boys...Braxton loved the ramp...

Carter loved watching the ball go down. We played Cars where instead of keeping score, we moved our cars across the screen. Super cute!

We all got put in for a raffle...and I won the biggest prize! Over $100 worth of "date nights" for myself and Scott. Super, super excited!

Overall, it has been a busy couple weeks...but still so much fun! I'm so glad Scott and I get to participate in some really unique opportunities with our family.

Family Pictures....

We got our family pictures taken in November...and they are far better than I expected. Our photographer is a friend, Stephanie, and she takes amazing pictures....but we have 2 little boys who don't make it very easy.

She captured some GORGEOUS shots!

Our family shot turned out so nice! I will actually hang this up in my house! It's not everyday that you get all of us looking in the same direction...let alone looking GOOD! She's amazing.

The one of me and my sweet boys is PRICELESS!

Carter is growing up so fast...and seeing this picture makes me realize it so much.

Braxton has gorgeous blue eyes...like our entire family! He's so precious!

I can't wait to get these printed and hung around my home. If you want to check out Steph's website it's: www.patchworkphoto.com
She's absolutely AMAZING!

The Holidays Are Approaching....

Working as many hours as both Scott and I do is proving to be harder than expected...however so worth it in the end for our family.

I love my job, I love what I get to do and I love the people I work with...so because I'm so happy at work, it makes me that much happier with life in general. And who doesn't need a little bit of that every now and then right?!?

One of the coolest things I learned the other day was: How to Make Balloon Animals!

I know what you're thinking...but Carter and Brax think I'm the coolest mom ever!

Although my skills are still forming....the boys couldn't be happier watch me turn a long balloon into a giraffe or dog.

Another thing in life that keeps me going is: Stretching our Dollars. Scott and I have always been on a budget, and I have to say stretching our income to cover our obligations is hard at times....but it's times like this that I'm truly grateful for.

WinCo Foods had a coupon mailer come out this week, and this is what I got... 2 Packages of Bacon, 2 Dozen Eggs, 2 Malt-o-Meal Cereals, 2 English Muffins and 1 carton of OJ. Guess what my total was? FREE!!!! I seriously walked away paying absolutely NOTHING for all of this food! I just love getting amazing deals like this.

I've been teaching Carter about the Pilgrims and Indians and early America. To implement our "teaching" into something fun, we've been doing some crafts around the house.

We made a pillow (from 2 pieces of fabric and some filler, I know it's amazing) Carter and Brax both thought it was the coolest thing to watch the pillow come to life as we filled it. We also talked about what we were thankful for for FHE and wrote it all down on my cute Turkey-Inspired cards. So cute...and super easy with the Cricut.
And, I have to say my favorite part of Thanksgiving is PUMPKIN! I love pumpkin pie, ice cream, shakes....you name it! So I went searching for a fun recipe to try out with the boys....because we have so much frozen pumpkin puree from out Halloween pumpkins.

I found a Pumpkin Creme Pie Cookie recipe that is seriously DELICIOUS! And I topped it off with homemade Egg Nog Ice Cream. The boys thought it was pretty cool. (And I have to say, I'm super proud of how it really turned out.)
My mom visited family this past week in Arizona....the boys and I picked her up from the airport today. While we were waiting here's what my mischievious little men were up to... Cute Carter made a poster for his Brown Grandma, and was waiting so patiently for her to arrive... Now that Thanksgiving is only a few days away...it gets me thinking about BLACK FRIDAY! Oh how I love this time of year....

Is It Really November Already?

I can't believe November is half way over already! We've been so busy just doing the "day to day" things lately, time has just slipped right by.

I was offered an amazing position with FatCats. I'm technically part time in the Ogden location (which is a super fun position) and also temporarily part time in the Corporate Office (which is where I truly belong) and to be honest....I LOVE EVERY MINUTE!

Being a working mom is something that I "mastered" with Carter, but this time around it's so different. As much as I love the boys and really miss them when I'm at work...I honestly love what I do and enjoy it so much. (I never really had that when I worked when Carter was little.) So I'm adjusting, because I feel guilty being gone all day everyday....but when I'm at work I am "on fire," and couldn't be happier.

I've been trying to be creative with the boys when I'm home. This makes me feel better for not being home as much, and they really seem to enjoy my "surprises." This was my latest one...

I made ordinary pancakes, into a winter delight!

My sister bought the boys matching pjs, and they are darling! We were at my mom's yesterday and had to model them....(what's not to love about Toy Story 3 right?)

Scott and I both took off time to see Carter in his first "Parent Day" of the year. Our little guy is getting so big! I'm really glad Scott was there, he didn't get to come many last year.
The kids are learning so much this year. they have been going over music theory (Carter's favorite) reading, spelling, math, and social skills (manners) so that when they start kindergarten, they're ready.

We also made a turkey craft....inside we put all of the things Carter's thankful for.

We've been having fun hanging out, playing games and learning new things lately!

Catch Up....

I've been so busy lately keeping Brax healthy, Carter stimulated with learning, the house cleaned, the food made, the bills paid....you get where I'm going....that my body finally had it with me....I got sick!

Not just a little cough and runny nose: but we're talking 103 temps, painful swallowing, achy body, throwing up, dizziness...that's right...STREP THROAT!

The last time I was this sick was 2 years ago...when I was pregnant with Brax. I guess something had to give, but it hit me hard!

So, while I've been recovering, we've been busy doing some random things around the house....like vaccuuming in our diapers...

Making and eating yogurt pops. The boys love them! It's just yogurt too...so I love giving them. Carter likes to layer his with different flavors now...and Brax is just content eating them!

Baking pumpkin pies (individual sizes for easy freezing) and yes people...this crust is from scratch! you should all be very proud, because the pumpkin is an actual pumpkin I bought from the store....I know it's shocking!
And making my friend Katie's, famous pumpkin seeds. We were at her house one day when she made these, and Carter choed down! So I tested out her recipe and they are delicious!

And our sweet Carter had his very first Primary Program last week! My how this kid has grown. He was the first to speak in his class and was seriously the loudest one there! It was so precious to see him, be up in the stands with him and watch him sing the songs.

It was priceless to see him shaking his head, signing and singing beautifully. My mom came, and that made it even more special. Carter and I were able to sit in the stands behind the piano, while Scott had to be with our difficult Brax in the halls. (Gotta love callings right)

It was such a great experience, I'm really glad I was able to be a huge part in it.

Halloween Activities....

We started off our "Mega Halloween Event" with a carnival at Carter's preschool. My cute mother-in-law came (and boy am I glad!) I volunteered to help, and Braxton was really in need of a nap...so I'm so gateful she was there to occupy him, while I got to play games with Carter's preschool class. (I got the better deal, I know.)

They had so man activities for the kids...and they got learn some things at the same time. Carter liked the witch ring toss game...

Braxton loved the organ...
But our little 4 year old, was best at his Super Hero walk in musical chairs....

I'm so glad we got to all be there for his celebration...and Grandma Margaret treated us to McDonalds afterward! What a perfect way to end our day.

Our ward has a Halloween Carnival every year...and now that I'm in the Primary Presidency, I had to run the cake walk game. Scott and I have never taken the boys to this before...so it was a new experience for all!

We had a blast! I got to play with the boys for the first half...and then "work" the other half. Carter got to play with all of his friends, man that kid is a little social butterfly!

Brax loved the freedom of the gym....and the yummy treats!Scott and I have taken Carter, and now Braxton, to Karen and Gibbs' Trunk or Treat in South Ogden every year since Carter was 1. They're family to us. (Literally and figuratively) and we love seeing them. We had to miss out on the trunk or treat this year, but last night we were able to go "real" trick or treating in their neighborhood.
Every year, Gibbs has awesome costumes....and Carter just loves him!

This was Carter's second time trick or treating, but first time on his own....precious. He loved every minute. He would say "trick or treat" in a cute voice and then "happy halloween" in a crazy monster voice! Goofball.
The boys loved it, and man did they score! This neighborhood just might be our new family tradition!
We had so much fun having Karen's traditional chili, getting hyped up on sugar and playing with friends. It was a great Halloween for the Morris Fam.

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip....

This year the boys and I were lucky enough to go to Black Island Farms again with Carter's school. Last year was so much fun, though Brax was only 3 months old. And I was afraid with my work schedule that this year we wouldn't be able to go....well not to worry, we made it this year too!

It's such a fun place (and free with our tuition) the kids get to learn about growing veggies, farming, and all kinds of different corn out there.

We started our trip with a good ol' fashioned hay ride....

Once we arrived at the pumpkin patch, it was detective pumpkin picking time! Carter was on a hunt to find the perfect pumpkin, and Brax was trailing right behind. Once Carter decided on the pumpkin of his choice, his raised his hand and the guys came over and cut it right from the vine!This was the boys last year in this same spot...my, my how they've changed!
Once our pumpkin patch of the trip was over, it was on to our picnic lunch in the field...Brax was loving every minute!
Carter's favorite part is the tractor ride.....he gets the cow one every time!

Braxton was so upset in my arms watching his big brother go on the ride, so the driver told me I could go with him....all I have to say is: I'm glad I'm not a big girl! And though Brax doesn't look thrilled here, he couldn't stop smiling the whole ride! (this was my lame attempt at getting our pic together.)

Next was the Kiddie Corn Maze. I showed Carter and Brax how to pick corn right from the stalk...they thought it was pretty cool! They had a sandbox filled with corn....and it was a hit with our boys. Braxton was completely thrilled to have the freedom to explore everywhere.

We checked out the cows on our way out....I had to include this photo, it is the cutest picture backdrop and I was so excited to get the boys' picture there. Braxton would not sit up to save his life...so I gave him an ear of corn thinking that would help... do you see what he's trying to do with that corn? NAUGHTY!
It was another successful trip to Black Island Farm. The boys had a great time and learned something along the way.