Away in a Manger

Away in A Manger

FAMILY 2007 TOP TEN LIST

WELCOME TO THE OUR FAMILY BLOG!
If this is the first time you are visiting, we are happy to have you! If you are visiting because I stuck a sticker on your Christmas card, consider this you newsletter... (I see no need for redundancy) Anywho, this is a quick look at our year!

10. Wade was born on March 16th, 2007. A fabulous addition to this wild and crazy home. He is nine months old now, and crawling all over the place. He is a charmer, and keeps us very busy. see post: Santa Baby


9. Abby Started FIRST GRADE! She LOVES going to school, spelling tests, and hot lunch?? (Seriously, I have never seen a kid want hot lunch sooooooooo bad.)


8. Abby lost her first tooth! See blog post: Abby's first Tooth

7. Jaxon was finally formally diagnosed with ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is a great fun loving boy, with his own set of challenges, but hey, don't we all have challenges?
See post: Day of Miracles
or post: Our Kid Jaxon
but especially post: Bubba Dub


6. We went on a great trips to Sun River, OR. and Salt Lake City Utah! (For Pix, click on the corresponding photo link to the right)


5. Peter lost 55 lbs! (I kid you not!) The picture that you see to the right was taken back in August, when he had lost about 30 lbs, so, since then, he has lost about 25 more! His transformation has been fabulous, and he weighs as much as he did when we got MARRIED! (I wish I could say that!)


4. Abby fulfilled a life time dream of being in the CIRCUS! (No kidding) To see her performance, click on the video link to the right. :)


3. We are now the proud owner of THREE HOUSES! I know, it seems excessive, but actually, we our trying our hand at real estate development as well as being landlords... I will let you know how THAT is working out next year. As for right now, I spend 60% of my day being a general contractor, and landlord. Of course, I spend the other 40% doing laundry...


2. We just received a new calling to teach the Marriage and Family class at church! You think I am joking? We thought they were joking too. Obviously, we have something to learn.


1. WE DIDN'T MOVE THIS YEAR!!!! That is right! We are still living in the same home that we lived in LAST YEAR, and we don't have plans to move! It is a CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!


We wish all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, and a Happy New Year. We love you, and hope that you will stay in touch! Love,

Peter, Lindsey, Abby, Jaxon, and Wade

Fun with FOOD!

Oh... this stage of babyhood is the absolute messiest.. I can't decide if letting him feed himself, and get COVERED in whatever it is he is eating is better or worse than having to feed him spoonful, by spoonful. Why can't they just go right into feeding themselves with a spoon, and using a napkin! I guess it really doesn't get that much better... Abby and Jaxon still get food on their clothes, in their hair, and on the floor too.

I couldn't resist taking a few pictures. I mean, the kid was using Chicken and Broccoli like the latest hair gel trend! It is pretty hard to see in the picture all of the broccoli that ended up in his hair, but just imagine it. I think it was the perfectly placed piece of rice on his nose that made me run for the camera, or maybe it was the smattering of broccoli on his right eye, it is hard to say.

Enjoy! Oh, and Enjoy the new recipe link to Butterscotch Bark. I saw it on-line today and I had all of the ingredients to try it out. It was fun, quick, easy, and yummy, so check it out!

Have a Very Elfish Christmas!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1305699702

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1315163830

Santa Baby

This is what happens when you put a Santa Hat on Wade..

At first, he wants to chase after you because you have the camera...

So, you don't get a clear shot...

Then he notices that he has the Santa Hat and tries to pull it off..

Then, it is a battle to keep the hat on..

Then you enlist your older daughter to help..

Then it becomes a wrestling match...

And so, it doesn't really help..

And so you give up..

Merry Christmas!

The Blessings of Missionary Work

After our 11 hour car ride home from Utah on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (yes, we shaved an hour off by only stopping for one meal) I had to re-group quickly and head over to Seattle(a 4 hour car ride) for a very special occasion.

Andres Bennin, who I taught when I was a missionary 11 years ago in the Washington DC South mission, was getting off his mission in Tacoma, WA. For the past two years I have written him letters telling him that SURELY, SOMETIME, I would be in Seattle and I would drive over to see him, and take him to lunch or dinner, and visit. Well, two years seemed to go by in a flash, and I never did get over to Seattle.. I guess with moving from Sandpoint, and having a baby, and dealing with Jaxon issues... I didn't have much free time on my hands.

Anyway, my loving and very supportive husband, sucked it up and took care of the kids for a couple of days so I could go over and see Elder Bennin and his mother who came from DC to get her boy. It was the last chance I was going to have!

It was an amazing and wonderful experience. One that I don't think I will be able to put words to. But I am going to try...

I entered into the transfer meeting and was able to hear his final testimony of the gospel. It was an amazing meeting, and I almost wanted to go out tracting after...but that is another story..During his testimony, he stood and pointed out that the missionary who taught him the gospel was in the back, sitting next to his mom. I almost turned and looked myself, because it seems like a dream that I had long ago. He reminded me that they were found while we were tracking in the blizzard of '96. Truly... it was called by all of the media outlets the BLIZZARD OF '96. I really don't remember how much snow was on the ground, it was a lot.. but mission rules are, if there is snow on the ground with un-plowed roads, you must leave your car parked.

I was companions with a sister I was training at the time, Sister Petty, and we were not in the area where the Doris Larbi and her boys lived, but my next companion was.. and Doris and her boys were found during that week because Sister Burgess and her companion were hoofing it, and tracting, because that is all we could do. I was too, but not in that area.. I was blessed enough to meet up with Sister Burgess the next transfer where we followed up with Doris and her boys to teach a first discussion. I know sister Burgess and I were blessed for tracting during that blizzard! Doris and her boys were baptized two weeks later.

The ward family was very upset that we wanted to rush their baptism along, stating that they had not come to church enough times, and that people fell away too often. This was a ward that had not had a baptism in their ward for a few years... and it was easy to see why at times. The bishop called me and insisted that the baptism be postponed, and to make matters worse, church was cancelled the Sunday they were to be baptized because sludge was coming up through the pipes in the Stake Center. It sure seemed like hell was combining against us. A quick call from my mission President to the bishop, and a relocation to another Stake Center and they were baptized that Sunday. The following week James (the older of the two sons) gave his first talk as a youth speaker at 16 years old. I remember laughing, almost out loud in the back row of the church because he bore the most powerful testimony of the gospel of any new member of the church that I had ever heard. I was laughing because it was a testimony to me, and my companion at that time that the work had not been thwarted, and the Lord's side had won! It was so amazing to hear that testimony.

I came to find out, on this trip to see Andres, that his brother had no notes for that talk, and he had quoted Book of Mormon Scriptures as well as scriptures from the Joseph Smith History... and that he had gone to each ward in the Stake as a speaker with the Stake Predsident....amazing. Now, 11 years later, James has graduated from BYU TWICE and is now an Attorney in North Carolina. He also served a mission in the Los Angeles, CA. mission. He was married in the DC temple about 3 years ago, and just had his first daughter. Andres graduated from BYU in Molecular Biology before he left on his mission and now is planning on getting his JD as well.

I had probably 100 missionaries come up to me after Andres' final testimony, and tell me how knowing him had changed their lives. His nickname in the mission was the rain-maker, because he would baptize in every area... even if there had not been baptisms for years. He baptised over 100 people and had 7 people scheduled for baptism as he was leaving the mission.

Many of those Elders who knew him thanked me... for finding him... But I thank Doris and the boys, for being humble, and prepared, and Heavenly Father, for showing me for years and years the amazing miracle of missionary work, and what a blessing it is in not only your life, but the lives of others, and not only for 18 months, or two years but for a lifetime, and an eternity. I love you guys, thank you for keeping me a part of your life.

More Thanksgiving Memories

What would thanksgiving be without a little Guitar Hero? Well, not much by my family's standards. We had a great time in SLC, and to prove it, here are a few pix. Thanks for the memories!
Trevor and Peter strutting their stuff with guitar hero.


Enjoying the fab food at the Grand America Buffet. I think I may have eaten my weight in shrimp.




Here we are decorating gingerbread houses. Did I mention that a Stewart will use any excuse to put frosting in their mouth? Cool trick hills. . .

Tis the Season to eat FOOD...

Falalalala..la..la..lala..

Well, as part of the Stewart tradition... we stuffed our faces for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful affair, and we didn't even lift a carving knife! That is right! The Stewart's took the day off in the kitchen by going to the GRAND AMERICA Buffet in SLC. It was great, but I have to admit.. I missed fresh dinner rolls as part of our fabulous dinner tradition. But... NEVER FEAR, we still made dinner rolls anyway.

This picture seemed appropriate after the last statement.



As to the dinner roll dilemma. After 30 years of making "Rita" rolls at all Family affairs, there was actually a NEW roll recipe introduced this holiday. I was mortified that a tradition of 30 (or more) years could be cast aside so carelessly. But, I have to admit, the new recipe was pretty phenomenal. I will post both, and I will still probably use both, because I have been using the "Rita" roll recipe to make home made scones on Sunday nights as part of another family tradition for the last 7 years, so, I can't change that!!! The Rita roll recipe seems to make these scones OHHHHHHHHHHH SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD... however, I am sure that any old roll recipe would probably be ok.

JUDITH ROLLS were amazing, and I will probably be making these rolls for years to come because this recipe was light, and fluffy, and amazing..so, thanks for sharing Judith!

I am also attaching a link to Paula Deen's Gooey Pumpkin Bars....which we also tested this holiday season.... yummy...

What else did we make? Well, if you know me, or my family, we will use any excuse for CAKE. My little sister Hillary has become quite the baker and I am sure if we had a bake off, it would be a very difficult and close competition. She does have amazing recipes though, and the one she used this time was from Magnolia Bakery (Magnolia Bakery Cook Book) in NYC. The cake was incredible, and I had fond thoughts of it all the way home in the car. Thanks for making that cake Hilby. Check out the posts below. Happy Holidays!

Magnolia Bakery Cake with Butter Cream Frosting

Just don't think about the butter... believe me... it is worth it.

Traditional Vanilla Birthday Cake

1 Cup Softened Butter
2 Cups Sugar
4 Large Eggs at Room Temperature
1 1/2 Cups Self Rising Flour
1 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Cup Whole Milk
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour three 9 x 2 inch round cake pans. Line the bottom with waxed paper.

In a mixer, cream butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and beat after each addition. Combine the flours and add in four parts the flour, milk and vanilla alternating with each addition. Beat well after each addition. Divide the batter among the cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean. Leave in pans for at least 10 minutes, and then remove to cool completely.

If you are making cupcakes, line two 12 cup muffin tins with papers. Spoon the batter into the cups about 3/4 of the way full. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched..about 20- 22 minutes. Remove cup cakes from pan and cool completely before frosting.

Traditional Vanilla Buttercream

1 Cup Butter (Very Soft)
8 Cups Confectioners Sugar
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Place butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar 1 cup at a time, until icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistancy. (You might not need all of the sugar) If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. Use and store icing at room temperature, as icing will set if chilled. Store in airtight container for 3 days.

Aunt Judith Rolls

1 Cup Water
1 Cup Butter
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 Tsp. Salt
1 Cup Cold Water
4 Beaten Eggs
2 Pkgs. Yeast
7 1/2 Cups Flour

Bring 1 Cup water to a boil. Add Butter, Sugar, and Salt. Remove from heat and pour into bowl. Add 1 Cup of cold water. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 Cup warm water. When first mixture is luke warm add yeast mixture and beatten eggs. Stir together and add flour. Cover and refridgerate overnight. Divide into thirds. Roll out 1/2 inch thick. Let rise for 4 hours and bake at 400 for 12 minutes.

Freezer tip:

Freeze after rolling out on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, place rolls in a freezer safe bag. To bake, remove from freezer, and let rise for 6 hours, or over night.

Aunt Rita Rolls

2 Pkgs. Yeast
1/4 Cup Warm Water
1 tsp. Sugar

Stir together until yeast dissolves (Let it rest for 5 minutes to foam)

Mix:
1 Cup Hot Water
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 tsp. Salt
1/2 Cup Shortening (melted)

Stir together until sugar and shortening dissolve. Let cool.

Add 3 beaten eggs to shortening mixture. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Fold in yeast mixure and stir in 4 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth. Coat bowl and dough with shortening and let rise 30 minutes then punch down. Cover and refrigerate for eight hours (overnight). Roll out and let rise for 3 to 4 hours. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

Bubba Dub.

What do we say about Jaxon...???.... He is a great kid, and a fun addition to our family. Many of you know, and some of you don't know, that within the last year, Jaxon has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS, which in short is an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. (Don't you LOVE acronyms?) ANYWAY, what does that mean? It means that endless hours of research, analysis, testing, retesting, and schooling has been added to his 4 year old life, and my daily schedule.

Really, I shouldn't complain. In all, Jaxon has a great prognosis. He doesn't disable our lives like many children with ASD do to their families. We have minor issues that we deal with that many people don't really even notice.(Unless they have never met him before- (i.e. the UPS man that he invites in to play or eat a meal eventhough he is only there to deliver a box...) As a matter of fact, we really have it easy compared to most. However, that does not dimish the hours of research and testing that it takes to make sure he is getting the right educational, and social training. After 12 months of working on it, I feel like we finally have it under control. What does that mean?

That means that Jaxon leaves for school at 8:00 in the morning, and attends a special program for Autistic Children that allows them to be integrated into a pre-school with "normally" developing children for 2 1/2 hours, and then they have an intervention program for 1 1/2 hours after preschool, and then he gets to come home around 2:00 after a 30 minute bus ride home. On Mondays and Tuesdays he is home for about 1 1/2 hours until we head to the University for the ABA Therapy Preschool- yes this is preschool #2 for the day- (A specific type of Autism Therapy) which is a preschool run by the Special Education Department on campus and allows the students there to have a hands on learning experience in their field. We are there for 1 1/2 hours both nights. On Wednesdays, Abby has dance, but on Thursdays Jaxon is back to Speech Therapy where we have found a "Play Therapy" group that will work on his social skills, and playing with other children.

It is a big week, EVERY week for Jaxon, but overall, we feel blessed and watched over as we try our best to give Jaxon a shot at being integrated into the Public School System. For children with Autism, this is possible with some additional "training" on how to interact in social situations and function with peers. It takes chilren with autism more work to interact socially, follow instructions and focus on tasks. These things just don't come naturally.

At times, I feel guilty that my other two children live their lives around Jaxon's school schedule, and over the past month, I have spent 10 hours in Dr.'s offices while we wait for Jaxon to be analyized, watched, tested, and assessed. However, I feel great success in his placement, and I know that we are doing what is best for him, and he will probably be able to live a normal life. (That is the hope anyway)

I find the most joy in his successes, and fabulous personality. His teachers in the AIM (morning) preschool love him, and push him in all areas of development. We LOVE them, and feel so blessed to have them in his life. What is evern better is that they LOVE Jaxon... (really, what is not to love) and they want to see his success and make sure he reaches his fullest potential.

The best is when we see Jaxon make great strides in understanding, and development. Tonight, while we were reading the Book of Mormon Illustrated stories Peter pointed to a picture of someone being baptized and asked Jaxon...'What are they doing Jaxon?' to which he responded.... washing... (He gets asked these type of questions a million times a day by teachers trying to drill him in comprehension...i.e. He is wearing gloves..why? Because it is cold.) Anyway, Peter informs him that they are being BAPTIZED, and a look of understanding crosses his face as he says, yeah.... BATH-TIZED. - It does seem like some kind of super- hero action bath.. doesn't it? I grinned at him, and winked... and he quickly shot me a perfect wink back... That makes it all worth it.

Yay for me!

So, after a whole year, I finally finished my Thanksgiving project. Last year I saw this sign in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, and I thought... "That is cute... I don't need to buy it, I can make it!" I roped some girlfriends from the neighborhood in to helping me, and making their own and after 1 year, it is finally done, and hanging in its proper spot. I love looking at it, and thinking, "Hey, that is cute, and I made it!" Anyway, Here is a picture of my little project that should have been done last year!



The turkey is courtesy of Abby from last years kindergarten class.

Cutie Tooter Wader Rooder

Wade is now almost 8 months old! (Well, he will be in 10 days) But the little tyke is crazy busy and is in a full crawl now. Actually, it makes me happy because now he entertains himself better... tearing leaves off plants, tipping over kitty water bowls, tipping over bathroom garbages, crawling under the table and getting stuck, and tearing up magazines... Oh, the fun of an 8 month old. Why now when he happy with his freedom does he have to start cutting teeth????


I took a few pix I had to share. His hair is getting more red, and full. I think he actually is more red than Abby was at this age! However, if the expression on his face starts to look repetitive, it is because he has figured out how the camera works... there is a little orange light that goes on, and then a big bright ugly flash! Hence, the stunned face. As soon as he sees the orange light on the camera, his smile goes away because he knows the big flash is coming!!!!!

Oh well, he is still pretty darn cute. :) Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween! We had a great day of parties at both Jaxon and Abby's school. Jaxon was "Spiderman", Abby was a "Ballerina Girl" - she really just wanted to wear her costume from her ballet performance last spring. Fine by me, less effort to find a new costume, and Wade, he was Charlie Brown... I have to admit, he made a pretty great Charlie Brown!

Hope you all had a fun, and safe Halloween!

Here is Jaxon at his school parade... I didn't get there in time to get his mask on...


Here is a close up of our crawling, slobbering, Charlie Brown....









Spook courtesy of Peter

Wade Crawls- Sort of....

So, Wade turned 7 months old on October 16th... unfortunately, and much to my dismay, the little tyke has decided that he is going to take on crawling... Well, he isn't quite to a quick and easy crawl yet, but as you can see, he can get to what he wants in some sort of fashion. I am sure it will only be a matter of days until he gets down the coordinated motion of it all and has us all scrambling to baby proof doors, cupboards, electrical sockets, and stairs....We have a few guest stars in this video... so, enjoy!

Roller Queens

I had a girlfriend invite me to take Abby rollerskating with her daughters. I thought... what could it hurt? She hasn't been before, but, they give the kids a lesson, and then let them skate! Well, Abby and Jaxon's skates were on one of the tightest settings, but Abby still managed to get familiar with the floor. Just a few pictures to illustrate the point... (notice, she had a favorite falling side)



Abby's disgusting bruises didn't stop her... She skated for two more hours because of course, once the disco ball starting twirling, and the music started pumping, she just couldn't stop herself. . . What can I say... I can't blame her!

Stein Erickson Lodge Turkey Chili

I got this recipe from my sister. It is our most beloved Chili. Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients. Most of it is just spices.... it goes together just as quickly as any other Chili... just a little more saute time. This recipe goes a long way, so invite someone over, eat it all week, or freeze it!

4 cups canned Black Beans
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (regular works fine, just don't burn it)
2 Medium Anaheim Chiles- Seeded and chopped
2/3 Cup Chopped Red Onion
2/3 Cup Chopped Celery
2/3 Cup Chopped Red Bell Pepper
1 Large Leek (White part Only)
2 Cloves Garlic Minced
2 Tbs. Dried Oregano
1/4 Cup Flour
2 1/2 Tbs. Chili Powder
2 1/2 Tbs. Cumin
2 Tbs. Coriander
1 tsp. Salt
1/8 Cup Sugar
4 1/2 Cups Chicken Stock
2 1/2 Cups Frozen Corn (Thawed)
4 Cups Diced Turkey (Buy a chunk from the deli, that you can dice, or buy a pre-cooked turkey breast from Costco- in the deli section)

Garnish with grated cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Melt Butter in large pot. Add chiles, onion, celery, bell pepper, leek, garlic and oregano. Saute for 10 minutes- then add flour and reduce heat to low. Add spices including sugar and cook 5 minutes.

Add 4 cups chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Puree 1/2 cups of corn and add to chicken stock. Add beans, turkey, and remaining cup of corn. Heat through and serve.

Hearty Logger's Chili

We LOVE CHILI! These are our favorites! Want to make this one a little lighter? Use ground turkey, and 1/2 lb. of keilbasa... just makes it a little less of a heart attack. :0

1 lb. Lean Ground Beef
1 lb. Kielbasa Sausage
1 Tbs. Olive Oil
1 C. Onion
1 C. Green Peppers diced
2 Cloves Garlic diced
1 16 oz. can Kidney Beans
1 16 oz. can Stewed Tomatoes- undrained
1 16 oz. can Tomato Sauce
2 Bay Leaves
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp. Dried Oregano
1/3 tsp. White Pepper
1/3 tsp. Black Pepper
1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Garnish wish sour cream, and cheddar cheese.

Sautee ground beef in a large skillet. Drain, and set aside. Cut sausage into 1/2 inch pieces. In the same pan, saute sausage until brown. Set aside. Saute onions and green peppers in olive oil unitl soft. Add garlic, and saute, add ground beef, and sausage and remaining ingredients. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour.

Butterscotch Sauce Part Deux

A while ago I posted a link for a recipe for Butterscotch Sauce (Banana Splits)on my recipe links. If it is over there, I have tried it, and liked it! Anyway, I Tivo Everyday Food on PBS which is on Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. here in Spokane. One of the episodes had ANOTHER recipe for Butterscotch Sauce. However, this recipe called for sweetened condensed milk instead of cream which I liked, because I don't usually have cream on hand. Sweetened condensed milk is rare too, but it is more likely since I love to bake.

I checked the Everyday Food website, and the recipe wasn't there!! Thankfully I hadn't gotten around to erasing the episode from my tivo, so here it is!!! I am updating this post to add pictures. . .PIONEER WOMAN STYLE!

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar in a Sauce Pan. This recipe is so stinkin' easy you can do it right now!

Add 3 Tablespoons of water and 1/3 cup corn syrup. Stir it up and let it come to a boil. The longer you boil, the harder the sauce when you poor it on ice cream. If you want it more candy like, boil 5 mins, if not, boil 1 min. . If you can't decided, boil sometime in-between.

Add 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk. Lick the lid, you know you want to.

Here is the boilin' part...


And 5 tablespoons of butter. Remove from heat and stir in your new additions. It will start to look CREAMY. . . Oh yum.

Poor it over ice cream, add some bananas for that "bananas foster" feel, or just dip some apples in it. You will THANK ME! (You're welcome)

A couple of years ago, I bought glass jars and delivered this as a Christmas gift to friends and neighbors. I started a little obsession with a few friends who, I am sure, are still making it today! YUM-O!



3/4 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)
3 Tbls. water
1/3 Cup Corn Syrup

Dissolve sugar completely and let come to a boil.

Add

5 Tbls. Butter and stir until melted, then remove from heat.
Add
1/4 Cup. Sweetened Condensed Milk.

Store in a jar, or plastic container for easy re-heat!

The Artist

Jaxon has evolved, from Map Making Fool, to artist extraordinaire. Every day Jaxon insists on making MAPS! However, we have determined that we need to curb that behavior, and get him making something else! (Not to mention that he was single handedly killing rain forests in Guatemala, and increasing the earth's temperature by 1 % each day by his personal paper consumption)

Anywho... when I tell him he can't make a map, he gets a little stressed, but today, he said he was going to make a picture of Daddy, so here it is! I believe there is also sun, grass, and a possible flower!

Enjoy!

Abby's School Photo

Here is Abby's School Photo... I guess as far as school photos go, it is alright. I have got to figure out how to get the more "natural" smile... To get a REAL treat, please scroll down to the Three Bears Video... you'll love it.

Subscribe to my Blog!

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Look A Like Meter

Thanks Hillary! Great Idea!

Our Kid Jaxon

Jaxon, what can I say about Jaxon? He makes us laugh, he makes us cry, he makes us.... well, mostly cry. No..... he is a great kid, with LOTS of energy, and love. He has a hilarious personality which he displays mostly in the Primary at church when he has the attention of the entire primary.... (ask about the "I'm a Man" Story)

I was sitting on the couch paralyzed by a day of Preschool outings to Farms, Dr.'s appointments, 6 month old double-ear infections and double preschool days with a 4o minute round trip drive which we do twice a week... anyway........I could hear someone misbehaving upstairs, and asked Peter to go "lay the smack down." I mentioned to him that it was probably Jaxon, and after an investigative mission upstairs, he said it was Abby, who was taking the rollers that she asked to be put in her hair... out of her hair. That seemed to make sense, so I continued on in my comatose state, waiting for the Tivo to finish recording "Dancing with the Stars" so I can watch it commercial free....Anywho...

Later that night.... .I am on my way to bed, about 11:00 p.m. to do the routine tuck in... When I go to Jaxon's room, I find it difficult to open the door! When I finally get it open a crack, I notice that the light is on, but it is very quiet in his room... I get the door open enough to get in the room, and find that his bed is completely stripped... everything, even the fitted sheet. All of the bedding was blocking the door. Jaxon was peacefully asleep to the side of his bed with no blanket, or pillow... Well, it looked like he could have been using the pull up diaper next to his head as a pillow, but since it was NEXT to his head, we will say he wasn't. And he DID have his blanket to the side of him, but it had a far more important purpose which was... acting as "wrapping paper" to a "present" which contained a bunch of his toys that we let him keep in his room.

I went about making his bed in complete light, and made him get up and get in as I scolded him for taking all of the sheets off his bed... Will he remember? I doubt it. He will probably think it was all a dream... even the part where he dismantled his bed.

Kids... they never cease to amaze me.

Here is our Pirate Jaxon. He LOVES making "Treasure Maps" (one is proudly displayed on the fridge). If I let him, he would make about 20, but we cut it down after 2.... don't want to kill too many trees. :)