Munchkin's Birthday!

Munchkin is a princess. She is ALL girl!!! She loves to play dress-up and loves anything princess. She currently has (among many other dress-ups) a Cinderella Dress that I bought at a yard sale, a big poofy Belle dress that Grandma made last year, and a Little Mermaid Costume that Grandma also made for her. For Christmas this last year, she said she needed more princess clothes, but Santa decided to bring her a bike instead. So for her birthday, I decided to try and make a Snow White dress and a Sleeping Beauty Dress. I had the help of my Mother in law, thank goodness! It was a lot of work, but totally worth it! The best part was wrapping each piece in a different box so she had a lot to open!

The Snow White Dress includes the Dress with a detachable collar (which is good, because it's not very comfortable!), A red-lined blue cape, a red headband and bow, and we got a steal on some Disney Princess Snow White shoes.

Sleeping Beauty came with a short sleeve dress, A netted slip that my Mother in Law whipped together, fingerless gloves that made is "long sleeve" and a gold crown.

She had a family birthday party with her cousin and they had a Webkinz Birthday Party. My Sister In Law made a Wheel of Wow, a Wishing Well, and gave Kinz Cash and had a "W" Store with little trinkets. She got a baby horse Webkinz from Me and Hikari, and a Puppy from Her Aunt. We also brought one of the two dresses-Snow White. She was tickled!

Then on her birthday, we had Grandma and Grandpa and Omi and Opi over for a small Brownie and Ice Cream Happy Birthday, and she got to open the Sleeping Beauty Dress!

It was a lot of fun, and I think she really enjoyed it. Today she spent the day listening to Disney Princess Music and changing into each of her appropriate costumes...Oh to be 4 again!!

My baby is Growing up.

Munchkin is 4 years old on Tuesday. I can't believe how big she is getting. She is such a big sister to her little brother. Some days she can't wait to climb into his crib while I'm not looking and play with him. Other days she screams when he crawls up to her and pulls her hair. We took some pictures before her birthday, since the portrait of her in the living room was from when she was turning 2. Thanks to my SIL who did such a good job with these. Thanks Chrissy!!

We also did some with Chunky Monkey! What a cutie pie!

The children were nestled all snug in thier beds...

Yes, that's right. The children are nestled, however it is not Christmas eve. It is Christmas Afternoon. They both fell asleep in the car with about 90 seconds of leaving Grandma's house and have came home and went straight to bed for a much needed nap.

I don't sleep on Christmas Eve. I never have. I always thought that it would wear off as I got older. Last night I think I averaged between 20 and 30 minutes between snoozes and I would look at the clock. Finally at 5:00 am, Monkey woke up for his morning feeding, and by the time we were done, we were ready to have Christmas.

Christmas Eve was at Hikari's parents house. It is fun to go and be with Family. They always sing Christmas songs, and then do the Nativity with all the kids. That is something I really enjoy, that my family never did. My dad would read the Christmas Story out of the bible and then that was pretty much it. Munchkin got to share the big role of the Shining Star with her Cute little cousin, L. They were so darling, and then L decided she didn't want to be a star and took the role of Baby Jesus (which she did so great!) When Munchkin had her turn to "Shine" she put her arms up, and smiled for the Camera. I could tell she knew that she had a very important role.

After we opened presents, we went to Omi and Opi's house (my parents) and had nice big Christmas Breakfast! Then we had gifts again, and some good giggles.

And now the presents are unwrapped, the food has been eaten, the toys have been played with and my children (and husband) are nestled all snug in their beds for a good Christmas nap. I look at them and am so thankful for the blessings that we have seen this year. We have seen the influence of our Heavenly Father more this year, than any year since we've been married, and I'm so greatful that we have seen God's hand in our life.

I really need to invest in a new camera this year, but until then, here are some not so great pictures of our holiday season.

Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!

This is our Christmas Activity on the 23rd. I remember doing this in Elementary school. It's a milk carton with Graham Crackers pasted on with frosting. **then your walls don't fall down :)

Christmas Eve Jammer's: Lightning McQueen & Princess!

Here is Christmas Morning:

Santa brought some fun gifts. Munchkin got a new Big Girl Bike, Monkey got some toys, I got a Popcorn Popper, and Hikari got some movies and games. Then the whole family got a Wii Fit game.

Been a while...

Well, I realized that I needed to post again since my last post was nearly 2 months ago! Oops. As for us, things are just as busy as always. Since I was cut back to just one day a week again at work, I decided I wanted to expand my piano teaching. I've been teaching my nieces and nephews for about 3 1/2 years, and now I have two new students. Munchkin is also continuing lessons. It's been a slow process, but she likes to show off what she's learned. Hopefully I can pick up a few more students in the next little bit, too. When I started teaching my nieces and nephews, Idid it as a thank you for watching my kids while I worked, and it has turned into something I really enjoy. There is nothing like seeing the light go on and the joy of music is discovered in someone else.

It's a hat day- A bit of randomness

Well, this morning. We bundled. I always have mixed feelings about the fall. I love the fall, don't get me wrong. But my problem is the cold. I don't like being cold. I love being warm, though, which also happens in the fall. Let me share:

Yesterday, it was cold outside. 60-something, I think. As a result, it's cool enough right now that we don't run the A/C. But it's not warm enough to merit the Heater. I hate being that cold. But it was also one of those days that once you get snuggled in a blanket and get yourself warm, then you warm a bowl of yummy chili you had made the night before. And you get the "Cozy in the fall" feeling- I Love being cozy. (It also works the same with Hot Chocolate-very cozy food.)

This morning. I did NOT want to wake up. Again, the temp does not merit the heater, but the evenings get very cold. Our wood floors are COLD our tile bathroom floor is COLDER! Had it been a sleep-in saturday, it wouldn't have been so bad. I like the warm covers, and I don't mind the cold so much when I get to stay in my warm covers a bit longer. But Monday is the one day of the week that I work AND have to take the kids to my SIL's to be babysat. Which means I have to be up early enough to get myself AND two kids ready. Pack lunches for Hikari and I, and spend 20 minutes nursing a sleepy baby before we go. (That's his usual time to eat, but then I usually lay him back down and me back down for an extra hour after that). I have to get up way too early! Most of the time I try and do most of my preparation the night before. (Diaper bag, Lunches, clothes ready). But it was my fault, and I was being lazy last night, and just decided to do it in the morning. Now back to the weather issue. It was COLD. I'm not sure exactly how cold, but it was cold. BUT...then when we were leaving I was putting jackets on the kids, and I decided to put a beanie hat on little Chunky Monkey. He looked so cute! And we were all bundled and cozy! I love it. I'll have to get a picture and post it. As we walked outside, I was glad that I had indeed put the additional hat on his head. It must be that I just love being cozy. You never can feel cozy in the summer. Only when it's cold outside. So I guess I do like the cold..but I don't like being cold...I like being Cozy. And Today is a Hat Day!

Mommy Tag

What time do your kids wake up? Munchkin-6:45; Monkey-7:00

On a good night, what time do your kids go to sleep? Munchkin-8:30; Monkey-Between 7:30 & 8:00, but occasionally has a 10:00 feeding, but that’s ok with me.

How long have you been a mom? Almost 4 years

How old were you when you became a mom? 22

What is your favorite kid show? Signing Time

Least favorite kid TV show? Most Saturday Morning stuff. It’s all very “Teeny Bopper” stuff.

Favorite meal to cook? German Pancakes or Shepherd’s Pie

What is the meal cooked most often? Rice with some sort of sauce

What is the kids favorite meal? Spaghetti

What are your favorite things that Husband does with the kids? I love when he tickles them so much that just their laughter can make you laugh!

What are 5 things that make you smile while being a mom?
When I can hear her playing house or school all by herself.
When Monkey looks at me and smiles.
When Munchkin wants to snuggle “for two minutes” every night before she goes to sleep.
When Munchkin says the prayer all by herself and is so excited when she does!
When I sit on the rocker chair and I have both children on my lap hugging each other.

Where do you want to take your kids someday? Disneyland! Of, course!

When was the last time you and your husband went out without the kids? In August, our Stake hosted a multi-stake dance, and since Hikari is in the Stake YM, we chaperoned for it. Does that count? Before then, I think when we went to dinner and a movie for our Anniversary in June.

One thing you said you'd never do as a mom? I would never “give in” to their whining. This one is actually a lot harder than I ever thought. I have always felt so guilty for working and being away as much as I do, that it’s hard to draw the line. But I’m doing a lot better since I’ve been home more.

Favorite past time with your kids? Going to the library, and making Projects at home

Advice for a new mom: Sit back and watch. Enjoy each moment, because if you worry about the future, you miss it. It goes by way to fast.

When was the last time your kids said "I love you"? This morning before I left.

I really needed this post today. It was one of those weekends where patience was running very thin, and I almost forgot how much I love my children, and how much I love being a mom! Thanks for the reminder, Chrissy!

Donut Recipe

I had a few requests, so here it is. (Next time I post a yummy picture of food, I'll be sure to post the recipe, too!) I think this makes 48 donuts, and I only did a half a batch, so I think it's pretty accurate, because we had about 2 dozen.

Doughnuts
2 (1/4 ounce) packages yeast
1/4 cup water (105-115)
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (scalded, then cooled)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
canola oil

Creamy Glaze
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4-6 tablespoons hot water

Chocolate frosting
1/3 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4-6 tablespoons hot water
4 ounces milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions
Dissolve yeast in warm water in 2 1/2-quart bowl.
Add milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 cups flour.
Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly.
Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
Stir in remaining flour until smooth.
Cover and let rise until double, 50-60 minutes.
(Dough is ready when indentation remains when touched.) Turn dough onto floured surface; roll around lightly to coat with flour.
Gently roll dough 1/2-inch thick with floured rolling pin.
Cut with floured doughnut cutter.
Cover and let rise until double, 30-40 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°.
Slide doughnuts into hot oil with wide spatula.
Turn doughnuts as they rise to the surface.
Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side.
Remove carefully from oil (do not prick surface); drain.
Dip the doughnuts into creamy glaze set on rack then when slightly cooled spread chocolate frosting on top.
Dip in sprinkles or other toppings after chocolate if desired.

Creamy Glaze: Heat butter until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

Chocolate Frosting: Heat butter and chocolate over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in water 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.