Gingerbread in January

When we went to visit Rocky's parents over Christmas break, we didn't have a chance to make a gingerbread house. So, they sent us home with a kit. Today, the kids and I were very bored. So, what did we do? Made a gingerbread house! Not such a beauty, but they were excited about the project, and Chase was especially meticulous about where she wanted each candy to go. She would point to where she wanted me to place the frosting. Ryder was especially excited about the candy. He was busy sneaking candy, while Chase masterfully decorated this little jewel. :)

New Year's Interviews

For FHE last night we decided to do "New Year's Interviews." So, we sat down and each of us answered the following questions. I will only list Ryder and Chase's answers since they are more interesting and cute. :)

Ryder
Favorites:

cereal-"Frog Cereal" or "Honey Smacks"
vegetable-oranges :)
drink-milk
toy-blankie (He loves his blanket! He still takes it in the car with him on the way to preschool.)
TV Show-Spiderman
game-Uno-Moo
book-A pig a party (If You Give a Pig a Party)
restaurant-Firehouse Subs
holiday-Christmas
animal-hippopotamus

If you could change your name, what would you choose? Donken (I don't know how he came up with that!)

What do you love about each person in our family? Daddy-being mad. (?) Chase-making silly faces. Mommy-hugging.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Upstairs where the tent is. I told him that if we were to go outside our house to another place he said, "To Idaho. To Grandma's House"

What are some of your wishes for this year? Christmas time
















































































Chase
Favorites:

cereal-Captain Crunch
vegetable-fruit snacks (haha, I guess I need to teach my kids what vegetables are!)
drink-water
toy-blankie {she's doesn't care about her blankie, but Ryder said it :)}
TV Show-Frosty the Snowman
game-I don't know
book-She pointed to a random book on the shelf. :)
restaurant-McDonald's
holiday-Frog Cereal (haha)
animal-My Miss Piggy stuffed animal.

If you could change your name, what would you choose? A Smiley Face (Maybe she's channeling her inner "Prince" or "The Artist formerly know as Prince." haha

What do you love about each person in our family? Daddy: Smiley Face. Ryder: Ball Face. Mommy: Kisses.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Visit Grandpa Davies

What are some of your wishes for this year? She pointed to me. Then I asked her if she wanted me to have a baby, and she said, "Yeah."

Quiet Time Dilemma

I need advice!!

The past couple weeks I've been having my kids go to their rooms for "quiet time." This means that for a half hour they go up in their room, close the door, and play with toys quietly in their rooms.

Here is the problem: Chase spends almost the whole half hour either crying or coming out of her room to use the bathroom. Ryder is a perfect angel. He could probably spend a full hour in his room playing by himself.

So, my question is: what should Chase be doing? I've given her special toys, different toys each time, etc. But, I don't think she knows how to play by herself! How can you even teach this? Your suggestions are appreciated!

Verbal Gems

I had to post this for posterity/grandparents!

I know I just posted about Ryder, but this kid is really cracking me up!

Top 3 awesome things he's said this week:

1) Me: Ryder are you going to get married someday?

R: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! What did I tell you? What did I tell you?! I'm not getting married! :)

2) Chase was dancing around the kitchen and Ryder observed and said, "Great dancing Chase, bravo! Bravo!" (Where does he learn this?)

3) Our family was in the kitchen doing different activities: coloring, baking, drawing, playing with toys, and Ryder stops coloring to make some awesome remarks. :)

Ryder: We live in a dirty house.

Rocky: Who makes it a dirty house?

Ryder: The kids.

At least the kid is honest! haha

My Little Hero!

Lately I have really enjoyed Ryder. I know that sounds like an awful/odd statement, but I have enjoyed watching him learn new things, mature, and say some funny things. :) He really is a sweetheart, but I think back to the terrible twos, (and, let's face it, the not-so-pleasant threes) and it amazes me how much he has progressed.


















Ryder has such a funny sense of humor. Today he was talking about what would happen if he didn't have a mommy or daddy [some positives and some negatives :) ] But, he said, "If I didn't have a mommy, then who would wipe my bum?" Lol!


















When we went to pick Ryder up from preschool today, he showed me this cute sticker he had earned for being good. He then proceeded to put in on Chase's shirt because he had missed her so much! (15 minutes later they were fighting, but that's a different post!) He really is a sweet brother to Chase, and I'm excited to see how the receive our new baby GIRL!! :) They've already started to kiss my belly and say "Nice baby," as they pat it. haha



















Ryder really was my hero today because when I was buckling them in the car after preschool I accidently locked the keys in the car with both of them buckled in. So, I had to have Ryder get out of his booster seat, climb into the front seat (child safety locks), and unlock the door. He did it!! It only took about 5 minutes, which saved me time and cash! Thank you Ryder buddy! :)

P.S. No, this is not a recent picture of us (I will post a new one in 6-12 months time).

Halloween

Trunk or Treating







Ryder's little buddy



















Rocky's parent's came to visit...












Leftover Halloween candy!







































PS Sorry this looks so ghetto, but unfortunately Blogger is lame and it won't let me fix stuff because I don't speak html. BOO!!

A Prompting...

Tonight I was reading the Engsign, and I came across something that really spoke to me. I felt prompted to share this quote and some thoughts about it.

President Marion G. Romney said, “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity--the pure love of Christ--will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.”

About 2 months ago our home teachers came and challenged us to read the scriptures with Ryder and Chase. Rocky and I have been doing this on our own, but we really hadn’t been doing it with our kids. They suggested that we read only a few verses with them. So, we started that night--reading and discussing what we read with them--and we’ve continued to read with them every night (but 1) since then.

I testify that what President Romney said is true. We have experienced more reverence, more respect and consideration, less contention, greater love and wisdom, Ryder and Chase listen better, and we do feel more peace, joy and happiness. Now, do they listen each night? No. :) But, when we discuss what we’re reading with them and how it applies to their lives, I see them learning and growing. We ask them questions like, “If you have a problem and mommy and daddy aren’t around, who can you ask?” And we discuss how Heavenly Father hears and answers our sincere prayers.

I don’t want to sound self-righteous in any way. I know many of you are probably already doing this, but I challenge you to start (if you aren’t already) reading the scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, etc.) with your kids, and I know it will increase the peace, joy, and happiness you feel in your homes.