Happy Turkey Day, Trimming the Tree and Hobo Dinners

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We went over to my Grandparents house and enjoyed some great food with some my moms family. Here is a picture of some of the gang.

When we got home that evening I was cleaning up the kitchen and noticed the kids were being quiet. I walked in and saw them both drooling over the big toy catalogue and pointing to all the toys they wanted. I remember when Abe and I would do this.

The next day I went shopping...no I didn't wake up at 4am but from 10:00am till 4:00 I shopped with Missy and Leann. Shaun had fun with the kiddos. Then that night we had a BBQ with Shauns family that were in town from Utah. So Saturday we got around to putting up the tree and hanging the light up outside. Amelia just like to make messes, but Ryker took it very serious and worked hard to help get all the decorations up.

Then Saturday night my brillamt brother thought it would be fun to have a bonfire and smores, well I added to the fun and wanted to make hobo dinners. My dad has a neat set up for cooking charcoal so we had 12 dinners cooking outside...it smelled delish.

It may not look beautiful but it was the best. Everyone downed their chicken and veggies...even Adelle who I don't think I've ever seen her eat a vegetable before...I think my mom needs to make these weekly so that we know Wuggie is getting some sort of nutrition. Potatoes, carrots, squash, zucchini, asparagus, onions, broccoli, garlic and marinaded chicken. My new favorite dinner.

Then out to the fire to get warmed up....it was cold that night.

What a cute couple!!!!! Only a little over 2 more months and they will be hubby and wife.

The fire was way to big and way to hot to get close enough to make smores so we used the still hot charcoal to warm up the mallos. Gama helping Ryker boy.

Abeos and Shannie.....um this girl is due in like 1 week and she looks like she is only 4 months pregnant. Am I jealous.........YES!! Seriously, my sisters are bean poles then I have little Miss tiny baby bump here.......I hate being the "large" sister on the fam.

Well this is probably why I'm the "large" one of the group. I have no willpower or shame for that matter. We didn't make your typical smores.....we used cinnamon graham crackers and for the chocolate we had toffee chocolate and resses peanut butter cups....can you say sugar coma. So good but I wanted to throw up after eating 2 of these bad boys.

Ryker only wanted graham crackers and milk....of course. But Millers was eating all of Shaun's smores. Daughter like Mother.

Great weekend, oh we also had Thanksgiving with the Martineaus Sunday night....pictures to come soon. Love this time of year.

What are you Thankful for???

As you know Ryker is in my preschool class and I'm lucky if I can get him to finish one project each time. He doesn't listen to me very well and doesn't really enjoy writing, coloring or doing projects. But today he got this project sort of done...missing a few things but 4 out of 6 feathers isn't bad. I asked all the kids what they were thankful for and wrote it on their turkey. So when I asked Ryker this is what I got:

He is thankful for his mom and dad (good boy), his sister (so sweet), his CAT (um...we don't have a cat but he says we do) and himself (so we know we are doing a good job of teaching him to have self confidence)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!!!

I'm so Thankful for.......

*my hubby

*my kids

*the gospel

*to live in America

*that we are healthy and safe

*great family and friends

*and so much more!!!!

First Season of Soccer has come and gone

This past Saturday, Ryker had his last soccer game. It has been so much fun going each week and watching him play....well sort of =) He mostly followed the other boys around and while they tried to kick the ball he was doing karate chops in the air. It sure made for some fun games.

Millie got to come to most of the games and help cheer her brother on.

Ryker was very proud of his first trophy (Shaun thought it was LAME)

Of course you can tell we don't give our kids ice cream cones to often.....the poor kid doesn't even know how to eat them.

A few random pictures for journaling sake.

Amelia LOVES jewelry... and she sure didn't get that from me. The poor girl doesn't really have much so when she found these jar bands she put like 4 on and made her own bangles out of them. She only has one on in the picture, but normally she has 3 or 4. At least I know where she is in the house...they are noisy =)

We discovered Rykers love for puzzles a few weeks back. I bought him one or two several months ago but he had no desire to do them. He was so bored a few weeks ago so I got them out again and now he can put them together in his sleep. Nana has a huge disneyland puzzle and we are going to get it out to work on for the next few weeks....he is so excited.

This is my first and probably only post without a picture but I couldn't think of a picture to go along with my thought and not make it silly. I want to share my terrifying story that happened to me Friday night. I'm getting very shaking just thinking about writing it because the feelings I felt are all flooding back to me.

Friday evening I got together with Missy my sis in law and we went over to my mom in laws house to do some crafts. The boys all went to see a movie. I put Amelia to bed there a little after 7:00, then Missy and I needed to run to Hobby Lobby to get a few more things for our projects. So we go and get the things we need and the store closes at 8:00pm so we headed up to the front to buy our things.

The girl just got done ringing up all the things I was going to buy and tell me my total when I heard a man talking to the girl at the register right behind me say "give me all your money from the register" I turn around to see 2 men dressed in all black, with a ski mask and sunglasses on. I froze....staring at the gun the man was holding. For a split second I was in shock and thinking to myself ....this man could kill someone. I started walking backward to get away, as did everyone else. All I could think at this time was I have 2 small kids who need me. A group of us got to the back on the store near the emergency exit but we were scared to go out because what if there were others waiting back there (come to find out there was another guy out back). I had my cell phone in my back pocket and called 911 right away. In a time that felt like FOREVER, the police arrived in probably 3 mins.

NO ONE was hurt......thankfully and they grabbed the money and ran. I don't even know if they were ever caught. We stayed for another hour while the police searched all around and we had to write up statements.

I know this happens all the time and someone trying to steal money is not usually wanting to kill people, but during that time, seeing a man with his finger on the trigger is a feeling I NEVER want to feel again.

I'm SO grateful to my Heavenly Father for keeping not only me safe but all those who were there that night. Some might find this to be over the top but I'm a very emotional and sensitive person. I'm also very grateful for Police officers and those who risk their lives to keep us safe and feeling protected. I'm so excited this week is Thanksgiving and I can spend time with those I love. That is a night I will never forget but wish I could.

Couch Potatoes and Crafts

Ok so my kids aren't couch potatoes....they watch a few shows a day. I just had to take a picture of them because I love my kiddos so much and they make me laugh all the time. Also I love the brother-sister relationship. I grew up being BEST buds with my brother so as I watch them play together I can't help but be reminded of me playing ninja turtles one minute then a little later he would play school with me. Or he played dolls with me and then I played cars with him. It was the best of both worlds.

ps- I always said I would let my kids wear "graphic" t-shirts--I don't know why I just like my son in polo shirts for some reason. But lately Ryker ONLY wants to wear his Buzz shirts EVERYDAY. He has always liked them and I let him wear them on Saturdays but now that he dressed himself he will get these shirts out of the dirty clothes and put it back on. Needless to say it is a struggle every morning. Then we have Ms. Mills who LOVES shoes. Look at her sportin' these adorable boots from Nana.

Ok you all know my crazy love affair with FELT. I hope to whip these Thanksgiving yummies in the next week.

So I think advent calendars are so fun and was planning on making one for Thanksgiving. Well Nana loves to spoil her grandkids and saved me and Missy hours of work. She got this for us and Ryker doesn't let a night go by without us writing down what we are thankful for. What a great tradition we have to look forward to each year.

It is not to late to make a simple one.

Now for my latest craze....Homemade Christmas gifts. I'm going to try and post different things you can make for your munchkins. This first one I DIDN'T make. I'm going to copy the idea. But I'm going to make a "Disneyland" play mat since my son is a Martineau and obsessed with the happiest place on earth. I will post when finished.

This is the first Christmas project I have finished and LOVE it. Me and my friend Amanda have been getting together once a week to work on projects. When I was done with it i told her I wanted to keep it for myself and play dollies. Did I mention I love toys. So here is Amelia fabric mini dollhouse. It opens and closes and has a handle on top so se can take it anywhere.

Back view

Inside

I make Rykers simple and bought him some army guys to play with. See, boys can be just as fun- just not as frilly.

Well if anyone is interested in the pattern, let me know....I can send you the blog it is on. I need to learn how to put links from my blog to others. I know, I know-- everyone knows how to do that but me. Hopefully this got your creative juices flowing. More ideas to come.

10 years ago....

IF ipods were around these songs would have been on my top ten list:

*Backstreet Boy- I Want it That Way

*Britany Spears-...Baby One More Time

*Smooth-Rob Thomas and SanTana

*How Forever Feels -Kenny Chesney

*Getto Cowboy- Mo Thugs Family

*This Kiss- Faith Hill

*No Scrubs- TLC

*Kiss Me- Sixpence None the Richer

*Livin the Vida Loca- Ricky Martin

* I Want you Back- N'SYNC

and many many more.

I was a junior in Highschool and having the time of my life!!!! Luckily I had some amazing friends who I have countless fun memories with. We never had drama or did the girl fight stuff. Just crazy fun.

Most of my "sista friends" as we call each other were the year before me so they were all Seniors in 1999. They just had their 10 year reunion this past weekend and even the out-of-state sistas flew in for the fun event. I didn't go to the reunion stuff but we met up late Friday night to do something we LOVED doing 10 years ago. TEE PEEING. YES a bunch of almost 30 year old women went and toilet papered one of our highschool guy friends. He is single and lives here in Gilbert still so it was perfect. We all loaded into Natties teal cavalier......I mean white tahoe and snuck down his street.

Oh I love you girls and I'm so glad we are still so close. We are now a bunch of HOT moms and still can get together and feel like we are in Highschool again.

This picture is actually from 1998

Ok we were dorks and went and took professional pictures. We even wore white and denim and half of us were in overalls. Nice.

Current Pics:

Heather creeping through the yard.

We haven't changed a bit ladies!!! Ok so our hips are wider but that's it =)

We missed you Lis, Morg and Linds!!!!!

Riley Bear is here

Missy and Nolan are proud new parents of this little guy...... Riley Bear

He was born Monday November 2nd at 3:30pm. Missy is doing great and we are so glad they are both healthy and everything went well.

Needless to say I love being an Aunt and I'm SO EXCITED my kids finally have a cousin.

Thursday we went on our Preschool Field Trip to the Zoo. It was a little warm but we had a great time. Guess who FINALLY touched the Sting Rays........yep my Ryker boy. =)

Nice face Millie.

Riding a horse bench.

Great day, love my family.

Oh no....who will save the Candy Corn Princess

Have no fear....the Halloween Hero is here!!!!

This year we took the easy route and Ryker didn't really care what he was for a Halloween, as long as he had a weapon of some sort. I made a simple cape and mask and the Halloween Hero he was.

Every Hero must have someone to save, so Millie volunteered to be the Candy Corn Princess. Getting a GOOD picture of Millie is not that easy, she won't look at the camera, sit still or smile on command.

This was the kids getting ready to walk, I mean stroll over to the church for our Trunk-or-Treat

Happy Halloween from the Martineaus

Lame post, not great pictures but at least I have an on going journal for my family right??

I got my groove back...

Ok I think I'm back on top and my poor house needs some MAJOR TLC!!! I made a To Do list and hope to rock n' roll and get it done. Here is a post from the past week or 2 of a few events.

Friday of Fall Break Shaun had the day off so we took the kids to the Train Park. We had a great time and wish it was closer.

On the train, ready to go.

They have an awesome playground. Ryker LOVED this slide.

All 3 together, I had a skirt on of course so no slides for me.

Ryker had his 2 best girlie friends over and they love to play dress up. I have a box with old costumes and Ryker managed to squeeze this little number on. He wore it when he was 18 months!!!! So aparantly his torso hasn't grown since then, just his arms and legs.

Missy wanted to make some yummy carmal apples, you know like the fancy ones you buy. So we attempted it.

We were all so sick afterwards because we were snacking on all the chocolate and candy the whole time. Seriously we were in a sugar coma by the end. ps I'm going to be an Aunt in a week. Missy is scheduled for a c-section November 4th. Little Riley is a big boy and decided to sit breech in his mammas tummy.

The end results. Each is like 5 pounds of sugar. We learned a few tricks along the way, so next year they will be amazing.

Then last night we had a shower for Shannie.

Me, Mommy-dearest, Shannie, Wuggie, Granny Annie, Su Su and of course Miss Briss in the belly. Lots of Udall women.

The sissys. We can't wait to meet the newest little lady of the fam. Her and Millie will be the best of cousins!!!!

As you can see I will be busy these next few months, 2 babies and a wedding and we have a few holidays and birthdays to celebrate as well. No more time for me to be a slug baby..... it is go time.

Pokin' along

Do you ever just feel like one of these gnarly looking things?? Yes a slug!!! These past few days/ weeks, this has been me------I HATE IT. In my crazy head I have 1,000 plus things I know I should be doing but my body won't comply. Oh well, I'm sure I will get my zing back---hopefully in time for Halloween.

Ode to October

October had been a fabulous month so far..... This is why we live here, the weather has been perfect. The kids can go outside and play. play, play....while I cook dinner. I love listening to them, not that Millie can talk much but Ryker is so cute with her. They are just sitting and chillin', enjoying the nice breeze.

They love playing in their house.

Yes we ARE and have been excited for Halloween.

Nana loves holidays and always gives the kids a fun goody basket....hence the PJ's.

A little Chuck E. Cheese action.

Conference weekend....The Udall family gathering. Only picture I took. Don't know what I was thinking.

Shaun wanted to take Ryker somewhere fun and the only sport he could by cheap tickets to was the final game of the Phx Mercury.....yes women's basketball. Well good thing the tickets were cheap because Ryker didn't like it at all. Way to loud and crazy for him. So Shaun left early because Ryker was crying and covering his ears. Of course they won the championship so they missed out on the confetti and victory. Sorry Shaun (not that you even watch them)

So if the boys are out playing what does that leave us girls to do......shop and craft of course.

Our Saturdays are now filled with time on the soccer fields. Ryker is making progress and is the youngest on the team. Whenever he kicks the ball, instead of running and trying to kick it again with the other boys. He stops and yells "Mom I kicked it". Oh he is so funny. This is a picture of after the game and they are running back excited for the treat. He runs faster to get his treat than he runs on the field.

Well we are healthy and well and so grateful for for our family. Conference was wonderful and my favorite talk was Elder David A. Bednar 3 things to do to in our home are 1. Express and show love 2. Bear our testimonies and 3. Be consistent. Their were many many things said that I will be working on in my own life.

I'm getting it done...

So a month or 2 ago I posted a list of some crafts I wanted to accomplish. I'm sure most of you are dying to know the progress so here ya go. I don't have pictures of most of them because I don't want Shantay to see the quilt I made and want to post pics of my kids in the costumes, but here is the list.

*Halloween coustumes .......... check

*Miss Briss quilt...... check

*Rag Tag mini quilts for boy and girl.........check

*Fabric blocks and ball for boy and girl........check

*Felt food......... no-check..........all cut out I just need to sew together

*Ryker and Millie Dolls...............no-check.........bought material though

*Another cute dress for Millers..............check

*Millies quilt..........no-check.........almost done...need to sew backing and top together

Well my count down to being an Aunt is getting closer and closer. With Missy having a boy and Shantay having a girl, it is like twins so I have been making things for both. I can't tell you how excited I am because for once I won't get handed the baby with the poopy diaper or the screaming kid. I just get to hold, hug and squeeze these precious bebes (as Millie would say). Hurry up Riley......my arms are ready to go =)

Me Likie.....

I have been drooling and obsessing over these dresses for a few months now. I wish I had every color and style known to man. I would where them everyday, all day no matter what I'm doing. Cleaning, teaching, cooking, sleeping, soccer games, play day at the park..... EVERYWHERE. They range from $50.00 to $60.00 Mr. Washingtons so I don't think my dream will be coming true anytime soon. But it won't stop me from wishing and hoping!!!!!!

This last one I'm going to copy and make Amelia a dress. Simple dress with box pleats and a wrap waist. I live through my Millie, since to make her the dress cost less than $10.

their web site

http://www.eshakti.com/default.asp

2 little love birds sitting in a tree......

.....K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes..........MARRIAGE!!!!!!

These 2 little love bird are officially engaged. I'm so excited for them and we love Blake to pieces. They are perfect for each other. Let the planning begin =)

Annual Udall Gals GNO

So I think this is our 3rd year of meeting up after Women's Conference and going out to eat. I think me and Shelley have been to all 3 because we enjoy eating pazookies and talking too much =) We were missing some of us but we take who we can get and had a great time. Thank you so much Granny Annie and next year we can for sure go to a place a little more quiet so we can hear more of us. So 3 cheers for being uplifted from wonderful talks, eating yummers food and spending time with some AMAZING women.

um why do I look preggers in this picture?? The 2 real pregnant ladies are on the ends, Shel and Nat...in case you can't tell because they look great!!!!!

Who will be my friend??

Who wants to go with me???? It is $12 per ticket and at the Higley Preforming Arts Center on Pecos and Recker. The dates I can go are Friday Oct 2nd or Thur Oct 8th. It starts at 7:30pm.

Any takers???? If not I will drag Shaun with me (but he will be grumpy the whole time- so don't make me suffer)

Its About TIme.

Man, I never go this long without blogging but my pictures were on my in-laws camera and I finally got the cord to download them. So here are a few fun things that have happened this past week. Ryker started his first year of soccer. He loves it. He was lucky and his team color is Dark Green and they are the Dragons. He had his first game last Saturday and it was so fun to cheer him on.

Ryker enjoying his half-time snack- grapes.

Ryker getting a good kick.

Ryker is #3 and his buddy Weston is #2

Then I raced home to shower and head over to the Martineaus where we threw Missy a baby shower. It was so much fun, yummy food and talking galore.

Me and Mis and the unborn baby Riley

Missy is decorating his room with Monkeys. I LOVE her colors!!!

Rhona, a good highschool friend happen to be in town. Her and her family use to live 2 houses down from the Martineaus so she popped in with her adorable new baby boy. I can't believe I didn't get a picture with him.

Riley is very loved-- look at all the loot!!!

My new obsession (yes I have many). A friend in my moms ward was kind enough to have some quilting classes. Making a keepsake quilt for my kids is on my list for this year so this quilt is PERFECT for Millie. I got all my layers cut out and sewed on the leaves to all the squares. Now I have to go sew each layer on. I can't wait to see it all done. I have lots of work to still do but I work on it while Amelia takes her nap and Ryk is resting. I sit, sew and watch Glenn Beck.... this is my rest time.

I already busted out the Halloween decorations and fall is here even if it is 104 degrees outside. I loved this scarecrow project we did for preschool.

FHE consist of a 10 min lesson (usually about how Jesus is kind to others, so we need to follow his example) Ryker will soon pick up the hint I hope. Then we end with a treat and since Ryker loves to help in the kitchen, he and daddy helped make a yummy treat. Extra chocolate for mom's.

I think he liked it =)

Holy smokers---no pictures of Millie---yikes, sorry dollie, I still love ya!!!

28 and looking Great!!

Happy Happy Birthday Day Shaunerito. Sort of a boring day but what can you do when your birthday is on a Wednesday and life must still go on. Shaun actually got the day off, because he has to go into work on Saturday so while I taught preschool he edited for a while then we took the kids out to lunch. Then I'm helping in my in-laws office so we all went over to their house and watched some of Shauns old home videos. (It explained a little more why Ryker is Ryker) Then back home for some ice cream cake. Yes it looks funny but It is a Cinnabon Ice Cream cake. Cinnabon is Shauns favorite dessert so their ya go. Here are also a few random pictures of Shaun. Hope you had a great day!!

This is the how I see Shaun most of the time. He is always working on his videos at home. Poor guy, one day I know you won't have to work so much!!!

One of his many loves in his hand.

Pondering =)

Just plain Goofy!!

Fox Trot, Alpha Bravo (inside joke).....I Love You Shaun!!! Sorry for the lame post but it is midnight and I'll be a grump in the morning if I don't go to bed soon.

Over the river and through the woods...

to Grandmother's house we go.

Labor day my family convinced me to go visit my Mema (dads mom) who lives with my dads older sister in Cottonwood. I haven't been up to see her in a few year, naughty me. So I thought it was time. The whole Fam-Damley went except for my dud/working hubby and Ethan who chose to go paintballing with some cousins.

Crazy bearded guy aka dad, momasita, me, Shannie, Abeos, Mema, Ryk, Wuggie, Millie, Sue Sue, Blake (I hope to be in the family soon) and Shelia

We went to a playground to let the monkeys play around for a bit.

Amelia is a little dare devil and would run straight off the table, we can't leave her alone ever.

Sarah Sue swinging with Milllie

Uncle Abeos is the best Uncle ever... he is in love with Millie and always is off playing with her. She loved the feeling of his shaved head.

I swear we are sisters... even though our physical appearance tells another story. Or maybe my parents are keeping a secret from us!!!! Dang we are hot to trot =)

All in all it was a fun day visiting my itty bitty Mema and spending time with the fam. Heres to Cottonwood.

Part 2

To much to blog and so little time. Here is the rest of the trip. We went to the beach one of the days. The water was cold so our kids didn't want to get close to it. They mostly played in the sand. I was the first one out there trying to boogie board, even though I saw a fin in the water. Seriously...I just told myself it was a cute cuddly little dolphin and keep on walking out there. I mean really?? What are the odds I would get bitten or better yet eatin' by a shark. What a cool story that would be. Oops...back to my story. Here is our cute little family.

Me catchin' a wave.

Shaun and Ryker racing on the beach.

So I didn't get eatin' by a shark but I almost got buried alive.

This Sand Queen had sand EVERYWHERE. But loved every minute (well until I had to clean her off with COLD water)

Human Windshields.

We rented this lovely bike and enjoyed a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk. Ha... it wasn't relaxing, it was work. It probably wouldn't have been as hard if we weren't laughing our heads off the whole time. Nolan with the bell...it was great.

After we got all cleaned up we went and ate at the Grand California Hotel Buffet. Yummers. And yes your eyes are not playing tricks on you, we all match. Nolan just LOVES to wear matching shirts.

Before: poor guy was tricked onto the ride, once he saw the logs he started freaking out, screaming, didn't want to go down the "waterfall"

After: smiling, singing zip-a-dee-do-dah, now this is his favorite ride!!!

On the last day our little family woke up for "Magic Morning" which lets you into Disneyland at 8:00am when the park opens at 9:00 so hardly anyone is there...IT WAS GREAT!!! So this is our kids morning shot. We were all still sleepy.

First in line for Peter Pan baby!!!! Dang straight!!!

Ryker is afraid of Dumbo for some reason so Millie and I went on the high flying adventure. She loved it. She is so my daughter.

Carousal Fun.

My 2 Mr. Toads

Any ride that goes fast Millie sticks her tongue out like a dog in the wind. Yup she liked this ride too.

Ryker was really dissapointed he was not going to be the next King. Could you imagine if Ryker was King?? He would so be a dictator type. Yikes.

Aww the castle.

Ryker wanted this sword from day one. So he was really good the whole time to earn it. He still plays with it everyday.

Piddy the Pooh as Ryker calls it.

Well it was a fun fun trip and if you know me I can't sleep in cars, plane..well anywhere other than my bed. But my fam sure doesn't have trouble....

The End

Thanks Nana, Pa, Miss and Nolan for the great times. Till next time....and maybe Dangrous Dave can have his greasy turkey leg!!!!