Disneyland!!

Beware of the picture dump! This post has been a long time coming-it was just so much effort, that is why it has taken this long to post it! Better late than never right? We went to Disneyland in mid-January and had such a great time. It was the perfect time to go! No lines, 70-80 degree weather, and something to look forward to after all the Christmas madness, made it a tradition I want to continue! Here goes... Above is James and Preston with the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. We walked into the park on the first day and there they were! Preston didn't want to talk to the Queen, but liked the White Rabbit.
The girls met the fairy godmother from Cinderella. She was really sweet and we got quite a bit of time to chat with her.

Megan, me, and Claire on Small World-they still had it decorated for Christmas

Marie, Preston, me, Carter, and Nate riding Pirates of the Caribbean. It was Carter's favorite ride hands down. I rode it five times with him and he still went on a few more times with other people. Preston was a little scared of the waterfall and scary skeletons and it was Claire's favorite napping spot.
Trying to get a picture of all the kids together in the teacup was a joke. We took atleast 10 pictures and none of them had them all looking at the camera. Oh well!
We did pin trading this year which the boys had a great time doing. We bought our pins on ebay and got them sooo much cheaper! If you are thinking about doing it, this is the only way to do it. Carter collected pirate pins, I collected princess pins, and Preston collected whichever pin he thought looked cool.

Preston, Ryan, and Carter on Small World. Carter and Ryan became best buddies on this trip. Carter seems to make friends wherever he goes!

I love this picture of Claire. She is just my tiny girl. So cute.

Meeting Ariel with the girls

Carter hanging out at California Adventure while we fed Claire a bottle. It was a bad idea to bring a baby. She was pretty good, but it was just hard for her since she had no naps, teeth coming in, and diaper rash. Yuck! Lesson learned.

Meeting Mickey in California Adventure

How cute are these boys?!

Ryan and Preston on the carousel

Meeting Jessie

The boys got to pick a prize for being so good at the park. Carter chose bullseye and Preston chose Ham from Toy Story. They love stuffed animals! They have slept with them every night since!

We had so much fun at the Minnie and Friends character breakfast. We met so many characters and the food was delicious. Mickey Mouse shaped waffles, fresh made to order omelettes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, you name it, they had it. We met Minnie of course, Brear Fox, Captain Hook, Gepetto, Tigger, Eeyore, and the Fairy Godmother from Cinderella.

Some of us enjoying the yummy breakfast with Amber (a Disneyland worker that we saw several days in a row)

Claire meeting Tigger-how precious is this picture?

We did have other pictures of the kids with the characters, but somehow Preston managed to erase all of the pictures on my camera. Thankfully my cousin Megan and other family members gave me a cd of their pictures and James had some on his Galaxy tablet still. We are still pretty well documented don't you think?

We went on a few rides while most of the group waited in line to meet Rapunzel in her "tower".

Mike, Peter, and Rapunzel. How cute is she?!

They let us come in with everyone even though we didn't wait-score! Here is our entire group that went to Disneyland. There were a lot of us! L to R-Mike, Heather, Peter, Jordan, Nate, Nate's dad, Amanda, Katie, Megan, Teresa, Gary, James, Marie Front: Sarah, Sofia, Ryan, and Carter *Notice Carter's leg sprawled across Ryan's lap-too funny!

Us waiting in line for Toy Story Mania-one of the boys favorites

Buzz Lightyear Ride-Preston's favorite

The boys posing in front of the Walt Disney statue-we did a little scavenger hunt on the last day there to find Hidden Mickeys and other landmarks. Our team lost, but we had fun, thanks Nate! I was with some really hardcore Disney fanatics. They knew a lot about Disneyland, it was fun.
The boys loved watching the Jedi training and I was bummed they didn't get picked. They were there early and kids got picked that had just walked up right then. Annoying, but Carter said he would have been too afraid that he wouldn't know the moves to defeat Darth Vader. So cute!
The whole time we were in Disneyland we kept seeing people munching on these huge turkey legs. Gary and I could not figure out what the draw was, they look disgusting! Are we from the middle ages or what? So it became a joke that before we left I was going to buy a turkey leg and get a picture of Gary taking a bite. On the last night while waiting to see World of Color James was hungry for dinner. What a perfect time to buy a turkey leg! We took several photo ops with me and Gary! It makes me laugh every time I see it.
We saw the show "World of Color" twice while we were there. It was very cool but also very disappointing. The first time we went, we got the fast passes to be in the front. We waited for 45 minutes sitting and then were told we had to stand up because the show would be starting shortly. 45 minutes LATER the show finally started. People started pushing to get to the front and so we couldn't see anything. If I can't see anything, how are kids supposed to be able to see anything? Gary complained and got yes VIP for the next night. Although VIP was better and we could see, we still had to stand the entire time! My legs were ready to fall off! Disney needs to figure out a way to see the show with everyone sitting because it was ridiculous.
That being said, it was really cool. It was like the Bellagio's watershow on steroids!
Preston fell asleep that night at the hotel in this position! Classic! That about sums up our trip! My boys were at perfect ages to go. They still enjoyed the little kid stuff but were tall enough to ride almost all the big kid rides. Carter was bummed he was one inch too short for Indiana Jones though. Next time! We had a great time with lots of fun memories.

Resolutions 2011

I love this time of year with new beginnings and goal making. Let's go back to last years resolutions and see how I did-

1. Print out my blog and pictures developed-somewhat failed at this one. I did get my blog book for 2006-2007 finished and am waiting to print it out. They get pricey when you have over 100 pages! I didn't print out my pictures though so that will have to happen this year hopefully.

2. Go out to eat less-I think I did better but definitely not just once a week. I go through phases of not eating out at all for awhile and then not feeling like cooking too. I can always improve on this!

3.10 new recipes-accomplished! I even have used most of them multiple times! My new favorite food blog is mrshardingcooks.blogspot.com

4.Less computer time-I feel like I have been better these past few months than the rest of the year. I don't feel so attached to facebook as I used to. Not sure why?

5.Paint the nursery-Yes and did wall board too. James did awesome! Paint my room-Nope, still need to do that. Does redoing my entire main floor's flooring count?

6.Sort through and sell boys clothes, de-junk-accomplished! I only have one tote left of boys clothes. The rest have been sold, given to DI or to friends. I also sold a bunch of stuff in my basement on KSL. I love selling stuff now!


Here is for this year's resolutions-

1. Start running again. I am hoping to do a half marathon by October, but not sure how the knee will hold up. I just want that amazing feeling of running back. I miss it. I also need to lose a bunch of weight so that is also on my mind. But, how boring is that for a resolution?

2. Floss my teeth atleast twice a week. I am the world's worst flosser. Ok maybe not the worst because I actually do floss occasionally, but not ever on a consistent basis. For those of you who are every day flossers and think twice a week is so bad, I'm just taking baby steps!

3.Organize and de-junk my closets/basement/garage again. This was a goal 2 years ago and needs to be again. How do I have so much junk?! I feel like I throw away stuff all the time!

4. Read the Book of Mormon with my family-we have already started, but need a jumpstart again.

5. Instead of just new recipes I need to learn some pressure cooker recipes to use with my new pressure cooker. I can't wait to start using it. Thanks to the in-laws for sending money for me to get it for Christmas!

I think I will keep it at that for now since I still am working on ones from last year! I have some personal resolutions that I won't post here too, so I am set for self improvement for 2011. What are some of yours this year? Do you need to floss more too? :)

Christmas cards and Decor

I love getting Christmas cards! I almost forgot to blog these pictures, but it helps me to remember what cards were sent for what year. I always buy one or two new things for my Christmas decor and this year I bought this fun snowflake card holder. I needed it with how many cards I get every year! I also inherited that cute retro wreath from my mom that my grandma made. Isn't it darling?

Thanks for all the cute cards and fun pictures. I love getting the mail in December!

Last but not least, I picked up this fun advent calendar from Tai Pan. My boys loved moving the star magnet every day to the next day.

Christmas 2010

We had a fabulous Christmas this year! I am happy to have it be over and done with and get back to the normal routine tomorrow, but we really enjoyed being with family and laughing a lot! We started Christmas Eve going out to breakfast at Ihop with the fam, then met at 4 at my grandparents house to carol to them. We then went to Aunt Mary's for dinner followed by our 22nd year of caroling at the hospital. One man we sang to said his wife needed us to carol to her. He begged us to go down there and said it would make his Christmas, and gave my parents the address. He called his wife and told her his Christmas gift was coming. I didn't end up going because the kids were ready for bed, but I heard she was so touched and had tears rolling down her face. There is always someone at the hospital that make every year worth it, and help you to remember the reason for the season. We came back to my parents house to get into our new Christmas jammies.

My camera was fogged up but Claire's jammies say "Baby's first Christmas". Awwww.

Chase and Claire--Chase thought he was Rocky Balboa and took a shot a Claire's face

Baby Chase

Carter and Kale-Carter loved his new Bakugan jammies!

The cousins had their annual gift exchange and Carter got a cool spiderman bionicle which he loved. Kale is the master and is showing Carter the ropes to bionicle building.

My mom got my dad a dog for Christmas! He has been asking for one for awhile so she decided to give in and get him a jack russell terrier just like the dog we had growing up. He decided to name him Rocky since our family is obsessed with that movie franchise. Isn't he adorable? Now my mom is trying to get him potty trained, yikes. It's like she has a baby!

On Christmas day we had our white elephant gift exchange, and this is Mike wearing part of my present. I accidentally ordered adult size Christmas pajamas from Children's place online last year on a great after Christmas sale. I decided to keep them for this occasion. They didn't disappoint! Mike looked like Tommy boy--fat guy in a little coat. We got good stuff-a cute beaded watch,scentsy cubes, a recipe book, and a calendar! Both of our gifts were from Melanie, she gave good stuff! Mine was more of a joke. We may have to change the rules next year...

My grandparents came over for a yummy Christmas lunch of turkey, stuffing, and all the fixin's.

Later on we played Phase 10 and opened Christmas crackers. Preston looks cute sporting his crown and showing off his compass. I love fun traditions like this.

Carter got a magic kit from his Auntie Helen and Uncle Ian. He was so excited to use it, he wouldn't stop hounding us until he did. His first potion was making his magic wand. Pretty fun!

My mom gave all of the kids this huge poster size photo collage of pictures she had of our family. It was so neat and something I will cherish forever. I love looking at all the photos and am looking for the perfect place to display it in my house.

Another magic wand making photo-not sure why it's out of order, but too tired to swith it! Cute boys I have that is for sure!

And last but not least, I found these kids snuggies on the 23rd of December at Ross and had to get them! Preston got Elmo and Carter got Spiderman. They love them! We all now have our own snuggie (except Claire). Our Christmas was great and I feel so blessed with all the material things we have. The best gift this Christmas was spending time with my family and kids and getting to see their little faces light up with all the fun things that Christmas brings. Christmas with kids makes it 100 times more fun. I can't wait until next year!

Parties and other Christmas fun

We had the annual Stephenson adult Christmas party on the 12th and then the Tenney family Christmas party the next week. Here is a cute picture of Claire my Uncle Richard took.

We also had the ward Christmas paty on the 17th where the boys got to meet Santa and tell him what they wanted this year. Preston wanted a wind up mouse (which he didn't get). Not sure where he got that from??

Carter asked for a bakugan (He ended up getting one from Grammy).

The boys both got presents from our friend Ann Woods from England. She is so sweet to always remember them every year. They got iron man figures that I let them open a day early that they loved! We went to see Tangled and they wanted to bring their ironmans in the car. I had to catch a photo.

After watching Tangled, James and the boys made gingerbread cookies for some of the neighbors. I had made homemade caramel a few days before with my sisters too so we bagged it all up and delivered the treats to some friends. Christmas is almost here!

Carter's Jingle Jam

I had a great birthday! I got surprised and taken out to breakfast at Ihop with Mel and my mom and then went out to lunch with Mel, my mom, Megan, and Bethany at Paradise Bakery. After that I was got to watch Carter perform with his school in their annual "Jingle Jam" Christmas program. Each grade gets up and sings a few songs. It was so cute.

The kindergarteners were last of course, and were all sooo adorable. Carter was so cute and started to wave and smile so big as soon as he saw me. It melted my heart! They sang about being elves for Santa's workshop. I thought maybe Carter only had one elf ear that stayed in tact.

Turns out he just had his headband turned around so you couldn't see it. This was him walking down going back to his class. I am so proud of him, he is just such a good boy. That little toothless smile is my favorite. What a great way to spend part of my b-day!

30th Birthday Amazing Race/80's Party

As usual, I think I have my camera for the party and it ends up that I didn't have the battery put back in it. I swear it happens every year! Here are the few photos I have, but I am still waiting for more from others who came. This year was SOO much fun! First of all, my favorite present of the year was my best friend Kate flying in to be with me for the weekend. She is so much fun and I loved having her stay with us. Her husband flew me out to be with her for her 30th in January, so it was only fair that she be here for mine too! James did so much work to make it all happen, and kept it a secret from me so that I could play too. He's the best. We had everyone meet at my house and then we split into teams and traveled down to Provo to eat at Slab Pizza. I love that place and James and the rest of my fam/friends had never tried it, so I thought it would be perfect. They even posted on their blog about our "loud and fun bunch." Yeah, that sounds like us! There were 25 of us in all! We had to dress in 80s gear and people did not disappoint! I wish I had more photos of everyone's attire, it was hilarious! James looked great in his Pretty in Pink/Weekend at Bernie's look. His white pants were high waters and he had on no socks with docksiders. I had on silver leggings with leg warmers over top of my boots and a ruffled skirt with a neon shirt, jean jacket, side ponytail, blue eyeshadow, and tiara to boot! Fabulous! The winner of the night was my bff Karynn who wore her ORIGINAL fanny pack and neon earrings from the 80s. So awesome.

Here is part of the gang eating at Slab. I think everyone enjoyed it.

More of the party goers/racers.

We got our first clue at Slab and were told to go to the Quarry rock climbing place. One person from each team had to climb the rock wall. Derek was the one from our team to do that task. We were in first place at this point. We also were given a CD to play in the car and had to write down the artist and title of song for each one. My favorite game! I had a little edge on that since they came from my cds!

The next task led us to BYU stadium where two people from each team had to do a 3 legged race around the stadium. Karynn and Kate did this task for us, I'm glad I didn't have to do it in my high heeled boots (bad choice of shoes for the race but I kept up pretty well). After they finished, our clue gave us 5 dollars and we had to buy something with it and trade it as many times as we could and each trade counted for 30 seconds off your overall time. We also were on our way to Cabelas. We had to do a whole sheet of tasks from taking a picture with an employee, to finding the most expensive thing sold in the store (it was a 32,000 dollar rifle). We also had to take a picture of something that would complete the sentence "You know you're a redneck when...". Our picture was of a camoflouged office chair. Wow. We took a little too long in that task and lost our lead. We were then led to Lehi Legacy Center where one person had to shoot 10 free throws blindfolded. That was hard! And we had to wait until the team before us had finished. My brother Kevin took FOREVER to do this task so it put all of the rest of us way behind the first team. My brother Greg did it for our team and actually did it pretty fast. We then had to go to 5 Buck Pizza (Kevin's pizza place) and answer trivia questions followed by eating hot peppers. We were so far behind we knew that we couldn't win, so we decided not eat the peppers. It gave a 30 minute penalty so we had no chance of winning. We ended up at my house to have dessert and chat about the race.

Chocolate fountains are so yummy!

The yummy treats-cream puffs, rice krispie treats, yellow cake balls, strawberries and bananas to dip in chocolate...my own personal heaven!

30 written in cake balls

Me "blowing out" my candles (really a sparkler which didn't blow out).

I got so many great gifts and everyone was so awesome to get babysitters and rearrange their schedules to celebrate my birthday with me. It is not easy being born in December trying to find a good day for people is nearly impossible! James sent out date ideas in August, that's how prepared he was. He always does such an amazing job of spoiling me on my birthday. This was such a blast and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. We are all so competitive and were running and yelling at each other the whole time, just like I like it! haha
This last very unflattering photo is of me at Texas Roadhouse riding the saddle on my actual birthday. Claire was terrified when they were yelling for everyone to say yee haw. Isn't this picture classic? She seriously cried for a good 5 minutes after that. It traumatized her!
I am excited to be thirty and to start a new decade of life. I feel like I will just gain more wisdom and knowledge which can't be bad right? I'm trying to stay positive about getting older-there is no point in being sad about it. Here's to the next 30 being just a wonderful as my first 30!

Gingerbread House

The first of the Christmas festivities was of course the gingerbread house decorating. They decided to make it easy on us this year by having the house already pre built-genius idea! The icing is terrible and doesn't stick very well so our windows look pretty sad. The boys love this tradition and look forward to it every year.

I took this picture a little too late. Some of the candy had already been eaten!

The boys so proud of their gingerbread men. The more candy the better!

New floor

What a December we have had! SO busy! It all started with our downstairs bathroom toilet leaking and ruining the floor. Note to all those in the neighborhood-put a wax seal on your toilet because Sundance homes didn't put them on! We had talked about replacing our flooring anyway, so this was just our push to do it a little earlier than we had planned on. What a huge project!! I had no idea how much work it would be. Never again. I will hire someone if I ever have to do it again. We decided to put tile in our bathroom and fake wood through the rest of our main floor. This meant doing backerboard, grout, ripping up carpet, adding subfloor and lots of use of a miter saw! I am tired just thinking about it. My fingers were totally red and in pain for about a week! We are so happy with the results and are loving our carpet free main area. Picture above is of James doing the backerboard in the bathroom.

The "finished" tile job-we still need to go back and do more grout. I need a break though, so it won't be for a few more weeks.

The wood up close and personal-photo by Preston

kitchen view

All the way through to the family room and into the front room-so glad it's over!

Thanksgiving with the twins

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving this year with the Tenney side. We had fewer numbers with people going to inlaws, so we were all able to fit at my moms house. It was so nice! It was fun to see all of the family that came but the highlight of the day was getting to meet my cousin Sean's twins, Olivia and Sophie. They were born at the end of September and are the sweetest little baby girls ever. Here is a cute picture of Sean's mom holding her granddaughters.

Sophie Michael

Olivia Sean (I hope I am saying the right name for the right baby)

Uncle Jeff, James, Carl

We ate so much yummy food I was stuffed for the rest of the day! The men assuming their position of hand down their pants and relaxing. haha James doesn't quite know what to do!

Aunt Stephanie with Sophie

Grandma Tenney with her great granddaughters

Aunt Taffy, Grandma, Karen, Sophie, Olivia

Here is all 4 generations together. Doesn't Karen look fantastic?! She is also nursing the twins and going to school! She should win an award. It was bittersweet to not have Sean there to enjoy the girls with us, but I am so grateful that they are here and healthy. Happy late Thanksgiving!