This Is Us

On Friday night we went over to our friends house (Chris and Miriam) for dinner and games. The kids were so excited. We had gone over there a couple days earlier to deliver some Christmas cookies, so when we got back over there and they were able to spend more time playing they were excited. Chris and Miriam had a new game called Killer Bunnies. At first Nick and I were hesitant about it, because of the name, but it's actually really fun. It's so fun in fact, that we bought it. We would love to teach anyone who wants to play!!!

I lost my job a month ago because they said "We don't have enough work to keep you busy. We can offer you part-time, but you don't get any benefits, insurance, etc. The time for Part-time would be from 10:00 to 2:00 Monday thru Friday." First off... How rude is that to let me go right before the Holidays. Why couldn't they wait until January??? Second... We would still have to pay for a babysitter, and insurance on our own, plus all the gas for me to still drive there every day of the week. So what's the point in me working part-time? Everything I earn would go to those things. Third... Couldn't it have been part-time 8 hours for three days a week? That would have been better. So anyway, we have decided that I will be home with the kids. It's been so much fun. I enjoy taking and picking Brichette up from school everyday. Watching the morning shows on PBS with Xander. Making breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home. Being able to wash clothes any

So I finally changed the layout for Christmas. Hope you like it. I will get pictures downloaded tonight, and some blogs up in the morning (hopefully). I will also put together some Christmas songs and put them up as well.

Yes, we are still alive. It's been kind of busy... with me getting used to being home, plus our Internet access is limited. Dieter's computer is kind of slow, and our computer's security outdated. But we have a new one now, and we should get back to blogging real soon. Thanks for bearing with us. Love you, Us!!!

On Halloween, when we were on our way to Brichette's school for her parade, we saw the most beautiful sunrise. My camera didn't quit capture all the color... The clouds were so Yellow, and fluffy... It was just gorgeous. Brichette and Xander were so excited about it that they had me take picture after picture after picture. I told them it was enough, but they didn't want me to stop. They wanted to make sure I had enough pictures that they could remember it forever. The things kids say!!! Anyway this is the first shot we saw of it, and then the yellow color started to fade. It's amazing how quickly sunrises and sunsets change. Here are a couple others:

We had a great Halloween this year, other than me being sick. And for the record... I'm still sick, it stinks! I made dinner for us, my parents, Nick parents, and my sister and her family. I made mummy dogs (hot dogs with crescent rolls wrapped around them. They turned out really good. Thanks Mom and Dad for helping get them done. I started late, so they helped me to get them done faster. We ate, and then went Trick-Or-Treating. The best part of all, was our transportation. Nick got the 4-wheeler ready the night before, he put a hitch on it, and hooked the trailer to it. We put blankets, pillows, and the kids' bean bag sacks on there. It was so much fun. I think the kids enjoyed riding more than they did getting the candy. Thanks Nick for a great idea, and a fun Halloween. Once we were done, we went back home and watched Scooby Doo and the Goblin King. We Popped popcorn with our maker, and ate candy. It was so much fun. I still didn't feel very good, so I didn't get ver

So the night before Halloween we carved our pumpkins. I wasn't feeling well, so I didn't get very many pictures, and I didn't get a single one of the pumpkins glowing. I hate being sick!!! Before I started feeling crappy, I made dinner. The kids wanted pancakes, so I decided to make them fun. I turned them into pumpkin pancakes. They still tasted like normal pancakes, I just separated it out and colored a little bit black, and the rest orange. I think they turned out pretty cute, and the kids loved them. Brichette's pumpkin had a rose carved into it, Xander had R2-D2 (that was very, very hard to do, especially when your sick), and Nick did Yoda. He said that one was a big pain in the neck too! Hopefully next year I won't get sick, and will get some more pictures.

On Friday, I took the morning off so I could go to Brichette's Halloween Parade at her school. Nick was going to but then they told him that the roof on the house had to be done by Friday. So Nick assumed that meant that he couldn't take the morning off and went into work. When he got there his boss looked at him and said "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming in until 10:00 or so?" Nick told him that he thought the roof had to be done so that's why he came in. So we weren't very happy about Nick missing it. Lorena, Xander and I went inside, after dropping Brichette off with her class. We saved my parent's a seat, and waited for them. The night before I had asked my mom if she wanted me to give her a wake-up call, and she said "No. I should be fine. I'll set the alarm, and your day is working from home." I said okay and left it at that. About 10 minutes before her parade started they still weren't there. So I called th

If you want to see the caption with the picture you just have to move your mouse over the picture. :)

A couple of weeks ago we went to the Zoo for their annual "Boo At The Zoo!". We got there a little late, but still had lots of fun. They have trick-or-treating, and most of the animals are active because it's such nice weather. We were pulling in the drive-way and I looked back at the kids and saw Xander with his foot out the window, just chillin'. It was very funny. Here is a slide with the pictures.

Okay... get ready for some catch-up!!! =D Are you ready??? Here it comes!!!

We've changed our layout for Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for: Heavenly Father Prayer Scriptures Our Faith Our Health Our Family Our Friends All the Love Cars to get around in A roof over our head Clothes, shoes, coats Our trials that help make us stronger Sorrow so we can mourn and help us be happy about other things Tests so we can learn Happiness Laughter Silliness Trees, Flowers, All of Heavenly Father's creations AND SO MUCH MORE!!! Thank you to all our family and friends for everything they have done and do for our family. We love you so much!!! *P.S. We will be posting about Halloween, and other things soon. Melissa hasn't been feeling well.

Yesterday Brichette's school had a veggie art contest, so Tuesday night we put together an animal. We were going to do a whale, but this worked out so much better. She was also talking about taking a pumpkin, but she liked this better. Can you tell what it is? We used a cucumber for the body; Carrots for the legs, feet, and beak; Whole cloves for the eyes; and the leaves from the Carrots for the wings. Here are a couple more pictures: She was so happy about it and excited that she couldn't wait to get to school and show everyone. She kept asking us if we could keep her forever. We told her that she couldn't because it was made out of vegetables, and would only last a couple days, before it started to wilt and spoil. ************ Brichette, you did a wonderful job! No matter what happens... it's first place in our books. Love You!!!

Friday night my parent's had their annual Halloween party. It was a lot of fun. Nick, the kids, and I got there kinda late, but Maren was still getting ready, so it was okay. Right before we left the house, Brichette ripped a whole in the side of her costume. So we had to take it off and my mom fixed it for her. She was very upset about it, but after we told her that Grandma could fix it, she calmed down. Brichette was excited that Tiffany was Tinkerbell too, but she took it off before I could get a picture of her. I'll do a slide of the pictures.

Well Thursday I was pulled into the HR office with Mary, and was told that my position was being turned into a Part-Time position. They don't have the money or the work for a full-time person. But I could stay on until November 14 th as full-time and then if I wanted to, I could have the part-time position. They really didn't want to have to do this, and have been putting it off for a couple months, which I wish they could have waited until after the Holidays, but whatever. So I cried, a lot, and left right after, which was a little bit before I normally leave. Nick called as I was driving away, and I told him what happened. Then I called my Mommy and talked to her. Once I got home I was so tired and depressed, that I didn't want to do anything. The kids were so cute, they asked me what was wrong, so I told them, then they asked why my work didn't want me anymore. I told them it wasn't really that, but just they didn't have the money to pay me anymore. Then the

Tuesday night we bought a gingerbread haunted house to decorate. So last night we decorated it. The kids had so much fun deciding where to put everything, and eating the candy and frosting. In the kit there was orange and black frosting. I got a little bit of black frosting on my finger and licked it off... as I was doing so Colleen asked me if it tasted good. I pulled an awful face and said "No! It's pretty gross!". It didn't taste like frosting at all. I don't know what it tasted like, but it was gross. Anyway... we watched Haunted Mansion, by Disney starting Eddie Murphy, while we were decorating it. It really put is all in the Halloween spirit. Brichette and Xander kept sneaking finger tastes of the frosting, and popping candy in their mouth. We look over at Xander... I asked him if he had been sneaking frosting. He, very slyish, said "Oh, no", which we laughed because he had black frosting all over his lips and fingers. Then he said "Just Ki

On Saturday we had planned to go with Page and Chevonne to their ward's Halloween party, but then we found out that our Primary Program's practice was then. So we went to the practice hoping to leave early so we could make it over to the party. We did leave early but not early enough... we just missed the party. So Page and Chevonne decided that since Brichette and Xander missed the party, and were very upset about it, they would have one at their house with the girls that Page used to watch with Brichette and Xander. So Page got all the games set up and we had our own Halloween party at their house. The kids had so much fun... they played the games, then Page and Chevonne bought us lunch (THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LUNCH!!! IT WAS VERY YUMMY!). After lunch they played tackle all the adults, (all the kids and me tackled Nick on the couch and sat on him and tickled him, it was great) and then they played with balloons. It is so wonderful to have your life blessed with such wonderful

My father sent me this e-mail. I don't know much about abortions, because I am totally against them. I just learned what partial abortions are (in this e-mail), and I can't believe any human being would do that to a living child. It just makes me sick and it hurts my heart! My Dad: Here's an email sent out by Huntley Brown, a black Christian pianist: Huntley Brown: Why I Can't Vote For Obama By Huntley Brown Dear Friends, A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an e-mail with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it’s worth repeating. First I must say who ever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him. Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness. I process my identity through Christ. Being a Chri

My mother-in-law watches her grandson on her days off, while his mom and dad work. Our kids are always anxious to come home and play. This one time, Xander was sitting in the rocking chair and Alex (the grandson) wanted to sit by him. So I put him up there next to Xander and they watched T.V. for a little bit. But them Alex started teasing Xander. He would put his foot in front of Xander's face so he couldn't see the T.V., and would laugh this really cute but sneaky laugh. Xander would laugh with him, and then try to get his foot off of him. After a couple time they both were laughing so hard that they couldn't move. It was very cute, and made us laugh too. Here are some more pictures: I can already tell he will be one of those grandpa's that tease about everything. What a cute little boy!!!

We have been buying the Betty Crocker Warm Delights when they are on sale, and we have coupons. They are very yummy, but were a little to big for just one person to eat... well should eat (HeHe HaHa). They just came out with Mini ones. So this last time at Albertson's when they had their General Mills products on sale, we bought the Minis. I thought that way I could have a treat at work, but not feel like a pig. They are just the right size and very yummy. They give you just enough sugar to get rid of the craving, but not to much that you feel like you've eaten a whole birthday cake. The one pictured is the Chocolate Raspberry Decadence. It is now my favorite. If you haven't already tried them, you should. Enjoy!!!

On Sunday we went to my parent's house for dinner, and my sister Maren and her family were still there (they go to Eric's dad's house for dinner) because Joey and Zack decided they wanted to wear their Halloween costumes. Joey is a grim reaper and has a sickle (I think that's what it's called). He was chasing the other kids around trying to "get them". Well Carol decided that looked like so much fun, and the second that Joey put it down she grabbed it and started chasing the kids. She was growling and yelling at them, it was so cute. And if they weren't yelling and running away from her, she would push them and make them run and scream. Here are a couple pictures: Doesn't Brichette look really scared??? HeHeHe!!! In this one, Brichette looks like she is falling, because she is. Maren tripped her. LOL! Not on purpose... Brichette was running past her, Maren moved her foot, and down went Brichette. Maren helped her back up and told her sorry, but Bri

Hey, Sorry I wasn't in the mood yesterday to blog. I was just having one of those days!!! I'll post something soon! Thanks!

I just LOVE my husband!!! Yesterday I was just quietly sitting at my desk working, when my co-worker walked back with a beautiful arrangement of flowers. I was completely shocked! I read the card and it said: "Hope these flowers bring warmth to your heart and help you have a wonderful day! Love, Nick" That sure brightened my day, and made me so happy! Then one of my other co-workers asked what they were for, and I told him just because my husband loves me. He than said that Nick was making him look bad, and that I couldn't say anything to his wife, because he was slacking. LOL! I LOVE YOU NICOLAS! YOU ARE THE BEST HUSBAND IN THE WHOLE WORLD! THANKS FOR SPOILING ME!!! Side Note: **I love the vase. It's actually a glass drink pitcher, and is beautifully swirled with Red, Orange, White, and Black. I'm really excited to use it after the flowers have died.

Saturday night is when I took the picture of Brichette's 4th missing tooth, and let me tell you the kids were in the silliest mood. They were laughing at everything and wanted me to take lots of pictures of them. I could only get a couple because they were moving so much that most of them came out blurry. We love it when they are in those moods... It makes us laugh and then we get into a silly mood too. I only got this one with Brichette being silly because it took lots to get her to hold still for the pictures of her teeth and then she was off running again. Xander stayed by me and showed off. Xander's Pirate Face. "ARRGGG Me Maties" (He says that so cute!!!) I don't know why, but he wanted me to take his picture doing this. I told you SILLY MOOD!!! We sure love these kids, and couldn't have asked for more wonderful children!!!

Saturday evening it started to snow, and snowed through the night. So Sunday when we woke up the ground, roofs, cars, and flowers were covered in snow. We also woke up to Xander screaming... Nick ran in there and he had blood everywhere. All over his PJ's, his face, his bed... He had gotten a bloody nose. I asked him if he had bump it or pick it, and he said no. Which he probably didn't. From looking at where the blood was on his bed and pillow, I don't see how he bumped it, or picked it. It was just gushing out of his nose, so I think he too woke up to his nose bleeding. Also Colleen said that would happen to Nick when the air would change and they would have to turn the heater on. It would dry out the air so much, that his nose would bleed. Nick got a cold rag, and I started to clean him up as I was also trying to get it to quit bleeding. Nick grabbed another rag, and we took him into our room and laid him down with the other rag under his neck. We finally got it to stop,

On Saturday we went to my friend's Mother's funeral and then went to my cousin's son's baptism (WOW, that's a mouth full). We were getting ready and the kids looked at us and said "Is it church today?" We said "No", then they asked why they had to wear their church clothes. We explained that the funeral and baptism take place in a church and we want to show respect to them and to Heavenly Father. They still didn't want to wear their church clothes, but were a little better about putting them on. I pulled Brichette's hair up and I think it looked pretty cute. Here are a couple pictures: I did the zig-zag on the top and pulled into 2 pony tails. Then I parted the bottom into two and pulled the top pony tails into it. The last twist of the hair tie, I only pulled a some of the hair through and created a loop. She was very excited and told me how cute she looked. * While I was taking the pictures of her hair, Xander had to sneak in with an ad