Happy New Year From The Felstead Family!

Here's hoping 2009 brings you much health and happiness!

It's Party Time!

Ledger eating the marshmallow from his Smore.  How do you like my party hat?

Brody was all about his Smores!  Yummy!

Case and Katlyn Singing a duet on the Karaoke Machine.

Here I am looking ready for bed and it's only 9:30!

It's New Year's Eve here at the cabin and to celebrate we had a party!  It started off with a prime rib dinner prepared by Sugar and Jim.  It was delicious!  After dinner, the kiddos made Smores. Brody loves the whole process of making the Smore.  He gets the marshmallow just perfect before melting the chocolate between the graham crackers.  Case on the other hand quickly burns the marshmallow and then remembers he doesn't like the marshmallow so he puts it to the side and eats the chocolate and graham cracker.  Ledger eats all of the Smores ingredients separate.  It's great fun.  After Smores we let the kids shoot the old fashioned poppers at each other.  You know the old school ones where you pull the string and confetti flies out just after you burn your finger.  They were so loud and fun.  The kids loved them.  After the poppers, we quickly pulled out the karaoke machine and let the kids sing nursery songs on the microphone. It was a rock party here at the cabin!   We played and hung out for a little longer until midnight came (wink wink) We're on New York time around here! We watched the ball drop in Time Square and put the kids to bed.  They were exhausted!  We then played a game of Balderdash and now I'm off to bed!  Here's hoping your 2008 was a good one and that 2009 will be even better!  Good night!

Ski Bums!

Here we are on our way up to the top of the mountain.  Case wanted to be sure we stayed on the green circle runs and not the black squares (diamonds)!

Here is Case learning how to ski for the first time.  He is 3 1/2 years old. 

 

Brody is looking like a pro in his cute Spider outfit.  Can you believe this is his third year skiing.  He is 5 1/2.

Hey is that really a picture of me and Brody on the chair lift?  Thanks to Kim for coming to take pictures of us!

Dad and Case heading up the bunny hill for a practice run!  

Today we actually left the cabin and headed up the mountain to Sunrise.  We were so excited to take both Brody and Case snow skiing.  We started off at the rental area to get skis, boots and poles for the boys and myself.  BIG MISTAKE!!  It took us about 2 hours to get our rentals.  Not exactly how I wanted to start my day!  Next we headed to the bunny hill to see how we would do.  SCARY!  I don't know if I'm just getting older or what, but it was so hard skiing with the boys today. Getting them on and off the chair lift, let alone picking them up each time they fell was exhausting to us both!  It was pretty warm out which was nice, but it made it hard for Jeremy and I to hold the extra shirts, hats, gloves, and jackets that we had layered on them before we got there.  Brody struggled a bit today.  His skis and little body were flying all over the place.  Case on the other hand was loving life on the snow.  He discovered today that if you bend your knees just so, you will go down the hill faster.  He showed me many times today which was a little scary!  He would just fly down the mountain like it was no big deal!  He loved skiing!  Toward the end of the day, he actually fell asleep on the chair lift.  Jeremy had to pick him up and carry him off the lift when we reached the end! It was so funny!  As for Jeremy and I...we are exhausted!  We have a new found respect for our own parents who took us on many ski trips as children.  We can't imagine how they ever survived day after day with us in the snow..with skis...and poles...and uncomfortable boots...and layers of ski clothes!   We are really thankful that they did because now we can teach our little guys how to ski too!  

Wheeee!

  Happy Sunday to everyone out there!  Today we loaded up the sleds and headed to the golf course to go sledding with the boys.  It was so much fun this year!  Brody and Case couldn't get enough of going down the hill...by themselves!  Ledger loved going fast with both Jeremy and I.  He quietly said, "awwwwwwoooo" the whole way down!  It was cute!  The weather was perfect today, not too cold.  We're thinking about taking Brody and Case snow skiing either tomorrow or Tuesday.  We'll keep you posted! 

Here they are...the Three boys and a husband.  Off they go!

Daddy and Ledger bundled up nice and warm.

Snowed In!

Brody put one of his new Lego sets together today! He did it all by himself and can you tell how proud he is!  Way to go Bro!

Case had fun today playing Rock Band on the Wii with Chase and Taylor.

Ledger couldn't get enough of Franks Chicken Parmesan!  He had three large helpings of pasta...most of which ended up on his shirt and pants!

Sugar had fun playing Mr. Potato Head with the kids!

What do you do when it's negative 4 degrees outside and there's 18-24 inches of snow on the ground?  You have fun in the cabin!  It is so freezing cold here that we didn't even leave the cabin today.  Instead, we played, played, played!  There were 8 kids here today and the oldest was 6 years old.  There were bombs, missiles and popcorn flying through the air all day!  It was crazy and fun.  The day ended with lots of crying and over tired kids who couldn't decide which bunk bed they wanted to sleep in.  It was fun!

It's A Very Merry Christmas!

Thanks Santa!

Brody was so excited when he got The Trade Federation Lego's!

Thanks Sugar for the Motorykle!

 

Ledger's 1st bike!

Presley was so wound up this morning!  We could hardly control her!

Merry Christmas to you all!  I hope this year finds you all happy and healthy! It's been a good week or so since I last posted.  It's been a crazy week before Christmas.  The last minute shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning and parties have left this Mrs. Claus sleepy! 

This morning we were thinking we would be up at the crack of dawn but instead, my Mom woke us up at 8:00 when she texted us to see if we were awake.  We ended up waking the boys up at 8:15 to open their presents.   It was a year of Star Wars Lego's and Transformers around here!  It looks like the Lego store threw up in our family room!  I don't know when or how we are going to get all these Lego's put together but it will be lots of fun trying! Right now, Brody is busy getting the Trade Federation put together while Case is shooting bombs and missiles across the family room.  Mr. Clause is snoozing on the bed while Ledger is getting into everyone's things.  Mrs. Claus is sleepily picking up and helping put Lego's together.  Tonight we will go to my Mom's house for dinner with Kunkle, Nicole, Presley, GG and Gpa.  It will be simple but wonderful!  Can't wait to hear what Santa brought all of YOU!  Merry Christmas!

Stay tuned for snowy pictures from the CABIN! Can't wait!

Family Photo Shoot

Nothing like taking a family Christmas picture...in the rain!  It was cold and rainy all day and I loved it!  This pictures says it all!  

Although it was sprinkling on us during this shot, I love the happy feeling I get when I see this picture!  I'm one lucky mama to be surrounded by these cuties! (too bad my hair isn't cooperating!)

Mr. Happy

This picture says it all.  Brody is so happy and sweet!  I love this picture!

Lady Killer

Is this the cutest picture of Case ever...we think so!

Our Little Bruser!  

No need to call CPS just yet (HaHa).  Last week this little man fell off the couch at speech therapy and got a big o rug burn under his nose.  Just as it was starting to clear up...CRASH he tripped and fell onto the bathtub chin first.  He bit through his lip and now it is super swollen (as if you couldn't tell from the pictures!)

Today was the day!  After rescheduling our Christmas photo shoot 3 times, today was the day to get it done (nothing like the week before Christmas!) Would you believe it rained all day and of course through our shoot!?!?  Poor Miss Ashley had to stand in the freezing cold getting her awesome camera sprinkled on while these 3 bozos ran around with their umbrellas!  Even though family photo sessions are not my favorite thing to do...it was fun snuggling up to these 4 cute guys while we tried our best to smile and look cute!  Thanks Miss Ashley for a fun, rainy afternoon!  The pictures are awesome and and so are YOU!

Merry Christmas From The Felstead's

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WHEW!

Brody and Santa!

Case was not so sure about Santa as you can see by the far lean away from him!

Ledger was having no part of Santa!

Case showing us his trampoline moves at the gymnastics show!

One proud birthday Dad!

Good Sunday evening to you all!  What a crazy weekend it was around this house!  It all started on Friday when my washing machine took a dump!  Yes my 9 year old washing machine that I love decided it was time to go leaving me with piles of dirty boy laundry everywhere!  If you don't already know, I absolutely love my old school washing machine! I'm not a big fan of the new front loaders.  Don't get me wrong, the colors are beautiful and it's amazing how energy efficient they are but I love my water guzzling, use lots of energy washing machine!  My experience with front loaders is that they don't seem to get the clothes clean because they use less water.  I know, I know, they are probably way better then my old school washer, but I'm just a little old fashioned I guess!

Saturday morning we went our annual Santa Party.  The boys love this party because it is a cookie, cupcake, candy paradise.  They eat more yummy junk at this party then they do all year! Santa comes and brings all the kids an ornament, we eat more goodies and it's over, short and sweet...my kind of party!  

Saturday afternoon Case had his first gymnastics show at Desert Devils.  It was so fun to watch Case participate in this show because he is so athletic and limber!  He showed us what he can do on the monkey bars, balance beam, bars, floor and of course...trampoline!! Way to go Case!

After the gymnastic show, my Mom took the boys and Jeremy and I headed to City Hall for dinner to celebrate Jeremy's 36th birthday!  The food was wonderful and it was nice to enjoy time to ourselves!  After dinner we headed to the mall but didn't really have time to look for anything...bummer!  My Mom kept the boys for the night which was so fun for us!  Can you believe we didn't get out of bed this morning until 10:00?  When was the last time that happened...oh I know...before we had kids!  Sleeping in is so nice.  I've forgotten how much I love that!  I think Jeremy enjoyed his birthday even though it was filled with family activities and craziness.  Happy Birthday Jeremy...I love you tons!

This morning since we didn't have kids (weird feeling), we jumped in the car and headed to Sears to learn about washing machines.  The very knowledgeable Emery sold us on the Kenmore top loader that uses lots of water and energy...YIPPEE!  I hope I can wait until Tuesday when they deliver it!  I hate laundry but cant wait to do some!  I'll keep you posted on how it works, there better not be a stain on any clothes after I wash them!   Jeremy and I ate lunch at PF Changs (I know, I wasn't very good at keeping the Sabbath Day holy!!) and then headed back home to relieve my Mom from the boys.  We did go to church at 3:00 which was nice!  Here's a funny story.  Today Case got to attend 15 minutes of Primary to get him ready for Sunbeams in January.  I guess it just wasn't that exciting for him cause he fell fast asleep during singing time.  The teacher next to him had to literally catch him as his big head fell forward!! I think his sleep over with Sugar was just too much fun and he was wiped out!  

So there you have it.  The weekend is over and tomorrow is another busy day for us!  Hope you all had a fun weekend and are looking forward to next weekend like we are!  Good night!

A Felstead Snow Ball Fight!

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Thanks Auntie Lisa, Uncle Brett, Chandler and Hayley!!

Brody couldn't get enough of painting his new wooden birdhouse!

This is the perfect gift for Case except...

when Dad has to get all the missiles off the roof!

Christmas came early today when the mail woman delivered a big package from Texas!  It was the boys Christmas gifts from their cousins Chandler and Hayley.  They were so excited so I decided to let them open them early (way to go MOM!) Brody got a Birdhouse that he got to paint on his own.  Case got a missile launcher that you jump on and the missiles shoot up into the air.  Ledger got a cute tugboat that you play with in the bathtub.  All three boys got light up reindeer noses and finger flashlights...Too Cool!!  We love our cousins so much and will miss them this year!  Thanks for the great gifts girls!  You're the best!

Monkey Boy!

I've been so sick.  On Tuesday I woke up with the worst sore throat.  After a trip to the Doc, it was discovered I had strep throat.  No surprise since I could hardly stand up cause my lower back hurt so bad.  It was all I could do to not cry all day cause I was so achy, cold and tired.  I was given Amoxicillin since most other antibiotics make me sick to my stomach.  Apparently the Amoxicillin wasn't strong enough for this sore throat cause I feel like I have fire coming out of my ears and throat!  I cannot believe how bad my throat hurts! I called the Doc again this morning and he called me in a stronger prescription.  We'll see how I do on it!  

Enough of that!  Guess what Brody told me when I picked him up from school today?  "Mom I learned how to do the monkey bars today!"  I was shocked cause we had never worked on the monkey bars before.  We jumped out of the car and headed over to the kindergarten playground.  What do you know...Brody can do the monkey bars!  Way to go Bro!

It's beginning to look like Christmas around here...FINALLY!

The stockings were hung...

Our festive entryway!

There's reindeer in my flower pots!

Can you believe we are just starting to get out our Christmas decorations?  The late Thanksgiving and being at the cabin really messed us up this year!  We still don't have our tree decorated but are working on it!  I can't believe how late it is!  We've never done this before!  I had an "ah ha" moment yesterday while I was rummaging through the attic looking for all the Christmas decorations.  I think the reason that Christmas is not my favorite holiday is because I can't do any of the decorating on my own!  I am totally reliant on Jeremy and his schedule!  I can't get anything out of the attic due to the weight of the totes.  I can't put up the lights because even the tallest ladder isn't tall enough for my 5 foot 3 body! Our tree is too heavy for me to set up, the wreath is too big for me to even carry...it goes on and on!  I have to wait until Jeremy is ready to get in the attic and get everything down. All you wives out there know, this aint always easy!  Does anyone else run into this problem?  It's a pain but I love when it's all done.  Our house is looking so festive and pretty.  I just hope that I can get it all done before December 25th! 

Buds

Brody just finished his first week at his new school and he couldn't be happier.  The playground aide said to me yestersday morning as Brody was attacked by 8 little boys on the playground, "It's too bad Brody's had such a hard time making friends at his new school." I laughed and told her how happy it makes me to see everyone being so kind to him.  She then told me that her and the other recess aide talked yesterday and decided that they need to keep a close eye on Brody because his friends are borderline stalking him!  It's so fun for me as the mom to watch the excitement of his friends when he arrives at school each day.  Although it sometimes overwhelms him, I think Brody is pretty happy about all the attention!  

One of the reasons Brody has enjoyed his new school so much is because of this big guy, his buddy Jackson.  Brody and Jackson were born a week apart and have been buddy's since starting and graduating preschool together.  Jackson is so sweet and fun to play with.  Although he towers over Brody in his weight and height, these two boys have lots in common.  They both love Star Wars, video games, transformers, and playing outside.  They have been in the same swim class and hopefully they will be on the same T-ball team in the spring.  Although they are not in the same Kindergarten class this year, I know these 2 boys will be friends for years to come!  Thanks Jackson for being a great friend to Brody!  

You rock dude!

P.S.  Does anyone know why my whole post is underlined?  I don't!

Pinky hello's and a new beginning!

Brody at his new seat but looking a little unsure about what is going on!

Pinky hellos and still a little unsure!

Well today was a big day for us all.  Brody started at his new school.  The guilt and tears are overwhelming.  I think one of the hardest things about being a Mom is the decisions you make on your child's behalf each and every day.  You often think that you are making good choices for them by the friends you have them play with to the activities you sign them up for.  You hope that the way to you teach them and the lessons you instill in them are good ones and that they will remember them when they are in a situation that is not so positive. 

Today when I took Brody to school to meet his teacher, he was so excited.  Mrs. O is young, nice, and seems like she loves to teach.  The classroom is colorful and there was even a bathroom inside the classroom! There was a reading corner and cubbies to place backpacks and lunches.  After talking to the teacher for 20 minutes, it was time to head outside to line up and start the day.  After a calm morning, the panic set in and Brody started with all the questions..."Where do I line up?" "Where is my chair? "What do I do with my backpack?"  My heart ached thinking about him having to start all over with the rules and procedures of the classroom, let alone thinking of him making all new friends.  I walked with him outside to a line of Kindergartners who were really excited to see a new kid!  Even though the only  two kids we know are not in his class, he was so happy to see them lined up to go to their class.  Mrs. O. stopped the kids at the door and individually greeted them with a "pinky" hello (I loved this!)  I quickly grabbed my camera and began taking pictures (Sorry Brody).  I said my good bye's and left with a lump in my throat.  I walked outside to see my friend Libby and out came the tears.  She reassured me that he was going to be happy and that I had made the right decision (thanks Lib).  Since I didn't have any groceries, I wasn't able to send Brody to school with a lunch (heaven forbid we eat the cafeteria food!) I ran up to Bashas and got him some chicken tenders with ketchup, ran home to make him a napkin (this is a whole story in itself!) and headed back to school.  When I got there the Kindergartners were at morning recess.  All I could see on the playground was a group of boys following each other like a swarm of bees around the playground.  Guess who was in the middle?  The new kid...my Brody!  He immediately saw me and smiled that big goofy smile.  I motioned for him to come over but apparently that wasn't cool cause he acted as if he didn't see me.  I put his lunch and towel on his table and walked back to the playground.  Again I motioned for him to come over because I had his snack which he was supposed to be eating during recess.  He quickly ran over to me with that same goofy smile, politely said he didn't want a snack, and took off with the swarm.  An hour earlier I was loving, kind, helpful Mom, and now I'm interrupting play time at his new school!  I  couldn't be happier!  I hope the rest of his day will be a fun one and that he made lots of friends.  I hope my guilt will quickly diminish and I will feel reassured today at 3:00 that I have made the right decision for him.  

Back to life, back to reality!

Well, our Thanksgiving week has come to an end and we are back home.  I always hate coming home and having to face LIFE!  I just want to live in cabin land where I have no responsibilities and I get to accomplish projects.  I love having my Mom to help me with the boys.  She is so Awesome!  My boys love her and think she is the coolest person on earth.  Brody and Case often ask if they can move in with Sugar.  I guess I should be offended by this but I'm not, I love that they love her so much!

 Brody is starting at his new school tomorrow and the guilt I am feeling is overwhelming.  I hope that he will be happier at his new school.  I hope he will make lots of friends who he can play with after school.  I hope this is the right place for him! I've got a crazy busy day tomorrow so I'm off to bed (with alligator tears in my eyes).  Good Night! 

The Countdown Has Begun!

Well, Thanksgiving is over and it's time to start thinking about Christmas!  Today the boys made Christmas countdown chains. Here is how they work:

 Each night after good nights are said,

 tear off one chain and hop in bed. 

 When only the star is left to shine, 

then you will know it's Christmas time.  

The boys are so excited to start the countdown!  I'm a little less excited because I already feel behind and it's not even December yet!  I'm trying not to think about it because I want to enjoy my last few days at the cabin.  This Christmas will be lots more simple around our house!  Anyone else out there feeling worried about this unpredictable economy?  I know I am! Without family and ward parties to host, I'm looking forward to a calm and enjoyable Christmas holiday!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Guess what we did today? Actually I should say, guess what Jim and my boys did today?  They went out into the freezing cold and built this snowman cutie!  The snow is really wet but that didn't stop these wild boys from rolling snowballs out back! They all have runny noses but loved being out in the cold! What did you do today?  Any Black Friday deals out there?  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Thanksgiving was so good thanks to my Mom's yummy cooking!  The snowy weather continued throughout the day which was fun.  It was a small feast this year.  Just the boys and I, Mom and Jim, Michel and Chris, Christian, Emily and cute Paisley.  After dinner, Brody, Case and I hopped in the car and headed to the lovely White Mountain Cinemas to see the movie Bolt.  I actually got to sit and watch the movie thanks to my awesome mom who let Ledger stay at the cabin with her, Thanks Mom!  It was a cute movie. The boys loved it (even though Case cried at the beginning when a bad man captured Bolt and put him in a doggy kennel).  Hope all of you are good and stuffed and enjoyed some time with your family and friends this Thanksgiving.