Happy New Year!

2011 was a good year. Alot of great things happened. Cole learned to perfect his bike riding. Carter rode his bike for the first time. We did alot of fun things as a family and had an awesome Christmas filled with fun and family. Here's to 2012 and what I hope to be another incredible year. 

Merry Merry Everything!

'Twas the night before Christmas.....

'

Santa did indeed stop by and left a note and a bell from his sleigh. 

Whitney Johnson

Pretty girl.

Madison's Graduation-Updated

Earlier today I posted these photos but I didn't provide any captions so I'm now updating this with some information to explain what is what. I was happy to get the photos on the blog----I spent the morning working on a big project for my job...as well as chasing kids in and out of the bathtub and trying to convince Cole to make his bed. What is it with Christmas vacation? Apparently Cole thinks all bets are off on chores. Oy vey. 

We were waiting for the graduation to begin....so Cole and Carter decided to see if they could pat their heads and rub their bellies. It was hilarious.

Some of the family....

My Mom had red carnations for the boys to give to Madison.

Which they promptly did.

Ah. They love Aunt Madi.

Cole and Carter also wanted to see Madison throw her hat up...so she is throwing it up here.

What is the most appropriate thing one must do after graduation at BYU-I?
It has to be lunch at Olive Garden. It was pretty darn fun.

Week Recap

This week was a big one. Cole had his first orthodontist appt that was more than just xrays. 

They took impressions of his mouth first. 

The 3rd time was the charm. It's a tough process to have the gooey rubbery impression stuff in your mouth on the trays. I told Cole when I had braces they had to find the biggest tray in the office for my top jaw. I must have a ginormous jaw. It was humiliating---especially since I was 16. Cole did great but he was pretty nervous. And, by the way...he too is cursed with the huge jaw problem.....it was a process to find a tray that would work for him. So glad to have passed that awesome quality trait onto him. (sigh) 

After the impressions were done (finally) it was time for the spacers. Both Cole and I didn't realize or know what this entailed. We thought it would be a simple piece of plastic in between a few teeth. 

Um. No. Try 8 spacers. Cole was very brave but it was very painful and I feel awful it has been so painful for him. Today he's doing much better and his teeth have moved like they were supposed to and now his mouth doesn't hurt as much as it did the first day. But, it's been a steady diet of all soft food for him this week. Lucky for Cole this includes alot of ice cream and alot of milk. That's the plus side for him. We go back on Tuesday for the retainer/spacer contraption. Fingers crossed the worst is over.....

(The only saving grace in this process is Cole will be able to have rubber bands that are 

Notre Dame's team colors. I'm not even kidding about that.) 

In other news: 

Carter made his first ornament at school and he hung it on the tree. 

Yes, we hang our stockings on the tree too. 

Taa-daa. Here it is. Carter's first ever ornament. 

Here's a Cole ornament. 

Another Cole ornament from preschool. 

Cole also had a scout meeting last night and he was the 'Denner' which means he was in charge of the meeting and lead the flag ceremony. (This also means Cole brings the snack for the week...or actually his parents bring the snack.) 

The activity for the week was to show the kids collections. 

Cole brought his Hot Wheel and "Cool" Car Collection. 

It was very cool. 

Another MAJOR Award! No Way

This time the Major Award is for me. I can't even believe it.
I serve on the Board of Directors for Stevens Henager College in Idaho and
as a token of thanks the director of the College delivered me this dandy above.
It even had a package of hot-cocoa WITH marshmallows inside.
A candy-cane was included too.
Peppermint hot-cocoa anyone?

It's a Christmas miracle.

Christmas Time and Whoopie Pies Part 1

Saturday night: Carter wandered out of his bedroom to sleep by the Christmas tress.

Sunday (after the massive Candy Making Festival) we made Whoopie Pies

Carter ate more than he made. 

"Sparkles" according to Carter

Cole did a great job. He's very careful and particular when frosting Whoopie Pies.

Carter....not so much. 

But he sure tries. 

Carter's Whoopie Pie above

And Cole's below.