Thursday, December 27, 2007

What a Christmas!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is over! So much preparation and anticipation. I'm so grateful for my family and Sean's family. I'm especially grateful for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We saw several Nativity scenes this season and it was great to discuss the significance with Ben. I think he gets it.

We left cookies for Santa and carrots for his motorcade. Because we have no chimney, we left a special "Key" out for Santa. Benjamin didn't think Mr. Claus would fit down a chimney anyway.

Among his favorite gifts is a remote control T-Rex from Grandma & Grandpa Burris. He now puts it in his back pack and takes it wherever he goes. He also loves his Hungry Hippos game and his remote control racetrack. We received two snow sleds from Grandma & Grandpa Judd and can't wait to hit Mt. Lemmon to try them out!
It was really great to get together with my siblings and their kids at my parents' home. It was cold and windy but that didn't stop us from burning up the ping pong table. Jace and Randy were talking some trash and I think Janelle let them both have some humble pie.
This little guy had a really great nap on his Mama's lap and is such a delight.


It was fun watching my nieces playing. It definitely brought back memories of my dolls and dressing up.


I hope everyone had a warm and wonderful Christmas. We're looking forward to the New Year and all it will bring.


Sunday, December 23, 2007

Do you feel lucky?

Well? Do you?


Tuesday, December 18, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!


Benjamin is 4 today and is so excited for his party tonight! He's having a big family party and chose spaghetti for the meal. His Dad had so much fun birthday shopping (thanks Hon). He got to have one of his gifts this morning before Sean left for work. Lincoln Logs! The real ones, not plastic. This set even came with a couple of cowboys, horses and a long horn steer. Pretty cool.




I'll post more pictures after the party. Happy Birthday baby boy!



The Ladies can Rock!

Guess who I got to see in concert last night? My FAVORITE singer/songwriter! The fabulous BRANDI CARLILE! She is even better live! Cindy received two tickets from her wonderful hubby and she invited me to go with her. We also got to hear Ingrid Michaelson, KT Tunstall, and the Indigo Girls. It was quite a show. Very moving. Thanks again Cindy!!!!

Brandi sings "The Story"

Brandi Carlile sings "What Can I Say"

Monday, December 17, 2007

Dinner Dilemma

We have entered a new frontier here at the Ardry house. This vast, cranky waste-land is called The-Kingdom-of-Ben-who-is-almost-4-and-will-not-eat-his-dinner-from-a-plate-or-on-a-train-or-on-a-plane-or anywhere else on this dang planet! I've tried to schedule his snacks to where he will be a little hungrier at supper time. Has it helped? Nay. We've tried bribery, trickery and cheek retractors (just kidding). We make him bless the food because it is quite entertaining and I'm sure President Hinckley would feel honored as he is often included. I suppose this is just a phase and we will look back on this and laugh one day.

DUDE! Just eat, ok?!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Oh Christmas Tree


We've had our tree up for some time now but it was decorated by an almost 4 year old. I have now re-decorated and have taken some photos. Sean was brave and climbed the ladder to place the star on top.

Ben received a package of gifts from Grandma Linda & Grandpa David from Texas. He's chomping at the bit to open one but hasn't actually tried it yet!




Santa Ben (sorry for the blur)




Friday, December 7, 2007

The Man Cold

It's a nasty, nasty condition. One that we women must take in stride, all the while loading the washing machine and dishwasher, preparing meals, and taking care of the children.

Poor, poor Bunny.....


Thursday, December 6, 2007

New Blogaroonie

I've decided to create a separate blog for family stuff. That way, those who do not wish to see or hear about my crafting obsession ( I know! Who wouldn't?!) will be spared the horror.
Can you believe Christmas is upon us?! I still have Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge! Just kiddin'. Sean & I set a goal this year to SIMPLIFY. I know it's possible. We want Ben to know the true meaning of the season and to develop his spirit of GIVING and not just receiving. My personal goal is to refrain from entering any malls, stores, or post offices this year. Any necessary shipping will be done from home with my printer and free package pick-up. I will be giving many hand-crafted items this year and those that aren't homemade will be ordered online. Thank you Internet!
Because of the fact that I have 6 siblings, (with spouses and offspring) our family draws names each year. Sean and I have Randy and Kristen this year. Part of my gift to Randy will be a huge apology for all of the beatings I gave him when we were kids. I will, however, remind him of the time I saved his life. He was stuck in a drainage tunnel in a field by our house and was crying. I was outside playing and, thanks to my supersonic hearing, was able to locate him and alert my mother. No Randy, no thanks necessary.