Our fun weekend!

Last weekend we had some fun with our friend, Jimmy and his family. We went shooting on Friday. It was fun. I like to shoot the 22. I think that is what it is called. It doesn't have a kick and I like that. The kids had to stay in the car until the end. Then Brooklyn and Easton got to shoot the new BB gun that daddy bought. Brooklyn loved it. Easton did a few times and went back to the van. But Brooklyn liked it. It was fun. Cold but fun!

But Easton had his fun on Saturday. We went dirt biking with Jimmy again. Jimmy has a son a little older than Easton and he has a little 50 with training wheels. So Eric taught Easton how to ride it. It only took about 10 minutes of training and Easton was off. I didn't take the camera and I was shooting myself for it. Easton was riding and dadddy was running behind him. Easton was riding in mud puddles and yelling "yeahhhhh" He loved it. He rode it around for about an hour straight and loving every minute of it. Easton has asked everyday since to go again. So maybe next year...Santa will consider getting a little 4wheeler for the kids. We will have to see! It was a fun weekend!

Christmas 2008!

Christmas was really nice this year. We spent Christmas Eve at our friends, The Allred's. We had dinner, Chili, read about the Birth of the Savior, and then played the Wii. It was fun. Then we came home and Eric and I had to wrap the presents because Easton opened the ones I had wrapped early.

Christmas morning was nice. We woke up at 8am (I know those days will soon be done) and soon after Brooklyn ran in so excited. She told us that Santa had eaten the cookies and left presents. So we got up, dressed and started the "adventure." First there was a letter on the tree from Santa. Brooklyn read it (with a little help). Santa told them to go downstairs for their gift. He said because it was raining he couldn't set up the gift. So Brooklyn and Easton ran downstairs and saw what Santa had left---A trampoline! Yeah. They were screaming and jumping up and down. They were excited.

Then we came up and they opened 2 presents each (Grandmommy and Papa's gifts) and then told them to look in the tree for a piece of paper "Clue". The paper told them to go to a different part of the house for their next gift. And so on and so on. They went to ten different spots in the house. They had a blast. We ended back at the Christmas tree to open Grandma Jo & Grandpa Rod's big gift for them-a gymnastics mat and mesh tubes they could plan in.

I really liked this idea of the scavenger hunt. One of my girls told me about it. We opted for a little Christmas this year...so this was a great way to extend the fun. It really was fun! The kids spent the rest of the day playing with their toys.

My tradition I like...taking down all the decorations on Christmas day! Have the fun and then get it all cleaned up! I like that!

For Christmas dinner... we didn't have Ham. Imagine that! We had Steak, Potatoes, Corn, & Salad. Yummy and Simple!

Our Christmas was fun, easy, & relaxing...I hope yours was too!

Merry Christmas!

My Birthday Celebration!

Eric did GOOD! On Sunday he told me we would go to dinner for my birthday. I said great. Then Monday morning he sang to me at 6am before leaving for work. He asked me what kind of cake I wanted and I told him Boston Cream Pie. I like it! Then he told me we were going to Subway for dinner. Who wants to go to Subway for their birthday dinner...not me. So we went to a different restaurant that is close by. It was a Mexican restaurant. It was good. I could tell Eric was in a hurry. He asked what time it was and said they were being so slow. So I ate fast to please him.

Then he drove me home. What a quick date...well until we drove by the house and saw all the familiar cars in the area. So I went inside and there were all my friends. It was fun. Eric got the cake ready and they sang to me. Brooklyn was so excited. She was the "boss" until we came home. She made everyone color a picture for me while they waited.

The kids were so excited that it was my birthday. Brooklyn kept telling me all day that she needed to make me a cake and she would do it at "Tania's" house.

(She is one of my YW's).

It was a fun evening. Eric made me feel special on my Birthday...

Thank You sweetie!

And Yes. Those flowers are from Eric.

They are so pretty. They smell really nice too!

I am officially 27 now!

Following the Redford Family Tradition!

One of Eric's favorite Family Christmas Traditions was making Candy Trains. So we try to do it every year as one of our traditions. The kids are at the perfect age to do fun activities...especially when they involve candy! They love it! It was our family home evening activity for this week! We are doing so well. Family night every week this month! That is a first for us. Our friend Jimmy came over with his two boys and joined the fun!

Eric making the special frosting!

The kids helping...Easton was was looking hard for more candy!

The train in progress...Brooklyn loved making the "mound" of gobsters in the middle. It turned out cute, I think. Eric wasn't too satisfied because I forgot to get certain candy..like peppermints for the wheels. Oops. Next year he will do the shopping and they will turn out better!

Now the kids are being tortured because Eric said they can't eat any until Christmas morning! So now it sits on top of the fridge!

It was a fun activity!

Update!

Just a quick update on our Christmas deliveries! It was pouring rain...but we still had fun deliverying our treats. At each door, Brooklyn and Easton would sing (More like yell) "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and "Jingle Bells!" It made me laugh everytime! It was cute. The kids loved it!

The best part...now it is done! Yeah!!! Now to finishing my Christmas presents....

Are you a Cook or a Baker?

I am a Baker! (I don't Cook too much...ask Eric) I love to make Banana Bread, cakes, and cookies. Mainly because I like to eat them! My favorite cookies are the Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. Yummy! Especially when they are still warm. So this year for our friends gifts I made Mini loafs of Banana Bread and Kiss Cookies. A little baking here and there...they are now done. I made a total of 150 cookies and 40 loafs of bread.

The finish product...still warm.

1/2 the bread is already delivered to Erics work.

Easton thought I was making "snowballs" to eat.

Until I put the kiss on top!

Isn't he cute! Especially will chocolate on his face.

He kept sneaking cookies and kisses! And then complained that his "tummy hurts"

Now the fun part...packing them up and delivering them! That will be tonight!

(Sorry Nat...no midnight drop off for you! I wish we could.)

Our Weekend Chrstmas Fun!

This past weekend was full of Christmas Fun! It all started Friday Night when our local fire department comes around to share some Christmas Cheer! They drive around slowly with their lights on and blow the horns. Santa comes along and waves to the kids. Brooklyn and Easton were so excited. We had to wait for over an hour...but they were jumping up and down when they finally could see the lights coming down the road. They yelled to the fireman "Merry Christmas to all!" It was fun.

Brooklyn enjoying Hot Chocolate!

Easton loved seeing the trucks, lights, and all the noise!

There they go...

On Saturday...I spent the day in Oakland with our Youth doing Baptisms for the Dead. I came home and then we went to "Christmas in Middletown" They had a fun carnival for the kids, horserides, blowup jumpies, and santa of course.

Brooklyn told Santa that she wanted a "Hannah Montana Camera"

Easton didn't talk to Santa..he just sat on his lap!

Brooklyn Loved the Horse Ride...that was her favorite part!

There they both go on the horses! Easton loves horses too!

Having fun at the carnival.

Easton decorating a cupcake!

Then on Sunday Night...for Family Home Evening...we drove around Hidden Valley to look at all th Christmas Lights. A few houses go all out..I mean ALL OUT! Every inch of their yard and house are covered with lights. Our community does a contest and the winner gets $1000. So there are few houese that really compeat for it. It is fun! It was a fun night!

It was a busy...but fun weekend!

Christmas Fun!

This is my attempt to be a better, creative, fun & happy mom! At least for my kids. Easton had so much fun making the "candy house." Brooklyn's friend, Jessica did too. Brooklyn was having a hard day and didn't get to make one. Sad, I know. But she needs to learn to treat her mommy better!

Isn't he cute? His house is almost gone today. They sure taste good to kids!

Jessica picked the pink frosting...Easton was ok with it. I was surprised.

I was nice and let Brooklyn make her "12 days of Christmas" chain. They had fun cutting out the strips themselves. Easton still had to have help with the sizzors...but the girls loved cutting out theirs. It was a fun afternoon.

Do you like their Vanna White Pose?

Brooklyn and Jessica

If anyone has fun, easy kids crafts for the Holidays. Let me know. I always need ideas.

Do you want a Christmas Card from the Redfords?

If so, email me your address! Email me at redfordfam@gmail.com And then I will mail you a cute picture of my kids...I almost wasn't going to send out the cards this year. We had a really bad "photo shoot" last Sunday afternoon and I left mad and said I wasn't going to send out the cards this year! Why can't things go as planned! I even got already for the pictures and then no one showed up to take them! I was so mad!!! To say the least. The sun went down and it was too dark...so no family photo this year.

However...I was taking some photos of the kids just for fun while we waited for our "photo taker" to show up. So because one of the pictures turned out so cute...I will send out the cards. It was a close call...so I hope you enjoy the card.

I am not going to post the picture...if you want to see it than you better email me your address! (and only if we are friends...I won't send them to strangers!) Sorry

Also just a warning...I didn't design my own card. I went the easy route this year. My life is just too crazy.

Happy Holidays to you all!

Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday to ME!

I have spoiled myself lately with a couple of shopping sprees. Which I shouldn't have...but I did. I just couldn't resist.

Gotta Love...Black Friday 5:30am at Walmart. I am still tired...but yeah I got my TV! Now I can lay in bed..watch my shows. Yeah!!!!

I already have a cricut...but I couldn't resist getting the larger version for only $199 this morning. I love my cricut..but now I can do so much more with this larger one. Now I just need to find the time to be creative!

Finally...I saw this at Costco last week and I couldn't pass it up. It looks really nice and is a great way to organize my hundreds of photos. It holds 800 photos in albums and the multiple drawers to hold more. I am so excited to fill it up. The only problem is...I have THOUSANDS of photos. So I still have to pick and choose my favorites.
SOOOO...HAPPY BIRTHDAY and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!!!
Thanks Mom and Dad...Some of it is from you too!!!!
And of course, Thanks Eric for not getting mad at me for being spendy lately. I am sure he will get payback soon enough...

More like HOME!

Now our home feels like HOME. Eric hung a few of my favorite pictures/decorations the other night. What a difference it makes to have "your" things on the wall. I love it!

This is my favorite picture we own. Actually it is a painting...hand painted. It was my Christmas present two years ago...and I still love to look at it every time I walk through the room. I love the colors..especially the bright umbrella. This painting will always remind me of our years here in the bay area.

I love Stars!!! I will leave it to that.

I found this at Walmart a year ago and couldn't resist. Only $28 for a Canvas print. It is colorful...it looks great in the kitchen!

I love this clock! Another great deal at Walmart.

Our Thanksgiving was small...just the four of us. I am use to a big family feast...well we didn't have that. I must admit...I was a little home sick yesterday. Next year..I am not cooking. Mark my words..I am not. It isn't worth all the time and effort for four people. Really only two. Brooklyn only ate lettuce and Easton had some "chicken" really turkey of course. Eric doesn't like yams or stuffing. So to say the least...we have A LOT of leftovers. I bought a frozen pumpkin pie and it was GROSS! I am so use to my moms homemade wonderful, yummy, delicious pies...this one was far from it. I had one bite and that was it. Easton didn't like it either, he said.."Mom... I don't like pumpkin pie..take it away." So much for a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast. Oh well, I should have taken Eric advice three weeks ago...Pizza! At least we would have ALL enjoyed that.

The total day wasn't a loss...the kids got into the Christmas decorations and started to decorate themselves. They loved pulling out all the bulbs, Santa's, snowman, and of course the LIGHTS. They were so excited...Eric and I just laughed at how excited they got. Especially Easton. He kept saying that they were so "pretty" or "beautiful," So even though I hadn't planned on putting decorations up..we did it. My favorite was the mantel. I love hanging the stockings on the fireplace. Our tree is just a little 6.5 foot..but the kids had a great time decorating it. So my part is done now...NOW it's Eric turn to put the lights on the outside of the house.

I really enjoy turning on Christmas lights. It sure sets the mood! Now I feel like listening to Christmas Music! Happy Holidays!!!!

Yummy and EASY Taco Soup!!!!

Dinner Plans tonight??? Here is the easiest and yummiest Taco Soup Recipe. I found it on Mel's Recipe Page on Sugardoodles.com. It literally took me 10 minutes yesterday to make. Just long enough to brown hamburger and open some cans. SOOOO EASY!!!! That is the best part. I love easy and yummy recipes. At the table...I added sour cream, shredded cheese and crunched up Tortilla Chips to my bowl. It was soooo delicious. A little spicy...but just right for me. Give the recipe a try...it will become one of your favorites!

CROCK POT TACO SOUP

1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans

1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans

1 (11 ounce) can corn

1 (28 ounce) [or two small cans] can diced tomatoes

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies

1 envelope taco seasoning mix

1 envelope hidden valley ranch dressing mix

1 lb ground beef

Cook meat and drain. Add all ingredients to the crock pot. DO NOT DRAIN CANS. Stir it all together and cook on high for a couple hours. Keep on low until serving to keep hot.. You can garnish it with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions and/or tortilla chips. It’s a little spicy, but very tasty.

THANKS MEL....I love suagerdoodles.com!!!

What do you do with all those moving boxes???

You make a SLIDE with them and HAVE SOME FUN!!! The kids were helping take the boxes to the truck and discovered you can slide down them. They had a lot of fun..so many laughs. Sorry it is sideways...just turn your head to the left!

A few family moments...

Brooklyn's Soocer Party! She got two awards..one as a joke "Best practicer Award" (because she never practiced...just played around and didn't listen to Coach Redford) and she got "Most playful Award" She loves her troffy!

Easton has the moves figured out! I am glad he has underwear on...he is my no underwear boy! It is always a surprise if he is wearing underwear. He just says, "I don't need them"

Brooklyn helping daddy build the desk. She was the "flashlight girl." She did a great job. And daddy was very patient as we moved the desk around the office a dozen times... trying to figure out where to put it. I love my new desk!

Moving Progress...

Here is what the house looked like 1 day after the move...so many boxes...so little time.

Easton's Room...his bed is there somewhere!

The craft boxes..all that stuff I don't use!
Dining Room...where is the table?
The kitchen...with my beautiful Mom!

Brooklyn's Room

The master bedroom

Brooklyns Jog-a-thon Run!

Brooklyn's school does a yearly jog-a-thon run. Brooklyn did a great job! She ran for 20 mintues and finished 11 laps!!! She got tired but she kept going. She had a great time. Easton and Mommy cheared her on from the side lines. Good Job, Brooklyn!!!

As soon as it was over...we headed to the airport to pick up Grandmommy!!! I think Brooklyn was more excited about that!

I did it!!!

That's Brooklyn in the center. 3rd child back.
Easton being a funny supporter!

Halloween...Pictures finally!

I must say...Halloween was a blur. It was the busiest week of my life (painting and moving) and I just didn't even put much time or effort into Halloween. I didn't even get a picture of Brooklyn in her costume. I feel so bad. But she did have a field trip at school at the pumpkin patch...so here is the picture of her and her best friend, Jessica. For Halloween night, Brooklyn was a princess fairy.

Easton was tigger...at least half way through the night. It was a rainy, cool night...but I guess the tigger costume was a little warm. Easton kept asking for water during our trick-or-treating adventure. We went with my mom and also our friends in our ward, Michelle, James & their daughter Claire. Michelle noticed that Eastons skin was really wet. So we checked and he was soaked in sweat. I mean soaked!!! So we took his costume off and Michelle asked for a glass of water at someones house. He felt much better until he got cold (because he was so wet). We couldn't win! It was quite the adventure...we went trick or treating for an hour...but it felt more like two!

Next year...We will do better..I might even dress up next year.