Our Thanksgiving...

I look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas all year! It has become a tradition for my siblings (my brothers) to come for the Holiday. We have so much fun. Days are filled with football, dirt bike rides, and A LOT of late nights playing XBox or Wii. Every year the Holidays pass too quickly and I am always wishing we had more time to play!

This year was a nice change because usually I make the whole Thanksgiving feast by myself, which leaves me exhausted by the time we eat and a bit stressed...but this year...everyone wanted to by involved. David made pies, yes, I know, my David baked from scratch all the pies! Staci made the salads, which I am so excited to try, I love new recipes, she made a cranberry salad and a macaroni salad. Jess made "Corner Crusties", you all know it as Green Bean Casserole. Sean was insistant that he did the Turkey, so I taught him how to do the Turkey. This year we brined the Turkey (Alton Brown recipe) then put apples, onion and an assortment of spices inside the bird after 5 min in the micro. The aroma is heavenly and I am anxious to try it. Usually I am not eager to try new recipes on major occasions but I felt a little daring and I can always blame it on Sean. heehee. Anyway, Jim is doing the potatoes, and I am doing the gravy, candied yams, cranberry-orange sauce, and Stuffing!

Check out the new designs...

New designs for 2008! Please visit my updated website with new pictures.

http://www.hollyjollystockings.blogspot.com/ and my Etsy shop:
www.hollyjollystockings.etsy.com


I would love your feedback, let me know what you think. :)

Connor's Birthday

This video is so cute, Connor has hilarious expressions! Here are a few on his special day...

Sixes

Tag! Open your pictures folder, open the 6th folder, then the 6th picture and post it
David and I outside the Hinckley Building at BYU-Idaho, right before the ceremony, taken April 24, 2004. Man, that day felt so good! I graduated with my Bachelor's in Health Science, minor in biology and business.

What is up with this...

Ok, so I am almost a firm believer that, and call me crazy, but I think the 'Flu' shot causes the flu. The only time my children have had the flu is immediately following the shot. I know it can cause a fever, but is it really supposed to induce vomitting too. It is becoming a real annoyance...and a strange coincidence that it happens everytime. So I want your ideas...does this happen to anyone elses children?? Does anyone else experience this? Or is everyone smart and just not get the darn thing?

Jim and I struggled really hard this year in doing the shot and I don't think we would except the boys have their yearly physical right at the time they begin administering the shots, so we get bombarded with another question about another vaccine(I do believe in vaccinating), which I am never prepared for. We quickly discussed it without much time to think and timidly agreed, second guessing the rash decision after it was made...and now we are paying for it! Next year...no shot for us!

Any ideas, anyone?

Anyone interested....

We are selling our 2006 Honda Accord EX-L, our family is quickly outgrowing the Honda, it is an awesome car. Jim wants to get a truck which would be a good thing to have. The Honda doesn't get driven in the Winter, Jim only drives it to and from work maybe 4 miles a day. So it has super low miles 17,000. So if you are interested or know of anyone that would be send them our way, if we don't sell it soon we are just going to trade it in on a truck. Here is some info about it:

Alabaster Silver exterior
Black Leather interior

Automatic

V-6
Navigation
Heated Seats
Dual climate control
TCS
XM Radio
Power Everything
Loaded
All weather mats
Spoiler
Clearbra
In excellent condition, hardly driven.

New Windows

I have new vinyl windows! Ok, if you already have vinyl windows then you should count your blessings! We had these horrible straight from the 70's, metal, double paned, awful windows, that rattled and shook when the wind blew, they were drafty, loud, ugly, and leaked. You would never think of sneaking into the boys rooms to crack the window or close it a little, no way, they were way too loud! They were the kind of windows that you had to lay a towel in between the panes to catch all the moisture and mold, gross!
Thank you Dad! He installed all new windows for us in the whole house, yes up and down! They are tinted too! Even though our living room window was recently replaced it had grids which I am not a fan of grids on windows, yes they are decorative but they block your view, and make a room look so much smaller, plus they totally date a home, so it got replaced as well and opens now! I am amazed at the difference in noise too. No missing screens, clean, clear, no rattles, no shaking, no moisture! Ah, the pleasure new windows can bring!
I also removed the awnings, they were awful too, they blocked about 1/3 of the windows facing East. My goal is to paint the whole house, add shutters, and a new roof next summer. If I am really lucky I want to add a front porch, but we will see how next summer goes. We are hoping to move then, and will probably keep this house as a rental. Anyway, I will post pics of my new beautiful windows soon...they bring me such joy!

Pumpkin carving...FUN!

Sean, Dad, Dave and Staci were in town last week, we hadn't carved pumpkins together in at least 10 years so we decided to carve pumpkins one night together. We invited Jess to join in on the fun! My mom had sent Preston and Connor a birthday package with pumpkin carving tools and templates so we each chose one and dived in. I gotta say those sweet looking pumpkins that are themed are much harder to carve then they look. We were at it for at least 2 hours, come of us a little more, some a little less...but yeah all of our arms were ready to fall off by the time we were finished. The little boys just enjoyed watching...they really didn't get excited until FIRE was involved.

Dave and Jess working and concentrating hard....
Preston, Dave, Staci, Sean, and I working hard...it was amazing that none of us needed any bandades or stitches with all the knives flying around.
I am rolling up my sleeves to REALLY get into it.
Sean and Preston posing with the Pumpkins...dave was working on a wolverine, when his knife slipped and went through the scene so his has painters tape on it. Preston, Staci, Jess, Sean, and Dave...
They turned out so good, Staci did the joker(top left), Sean did the Grim Reaper(top right) and the classic pumpkin (middle left), Dave did the goofy/scary pumpkin (middle right), Jess did the Honeymooners Frankenstein and his Bride (bottom left), and I did the Spider holding a pumpkin (bottom right). Jim hung with dad and wrangled children so we could finish. We had a great time, it is so fun having Dave and Staci right next door.

We got it on TAPE

So don't you wish you had the camera rolling when those perfect moments happen. After the moment passes you are bummed that you didn't have your camera or wish you could replicate the moment...well this was one of those times...we caught on tape...

Connor loves POPCORN!!

Well the title says it all! You can't help but burst out laughing watching a 12 month old try

(with both hands) to cram as much popcorn in his mouth as fast as he possibly can. Then he does this cheesy smile at us in pure delight. It is quite impressive the amount he can consume...he definitely out-eats Preston hands down. It has become a very special bedtime snack that Connor gets very excited for.

Preston is 3...how did this happen?!

Preston turned 3 this past week and I can't believe how fast he is growing up, it seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital, watched him crawl, learn to walk, watch him run, learn his numbers, colors, and alphabet...where does the time go? Now I finally realize how short this time on earth really is, and I know that before long he will be grown! Preston has always been so tender, gentle, sweet, easy going, just a good boy. He is definitely more aware of those around him and how they feel. He loves other children and has always played so well with them. He is confident, has never had stanger anxiety, or been bothered being left with a babysitter or at nursery. He is much more reserved, cautious, and really observes things before he dives in. He reminds me of my brother David as little boy.Connors birthday is this next week, I know crazy, two boys, two years, and two weeks apart! Connor is walking and you can see the excitement in his eyes as he constantly learns something new. They are good friends and play so well together! Connor wants to be everywhere, doing everything Preston is and does. He thinks Preston is awesome, when Preston is napping watch out Connor does everything he can to wake him up...I usually end up in the backyard so Preston can have some peace and quiet! This past year has been a bit of a challenge for me adjusting to two children and one being a highly demanding child, but it has been a good one. Connor has A LOT of personality, he is very busy, is my dare devil by far, he is fearless. He has no boundaries, he wants to try everything, do everything, anything Preston can do, he thinks he can do, he dives in with no fear. Anyone, any size is his friend, and he tries to play with them all. He is much more intense, strong-willed, free-spirited, and playful. He has a great sense of humor for a 12 month old, and laughs all the time. I am always amazed at what he KNOWS is funny at his age. He is really good at mimicking sounds, clapping his hands for Preston, he loves playing with trucks and trains and making noises for them as he moves them around, "BRRRRRBRRRR". Connor loves the ATV, and DIRT BIKES!!! Preston would get so scared by loud noises, like tractors, bobcats, dirt bikes, not Connor, the louder the bigger his smile and squeals! I feel so blessed to have these two sweet children, they bring so much joy to my life everyday! It's funny how you forget what life was like before them.

Families are Forever

We had the great opportunity to go home for David and Staci's wedding last week. We decided to drive to Boise on the 15th and fly from there to Portland. Jim had a work retreat in Sun Valley the 10th-13th which I was invited to but not the boys. Since we don't currently have any family in town to watch them I stayed home. Dave and Staci are moving out here after their honeymoon, I can't wait that means babysitters next door! YAHOOO!!!!
We headed home and the boys did awesome on the drive. It was so good to be back home and be with family. Jim and I have great relationships with each one of my siblings and for that I feel very blessed! I think my brothers were more excited to see Jim than they were to see me! We had lots of fun, Sean took the boys to the Oregon Zoo, which Connor loved! We played at Happy Valley Park at their Water Park, and got to go to the Oregon Coast with Jims family. Jim is an amazing husband, one day he surprised me with where do you want to go shopping today?! What husband is so supportive of shopping??:) He came with Mom and I to help watch the boys, I love Bridgeport Village! Sean met up with us there for lunch at Paradise Bakery which is one of my favs when we are in town. Visiting home has changed so much when you have to consider how to entertain children. It made me really appreciate Rexburg and all the activities for children.



There was so much to do to prepare for Saturday, Dave and Staci did an excellent job planning everything and it all came together beautifully. Jim had the wonderful opportunity to escort Dave through the Temple and be a witness at their Sealing. It was so sweet, tender, and beautiful! How wonderful it was to see two worthy young adults with so much love for each other be sealed in the Lords Holy House. I realize more and more how blessed I am to see the Lord answer our prayers--in blessing our family. We have had our struggles, but to be in the Temple with Dave and Staci, Nikki and Adam, Dustin and Ashley, Mom, and Jim was such a sweet moment. It was the first time we were all together and a truly treasured experience. I couldn't help but keep looking at David and thinking how surreal it seemed, I think my mom was in denial.

The reception was beautiful and held at the Colonial Heights building, which has amazing architecture. Their colors were red and white, they had strawberry shortcake and cheesecake and a great layout of all kinds of salads, fruits and sandwiches! The dance was beautiful, they looked amazing and by the end of the night they truly rode off into the night on the hyabusa (crotch rocket) with her veil blowing in the wind!

The very next day we flew home, we spent the day lounging and watching them open their gifts. The trip went by way too fast! I think Sean and Kevin are flying out here for Thanksgiving with Dave, Staci, Jim and I, which will be so fun! Dave and Staci are in Kauai, they spent 5 days in Oahu in a private cottage right on the shore, then they flew to Kauai for 8 days. I am totally jealous! They have had a blast, I get random texts about how much fun they are having and can't wait to see them on October 11th!

I will post pics later I don't have them yet, long story short, my camera had no battery and everyone else forgot theirs in trying to juggle all the babies while we were in the temple. Sean thank you!!! We wouldn't have gotten to go to the sealing if it wasn't for Sean watching and wrangling all the boys!Oregon Zoo Salmon Exhibit
Me and my boys at the ZooJess and the boys watching the Zebras

The best trip yet!

Grandma and Grandpa Thornburg came to visit and we packed the days full of adventures. Tuesday they flew in and while the boys were hanging out we made a quick trip to Porters for some fabric shopping, then ran home to pick the boys up (the boys as in Gordon, Jim and Preston) and headed to Bear World. Wednesday we visited the Legacy Flight Museum. Thursday we headed to Kelly Canyon and stopped on the way at Big Judd's. What can I say...their burgers are massive. We shared one Big Judd Special between Jim, Grandma Joclyn and I, Grandpa Gordon ordered the Double Bacon Cheeseburger, which he thoroughly enjoyed but maybe later regretted a bit. He was told that was his last one for the year! We had made reservations to stay overnight at Cutthroat Inn. The Cutthroat Inn is a really great little place outside the canyon. There are 4 log cabins, with 2 queen beds, a large pond and great picnic areas. I headed to Heise Hot Springs with the little boys while Jim and Joclyn took a ride together through the canyon to some great trails. They did Poison Flat trail and another shorter trail. They had so much fun! We ate at Heise Pizza Parlor which was a neat log cabin turned Pizza Parlor. Their pizza was awesome, or maybe after swimming and wrangling the boys for 3 hours it seemed like the best pizza ever! We ordered the kitchen sink, it was loaded and sooo good! At 7:30 Jim and I left the boys with Grandma and Grandpa and had the first ride alone together! It was so much fun, we tried to find the best view of the sunset, and seemed to just miss it everytime we got to the lookout points. It was a little scary coming out of the canyon at 9:30pm, we couldn't see a thing, and kept riding faster before it became completely pitch black. The next morning we hiked the Cress Creek Trail, which offered awesome views of the Cottonwood forest, Snake River, and farmland on your way to Swan Valley. We visited Heise Hot Springs again and then packed up to head home. We wanted to show them Mesa Falls, so Saturday we visted the Lodge there at the Falls got great pics of the Falls. They have this great area in the back of the Lodge for children to touch and learn about the animals in the area. They had about 15 various animal pelts, skulls, pawprints, hoof prints, claws and talons, and a fish tank with trout. Preston loved touching the pelts. I wasn't quite ready to head back so we looked up a Spring located not far from Mesa Falls, it is called Warm River Spring. A 6 mile jaunt off-road and you've made it. The scenery is breathtaking, crystal clear water, mountain views in every direction, warm smell of pine trees...the warm river is pretty shallow, you can easily wade in it if you are up to numb limbs...it is ice cold. On the way home there were many vendors, and mass amounts of people at the park...it was the annual Celebrate Youth at the Park and it is all about the kids! Vendors taughts about hygiene, physical fitness, nutrition, DARE, and offered families free dinner. They had a horse drawn trolley that circled the park...the line for that was insane. Preston loved watching the firetruck shoot water fromt he top of its extended ladder, completely soaking anyone in its path. The National Guard had a Tank and Helicoptor...a little boys dream! We had great BBQ thanks to Jim, the master of the grill. Sunday we had to say "Goodbye," we were exhausted. It was a great trip with Grandma and Grandpa full of wonderful memories!

Opening a Webshop

A few years ago I started quilting. After a few quilts, I really loved the creative outlet it gave me. It seemed that I only quilted as the weather changed in September and I needed a hobbie since the snow kept any outdoor activity very limited. The best thing about quilting in September is all the holiday fabrics that are available with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner. I had never done wall hangings, applique, or paper piecing until I met Holly. Thanks to those late poker nights at the Dicks and Holly's crafty talent, huge amount of patience and great teaching abilities (I am a huge fan, can you tell??), I started making Holiday wall-hangings and Christmas gifts. I mean what else were we supposed to do as the boys were out in the playhouse playing poker till 2, 3, sometimes even 4am. This soon developed into, "oh, what to make so-in-so for Christmas this year." I got tired of our stockings every year being a total free for all, no one knowing whos was whos, all miss-matched, and there never being enough stockings to go around. So that is were the idea originated from...and you wouldn't believe how difficult it was to find a good stocking pattern, I had no idea how a stocking was made and put together. After many attempts at different patterns non of which I liked, I designed my own. Many people have commented on them so I decided to start a website for them. http://www.hollyjollystockings.etsy.com/ It is still under construction, and I am still trying to figure out how to mange my time so I can make them on demand, but I am super excited! Here are some pics of some of the stockings I have made for the family.