It's the most wonderful time of the YEAR!

Carter is trying to eat the sheep out of our nativity set... he's a crack up and did I say a MAJOR Mommas boy!!!! I can't walk out of a room without him crying... augh!

These pictures were taken last Sunday before Church. Ammon wants to go to Disneyland again, that's why they have on their "Mickey" ears. We have been enjoying the Christmas Season by listening to Christmas music (which Mike is sick of), going to see the Nativity at the Temple, reading a Christmas story every night (which I love, it reminds us of what Christmas is all about... or should be.) and of course making and eating lots of yummy treats. I really LOVE this time of year, even though it can get a little stressful trying to get everything done. Ammon is at an age where it is going to be sooooooooo fun Christmas morning... I can't wait. I feel like when I was a kid and couldn't wait until Christmas... now it's that same feeling just a little different because I can't wait to see my children's faces! I just love being a Mom to these two boys, they are always into something but I would be bored out of my mind without them (my house would definitely be cleaner though). This time of year makes me realize how blessed I am, and I am so grateful for everything, especially my family. I hope you all are having a Wonderful Christmas Season!

Santa!!!

This year at our ward Christmas Party Santa came... Ammon was thrilled!

Carter got all tangled up in Santa's beard... which was hilarious!

Overall they both weren't scared and had a fun time!

Clenece Here's The Update You Requested...

This is Carter trying to climb up the ladder with a Santa hat... too cute!

Carter sneaking off while we were trying to put up the Christmas Lights... he's always getting into trouble these days! :)

Our boys trying to help Dad.

This has been quite a while ago... but this is my little bro Keato with my boys. My boys think he is a SUPER STAR, even though it was only High School Football. We totally enjoyed going and watching him play- we're sad it was his Senior year and it's over. He is such a fun uncle! I can call him anytime and ask him to babysit and he is always excited and says YES! Quick little story... Yesterday I was at the Mall with my mom and sis and Keaton was watching Ammon. Well like 5 min. after we leave Ammon goes poop. Keaton calls and asks if he can wipe himself because there was no way he was going to do it. We laughed, Ammon ended up saying "It's alright Keato, I can wipe myself!" He's such a good sport to sit and watch movies with Ammon and let him hang-out with him and his friends downstairs. We love Uncle Keato!!!! He's just a HUGE teddy bear!

Well not much has been going on lately, I think this sums it up... minus the flu bug we had for a couple weeks...

Family Pictures

I LOVE Carters lips in this picture... I just want to KISS him!


This has become a tradition at our house... usually the day before Thanksgiving we get our family pictures taken. Jess did an awesome job since we were only shooting for like 20 minutes, thanks to the rain and ornery kiddos! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family or friends and lots of yummy food.
I am so Thankful for so many things... it has been keeping me up lately, so I will share a few.
*MY FAMILY & FRIENDS... this is an obvious one... but it couldn't be truer.
*THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST... without the knowledge we have of Eternal Families we would be lost. After losing so many family members in the past couple years, it brings so much comfort to our family.
*THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A MOTHER... I know so many women that would be the best Mothers but are unable to get pregnant. This is a blessing I don't take lightly... I pray that they will ALL have the opportunity to be a Mother.
Happy Thanksgiving To You All...

YIPEE...

Mike just got an invitation to interview at Touro. Touro is in Henderson, NV. and is one of Mikes top choice schools that he applied to. This isn't a guarantee but it is reassuring that our prayers are being heard. This is the first school that has asked him to interview but I'm sure with all the secondary applications we have had to fill out there will be more coming. So Congratulations Babe... your YEARS of hard work will pay off!

It finally HAPPENED...

I never thought it would but... Ammon's a BIG BOY now! He has gone poop 6 times on the toilet since yesterday morning! He LOVES to go and get praised from me. I am so thankful the potty training is over, he is going all by himself every time and hasn't had any accidents. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Funny little story... Yesterday (the second time he went) he said "Mom, I went again. It's a long one, it's like a choo-choo track". Yes, it's gross but funny! Good Job Bud!!!!

Going Private...

Okay this time it's for REAL! It's just getting too scary (check this out http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4699330). I REALLY want to keep in touch with everyone... so please leave your email so I can send you an invite (even if I don't know your looking at my blog, but I know you). I hope we will all be able to stay in touch!

Gotta LOVE it...

Okay so this makes me laugh so I thought I would share. Ammon found the baby lotion and did Carters hair... doesn't it look GREAT? Not only did he do his hair but he left HUGE globs of lotion all over. Carter didn't mind until I was trying to take some pics. HILARIOUS

I took these pictures last week... I think they turned out awesome!

Happy Halloween!!!

Here are my boys and their friends (minus a few) that play everyday! We have the BEST neighbors... we love it here!

Here are our awesome pumpkins... Ammon's is Batman and Carter's is that weird face thing... we had fun!!!

I have to tell a little story behind this so I can remember it. Ammon drew this picture while we were carving pumpkins and said they were egg-robots! He is so freakin cute!

We decided while mom and dad carved the pumpkins it would be safer to have Ammon and Carter draw on our little pumpkins, so here are the little faces Ammon drew. Too cute! Carter just drew on the cement outside with Permanent Marker...oops!

Woody and Buzz wish you all a Happy Halloween. Too bad Buzz wasn't in a better mood so I could get better pics... maybe next year!

Help...

Okay... I don't want to sound stupid, but I just don't understand why I would need 450 lbs. of wheat in my food storage for one year. Is this if I have a wheat grinder? Does it last longer then flour? What is the point? Anyways... I'm also trying to figure out what would be the most important things to have (besides flour& sugar), so what are all of you trying to save for food storage?

Food Storage Calculator

I have been researching and trying to get food storage for some time and I found this today. I was a little overwhelmed at how much more I need to buy... Anyways, check it out http://lds.about.com/library/bl/faq/blcalculator.htm

At last...

My little Carter boy got more teeth! He is nearly 16 months old and until last night had only 2 teeth! But he now has his top two and bottom two... I'm sooooooo happy! He has honestly been teething since his bottom two teeth came in when he was 10 months old. So that's like 6 months ago! Anyways, I will have to get a pic but I just wanted to write it down before I forget to!

Check it out & Sign Up!!!

My sister in law Wendy has put together a "Run For Annette", she is her old Cheer coach and she has breast cancer. Anyways, Wendy has gone to ALOT of work! So check it out, http://www.kcsg.com/sports/33200644.html and everyone sign up!

I'm watchin' you, dad!

This is so cute and funny! Carter actually has his OWN shaver (Mikes old one), we had to take out the razor part, but it still makes noise and HE LOVES IT! Every time Mike is shaving Carter is right there, shaving his ear. Even though this boy has given me a run for my money lately, I sure love him and his funny personality!
The funniest thing Ammon has said lately happened on Saturday (10-18) while he was helping Mike change the oil in our cars. It went something like this;

Mike- Ammon do you remember Grandpa Watts?

Ammon - Yeah

Mike- Where is he?

Ammon- In Heaven.

Mike- Who else is in Heaven?

Ammon- Aunt Debbi.

Mike- Who else?

Ammon- I don't know!

Mike- What about Jesus?

Ammon- No, he's in HURRICANE!

This kid is seriously a crack-up! He is always saying the cutest things. Here he is with Debbi's daughter Kenbra. She was here last weekend and watched the boys with Grandma Watts while Mike and I went on a date. She seemed to be doing really well.

Yes, Ammon is in his BUZZ costume- more pics to come later!

Look at these two big boys. They found the baby car seat in the closet and thought it would be fun to see if they could fit in it. Crazy they both used to be sooooo tiny that this seat looked huge. Sometimes I miss those days, and sometimes I am so glad we are passed that. Either way they are DEFINITELY growing.

For LeAnn

I took my friends family pics on Saturday... yes it was COLD! But, I'm almost finished editing and I just LOVE this picture!

I'm so happy I could CRY!!!

Potty training... what a tiring, patience-testing experience this has been thus far... and it's not totally over yet, but he's soooooooo CLOSE! A little while ago I heard the toilet lid open and I went to see what was going on and for the FIRST TIME EVER he realized he had to go pee and went ALL BY HIMSELF! This is major progress. YIPEE!!! He still hasn't conquered going #2 on the toilet, but I think it will happen this weekend. Yesterday he didn't have ANY accidents, but I had to be RIGHT by him and made him sit on the toilet every 10-15 minutes. So we went to Target to buy Woody from Toy Story even though he wouldn't be able to play with him until he went #2. He's still in the box and is just torturing him. Here are some pics from yesterday, he's trying to get Woody off the shelf. It was hilarious... he said "Woody, I'll save you". And tried for about 30 minutes to get him down.
Yes, this is what happened when I had to take Woody away until he goes #2 on the toilet.

This week we also moved the boys in one room and made a play room in the other room... they have still been sleeping through the night and my house is sooooooo much cleaner since we don't have toys EVERY WHERE! I love it. Ammon loves that he has two beds (bunk beds). Carter is still in his crib, but one day will sleep on the bunk beds with Ammon. Today I over heard Ammon and his friend Gavin talking about having a sleep over since Ammon has two beds... ummm.... not yet boys!

Just too good

to not share with you! I love this soup, but beware it can be a little SPICY!!!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 28oz. can Green Chile Enchilada Sauce (I use Las Palmas brand)
1 sm. can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can corn and liquid
2 T. chicken bouillon granules
handful of "nacho" jalapenos, diced small (use more or less, depending on how spicy you like it)
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
2-3 chicken breast halves, frozen
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add everything to the crock pot and simmer on low for 6 hours, or until you are ready to eat. Top with cilantro, sour cream, cheese and crushed up tortilla chips. Seriouslly this is soooooooo good and EASY! Oh, take two forks and shred the chicken!

My poor Ammon boy...

Why is this kid so dang accident prone??? I swear he gets hurt sooooooooo much, but this is really gross. Good thing my mom came and Dr'd him up, I can barely handle to look at it. It makes me (honestly) sick to my stomach to see blood. I think he is here to cure me of this...

He was riding his friends bike last night and fell off (like for the 20th time) and it just tore off like 3/4 of his toe nail. It was bleeding so much until this morning. I feel so bad for him, he can barely walk today. I hope it heals fast and that the lifted toe nail will easily come off (by itself!!!!). Oh and by the way, I have ANOTHER ear infection... WHAT THE HECK???

He was pretty happy that he got some more water colors out of the whole thing... He's our little artist... Mike calls him "Ammon-angelo", I think it's pretty clever!

A bit late...

We went to the Rodeo Parade like over a week ago... yes I know it's pathetic it's taken me this long to blog about it. But... Ammon and Carter LOVED it, well most of the time. Carter either had to have a stick or a sucker to keep him entertained and in his stroller. Ammon loved all the candy that was thrown for him to pick-up and put in his baggie. When he saw this car, he thought it was RAMONE from "CARS", it cracked me up. Thanks to Grandma Watts for coming and helping me with these little monkeys!

Carter got his second haircut and he looks so handsome! I kind of miss his soft, fluffy hair. He is so good when I cut his hair, he just sits and lets me do it.

Baby Boston...

I LOVe this picture because it's so sweet that he's holding his daddy's finger. It also shows how teeny, tiny he is compared to his dad's hand!

Lately I have so many opportunities to shoot newborns, it probably has A LOT to do with where I live. It's like a baby factory!!! Seriously!!! Anyways, I did these pictures last Friday and I had fun since it was the first time the Dad was there too. Anyways these are some of my favorites.

Who Knew???

That ear infections could be soooooooooo PAINFUL! I honestly can't believe that little babies and children get these ALL the time. I was honestly up every 2 1/2 hours last night in so much pain. I have to take Motrin /Tylenol every 3 hours and it still doesn't take away all the pain. I have so much empathy for these little kids who have these all the time and definitely the ones who have tubes in their ears. I guess the whole purpose of this post is so that all of us mothers will realize why our babies are crying constantly when they have ear infections, I want to cry too and I'm an adult. P.S. the best thing ever is to put 2-3 drops of olive oil in the infected ear every couple of hours. If you warm it (like in a little tube under warm water for a minute or so) it feels so comforting, it's instant pain relief! I just got prescription numbing drops for ears and the olive oil feels way better then those. So give it a try next time your kids ears hurt, IT'S AMAZING! P.S.S. I use consecrated olive oil, like for blessings!

Time to update...

So since Mike took the MCAT we have been trying to get everything ready to apply to med school. He didn't do as well as we had wished, but he still did a good job. But... we have decided to apply to PA School. Which I am SOOOOOOOOO excited for, I wanted this all along- so I am so happy! PA School is only 2 years and we are going to submit our application TODAY! Hopefully he will get interviews and then get in to at lease one school. We are applying to 10 different schools all over the United States, my 3 top picks are(in no specific order) Touro University(in Henderson, NV), one in Mesa Arizona (I can't remember the name) or where our good friends just moved to in Michigan. So I guess time will tell, I just hope we didn't apply too late to get in. It's just sooooooo stressful.

MY EAR HURTS...so I NEVER had ear infections as a child, but in the last few months I have had double ear infections twice. I just got back from the Dr, and I have an antibiotic. I didn't think adults were suppose to get ear infections... does anyone else get them? It's making me so frustrated... But it should start feeling better in a few days, I HOPE!

I NEVER win...

but I won! It was like Christmas opening my package today. I won my friend Sara's Pay It Forward package (thank you so much, I absolutely LOVE it) and now I will have to get together my own Pay It Forward packages. If you don't know what I am talking about it goes like this. It's a chain, and you can sign up on my blog when I post about mine. Then if you win I will send it to you and then you will have to "Pay It Forward" to 3 people. It could be some of your favorite things, something you've made, or just whatever you can come up with. So stay tuned for mine, I will try to make it good. P.S. Jess I had to steal your picture because I was SOOOO excited I tore mine all apart so I could wash it and then I realized I didn't take a picture. Oops, hope you don't mind!

ALREADY...

Sadly, he's not very babyish anymore. He likes to throw rocks and get dirty. He has such a cute personality. We Love Him!

Last night we were playing outside on the grass, eating ice cream cones and I got some cute pics. My boys have become best friends and I LOVE it. They are so good to each other. Today their cousin Mason was over and Ammon and Mason were fighting over a gun. Carter ran over to help Ammon get it out of Masons hands. Although Mason had it first and Ammon went in "time-out" for this, it was cute to see that Carter wanted to help his big brother.

The WipeOut Prayer...

Last night Ammon volunteered to say the family prayer and it went something like this...

Dear Heavenly Father

We're thankful for this day,

We're thankful for...WipeOut,

We're thankful for our family,

I say these things in the name of

Jesus Christ,

Amen.

He is so sweet and really he loves the show Wipeout soooooooo much. I thought this was too cute to forget. At least he is learning to be thankful for what we enjoy, right? I love you, bud!

So precious...

I seriously loved every minute of taking this sweet little girls pictures. She is adorable and just layed there sleeping. Too cute!