2009 Christmas Tree

After much debate, we bought another real tree this year (a tradition in my family). The cute tree is only five feet tall, but we don't need a big tree. We brought it in the house and left it a few days, to teach Adam not to touch, then we put the lights on and left it that way for a few days, so Adam would "acclamate" to those and not touch, and then we finally put the decorations on. He actually does really well with the tree. He needs a few reminders, but does well considering he's not quite two yet. Here's Adam and Brian after helping put the lights on:We decorated the tree as a family and Adam got to help put our new 'shatterproof' ornaments on the tree. I didn't bother getting out our glass ball ornaments...they will stay in the box for a few years. Adam loves to help Mom and Dad with everything!

Our finished little tree. I love having the bay window...the tree fits just perfectly. And since we still haven't put up our outside lights...I can just open the blinds and turn on the tree and--Viola! Our house is festive!

And just for fun I have to put up the picture from when we returned from the eye doctor's. Brian had to have his eyes dialated (lucky for me, they won't do that when your pregnant). Since he didn't have any sunglasses, he got to wear these snazzies the rest of the day. Adam got a pair too, since he did so well while Mommy and Daddy had their eyes checked. My boys are so cute! I'm glad we can be silly...

Congratulations!!

I just have to say "Congratulations!!!!" to our three friends who have recently told us they are expecting babies. I'm clueless as to whether or not they are telling anyone yet, but I just had to say that we are so excited for you!! Best of luck on the adventure!

On a personal baby note...one more week until the third trimester!! Can anyone tell me why the trimesters are not equal?? That just doesn't make sense to me. But oh well, we're almost there. I'm nervous about having two kids, but I figure that so many other women do it, and do a great job, that I can do it. The Lord will help me. Plus, I'm excited to have a little baby again! My little one is just growing up too fast!

Leftover Turkey?

While I love Thanksgiving, weeks of leftover turkey sandwiches are not my favorite. My mom always bought a record-size turkey (usually 3-4 and froze them) and we had turkey leftovers for like a month. One of my favorites, aside from sandwiches made with Mom's rolls, mashed potatoes, and turkey, is a turkey casserole. I didn't have my mom's recipe, so I looked this one up and it tastes the same to me--really yummy!! Try it out for yourself and see!

Turkey Casserole:
1 can Cream of chicken soup
1 can Cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 can diced green chiles
10 oz turkey (diced into bite-sized pieces)
corn tortillas
cheddar cheese

1. Mix soups and sour cream with chiles in a medium bowl. Cover bottom of a greased, 9x13 in pan with corn tortillas, layer with turkey and then soup mixture. Add a layer of cheese. Repeat layers ending with tortillas and cheese on top (usually only two layers of turkey and soup). Cook at 350 degrees for 30 min or until cheese is bubbly.

Brian really likes this served with salsa (for a little extra spice). I just love it plain, served with corn or green beans. I'm tempted to buy another turkey, just to make this casserole!

Learning the Lingo

I just had to write down Adam's latest accomplishment. Just last week we were sitting in the front room when the garbage truck came down our street. Adam says, "guck, guck!!" for truck. Then as it makes the round and heads back out Adam says, "buh bye, guck. Buh bye, guck." His first sentence!! The other night we went to the store and the moon was out. Adam kept saying "moon, moon!" But then it hid behind a cloud and Adam said, "buh bye, moon." It is so fun for us to see his language developing. Isn't it so amazing how Heavenly Father created us?

Be Thankful

I realize that it is the day after Thanksgiving, but I thought I'd post some of the things for which I am grateful. Gratitude should not be seasonal.

1. My family: I have such a wonderful husband! He helps with making dinner and taking care of Adam and he goes to work every day. What means a lot to me is that he would rather be at home with us than at work, yet he still goes. Adam is such a sweet boy. I know he drives me crazy often, but I wouldn't trade it--I love my son! Then there's my parents who are so wonderful. They have truly helped me become who I am and I'm so thankful for their standards and their faith. I am grateful for my extended family--I couldn't ask for better in-laws.

2. Home: I'm grateful to have a home. My family is sheltered and kept warm in our lovely home. It is such a haven from the world--I love it!

3. Food: It's not just because I'm pregnant. I'm grateful that we always have plenty to eat and plenty to share. We love having the missionaries over for dinner and having them be our ginnea pigs. I also love to have friends over for dinner.

4. Laughter: Life is just so much better with laughter. Ever notice what an effect it has on people when you smile at complete strangers?

5. Modern medicine: It is amazing what we can do! So many lives our saved now that even 20 years ago was not possible. I think of the "women on the plains" delivering babies--if that had been me, Adam and I would have both died, and yet we're alive and well.

6. Our predecessors: I am grateful for those that came before me. Farmers and butchers and such that did things "the hard way." Sometimes I think it would be fun to go back in time and spend a few days doing things the "old way." All our technological advances are great, but they made things work back then and I think they were more "quality people."

7. The Future: Today is not the end! Isn't that great? We have tomorrow to try again. We have children to teach. We have the opportunities to make a better world.

8. The Gospel: I would not be happy without the Gospel in my life. It is amazing to me how it blesses every aspect of my life. My family is eternal--forever. I have a Savior who suffered for my sins. I can be perfect through the Atonement of Christ. I am a child of God and I am known and loved.

There are so many things to be grateful for and hopefully we can remember to be grateful for them every day of the year.