M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Awhile ago I asked Tyson to draw some pictures that I could frame and put in Grant's room. It was several months in the making, but I finally put them up today. He drew them (free-hand, without looking at anything!) in pencil on paper first, traced them onto thick transparencies with a thin sharpie marker, and then painted each color layer by layer on the backside. (The front of the picture is not textured, because all the color and paint is on the back.) He painted the background for the middle picture, too. He has a lot more patience than me. I was impressed! Several of my sisters and sisters-in-law are really good at drawing, but my drawings are mostly stick figures. So I'm grateful to be married to someone artistic!

Grant sure likes it!

New Year

 I was looking at a list of my posts and noticed that I had about 10 different blank posts from the past few months that I had opened and intended to do, but never got around to. So I am catching up. Check below for some posts about the last few months.  


 Kadri likes to be on her tip-toes. Maybe she'll be just like Aunt Kaitlyn!

These next pictures crack me up because it's a daily occurrence here of Grant "helping" Kadri. But he really is a loving older brother.  

 

 

 

Tyson's trusty Oldsmobile died a few weeks ago. That car has been with Tyson as long as I have known him. A few months ago, he took a picture when it passed 200,000 miles.

We were sad to see it go. Tyson drives 1000 miles every 9 work days, so we needed another good commuter car. We found an '04 Toyota Camry in Utah. Hopefully it will prove as reliable as the old one! Sometime I will have to take a picture.

December

 We had the chance to spend a couple of days as a family in Salt Lake. It was so great to be together, even with the difficulties that come with traveling with 2 little kids.  We ate at some great places and Kadri loved being in a high chair pulled right up to the table. We were on our way out of the Lion House and wanted a quick picture. Kadri's eyes are always so wide open.

Grant LOVED the escalators. Isn't it great that such little things can make children so happy. Can you see the huge grin on his face?

We enjoyed the Christmas spirit all around Temple Square.

We also were able to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearse for their Christmas concert. Grant thought the conductor was so funny. Now, he'll wave his arms around like crazy and then say "Who am I?... Mack Wilberg!"

We love music, especially Christmas music. One of our favorite activities this time of year is to play tons of Christmas duets on the piano. Now it's even better to have little kids running around while we do it.

Kadri pulls herself up everywhere now. She can get around!

Grant uses Tyson's old shovel to help with the snow removal at our house. He really is helpful. He is always excited when it snows. I remember being like that!

 I like to make caramel popcorn around Christmas. That stuff is addicting!  But I learned that an air popper needs a break to cool down between a few batches, or the top blows off and popcorn goes everywhere. Lovely.

 

 On Christmas Eve day, my brother invited us to his neighbor's place for a sleigh ride! While we listened to the bells jingling on the horses reins, I felt like Mr. Kreuger and wanted to break out in song! We had fun!
(Wow, outdoor lighting makes a big difference to pictures! I know all my photog friends are like- duh!)

Christmas morning was wonderful and filled with magic. :)  Grant's favorite was a car mat that I made for him. It was a fun but time-consuming project.

Kadri was thrilled with this toy.

Here we are in matching jammies made by Grandma Parker. Thanks again!!  We spent time at both our families' homes. We are very grateful for them and their love and generosity towards us.

Christmas day was fun and happy and laughter-filled, but after the sort of let-down I felt later (anyone else?), I am grateful to know the real reason for the season!  I love this time of year. I was asked to speak about the birth of Christ at church the Sunday before Christmas. Although public speaking is NOT my thing, it was a huge blessing to focus on this topic. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

November

I didn't take many pictures this month! And I didn't take ANY around Thanksgiving! Sad. But it was a good holiday spend with lots of family. Here are a few pictures though.

I was so sad when Kadri grew out of this outfit. It's from Aunt Joyce. Thanks!

We (okay, Tyson) got the Christmas lights up before it got too cold. Grant wanted to help. 

 Grant would never sleep in his car seat, not even while driving. We didn't travel much when he was that age. Kadri, on the other hand, will sleep in hers. Which can be convenient for church. It takes up a bunch of room, but hopefully people don't mind too much. So most Sundays, she can get in a little nap so she isn't completely grumpy.

Tyson's family had a reunion in October. Their reunions are always impressive. He has some seriously talented and sweet family members. Anyway, his cousin Pamela cut out these wood blocks and letters and I finally finished them in November. Aunt Kristi came over to help, too.

 Grant is mostly a good brother. He loves to "play" with Kadri. Someday I hope they are close friends. I've decided that my children can be my greatest trial, but they are also my greatest blessing. I love them so much!! 

October

 Because of the very unusually warm fall weather, I still had lots of beans in October! So I canned more. I got some from my own garden and some from family members' gardens. We had about 40 pints. Good thing we like canned beans! Grant labeled each jar lid with a "10." He loves to help. I find that he is better boy when I give him jobs and let him help.  I'm trying to follow Elder Hale's advice (talk here) when he says "Work together as a family, even if it may be faster and easier to do the job ourselves. Talk with our sons and daughters as we work together..." I can be a perfectionist, so giving over control to my kids can be hard. But I'm working on it.

Some day I would like a nicer camera, but Kadri had a little photo shoot this month with the one I have. That cute crocheted dress is making an appearance again! I love it. Thank you Grandma Parker!

 

Grant really enjoyed carving pumpkins this year. After dad helped him draw the face on, he carved it all by himself with one of those cheap mini serrated knives that come in pumpkin carving kits. Where were those things when I was a kid? It is so rewarding to watch your child sit still and concentrate on something (note- this is not normal) and then be so proud when he is done. 

Superman went trick or treating and loved it. He spread out all his candy and organized it. He still has some now, in the middle of January. 

 

Kadri did not like her pumpkin costume.

So on Halloween she just wore a little outfit instead. She was much happier.