Krista's pic...

December 31

2010-12-31T18:56:00.000-05:00

Today I had a fun (and cold) photo shoot with Presley and Stella. The girls did a great job especially considering that it was only 12 degrees outside today! Go to Tara's blog and check out the pics.

December 30

2010-12-30T18:54:00.000-05:00

Elliott's front teeth are coming in and he keeps playing with his tounge like this. I think they'll pop through any day now. Perhaps then he'll put his tounge back in his mouth...

December 29

2010-12-29T18:52:00.000-05:00

I LOVE this pic! I was outside, and the boys were just staring at all the snow in the backyard.

December 28

2010-12-28T18:49:00.000-05:00

Sylvia got a Cricut Expression for Christmas this year, and Amber came over to Kristin's house to give us all a tutorial on how to properly use it. Amber is an awesome teacher. We learned tons. After, we all enjoyed a yummy lunch at Kneaders. I LOVE their asiago bisque soup!!

December 27

2010-12-27T18:48:00.000-05:00

Check out all this snow! This is the view out my parents back door. Brrrrr!!

December 26

2010-12-26T18:47:00.000-05:00

Yucky road conditions today going down Provo Canyon...

December 25

2010-12-25T16:13:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe we've spent 2 Christmas's as a family of four! This year has flown by!! Merry Christmas to you all!

December 24

2010-12-24T23:57:00.001-05:00

It was only for a couple hours, but we were ALL together for Christmas! All my siblings and thier spouses and their children gathered at my parents house tonight on Christmas Eve. We had a smorgasboard of food that included Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets, shrimp, chocolate mousse and much, much more :) My mom prepared a small kid-friendly activity about the true meaning of Christmas and then the kids ripped into their gifts. I think the favorite was Trumans gift of 100 balls (like the ball pit kind of balls). The evening turned into a ball throwing free-for-all. It was a great night and I'm so happy were were all able to be together!

photo: Presley, Elliott, Stella, Jonas, Lincoln, Truman

December 23

2010-12-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

For Christmas Eve, Eve we went to see the lights at Temple Square. They were SO pretty, but it was SO crowded and SO cold that we only stayed out a few minutes. We took some photos to prove we were there and got back in our warm cars and drove back home :/

December 22

2010-12-22T15:51:00.001-05:00

Truman is getting so big (and completely adorable!). He's playing a rousing game of peek-a-boo in this pic. His favorite thing ever though is basket ball! Such a cutie.

December 21

2010-12-21T15:49:00.000-05:00

I'm SO happy my mom is willing to house all of oiur craziness for the next couple weeks.

December 20

2010-12-20T23:44:00.000-05:00

Well, today was a day I don't need to repeat again, ever! This photo was taken before Jonas pooped out of 2 outfits (going through both his and Elliotts 'extra' outfits for the trip...(umm... on the first flight!)). J aslo barfed big time at T.G.I. Fridays at DFW during our layover. And E tossed his cookies all over Kim's car all the way up the canyon to my parents house. Poor little guys! at least we're here!! We made it to UT!

December 19

2010-12-19T22:54:00.000-05:00

Matt's pouting because he hates it when I take random photos of him. I was also trying to encourage him to start packing! We leave for UT in the morning!!!

p.s. Happy 35th wedding anniversary Mom & Dad!

December 18

2010-12-18T14:51:00.001-05:00

I love that Jonas & Elliott have 'discovered' each other. They will play and interact with each other and it makes me so happy! Jonas can be a bit of a bully at times (by hogging the toys and/or stealing the one Elliott is playing), but Elliott doesn't fuss too much, he'll just move on to the next toy.

December 17

2010-12-17T14:49:00.000-05:00

My boys are such troopers! I have been running around ALL day getting last minute items and errands so we can pack up and head to UT for Christmas! I can't wait to see all my UT friends and family! Just look at this little guy, SO sweet :)

December 16

2010-12-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

We took the boys to meet Santa this evening. They were SO good! No crying at all! They weren't particularly too excited either though... This Santa was great! He was at the Bass Pro Shop at Concord Mills. We will definitely go back next year.

December 15

2010-12-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

Wow! Today I had shot the cutest photos ever at this Christmas tree lot! Leland did amazing! And Kendall was SO kind to let/help me snap a few of my boys as well.

December 14

2010-12-14T18:01:00.001-05:00

I feel just like these balloons. I've been going non-stop since before Thanksgiving, and unfortunately there is still MUCH to do before Christmas. I didn't have much time to get the party stuff cleaned up before our trip to FL, so I only did the absolute essentials (food and dishes and such). The decorations all stayed up while we were gone. Ok, 'nuf time blogging... back to work!

p.s. Happy birthday Camille!

December 13

2010-12-13T17:56:00.000-05:00

Matt's Nanny lived a very full life. She had 5 children, many grandchildren, many great grandchildren and even had 5 great, great grandchildren. I'm glad that we were able to bring the boys down to meet her in the summer before she passed away. She was a beautiful lady and I'm sure she's very happy to be reunited with her husband in heaven.

December 12

2010-12-12T17:48:00.003-05:00

What better way to break in the new car seats than a road trip? Whew, yesterday was crazy with the boys party and the KBM Christmas party and today we are all piling in the car and heading down to FL. It's a super quick trip for Matt's Nanny's funeral. I think I might be able to squeeze in a visit with my aunt, uncle and cousin too. No rest for the weary, here we go!

December 11

2010-12-11T17:29:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to my beautiful boys!

I can't believe how you've grown! You've come a long way since last year.

To celebrate we threw a big party complete with 2 cakes, lots of food, balloons and lots of friends. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their cupcakes (especially Elliott) and ripping into all the presents. Thanks to you all for making their big day special!

December 10

2010-12-11T16:55:00.000-05:00

With the time change and the boys getting up so early I get to catch a few of these incredible sunrises. SO pretty.

December 9

2010-12-09T16:51:00.000-05:00

The upstairs hallway makes for a great giant play pen for the boys. I shut all the doors (sometimes I forget...) and close the gate at the top of the stairs and they have a huge area to play that I can see from almost anywhere downstairs.

December 8

2010-12-08T16:46:00.000-05:00

This week I've scheduled a little time each day to work on the boys birthday cake and party. Today my scheduled task was carving the birthday cake. Look at the mountain of excess cake I carved away... Can anyone say 'cake balls'???

December 7

2010-12-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

Sorry for another highchair pic. It seems as if we spend all of our time here...

Every time they are in the highchair, the boys find eachothers hands and hold hands for a bit. It's SO adorable!

December 6

2010-12-06T16:31:00.000-05:00

Today we had spaghetti for lunch. Messy, but yummy.

December 5

2010-12-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

All done! Isn't it pretty?

December 4

2010-12-04T16:27:00.001-05:00

Mmm... I made these cupcakes for my friend's little guy's 1st birthday. They are my 'usual' white cake with whipped butter cream. My friend requested turquoise frosting because that's what color Leland's room is. I threw on the chocolate jimmies for a little contrast. Aren't they cute?

December 3

2010-12-03T01:54:00.000-05:00

Oh! I am just in love with this pic!!

We've got the tree up, next comes the decorating. I LOVE Christmas!!

December 2

2010-12-02T01:52:00.000-05:00

I think I could just sit and watch my babies sleep all day. There is nothing that can even compare! I feel so content and happy to have these two crazy boys in my life.

December 1

2010-12-01T01:50:00.000-05:00

Getting festive!

November 30

2010-11-30T01:30:00.000-05:00

This massage was SO needed and SO over do. Thanks, Deb for the wonderful massage and a very big thanks to Angie for watching the boys!!

November 29

2010-11-29T01:26:00.000-05:00

I really need to get to the grocery store... I just haven't wanted too since all the Thanksgiving craziness. So, we had pizza on tortillas for dinner. Not too shabby...

November 28

2010-11-28T01:24:00.000-05:00

Shhhh! I've been experimenting with cutting paper on my Cricut Cake... It totally works! I just had to buy the sticky mat and a new blade. Yay! Christmas came early!!

November 27

2010-11-27T01:22:00.000-05:00

Uh-oh...

Jonas pulled my camera off the table, unfortunately my flash was still attached and the hot shoe broke :( That Jonas sure knows how to spend money... Sheesh!

November 26

2010-11-26T01:18:00.001-05:00

Just hanging out with dad.

November 25

2010-11-25T16:00:00.000-05:00

They did it again. Another year, another fried turkey. YUM!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! This year I am thankful that I am NOT pregnant... I can actually fit some food in my belly! Bring on that apple pie :)

November 24

2010-11-24T10:58:00.001-05:00

You can ALWAYS assume this is what I'll be up to the day before Thanksgiving...

Don't tell dad, but I'm kinda switching up the recipe a little. A 'mash-up', if you will, of my grandma's recipe and AB's Super Apple Pie recipe. We'll just have to see how it turns out...

November 23

2010-11-23T22:55:00.000-05:00

I LOVE that my boys got to be around 7 pm! That means there is still enough time to go have a fun movie night with the gal pals and a fairly decent nights sleep before the circus resumes :)

November 22

2010-11-22T10:16:00.000-05:00

Did a little shopping at Birkdale this afternoon. The weather was amazing! And I just love how festive everything is beginning to look. I bought a quiche pan and some new shoes for the boys (50% off Pedipeds at Payton's Closet! Nice!).

November 21

2010-11-21T10:14:00.000-05:00

The view from my front porch. What a pretty sunset tonight!

November 20

2010-11-20T17:16:00.001-05:00

I really should stop trying to take my 'big' camera into shows. I've never succeeded. So, this was taken with my phone. Matt and I went to the Fillmore to see Ben Folds tonight. That was a big item on Matt's bucket list and Ben did not disappoint! What a great show! And Matt and I were able to squeeze into the 2nd row for the entire performance. The Fillmore is my favorite venue I've seen a show at. Nice, clean and fairly small and intimate. Jonas has the same piano-rocker stance Ben has. We'll need to get that boy some piano lessons soon :)

November 19

2010-11-19T17:13:00.000-05:00

Clair and Beaux came over this evening to bake a cake. Clair's fam is coming in town tomorrow and it was her dad's birthday today. We made a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing. Clair only has wood floors at her house, so she was taking advantage of our carpet/rugs and getting in some good snuggles with Beaux.

November 18

2010-11-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

Colds suck! Here's to hoping it goes away quick.

November 17

2010-11-17T17:10:00.001-05:00

Mmm... Cheerios. Personally I think Cheerios are gross, but I'm glad the boys like them. Cheaper than puffs and good for your heart (or so the box says...).

November 16

2010-11-16T17:08:00.001-05:00

Have you seen these? SO cute! I think they just taste like regular marshmallows, but they are way cuter. I hear the there are Gingerbread Man ones too. I'll have to get my hands on some of those too.

November 15

2010-11-15T17:06:00.000-05:00

Both my boys are such good smilers! I love a nice big goofy grin from either of them :)

November 14

2010-11-14T09:34:00.001-05:00

Today is Eli's 'actual' birthday. Our family was lucky enough to be able to party with him again at his 'family party'. This is the cake I made for his monkey/jungle themed party. It's white cake with chocolate cream and banana filling with whipped butter cream icing and gum paste/fondant decorations. Oh, and pirouette cookies (super yum!). This cake was so amazing... I now have NO IDEA how I'm going to top it for the boys birthday...?!?!?!?! I should have held back a bit huh?! Hahaha :)

p.s. Also a huge happy birthday shout out to our neice Audrey! Turning 2 this year!

November 13

2010-11-13T09:32:00.000-05:00

I know I keep posting scenery pics... but this Fall has been SO BEAUTIFUL!

Today I had 2 awesome family shoots at Freedom Park down in Charlotte. I can't wait to start editing all these amazing photos!

November 12

2010-11-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

Yay! Today was Max & Eli's birthday party. We all had a fun time celebrating 1 year with them. Right here they aren't quite sure what to think of the party hats, but boy they when to town on the cupcakes presented to them later. Yum!

Happy birthday to you both!!

November 11

2010-11-11T20:25:00.000-05:00

Wakey, wakey. The boys had a fun time playing in the crib after their afternoon nap today. I love how happy they are when they wake up.

p.s. Today the boys are 11 months old. They are 11 months on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year.

November 10

2010-11-10T20:14:00.000-05:00

What a day! This little guy caused me quite a bit of grief today... Well, this is the replacement, so I'm sorry I take it back. I had a super early morning shoot down in Charlotte. The boys and I had to leave the house by 6:45 am. I got us all up and ready to go and in the car, however, the car wasn't on board. Luckily, Matt hadn't quite left for work so he helped me jump start the car. I drove the hour to Matt's parents house with the cars electronic feature flickering all the way. A little scary, but we made it. I barely made it to the school I was shooting at in time. The shoot went wonderfully, but I needed another jump to get my memory card to the office. There at the office, I needed another jump, but the car wasn't cooperating. Finally, we got it started and I was finally able to get to the repair shop to see about the battery (or was it the alternator...? or the starter...? or something worse...?). After 2 hours it was decided that it was just the battery. Luckily, the battery was still under warranty, so all I had to pay was $16 to have it put in. The problems could have been way worse, but I'm just happy that today is over.

November 9

2010-11-09T20:12:00.000-05:00

I spent the evening photographing the fabulous Cook family at Davidson College. Both the scenery and the weather were amazing! I can't wait to start editing these photos.

November 8

2010-11-08T20:10:00.000-05:00

Ooo, Ooo... Eeee, Eeee! Monkey's everywhere. I'm working on some decorations for Eli's 1st birthday cake.

November 7

2010-11-07T20:09:00.000-05:00

Elliott's got his eyes on the cakes I'm making. Mmm... cake...

November 6

2010-11-06T20:07:00.000-04:00

Jonas's chompers update. No, Elliott doesn't have any yet...

November 5

2010-11-05T19:04:00.000-04:00

Mmmm... 'Cheat day' is SO yummy!

November 4

2010-11-04T19:00:00.003-04:00

Our new ride.

Our new stroller came in today. After we picked it up I thought we needed to give it a try, so we stopped at the mall and did a little window shopping. I'm loving it! It's so smooth and much easier to maneuver.

November 3

2010-11-03T17:12:00.000-04:00

I let the boys play in the halway this morning while I was doing a couple things on the computer. After a few minutes I noticed that everything had gotten really quiet... Then, I remembered that I had left the bathroom door open... Sure enough, the boys had found the toilet and were splashing in the toilet bowl. YUCK! I was totally grossed out, but I still had to run and grab the camera for a pic.

November 2

2010-11-02T17:11:00.000-04:00

Doing my civic duty.

A big thank you to Leah for watching the boys so I didn't have to take them with me :)

November 1

2010-11-01T17:10:00.000-04:00

The boys are loving these new car toy from Gigi & Papa. Thank you!!

October 31

2010-10-31T13:35:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Here are our little trick-or-treaters. Audrey - Cinderella, Jonas & Elliott - bats, Will - Iron Man.

Kristin is amazing and sewed both Audrey and Will's costumes. The boys did a great job trick-or-treating. We went to about 15 houses in Tom and Sylvia's neighborhood. Just enough to get me a nice stash of chocolate :)

October 30

2010-10-30T13:32:00.000-04:00

Halloween Shrimp Boil

Leslie & Richard threw a GREAT Halloween party! Matt's still in Talladega, so I brought the boys as my date. They were a hit at the party. I had them dressed up as skeletons this time. The food was amazing and the company was even better. Thanks!!

October 29

2010-10-29T12:54:00.000-04:00

I planned a Halloween mini photo session shoot at the park today. I had the boys with me, so I just st up the pack-n-play for them next to be while i shot the photos. I think they had a fun time hanging out at the park. I think they liked the change of scenery :) Ooo... I got their photos taken in their costumes too. They did great!!

October 28

2010-10-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

I LOVE Fall in North Carolina! The weather is perfect (warm during the day, but cools off and night). And the colors are AMAZING!

October 27

2010-10-27T10:22:00.000-04:00

Tonight was our ward's Trunk-or-Treat. I wanted to get as much use as I could out of the boys costumes, so I dressed them up and showed them off :) It was a little late for them so their excitement level wasn't the level it could have been. They were a hit at the party and I got some delicious candy to munch on.

October 26

2010-10-26T10:16:00.001-04:00

Quite a few people had been mentioning that Elliotts har was looking a little scraggly and long, so I decided to give him a hair cut today. I was a little nervous because my haircutting skills are bussing Matt's hair with the clippers. So, the technique I used was to style his hair first then cut. I was only planning on triming the top, but after i did that the sides were just a bit too long, so I grabbed the clippers and trimmed up the sides and back too. This isn't the best photo, but I think I did a pretty good job.

He looks so big with his hair cut...

October 25

2010-10-25T10:07:00.000-04:00

Coconut M&Ms... Oh yum!

People had been telling me about these (Tara...), but I had yet to see them around, but today as I checked out at the grocery store I saw them sitting there on the shelf. So, I grabbed a pack and devoured the immediately. And yes, they were amazing! I need to go get some more.

October 24

2010-10-24T10:01:00.001-04:00

Patrick, Kristin, Will & Audrey.

We are going to miss you guys!!

October 23

2010-10-23T09:57:00.000-04:00

Here's Matt hard at work. Martinsville was the first (and most likely only) race I got to go to this year. During the race, Matt is in charge of all the engineering stuff and he's one of the tire carriers during the pitstops. He tells me there is more to in than you might think... You have to roll it out just so and a certain part has to be facing up when it reaches the car. Hmm... Kyle didn't win the race, but I had a great time hanging out with my hubby at the track.

p.s. Happy birthday Tara!

October 22

2010-10-22T09:54:00.000-04:00

I had purchased this ride-on toy at a consignment sale a few weeks ago, but it wasn't til today that I realized that the seat split apart and it becase a walker-toy too! Elliott is showing me the proper way to play with this toy. Both boys love walking around with it.

October 21

2010-10-21T09:52:00.000-04:00

Tara, Presley and Stella sent us some of their old toys that they didn't play with anymore. The boys are most excited about the toys that light up and make noise, but I have always loved these Cheerio books.

Thank you so much for the toys!!!

October 20

2010-10-20T09:50:00.002-04:00

Please excuse the photo... It's out of focus and wiggley, but I had to show off Jonas's chompers! Check those two front teeth out. Jonas = 2, Elliot = 0.

October 19

2010-10-19T09:48:00.000-04:00

Grrr...! Traffic! I love taking photos, but the I-77 morning traffic is TERRIBLE! It took me over 2 hours to get to my school in Charlotte. Needless to say I was late, but I still got all the photos done on time, woa!

October 18

2010-10-18T09:45:00.000-04:00

Finally, I'm getting back into books! I haven't read a single book since the boys arrival into our family. Tara sent me the Hunger Games books and I was so book deprived that I read the book in 2 sittings!! Where's the next one!

October 17

2010-10-17T09:43:00.000-04:00

Today was the Hymas family's last meal at Joel's. Sad :( I still can't believe they are moving back to Utah. We will miss you all TONS!! My poor boys won't know any of their cousins now.

October 16

2010-10-16T09:41:00.000-04:00

And... Here's another home decor project. Drapes for the dining room. Pretty :)

October 15

2010-10-15T10:25:00.000-04:00

AFTER!

Yes, finally... Here is the 'after' photo of our family room transformation. I had gotten the bookcases and TV stand for my birthday. I am still working on a few of the decorations and need to buy some taper candles, but it's good enough for a photo.

October 14

2010-10-14T10:23:00.001-04:00

Kyle Busch Motorsports had it's Open House today. I took the boys to go check out the shop and see where daddy spends his days (well, the ones he spends in Mooresville...). Here we all are with Kyle. Matt likes to think that Elliott was snuggling up to Kyle, but I think he was just looking at the floor. Hahaha.

p.s. Kyle is my little brothers age... Sheesh! You know you are getting old when your boss is several (um.. 6) years younger than you.

October 13

2010-10-13T10:21:00.001-04:00

Fall is definitely in the air! I LOVE the fall here in NC. The weather is perfect and the colors are amazing!

October 12

2010-10-12T10:19:00.001-04:00

Oh my! These 'Boys & Bears' shoots are getting very rowdy! I hope the bears (and my sanity...) can make it to the end (almost there!!!).

October 11

2010-10-11T10:17:00.000-04:00

The sole of my shoe came unattached today while i was shooting at a preschool. I think it's because i crouch down and balance on the ball of my foot so often while I'm taking pictures. Oh well, I guess I just have to get some new shoes (I think I've had these ones for a VERY long time anyway, like maybe 10 years!).

October 10

2010-10-10T10:15:00.000-04:00

Jonas can now walk on his knees. It's hilarious to watch. The wood floor is a nice place because he can slid his knees easier than on the carpet.

October 9

2010-10-09T10:12:00.000-04:00

This morning we woke up extra early to join the Cook family and walk with 'Cody's Crusaders' at the Walk Now For Autism Speaks. Here's our team ready to go!

October 8

2010-10-08T12:49:00.000-04:00

I LOVE playing with my boys. They love it when either me or Matt lay on the floor and let them climb all over us.

October 7

2010-10-07T12:46:00.000-04:00

I think Elliott is a perfect little replica of his daddy. Here he is playing 'drums' on daddy's head.

October 6

2010-10-06T12:45:00.000-04:00

Will is practicing his 'scary face' for me.

October 5

2010-10-05T12:43:00.000-04:00

Another walk. And a beautiful sky.

October 4

2010-10-04T19:40:00.001-04:00

Ahhh... The weather has been awesome! I've been taking evening walks around the neighborhood with the boys. And, I'm getting to know some of the neighbors on the other end of the street. :)

October 3

2010-10-03T19:38:00.000-04:00

Conference Sunday with the Jimenez family = delicious and fun.

October 2

2010-10-02T17:49:00.000-04:00

Jonas LOVES playing with the remotes. He loves pressing all the buttons. Oh, yeah... and buying things. Matt gave him the xBox controller to play with and he ended up purchasing xbox live gold membership for almost $90!!! MAtt didn't notice this til later when he checked his email. Luckily, after a very long phone call we were able to get the charges reversed.

October 1

2010-10-01T17:47:00.000-04:00

One of our favorite places. Yum... The boys even did great!

September 30

2010-09-30T09:59:00.000-04:00

Kyle's (Busch that is...) fiance gave this bib to the boys. She said she needs to find another so that they each can have one. Thanks Sam :)

September 29

2010-09-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

Oh my! These little squares are PURE EVIL. Sara of Our Best Bites is definitely in the doghouse for posting this recipe. It is WAY TOO easy to make. The recipe is found here, but don't get mad at me if you get fat... it's Sara's fault...

September 28

2010-09-28T08:58:00.001-04:00

The boys just LOVE their daddy! They get SO excited whenever they see him. Their favorite thing to do is to crawl all over him when he gets home from work.

September 27

2010-09-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

Rub-a-dub-dub, two little boys in the tub!

I decided that it was time to start having the boys take their bath together (you know, save me a little time...). It went fairly well, although, I was completely soaked by the end of it all.

September 26

2010-09-26T08:53:00.000-04:00

Today I made a baby shower cake for a friend. It white cake, chocolate cream filling with whipped buttercream icing. This is probably one of my favorite cake combinations.

September 25

2010-09-25T10:47:00.001-04:00

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. Hill! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

September 24

2010-09-24T10:43:00.000-04:00

Eli got to come over today and hang out with us while his mom went to school to hang out with her other kiddos. It was fun having another little crazy monkey over. Unfortunately he didn't take a very good nap, but he and the boys sure had a great time tearing it up.

September 23

2010-09-23T10:41:00.000-04:00

Ah, the 8th Street Studio! I have missed you!!! And so has my sad, sad powerhouse. It's time for some Pilates to whip my body back into shape.