Give Thanks

Our Thanksgiving looked a little like this

So thankful for food and family and home.

Then she was 4

Taycee Lynn turned 4. Her birthday was actually on Thanksgiving day this year so we made Tuesday the 20th her birthday. A few weeks prior I asked her if she wanted to have a party for her birthday and invite her friends over. She said "no, I just want to go to the store that paints your fingers and toes", so we did.

The day started out with pancakes topped with strawberries and cream. 

It's her very favorite breakfast can you tell?

Then somehow I totally stopped documenting the day. It went a little something like this,

Dance at 11:00

Hair and makeup done at 2:00

Shopping with mom at 3:00

It was a pamper Taycee day and she LOVED every minute. She actually fell asleep in the chair when they were doing her hair, and she beamed at everyone who walked by because they all would say something like "she is the most adorable little girl I have ever seen!" To which she would smile and say "It's my birthday, I am 4." 

The whole day I kept thinking if this is what she wants when she is 4 I am in BIG trouble when she is 16!

I was running way behind my "schedule" all day. So by the time our pedicures came around I hadn't even started the cake, which I knew was going to take me a long while because Taycee had requested a "Frapunzle" (Rapunzle) cake and although I had a vision in my head I really didn't know exactly how I was going to pull it off.

Luckily grandma Clayton was able to come up for our little party and she saved the day by taking Taycee to get her mani/pedi while I created the cake. #grandmasarelifesavers.

I was actually pretty sad that I couldn't go with them because I knew it would be Taycee's favorite part of the day. She asks me every day to paint her toes and fingers and I knew that her first experience at a nail salon would be like heaven to her. It was. She LOVED it. Grandma snapped a few pictures on her phone for me. 

While she was getting the finishing touches on her pamper day. I was home piping vines on rice-krispies treats...

And 2 hours later we had our razpuzule cake done. Complete with Flynn his horse and a few extra princess cupcakes.

I had to include the picture below because after finally finishing the cake I put it aside to finish the soup and then I heard my sister say "STOP KADEN! what are you doing? He had taken a candle and was poking holes into the frosting. He looked at her and without blinking said "I had to make Flynn's footprints for the horse to follow." Good call buddy, good call.

Jenny was my cake assistant. She was an excellent help.

Here is the princess all dolled up in her new clothes with her hair and makeup done and her nails painted.

Dear Taycee,

  You are 4! I can't believe it. You are way smarter than any 4 year old I know. I have said it for years but you really are too smart for your own good. (and mine) You have more spunk and personality in your little finger than a lot of people have in their whole body. You LOVE to be the center of attention, and most everywhere we go you are. Your big blue eyes and pretty smile win over most hearts in seconds. You are such a good helper with your little sister. When I need a diaper or a blanket you are always the first to run upstairs and grab one for me. You are a quick thinker and you don't let much get by you. You love to learn. You are already reading short stories and you remember everything you are taught. You love all things pretty, you love to have your hair done and you ask everyday to use my "nakeup" it is so cute that I still haven't corrected your n to a m. You know what you want in life. For your birthday you wanted 1. a booster chair so you didn't have to sit in a baby buckle anymore. 2. a cat that walked and talked (but that was still a toy because your mommy would die if it was a real cat) 3. A new pink dance outfit.
You also got some sparkly lip gloss and it was gone in a week because you carried it around and put it on your lips every 5 minutes.
You are a sass...A MAJOR sass, some days you stop me in my tracks because I don't know how to respond to your attitude. But you have a sweet side too. You don't like to see people sad, I was talking to daddy one night about my feelings of inadequacy and you saw I was upset. ( I didn't know you were nearby) The next day you said "mommy why were you sad last night" I said "sometimes I just don't feel like a good mommy" you gave me the biggest hug and said "I think you are the greatest mommy". You keep me on my toes, we will have a few rounds you and I... I am sure of it. But I think in the end we will be the best of friends! I wouldn't trade you for any other 4 year old out there. Not even the sweet obedient submissive ones.

I am so excited to watch you grow and learn. Be nice to your momma though... okay?

Happy Birthday my Taycee Lynn Boo.

xoxo- momma.

Double cute

On November 5th two of the cutest guys I know came into this world. They are tiny and darling, and just so stinking lovable. 

I was lucky and got to take a few quick shots of them. However our time was limited and they were not too excited about the whole ordeal, so the pictures we got were limited... but they are precious none the less!

Welcome to the world Cooper and Bennett, your auntie loves you lots and lots!

This is a little video I put together of the actual day they were born.
Cooper and Bennett from Jill Clayton on Vimeo.

Hello December

How is it that I posted EVERY day in November but am a month behind in blogging? 

It is December now and I feel like Halloween was last week and then we just skipped the month of November... yet SO MUCH happened in November. 

- - -

I became an Aunt of twins

Addison took her first steps

SO many job applications went in

The future became a little more decided ( more on that later)

Taycee turned 4

We had a fabulous turkey dinner

Double ear infections

colds

coughs

- - -

So I guess November really did happen.

I will try to get around to documenting it sometime in the very near future.

Day 29

Today I am grateful for ear numbing drops so my little guy can sleep through the night without waking up crying to say "MOM, my ears hurts so bad!"

Day 28

Tonight I am thankful for white chocolate chip cranberry cookies.

Day 27

Today I am grateful for Chris's job/school. I am grateful he has had this opportunity to accomplish something he has always wanted to accomplish. I am grateful that he has done so well, and I am grateful that it is almost over. :D

Day 26

Today I am grateful for my elliptical that sits in my room and stares me down til I get my butt in gear and workout.

Day 25

Another Chris entry " Today I am thankful for shoes and socks"

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 and to add to that I am thankful for foot deodorant. :D

Oh and Chris would also like to clarify that he is thankful for princess pajamas for little girls not necessarily himself.

Day 24

Today I am grateful for pictures. Although nothing can keep these little ones of mine little, I am so grateful I can document all of the little moments.

Day 23

I am letting Chris do today and he said " I am thankful for thumbs, and princess jammies." So there you have it,

Day 22

Today I am oh so thankful for family. For my loved ones who surround me. For health and strength. For knowledge that families can be together forever, and for a loving Heavenly Father who can and does send comfort in times of need.

My heart breaks for the Anderson family tonight as they lost their wife and mother. I know Heavenly Father has her in his arms, and you too.

Day 21

Today I am thankful for temples, the peace that is felt there, and the sealing power that binds my family together for eternity!

Day 20

Today I am thankful for my Taycee Lynn. We celebrated her birthday today (since her birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year.) so glad she decided to join our family 4 years ago!!

Day 19

Today I am grateful for my strong healthy body and my children's health.

Day 18

Today I am thankful for food, to keep my belly full.

Day 17

I am grateful for technology and all the good things that it makes so available.

Day 16

So very grateful for good people with good hearts.

Day 15

Today I am grateful for baby steps, because my baby took her first steps last night!

Day 14

Today I am grateful for pink lipstick.

Day 13

Today I am thankful for my children. Because EVERY day they make me laugh about something.

Today... Kaden slept with one sock on, I sent him into his room this morning before school and told him to take that sock off and put new clean ones on. A minute later I heard him say "Goodbye Mr. smelly sock, then a pause... and in what I call his game show voice,  HELLLLOOO new clean socks!"

Then after he brushed his teeth he looked in the mirror and said, "I have pointy ears, and this one (grabbing his left ear) is bigger than the other... I am a crooked little elf"

Love those kids of mine. 

Day 12

Today I am thankful for neighbors who come and jump my car at 7:45 so I can get Kaden to school... and then end up letting me just drive their car when jumping doesn't work.
You are awesome Parkers!!

Day 11

Today I am grateful for my calling. I LOVE beings the primary chorister, and I love those sweet kids.

And I would be amiss if I let today go by without once again expressing my gratitude for the men and women who fight so I can enjoy Sundays like today in freedom. Thank you thank you, today and every day.

Day 10

Today I am grateful for space heaters.

Day 9

Today I am grateful for the joy on my kids faces when they wake up and see snow on the ground. Even if it means they come bounding in to my room 2 hours too early to open my blinds and show me.

Day 8

I am grateful for in-laws who WANT to take my kids for 3 days. :D... here's to 3 days with just me and my babe.

Day 7

Today I am grateful to know that no matter WHO the president is there is always hope. 

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is 

favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won’t fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.

I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through." - Harold B Lee

( Source: Ye Are the Light of the World 350-51 )

I am grateful for faith, and for a Heavenly Father who has all of us in his hands.

Day 6

Today I am grateful to live in the United States. I am grateful for my freedom and I am grateful for the men and women who sacrifice their lives to keep me free.

Day 5

Today I am grateful for babies. Especially ADORABLE new twin nephews! Congrats Jason and Kaite.

Funny Funny Kids

One of my favorite parts of being a mom is listening to my hilarious children. Here are the recent favorites.

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Taycee: "I am hungry" Kaden: "Don't worry Taycee mom is driving on the 3-way (freeway) that is the fastest road. The 2-way is a slow road but we are not driving on that so we will be home soon for lunch!"

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We were eating dinner and Taycee said, "hey mom renember last morning when I drove to the dentist and got my new rubby tooth" I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about so I said "um no not really" to which she responded "yes you do, I growed big and you growed little and I put you in my car seat and drove us to the dentist so he could put my new rubby teeth on" as she said this she was rubbing her front two teeth. It must have been a dream, a very realistic dream, because she still comments every once in awhile about her rubby teeth.

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We took Chris to the train station to get his car after we had picked him up in Salt Lake. When Taycee saw the car she said "OH! Those Lamenites stole our car and drove it to the train staion. I bet they got on the train and got away." We have been reading a lot about the Lamenites in the Book of Mormon right now. It is going to turn her world upside down when we get to the part where the Lamenites are the good guys. haha

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When we got home Halloween night we were exhausted. Chris and I had both commented on how tired we were. We were laying on the floor in the living room and Kaden was eating a bag of skittles on the couch. Kaden said "whoever is the most tired..." he paused for just a second and Chris shot his hand up into the air thinking he was going to say something like "gets to go to bed." but then he said with all his enthusiasm "gets to rub my feet!" we laughed and laughed. I have no idea where that sentence came from but he totally got Chris.

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We have a quiet book we take to church every week. It has a monster with a pouch that I usually put a small treat in for the kids. Today as we were walking into church Kaden said "I wonder what the candy monster has today" I told him that it was fast Sunday so the candy monster didn't have anything in his pouch today. After Sacrament meeting Kaden asked Chris what was next Chris told him he had to go to primary. Kaden said "no aren't we going home." Chris told him no and Kaden said "but it is FAST Sunday, not LONG Sunday." 

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I have been trying to be better at recognizing the kids when they do good things. One day Kaden had cleaned up the table without being asked. I gave him a treat and then heard Taycee running in from another room she said "mom I just stinked in a different room, can I have candy too?" 

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Kaden went to throw something away in my garbage and found a few pages of his old homework. He pulled them out of the garbage and marched into the kitchen waving them in the air. He said "MOM! I found these in the garbage, what were they doing there." I tried to explain that I can't keep all of his papers because he has so many but he wouldn't hear it. He said "No mom, when we take my papers out of my folders we put them in a special place, the garbage is NOT a special place."

Just a few of the funny snips out of my day!

xoxo-

me

Halloween

Halloween was a BUSY FULL day. I Volunteer at Kaden's schools on Wednesdays and Halloween with a room full of dressed up Kindergartners is simply organized chaos. Fun cute organized chaos.  Kaden was suppose to take a treat to share with the class so we made these witch finger cookies.

They were freakishly realistic and a few of the girls refused to take one, a few of the dads begged to try one. #boysneverchange

Kaden had an assembly at school. The kindergarteners were the only ones allowed to dress up so they went on parade at the first of the assembly. Kaden was overjoyed with himself and literally bounced through the line showing off his costume and smiling a thousand watt grin. Later when they announced his name for winning the pumpkin contest I thought he might burst the seems of his little pig costume as he ran up to claim his prize. The rest of the day I hear him saying " and the funnies pumpkin prize goes to... "KADEN CLAYTON!"

We got dressed up around 4:30 and headed out to take some pictures before the wards trunk or treat.

Taycee was a princess this year. A very beautiful Cinderella #Disneylanddressrecycled She was in heaven putting on my makeup and spraying glitter into her hair.

Kaden was an angry bird pig. I made the costume myself, and as long as your don't inspect it too closely it will pass as an ok job. He wouldn't settle for any other costume. I tried, I bribed, it wasn't happening. I refused to pay 30 dollars for the dinky ugly one in the store so we purchased some felt and batting and created this beauty.

Addison was snow white. She was darling, as always.

We hit up the trunk or treat and gave out our ENTIRE bowl of candy in about 15 minutes. So then we headed out to do some good old fashion trick or treating. 

The kids made a haul. I currently have it locked up and I ration it out piece by piece. We have enough candy for bribes and reward to last til at least next summer. All in all I think we would label this Halloween a success. 

Pumpkins

I was lame this October. Way lame. I blame it on the life sucking virus that held our house hostage for 2 weeks. It had me convinced I was dying more than once.

Last year I had the house decorated in webs and lights. We made gak and spider mobiles. We sang Halloween songs and had spooky breakfasts. 

This year I felt accomplished when we made it to the pumpkin patch 4 days before Halloween.

I noticed a paper in Kaden's backpack Saturday night saying that there was a pumpkin contest at school. The pumpkin couldn't be carved and was due Monday. Sunday night be pulled out the candy and created this gem.

Would you believe it... he won! Funniest pumpkin category. He won a candy bar which seemed fitting.

Monday night for FHE we carved pumpkins. Taycee wasn't a fan of the gunk.

We teamed up and only did 2 pumpkins... like I said, it was a lack luster year.

Viola!