So this is Christmas...

and what have you done?

Another year over

A new one just begun.

And so this is Christmas

I hope you have fun

the near and the dear ones

the old and the young

Memory courtesy of Mr. Waldron, solo by Annie Lloyd

Chamber Choir, Jordan High School... hmm...

solos in Chamber Choir... did I ever get one, you wonder?

No.

But one day a soloist was sick and randomly Mr. Waldron called on ME to sing her part. I think I sang one word and then refused to sing and told him that I didn't want to. Traumatizing... Maybe that is why I was called to be the Primary Chorister. Easiest way to get used to singing solos.

Anyway, we had a perdy good Christmas. Kyle got Christmas Eve off and is was very nice. We ran to get batteries and a few last minute things (of course last minute, Angi style!) Gerrie tradition states that the following meal must be eaten on Christmas Eve:

Steak

Montreal Potatoes

Caeser Salad

Cherry Delight (cheesecake)

and we must eat until we feel sick

Success.

After Christmasy bedtime stories and lots of hugs and kisses and Deakon running to his room because "he was so tired for Santa" Kyle and I watched a cheesy Christmas movie and got things all ready for Santa to come. Deakon and I made Fudgies earlier in the day. Deakon had excitedly put 3 and 8 carrots out on a plate for Santa and his hungry reindeer.

Well... SANTA CAME!!! and he was very generous and must have been very hungry. Only a few crumbs were left on the plate and Nixon promptly ate them.

Our favorites gifts?

Nixon, Fisher Price Ball Popper

Angi, New wedding ring!

Kyle, hmm... guessing... maybe his new watch, or spending money

Deakon, just asked him... and got the following answer "Bounce back racer from Grandma Edie, swords, computer (vTech reader from Grandma Doreen and Papa Ron), and motorcycles"

Besides the fact that from 11 AM on Kyle was bedridden puking his guts out, it was a fabulous Christmas. We had Christmas dinner at Scott and Sara's and it was fun to see everyone.

Merry Christmas!!!

Oh Deakon... again

It's snowing right now... Deakon and Nixon are stuck to the window watching.

Deak: Mom, did you know that there are people on some snowflakes?

.............................................

Yesterday, we went to the bank. An elderly lady was walking in before us.

D: "That lady looks weird"
Me: "Deakon, we don't say that. It isn't very nice. She is somebody's grandma. Would you like it if somebody said that about your grandma?"
D: "No.... Oh, I know. Just her face looks weird"

It must be Christmas Time...

because we have all been sick....

Wait, I am getting ahead of myself.

First, I have another story to tell. Once upon a time (and/or once a year) a handsome well dressed fellow talked his equally good looking wife into growing out their firstborn's hair. Because this wife is so awesome and kind, she agreed. Several weeks later, she walks into the bathroom to see this:
Hmm... apparently the fellow got sick of his child looking like a scrub and shaved off his hair. It looked awful. The bathtub looked awful. Luckily, this child has a talented Aunt who helped fix the mess. Thanks Eva.

For quite a few weeks this fall Deakon has really been struggling with listening and obeying the rules. He has spent many many minutes in time out. When I feel like I am going to explode, the stair rule is gone and he gets sent straight to his room. On this occasion, I couldn't stay mad because he talked Nixon into coming down the hall so they could touch fingers.

I know it is hard to tell, but Deakon's little fingers a sticking out on the left side.

Saturday we went to our Ward Christmas party. Deakon had a blast running around and doing crafts. Oh course, we got to see Santa.

Bret brought Nixon for me so he could steal a sucker from Santa.

Got this picture after only 3 trys. I was very happy. It helped that there were several adults in the room helping me.

I was extremely excited for Primary this past Sunday. Deakon is finally old enough to join Sunbeams in January. The new Sunbeams got to join us for Junior singing time. 4 new boys! I was beyond excited getting my activity ready. In January, the 4 new boys will join the current Sunbeams (1 boy, 2 girls) and become 1 big class. Good luck Sister's P and M! Ha...

Although I had planned early in the week, I completely forgot to cut out my snowman until LATE Saturday night. We had some peeps over for the fights and I didn't get started until midnight. I hate to brag, but when you aren't very crafty AND you are tired and you make something pass-able in just a few minutes you gotta take a picture:

Deakon woke up to this large snowman and was so excited. He started taking it apart and putting it together as soon as he realized it wasn't glued down.

Primary went fantastic. Deakon looked like he was going to bawl walking in (after talking to him after church, he told me it was because he wasn't done playing when they came- it might be a big shock when he realizes that there are no toys, bubbles, or playdoh in Sunbeams). As soon as we started singing he was totally into it and singing (or yell-singing "I love to see the temple") I was so happy to be there. :) I love to tell people about things their kids say/do in Primary and will love seeing first hand Deakon's experiences.

So, fast forward to 10:30ish Sunday night. Kyle and I were finishing up the Amazing Race (such a LAME ending) and Deakon came out of his room. We let him snuggle with us for a few minutes and then he whispered "mom, can you take me to the bathroom?" before he finished bathroom I knew what was coming... and I was quickly puked all over. After couch clean up, carpet clean up, laundry, and bath. I pulled out the air mattress for a long night. He finally stopped dry heaving around 3 AM. The next morning, he was completely drained and we watched previously recorded episodes of the old school Transformers. Deakon easily talked me into getting out the construction paper and scissors to "build stuff"

We made a race track:

AND... and Bumblebee ("one like the snowman, Mom")

Deakon was so excited to put him together, and draw a few extra features before putting him up on the wall.

Shooting stuff like Bumblebee:

Nixon never threw up, but he has had awful "opposite-puke" and fever. Luckily Kyle and I haven't gotten this yet. I have been sick for over 2 weeks (strep/flu like symptoms) and Kyle got a really bad migraine last week.

I am hoping to be healthy now... just 10 more days!!!

Letter to Santa

Deakon's letter to Santa (in his own words)

Dear Santa,

I'm trying to be a good boy, Santa. I don't want rocks in my stocking.

Do you like hockey? I would like some new hockey sticks.

Nixon is a good boy. Can you bring him a baby toy?

I like your sleigh and your deers. I'm excited for you to come.

I like motorcycles and skateboards and ramps. I like Ironman costumes with holes to shoot.

Be safe flying. I want to fly too.

Love,
Deakon

Cafe Rio recipes... for my Cochrane peeps

***Heads up, if you are printing and do not want pages and pages of my blog (like my stalker Catherine) you should probably copy and paste the recipes into a word document and then print*** sideways winky face

Hey ladies! A few of you have asked for the recipes from Friday. Here they are. They might look a bit intimidating, but I promise they are all so easy.

Traditional salad order:

*tortilla

Rice

Beans

Chicken

Romaine (or anything except iceberg lettuce. My sister likes spinach)

Tomatoes

Cheese (we used cheddar, but you could use Parmesan if you want)

Dressing

*fresh lime to squeeze on top

Seasoned Chicken

5 lbs. chicken breasts (I use 6-8 breasts)

1 large bottle Kraft Zesty Italian dressing

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

1 Tbsp. chili powder

2 cloves minced garlic *optional*

Fresh lime juice

Put everything in a crock pot and stir to coat. Cook on low 4-6 hours, or high 2-3 hours. (If frozen high 4-6 hours) 1/2 hour before serving, shred chicken (I just used 2 dinner forks) and add the juice from 2 limes.

Green Chili Rice

3 cups of water

4 tsp. chicken bouillon (I used 2 large cubes- that make 2 cups of broth per cube)

1 clove minced garlic

1 can mild diced green chilis (DON'T drain water)

1/2 bunch chopped cilantro

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 onion chopped *I am a bit anti-onion so I didn't add this*

3 cups rice (not instant)

1 Tbsp. butter

*Tip for fluffy rice... rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove starch before adding to the mix* Combine ingredients and add to rice cooker or cook on stove top following the cooking directions of the rice package.

Black Beans

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 tsp. cumin

1 can of black beans, drained

1 1/3 c tomato juice

1 1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

1 can of corn, drained *optional*

In a nonstick skillet, cook cumin and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continue to stir until it is heated through. Add corn- if you choose. Stir in cilantro just before serving.

Creamy Cilantro Dressing

1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (only have seen it at Safeway in Cochrane. Had to buy mine at Co-op. Heard it is at Sobey's too)

1 can of diced green chilis

1 1/3 cup sour cream

3/4 cup mayo

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro

2 cloves of garlic

juice from 1-2 limes

1/8 tsp. Tabasco sauce (I added a bit more because we like it a bit spicy)

Mix everything is a blender! Super easy. It will be a bit thin, but remember that the dressing thickens as it sets in the fridge. BEST if made the day before. Leftover dressing is great for veggie dip too.

A day of feasting...

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October. I do not like it so much. It takes almost 2 weeks away from the Halloween stuff. Kyle thinks that "American Thanksgiving" takes away from Christmas. Maybe... maybe not. That is how I grew up and that is what I miss. I will not be putting up my tree until after today. That is the rule.

I wish I was home today.

I will miss Thanksgiving at the DuPaix's.

But I haven't forgotten to be thankful.

I am thankful for good friends that invited us to celebrate a Thanksgiving Feast with them this past week.

I am thankful for a warm place to live and money in the bank.

I am thankful that Kyle has a good job and takes care of us. He is my very best friend and I promise to "tolerate" him for a very long time.

I am grateful for the gospel.

I am thankful for family near and far. We miss all of you...

I am thankful for my favorite little boys. They are my life and I love them so much. I love to see their cute smiles every morning when I walk into their room. I love to hear Deakon's loud giggling and Nixon's slobbery cooing.

These 2 buddies warm my heart...
even when they are reading books on the bathroom floor.

Well... it's November

My life feels like a never ending episode from Saved By The Bell...

Jessie vs. the caffeine pills...

I HAVE NO TIME.....
"I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so.... scared"

Ok, so not so much the scared or the caffeine overdose (let's pretend I am not on my 3rd diet pepsi of the day), but the whole being pulled in way too many directions and feeling like I never have time to do everything...

I guess maybe that is the way my life will be for awhile. Better suck it up.

hmm... anyway, finally took some pictures on my camera today. I keep taking pictures on my phone and can't figure out how to put them on the computer so they mostly go staight to facebook and get lost in the hussle and bussle. Nixon is crazy busy getting into everything. I have offically lost the use of my fireplace unless we buy some kind of guard. He can climb up 2 stairs... and is awesome at falling down. AND, today he pulled himself straight up onto the exersaucer. Of course I took a few shots and then put my camera away just in time to see him fall over. I am fantastic at being in charge.
Here he is in all his glory. Ya, we dress like bums in the morning. So, sue me

Needed a current picture of Nixon so we did a little photo shoot this afternoon. He is so darn handsome.

Peace out...

Deakon's Christmas list...

During breakfast this morning, Deakon decided that he wanted to make a Christmas list. He brought me some paper and a crayon and asked me to write the following items:

-fighting monster that the car hits down
-sword
-bow and arrow
-new hockey sticks
-a helmet that opens
-a toy for Nixon... and one for Dad
-skateboard
-and an Angry Bird house with an Angry Bird to knock it down


Guess Santa better get busy...

All Hallow's Eve

I have come to the realization that in some ways I really suck at being a mom.....

My mom made the holidays. She had decorations for everything. I loved coming home from school that first week of October and seeing our house changed into a Halloween festival. Leading up to eating hot homemade soup or chili and fresh bread before being allowed to roam the streets trick or treating Halloween night. Followed by seeing that weird cornucopia and turkeys filling the tables all of November. As soon as our Thanksgiving meal was finished we all would start begging to help set up Christmas and watch the magical Christmasy spirit fill the entire house. I could go on and on about every holiday and the decoration boxes lying under the stairs. AND who can forget the monthly themed birthday reminders hanging on the wall in the kitchen. Love seeing ANGI 25 on that blue raindrop every April.

We had no decorations for October... or September... or July... or... ok, you get the picture. We did buy our first Christmas tree last year and hang a few measly lights around our windows.

This huge part, the bringing magic and fun and unforgettable holiday memories is what I suck at... and I am promising to stop sucking... today. I have lots of new Christmas ideas in mind and it will be super fantastic, right?

We did dress up for Halloween, and attended a very fun night in the "country" trunk or treating.

Deakon was "a dirt bike guy". Nix was unhappily my cute little lion. Probably would have worked better if the costume fit his little head better. Kyle dressed up at Deak's mechanic and I was a very boring employee of Deak's bike shop.

After forcing Nixon to be cute for a bit, I traded up the lion costume for his snowsuit. He was very happy then.

Deakon Funnies

*burp* Excuse me. Don't worry Nix, that was me burping and not a monster

.............................................................................

I finally had to put a password on my phone because Deakon kept messing with my settings and apps (AKA... uninstalling Angry Birds *twice* after beating 80+ levels... grrrr)
"Why can't I play?"
"You need to earn it and I need to watch you. It is a special privilege"
"I will be a special privilege, I promise"

.............................................................................

Deak thinks the car wash is so loud and so he doesn't like going. Saturday we went
Kyle: "Why don't you just plug your ears?"
"Well, I just don't have any plugs"

............................................................................

Deak: "I want some money"
Me: "Do you want loonies?"
D: "No"
M: "Do you want toonies?"
D: "No. I want sparkles"

It's starting...

First of all... we are happy to announce our newest nephew!

Aiden Steven Conrad Gerrie... born September 18th, 2010

4 lbs. 6 oz. 15 inches long

I know it has taken me forever, but I didn't get a picture until this past week. Deakon is so excited to have another boy cousin, especially one that lives just a few blocks away!

Nixon and I have been working on his sitting a lot this past week and it has paid off. He will sit all by himself for a few minutes now.

AND... of course, the rocking and army crawling it just starting. I love 6 months!

Six months...

I meant to do a big post for Nix... hmm... meant to....

maybe one day I will have lots and lots of time to blog.... some day...


Anywho, before I forget, Nixon's stats from his 6-month appt yesterday:

19 lbs. 15 oz.- 90%
27 in. - 75%

We have had lots of fun the past week dealing with Nixon's first real cold... nasty sticky boogs are messing up sleep for everyone. Now, should I keep writing or hurry and take a 20 minute power nap before Nixon wakes up???

mmmm... peace out

Grandma video

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Oh boys....

How can you not love these two little buddies???

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Fall walk

We finally got a nice fall weekend so we took advantage by taking a walk down by the river. Deak had fun throwing rocks and sticks and crossing the ' beaver house.' A family in front of us ventured off the path to scare some deer that crossed over right in front of us. It was fun. Plus we ended the night flagging down rhee ice cream man. Nothing wrong with that. Oh, and I think I uploaded a video if my little chunky monkey being cute. Enjoy!

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Trying...

POLL:

Is it better to.....

deal with a cranky, whiny, mischievous 3 year old for 3-4 hours in the late afternoon, leading to sleep from 8-8

OR

have 3 year old take a nap and then only sleep from 10-6


I am having issues uploading pictures (my internet connection sucks sometimes) so my summer post will have to wait until I have more time. So frustrating...

It's been a year...

I copied the video link, but it isn't loading correctly. The link below will take you to the original post:

"what to say, what to think"

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A year ago Kyle's dad passed away.

We love and miss you Papa Steve...

Utah... what?

Yes, I know we have almost been back 2 months! I do have a bunch of pictures and so I decided to do one HUGE Utah post.

The trip down went pretty well. Nixon ate and hung out and Deakon was entertained by DVD's- thank goodness for DVD players. We meant to stop in Butte or Dillan, but there was some huge something-or-other going on and so instead of being able to stop at 10:30 for the night we were forced to drive another 3 hours to Idaho Falls to find a hotel. I wanted to grab a picture of the temple. It is so pretty across the river. We made it to Utah in time to be a part of my Dad's setting apart as Stake Patriarch- exciting! We had a fun Sunday hanging with the fam and then our crazy days started. We had so much fun shopping for new clothes, visiting our favorite places to eat, and seeing most of our friends (we never see everyone... boo on us). One night we headed to Alpine to have dinner with friends (Booth's and Miller's) and Josh gave Deakon his very own Nixon watch to match the ones Kyle and I got for Christmas. He is so proud of his watch.

The week with Kyle went WAY to fast and then we was gone. Luckily we got to stay for another 10 days and we had lots of fun cousin play dates.

HOGLE ZOO:

Love this face. It is a mirror image of Kyle's grumpy face:

Deak and Ethan:

Attempting to get a picture of all the kiddos:

RAGING WATERS:

Stake got us the hook-up at Raging Waters. He worked there this summer as a life guard and his friend is dating the owners daughter (score!). We got a nice pavilion with tables (for free!) and discount tickets for everyone. Thanks Stevey and Raging Waters!

Stake and his friend:

Danny and Judd:

Deak was so EXCITED:

Becky came to get Judd for nap time, but ended up staying for a bit:

Juddy and Nix:

Momma:

Sarah and John:

Stake and Deak in the wave pool:

Randoms....

Deak in Papa's hat:

Deak and Bryson:

Playing in Grandma's backyard:

FIREWORKS:

We went down and met Jeannie's family, my parents, and Becca for a picnic at the park. Not sure why I don't have a picture of the whole group. Oh, well.

We borrowed Danny and Becky's Bumbo to see if Nix would like it before buying one. I think Deakon like it more... ha haI have a few more random pictures from the family picture night. I swear I stole pictures of everyone's individual families, but when I got home they weren't on the CD I made... oh well.

The singles: Stake, Becca, Sarah, John

Becca:Stephen:

Mum and Dad:

John:

Meri, Shane, and Molly

Sarah:

We love Utah! Thanks for the good times!!!