Shutting it down...

It's hard to wrap my mind around the idea that tomorrow is the last day of the year, let alone of the decade. Can 10 years really have passed by so quickly? If this is how life is going to continue then I really better stop and smell the roses.

In no particular order (besides the first 2) here are my favorite moments of the last ten years:

1. Marrying my sweet hubs for time & all eternity

2. The birth of my darling children

3. Buying our first & second homes

4. Our wonderful family vacations

5. Traveling this beautiful country

6. The birth of my adorable nieces & nephews

7. My Catalina Honeymoon

8. Having a succesful career

9. Meeting new & wonderful people

10. The strengthening of my testimony

My least favorite moments of the last ten years have been:

1. The death of all my grandparents

2. Family Illnesses

3. Infertility

4. Fights with family members

5. Losing touch with friends

6. Feeling lonely

7. Gaining a lot of weight

8. Having regrets

9. Working and missing time with my kids

10. Not being myself

Here's to having a better year, with 9 more to follow. And to adding wonderful memories to that top ten and hopefully not adding any more least favorite moments (if I can help it).

The catologue of my mind...

There is nothing like attempting to back-blog to give a gal a massive headache. And bloggers block. Basically the loss of all things creative from one's mind.

Our trip to Disneyland followed immediately by birthday celebrations and holiday gatherings in 3 locations overloaded my memory card, my brain etc.. I have far too many photo's and not enough wit to properly display them on their own post.

So tonight I am emptying the cluttered mess in my mind. Forgive me in advance, it will probably be a long one...

Our last day at Disneyland was spent mostly together with the whole family. Since Jaxon had missed out the day before we retraced some steps so he could enjoy the favorite rides of the boys. I love this photo. Grandpa K. is always willing to sacrifice himself for the pleasure of his little buddies. I think he is having fun though.

We finally made it to A Bug's Land. Jordan had been begging all week. And wouldn't you know my crazies ran through the freezing cold water just like it was July again. Blair blamed his "height" and forced me to ride the bumper cars. After seeing this photo I decided to dye my hair back dark. On a side note Jordan told me (tonight) that I looked like the old Mommy and my brown hair looks better than my painted yellow hair. Always a critic.

In all my trips in the last few years I have never seen the Bug's Life 3D movie. If you have you will understand this... When I felt it I screamed so loud that I sent my MIL into a laughing fit. Which in turn made me laugh. And clutch my overactive bladder for dear life. It was pretty hilarious! Definitely a memory moment for the 2 of us.

On our way home we made a last minute Costco run in Palm Springs. We loaded 3 boys into a cart (my nephew rode with us both ways) and ran inside for a last minute birthday cake. Dillon had requested a Woody Buzz cake for his Chuck E Cheese party that night and I figured I could doctor up a plain one from Costco when we got home. Here's his cake. And surprisingly he loved it.

Not too bad for a Merry Christmas make-over.

Speaking of Christmas...

Agent P jammies were requested and procured:

And talking dogs were a happy surprise:

Santa Claus brought me a new lens that I tried out at my parents. It helped that my baby brother got a fun new friend for Christmas too...

Two cutie patooties playing Twister all alone in the backyard doesnt hurt either. Dilly thinks Annie is his girlfriend (Shh... don't tell him they're related. Not yet anyway, he loves her so much)

Phew... I feel much better. It's like free therapy.

Twas the day before Christmas...

Otherwise known as the Merry Birthday of my darling hubs. Today we are celebrating his 31st birthday. He hates being featured on the blog but has to endure a post on his birthday at least!

I'll have to keep it quick so I don't get in too much trouble later... So Merry Birthday to my wonderful husband. Thanks for being such a great dad to our kids and a loving and respectful husband. We love you so much!

On the 21st day of Christmas...

The 21st Day of Christmas is an especially wonderful day around here. It's the day our little Dill Pickles joined our family 3 years ago.

Disneyland is a pretty great place to spend your birthday. I think Dillon agreed.  Being there with his best buddy made it even better!

We did our early morning Fantasyland day to make sure Dilly got on his favorite rides. He flew Mommy in a blue Dumbo and spun me and Jordy around in a yellow teacup.

Jordan is our little Mickey man and Dillon is all about Toy Story. It's Woody Buzz all day long with him. So of course we braved the 45-60 minute wait for Toy Story Mania!

What a wonderful birthday surprise for our little guy...Woody was out to meet and greet! Just look at his little face. He was in 3 year old boy heaven!

The evening was spent with me and the Karafa boys after the others were back at the hotel tending to my sick nephew. We went with Grandpa to see The Princess and the Frog (again...still love it) and we rode the Monorail back into Disneyland to watch the Billy Hill & The Hillbilly's show while we enjoyed ice cream sundaes. Next we were off to A Small World to check out the lights (beautiful) and to ride the train back to Main Street.

Dillon is such a fun & wonderful boy. He lives life to the absolute fullest and always wants us to share in his joy. His moods are very reminiscent of his Mommy's...good and bad. That's probably why he is such a Momma's boy. We just love our little Dilly.

On the 20th day...

"On the 20th day of Christmas my true loves and me, went to Disneyland with Grandpa on his birthday"

Arriving at the Mickey & Friends parking gets our kids excited. Walking through downtown to the front gates amps it up even more. The excitement waiting in line is palpable. There is nothing like walking under the tunnels onto Main Street though. I love to watch the boys face light up. LOVE IT! This time there was so many new (holiday) things for them to take in.

We followed our usual path down Main Street and straight to The Jungle Cruise. Next up is Pirate's and on to the Haunted Mansion. Jordan agreed to try the Mansion again as it has been overlayed with one of his favorite movies.

The boys loved the changes and declared the Mansion as a must-ride again. Splash Mountain was closed so we headed to Pooh Bear. This was a sight seen all week. Jordan is little obsessed with his cousin. Okay, a lot obsessed.

I tried to get a cute picture of Dillon but all he wanted to do was imitate Pooh Bear. "Num, num, num".

Here's the birthday boy with a couple of his buddies.

Next up was California Adventure. The rest of the gang headed to Sorain over California while Dilly and I people watched. And by people watched I mean Dill pretended they were Zurg and fingershot all the passerby's.

After watching the Muppets 3D we happened upon a nice cast member who invited us into a private family party. We almost said no thanks but decided to go inside. What an amazing treat. All our favorite characters to meet and greet. Cute picture backgrounds and free snacks! A rare sighting of all the family (on this blog anyway).

After a long day the troopers decided to stay for a few parades. My nephew shared some treats with the boys that kept them thoroughly entertained during the wait.

As usual the parade's were fabulous and worth waiting around for. Love that Disney Magic!

19 days down...

"On the 19th day of Christmas my true loves and me, headed west to watch the fishes of the sea"

We decided to celebrate the holidays a little differently this year. We along with the rest of the Karafa family decided to vacation in Southern California for a few days. Our first day took us to the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. We took our boys a few years ago but neither remembered. Even the sharks get in on the holiday.

I never remember the difference between seals & sea lions, do you? Jordan had fun rolling a ball along the exhibit and watching the seal/sea lion chase after it.

He also decided to brave the icy waters of the touching pools and for the first time he touched a starfish. Oh he was mighty proud of himself!

Dillon made it his main job to find Nemo, Dory and all their friends in each exhibit. He as usual (in my opinion) was just too cute.

Did you know they also have homo sapians in the tanks? Yessiree!

Outside the Aquarium there is a dock with a beautiful view. We walked down to look at a few of the boats and I captured these two cuties along with it. Love my boys!

On the 17th day of Christmas...

My true loves took me on a hot date. I even told the hubs that I had a hot date for tonight. I had to laugh that Jordan was worried about having to drive. Hey at least he didn't have to pay.

Our date was to the ward Christmas party. Classic ham & funeral potatoes that were delicious! The program was nice. We have a family of raven haired beauties in the ward who sing like angels. I told my mother in law I wanted to adopt them just so they could sing to me. The ward joined in on the second verse of "Oh Holy Night" which is one of my favorite songs and Dillon started to sing along. He sang joyously and I cried silently. At least the lights were off so no one saw me.

Blair has been out of town all week and I sent my sanity, Christmas cheer & my heart along for the ride. It's lonely when he's gone. And I torment myself into unhappiness with worry. I'll be glad to have him to myself again tomorrow. I'm glad I have my two little men to step in for their daddy though.

Our date included a visit with the big guy in red. I'm not sure (oh who's kidding) but I think I overheard Woody Buzz, Mickey jammies, RC and Woody Buzz a few times.

Just 8 more days...

Slacker Mom...

On the 13th day of Christmas- Mommy was in a bad mood. Daddy had to sleep for work that night and Mom tried (to no avail) to keep the boys quiet. Come nightfall it was time for our countdown. Sleepover in Mommy's bed worked just great!

On the 14th day of Christmas- We spent the day with Grandma Hunt. We shopped, ate, played and watched old home movies for FHE. I drove my boys past some great lights in Gilbert and past the Mesa Temple. It was a great day.

On the 15th day of Christmas- We drove treats around to some neighbors and my visiting teaching ladies. Quick and fun.

Back to the photo's and fun times tomorrow. Hopefully...

On the 12th day of Christmas...

"On the 12th day of Christmas my true loves and me, saw a movie, football game and Christmas lights"

We concluded our 2009 High School Football Spectator season by attending the 5A Championship game at the University of Phoenix stadium with our friends the Gamble Family. We watched us girls alma mater the Mesa High School Jackrabbits get whomped (35-0) by the Hamilton Huskies.

I must admit I was proud of the sea of purple & gold in the stadium though. We definitely won in the crown spirit game! Carry On Mesa High, Carry On ye sons & daughters true! (wow I am a dork)

Don't be sidetracked by the very large rodents in the picture above. Yes the boys are clammering to see The Squekwal on Christmas Day but today we saw The Princess & The Frog. Such a cute movie. The music was lively and fun and had Dilly dancing in his seat.

We had discussed going over to Glendale Glitters but did a drive-by of the lights instead. It was a long fun day but we were all ready to come home.

Only 13 more days...

Two weeks away...

This is Jordan being a statue in a neighbors yard.

"On the 11th day of Christmas my true loves and me, took a walk around the block and looked at lights"

When it comes to Christmas time my  boys are pretty easy to please. All I have to do is take them around the neighborhood to ooh and aww at all the decorations and they are happy as clams. The walk also helps us get a little energy out so we can come home and crash. Mom tricks are great.

Unfortunately my tricks don't always work. Dillon refused to walk so we had to take him in the stroller.

Last year the boys became obsessed....OBSESSED with blow-ups in people's yards. I blame my Dad for making it a big to-do when he plugged his in. The hubs is such a pushover for his boys and bought them one of their very own this year.

We really are Disney through & through.

Only 14 days to go...

Fifteen and counting...

"On the 10th day of Christmas my true loves and me, played a game as a family".

Tonight's countdown activity was "Jordan's Choice". He wanted to play Wii Fit but changed his mind pretty quickly once I told him he would have to clean up the tv room first. Nothing like a little housework to change one's mind. He decided on ZINGO instead.

He won both rounds.

I guess that's good since it was Jordan's Choice after all.

Dillon got the hang of the game in the second round and was one tile away from winning. He shouted ZINGO with just as much enthusiasm as his brother. I guess that is a good thing too.

There's nothing like a good old game for family fun.

Only 15 days to go...

In only 16 days...

" On the 9th day of Christmas my true loves and me, snuggled up and read a Christmas Story"

The key to my countdown success is not putting the activities in the calendar until right before it's time. We also do our countdown at night after I have gotten home from work. I never know how I am going to feel, and how the boys will be behaving so it's just easier that way.

After last nights shenanigans and a fun day playing at the park (Hey Bridgette- Jordan was so excited to tell me about his new friend Ty....I see playdates in the future) the boys were tired. And Dillon was grumpy. So tonight our countdown needed to be quick and easy.

Right after a nice warm bath we got comfy in our festive socks and Mommy's festive pants. My festive pants are also known as a really unattractive pair of my husbands sweats that are so wonderfully comfortable. He will never get them back. Sorry hon...

We picked our favorite holiday book "The Night Before Christmas". I like it because I have the words pretty much memorized. The boys like that I read it quite animated (and silly) and the lift up flaps with hidden pictures don't hurt either.

Only 16 more days...

8 days down, 17 to go...

"On the 8th day of Christmas my true loves and me hung a garland and watched Prep and Landing".

We also finished painting our ornaments. I made the boys take their clothes off and Dillon went one further and took his diaper off. So we painted in undies and birthday suits. I took pictures (you bet I did) but Daddy thinks it better to not post them (wise Daddy).

I would tell you which ones were mine and which were Jordan's but it would be too embarrassing. If you could see the pictures of a naked Dill with paint all over his teeth and lips you could probably guess his by the colors.

We followed up our painting by hanging my cedar garland. I made some little Boy Scout pretty happy by buying his garland. It's worth it though. Almost makes up for my guilt of mot liking Boy Scouts. Well not the boys just the organization. I guess I have only 3 years to get over it...YIKES!

We took a rainbow bath (from the paint) and the boys hopped into my bed to watch the movie. Pretty cute but I wish these movies were a little longer. Daddy arrived home from Scouts (seeing a theme here) with a Sonic surprise and sugared the boys up. Dillon is sitting here (at 10:20 pm) bright eyed and bushy tailed as I type. And Jordy has been sent back to bed twice. Awesome. So when they are tired and grumpy and I have to drag them to Grandmas in the morning Daddy will already be gone. I am seeing another pattern here.

Only 17 days to go...

One-Eight...*Updated with Recipe*

"On the 7th day of Christmas my true loves and me, made ornaments for our tree".

Today the boys and I made some non-edible cinnamon ornaments. Man oh man, my house smelled delicious today. Since it was such a blustery day outside this was the perfect time killer.

Cinnamon Ornaments


1 C Cinnamon
1 TB Cloves
1 TB Nutmeg
1 C Applesauce
2 TB Elmer's Glue


Mix ingredients together. Dough should be moist but not sticky. Sprinkle cinnamon on counter & roll to 1/3 inch thickness and cut into shapes. Use a straw for the holes. Bake for 2 hours at 200 degrees, flipping halfway through. Now you can paint them, tie on a ribbon and hang them up! If you don't want to bake them it will take a few days to dry.

Dillon manned the cinnamon-

Jordan had the applesauce under control-

I handled the Elmer's glue. My children are great, but they cannot be trusted with glue. I have to admit that I was tempted to put the glue all over my hands and peel my "skin" off to show them. Maybe I can't be trusted either...

Good thing we found a great set of cookie cutters on our trip to Dollar Tree the other night. They came in very handy today!

(do not mind the horrendously disgusting pantry in the background. WOW!)

The rain outside was too hard to resist for my little yahoo's. They are such boys! I was freezing just standing next to the open door. (maybe I will take the Snuggie Blair has been threatening to put under the tree.)

Only 18 more days...