Ready for Craig

I'm thrilled to report that Craig has clean clothes all put away, nicely organized. I'm pretty sure that's what he's been waiting for. Oh, and perhaps the installation of his carseat. He seemed to be pretty content with all my moving around today, washing clothes, putting them away, moving his crib only to move it back to the original spot again.

I'm sure not shooting for the dream nursery this time around, just a little sanity and order. This morning as I walked into Saiah (and Craig's) room, it seemed like order was far from being accomplished. But, with a day off and nowhere to go, Saiah and I went to work cutting tags off new clothes, washing, folding and organizing. We also went through and cleaned out all the clothes Saiah never wears (note to self...she only really needs about 5-7 outfits as this is what she typically wears, day in...day out).

By the end of the afternoon I was pleased with what we created. Saiah has been a good help to me, taking care of me and getting upset with me if I bend over to pick up something when she is about to do it. Such a sweetie!

So, now all we have left is the installation of Baby Craig's carseat...then I'm sure he'll come. ;)

Craig's crib (was Saiah's) with the beautiful quilt made by Lacey

All his clothes, clean and put away

Craig's stroller came today....yep..my super good deal of $30!!

What every good hunting trip needs...

Jason recently went out on another high desert adventure with Dustin for some coyote action. It always amazes me how Jason has so much fun out in the middle of nowhere, but this video clues me in as to just how much fun...

Christmas Trees, Fires, Shooting...oh my!

We went out this last weekend to get our Christmas tree...an annual tradition. Both Jason and I grew up going out into the woods to cut down a tree. Although...in high school, my parents did turn more often to the lots, if I remember right!

We still love going out, playing in the woods and looking for that "perfect" tree. Saiah makes it even more fun as she has much excitement and anticipation for the event. This year seemed a bit different as there was absolutely NO snow on the ground. It did make it nice to be able to drive around anywhere we wanted to in the mighty woods, but still...the snow does add a fun factor.

We ended up finally finding a spot with relatively few people. There were SOOO many people out getting trees this year. Not sure if it was because gas is so cheap...thank you Lord!...or the weather was nice, but it was craziness. It didn't take too long to find one we liked...a silver tip...we think. Perfect size and shape. Hopefully, this one will not stink up the entire house like last years tree did. We had to take down last years just days after we put it up. It was the most horrible smell...like rotten broccoli and pee. And, we ended up getting one at a tree farm. It was a nice tree, but still...a funny experience indeed. We are on day two, and so far...smells just fine.

After falling the tree...all 7 feet of it, we sat by a fire and did some target practice. Saiah is getting pretty good holding up the 22 on her own and shooting the target. She really enjoys it and it's fun to watch her. Jason is an excellent gun safety teacher as well.

After the tree, fire and fun, Saiah drove us on out of the woods. Jason gives her driving lessons on their hunting trips and she is getting pretty good! Of course, Jason does the gas and brake, but Saiah's ability to steer around things is impressive, and at times a bit nerve wracking!

All in all...a good Christmas Tree year. We keep reminding ourselves in all these traditions, that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas, God's perfect gift to us. It's so easy to go through all the motions and forget the amazing love God has for us.

As Long As There's Christmas

Saiah had her final ballet performances this last weekend. It was bittersweet. I really enjoy watching Saiah in ballet. She does a fairly good job with it and is improving with each session. It's also so nice to see her do something girly too!! Saiah has decided to not pursue ballet, at least this point in life, so this performance may very well be her final hurah in dance. It was fun while it lasted...I'm sure we're off to do basketball, softball, football, or heck..wrestling. Just kidding on the last one...or two.

The girls did a great job and looked beautiful, of course. They danced to "As Long As There's Christmas" from the Beauty and the Beast Christmas movie. Those of you who have princess girls may very well know this movie..we don't own a single Princess item in this household! When Miss Diana announced to the girls they'd be dancing to this song, there was a gleeful chorus of "yays" and clapping except for one girl, who stood there rolling her eyes. Yep, my daughter. She's so not into Princesses. But, she managed to learn the routine week after week listening to the song.

They did a few performances, and unfortunately, the best recording I was able to get, was of the one they did for The Festival of Treesl. The sounds not so good, but I got a good view of Saiah.

Saiah with Miss Diana

The girls at The Festival of Tress performance

Saiah with Grandma at the Waterford performance

God's Country

Jason and Saiah just returned from their 2nd annual "God's Country" hunting trip. It's a special time for them to go out and hunt coyotes, rabbits, and this year, badgers. They both start eagerly anticipating their yearly trip. Saiah usually wants to pack things up a few weeks, or even a month before they depart. Our garage had necessities and essentials strewn everywhere for the past month or so.
This years trip had the addition of Jason's Mr. Heater, Big Buddy Heater, guaranteeing nice toasty warmth all night long. The first night it kept them toasty warm....until the rain and wind started blowing INTO the tent. At 2AM Jason was packing their things into the truck. Fun times! Funny, the cheapo Walmart tents with the oh-so-nice mesh screen for summer camping don't fair so well in winter like camping conditions. Not wanting a repeat of the first night, they slept in the truck the second night as well.
All in all, they had a good time, despite windy weather, which for those non coyote hunting type readers-that translates into bad coyote weather. Saiah was so excited to shoot her first bunny. This was the first time Saiah was able to hold the gun AND shoot it all by herself. They thought she had shot the bunny, but as Saiah said,"I shot a rock."
Due to the windy conditions, they had to be creative in finding things to do. Saiah enjoyed her time driving Daddy's truck. I guess she's a pretty good little driver...although she'll still have to wait until she's 18 to get her license!! They also explored around an old abandoned mining town and looked at mine shafts. No..they didn't go in any...phew!

Saiah, holding up Jason's 100th coyote!

The old mines

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Saiah and the Strikers

Saiah has just completed her 5th season of soccer. She really enjoys playing and has a great coach(Danielle) and assistant coach(Casey), not to mention her best little bud Mia is on the team. This is the first season in awhile that more of the team was new at soccer than before. The boys from last season moved on up, so Saiah and a few other originals welcomed in a whole new crowd of soccer players. It was fun watching them come together as a team and really play their hearts out. They have a great sense of team spirit and consideration for all out on the field. I truly appreciate Danielle's coaching and her style.

At the end of every season, Danielle is great at making sure they get a soccer party, with trophies and all. This year we met at her house for a brunch right before their game. Good times, good food and good friends.

Saiah and her good bud Mia

Loving the new look!


Saiah with Danielle - an awesome coach!

Mia, Ireland and Saiah..playing together for four seasons now

Saiah and Mia

Daddy and Saiah during the kids v. parents game (somehow, the kids always win;))!

Mmmm...Alfredo!

I somehow found the best Alfredo Sauce recipe here. After reading the reviews, I cut 1T of the butter out. It's so yummy...think Vinny's for us Medfordites. :) I won't ever buy the jar version again!!