Helping Daddy!

Jon got a new snow plow for his 4 wheeler and has been so excited for the day to use it. Well today was that day! He came into our room this morning after getting ready to leave for work and was like a little kid! "There is SNOW on the ground, I am gonna use my new toy!!" So he bundled up and went to play. He asked Tukar if he wanted to help, so we got him all bundled up and he set outside to play with Daddy!
They had a blast! Jon said it takes some getting used to but he loves his new toy. I think the neighbors were kinda happy he likes it too. Saved them from shoveling!

A little disturbing

Ok so first of all, no offence to those parents who let their kids watch this show. I am sure it has its positives, although this is not one of them (at least to me.)
It was one of those days when I just turned on some tunes to occupy Tukar for a little bit while I got some cleaning done. This is pretty standard around our house (I know-- bad mom) So there I was, busy busy, when all of a sudden I stopped and listened to what was playing on the tv. It was the show called "Yo Gabba Gabba". Well the following stopped me in my tracks and really made me think about WHAT my kids are watching on tv.
Now I am not sure what the message was here but it doesn't seem like one that would be played on an antidrug commercial.

Something else that I noticed (and in one of my favorite movies) was this....

Now I don't know about your house, but that word is NOT ALLOWED in ours. So when Tukar started saying that to everyone, I got onto my girls accusing them of having said this ugly word. They swore to me it wasn't them, well now I guess it wasn't. It was this innocent Disney film. Don't get me wrong, we still watch this show ALL the time, we just skip through this part when Tukar is around.
I know that I cannot sheild my kids against everything, and we are pretty open with our kids, but there is an age when influence can be a bad thing.
I would like to hear your input on this sunject and if you have seen or heard anything....

Fun night with Friends

We had such a fun night on Saturday. Our friends, Scott and Lisa invited us to go to the Grizzley game with them. Scott got suite tickets from his work. We said yes of course and when Jon got off work, we headed up to the E Center. It was so fun. The suite provided dinner (Fajitas, chips and Salsa, Salad, and Apple cobbler for dessert) We only saw a couple of fights (isn't that the whole reason to go to a hockey game???)

Things have been kind of crazy at our house including trips to the er, potty training, getting ready for Christmas, and trying to keep the house in order so it was nice to get out for a while and enjoy the time with adults.

The Grizz won 5-3. It was an exciting game. They Grizz were down by 2 until the 3rd period then they made thier come back.It is so loud everytime they score. They did a promotional thing last night where everytime they score, the audience would throw stuffed animals out onto the ice and then they donated all of the animals to to police. They collected over 900 animals.

Btw--- I am so making these for everyone for christmas! I absolutely loved this hat!!

Here comes Santa Claus!

WoooooWoooo was the sounds we heard and we knew that it was that time when Jon got to drive Santa Claus around the city on the firetruck and throw candy out to all the kids. Well what a better way for Santa to travel, in the SNOW!! It really feels like Christmas now. Although I am not fond of the snow, I was starting to worry if we would have white Christmas this year.

Tukar was so excited that he got all dressed up in his warm clothes and stood on the porch waiting for Santa to come on the woowoo (thats firetruck in Tukarnese if you didn't know) What a memory he will have of his daddy driving that big red truck toting that big red man! They got a call for a wreck, so Santa had to jump in the ambulance for a little bit. They all met up at our house and Ho Ho jumped back on the firetruck. What a trooper that dear sweet Santa to ride on top of the firetruck in the freezing snow! We are glad he did though. This is when it is a lot of fun with kids because he is starting to understand WHO Santa is and what he does. It is just trying to get him to understnad that he has to be good is the hard part.

I can't wait for Christmas morning to see his face. (and the girls. We have something special planned for them this year!!! I'll keep you updated!)

Acadian Party

Every year, Jon's company throws a party for the foreman's and the owners. It has become sort of a tradition now. This year we went to Scott and Kaylene's house. Everyone brought their favorite appetizers. There was some yummy food there. We all have our traditional foods that we have to bring (Kaylenes bacon covered water chestnuts, Janis' yummy brownies and her won tons, and I have to bring hot wings) For the last couple of years, we have also made a tradition of the games we play. Bunco has become a favorite of the guys (especially Jon) We like to throw a few curves in there though. We have the normal "most bunco's" , "high score", "low score" and "most zeros" for the whole game, but we also do prizes every round like who had the low score on that table (then it goes to the person on their right) we had secret number, secret chair, and a couple more.
Then we play our "WHITE ELEPHANT" game. This one has become a favorite of mine. People come up with the most creative prizes. Layne (Brians wife) made a "Bust duster" (it was a bra with feathers glues onto it). Then there was Scotts gym bag that consisted of tighty shorts, sweat bands and leg warmers. We had a couple of lava lamps, a bowling ball with a bag, a box of self help tapes (never opened) and some naught golf tees with 2 packages of golf balls. All in all it was a fun night and I can't wait to see what everyone come up with for next year. Any ideas????

New Do's at our house!

So I guess it is that time of year when it is time to shed the lockes! Well Tukar was first. He has not had a hair cut since his dad decided that shaving his head would be a good idea. I guess it was for the summer, but now that it is cold, he needed hair. But he also needed hair with a style. We had tried to cut his hair before (hence the reason Jon decided to shave it off) and I knew I didn't want to attempt it again. So on my way to my daily jaunt to Wally World, I saw a new business called "Cookie Cutters". PERFECT! It is a salon you could say that is targeted to kids. We went in and they were so nice. Tukar got to pick out a movie and a place to sit. They had different cars, motorcycles, and of course an airplane (this is what Tukar picked) So he climbed inside and watched Nemo. The girl cutting his hair was absolutely AMAZING! She was quick, patient, and knew what to do to get Tukar to sit still ( and when he wasn't, she still knew how to cut his hair while he was moving)

I totally recommend this place for those little ones to get their hair cut. After they were done, they gave him a treat and a balloon! So here is some before and after pics of Tukar.

~Thankful~

At this Thanksgiving time, it is a time to ponder on what we are truly thankful for. I have been thinking a lot about what is important in my life.


(the mushy)
1. A wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally and accepts me, my flaws, my strengths and everything about me. I feel so loved by him and I cherish him with all of my heart. He is such a hard worker and a wonderful provider for our family.
2. Awesome kids who are healthy and so smart.
3. A fabulous daughter who has a good head on her shoulders who knows what she wants in life. She has a tender heart and is becoming one of my best friends that I can talk to about things.
4. Another fabulous daughter who has her own mind and is set in her ways. She strives to be better everyday and loves and accepts people for who they are.
5. A rambunctious son who always keeps me on my toes. He is such a loving and caring person and I cannot wait to see the person he grows up to be. I sit and watch him learn everyday and he can always make me laugh.
6. My mom who is always there for me to talk to and give me the advise I need to get through any problem that I am having.
7. A loving extended family that we can share our triumphs and trials with.
8. A caring and strong grandfather who has always been an inspiration to me. I admire him so much for the person he is and how much he cares about others.
9. Honest true friends that are there for me to talk to and don't judge me. True friends that I can always rely and that tell me the truth. Friends who don't stab you in the back and that I can sit back and laugh with.
10. A warm and beautiful home and a comfortable bed that I can spend my time in.
11. A reliable car that I can feel safe in.
12. A healthy body with a tender heart that helps me everyday. Working eyes that can watch my children grow, and ears that I can hear them laugh.
13. My mind and creativity
14. My heart that can be so easily broken. I love that I wear my heart on my sleeve.
15. All of the trials that I have encountered in my life (good and bad) They make me who I am and I take the situations I have been in and learn from them.
16. Freedom. I am proud to live in a country that we are free to make our own choices.

(the not so mushy)
17. Diet Coke (this is a must for me)
18. Make-up. Without this, I would scare the smallest of children.
19. Chocolate. This is also a must for me. I am afraid that any diet had no chance with me as long as there is chocolate in this world.
20. TV-- I know superficial, but I love to set my problems aside and watch my shows. I can tune out my busy mind and concentrate on other things.
21. Scrapbooking supplies. This is my out. This is when I can put my creative flow to work and create something that can be enjoyed by others.
22. Music~ It is amazing to me how a certain song can speak right to you and help you deal with the problems in your life.

I sit here and think of so many other things that I am thankful for but the list could go on and on.
The thing that I am most thankful for is a loving Father in Heaven who loves us and is always there to listen to us. He sacrificed himself for us.
I am also thankful for all of you who care enough to check in on our family. We care about each one of you and hope that you can stop and think about everything that you are thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Love the Hollands

And the story goes on.....

So for many of you that did the same thing I did this weekend???? (go see Twilight) I found some good news......... I am so excited!!!!

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES TWILIGHT SEQUEL - NEW MOON
Los Angeles, CA November 22, 2008 — Summit Entertainment announced today that the studio is officially moving forward with the production of NEW MOON, the second installment of its filmed franchise TWILIGHT, the action-packed, modern day vampire love story. The movie will be based on the second novel in author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series titled, New Moon. The first movie in the TWILIGHT franchise, the self-titled TWILIGHT, arrived in theaters this weekend to sold-out showings.
Stephenie Meyer stated, "I don't think any other author has had a more positive experience with the makers of her movie adaptation than I have had with Summit Entertainment. I'm thrilled to have the chance to work with them again on NEW MOON."
Starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, TWILIGHT tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together...even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. Their unorthodox romance puts her in physical danger when Edward's nemesis comes to town and sets his sights on Bella.

So how many of you did go see the movie and what did you think about it?? Personally I loved it! I want to go see it agin and again and again! I was a little reluctant about Edward at first when they announced who would be playing his role, but I think Rob Pattinson did an AMAZING job and his eyes sucked me right in!! So let me know what you think....

TOMARROW!!

It's almost Here! Tomarrow is the opening for Twilight and I am so excited! I don't know how many of you are going at midnight?? (I wish I was) but we are making a girls night out of it tomarrow!

I have been waiting so long for this movie to come out (as many of you are too!) I know it will be everything I have been longing for! So WHEN you see the movie, let me know what you think.

SO amazing!

Many of you have seen the commercials for the exhibit called "Body Worlds 3" that is at the Leonardo. We knew when it first came that we really wanted to go. So we got a bunch of us and went up today. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The first thing you see when you walk into this dark room is a brightly lit box containing a real human heart. I am in awe of the human body and how it works. My cousin, Hayden, went with us who just graduated from nursing school and she was so helpful in explaining things to me. I cannot describe the things that we saw. Jon and I were totally mesmerized with everything. The most amazing thing was to see how an embryo grows from a tiny seed and into a baby. I wasn't sure if I wanted to take my kids, but after seeing the stuff that we did, and learning so many things, I think it would be a good experience for older children who are on a more mature level to go to.
They don't allow cameras, purses, food, drink, or even chewing gum. I would really recommend this to everyone. It is definitely worth the money though it is pretty inexpensive to go.

Finally Here!

We want to welcome baby

Cason Steven Goulding

to the world! His mommy had a hard time getting him here and after 9 days after her due date, and 24 hours of trying to get him here, he arrived at a healthy 9lbs. 12 oz. (Yes you read that right. No wonder he was being stubborn!)

His mommy and Daddy are so happy that he is finally here and they can start their family. Congrats to Kelly and Boden!

(I cannot get over his cheeks!)

Potty Training ????

So this has been a little difficult to me. I am not sure how to do it. I know this is my third but the other 2 were potty trained while we were on a vaycay, so I am lost. Plus a boy?? totally loses me. Tukar gets the basic concept, he knows how to do it, it is just teaching him WHEN to do it that I am having a hard time with. Any help or suggestions from you moms out there that have done this before??

Going private.

After some debating and some wise words from friends, I have decided to make this blog private. It is for our familys protection as well as yours. I would love if you want to keep up with our family so let me know if you would like to be added to our list of pals.
We love you all and hope things are doing good for you and your family!
Please email me or leave a comment here! We have had some weird things happen with our computer lately including a hacker into Jon's email account who sent out a message form him stating he was in Great Brittain and needed $$ to get home. We contacted Yahoo and got things resolved but it is still scary.
I will however keep my scrapbooking blog open with all of the info for my upcoming classes at Roberts so check that out also!
I also am trying to update my calendar with everyones bdays so please let me know that also.

Now she's a fan!

As many of you out there are probably some fan of some football team either it be the cougars or the utes, we have never really been big into college football. Well as of yesterday, that all changed. Syd got to go to the BYU vs. San Diego game yesterday with the young men/ young women in our ward. She absolutely loved it (it did helo that they won the game 41-12). So now she is a fan! They have been having a pretty good season too. So I guess we will be keeping up with the zoobies from now on!

Now what???

I have had so many mixed feelings about the day to day and wondering "now what?" And especially after hearing the election results.

I have heard so many comments today about voting and "why should I vote, it doesn't count anyways." Well I read a message on a friends blog that really hit me. I voted and even though it may not turn out to be the way I wanted, at least I can vote. We live in such a wonderful country where we have so many things that we take advantage of and voting is one of them. I am proud to be an American and I am proud to live in such a place where we have the FREEDOM to cast our votes for what we want. I asked Jon today if he had voted and he said, "no, not yet." I told him that if he didn't vote, he couldn't complain. (he did vote btw) I am a firm believer in the old saying, everything happens for a reason. I just can't wait to see what that reason is.

(I've been Tagged!)

I've Been TAGGED
The Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you Madge
2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading).
3. List 6 random things about yourself.
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up!

Here are six random things about me:
1) I still sleep with a blankie (my pooh)
2) I am deeply fearful of E.T. (some of you know this though)
3) I have a shoe thing - love em!
4) I am an only child
5) I can't sit indian style (I sit backwards)
6) I am a true blonde

The six people I am tagging are:
Sandy
Megan
Christy
Emilie
Ashley
Katie

Happy Halloween!

We just want to wish all of you a Happy Halloween and hope that all of you will be safe tonight!

Scare lots of people and remember to CHECK YOUR CANDY!!

Memory Tuesday

Ok so I have been a little slackin in the Memory department so I am trying to get back on track.
Things have been really weird for me lately and I have been thinking a lot about what is important in my life. First and foremost is my family. My husband and children are the most cherished things in my life. I could not live without any of them. My husband gives me strength and unconditional love. He is my best friend. He loves me no matter what I do or say or even look like. He is such a rock for me to lean on. I feel like even though we may bicker every now and then, we have an incredible marriage. We share something that is indescribable. Then there is my kids. I love them with all of my being. I would do anything for them and I pray each day that they will grow to be good well rounded people who aren't judgemental and belittling. I pray that they will always find the good in others without getting stepped on.
Next is my family, my mom and grandparents and all of the others whom I love deeply. I love all of them for who they are and what they stand for. There are some who I don't get to see a lot, but they are never far from my mind.
Then there are friends. Someone told me once that friends weren't important to have. But I think they are. They help make us who we are. They help us through trying times. (and sometimes they make the trying times) It is hard to find good friends though. Ones that you can truly trust. I have had my share of bad ones as have many of you, but I have decided to forgive and forget. Any of the bad things that have ever happened to me from a friend or family member, have made me who I am. It has made me stronger and I am very grateful for that. I love my friends and I appreciate the ones who can stop and listen and take a minute. I found this poem and I loved it....

Everyone young or old, needs someone to listen as their stories are told.
The difference is your to make, a minute from your busy day is all it would take.
Take a minute and lend an ear, listen intently to what you hear.
Take a minute and you will see, just how powerful listening can be.
Take a minute to offer a smile and a touch, your sincerity means so much.
Take a minute and simply be kind, a friend for life may be what you find.
Patricia A Gordon

I just want to tell the people in my life that I truly love them and you have all made some sort of impact in my life. (ok so some good and some bad, but an impact all the same) I know we all have busy lives, but stop a sec and make a call to someone who may have crossed your mind. I know that it has made a difference to me on bad days when someone calls just to say hi. It means I mean something to that person. So to all of you, I am saying hi. You are all being thought of.
We recently had a lesson in Activity days that talked about this very thing. It was humbling to hear what the girls had to say about what the word friendship means to them. We talked about how contagious a smile was and I gave them a challenge to stop a minute and give someone a smile because you don't know how bad they need it.

so here is the memory
~Have you been someones friend and have truly lived up to the meaning, maybe by just giving them a minute?? or a smile??

I ran away! (again)

So it was time for my scrapbook retreat again. It was time needed for me. I got a lot done and that I am very proud of. (I managed to sneak a little fun into the mix too!) I got there Thursday around noon and set up to go to work. It is so nice because they always give you a little prize and this time it was a magnetic cutting mat with the magnetic ruler, trimmer, circle cutter and posts. I was so excited. We also got what I like to call "bag o goodies!" It had paper, markers, craft knife, and other embellishments! I quickly got settled in and went to work. We all managed to get in the CHA CHA Slide and a couple of us learned how to stair slide at 4 am. Oh and it gets a little cold when you row row row your boat at 4 am too! We even got to see some celebrities (Madonna) I loved hanging out with these girls! I laughed so hard this weekend The food wasn't too bad either! I discovered one of the best brownies I have EVER had! I am so glad they gave us the recipes! Maybe if your nice, I will make you some! Now I have to wait until March to go again! That will be a much needed break too.
I want to tell some of these girls Thank you for the laughs, the tears, and the incredible talent that I got to be a part of . There is some really talented people and I am glad to know them. I really learned a lot this weekend about so many things. Now I really need to go and find those dang rolls!!!!

Here's a little bit of the work......

and here's a little bit of the fun.....(Heather you make me crack up!) OH NO SCRAPPER DOWN!!

Cornbelly's!

Last Saturday we took the kids to Cornbelly's and met up with a couple of our friends there. Wow pricey! They did have a lot to do though. Tukar was in heaven.... that was until we became horrible parents and took the kids though the "Creature". Brekyn had begged us to go through the creature until we got there then she was a little scared. It was so funny to see their faces (well when we could actually see.) Here are some pics of that fun day!

Scary party!

This year (as like many other years) Brekyn wanted to have a Halloween party for her birthday. I guess that makes it easy for me especially in the decorating department. It's already done! She loves dressing up as much as I do so we always make it a costume party. I have learned over the years, that simple is better. One year, I worked my butt off making mummy dogs, eyeballs, finger sticks, and some other weird concoctions that all of the kids REFUSED to eat because of what they were called. I mean for hecks sake, I had pickles and told them they were witches noses so none of the tots would eat them. Really??? So this year I made it easy (well with a little help from Little Caesars!) I did have to sneak in some witches fingers. You know the bread sticks with red almonds for the nails. They were still a little deceiving to the imagination for 9 year old so the adults enjoyed most of them.

I was very brave this year. I let the kids decorate their own caramel apples. I had fun ingredients labeled like raisins were dead spiders, chocolate sprinkles were ants, chocolate chips were bat droppings, crushed up pretzels were broken bones, and we even had some gummy worms in there. The kids had a lot of fun and the best part, I wrapped them up and sent them home with them. This was the goody bag.

We also played a game that has become very popular in our house, FIND THE BODY PARTS! I take a pumpkin, leave in all of the guts, add some cooked spaghetti with a little oil in it, and add in the key ingredient, body parts. You know the severed fingers, and eyeballs that they sell around Halloween. Perfect! It is so funny how grossed out the BOYS get! The girls are great with the stuff.

Next the kids got to feed "Elmer" He is my monster that made with a science project board. I put a face on him and cut out holes and they had points on them. My mom found these balls that were shaped like brains, a heart, and an eyeball. The kids had a lot of fun throwing the body parts into Elmers mouth and eyes! (he even had nose holes)

After the games were over, we had cake and ice cream and then opened presents. I gave the kids their apples and they watched "The Corpse Bride" until their parents came to get them. All in all it was a fun party.