December 14 through the 16, 2009: Merry Christmas to all . . .

It appears I may have sent our letter out a little early. We have had a few events happen within the last week.

I started back to work on Monday. I'm currently subbing for the girl I'm replacing- who, coincidentally, replaced me a few months ago- and next Monday I'll officially be working again.

Craig has completed an application for UVU and has also been accepted. We're looking at our options for our financial future, and we're praying daily for an answer to be made clear.

The boys are getting more and more active. They are so close to crawling now, and they amaze us with how much they move.

My sister-in-law went into preterm labor. She started dilating and having contractions early this week. Her original due date was February, but they measured the baby and said she was approximately 35 weeks along. She's in the hospital on bed rest and receiving steroid shots for the baby's lungs.

Dorothy Ann (My Buick) has had some adventures. I backed her off our driveway and into a ditch, and she ruined a spark plug wire by getting a dirt like substance up next to them. Luckily Craig was home to help me out of the ditch. And my Dad, and some electrical tape, helped to fix the shorting out, spark plug wire.

We also received a call about Craig's debit card saying that someone was using his number to purchase gas in Connecticut. Luckily the bank caught it, and everything is being taken care of.

Craig and I are getting ready for Christmas, and the season is keeping our spirits high. Nothing will stop us from enjoying one of the most wonderful times of the year. I heard a quote that at Christmas time we feel emotions that are comparable to those we will feel on the other side of the veil. I believe that to be very true and Craig and I are very grateful for the blessings we have received and the out pour of love and support from friends and family.

God Bless us Everyone!

2 Days of Decorating+1 Decently Clean House+ 1 Super Cute Tour Guide = A Virtual Christmas Tour at the Stratton's!

December 1, 2009: The Stratton's Believe!

The boys went to see Santa for the first time last Tuesday. They didn't seem to care one way or the other, but at least they didn't cry.



I love Santa and I'm so excited to start sharing that love with my kids. Of course, we will always remember the real reason for the season, but I like to think of Santa as a figure that adds to that spirit- not one that takes away from it.

The Stratton's Believe in Santa!!!

November 25-29, 2009: Happy Thanksgiving!!!

For Thanksgiving this year we headed down South, and spent the holiday with Craig's family. It was great to see everyone!

We arrived in Cedar on Wednesday night and stayed with our friends there.



On Thursday we headed to Craig's parents house to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast. All the food was very delicious!






Craig's mom bought a bottle of sparkling apple cider, one of my favorite beverages, for Craig and I. I had to give the boys their first taste.




After we had finished eating we went out shooting. I need to get myself more familiar with guns ;)







We came back and had dessert, played some Wii games and Uncle Levi gave the boys the "we love The Cardinals" talk.



It was a fun day!

When we got home that night the boys got to wear their Christmas PJ's for the first time. So cute!





On Friday Craig and I went and visited some friends and family in town. We stopped to pet some sheep in a field, and Big H loved it!




After that we all gathered together to get a family picture






On Saturday Craig and I met some of Craig's mission buddies for lunch.



After that we headed to Vegas to visit family. This was the boys first trip there. We stayed at the Stratosphere which was wonderful. Our room had a jetted tub! A favorite feature of mine. The only bad thing was tipping the bell hops. I have know idea how much to tip them.




On Sunday we visited with some family and then we headed home.




It was a crazy fun filled trip! Surprisingly it wasn't as exhausting as previous trips. Thank goodness the boys are getting better at going out of town.

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

October 14, 2009: House Warming

After many weekly trips to Ikea and Wal-Mart we finally had the house ready enough to show.








Our house warming was wonderful. Thanks everyone for coming! I was worried when that snow storm hit, but it cleared up in time.

For those who didn't get an invite, I am really sorry. It was hard to get address' and name's together when I had limited access to our computer. You're always welcome to come and visit. We love having guests!

November 6, 2209: Happy Birthday to Me!

I may not be able remember how old I am, but I still enjoy to celebrate the day of my birth every year.

On my birthday I took the boys out to their Great Grandma A's to show her their costumes. When I came home my husband gave my some pretty white roses, and we all went to dinner at this really good Chinese Restaurant in town. On the way to the restaurant we stopped for some grocery's. I bought some donuts and some candle's for later.

We came home to find a present from Kaden for me on the table. He gave me some decorative pumpkins and some candy :)

I had Craig stick a candle in a doughnut and he sang "Happy Birthday" to me.




The next day my parents watched the boys while Craig and I went to "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Hale. Not one of my favorite shows, but it was a very fun production. It was nice to get out and see a play again.

On Sunday my mom had us over for cake and ice cream.





Thanks everyone for the wonderful birthday!!!

October 31, 2009: Happy Halloween!

Halloween is one of my FAVORITE holidays. And it was even better to celebrate it with my 2 little boys this year.




As you can see we spiffed up Hyrum's costume a bit.




Craig took an overtime shift on Halloween, so we started our Trick or Treating early. We were headed out of town to find a good trick or treating spot, and we noticed there was a big parade on Main Street. Apparently it was a big trick or treating event. It looked like fun so we decided to join in.




This is our neighbor's dog. I think she's adorable!



We had to wait in a big line, but once we got to the first bowl of candy things moved along pretty smoothly.



After our Main Street venture Craig went to work and the boys took a nap. When the boys woke up we headed to my parents to do some traditional trick or treating.



I took this picture for Craig. This was in my parent's neighbor's yard.



Later that night the boy's cousins came over and did some trick or treating.



Happy Halloween Everyone!!!