Winter Garden aGlow

The night at the Idaho Botanical Garden was beautiful, fun with friends, and really super cold! Thank goodness they had unlimited hot chocolate and we took advantage of that. The train display was by far the highlight (surprise, surprise). It was a wonderful way to kick off the month of December!

Picture Time

I bought a cheapo photo session with JC Penneys off of Groupon with low expectations. I decided to go with a classic more dressy look...knowing it would work well with the studio setting. I was pleasantly surprised with how the boys did. The man (who made me a little worried at first) ended up being the BEST photographer we've ever had, as far as interacting with the kids and getting them to smile. He had them giggling like crazy. Shane and I exchanged our surprised looks and then let him know that he was Gooood! That was one Groupon that was worth every penny!

These are just scans of the pics...so the quality isn't the best...but you get the gist.

This one is telling of their size difference. Crazy, right? Such handsome big boys.

Am I Four Today?

The question I've been hearing for many, many weeks. "Mom, am I 4 today?" The day FINALLY came and my kids turned 4 years old. Whew! Made it! And boy did we par-tay. A little too much if you ask me. This year I was feeling grateful I only have one BIG birthday to conquer.
The partying started in Twin Falls at Grandma's house. We had a little pre-birthday-and-thanksgiving party. It was especially fun to have my Grandma Chandler there with us. She is the sweetest ever and always remembers all of her 50 Great-Grandchildren's birthday. Seriously. I want to be like her when I grow up!!!
We also loved having Chan-Man with us. He is hilarious and always makes things more fun. He wanted to show how old he was too.

Classic Chandler face. :)

After Thanksgiving we headed back to Boise in time to catch the Polar Express!!! The boys have been saving their pennies and filled their piggy banks in hopes to buy their train tickets. Between the two of them they saved $25.00. Not bad, eh?! They were out-of-control excited to get on that train!

It left out of Horseshoe Bend and went over the river and through the woods...to Santa's North Pole we go! Literally. The ride was so beautiful.

This picture is of Carson as we were waiting in line to talk with Santa. His latest favorite is to act like "a Fred Meyer guy" or "a McDonald's guy." He was ready and waiting to take everyone's order.


They each told Santa that they wanted a train for Christmas. And they aren't referring to a wooden Thomas the Train. They want an actual train. "A big one Mom." Santa may not pull through this year. :)
And of course...what's a fun trip without some tears. Too much of a good thing isn't always a good thing. That's what having kids has taught me. Having fun is fun...but having order and rules and sleep is also...fun!

And now the actual BIRTHDAY.

We now have a horse...thanks to the Scout Auction. I'm trying to be happy about. :) No...he's darling. He's just big. Our house doesn't do BIG very well. He might be a temporary family member. Craigslist just might be calling his name. No really though. He made the birthday so, so fun. He was such a great surprise for the boys. We got him for a good price and for a good cause. He just better behave or he's gettin' the boot.
My sweet friend Stephanie was the cherry on top. She has got major cake skills and was kind to make a cake for the boys...yet again. Carson wanted a puppy cake and Cade wanted every cake on the planet and then would change his mind and want something different. He finally settled on a firetruck and then she added two Dalmatian puppies (complete with little hats). Perfect. Both boys were satisfied.
We ended their big day with close friends & family. Cute little Emery...one of our bestest friends. It. Was. Crazy! But we did it. Carson and Cade felt special and loved...and the Mom is alive and well enough to blog about it!

I can't tell you enough how grateful I am for my 2 sons. They are our little miracles. I read a beautiful article in this month's Ensign by President Henry B. Eyring entitled "The Choice to be Grateful." He shares an experience about having the opportunity to give a blessing to a pre-mature baby. He explains that, "More than giving a blessing, I received the blessing myself of a more grateful heart." He continues, "I gave thanks on the way home for blessings to my children that I could see more clearly were miracles of kindness from God and good people around them." He put to words so much of what I've been feeling..."gratitude for the miracles of kindness from God." My boys are exactly that. Though I am not a perfect Mother, and quite honestly...struggle in my role, I try to be grateful everyday for the two miracles in my life. They are full of light and help me everyday to become better...the person I truly want to be.
I love them to the moon and back.