happenings . . .

Beck and Jax just after their haircuts. And for the record Nate does a much better job of cutting hair than any salon we've ever taken our boys to -- good to know in case the hospital administration thing doesn't work out. :)


Jillian turned 17 months old last week. I'm still trying to wrap my head around where the time went and how my baby girl grew into such a busy, demanding, sweet, dramatic, and nurturing big girl.

We've been taking advantage of this 60+ degree weather. We are SO ready for spring, warmer weather, and getting outside more (without freezing).


More material flower crafts (and I'm still not tired of them).

Beckam is quite the little guy. The other day he took the handvac upstairs to vacuum up some chips that Jilli had dumped. He was very meticulous about this job and insisted on doing it himself. It took him quite a while, but when he was finished, he had done a great job. After I thanked him and gave him a big hug he said to me (as he arched backward to stretch his back out), "I think I've got a crink in my back." Way to take one for the team Beck!

Nate and I headed to PF Changs for a little post-birthday dinner. Super. Yummy.
And let me just say that this world would do well to have a few more "Kristi Kubik's" in it -- much thanks to her for taking on our four kiddos so that Nate and I could eat in peace.

someone's SpEcIaL day . . .

It's Nate's special day today. The interesting thing about Nate's special day, is every year when it comes around Nate likes to celebrate his special week -- he also thinks that when my special day comes around that it's his special day too . . . funny how that works. He's a smart one, I tell ya.
This is one of our very first pictures together, almost 10 years ago. I knew he was special then and that hasn't changed. And actually I think he turned out more special than I had ever dreamed.
Happy special day Nate. I love you more than words can say.

(I asked Mac and Jax if the picture above still looked like me. Their response, "Yeah, except for the lipstick and girlie hair." :)

We had the Dyreng's over for cake and ice cream since Chelsea's birthday was yesterday. The kids had a great time playing "war" and it's always good to spend time with Scott and Chelsea.

I was especially impressed with the boys this year. They insisted on using their own money to each buy dad their own gift. They all put a lot of thought into what they ended up buying and honestly I think they did a great job.

No Catchy Title For This Post . . .

These are the Valentine decorations that I made using a tutorial from the Tatertots & Jello blog (I think). I was thrilled with how they turned out.

The Next GLEE Stars

Funny how the boys have started picking up on songs off the radio lately. They don't always get the lyrics right, which honestly I'm sometimes glad, but they've definitely got the beat down. I especially love how Mac is so serious in his solo song -- he's been working on his vibrato voice and is happy to perform for anyone willing to listen. I also love the cute little back-up singer in back -- Beckam's just coming into his love for the performing arts. Love these little performers!

this, that, and the other

One of my new loves is making these material flowers for either hair clips, headbands, pins, or necklaces. Is it possible to overdo the material flower? I guess we shall see.

If anyone's interested in knowing how to make either flower, check here.

Here is Miss Messy Face. We are convinced that her face is irresistible no matter what.

Jaxton's preschool Christmas Program was cancelled because of weather conditions so they rescheduled for this past week. I loved watching him bounce up and down to the rhythm as he sang his little heart out. He's confided to Nate and I that what he really wants to do when he grows up is be on the stage with lots of lights and have people watch him sing and dance. I think it sounds like a great plan and I'm pretty sure I'll be his #1 fan.

Beckam's first week of primary was last Sunday, which means that I now have 3 of my 4 kids in Jr. Primary and Jilli is quickly approaching nursery age next month. Is it really possible that I will be child-free for the last 2 hours of church? I can hardly believe it!

After Christmas is over each year I have the hardest time parting with the cards that our friends and family have sent. In years past I've saved them for a few months, thinking that I'll do something with them, but let's be honest, nothing ever happens . . . that is until now. This year I was determined to make something with these cards and after coming up with a few ideas I decided on placemats. How fun will it be to eat off something each night that holds such beautiful faces and wonderful messages? This is something I'll definitely continue to do.

The End of 2010

These are the last of our 2010 pictures . . . and now on to 2011!

I had never tie dyed anything before, so we decided to go ahead and give it a try over Christmas break. Total success!

*J*I*L*L*I*

love my girl!