my Christmas presents to Amy and fam

I'll get the the presents below- I just have to show you my cute daughter first! We are trying to teach her not to play with the bottle but when left unattended she just shakes it all around. :( but she is cute- even if she is in trouble!

Here is the apron my sister wanted- quick and easy- reversable- kinda cute- simple!

I loved having Amy and her family to give to for Chrismas because I know her kids the best (she is the only sibling that lives in Utah!) So I know her kids LOVE playing pretend and dress ups. When babysitting once I secretly measured the kitchen table (which thankfully is easy rectangle shape) and made them a fort to go on top of it- I got my inspiration here. I didn't want to do felt because it would be too dark in there. I actually used all scrap fabric (it's for kids- they don't know the difference right!?) Thanks Rachel for giving me the cool fabric!

I love this blog post from my sister Amy- She is in the same ward as Ben's sister Liz so in this post my neices and nephew from both sides are playing make believe with the playhouse! That makes all the hours worth it. (they were fun hours (I loved making it) but it still took a while!

I bought flax seed for the first time ever...

I feel so mature... and healthy!

Of course like everybody else I am trying to be healthier in 2011... I have done pretty well! making yummy salads, eating more whole grains, making an effort to exercise...

here are some recipes I have tried (I know they aren't like 100% healthy because I don't want to burn out here! I have to be able to choke it down at least!)

yummy salad (it has roasted bell peppers which are SOOOO CRAZY GOOD but my mom told me anything roasted causes cancer or something so I guess we'll just go back to corn dogs for dinner! :P )

yummy wrap ya I know - it has bacon but it's still better than other things I eat...

granola -I made it myself!

anyway- the biggest help for me has been keeping my house stocked with healthy foods for snacking (Because I feel like I'm always snacking) so I do cucumber or tomato toast, or yogurt or banana with peanut butter ect.

It hasn't been super nice on our grocery budget and I have to go to the store more often but it's worth it right!?

When I need sugar and chewy I do a yummy flavor sugar free gum! mnnn (I do other things too but I won't mention my "I've had so much lettuce today I deserve some ice cream moments!)

Moving on!

Here's one of my homemade Christmas gifts to my parents- I got the idea from my super talented and creative sister in-law Erin

It's "Harston Who" with most of their family's pictures in the game- instead of just asking if the person has a hat on or not you can ask if they live in Utah of have at least a Bachelor's degree :)

We introduced Beth to her future school, our Alma Mater... (no pressure little one!) And yes that really is Jimmer in person down there! Go BYU basketball- we had a blast!

A little mission reunion Ben threw together at the last minute (hence me looking thrown together :) but it was way fun!)

Attention everyone: The cutest baby in the world... GOT CUTER! (crazy I know- we didn't think it was possible!) here she is in a wrestling match with cousin miriam! (Miriam is winning of course :))

Baby #2

We are so excited to be a family of 4 in August! We'll keep you updated because at my first apt the baby was a lot smaller than expected if we went by my "last period" due date so hopefully it's just that my body isn't regular and not that there's something wrong :). We are VERY EXCITED! I have felt so tired and sick for the last two months- I was starting to think I had just gotten lazy over the holidays but suddenly today I had a surge of energy and got my house clean, dinner made, Christmas put away and laundry done! Wahoo!

Plus- we are heading to FLORIDA in 3 weeks to visit Candy and her fam. We can hardly wait!!!



bonus pic of our future concert pianist :)