Blackmail???

The day before Thanksgiving my brother and his family got here.  Nicholas and Christina had to get some things taken care of so I watched the kids.  Poor Brenton didn't have a coat or shoes because they were in the car with Nicholas.  Lucky for him, (or maybe not) Madi and him are only ten days apart so he fit in her jacket and shoes.  Doesn't he just look handsome in pink?

Caitlin is a little fire cracker!  This kid has so much energy and didn't stop going the whole time they were here.  She would come bouncing up the stairs before anyone else was awake.  She couldn't sit still for a second!  

Madi LOVED having her cousins here and really took to Caitlin.  She always wanted to know where she was and followed her around the whole time.  She misses them and asks everyday for them to come play. 

Thanksgiving...

We had an awesome Thanksgiving and even got two meals!  We started the day at mom and dad's for a yummy, early dinner there.  Easton is moving all over and enjoyed a new place to explore.  We will miss mom and dad while they are Cali for the next few months.  We hope they have a great time!  

 

After we left mom and dad's we came home to get going on our dinner here.  We had a full house.  Nicholas and Christina and their three kids came from WA.  Chris, Annie, Rick and Tiff came up from UT County.  It was so fun to have them all here!  I love having my siblings around.  We played games, laughed, talked, joked, looked at ads and had a great time.  We ate some delicious food and when we were all done, Annie, Christina, Tiff and I were off to Park City for an all night shopping adventure!  (Note to self... next year dress warmer, bring a blanket, cards or dice and drinks!)

Temple Square...

The day after Thanksgiving we braved the cold and the swarms of people to head to Temple Square.  It is so beautiful and even more so during the holiday season.  I love all the lights!  After walking for awhile we went into the JSMB to warm up.  The Empire Room wasn't being used so we went in there so the kids could play and run around a little.  I love this room.  It is the room we had our wedding breakfast. 

My kids adore their aunt Annie!  I love that she is somewhat close by but wish we lived closer.  Someday... 

 Peek-a-boo!!!

I love Easton's big, blue eyes!  Such a handsome little dude! 

It doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing, if Madi can get our phone, she will.  She knows how to work it and what games are hers.   

Here's the whole group (minus Caitlin and Brenton, they are playing).  We were thrilled to have Nicholas, Christina and their family come from WA and have Thanksgiving with us.  We have missed them since they moved up there and hope that they come back soon!   

I'm thankful day 30...

I am thankful all that I have.  I am so very blessed and am looking forward to the Christmas season!

I'm thankful day 29...

I love that Madi's tells me on a daily basis... "snuggle mommy".  I could scoop that girl up and snuggle her all day!  If only some would clean my house while we snuggle, hmmm.

I'm thankful day 28...

I am thankful for the beautiful holiday season that we are coming upon.  I love the lights, the sounds and the smells.  I love to shop and wrap and give.  I love to watch people's excitement as they open their gifts, especially the kiddos.  But what I love the most, is the reminder of all our Savior has done for us.  I love telling my kids the story of Christ's birth.  I love feeling the Spirit as we walk through Temple Square.  I love the programs and firesides and the beautiful hymns we sing each week.  If only it was this way all year! :D

I'm thankful day 27...

I am thankful for a relatively healthy family.  We all get sick but who doesn't.  We are blessed to not have any major medical difficulties and I am so thankful for that.  My heart goes out to all that are battling cancer, struggling from a disability or any other chronic illness.  I usually only think to thank my Heavenly Father for my health when I am sick, so I just want the world to know how grateful I am for it!

I'm thankful day 26...

Today I am thankful for books, especially children's books.  I love to read, so naturally I am thrilled that it has rubbed off on Madi.  She LOVES for us to read to her and most of her favorites have come from a book club that I love.  Since I brought it up, I am going to give it a little plug... 
I have told many about this book club. It is great! Your first order you can get at least 8 books for $31.57 and then you just have to buy 2 more books over the next two years.  They run deals and sales all the time and they have a lot of book bundles that give you multiple books but only charge it as one.   Plus they have a friend referral program.  For each friend I refer, my kids get two free books.
My first order I bought the following:
1. Pinkalicious
2. Purplicious, Goldilicious and Silverlicious  (book bundle)
3. Three Fancy Nancy books (on a bundle)
4. Trucktown Smash Crash
5. Collection of 5 Bernstein Bears books
6. Pajama Pirates
7. Best of Dr. Seuss (contains 13 stories)
8. Rainbow Fish
FREE BOOK: Aragon
Total for 28 Stories: $31.57

My second order was on a free shipping and discount sale...
I bought the Littlest Dinosaur and Littlest Dinosaurs Big Adventure for a total of $6.99 + tax

And my third was the same deal...
I bought Trucktown Garage Tales (has 3 stories) for $3.99 + tax

Super great deal if you want to expand your book collection for your kids or your classroom. 

Madi's FAVES: Pinkalicious, Fancy Nancy and the Trucktown books

CLICK HERE to go to the website.

I'm thankful day 25...

(Okay, I know I am a slacker, but I am back at it for the last day or two AND, I am going to catch up!)

I am thankful to live in Utah.  I have so many beautiful temples around my and since they are one of FAVES I love it!  I love being around church history and hope to someday travel back east to see all there is back there.  I love the MOUNTAINS!  Is there anything more beautiful than seeing the sun rise or set over the majestic, snow covered peaks?  I like to visit them, see the reaction of the seasons changing, camp and play.  I have so much family here and since family is one of the most important things to me, I love that. 

I'm thankful day 24...

Today I am thankful for sisters!  We had such a wonderful time shopping at the outlets in Park City.  We left at 8:30 on Thursday night and got home at 7:30 Friday morning.  Aside from sleep deprivation, it was perfect!  We had a blast and laughed til we hurt.  We have decided that it will be a MUST for each Thanksgiving in the years to come.  I love you ladies!!!

I'm thankful day 24...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today I am grateful for family and food!  Is there anything better? :D

I'm thankful day 23...

Today I am thankful for visiting teaching.  I had such a wonderful visit with two women tonight and it was just what I needed.  One of the women I haven't got to know as well as I should and I absolutely love her!  She'll probably never want us back since we talked for three and a half hours, but I so enjoyed it! :D  I went to my car and Derrick was walking down the street to come find me and make sure I was still there.  LOL!

I'm thankful day 22...

Today I am thankful for my talents.  They help me to destress when I need it!

I'm thankful day 21...

Today I am thankful for my other mom and dad.  I am so lucky to have such great in-laws.  They are show so much love and concern for us and I love that, especially since my mom lives so far away.  I love that we are able to see them often.  I love how good they are to my children.  I love how generous and caring they are.  I love that they are always happy to see us.  I love that they take time for special occasions and always make them so special.  I am one lucky girl to have such an amazing hubby, kids and family that I love so much!

I'm thankful day 20...

Today I am thankful for the scriptures and a living prophet to lead and guide our church.  I am grateful for all the many resources I have been given to research and learn for myself what the truth is.  I am thankful for a God of mysteries that helps me think and dig deeper and ponder.  I am thankful for teachers and leaders that pose questions that make me want to learn and study more of the Gospel, and most of all, I am thankful that when I find my answer, that I can kneel in prayer and have the Holy Spirit whisper the truthfulness to me, telling me that I have the right answer and if not, I can search some more until I receive that confirmation.

I'm thankful day 19...

Today I am thankful for my home.  It is nice to have a place that is ours.  It is so cold and snowy outside today and I am glad that I have a warm, safe place to be.  It is nothing too fancy and we dream of bigger and better, but it really is a great place and more than what so many have.  I am glad it is ours.

I'm thankful day 18...

Today I am thankful for the country I live in and the men and women that sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms.  I am thankful for their families that go through such long periods without them.  It would be so hard to have them away for births, holidays, birthdays, special occasions, but they do it proudly and without complaining.  I am thankful for all they do for our country and am so blessed to live in America.

Easton Sealing and Blessing...

Last Saturday we were able to bring our sweet Easton boy to the temple and have him sealed to us forever!  It is so wonderful to know of this amazing gift our Heavenly Father has given to us.  It was a perfect day.  I didn't even mind the snow.  Here's a few of the family that came.  The rest ran from the cold!

After a few pictures on the steps we went to the Garden Room for lunch.  We got a few more pictures after lunch.  This is my grandma, my mom, Easton, me and Madi. 

Our forever family!!! 

 

I am so lucky to not only have my grandma with us, but also my great grandma.  This picture has all five generations! 

I am going to have to print this one with the words "If this isn't your castle, then you're not my prince"  I love that! 

We blessed Easton at church on Sunday and were lucky to have a lot of family at that as well.  Chad, Derrick's brother, was here from TN. 

And his Aunt Jill came from AZ.  We were so glad to have them with us on our special day. 

Easton with Grandma and Grandpa Hawkins... 

I'm thankful day 17...

Today I am thankful for modern day technology.  I love that I can capture the precious things of life through a lens and that I can share with my family and friends through my blog.  I love that I don't have to do laundry by hand or wash dishes by hand.  I love my car and my Chi and my A/C and furnace.  I can't imagine living without all the modern day things I take for granted each day and am so glad I was not born 100 years ago. 

I'm thankful day 16...

I am thankful to be lucky enough to stay at home with my kids.  I can't imagine missing all their firsts and the funny things they do and say every day.  It hasn't been easy and we have had to make changes and sacrifices, but I am so glad that Derrick feels the same way I do and is willing to do what is necessary to make it work.  I am truly blessed!

I'm thankful day 15...

I am thankful for a nice, warm bed to go get into.  I have been cold all day and I can't wait to throw the covers on!

I'm thankful day 14...

I am thankful for my extended family.  It is so nice that I always have a place to stay when I go down to Lehi.  I love getting together with everyone and the fun times we have.  I have a large extended family so it is loud and crazy, but I love it!  I love my grandparents and am so blessed to have all four of them, as well as my great grandma close by.  It was great to see everyone this weekend.  I love you all!

I'm thankful day 13...

Today I am grateful for the Priesthood and for a husband that is worthy to hold it.  Derrick blessed Easton today and it was such a wonderful thing.  My amazing sister wrote it down for us.  Thanks Annie!  We love you!!!

I'm going there someday...

Today as we climbed the stairs of the conference center, Madi sang, "temple, someday" over and over.  We opened the door and she said "I see it!" and was so thrilled to see our beautiful temple.  What a sweet moment it was and the perfect way to begin our temple experience.  It was a perfect day.  Pictures are coming soon!

I'm thankful day 12...

Today I am thankful for the temple.  I am grateful for the ordinances and covenants that take place there.  I am grateful I can bring my precious children there and have them sealed to Derrick and I for all eternity.  I am grateful that Derrick and I were married in the temple.  I am grateful for the abundance of them in Utah and the blessing that is.  Today we had Easton sealed to us.  It was such a sweet day that I will always treasure.  I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and the wonderful blessings He has given to me.

Sleepy time...

Madi decided a while back that she was done with naps.  Yesterday I was rocking Easton and talking to her while she played in her jumpy jump and she just stopped talking.  I looked over and my pretty princess was out!  I didn't dare move her but she was just too cute in the jumpy.  Such a sweetheart!

Sweet dreams, Princess...

Once there was a snowman...

Last weekend we had our first snow fall of the year.  It was so fun to look out the window and see the ground covered in white.  We got all bundled up and went outside to play!  Madi was the first ready and was SOOO excited to get out there.

We even got our little Easton boy in on the action.  He loves to be outside, so he was thrilled and didn't mind the cold at all. 

We have the perfect little hill next to our house.  We pulled the sled over and let the kids go down.  One time was enough for Madi.  She had no desire to go again.  She wanted to walk in the snow and watch.  She informed me that she is "too small". 

Derrick had a rough start.  I love his smile!  Isn't he so handsome?

He is such a great daddy too.  Easton and Madi adore him and he plays with them everyday.  He is totally hands on and doesn't mind changing diapers and helping with whatever they need. 

Our little lady walked around for a little bit and then wanted to go to our side of the fence. 

Easton got to ride up the hill too.  Thank goodness for the sides of the sleds or he may have gone down by himself! 

We came back to our side and started a snowman.  Madi kept singing "snowman, tall, tall, tall" over and over while I rolled the ball around.  Once a couple of big kids came to the pond she wanted to watch them.  She totally wants to play with the big kids and thinks she is old enough. 

Here is our finished snowman... 

...and our little dude in front of him.

Every morning Madi has woke up and run to look out the window to see if our snowman was still there.  I think it has finally all melted away.  Guess we'll have to wait until we get some more snow.

Mr. Independent...

Easton has reached the age that he thinks he is big enough to feed himself.  He growls at me and whines and squirms the whole time I am feeding him, so the other day I gave in.  I put him in his high chair, gave him his bowl and spoon and let him go to town.

He thought it was great!  He didn't get a whole lot in his mouth but he thoroughly enjoyed it! 

Love those bright, blue eyes!

Then he got treated to an oh so delicous teething biscuit. 

 

More from Halloween...

I found a few more pics from Halloween and they are too cute not to post!

 

I love that they are both smiling!  Does it get better than that?! 

He's all ours...

On Monday, November 7th, Easton officially became our son.  We had the same judge that we had when we adopted Madi.  It was nice to have mom and dad Hawkins there.  After court, they took us to lunch.  We love having them so close and to share special occasions with them.  We are going to miss them when they head to Cali for the winter.

I'm thankful day 11...

Today I am thankful for the women of my ward.  I had so much fun getting chatting, playing games, getting a manicure and eating yummy food.  You guys are all awesome!

I'm thankful day 10...

Today I am thankful to be a mom.  I don't think there is a sweeter sound then the way Madi says "mama".  It doesn't matter the circumstances, whether it is the middle of the night, she's in trouble or she just wants something.  It melts my heart every time.  I love that little girl and her sweet brother.  They are all I dreamed of and more.  I am so glad that they are my children and that I get to be their mama forever!

I'm thankful day 9...

Today I am thankful for my mom.  I'm thankful for her example, especially of the love she has for the Gospel.  She always reads her scriptures and says her prayers.  She is so willing to serve others.  She is patient.  She is a hard worker.  I am grateful for the things she has taught me.  I am so excited to have her coming this weekend and to be able to spend a little time with her.  Happy birthday and I love you mom!!!

I'm thankful day 8...

Today I am thankful for adoption.  It is not something that is for everyone and it isn't something that is easy but I can't imagine my life without it.  One of the best things that I have found to describe and put into words the feelings and emotions that come with adoption is in the music of Michael McLean.  I have loved his music for years but was deeply touched when we were able to attend a Families Supporting Adoption concert he put on a couple weeks after Easton was born.  Since then, Derrick has given me his book, From God's Arms to My Arms to Yours that includes the stories, lyrics and a CD of the music of his experience with adoption. 

The Wood Connection...

Check out The Wood Connection to enter their 3,000 FB fans contest!

I'm thankful day 7...

Today I am thankful for the amazing women that had our children.  I have so much love and respect for her and it is over filling today as we finalized our adoption of Easton.  Adoption is an incredible blessing and I am so thankful for the love Mindy has for Madi and Easton and the friendship and openness we have with her.  I love you Mindy!  Thanks for being part of our family!

A new calling...

Today Derrick was called to be the executive secretary of our ward.  He will do great!  I love ya babe!

I'm thankful day 6...

Today I am thankful for my ward.  Two weeks after we moved here, I remember saying to my sister that our new ward was like a "Stepford" wife.  Every one seemed to do exactly what they were supposed to, say just the right thing and it all seemed too perfect.  I was COMPLETELY wrong.  Instead, what I have found and come to love, is a family that cares about one another.  A family that loves and serves one another.  Our ward looks out for each other, they pray for each other, there is a unity that I have never known in other wards that I have been in.  There is endless talent in our ward and they are so willing to share and give freely.  They try to lift each other up, not bring each other down.  I don't recall ever hearing gossip or harsh words spoken about the members of our ward.  It doesn't matter if you are active, in-active, member, non-member.  They love and accept and help everyone.  I love that!  I love that I WANT to be with them, that I want to know them better. I love our ward and know that it is truly a special ward and that I am blessed to live where I do.  I look up to and admire so many women in our ward.  They have so much to teach me and I am grateful for that.  It is an incredible ward and I am thankful to be part of that family.

I'm thankful day 5...

Today I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father.  I am so very blessed and I know that all of those blessings come from them.  I am humbled by the many comforts that I have that I often take for granted.  I know that whenever I need help, peace, answers, comforting or anything else, all I have to do is kneel and pray to my Father in Heaven and I will receive it.  Although it may not come the way I think it should or right when I want it, I know that He is listening and hears my prayers and that He sees the bigger picture.  Any trial I have had, any heartache I have felt, has made me a better person and I know that is because of Him and His plan for me.

Let it snow...

Derrick just looked outside and it is snowing!  The first fall of the season.  Makes me miss our fireplace.

I'm thankful day 4...

Today I am thankful for the weekend.  It is my favorite time of the week!   I love having the time with Derrick.  I love that we get things done and we can do fun things with each other and with our kids and extended family.  I love visiting my in laws.  I love going to church and being spiritually uplifted.  I love my ward and seeing them and learning from them.  I love Sundays.  There really isn't anything I don't love about the weekend.  The only thing that could make it better is to make it longer.  :D

I'm ready for my close up...

I was taking pictures of Kaitlyn in her Halloween costume today for my friends and Madi wanted so badly to have her pictures taken too.  I let her jump in when I was done and let them play around and took some pictures while they were goofing off. 

 Peek-a-boo...

I love this one.  I'm not even sure why she was laughing. 

Hugs from a friend... 

Madi was a complete ham today.  That rarely happens!  Maybe she going into that age and it will be easier to take her pics.  A mom can hope, right? :D 

Not sure what this was but I like it! :D 

 ring around the rosies...