Just another reason why I love living so close to my parents...

We can borrow their snow blower on days like today!

Let it snow!

Luke Lost a Tooth...or Two!

Luke had a very exciting week a couple of weeks ago. He finally lost his first tooth. He has been telling us for months that he had a loose tooth but he really didn't. He wanted to be like his big brother and get money from the tooth fairy. His wish finally came true.

A couple of days after his first tooth fell out another one fell out! He was so excited! I love how such a little thing can make a 5 year old smile for days.

Congratulations Bubba!

Thanksgiving 2009

This year we traveled to Idaho to spend Thanksgiving with the Sorensen side of the family. We love going to Idaho. The kids count down the days for weeks before we go. They even enjoy the 6-7 hour drive in the car. They load up their backpacks full of books, crayons, movies, & most important their ipods the night before we leave and put it by the door. The drive this year was awesome. There was no snow, Trevor had loaded the ipods with lots of new songs for the kids (which they sang at the top of their lungs most of the way), and he surprised me and set his phone up as a modem so I had the Internet on my laptop the whole way. We were all set!

We fits so much fun stuff into our 5 days in Idaho. On Wednesday we went to Boise and visited the Festival of Trees. Our nephew Michael had a choir concert there that we were able to see. He did a great job. We saw lots of beautiful trees, made some crafts, and visited Santa. D.J. and Luke sat right on his lap with no problem but Libby was a different story. She would get close enough to yell "Barbie!" and that was about it. As long as he knew to bring her a Barbie she was good.

Luke, Isaac, D.J., & Grandpa talking to the 'Talking Tree'.

Libby found a Barbie tree and was in heaven. She sat in front of it forever.

Making ornaments.
This is the best picture we got. Libby was actually on my lap but I cropped myself out.

Thanksgiving day was wonderful. It was so relaxing. Trevor's Mom is a great cook, thank goodness since I couldn't cook a turkey to save my life. I did warm up the green beans, with a little help, but then they sent me to set the table with Dad. I am NOT a cook! We relaxed all day, ate a TON, and looked at the ads in the paper to map out a plan for our Black Friday shopping.

Luke peeling potatoes.

D.J. helping as well. At least these two are helpful in the kitchen since I'm not.

While the kids waited for dinner they played some computer games. I think we had more laptops in the house than people.

Our Feast!
Table #1

Table #2

Luke age 5

D.J. age 8

Libby age 2

After pie when all bundled up in our warm clothes and headed to Boise to the botanical gardens. They had decorated the garden in millions of lights, it was beautiful. When we were done we went back to Trevor's sister Kristi's house for hot chocolate and donuts. The boys then had a sleepover with their cousin Michael. It was definitely one of the highlights of their trip.

Our Family

Thanksgiving 2009

Libby copying her brother...see below.

D.J. being silly!

Friday started off bright and early. Trevor, Don, Lori, Steph, B.J., and I joined the crowds in Walmart at 5:00 a.m.. Tim and Nicole took their lives in their own hands and went to Target.

We love to go shopping on Black Friday. I went for the first time a few years ago with my Father-in-law and it is now one of my favorite traditions. We didn't buy much this year but it's still fun to go out and be together. My Mother-in-law had the hard job of staying home and babysitting the kids. Thanks Mom!

The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, playing games, and having fun. Trevor and his Dad helped D.J. work on some of his cub scout requirements. They built birdhouses with D.J. and Luke and taught them about different tools and how to use them.
D.J. hard at work.

We had such a great time in Idaho, as always. Trevor even got to go to breakfast with some his friends that he hadn't seen in over 10 years. As we drove home we decided that we are going to make sure we go and visit more next year. No more excuses!!! Life is busy but not THAT busy.

♥ Our Hollywood Adventure, Days 3 & 4♥

The day had finally arrived! I had been looking forward to that day ever since Harmony knocked on my door at 11:30 at night to tell me she had gotten us tickets to Dancing with the Stars.

I don't think I have mentioned how she got the tickets. Harmony was invited to attend the V.I.P. opening of the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. While she was there they had an auction to raise money for the exhibits. One of the employees at the aquarium has a sister who is a producer of Dancing with the Stars and donated 4 plane tickets and 4 tickets to the show to be auctioned off. After Harmony won the tickets she was given the producers phone number and started corresponding with her to make plans. She was AMAZING! When Harmony called her to tell her the date we wanted she told Harmony that if we were coming all the way from Utah that she would love to give us tickets to the Tuesday night show as well! Of course the screaming started all over again and I was in Heaven counting down the days.

Marcy, our producer friend ( I like to think we are friends) told us that no cameras were allowed in the studio but to bring one and she would take it in for us to take pictures. Marcy wasn't at the Monday show so we didn't get pictures inside that night just a couple outside. Tuesday Marcy was there and came and got us out of line to go on a little tour. She was SO nice! Originally we were going to be able to go back stage but due to a stalker that broke in last season to try and get to Shawn Johnson they won't allow anyone backstage. They won't even let the families of the dancers backstage unless the dancer is injured or something. She did take us around the studio, to the hair & makeup trailers, and to the trailer where they film interviews with the dancers. She also talked to us for over an hour and let us (O.K., mostly me) ask her a million questions. On Monday night our seats were amazing. We were a few rows behind the actor and actress from the show Castle and Latoya Jackson. Luckily our row was the first one that was raised a little bit so we had no one directly in front of us to block our view. We were sitting right by Ozzy Osbourne as well. He has a little entourage that followed him everywhere, even when he went to the bathroom during commercial breaks. Across the ballroom was Soleil Moon Frye (aka Punky Brewster). She is one of Melissa Joan Hart's best friends and was there to watch her dance. On Tuesday night our seats were right to the side of the judges on the first row. Marcy got us great seats! It was fun to get to talk to the judges and be by Tom & Samantha during the elimination. I could go on and on about my nights at Dancing with the Stars but here are just a few things I remember from that night...

*The 'ballroom' is a lot smaller than it looks on T.V.

*Before, during and after the show there is a guy named Cory who talks to the audience and tells us what they need us to know. When to clap, who they need to move while they change the set, and he keeps us all excited. He is such a huge part of the show and yet you never even know he's there when you watch it on T.V.. He was really funny and was actually one of my favorite parts of being there.

*During the Monday show we didn't see much of Samantha Harris because she was backstage interviewing the dancers after they danced.

*Tom Bergeron & Samantha Harris are both really nice. On Tuesday's show we were able to sit right by the judges and Tom & Samantha would stand right by us during the eliminations. They were really nice to everyone in the audience. After the show I said, "Good show Tom" and he laughed and said "Oh, thanks." LOL, did I mentioned how much fun I had. :)

*Samantha Harris is tiny! You could probably put both your hands around her waist.

*Tom had a tear in the back of his jacket on Tuesday night. I laughed every time I saw it. He also doesn't say everything that's on the teleprompter, he just makes it up as he goes.

*All three judges were also really nice. Bruno is CRAZY, and the redbull that he and CariAnn both have under the table probably doesn't help. CariAnn also had a tear in her dress on Tuesday, the wardrobe department must have had a bad night. :)

*The judges and Samantha were all very upset when Natalie was eliminated on Tuesday. CariAnn and Samantha thought it was crazy and Len walked right out of the room as soon as the camera's were off.

*While we were back by the trailers Jamie Pressly from the show 'My name is Earl' drove by us looking for her parking spot. She was there to watch Melissa Joan Hart as well. She texted on her phone during every commercial break. I don't think she wanted anyone to talk to her. :)

*The actor from the show Castle, is very polite. Every time a lady would pass by him he would stand up and help them down the stair. I've never seen Castle but I think I'll watch now just because he was such a nice guy. He's cuter in person than on T.V. too!

*On Tuesday's show the professional dancer did a tribute to Michael Jackson that was so cool. During the performance some of them had to hide behind the judges table right by us. My Mom had to slide over a little bit to make room for Jonathan, Max, and Mark. It was so smoky in there from all the smoke machines and they were asking us if we were dying from inhaling it.

*After the show we ran into Chelsie Hightower's Mom and Louie's Dad. Harmony told them that we were from Utah too and they sat and talked to us for a minute. They said that Chelsie and Louie are having so much fun working together and that Louie's Dad didn't think that he would make it past the first week.

*After Monday's show I was in line buying a T-shirt (I love that shirt so much!) and Soleil Moon Frye touched my arm while walking past me! Holy cow, what I would have given when I was 8 years old to have Punky Brewster touch me! LOL

Here are a few things that Marcy told us...

*Louie really is in love with Chelsie. He tells anyone who will listen how much he likes her. Chelsie is a little hesitant, since they have different standards. (Chelsie is LDS, stick to your guns Chelsie!)

*Aaron Carter also likes Chelsie and keeps asking her out but she says no. This had made Louie upset and so Aaron and Louie don't really like each other. They are very competitive with each other.

*It's really awkward to work with Max and Karina ever since they broke off their engagement. Karina broke up with him because he wants to start a family soon and she doesn't. He is still madly in love with her and is very heartbroken. Marcy said he is nicer to work with now because he isn't as arrogant as he used to be.

*Marcy said that Ty Murray was one of her favorite stars to work with. She said he is so humble and polite, a real cowboy.

*She thinks Donny has a real shot at winning because of all his fans.

*Some of the stars join the show with certain stipulations like, who they want as a partner, how much they want to be paid, etc. If the producers can make it work then they will but sometimes they don't get the partner they want.

*She said the stars get paid VERY well, but the professionals don't get too much. The professional does get a big bonus if they win though.

Alright, I'll stop rambling on about my adventures in Hollywood. It really was a trip of a lifetime. I'll never forget it. Thanks again Harmony! You really are the greatest sister a girl could have. (and not only because you got me tickets to my favorite show, although that helped)

Since the season finale is on Tuesday I thought I would give my prediction of the winner...Donny Osmond all the way!
Monday Night

Outside the studio.

Enjoying dinner at the Cheescake Factory after the show.



Here we are on T.V.. Our kids loved seeing us on the show and thought we were movie stars. It was so funny. You can tell in this picture that I was loving it. I was screaming and yelling all night. :)
Tuesday Night

Leaving the hotel for the show.

Inside the studio.

On the back lot by the trailers.

In our seats before the show started.

In the ballroom.

After the show.

Jayanne, Harmony, Marcy (the producer) and my Mom.

Our 15 minutes of fame. Hahaha!



After the Tuesday night show we had the town car meet us outside the studio gates to take us right to the airport.

Here we are on our way back to reality. Yep, me and all 4 of my chins! LOL

It was an amazing trip, one I will always remember!

Thanks for the memories Harmony, Jayanne and Mom!

♥ Our Hollywood Adventure, Day 2 ♥

Memories of day two...

The next morning we slept in, well Harmony and I did. It was wonderful! My Mom always wakes up early so she went and read by the pool and Jayanne hit the gym bright and early. Then we headed out for another day of fun.

Here are Harmony and my Mom making our plans for the day. It was very intense. :)

First we stopped at the Farmer's Market and ate the most delicious crepes at this little restaurant. The Farmer's Market was such a fun place to visit. I think we ended up going there 4 times, at least once a day.

Then it was back on the double decker bus for a little more site-seeing. Here are Harmony and Jayanne in front of Paramount Pictures studio. Also, Harmony by Michael Jackson's star. You wouldn't believe how many people wanted pictures by his star.

We really wanted to go into the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and decided "why not?" It was so much fun. I'm sure people thought we were crazy but we had a blast taking pictures with all the 'stars'. :) Warning: Picture Overload...just too much to choose from!

Samuel L. Jackson

Marilyn Monroe

Snoop Dog

Joan Rivers

George Clooney

Michael Jackson

Beyonce

More Michael

Harmony and Britney Spears having a stare down.

Me and my good friends, Mr. & Mrs. Pitt

Jayanne couldn't resist a little hug.

The Jonas Brothers

Zac Efron

Will Smith

Mel Gibson

He was one of the only ones that we didn't think looked like him. What do you think?

Charlie Chaplin

Clark Gable

Seriously Clark, be a little more discreet!

Howard Hughes

James Dean

Aubrey Hepburn

I can't remember who this is, do you know?

Jayanne and Moses. LOL

Sophia Loren

Robert Redford & Paul Newman

John Wayne

Clint Eastwood

Anthony Hopkins

Cameron Diaz

Shrek

Ryan Seacrest

This was one of the highlights of the whole day. They had a spot where you could sing and Simon would tell you what he thought. Jayanne started singing...and singing...and singing...we couldn't get her to stop. It was sooo funny. Everyone kept looking at her like she was crazy. I just love her, she's so much fun.

Tiger Woods

David Beckam

Lance Armstrong

Kobe Bryant (this one was for Trevor)

Tony Hawk

Antonio Banderas

Hugh Jackman

Robert Downey Jr.

Spiderman

Jack Nicholson and I having a really funny conversation.

Harmony thought it was funny too.

But my Mom didn't. LOL He is actually her least favorite actor of all time so she took the opportunity to strangle him. :)

The museum was so much fun. I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. After all the fun, you guessed it, we jumped back on the double decker bus and rode it to Santa Monica Pier.
My Mom loves the beach so she was really looking forward to going there.

Santa Monica Pier was so beautiful. My favorite part was the huge ferris wheel and watching all the fishermen.

Earlier in the day Harmony had bought this fur and it was a little chilly at the beach so she pulled it out and wore it. Everytime I looked at her I had to laugh. It was just funny to see her on the beach with fur on. LOL

We had dinner at the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Company on the pier. I had a hamburger since I don't like seafood but my Mom and Jayanne said the shrimp was awesome.

Here are Harmony & Jay waiting for their dinner. There were these cool signs on all the tables. If you needed your waitress you flipped it to "run Forrest run" and if you didn't need anything you turn it to "stop Forrest".

Me & my Mom. I loved being on vacation with her. She is one of my favorite people in the world.

Mom in her element.

It was a wonderful second day of fun. We played from sun up to sun down. Then we had to head back to the hotel for some much needed rest. We had to get our beauty sleep for the next day...Dancing with the Stars here we come!

To be continued...

♥ Day 1 of our Hollywood Adventure! ♥

Let me just start by saying,

"I have the BEST sister in the world!"

She knows that I have been a fan of 'Dancing with the Stars' since season one so for my birthday this year she got me tickets to California and tickets to the show! It was the best birthday present in the world!!!

My Mom, Harmony, my sister-in-law Jayanne, and I went in October and had the time of our lives. We decided to go a couple of days early and make a real vacation out of it. And I'll tell you what, we did just that. We did every 'cheesy' tourist thing there was to do in Hollywood.

Here are some memories of our first day in Hollywood...

Let the fun begin! My Dad was awake to see us off so we had him take a picture of us leaving at 4:00 a.m. to catch our plane.

Here I am with the 'DWTS' donuts I ordered for us. (that stands for Dancing with the Stars for all of you who aren't DWTS junkies) :)

Enjoying our donuts on the shuttle at the airport.

It was an early flight so Jayanne and Harmony were trying to catch some ZZZ's on the plane. Don't ask me how Harmony could sleep like that, I have no idea.

But not my Mom and I, we were too excited to sleep! Although I do look half asleep...it was early people! Yes, I was mean and woke Harmony up from her 'comfortable' sleeping position to take our picture. :)

When we got to L.A. we had a town car from the hotel waiting to pick us up. I mean, literally, a town car. It was kind of funny. Harmony had us livin' large.
We went to our hotel and then headed out for some real breakfast. We found this cute place close to our hotel called Toast. The food was so good.

See, it was so good my Mom was stealing some of Harmony's food! We then headed over to The Grove to do some shopping. It's a lot like The Gateway but magnified by 100. :)

One of my favorite stores was the American Doll store. It was so cute. If I can bring myself to spend $100 on a doll for Libby I would buy one of these. But I'll just tell you now, it's never going to happen.

This guy was on the street carving pumpkins. Aren't they amazing. It takes him about 3 hours to finish one. People are so talented.

After some shopping we headed over to The Hollywood Walk of Fame. We had some lunch and then hopped into a convertible van and took the 'Where the Stars Live' tours. It was so funny, Trevor would have hated every minute of it but we loved it. We mostly saw a lot of tall walls and lots of trees but it was still fun. :) These next pictures are not in order but I really don't want to take the time to fix them. Thanks for understanding. :)

This is my Mom in front of the Jonas Brothers house. They actually bought this property and are building a second house in the back. I guess one house isn't enough for them. :)

As we were driving through the city I took this picture of our reflection. That's me in the very back with the white T-shirt. Funny huh! Hahaha, I'm laughing just thinking about how funny we looked in that convertible van. Good memories!

Harmony and Mom enjoying Hollywood.




Oh how we loved those double decker buses. :) You can't get more touristy (is that a word?) than that.


Here is my Mom in front of Ringo Stars house, hence the stars on the gate. Oh, and thanks Harm for ducking out of the picture. Hahaha!
Courtney Cox's house. Yep, that's a minivan in the driveway. Maybe I am a little bit Hollywood.
Dr. Phil's house, my Mom's favorite. She loved all the ivy.
This is the house that Michael Jackson died at in June. There are still people standing out in front of it in his honor. Crazy!
The map of our tour, oh ya baby!

Jayanne & I enjoying our ride. Did I mention how much fun we had?


Overlooking L.A.

This is Jayanne & I during one of our taxi rides. We really didn't think we were going to live through this ride. We have a running joke in our family about how bad of a driver my Mom is so while we were in the Taxi my Mom sent me this text...

She is so funny!

We had such a fun day and it was only the beginning!

To Be Continued...

Halloween Highlights

Carving Pumpkins

D.J. and Luke carved their own pumpkins this year. Well, they had a 'little' help. They did a great job. Libby carved a princess pumpkin (of course) with Grandma & Grandpa.

School Halloween Parade

Libby and I went to watch the boys in the school Halloween parade. It was fun to see all of the kids in their costumes. As soon as Libby spotted Luke she started screaming and following him through the gym. She loves her brothers so much.

Class Halloween Parties

I helped with the Halloween parties in the boys classes this year. I love being able to see them at school. We played lots of games and frosted cookies in both classes. I got a couple of pictures of Luke but I was so busy in D.J.'s class that I didn't get a chance to take any. Third graders are WILD!

Visiting Great Grandma Ivins

Libby, Great Grandma, Luke, D.J., and Ryann

Trick or Treating

The kids had a blast trick or treating this year. I could barely keep up with them. The plan was that we would take Libby with us to a couple of houses and then Trevor and her would go home and hand out candy to the trick or treaters but Libby didn't like that plan. She wanted to keep going so we dropped off Trevor and kept on going. She stayed out with us for 2 hours. Luke was always one house ahead of us, that boy LOVES candy.

The Cutest Trick or Treaters in the World.

Ariel the Mermaid, A Ninja, & Dan from Bakugan's

The Loot

Libby was too busy digging in to smile for a picture.

It was a great Halloween!