Christmas Time

Christmas this year was a bit chaotic, but it was nice to be able to spend time with friends and family. McKinley was really into opening presents this year and it was fun for her to start to understand Santa. This morning was the first morning since Christmas she hasnt checked for presents in the front room when she wakes up. For those of you without kids, you really are missing out on Christmas. They bring such a new added joy and excitement to Christmas morning.

Christmas was great, I hope that yours was great too. Here are a few pictures from Christmas morning. I do have to apologize there arent many of all the Christmas mornings we had. I was having too much fun playing with the kids and seeing their reaction rather than taking pics...

Snow!

This morning we played in the snow..

now we are watching Polar Express getting warm!

I just love wintertime!!! Its even more fun with cute kids!

Remember When...

Hey Bret, remember when you text me for the first time? Your sister and mom pretty much made you and your text was in all caps? that was cute. And remember when we met for the first time after texting/talking for a couple weeks? I was at work and you were on a pickup, we passed each other in the hallway and I had no idea who you were. You tried to make your signature as legible as possible and I still couldn't read it? I should have known by how bad you were shaking that it was you. Later when we talked you asked if anything exciting had happened at work or if I had met anyone new.. thats finally when I put it together. You were so handsome!

Do you remember our first date? I told you it was going to be a hard house to find but you are so good with directions that instead of showing up early you waited around the corner until it was time to pick me up? Then we went ice skating and I had no idea what I was doing and you gently held my hand so I wouldn't fall. Later that night when neither one of us wanted to go home we went out and laid in the freezing cold on top of your truck and talked while looking at the stars? That was so romantic.

Do you remember my birthday that year? You bought me 2 dozen long stemmed roses and they were delivered to my office. They were so beautiful. Later that night you took me to the top of South Mountain where we danced in the rain. I knew at that moment that you were the one, that I loved you and wanted to love you forever.

Do you remember the Stingers game? You were acting so funny that day and I couldnt figure it out... it wasnt until the fireworks started after the double header game that you pulled out the most beautiful ring I had ever seen and you didnt even get to ask me because I said yes yes yes and kept kissing you. I was so happy that day. I remember looking at the ring constantly on my finger over the next few months and remembering all the reasons I loved you.

Remember that wonderful day in November that we got married. Surrounded by the people that we loved the most? We got a glimps that day of what the eternities were going to be like. I am so glad you chose me to spend eternity with. And that we have a forever family.

Remember that day we went to the hospital to get blood work done and it came back positive? We were so scared and so excited to add a new addition into our lives. Do you remember that pregnancy? I was so so sick and we had only been married for a short time, you took care of me. All we ate those 9 months was Mexican and pineapple. I appreciated you so much. I needed you and you never left my side even when I was super grouchy.

Do you remember the night before your vendors conference taking me to the hospital to have our little girl? We played phase 1o to try and detract me from the awful contractions and watched the NBA allstar game. You tried getting as much sleep as you could on that dreadful recliner. But never left my side, you held my hand when the contractions got worse and went and got the nurse when the pain was more than I could handle. Even at 2am you were still awake holding my hand and telling me that I could do it. I remember holding McKinley the first time and having you right next to me. I knew that this was the way it was going to be for the rest of forever. Us.. you and me and our sweet family that we made. I loved you even more at that moment.

Oh and do you remember when I called you telling you that you had to come home. I showed you a positive pregancy test and you just held me as I cried. You told me it would all be ok. Even though McKinley was still so small, you told me it would all be ok. I needed you and you were there.. you always are. Even when the postpartum hit. You always stood right next to my side. I know it was just as hard for you. You were steady and you were my constant. You held me when it was so hard.

A few months ago you transfered to Orem. You drive more than 30 minutes to get to work and you never complain. You just do it because you love us and want what is best for our family.
Together we have made our own family. We have a life of our own and its wonderful, happy, quirkey and funny. We have our hard ti mes, we get sick of each other every now and then but we still love each other. And at the end of EVERYDAY love you more than ever and I will continue to love you my whole life. I hope we grow old and saggy together... I love you. So much. FOREVER..

Best Cornbread EVER!!

My mom's neighbor Kimberly has makes the most outstanding cornbread ever. Growing up I was never a cornbread fan, I don't know if it was just something I thought old people ate or what. But it wasn't until I tried this recipe that I feel in love with the pure delishiness of cornbread. We had it last night with chili and I thought I would share this great recipe so others can enjoy!

Kimberly's Cornbread

1 cup Flour
1 cup Cornmeal
1 cup sugar
1 TB baking powder
1/3 cup oil
1 cup milk
1 egg

Mix together and pour in 8 x 8 pan. Place in preheated oven (375 degrees) for 20-25 minutes.



Also, I wouldn't be me if I didn't say something about the BYU/Utah game last Saturday. It was a nail biter at the end... and I am SO, SO glad that BYU pulled it out! Surprisingly enough BYU is high enough in the BCS polls, #14 that depending on who wins and loses this week if they move up another 2 spots they could be BCS bowl eligiable (maybe far fetched, but I can still hope)... otherwise I am hoping for San Deigo rather than Vegas. GO COUGARS!!!!

The Day Has Finally Come...

that we are going private. I never wanted my blog to be private, I wanted anyone to be able to read it that wanted to. But that all has changed in a matter of days.
A few weeks ago I was looking online to see where I could buy the Nuk spouts for sippy cups for Taitan. I found another mom who posted on her blog that she too like me, had been searching high and low for these dang spouts. She finally found that you had to call Gerber to order them since they dont sell them in stores. I made the mistake of posting on her blog a Thank You and ever since I keep getting junk commentson my blog. Luckily I have the setting on so I view the comments before they are published, but they are not going away only getting worse. So to protect my family and your blogs as well, if you would like to continue to read my blog please leave a comment with your email and I will add you. Or email me at allieket7 at yahoo dot com. One week from today we will be private.

At this time..

4 years ago I married the greatest guy ever! I know it sounds so cliche to say it, but Bret really is the best husband a girl could have. I love him more everyday and look forward to spending more days with him!

Trick or Treat

The kids had a great time this Halloween! I am so excited for my kids to be growing up and loving the holidays as much as we do.
Although their outfits were last minute and super cheap I think they turned out ok. McKinley loved being a "wish" and Tait liked the bird on his shirt. They got a TON of candy Trick or Treating!! By the end Kinney was saying Trick or Treat (the best she could) and Tait would say dank do and bye. After Trick or Treating we went to LD's for her Halloween party. Good food and good friends = a good time.

Now that Halloween is over its time for my favorite holiday! Thanksgiving! CANT WAIT!!!

Happy Little Pumpkins

Monday Night for FHE we took the kids to Cornbelly's to have some fun and pick out pumpkins. It was a lot of fun, WAY overpriced but I think we will make a tradition to go there every year anyway. They loved the tractor rides and the bouncy blankets. McKinley was FREEZING and begged to go home once it got dark. But we pretty much made her try on the princess clothes where the had the pumpkin princess and even though she didn't really smile, she was enjoying trying on all the dresses. Overall it was a good time and I am glad that we have pumpkins to carve for Halloween.

Oh Where Oh Where Have the Kettenrings Been?

Oh where oh where could they be???? (pictures are random and have nothing to do with this post)

Its been a while. I apologize now. I wish I would say I had a good reason for not blogging, but really I dont. A lot has happened in the last month since I last blogged, non of which is all that exciting or thrilling to hear.

It all started when Bret and I applied for Bret to get life insurance. We canceled our old whole life policy and started shopping for term life policies. I found one right away, but shopping for Bret has been a little bit harder. We had an underwriter come to our house and do the usual, urine, blood and weight measurements and was waiting for the the results back when we got the call... The insurance provider had DENIED his application because of his blood sugar levels. WHAT? I kept asking are you sure. Bret has just dropped 65lbs. and you are now telling me he is a diabetic... impossible, right? Well after a few more blood tests, trips to the dr and all that jazz, its confirmed Bret is a freakin diabetic. It took quite the emotional blow to both of us. The good news is the Dr thinks he will never be insulin dependent, lose any extremities, his sight or die of diabetes. He just has to moderate it with diet and exercise for the rest of forever. :) Oh and need I mention cut stress back. Easy enough while he's not in school right?!?!...
While all of this is still processing Bret goes to work and gets called in to the executive meeting at his office. When he gets out he calls me and says that we have some important decisions to make and he'll tell me more about it at lunch. They have projected a meager winter and are eliminating his position at work. So because he "is an asset to the company" they are giving him the option to go back out to the yard (same pay as now, just be demoted back to where he started) or be the store manager in Orem and not get lunch's and have to travel. They needed to know by the next day. Its been a while since I have seen Bret under so much stress. I didn't like what his work was doing to him, but was grateful that they at least kept him around. His mom gave him great advice and I told him the same thing. We both talked about the pros and cons of each job and then never talked about it after. He came home the next day and told me he chose to go to Orem. They did give him a work truck, gas card and a raise(slight), but I really do miss having him around the house more. This is only week 2 and we both are adjusting to the change.

Other than that we have been enjoying BYU games and vacations. This past weekend we went to Mesquite with Brets family. It was nice to just be able to do a whole lot of nothing. We went to Tuacahn Monday night and really enjoyed their performance of Footloose! This weekend we are off to Park City for some more RandR!

The kids have been feeling a lot of the stress that has been weighing in around the house as well. Since getting back from Mesquite (and watching Stephanie Neilson on Opera) I have promised myself to spend more time with my kids, enjoy the little things and not be so caught up in the messes of life. I hope that if you guys did not see that episode of Opera that you take the time to see it. It really was one of the best ones I have EVER seen! I have since become of fan of her blog. Its great, I recommend you do to!

lots of updates and pictures

Its been a while since I have posted really anything worth reading. Although the salsa recipe is a must do if you haven't done it already.
My kids are growing up so fast and Taitan is finally starting to get a little personality of his own. He is sweet, funny and is ALL boy. McKinley is learning (finally) how to talk after getting a speech therapist she is beginning to talk more and more each day. She is very independent and says to me often "no, I do it"

A couple weeks ago the kids got the stomach flu. It sure made for a very long night, but I was able to capture this very tender moment of little Taiter sleeping on our bed.

McKinley loves to dress up. She finds whatever she can, moms clothes, hair accessories, shoes you name it she has tried wearing it. I loved this picture of her with a headband on. She then put it on Tait... I have very cute kids!!!

I was selling this skirt on KSL and McKinley came running across the room jumped in the picture with the perfect smile, of course I posted another pic on KSL, but I had to keep this picture. She LOVES to have her picture taken.

Last weekend my sister turned 8. For her birthday party my mom made these fabulous aprons for the girls to take home and they all made a batch of cookies. It was a blast watching 7-8yr olds baking... some cookies turned out okay while others were missing a few ingredients.

We took Robyns kids that night so she and Mike could go on a date. My nephew Matthew was sitting on the floor playing with a baby doll and when Bret looked down this is what he saw, needless to say when he is older we might be able to blackmail him with this shot.

Tait loves messes. Mom hates messes. But I couldn't resist taking these pictures of the battle of the yoguart and Tait.. I am pretty sure the yoguart won.

Last night we went to the fair. It was a lot of fun to see the kids look at the animals and get to touch them. When we were looking at the pigs there was a pretty cranky one. I think my kids will be scared for life because of this mean pig. I asked Kinney if she liked the pigs later that night and she said "no, scary".

I just wanted to post of picture of my weight loss journey. This isn't the best picture to post, but I am going to take different pictures soon. I still have another 10 weeks left, but I want you all too see my dramatic transformation that is taking place. Seriously though, I even though I do look better, I feel great!!!

For All You Salsa Lovers

My neighbor gave me this recipe and it is one of the best salsa's I have EVER tasted. I am a salsa addict so when I can find a new recipe I always try it. This is in my top 5 for sure. So try it and let me know if you love it as much as I do.

Homemade Salsa

1 qt. Tomatoes (I use Romas)
1 lg Green Pepper
2 tsp. Cilantro
1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
2 tsp. salt
3 clvs. garlic
3 large onions (if you aren't a huge fan of onion you can always substitute with green onions)
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
4 Serrano peppers or 6 jalapenos

Seriously you will be addicted!!!

Still Excited!

I do have to say that I was one of the few people that thought that BYU could pull of a win against OU... and it really happened! It REALLY did! So Rise and Shout and cheer for the Cougars and the MWC!!! I LOVED watching Bronco Mendenhall get excited when the defense held them to go 4 and goal and I LOVED LOVED reading Max Halls lips when he said "oh my gosh" at the end of the Game.

Wathcing Sports Center and hearing them talk good about BYU is not getting old. And as a fan I am basking in the high of the Cougars win over the #3 team. The team that just happened to play in the national championship last year! I hope that this is a start of an amazing season and another stepping stone for the MWC. I can't wait until the 19th to cheer for them as they run out of the tunnel onto their very own field!!
GO COUGARS!!!!

2 Dollar Tuesday

Yesterday I took the kids to the last $2 Tuesday this year at Thanksgiving Point. When we got there the rest of the state also had the same idea so instead of going to the Dinosaur museum we went to the petting zoo. I think that the kids enjoyed the zoo more than they would have liked the museum, so it worked out great.

Playing in the Sandbox

This turtle has been on the other side of the duplex for years. It belonged to Jayson when Brets family used to live in the duplex. We have always talked about cleaning it out for the kids and putting new sand inside. Well, Monday I had ambition to get it done. Now the kids BEG to go outside to play in the sand.

Swim Lessons

This last month McKinley and I have taken a mommy and me swim class with cousin Ethan and aunt Robyn.
Kin did really well and she LOVES the water, but mostly the slide. Next year she can take a swim class without mom. :(

Tait and the Dr.

I took Tait to the Dr for his 12 month visit. He did SO good, he was a perfect little boy for the Dr. He was being such a little goofy kid while we were there and it did me proud! I sure do love this little manskies!!!

Here is his stats.. He dropped a ton on the weight scale but because he is walking around and went to soy milk (which evidently has less fat than whole milk. Surprise Surprise) the dr isn't worried. She also told me to go get a hotel room and go to the spa for a few days so that Bret can deal with Tait going off the bottle. I knew there was a reason I LOVED our Dr.

Weight - 19lbs 12 oz - 5%
Height - 30.7 inches - 67%
Head - 47mm - 60%

The Last Couple Weeks...

Went to see the floats for the parade Kin got her face painted.

Drove through Idaho and saw this CRAZY big Budweiser sign

Stopped to see Jack and Margaret

Saw a car flying in the air in Montana

Rode to the top of Big Mountain in Whitefish, MT

Saw how pretty Montana really is

Went swimming in Foyes Lake (kids skinny dipped so I only posted one picture)

Played outside

Sat on a giant rocking chair

Went inside a real Tee Pee

Visited the House of Mystery

Went to Glacier National Park

And Ate Huckleberry Ice Cream Cones

It was a good time, we are glad we were able to go. Our hearts and prayers go out to my Aunt Martha who found out while we were there that she has cancer. Thanks to Doc and Linni for letting us crash at their place for the week and putting up with us.