Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmas Card Craziness!

I was thrilled to get a great shot of the whole family last year for our Christmas cards. The kids were happy, the sun was setting, and although it was the second attempt, it took no more than a few minutes to snap that perfect picture. This year...different story. There had been three attempts (that's three different days of getting kids all dressed and ready!) and not a single card-worthy shot. AAAAHHHH!

It all started with getting the twins' passport pictures taken. Worst experience at the post office yet. Both kids were screaming as this strange lady (who was also in tears) tried to take their pictures while they were pinned up against the white wall. It didn't get much better when a few days later, I took them to get some portraits done at Target all done up in their fabulous Christmas attire. More crying, zero success. The manager taking the pictures felt so bad she has since offered plenty of coupons to come back. Not going to happen.

I decided that since my dad did such a fabulous job last year, we should go for the beach shot again with Tucker and I included. Check out some pictures that won't be on our Christmas card...

"Capri, look at Grandpa!""Sorry Capri, I shouldn't have told you where to look."Capri eating candy corn used to calm her down.Roman doesn't need candy corn, he likes rocks just fine.This was a cute picture of the two and I was tempted to use it!
So, that didn't work out as well as we had hoped. Next attempt was at home, in pajamas, all cuddled up in the kids favorite spot, mom and dad's bed. I am not going to show you a single picture because there wasn't a single one taken...lots of drama coming from that little girl and that little boy was having way too much fun jumping on the bed.

Ok, ok. What did we end up with? I am sure you are dying to see (actually I am surprised that you are still reading!).


And who knew all it would take was Polar Express in perfect view (moved the big ol chair right in front of the tv) and mom acting like an idiot with a monkey puppet on one hand and the camera in the other?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Kicked My You Kow What!

Never watched the show, but decided to try this baby out. I tell you what, I don't care what type of shape you are in, this will make you sweat!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

I have been tagged!

This is the 4th picture in the 4th folder on my computer. Easiest tag yet! Shown here are Roman and Capri at the beach. I know, I know, nothing you haven't see before, but I was just following orders. Now I get give 4 other people these orders and they are:
Nicole, Erika, Julie and Steph!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Beacon's Beach

While everyone was in town, we decided to head to the beach and watch Richard surf, dig in the sand and just enjoy what the ocean had to offer. Roman is totally in his element at the beach and it has been so much fun to take him. No more eating sand (though he does tend to put rocks in his mouth sometimes), he just runs straight for the water, gets scooped up by daddy or mommy and then gets chased back to the dry sand. Repeat...over and over again!
Oh, and thank you Cheri for taking these pics!Capri, on the other hand, is happy to be digging with her shovel, finding sea shells and rocks, and keeping her feet covered. What? Yes, she hates being barefoot in the sand. I couldn't figure out why she wasn't doing all of her typical exploring one day, when just the week before was never in one spot for more than a second. It was the lack of shoes! She seriously wouldn't budge until she realized she was just one step away from the blanket...and that's where she stayed!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Private What?

Ok, so as you know I am going private. I have a question though. Do I have to enter EVERYONE'S email address, or just those who don't have a blog? Please let me know-it could seriously save me some time! Oh, and countdown to going private begins now so leave me your email address or send it to me at alyshanielsonatgmaildotcom. Thanks again!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Thanksgiving Day

Ok, I don't want to toot my own horn, but I have to brag about our fabulous Thanksgiving. I was actually kind of nervous about putting on this huge feast because my mom has always done it with my aunts. This year, however, it was up to just me, my mom and Cheri and boy did we pull it off! There wasn't a single hiccup and everything turned out beautifully and absolutely delicious. Such a rarity in my family to be totally honest. We have had more holidays turn out like Christmas Vacation versus Miracle on 34th St, but so much fun even still. The greatest part of the day was just working together as a family-sounds cheesy, but my family really is the best.
The Cooks:


Check out the place settings and appetizers (thank you Tucker for delicious deviled eggs, yum!):
The Curtis, Ford and Nielson Families:
Me and my sweet Roman:
Our attempt to get a family picture...didn't turn out so well:
The boys:Roman was hangin' out with the boys while trying to forget about his cold:Capri with two of her favorite things, mommy's pearls and grandma:The best part for the twins, licking the beaters!

The menu included deviled eggs and spinach artichoke dip as appetizers, the most delicious yams ever (thank you Becca for that fabulous recipe!), my favorite stuffing that Tucker's mom makes, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course the most juicy turkey I have eaten! My mom soon realized we didn't have anything green so she through together some green beans, but I am pretty sure she was the only one to eat them. For dessert we ate pumpkin pie and cinnamon rolls-my fave. As you can see, a pretty traditional meal put together while watching the traditional Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by the traditional nap and movie. Aren't traditions the best?!

In the spirit of the holiday, I want to let you know how thankful I am for my family, immediate and extended. Tucker is the most incredible husband, so willing to help out with the kids, works hard everyday, and is always checking in with me making sure I am taken care of. What else could a wife want? I couldn't imagine my life without him or my two little ones. Roman and Capri are the greatest gifts and Tucker and I feel amazingly blessed to be their parents. I am so grateful that I can stay home with them each day and experience so many things with them. They are learning so much and I love to witness it all. What I love most is how cute they are together. Their little conversations (that of course we can't understand), how they play together, how they laugh together, when they hold hands in their car seats, and the kisses and love pats they give each other...there is nothing better!

To all our brothers, sisters, and parents, Tucker and I love you all so much. You all have offered such great love and support to our family and we feel so thankful to have you play such an integral role in our lives, even from miles away. I missed all those who weren't with us this holiday, but can't wait to see you soon.

One last thing, I have to let you all know how thankful I am for being a member of the church. There are too many blessings to mention due to the gospel and I am just amazed at what a difference it has made in my life.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday as well and continue your "Attitude of Gratitude" (yeah, I got that from primary) throughout the holiday season.
P.S. I haven't gone private quite yet, obviously, but am going to this week, so don't forget to leave your email address or feel free to email it to me at alyshanielsonatgmaildotcom. Thanks!