Sunday, December 27, 2009

Happy Birthday Ryan!


36, finally! I've been waiting 2 whole months for this day!
Throughout all the hard times we've had, you remained focused on one thing. Us! I love how you are so in tune with your wife and children. I know you wish things could be different, but I appreciate you looking to the future and planning how to make things better. Happy Birthday!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Happy Birthday Dad


Jan Whitney Dalton 1936 - 2003

Happy Birthday, Dad! We miss you so much on this day. I can't help about thinking about your infectuous laugh and all your stories. You had so many and we LOVED to hear them. I'm sure you are keeping busy entertaining all those around you, but we are jealous. I wish you were here entertaining my kids. I can't believe you would be 73 today!

Christmas Eve, Dalton Style

Christmas Eve, 2009, we went to Benihana and had a blast. Great looking group, if I do say so myself!




















What we've been up to...


The past 2 weeks have been pretty busy, so I thought I would so a quick recap as it is 7:35 on Christmas morn and the kiddos are still asleep. Miraculous!


Grandpa came to vist. The kids always love when he is here and wish he would stay longer.





We made lots of treats which is always fun!

And the kids had a gymnastics recital. Or whatever you call it. They did a great job!! Ainsley was great demonstrating for the audience what we learned and Brandon was awesome, too!

Monday, December 14, 2009

the Nutcracker

Saturday we started a new tradition. Ainsley and I went with some friends to see the Nutcracker.



First, we went out to lunch at Oreganos. On my way out the door I asked Ainsley to grab my camera. "No, I'll grab MY camera." Fine. Whatever. We took a couple of pictures at the restaurant of the 3 girls and also the 3 moms.



On our way to the theater, Ainsley deleted all the pictures. "Well, it IS my camera, you know." Grrrr.



We got to the theater. The girls loved the costumes, the music. Other than the occasional "why can't anyone walk? Do they have to dance EVERYWHERE?" It wwas going pretty well.





Until the tights came on. Giggle giggle. Laugh laugh.

"Mom! Why don't those men wear UNDERWEAR????? You can practically see their TENDERS! YUCK!"

What could I say? I was thinking the same thing. Why is it that the girls have to wear tights, leotards AND tutu's, but the men can let it all hang out?

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Ainsley's Thanksgiving Essay




Before I post the story, Brandon had some fun decorating the family picture.

What I Am Grateful For
by Ainsley Sims
November, 2009

I am grateful for my family. I don't think my TV would hug me but my parents do. I am thankful for my bed. My dad went to China and said that people have to sleep on the floor. At church the person in charge said to write down as many things as you could but many people just put cheese.
I am thankful for my clothes. I am thankful for school. If you did not have school you would not be educated. I am thankful for trees. If we didn't have trees we wouldn't have oxygen. If we didn't have oxygen we would all be dead. That would be sad.

Feeling SO Martha part 2

I REALLY don't think any family actually read this blog... but if I am wrong, Julee, please shut your eyes. :)

Here are a few other handmade goodies for the family Christmas presents. I made these cute dolls for Julee's twins. One is still faceless, but I will change that. Alexa loves these and keeps trying to steal the brunette.

You probably have no idea what this is. It't for all the great grandparents. I made them these cute rice bags for ailing joints. The D rings are attached with velcro so they can go in the microwave, and the rice bags are inserted on the other side. There is an additional rice bag to be kept in the freezer. I LOVE the way these turned out and made one for Ryan, too. He uses a sock filled with rice and it's just not as cute.

I wish I could photograph this necklace better, but it's not in the cards. I've tried. The girl cousins all get these tile necklaces Ainsley and I made. (Not this particular one, however.) They are from glass tiles and scrapbook paper. We added resin, bails and chains.
It's been fun creating all of these presents! There are still more to come, but I am not quite finished.
Again, if anyone wants any patterns or directions, let me know. I will forward them or post them! I surely didn't make them up myself!


Feeling SO Martha part 1

I've been making Christmas presents this year for everyone. Here is Alexa's haul...

Felt Food! My friend Amy and her 18 month old Kiah have been coming over and we've been putting this collection together little by little. It's been so fun! eggs, strawberries and citrus
banana. apple and watermelon (these look much cuter in person)

pizza, cookies and donuts. I didn't show the pizza toppings, but I assure you they exist.
If anyone is interested in making their own, I can send you the links to the free patterns.


Trip to the Mesa Visitors Center



We had a fun time at the Mesa Visitors Center the other day looking at Christmas lights. Can't you tell?



Hats and gloves are absolutely necessary in 60 degree weather.