Coeur d'Alene Resort Cruise

So I forgot to mention before my Christmas post that we took all the family the night everyone got to our house to Coeur d'Alene Resort. There they have a boat that takes us past all the sweet lights at the resort and at the end on the other side of the lake is Santa at his toyshop and he had a "nice" list that he read off all the children names (including Uncle Bryce's). They were pretty excited. The only terrible thing was that he read Araleigh's name wrong and she was a little upset because she didn't hear her name. I assured her that he said her name. They seemed to have a fun time and I think it is something that we will do every year. I didn't grab my camera on the way to the resort which I was SO MAD when I got there and realized. But Lacey caught a few snaps of everyone. We both realized that through all of the pictures there wasn't really ANY of me and her. lol I guess that's what you get when you are the one taking all the pictures! I am sad we didn't get a family picture on Christmas but oh well. Maybe we can manage to snap one tonight. The END of 2010.

Speaking of the end of 2010. Tonight will be the TENTH anniversary of Cory and I getting together. Ten years ago tonight Cory was standing in my drive way and I was walking to the car and he out of the blue grabbed me and planted his lips on me for the first time. It was a bit of a shocker to me --- but something that I think he was trying to do for a long time--- he just couldn't wait any longer I guess. After that we spent the rest of the night kissing -- ahaha now ten years later he is still trying to steal kisses from me . . . only I am a bit more stubborn about giving them anymore. Crazy how fast time has flown by. 8 moves, 2 kids, and one goldfish later here we are . . entering 2011 with ten long years behind us. I don't feel that old but it sure makes me sound like it!

Goodbye Twenty Ten (the novel)

This year has been the most challenging and rewarding year for me and my family. To be honest I am happy to say GOODBYE 2010 HELLO 2011. In the past year I have endured more hardships than I thought I could handle . . . more stress, more health issues, and more depression than I have dealt with in a long time. BUT I have also found myself and the strengths that lie within me throughout these trials. I have overcome one of the hardest things I have done --- which is move away from my family. I am now the only one in my family who has lived farther than a few hours away from home. But through these trials I have found the Lord blessing me. I realize that God works through those around me FOR ME. I have realized that most of my testimony and the times that strengthen it is through the works of others. One of the most sacred things that ever happened to me what through one of my past Stake Presidents that didn't even know me. . . and now I am seeing it again through the wonderful people and friends I have made here in Spokane. I know that the Lord sent us to the place that we are at to help me get through this chapter in our lives. Cory and I were talking tonight as we drove by a home that we past up on while searching for homes here. This home was incredible . . . it was huge (not a duplex) and it was cheaper (SHOCKINGLY) than where we are now. We past it tonight and Cory said that he cannot even imagine what we would be going through if we picked it. Now that I am reflecting back on it . . . . knowing myself and what I want out of a home I cannot believe I past it up. But I remember that day distinctively and remember that I was prompted very strongly that this was not the place. I remember Cory kept saying for us to do it because seriously . . . it was huge and pretty new (Truly the Master was 3 rooms in itself). Only downer was it was on a busy street. But I KNEW that it was not the place for us. Now I know why. We were meant to be where we are right now . . . and I know it is because of the people here. They have been my only redemption in getting through this. I remember talking to a woman in the ward after one of her visits a few weeks after we moved here and her being blown away at all the things I had already been involved in and people I already knew. I was blown away to. But I truly feel like the girls I am forming friendships with here are in my life for a reason. They are wonderful and I thank them for their kind-hearted ways of welcoming me into their lives like they have.

We went home the week before Christmas and I was able to spend a lot of time with my mom. We were talking about Patriarchal blessings among other things and through our conversation I had an overwhelming feeling come across me that I haven't been able to shake. I realized through our conversation that I really don't think I am going to make it back home again . . . at least for a really long time. Now we are here --- Cory is truly making a life for our family and establishing a permanent residency that I thought I would fight way more than I am. Honestly, this feeling really overcame me and I was a bit upset over the thought. But I have realized that I am strong and I can do it! I am not sure if this is the plan for us . . . never being able to get back to little Sugar City. But if its not in the plan for me --- we will be fine . . because we will be together. My kids now have their dad back, I have a husband, and we have work. In this day that is everything. In the past year we have overcome and accomplished so many things. From being apart for over a year--to losing weight--to all of mine AND my kids' health episodes--to moving far away from the people who I love the most and completely surrounded my life around. Its been an interesting year --- the hardest. And to be honest I really hope that 2011 is Boring. lol Who knows what will lie ahead for my family . . . I do know that my son will get naughtier as he hits the terrible 2's but he will get much cuter (if possible). My daughter will get smarter and taller as she rounds up to age 5 and creeps that much closer to the big Kindergarten. Cory's work is most likely going to expand immensely -- which means he will only get busier and will be traveling again . . . and as for me . . . I will probably still be the same MAYBE (hopefully) a few pounds lighter :\ . . . but my goal this coming year is to learn more about my Savior. I am going to truly search and ponder the scriptures to know him more. There are so many things that I am learning that I didn't know because I just read through it . . . but my goal this year is to ponder more and try not to just do my routine. The last month I have truly felt the spirit in our home as peace has started to overcome me. I have let go of the hurt of the move and have accepted our future . . . and I see the relief in Cory's face. I have seen him grow and his thirst for knowledge increase. He is becoming so much more of a student of the scriptures and I love watching him as he is learning and yearning to know more than he already does. So even though I won't be sitting at my mom's table at midnight tomorrow night-- eating her fabulous New Years breakfast . . . I will be thinking of my family and hopefully trying to find new traditions with my own. I hope the New Year rings in well for all and we all can look to the future for growing and accomplishing much more in the year to come.

Watch out NBA -- Toddler style!

Canden seriously is getting good at his basketball skills. This go around he is standing on the ottoman but USUALLY he is on the ground dunking everything he shoots. He seriously is our ball player. lol Please excuse my commentary. . (and Araleigh's snotty attitude at the end)

Cute moment of the day

So I thought this was a bit blog worthy because its what I want to remember.

This afternoon I put Canden down for a nap and was doing some reading and all the sudden got so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open (this never happens to me). Anyways, so I layed down on the couch and the next thing that happened was I was woken up sweetly by my little girl. When I started waking up I realized she had placed her 2 favorite blankets on me and then she kissed me on the cheek and whispered softly "Sweet Dreams, mommy." How cute is that? It just made my day. I realize how kind hearted she is. She is always wanting to take care of everyone. She is ALWAYS helping her brother and letting me know when he is in trouble if she can't help him. After I woke up she came and laid by me. She looked at me and said "Mommy, I just love you so so much. I also love Canden and Daddy too. But I do really love you so so much." Seriously this little girl melts my heart. I don't know what I would do without her sweet spirit in my life reminding me of how I need to be better for her and Canden. The simple moments in life are so bittersweet and I am grateful for them to keep me going. Araleigh, you truly are the sunshine in my life. I love you sweet girl.

Christmas 2010

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Well Christmas has come and gone and I am so sad. I absolutely LOVE this time of year and get so bummed when its over. But we had SO MUCH FUN. I LOVED being home for Christmas and having everyone here. It seriously, worked out amazing. We weren't squished and the kids played "pretty" well. The Arnolds always act out the live Nativity and the last few years its been the kids. Araleigh is the lucky one to play Mary considering she is the ONLY girl. Hopefully that will change in the Trenton and Bryce posterity. WE NEED SOME GIRLS. lol Anyways, Uncle Trenton helped be a wise man and helped the kids. Uncle Bryce was the donkey to carry Mary in (pretty funny). Parker and Canden wouldn't keep on there blankets - Though Canden did pretty well. We ate a ton and ate some more. I think truly we all had a great Christmas. I always loved Christmas growing up obviously getting presents and giving but NOTHING beats having kids on Christmas. Yes, its fun getting things and all but the best thing in the world is seeing my children come in on Christmas morning and getting to open up their presents and get excited. It was awesome. This stage is so much fun for me right now. Canden understands us and is communicating. . . and it now a pro-toddler basketball player. He seriously goes 3 feet away and makes the baskets. He is getting seriously good. He plays with his hoop ALL DAY LONG. Araleigh got her pillowpet, doll house, baby, and lots of other stuff. She absolutely LOVES her pillow pet --- she won't sleep with any other pillow now. On Christmas night I went in to check on her and she had all 4 of her pillows thrown across the room and there she was with only her pillowpet on the bed. She loves it. Canden got lots of cars too and seriously enjoyed his little four wheeler. He hasn't had a lot of time to ride it cuz there was so much fighting over it we had to put it up but now its just us we will get it out again. I am so grateful for the Holidays. For the joy it brings to our souls and the happiness we see spread. I am so grateful for the birth of our Savior, the Redeemer of the world. How precious a gift we were given that very day. I am so thankful for what we have and that I was able to give my kids a Christmas. I truly had so much fun enjoying the Arnold clan and love them all dearly. We were all spoiled and just had an amazing day. On Christmas Eve we did the traditional Arnold Seafood Dinner. Then Christmas day Jeff cooked Prime Rib (which obviously everyone else enjoyed . . not me though) We all literally didn't shower or get out of our PJ's ALL day on Christmas and it was so much fun. We also had a Modern Family marathon. I have now gotten everyone into it. SO FUNNY. The kids did really well until Christmas night -- but it was like Day 3 and then new toys were involved so it was bound to happen. What a great ending to a tough year. Seems like looking back SO much has happened and so many trials have been endured. But now I am here and with my little family and settled it feels like we have been here forever. I am seriously looking forward to ALL that 2011 has in store for us. I am so excited to see what will come of our family, extended family (whether it be weddings or babies), Cory's job . . . and just getting to see my kids get taller and smarter! Next year will be a great year. No looking to the past only looking forward to a bright "skinnier" future . . . haha (hint hint . . I will lose my weight again this year.) And I am DETERMINED that this is the year that we will do a family trip. I am HOPEFUL that Mickey Mouse Ears will be involved. But then again --- we will see if those dreams come true. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

18 months of smiles!

My sweet little man is finally 18 months and I can't believe it. The last 18 months have been filled with lots of worry, even more laughs, and more love than I thought I could give. Who knew that having two kids would produce MORE love than ever thought possible. This little man captures everyone's heart. He is and will be a heart breaker. He is such a tease . . . he is a sneaky little thing and gets what he wants with a smile on his face. He absolutely LOVES his sister. Canden sure has given me a taste of what his dad was like when he was little and I know that he will give me grief-- but I will be laughing as I get it. He is growing SO fast and talking SO much. Here is a list of words he is saying . . . which I probably will miss a ton because he repeats everything we say.

Daddy, mommy, Gampa, Gamma, Ahyee (Araleigh), puppy, kitty, Doa (dora), shoes, ippy (sippy), nigh nigh (night), uuv you (love you), more peez, Dow Away, tree, uck (truck), nose, eyes, toes, Ockat (chocolate), num nums (treats), eat, ankie (blankie), hot, wa wa (water or bath), car, baby, ball, go (he yells go everytime he runs!), D

I know there is a ton more but I cant think of them right now. He is really talking like crazy. He repeats everything we say and is a little sponge. Canden and Araleigh are the best of friends . . . she loves playing with him and gets so upset when I put him down for naps cuz she gets bored. He is so much fun to have in our family . . I have never felt more busy having him but that comes with having boys. He is ALWAYS into things and is obsessed with the toilet. He LOVES brushing his teeth and taking a bath. As soon as he heres the word "bath" whether its meant for Araleigh or mommy --- he is standing at his bathroom door waiting while trying to take his clothes off. He tests me all the time and makes me laugh daily. Theres hardly a time when he is in trouble --- and I am not laughing about it. We have dropped him down to 1 nap a day UNFORTUNATELY but he just wasn't napping well and would cry the whole time when I'd try the second time. He has truly been a huge blessing to our family and we love him more than we could imagine. . . Pictures to come. ( I currently have to go pry him out of the Christmas presents that he keeps opening. Lil Stinker)

Araleigh's Dance

Araleigh had her Dance recital on Saturday for Ballet and Tap. It was a little chaotic and getting TO the recital was a 100% NIGHTMARE. Araleigh absolutely hates tights and anything tight around her bum .. . so it was a horrible morning fighting with her to get ready. we finally as always settled on leggings. At the end of it she looked cute and we endured. She did very well. She is always so good when it comes to not messing around and watching the teacher. Her friends are in dance with her and she loves it. Her picture is with her friends Brooklyn and Kyla. These are the girls we do playgroup with. Araleigh always loves playing with them.
Canden was so sick the whole time. Lacey and her boys came up and they played for the weekend. Now I have realized that the whole weekend was filled with a progressing illness fest. Us girls had a sore throat all week and Canden had a really bad cough and runny nose. As of today we have Canden who has a double ear infection, fever, pink eye, flu and cold . . . Araleigh has a terrible cold and just started puking, I am getting over a sore throat and now feeling the bug trying to get the best of me. My house seriously smells of vomit. I walked in from going to the store and almost puked on the spot because of the smell. I realized that its because of the puke that was splattered all over the floor and couches . . . JOY. I am only hoping tomorrow is better and we are all bright and sunny!

Little Horns

This will be Canden's new name: Little Horns aka "lil monster" HE IS SUCH A TURD. This week we have found a new love of pens. Yes, my ottoman has seen the most artwork it ever will. (four times!) Also to through in the Canden aka Lil Horns artwork collection 1 couch, one love seat, on arm of the couch, one back of the couch, and one dining room table. All are seeking medical help to try and be renewed. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh. I finally took all pens away and he was smart enough to rethink his artwork . . . so he found one of Araleigh's lipgloss to get him through. This is the #1 Hardest things to get off of the ottoman.

Canden has added a hundred words to his vocab. BUT his ABSOLUTE favorite thing to say right now is : "YOU DOW AWAY" . . . yes I hear it a lot around here. He is usually saying it to me because I am always intervening in him and whatever naughty thing he is about to do. Usually it has to do with the pen OR most likely to do with the tree. Yes, he has found his heaven . . . one tree filled with a bunch of BALLS for him to throw around. His FAVORITE new hiding spot is currently UNDER my tree. He is truly a handful but he is 100% cute as a button and will most likely go unpunished until further notice. His lil grin and "mommmy, dov you" (love you) is worth all the ink and scrubbing in the world. . . . . SO if anyone sees a little 18 month old with a "FOR SALE" sign on his forehead in my front yard -- please don't take him. It will only take me a day to so to recoup and then I will be eagerly munching on his scrumptious cheeks again while he is flashing his 7 pearly whites at me!
Love my little horns!

Thanksgiving 2010!

Wow! Thanksgiving was a good one this year. MINUS the huge downpour of snow. It all starte
d with a girls trip to Utah. . filled with way too much shopping on my part. We ended up getting stuck in Utah for an extra day which kinda shook up our plans for the week, but we still had a good time. We always love being with the family. This year we spent Thanksgiving with the Hendricks clan. As always moms food was amazing and we were all stuffed birds by the end of it. That night we had a surprise visit from Santa! The kids went nuts like always. Canden was such a little goof ball. All the kids knew what to ask . . . and were excited. Not Canden he was one mad little man when it was his turn. Before Santa got there my dad took each of the kids and had them each say what they were Thankful for. It was cute. Canden kept going around and attacking everyone. Poor Logan kept getting the run in. But he seemed to think it was just as funny as the rest of us. Here is Canden caught in the action of attack.


We had a great time and this year Cory even decided to FINALLY join me for Black Friday shopping. I was so thankful he came it means more to me when he is apart of things like that. We started our night at 9 pm on Thanksgiving and then got home at 6:30 am. We spent most of the night at Walmart but it was a fun night.



This year I just want to state a few things I am truly thankful for.

I am so thankful for my wonderful family. I love my kids more than anything I can imagine and am grateful that they have been brought to our home. I am so grateful for a husband who is trying his best to do what he think is right and provide for us. I am also thankful for my parents and my in laws and how wonderful they are. We have been blessed with such great examples in them and I am always comforted to know that when we are in need or are seeking knowledge, especially in the Gospel . . they are there to guide us. I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food on our table. So many people are without work, homeless, and hungry. It makes me terribly sad to think of all the people and kids out there who haven't eaten today . . . and my kids are fighting over which fruit snack or pudding to consume before dinner. Most of all I am so thankful for the Gospel and a Heavenly Father who loves me. I know that he has shown his hand in my life especially lately. I know that the ways that have been paved for us to get us where we are today are not coincidental. He has provided a way for my family and has sent in my eyes angels to help me get through one of the toughest moves I have yet to do. We have had nothing but good experiences being here and are starting to truly love it.. which I never thought possible.

Pictures with Santa. Obviously Canden was PISSED about it. lol Which surprised me because he had fun teasing Santa when he arrived.

Tender Mercies.

So the past few days I have really been reflecting on the blessings in my life. Cory thinks I am this super negative person for some reason . . . but mostly it is because of this move and how hard it was and coming out of that terrible year I just had with all the health problems and having no husband. . . so I have this past week mentally tried to reflect on the good so I can get my mindset going in that direction. I have realized that there have been so many things that has just fallen into place and I now KNOW that this is where Cory needs to be in his job. I have been so negative with this move only because with this economy I didn't want to move if this job wasn't going to last. But I now know better. There were so many windows open to us to get us up here. . . first off Cory told me the other night that his boss told him about the night they met. He told Cory that they weren't even planning on going to the Ag Show that Cory was at. It was later at night and they both needed to be home, they were ready to give up on their turbine because they didn't know how to launch it or take the next step. They at the last minute decided to just go to the Ag show. That is where they met Cory. Constantly after they met him they were calling him and asking him for help and advice. Then after only a month or two they offered him a job. It was a huge sacrifice on his boss's part because the expense was coming out of his pocket. Within the first few weeks of Cory working for them he had his first turbine sold. Then in the first like 6 weeks he had like 7 sold. It was amazing how it went from a company deciding whether to give up to one that was now floating itself. . . Cory absolutely loves his job and now knows this company will be huge and he is a major part of the reason. Well, when I knew it was inevitable that this was going to explode I knew it was time to move. Well, immediately I was stressed about preschool. His boss let me know of who he takes his daughter too. I called her immediately called and she said "well, your lucky I had a drop out yesterday." She let Araleigh take the spot. Which since I have found out we were lucky because apparently she has a waiting list . . . and I have no idea why she let Araleigh go. And I am SO grateful. It is the best school I could have imagined. Araleigh is pretty much almost preschool ready and she still has another year after this one. She now is starting to read small words and knows all her numbers now. She knows how to write all the the letters in the alphabet --which she knew before but not as well.
Then, the week I moved up here I was seriously SICK about getting Araleigh into a dance or gymnastics class I had her going to the free classes that the places let you go to. Well everything was SO expensive and I was SO stressed about it. So my first Sunday at church which I was also really nervous about --- I was so welcomed and found instant friends. Well, they told me immediately about the dance their girls go to . . which was the same price that I had paid last year. She now loves her dance class as well. I immediately was welcomed by some wonderful women in our ward too. This has been probably the greatest blessing for me. It is definitely true that the Lord works his magic through others. I think if it weren't for these women and my sister in law I would probably have left to go back. I was devastated leaving my family and my friends in Idaho. . . and I have now realized that I can do it with the friendships I am creating here. There are just so many things that have fallen into place. I only hope that it can continue to stay and uplifting experience. Especially through the holidays. I am grateful for the little tender mercies that I have received lately. Mostly through other people ---- it makes it easier to cope with being ripped away from my family and friends. I also think that in a way Cory and I have gotten closer. We are having to rely on each other to get through these hard times . But this is where we belong and I am really starting to get more positive about being here and I am starting to find happiness.

Happy Halloween 2010

Well, this year for Halloween we decided to head down to Clarkston so Araleigh and Canden could have some friends to go with for all the festivities. It ended up being a pretty long weekend. This year Araleigh was a Butterfly. She looked more like a fairy -- thats what everyone kept calling her. But we had Butterflies all over her face to try and distinguish.

Here is my little Butterfly:

Araleigh FINALLY got her butterfly costume. If you read back she has been obsessed with butterflies and the fact it will make her fly. Well, she put on the costume -- looked at me and said "but mom, this butterfly costume won't fly?" So now we have changed from a butterfly costume to a witches broom as stated by her "NEXT YEAR I will be a witch because a broom will fly for sure!" . . . Silly Dora and the Halloween episode. My daughter is determined to fly to the moon and see "Jesus" . . . . Just not yet I pray.

Here is my little Skeleton(he was really sad cuz they shut the door on him)

Parker and Canden walking the streets for Candy.

The kids seemed to have a good time. It is always nice being with family when mine is so far away now. We went to the downtown vendor trick or treat on Friday and then the trunk or treat for Lacey's ward on Saturday. It was A LOT of dressing up for Araleigh this week. Canden originally was going to be a dragon but when I got home and tried on his costume it was too small. So I found this skeleton outfit in the drawers that was given to us. It was a good Halloween although I truly missed being home with my family at their party they had. The kids always have fun at the parties my mom and dad come up with . . and it kills me that my kids are missing out on those.

16 months!

My little Canden boy is 16 months old. WHERE DID THE TIME GO? I am such a dud and forgot to write down what the stats were at the doctor ... but I do remember that he was like around 20-21 lbs and no idea how long he was. . . maybe 37"??? He was 5% for weight and 40% for height. (I think). :\

Canden is FULL of life. He is ALWAYS on the run and looking for things to get into. He definitely keeps me on my toes and though he is always stressing me out because of him being on the run all the time.. that kid is ALWAYS making me laugh. He is such a tease. He will wait to get into something at the very last minute-- just so I can catch him doing it. lol I sure love that kid. He is such a cute thing -- everyone is amazed at his true toe head (I'm not sure why because there are tons who are toe heads.) But for me its not news--- have you seen his dad? Talk about a blondie!
Canden at this ripe age of 16 months now has 7.5 teeth 4 on top and 3.5 on bottom. He says many words now: mommy, daddy, puppy, sippy, bye, hi, num-nums (food), eat and I think some more but I can't think of them right now. He absolutely adores Araleigh. Usually you will find him right by her side --- covered in makeup or in her princess shoes . . right along with her. Cory keeps getting mad tell me to get him a G.I. Joe --- but babies are so much more fun when sister is playing too! lol He has been a blessing in our family and we just are amazed at both our kids everyday. We love him so much and are so happy he is in our family. Pictures to come (haven't taken any good ones lately!)

Pumpkin Patch

So last weekend we went and spent Friday and Saturday with Lacey's family. It's always nice to get away and be with family. It's one of the only things that has made this easier. The kids always have fun. We went to the pumkin patch and let them pick their pumpkins out. It was the first time we have done this . . Araleigh loved it. We then let her and Preston go through the maze. Let's just say -- after us guiding them through 2-3 times and once with them trying by themselves and then screaming and crying that they were stuck and lost, it ended up being a good night. During this weekend -- we did manage to get a date away from the kids -- WOOSH! Its so amazing how just getting away for an hour or two can rejuvenate me. Being up here with NO ONE and NO BREAKS . . its been so hard to stay sane -- but you do what ya can!

Pumpkin Carving

So for family night we did our pumpkin carving. The kids had fun . . and out of the big book of faces and things for pumpkins -- all Araleigh wanted was a simple smiling face pumpkin. She was SO excited. All she could talk about ALL DAY LONG was when she was going to carve her "Punkin"
As for Canden --- he just kept wanting to scrape the pumpkins out and when they were cleaned out he was so helpful to put all the goulash and seed back INTO the pumpkin. lol He is so stinking cute.