Orton Family: January 2011

Friday, January 14, 2011

Kid cuteness

Belize made another "invention" this morning, this one happened to be out of an empty pull-ups bag. She was so proud of herself.
And so was I! ;)

Belize to Brannon: Dad, do you have to go to work?

Brannon: Yes, I have to make money so you can have things like food.

Belize: What does Mommy do to make money?

Brannon: She takes care of you guys and gets paid with hugs and kisses.

Belize: Dad, your job is cooler.

Belize: Mom, I just wish you weren't so bossy.
Me: But who would be in charge if I wasn't the boss?
Belize: I guess, its just part of the mom's challenge.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Didn't see this one coming . . .

. . . . or maybe you did.

Put too many Greggs/Hawkins under the same roof and one of them is bound to hatch a crazy scheme. Here's the breakdown:

1. My family comes to visit for their respective winter breaks

2. My family takes the kids to the park while I take a nap.

3. I am woken by a phone call to come with the Pilot cause . . .

4. there is a leather sectional sitting by a dumpster waiting to be trash.

5. I immediately run to my car (a testament that I am indeed part of this family, as I did not hesitate).

6. We take the sectional in 2 car loads and carry it all into my living room (meanwhile Brannon is peacefully sleeping post-call, completely unawares (yes, the 's' is there on purpose) to our heinous plot)

7. We clean it up for the next couple days with magic erasers (seriously MAGIC!)

8. And sell it on Craigslist.com for . . . .

9. $500 dollars

10. I love family vacations and so does my wallet- hehe.

This might be one of my favorite pictures of all time of my parents. It pretty much sums their marriage.

Mom: We're working together as a family and we're having fun doing it.

Dad: Just another one of Debbie's crazy plans, but I guess she's never been wrong before . . . except that one time (although its only legend). (Also note that he is ROCKING the shirt that the kids gave him- Green glittery "Super Grandpa"s never looked so good (he also wore it out in public multiple times, not that Dad is a fashionista but he does love his Grandpa duties a lot)).

They are just so darn cute. They are reaching the age when they just mesh into one entity and will soon be sporting matching windbreakers (Dad, I can't WAIT til you read this- bahahaha).

Kyle boldly stated during this trip that he does not believe in love. Um- EXCUSE me!??!!?! Are there not cuddly kittens, baby's dimples and sunshine in the world? Hey Kyle's Dream Girl! I'm sending you a telepathic message right now- hurry UP!!! He needs you!

In all seriousness, thank you Kyle and Sarah and Mom and Dad and Brannon for doing this, it was fun and a wonderful blessing!

There was no shortage of seating.

The Masterpiece and finished product of some tender Gregg love and care. Then the clan (minus Kyle) were off to Mexico to have some dental work done - you can't MAKE this stuff up!

Sunday, January 02, 2011

The New Year

This year was so full! Full of busyness, adventure, mischief, mayhem, hugs, tantrums, kisses, cuteness, hope, sorrow but most of all- it was full of Joy! By now, you must know of my love for the word- joy. It is deep satisfaction, contentment and happiness even in times of trial and despair. Joy is not temporary, it is constant. This year was the best year I have ever had to date. So without further a due, I will present this year's goals.

Drum roll . . . . .

2011 Orton Family Goals:

1.) LAUGH. Laugh more. Laugh a lot more. Usually Brannon and I are stretched to our maximum capacity- we've decided that instead of breaking we need to have some kind of release. Without sounding presumptuous (which I totally am), in general we are pretty funny people. Brannon is great at telling humorous stories or being completely serious when he's saying something completely ridiculous. I have my witty moments, though usually I like to follow my jokes up with, "See- I'm funny" (if that tells you anything). BUT we need more laughing so hard that tears stream down our faces and we almost pee our pants. Our kids are hilarious, we just need to take a minute more to laugh about it instead of cry (in my case).

2.) Family Home Evening. Every monday night folks. Yes, this is a reoccurring goal as we have not quite been able to manage EVERY.

Shauna's 2010 Personal Goals:

1.) KNEEL. I truly love to pray but I don't so much love falling asleep while praying and then feeling so guilty when I wake up and remember that I was indeed praying, that I quickly following it up with an "Amen!". (Does that mean my dreams were a part of that prayer?- cause that would be disturbing, I have some WEIRD dreams.) So this year, I want prayer to bring me to my knees- literally.

2.) Sorry, only I know what my second goal is- its private but I feel the need to write that there IS INDEED a #2 or I would forget that it existed.

Didn't send out a Christmas card (in fact, I never have for the record) but I do feel the need to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Don't worry, half of my parents' Christmas letter was about my children (my apologies to Kyle, Richelle, Darren, and Sarah)- check out their blog (especially if you want to be super jealous that they just went to Italy . . . again).

Saturday, January 01, 2011

New Year's Eve and some chocolate

The week of Christmas, 11 of my close friends and I went on a whim to this fancy schmansy chocolate place in Brentwood, just to try some of this famous hot cocoa. It had Cheyenne pepper in it- wowza!
New Year's eve, my family was still in town so we used our babysitting vouchers (they are unlimited) and went to Cheesecake Factory with Scott and Angie Nielson (it was lovely, except for the scary thug who tried to sit with Scott) and then we party hopped the night away. I think this was the first New Years we've spent away from the house since Belize was born.