All Dressed Up

We took a few pictures of the kids before Church today. Mitchell really came through for me. He didn't want to wear the sweater vest (he's not fond of change) and it is usually near impossible to get him to participate in group photograph's (that is a post in and of itself that I'll do one of these days). Just wanted to make sure we documented the Furniss kids all dressed up for Christmas 2008.

Christmas Cookies with Grandma Dorothy

We enjoyed a wonderful evening of baking Christmas Cookies with Grandma Dorothy and Papa Gene. This is a tradition Matt's family has that we used to do on a larger scale with all the cousins. In recent years we have scaled back the production or haven't been able to fit it in. Matt asked his mom if she would make Santa cookies with the kids this year and she willingly provided.

Makenzie even got a few Santa's minus the "coconut beard" but I personally love them because of the coconut.

We ended the evening singing a few carols with Papa Gene playing his Saprano Saxaphone. Thanks for the fun Grandma and Papa! We love you!

Joys of the Christmas Season

Today when I saw Mitchell over by the presents under the tree it made me remember that one of my favorite joys is watching the excitement the kids have as they wait and wonder. It made me reflect on all of the things that make Christmas, Christmas for me.

I love setting up the Nativity scenes.



Baking goodies to share with the neighbors is one of my favorite things to do. This year we made toffee, candy cane cookies and banana bread.

Reading Christmas books.

Sitting back to watch a holiday movie.


This was the first year Mitchell wanted to talk to Santa. Sydnee said "No, I'm scared".

Merry Christmas! I hope your Christmas Season is filled with the things that bring you joy.

CAUTION...you may want to skip this pity party.

I hit a wall today or I guess you could also say my stress level hit the ceiling. I am hoping a good venting session will help me regain control of things. When I got a call from the PTA a few weeks ago asking if I would be the room mom for Benjamin's class, I knew this would happen. I do not mind being a "helper" in fact I enjoy being a "helper" being "in charge" is a whole different story. I did not give an immediate yes hoping she might continue down her list and find another mom happy and eager to accept this post. This was not to be as she called me again, this time I said ok and hoped I could handle this. So here I am in charge of Ben's class party on Friday with little help from the other parents. This on top of the last minute Christmas shopping I have yet to do put me into stress induced shut down mode. What is stress induced shut down mode?? It is basically that a whole entire day went by very, very little getting accomplished. Why when I am stressed out do I find it hard to focus? Wouldn't it make more sense to buckle down and work towards the tasks at hand? One would think that. Unfortunately that didn't happen. I kept wishing all day that it was December 26th and I was curled up on the couch reading a very good book. 8 more days and I hope to be living my day dream. Anyone have a book suggestion for me??

Tagged by Finn

I don't have my own blog, and if I did it would look just like this one and Cristy would have to maintain it as well. This post is me, Matt giving in to Finn's demands.

2 favorite names:
Engelbert Humperdinck. I always thought it was incredible that Arnold Dorsey adopted this name. It turns out it is the name of a famous opera composer. I cannot decide what is more strange, the fact that he willingly changed his name to Humperdink or that his career took off after he did so.
Hank. At the time we named Mitchell I developed an affection for certain names. To me, Hank seems old school tough. The world could use some more Hank's.

2 favorite months:
October. Lots of good birthdays.
December. Christmas.

2 favorite foods:
I am sure that when people see me for the first time they can quickly tell that I like to eat. It is kind of hard to limit it to just two.
Maine Lobster
Beef Wellington

2 favorite stores:
Video game stores with great bargain bin selection.
Costco. I can get a nice plasma tv with my prime grade beef and sharp tillamook cheese.

2 favorite activities:
This is a family blog so. . .
Coaching soccer
Jogging. Its the only time I get to just listen to music without distractions.

2 favorite huggers:
Cristy
Sydnee

2 favorite conversationalists:
Dave J. We disagree on stuff and he never backs down. He does have the advantage of being much smarter than me, but I wont let something like ignorance get in the way of an opinion.
Finn. Always an interesting perspective.
2 people to tag:
Dave J.
Dana J.

Thanksgiving Weekend in Lapoint

We went to Lapoint for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed good food, fun games, and visiting with our extended family. I always enjoy watching the children with my mom and dad. They are so good to them. My dad played multiple games of Candyland with Mitchell, Monolpoly with Ben, and cards with me and Kenzie. Grandma supplied endless treats and snacks, playdough, and tic-tac-toe. I got to see my sisters and a couple of my neices and their families.

Sydnee enjoyed some kitty-cat lovin'

The days just flew by. I sure wish we could see Grandma and Grandpa Huber more often. I am always glad for the time we do share together that allows my children to create wonderful memories of my mom and dad.

The Best Night Ever......

If you were to ask me who my favorite band was, I would say Coldplay definately Coldplay. Whenever I listen to Coldplay I am instantly taken to a happy place. So, to be able to go to their concert Saturday night was a dream come true. It was so much fun! They put on a very good show.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sydnee says " "

Some days I wonder if there is another 2 year old in the world that talks as much as this little girl. She is a chatterbox and she likes to know that you understand exactly what she is saying, so she will repeat it until you repeat it back to her. A couple of things she has been saying lately that make me laugh is "I'm sorry Mom, but no" and she is using the word "actually" in a lot of her sentences. When we were doing her hair today I asked her what color of pony tail holders she wanted and she said "Pink" but then she said "Actually, red". Oh I do love this little sassafras.

May I Suggest.....

Highlight of my week! I have been having some fun with Netflix. Much to Matt's disappointment I have been controlling the queue in our Netflix account. Sunday brought Gone With the Wind. Thursday, The Visitor (would not suggest). Miss Potter on the other hand was delightful!!!!!!! I have always loved the Beatrix Potter stories and thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

Happy Birthday to my Dad!

My Dad is celebrating his 79th Birthday today.

These are a few of the things I admire about my dad. He has a tremendous work ethic, he is still running his ranch in spite of his worn out knees. He has a strong testimony and love for the gospel. He loves the scriptures, his worn out Book of Mormon is proof of this. He has a quiet, gentle nature.....as long as you don't make him mad :).

These are ways I am similar to my dad.

1. We both cry tears when we laugh. 2. We like to play cards/games. 3. We like to eat fruit for snacks. 4. We like popcorn, buttered and caramel. 5. We enjoy reading.

I am so thankful for my wonderful dad. He is a very wise man and I love and respect him very much and hope that I can live my life in a way that will bring honor to him. Happy Birthday Dad!

Halloween......

.........Took Mitchell & Sydnee Trick or Treating at Matt's work. Went to the Ward Trunk or Treat. Visited the Beck's for Scones. Had a couple laughs at poor Mitchell's expense. Hoping no one gets sick during the night from eating too many sweets.

Pumpkin Carving

We had fun carving pumpkins Monday night.

You have probably seen a pumpkin that looks like this......

and possibly one that looks like this.........

But what about one that looks like this???????

Apparently Ben still has Weezer on the brain. Very creative Ben!

A Sydnee story.....

It seemed as if Sydnee and Mitchell argued non-stop yesterday. Apparently it carried over into Sydnee's dreams. During the early hours of the morning we heard her cry out, "NO DITCHELL(Mitchell) I HATE TIME OUT".

Fall Soccer Season in review

Ben's game in Kayesville last night brought the Furniss Family Fall Soccer Season to a close. This post is dedicated to the sport that has dominated our lives since Matt started practicing with Ben's team in early July. Once Mitchell and Kenzie's games started this was a typical week for us. Monday-Game Ben, Tuesday-Practice Ben, Wednesday-Practice Mitchell, Friday-Practice Ben & Makenzie, Saturday Game-Mitchell, Kenzie, and Ben (a few times we had to split up or call in Grandma Dorothy & Papa Gene to get everyone where they needed to be on time).

This is Mitchell's team he played with our neighbor's triplets (Zach, Kate, & Jane Tew). The boy 2nd from the right ensured complete domination over all other teams.

Here are a few fun shots of Mitchell in action. Mitchell loved playing soccer. He loved having a cool blue uniform. He loved running. Matt would have to call to him to look for the ball as he ran from one side of the field to the other. Another thing that was cute is when Mithell would do a kick in from the side line he would get a running start from a few feet back.

Mitchell "looking good" and exchanging "fives" with his buddy Zach.

Makeznie was on a team was made up mostly of first time players. Needless to say they struggled through their season. Thanks to an awesome coach from the last team they played they were able to get a taste for scoring.

Makeznie played goalie in one of her games. She must not have liked it too much because she didn't ask to play goalie again. She did well as goalie though.

Ben's team went undefeated this season! It made for pleasant times in our house, Matt does not like to lose :). Congratulations Ben & Coach Furniss.

A couple of action shots!

The team and the coaches (minus Coach Taberas who was out of town).

Goodbye soccer (until indoor starts in January) followed by spring season. I had a dream a few nights ago that Matt said he was going to continue practicing 2 times a week even though our games were over. I was very relieved when I awoke and realized it was only a dream. Yeah I'm ready for a break!

Tagged by Kayla.....

8 TV Shows I watch:

1. Life
2. Office
3. Heroes
4. Sarah Conner Chronicles
5. House Hunters
6. What Not to Wear
7. Good Things Utah
8. John & Kate Plus 8

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Carrabba's
2. Bajio
3. California Pizza Kitchen
4. Thai Village
5. Kneaders
6. JCW's
7. Rumbi Island Grill
8. Chilli's

8 Things that happened yesterday

1. Dishes washed
2. Went to the Zoo
3. Laundry, laundry, and more laundry
4. Dessert run to Costco (easiest way to satisfy Matt's pumpkin craving)
5. Worked on a puzzle
6. Checked for blog updates
7. Stayed up later than Matt (happens only a few times a year)
8. Felt happy all day :)

8 Things I look forward to:

1. Sleep
2. Reading
3. Matt getting home from work
4. Spending time with family & friends
5. Halloween candy
6. Thanksgiving
7. Christmas Day
8. All of my friends blog entries

8 Things on my wish list

1. Decorating my house (help wanted)
2. A full nights sleep
3. Job security
4. College degree
5. Trip to Disneyland
6. Surviving Winter
7. My kids to be happy
8. My sister's broken heart to heal

8 People I'm tagging

1. Kacey

hmmm....I don't think 8 people even read my blog so whoever does and wants to be tagged consider yourself tagged.

All in one day.....

Mitchell had a very rough day yesterday. We were preparing to go to the Scarecrow Festival with our neighbors and Sydnee shoved a door into Mitchell's eye. Unfortunately this was not to be the only trauma Mitchell encountered..........

Upon arrival I took the stroller from the van and proceeded to unfold it...all the sudden Mitchell screams out. His finger was stuck in the stroller. I couldn't get the stroller to unfold and in my memory I feel like my reaction time for this accident was super duper slow. I couldn't figure out what to do so I slid his finger out. His fingertip was flat as a pancake and Mitchell was very traumatized. I wrapped a diaper wipe around his finger and we waited in the super long line with Mitchell crying. Once we got inside we were able to find a band-aid. The band-aid worked it's magic and Mitchell soon perked up enough to get down and play some games and do some bouncing with his good buddy Hadlee.

Happy Birthday Matt!

Happy Birthday Sweetie! We love you!

Fall Fun.......

Took Mitchell and Sydnee to Pumpkin Land in Orem yesterday with my good friend Tracey and her two little ones Owen & Summer. In dreaded anticipation of the weekend weather forecast I've been trying to enjoy fall weather in case if Winter arrives and doesn't leave.

Owen and Sydnee had a lot of fun running ahead of us. At least for a few minutes, then Sydnee wanted me to carry her. We found the witch hidden in the maze, learned the secret word of the day for a treat at the end.

This giant pumpkin made for a cute picture moment.

So it wasn't as classy as "Cornbelly's" but it was much cheaper. The kids had fun! I enjoyed getting out of the house and visiting with Tracey. Thanks for the good outing idea Tracey!

Mitchell chose our pumpkin and I got a squash which is no longer on the porch as we ate some of it for dinner last night. yum yum. I'm curious though how healthy is the squash after I added butter and brown sugar to it??

I still don't want to do all the laundry and housework I put off all week while I enjoyed the good weather. Gotta go come up with another excuse for not getting my chores done! (Depressed it was cold outside today) ?Will Matt sympathize?

Weezer, the greatest band that ever lived!!!!!!!!

Cristy usually writes this stuff but I felt like this had to come from me.

This may come as quite a shock to some of you, but I declare that Weezer is the greatest band ever. I can already hear the protests. "What about the Beatles?" you may ask, or perhaps "what about Elvis?" or even "what about Neil Diamond?" I am here to say that while each of those is great in their own way, none of them are Weezer.


From the heavy metal riffs that make me question my ability to survive, to the mildly interesting story of Pat Wilson losing a shoe in the Great Salt Lake, and to Rivers mastery of first semester Spanish.....last night's show had it all.

Now, you might be thinking "maybe I could be a Weezer fan". Not so fast. To be a Weezer fan is quite a commitment, and requires near genius level of music appreciation. When Rivers points the mic at you, are you going to be able to deliver on that accordion solo? Yeah, it can be intense.
Ben and I sang at the top of our lungs to all 21 songs played. Some may call that going the extra mile, but I just consider it doing our part.

I'm pretty sure Ben had a good time and was excited about his first "rock concert" ...though looking at these pictures you may think he was being tortured. I think the poor boy feels it is uncool to show his true emotions. Stay tuned for concert review # 2 coming November 22nd!!

Another Mitchell moment.

I heard something today about Mitchell that I wanted to share. His preschool teacher told me that the other day one of the girls walked into the class and Mitchell said "Jane, you look beautiful". I believe Jane was wearing a green dress. The teacher said the moment it came out of his mouth he turned bright red and ran and hid his head in the couch. The teacher said that she told him during free time that there was nothing wrong with giving our friends a compliment.

I love my dear sweet Mitchell. He is such a good boy. His baby sister hits him all the time and he never retaliates. Matt said the other day that Sydnee owes her life to Mitchell for if it wasn't for his sweet disposition we might not have had a fourth child.

Where did Mitchell go???

Yesterday Makeznie had a friend over. I heard Mitchell asking them if he could play with them. Of course they said no :(. The next thing I see is Mitchell hurrying downstairs and into Makenzie's room. The girls come down and I hear Grace say "Where did Mitchell go?" They went in Makenzie's room and started playing. Probably about 10 minutes passed and I hear the girls cry out "MITCHELL"!!!!!!


Clever Mitchell....The girls were talking and laughing about his good trick as they left for the bus stop this morning.

Farm Country!

I have been wanting to take the kids to Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point since spring so yesterday I decided I needed to go while we are enjoying this beautiful weather. So I called my friend Christine and asked her to join us. Mitchell thought feeding the animals corn was the best thing. He wasn't keen on them eating out of his hand but he liked to set it on the ledges and watch the animals get it off.

After we waited for the pony ride, Sydnee didn't want to get on a horse and was clinging to me for dear life. The attendant told my to just stand by the horse and when we start going around to put her on and she will probably be fine. She was. She kept saying "my pony" as she was riding.

Mitchell enjoyed the ride too!

I'm glad we went. Mitchell wanted to know when we could go again. Thanks for coming Christine, Ky, and Emmy.

Happy Birthday to Sydnee!

My sweet little brown eyed beauty turned 2!

Isn't she cute!I got 2 smiles before she said "I don't like it say cheese".

Grandma Dorothy made her a cake. She was overwhelmed with such a crowd singing Happy Birthday to her and she started to cry. She loved the cake though. I think she had 2 or 3 pieces.