Dear Santa...

Last week we went to the mall to see Santa- Ethan was scared and wanted Ava to go first, but since she wouldn't go near Santa, Ethan piped up from a few feet away. " I want carmel hot chocolate, an Indiana Jones whip and video games." Ava said "treat" through her trembling voice and that was about it. I considered the trip a success besides that fact that I didn't get pictures because Ethan's hair was a mess and he was wearing some mismatched attire and I would have had to pay $5 to take pictures with my own camera... does it make me old to be able to vividly remember the days when you could take pictures of your kids with Santa without having to pay for it???

Well today Ethan had his "Winter Sing" which was awesome! On the way to school he said he can't go to Challenger next year because Santa comes every year. He was terrified of Santa- the girls on each side of him both said they would hold his hand when Santa came (he is scared of his ho ho ho, and his fat tummy apparently). Well, when his turn came up his teacher held his had and walked him up to see Santa- no matter that he is the tallest kid in the class and was the only one who had to have his hand held to get within a few feet of Santa. He got close to Santa and said, "I want a bell from your sleigh Santa." When Santa asked what else he wanted for Christmas he said, "I already told you, at the mall remember!" With all those kids he hears from, I guess Santa forgets some conversations, but at least he remembered when Ethan reminded him. I love this time of year!

It's the most wonderful time!!!!!

I can think of some talents that I have, many that others have, and some I would love to to develop ( and some, others would like for me to develop), but one is the ability to tell a great story, whether it be through writing or verbally. I have been addicted to the following blog, www.cjane.blogspot.com- I could read her stuff all day. Granted, she she has a much different, more emotional story to tell, but she can tell it in an amazing way. Others I know have a similar talent (SPW), who I can listen to all day and laugh no matter how grumpy I am. I wonder if this is a talent than can be developed or if it is just a gift...

Next, I have seen other posts asking this same question, but in light of the upcoming holidays, what are your favorite traditions? We have some in our home that we have adopted from our families of origin, some we have heard about and even a couple we have come up with on our own (that is good for someone as uncreative as I am). Our kids are at the ages when they are up for anything and make us feel great about anything we are willing to do- but we would still like to have the best traditions we can, so if you have any you love, please feel free to share.

One we will start on Sunday is hot chocolate and Christmas books every Sunday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ethan has been talking about it for weeks and I think he thinks it is every night, but that will all get straightened out I am sure. Another one we do is watch Scrooge (while we put up Christmas decorations), and we sing it most days during the holiday season and some days in the summer actually. We have tried the "Last Straw" which usually means Ethan picks up a toy, and then puts away stuff Ava is playing with, I am trying to cook with or finds a new spot for things that are already put away- this lasts about 1-2 days and then I spend the rest of the season trying to put the straw in the "easily stored" (always falling down) manger that collapses any time anyone touches the table in our living room.

Happy Holidays!!!

What else we have been up to

Ethan and Ava both had great birthdays. David and I did as well, but I don't think we took any pictures of them- sad. I don't know if Ava has been happier in her life than when all her cousins sang happy birthday to her and cheered when she blew the candles out. She got tons of dress up shoes and princess stuff- ahhh, life is so good. Ethan went to "the bouncy place" and then we had a planet party- he won nearly every game, so he was psyched as well! He also got a birthday crown at school, here it is!





OK, I think that is about enough of us for a while!

And.... we're back!!!!

David got the computer fixed last night- hurray!!! So, here I am with updates!!! Here are a few pics from England. I have to say, we had the best time! My sister and her family were fabulous hostesses/hosts, were so fun and planned great things for us to do. We had so much fun walking to school, riding scooters, playing at parks (Ethan particularly liked the pirate ship one), going to castles, listening to Hannah Montana, going into London, riding the train, meeting all their friends, eating great food (Amy is an awesome cook) and just being together. Here are some England pics...

Ava got hit with a swing in the eye- you can see the first time that happened a few posts back


Buckingham palace, David, Kari, Ethan, Ava and Marta



Frisbee in Hyde Park
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Take it on easy!

Hello! A while ago I told David to leave his car out so he wouldn't wake us all up when he went to an early meeting, it snowed, so he took my car (because his wouldn't start as he had previously told me it wouldn't). Then yesterday, his car wouldn't start- "take it on easy" was Ethan's reply. He left at 5:00 am this morning, Ethan and Ava both woke up, I decided to take it on easy and went back to sleep. They didn't go back to sleep :)

OK, now is the time for the update... I haven't done any blogging recently and rather than bore anyone who does decide to look at this not anymore forsaken blog, I will just give the recent updates. Ethan turned five last week and Ava turned two three weeks ago. Halloween was actually very fun, even though David was out of town. After going through 50+ costume options, Ethan finally decided to be a scarecrow and was one for three Halloween events. But, as we were walking out the door to go trick-or-treating, he changed his mind and was superman...ahhhh, what do you do? Wash your face and change your clothes and go to three less doors. We had a great time.

Quotable Qoute

So, we are having computer issues which is why I haven't posted anything about our FABULOUS trip to England- it is always better with pictures. However, Ethan did say something today that made me laugh, so hopefully it will make someone else chuckle as well!

I was asking Ethan about people he knew who were at a meeting we went to last week:

Kari: Do you know Debbie?
Ethan: Is she that green girl (she was wearing a green shirt that day)
Kari: Yes! That's right.
Ethan: She was nice to me, she let me into the nursery
Kari: Her name is Debbie Moody
Ethan: Why Moody (Actually it was "Why Bootie" but I thought he said Moody)
Kari: Because that is her last name, like ours is Howell.
Ethan: That's funny, Bootie, like Butt, Debbie Butt
Kari: No Ethan, Moody, not bootie
Ethan: Oh Moody

We will try to post some pictures soon!!!!

Update

As I was looking through these pictures I noticed that many of them had one thing in common. Can you tell what it is??? It may not be obvious to the untrained eye, but in about 12 or so pictures, I noticed Ava or Ethan eating Reeses Peanut Butter Cups- they seem to be the candy of choice for our family. Happy Easter to Ethan and Ava!!! They each must have had at least 5.





Ok, so I am not addicted to blogging, but here are some of our happenings as of late! Busy season is over!!!! And let me tell you there is life after busy season. We have been getting in as much play time as possible to make up for the first three months of the year. David and I went skiing, David took Ethan skiing, we went to the Bounce place (as Ethan calls it) and Ethan ran his first race!!! Elmo was probably the highlight of the race, but the medal and T-shirt have been Ethan's new obsessions. He did a great job and ran the entire way!! We have also been to a few Jazz games (GO JAZZ) and as the Jazz dancers were throwing shirts to the crowd, I cheered and yelled trying to get one and the dancer basically started telling me I had to dance and be more excited to get one- through body language of course, so I did- and now Ethan's running shirt has been replaced with an adult large Jazz shirt- which he has to wear pants- not shorts- with so he doesn't look like he is wearing a dress. Here are some pre-race pictures from the SLC 5K and 1K for Ethan- I am doomed to have an entire family of morning people (and yes, it is 12:38 am as I write this post)- one of these kids is not like the others.





Ethan has decided our family is the Berenstain Bears- except we don't live in a tree- but we do have Mama, Papa, Brother and Sister. And after he watched "Cheaper By the Dozen" one night, he called Dad the next day to say, "I want a pet for a frog". Since neither David or I are into cats, and we are not ready for a dog, we thought that would probably be a good idea. We shall see if it amounts to anything. On Sunday I walked in on Ethan's pretend play time, and heard him saying how he was going to cut off someone's head and stick his knife in him- I quickly said I didn't like that kind of talk and didn't think that was a good way to play to which he responded "I am Nephi and getting the brass plates". Hmmm... didn't quite know what to say to that. Ok, I am probably good to go for at least a month... have a good night!

By the way- is everyone LOVING Idol??? Sad that Carly is gone- but, the rest I won't miss too much. I am thinking Syesha could be next on the list... any thoughts???

My Life...

I just posted an novel about all the craziness that has gone on the past couple of weeks, but I wanted to shed some light on our happy little lives here in the Drape. When someone asks the question, "What's new?", I don't feel like I really have a lot to say, but I must say that we have an amazing little world. Ethan and Ava are purelt hilarious and make me laugh and smile multiple times a day. A couple of the new favorite things are:
- Ava blowing bubbles in the bath and saying "buhbuh"
- Ava tickling Ethans "buhbuh" aka belly button every night and him laughing hysterically
- Ethan doing great in school, kindermusick, soccer and with friends (We love you Pede and Pord) and daily saying, "Mom...(waiting for a response), "yes Ethan", "...I love you"
- Ethan getting up at 6 am to be with David and them hanging out for 45 minutes while David gets ready, both talking incredibly loud and me pretending to be asleep but hearing every word.
- David finding time to do really good and important things, even though he is absolutely drowning in work.
- Ethan writing his name (Ethan Howell)
- Ava going up the ladder and down the slide multiple times on her own and getting her own diaper and wipes (today is was one wipe...no, that does not work) and all of her accomplishments.
- The park by our house which is currently a second home to me- love it!! And with the nice weather, we often have visitors at our second home!

I have wonderful and amazing friends and we have wonderful and amazing family members- thanks to you all!!!

Scoop of the weeks...

Ava's Black Eye (and tongue)

So I have anxiously been awaiting this time of year for the past two and a half months. For some reason, by the end of February I feel like my life is over as I know it, have a couple of freak episodes about David's long working hours, and then 2 weeks later- I see the light! David's busy season ends March 31st- no, not about the end of March, but the END of March or so he says:)). I know what day I have to get to, and you can do anything for two weeks right???

Well, two weeks ago, Ethan ended up with that flu that has been going around. He was sick with a high temp. and aches for 3-4 days (I know it could have been worse)and he is a little dramatic to put it nicely.

A week ago Sunday was David's sisters homecoming, which was amazing and a great day. Ava sat quietly on my lap from the beginning of the meeting until the end and didn't even want to go to David (unheard of). I thought I must be getting some type of deserved (HA!) blessing...but I should have known something was up. She was very clingy all day, the same but whinier the next and the next, and finally Tuesday evening started a fever. You'd think I would figure it out before the fever, but alas, 101.8 degreesnand I took her to the Doctor. Of course it was 6:40 pm and the on-call doctor was an African American woman (sorry, but can any of you imagine a caucasion man doing this?). She looked in her ear, jumped back and screamed- yes, really, I am not much of an exaggerator, so maybe a yelp (for lack of a better word) is a better description. She said it was a 9 or a 10 (??? on a scale of 1-10 I asked?) and prescribed antibiotics for 10 days. That was Tuesday (well Sunday - Tuesday I guess).

Wednesday night while at the park, she walked in front of a moving swing someone had jumped off and it hit her right in the eye. She has had a black eye for a week and I have had no less than 20 people mention calling DCFS on me- thank goodness for witnesses- phew!

On Saturday Ethan came down with another fever and missed his soccer game and a play with Grandma and Grandpa Whisenant, and I missed a wedding reception. We left early from church on Sunday so that we wouldn't get his little friends sick being too close to them in class.

Ethan complained so bad about his teeth over the past week (the cavitity was HUGE and I HATE tooth pain) that we took him for an emergency trip to the dentist yesterday, who was tripled booked because of my request (Thanks Dr. Stucki who would never in 10 million years read this). That was Monday.

Then to top it all off, Ethan slammed his finger in the car door (blue, purple and swollen), screamed for 35 minutes until the IBprofen kicked in and then we went to get Frosty's because they make everything better. At the park later, he hit is face on the slide, fell of the slidy thing and hurt his jaw. That was today!!!

Ok, sorry about the boring travel log of negative happenings, but I just have to wonder, what do I have to look forward to during the next 13 days? Forget the next two weeks, what will happen tomorrow???

American Idol... who is yours??

Ok, so did anyone wonder if Brook Wight was LDS after she told Simon that she and her husband had never seen an R-Rated movie in their lives? There are two LDS singers in the top 16 this season on AI and I just wonder, when is AI going to come to Utah for auditions??

So, David Archuleta... Simon, you are right as usual, he is the one to beat. What was up with AlexAndrea and her hug to him after to final song though??? Thoughts anyone? Anyway, I loved his rendition of 'Imagine' and I had previously been tired of that song since my junior year...in high school! The kid can sing and I love his song choices! Ok, so here are my top picks for AI (in order):

David Archuleta
Carly Smithson
Michael Johns

I also like Jason C. and Brooke Wight in my own way. Not that I think they will win or should, but they just seem like "shiny happy people" if you know what I mean.

I am not sad to anyone gone who is gone although I would have liked Alaina to stay another week- I could have chosen someone else to go in her place. My picks for the top 16 would include all but: Danny, Luke, Kady, and Amanda. Danny's voice is good actually, but ... we'll leave it at that for now. Am I to into this??? Please, don't answer that...

What can you do in 24 hours???

Last night I had GNO with some friends (you know Girls Night Out for those of you who have been away too long, like myself) and we had a great time! The food was amazing - I must have had 8 dipped strawberries, and a ton of salad, bread and fruit-the company was fabulous, and the stories made me cry with laughter! Let me see if I can jog some memories out there; homemade pink taffeta Easter hats, wiping food of your childs face with your finger and licking your finger, lace collars that look like bibs, dating height requirements...ahhh, it is fun to remember the days of yesteryear and fun to get home after 10:30 pm!

This morning we had our neighborhood fitness assessment. It went...ok I guess. We started off doing sit-ups and while I was going as fast as possible, Ava walked right into the line of fire and caught my elbow in her face. Needless to say, I didn't do so hot the rest of the minute. My run went ok except for the wind- the only reason I ALWAYS would prefer a treadmill- and I have been coughing ever since, but it is not the sick cough people have been having for weeks - knock on wood.

Ethan's soccer game could not have been more of a highlight for him or myself for that matter. David stayed home from work this morning to attend and stood by Ethan every time he had the chance. Dave's parents and two sisters also came and I think Ethan was happier during his game than he was on Christmas morning. If any of you know Dave, his parents and sister, Christi (probably anyone who would read this does :)), you know they are more enthusiastic than a high school varsity cheerleading squad at the state championships- well, my little four year old had all that enthusiasm bouncing off him in a small gym full of four year olds. His cheeks must have been sore from grinning, mine were :) He played better today than I think he ever has, despite all his GQ looks at the camera. He got to the ball and kicked it over and over while he was in. Thank you for your support Grandma, Grandpa, Christi and LB!!! We came home for a quick lunch and celebration for Ethan's great soccer playing- with nothing other than oreo ice-cream!

After naps, we went to see my parents and Ethan made cookies with Grandma Whisenant and did puzzles. She even let him put the eggs in the cookie dough (huh??? He is only four, and I still have a hard time making sure no shell gets whatever concoction I am drumming up). Needless to say, so much attention in one day made him a very happy little guy.

American Idol... my guilty pleasure

Ok, so after watching the top 12 guys tonight, I have my picks of who I think should make it to the top 12. Here we go:

Michael Johns
David Archuleta (Murray High!!)
David Cook
Jason C.

Top two are my top two. We'll see how tomorrow plays out!

When it rains it pours!

Ok, when I get into this blogging thing, you get the whole bit. Here are a couple more past times for us...

Ava is still as crazy as always. She has found a new favorite hiding place (see below)- under the kitchen sink. After she opened and tasted dish washing detergent two times (Yes I have felt horrible guilt over this b/c supposedly it is the worst type of detergent to ingest), although in small amounts, I moved it to the counter top (I know I should just get the child locks!). Well, she seemed to think it was an open invitation and proceeded a few days later to mover her shoes into the cupboard under the kitchen sink- 4 pairs actually, and one loner shoe. She loves to climb in and hide in the back corner- to which I kindly pull her out over and over each day. Here she is coming out of hiding from her favorite spot!!!

Also, Ethan is an awesome helper. I think I treat him like he is 10 sometimes, but check it out- he made his bed by himself!!!! And you should have seen it before! I think he follows in Dave's footsteps of perfectionism sometimes. He folds towels, vacuums (not perfectly by any means), and does other jobs- I love it!!!




Other happenings this week: Ava has climbed into the bath tub fully dressed and turned on the water (three times), Ethan spilled a bowl of cereal (not a bite had been taken) with milk onto our lovely carpeted kitchen floor, Ava dumped macaroni and cheese on the same lovely carpeted kitchen floor, Ava fell down the stairs (only 6, she barely cried)- she has been trying to teach herself to go up and down like an adult (up two stairs- walk down frontwards over and over), and Dave and I beat my parents in spades 503-150ish. Ahhh... we hope your lives can all be as eventful as ours are!

Busy Season is upon us

In the bleak mid winter... David's hours are insane this time of year, so here are some images of what we have been doing to stay busy. I wanted Ethan and Ava to be closer in age, but they are absolutely best friends, it is pretty dang fun to be a part of the party!!! And babe, we love you!!!








One of Ava's favorite past times is dancing and Ethan has been really into his puzzles lately, which he does "all by himself, super fast".




Drinking our daily hot chocolate: Pick a flaver, currently we have mint truffle, milk chocolate, milk chocolate wit marshmellows, chocolate carmel, chocolate cinnamon, hazelnut, and Gano.



No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!

It is a momentous day. Our beloved prophet has passed away and while listening to the broadcast celebrating his life, the testimonies being shared are amazing and truly touching. I am sure he will touch millions and millions even in his death. How many lives has he touched, how many people has he met (the sheer numbers must be ...) ?? I look forward to hearing more about his life, faith and service in the coming days, and while his loss is a tremendous loss to us, I am sure he couldn't be happier.

"There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacity and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us.

In the words of the Lord to Joshua, brethren, “be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God [will be] with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Josh. 1:9)." - President Hinckley, April 2006 Conference Address

Quotable Quotes

What type of food person are you? Do you let the potatoes touch your meat, and freak if your jello salad or ketchup touches anything (like me), or do you pile your food high on a plate (potatoes, salad, vegetables,even rolls!), basically all on top of each other because you figure it all reaches the same place at the end anyway (like David)? Well, last night I promised Ethan french toast for dinner. I cooked, cut, powdered sugared it and poured the syrup before the prayer. Ethan said the prayer, and while pulling all the french toast up the side of the plate, said, "Please bless the syrup won't slide down the plate", along with about one other thing. Anyone wonder what type of person he is??? Neither do do we :)

Quotable Quotes

Ethan and I (and Ava) were in the car today driving, and Ethan said, "Who is he mama?" (said intently), and I said,"Who is who?" and he said "the guy singing... the guy said 'I just want you to know who I am.' " It was absolutely hilarious!!! I am sure many of you know that song - "and I don't want the world to see me, cuz I don't think that they'd understand, when everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am"- or something like that. Yes, I know I shouldn't go on the show "Don't forget the lyrics". Anyway, pretty funny!

New Years Resolutions

Do you believe in them?? I definitely do. Anything to get me to do better than I am today is a step in the right direction (even if it only lasts a day), my only problem is that I think about them so long, I don't really set them, so if anyone has some really good ideas, let me know.

Also, since I like looking at pictures on other blogs, I wanted to add some more from Christmas time with our family. My sister-in-law always says "you want your boys sweet and your girls sassy" and Ava definitely has some sass- if you ever see her clapping in a picture, chances are it is for herself. She is as fun as she can be- kids are so great!

Welcome 2008!!!

I don't know about you all, but does anyone not LOVE Christmas?!!! This vacation has been so amazing- ok, so Dave took two weeks off, and I think I am ready for him to retire! We took Ethan skiing last week and he did an amazing job. He kept getting mad at Dave for trying to help him, but then would be even more mad that Dave wasn't there to stop him right when he wanted him too- I think Ethan has a lot of faith in him and Dave was determined not to let that go unwarranted. Well, the second run I came with them on (4th run for Ethan), Ethan lost it- I mean really lost it- laying in the snow and crying, mad at everyone and everything and David had more patience than I could dream of having. Dave asked if he wanted to ski with me and Ethan said yes, and I said, "you know your Daddy is probably one of the best skiers on this mountain" and Ethan said "no, I am the best skier on the mountain"....at least he has confidence in his skiing abilities. They went again last week and he skied all he way down the hill with David behind him- like father like son!!! They had a fabulous time!

We also went to my brothers annual New Years Eve party - the food was far too good and I now know where Ava gets her eating abilities- ok, from both parents. They have fireworks and a pinyata for the kids every year, but can I say, for me it is painful to watch kids of different ages with a pinyata- how many kids end up crying every year?? Too many, but although Ethan only got like four pieces of candy last night he was so happy because he got m&m's for Ava- Ethan is an amazing brother.

Ava is as crazy as ever. She got a signing book for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa Whisenant and has learned (kind of) to sign sleep- it is pretty funny. Also, he idea of dancing is to turn around and around and around until she is too dizzy to stand. And she gets up and does it over and over and over. I remember doing that to my friends's little brother when we were little, but i never saw him to it to himself. Ava claps for herself everytime she does it- in fact she claps for herself when she does most things :) Well, I hope all of your Christmas's were merry and bright, and that you get through January and February ok- after this week I will anxioudly be awaiting March!! Happy New Year!!