The Philips Family

It has been brought to my attention that I am not following proper blogging etiquette. I am sorry, I will try so hard to keep you up to date under Emily Post's guidelines. Donny had such a fabulous time at his party! We had a ton of kids and it was LOUD! They made their own pirate flag and treasure map. Then we made snowmen out of marshmallows, chocolate and various candies. This is the cake during the decorating process. Bree didn't leave my side (or the frostings side) until the cake was complete. Donny was so happy with his cake. It was a great day for Donny. He got a snowboard from Mom and Dad, and lucky for us all it snowed today. It really dumped on us. He went out to practice as soon as his friends went home. He can stay up all the way down our hill. He even let Bree try, I was surprised she actually tried it, but she did really well. I am not quite sure what they are reaching for. I just thought this was a cute picture.

This year I was lazy, so we bought a gingerbread kit. I usually make my own, but not this year. The kids had just as much fun and I didn't have a pile of dishes to clean at the end. This is how David makes gingerbread houses. He simply eats as much "cangy" as possible before anybody else notices. David was really chatty with Santa. He was really excited to meet him. I had to make him wait his turn. He was telling him all sorts of fun things. We don't know what they are. I am thinking Santa must be pretty special though, because David doesn't like strangers. Bree told Santa she wants a pink guitar for Christmas. He said he would tell the elves to put her name on it after they made it so they would be sure it made it to her. Donny told Santa he wanted Kung Fu Panda this year. I'm betting he will get it. Santa gave colring books instead of candy canes. Thank you!!!!!

Grandma and Papa mountains came for Thanksgiving, and it was wonderful! we miss them so much and can't wait to see them again! The kids loved seeing them so much! This is the skirt that Sis. Manukin made Bree. It is beautiful! Thanks Sis Manukin!! Here are the kids at Halloween. Donny was Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride, Bree was a kitty, David was Squirt and Parker was a horse.

These pics are pretty old. David was so proud of himself that he could get up on the gate. He just hadn't thought about how to get down. I am so mean. I had to grab the camera before I got him down. This one is from christmas last year. Bree loved spending time with Papa putting this puzzle together. Bree was 2 in this pic. She was picking strawberries in our front yard. When we looked at the picture we couldn't help but to notice our little girl was glowing just like an angel. This is Bree's family party. She wanted a mom & baby Cinderella cake. Donny was 3 in this pic. I just thought it was cute.

This past week has been crazy, but not quite as crazy as this coming week will be. Bree had a field trip that I attended. I go on all the preschool fieldtrips. By the time David goes to preschool, he will know all the trips by heart, having attended twice already. We went on the pumpkin walk. It was so much fun. For those who do not know, I tend a little boy named Parker who has become a part of our family. I will be driving down to Salt Lake City twice this week for testing due to the accident we were in more than 2 1/2 years ago. They are somewhat uncomfortable tests, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. My friends and neighbors have been so willing to help with watching our children. They are a bleesing in our lives. About a week ago, David had a tantrum. He stomped one foot as he walked away sulking. There is just something so funny about watching a tiny boy stomp his little foot in protest. Aunt Melanie sent Bree an outfit that she loved so much she wore for an entire d...

After much nagging, I have created a blog.Today is Ed's bday, and he has a bit of a sinus infection. We went to the temple this morning and it started our day off right. Donny and Bree are now playing outside and David sleeping. After five years of having my children to myself, Donny is now in Kindergarten, and Bree is in Preschool. As soon as Donny gets off of the bus, before he even says hello, he says, "can I play with friends?" When did this start? My decent into the realm of being a mom of older kids has started. Do I like it? I am not sure. There are certainly pros and cons. They are good helpers. They take trash out, help with the laundry, can get the wii nintendo set up by themselves. On the other hand, I am having to let go of the little bit of control I once had over these precious little ones. I am no longer the smartest mommy in the world. They are starting to discover that maybe mommy doesn't know it all. This time of teaching is short. I already look bac...