Buddy the Elf is staying with us!!!

"Does syrup have sugar? Then yes!"
This happened earlier today, and I was laughing so hard. I had to share it with you...

The kids have loved watching "Elf' during the Christmas holidays. Usually I'll get a movie started for them and then "work" on the computer in the other room.
Well, this morning Jackson woke up and said he didn't want to eat because he wasn't feeling well, so I let him lay on my bed and I gave him a couple of crackers. A little while later he & Morgan were watching a movie downstairs and I heard this:

Morgan: What is that Jackson?
Jackson: It's syrup... it will help me feel better.
Morgan: Why do you have syrup?
Jackson: Because I am sick and I need to drink it so it will make me feel better.

I was in the other room just listening and I figured he had brought down the syrup bottle, or found one in the storage room, but when he said he needed to drink it to help him feel better, I thought maybe he had gotten a hold of the medicine somehow, so I walked in the other room to check things out.
Me: Whoa... ( as I see a bowl full of nice sticky syrup) what are you doing?
Jackson: I need to drink this so I will feel better. (

At this point he starts to pull the bowl up so he can start to drink the syrup. GROSS!!!!

I took the bowl from his hands and explained how we can't have syrup downstairs because it's really sticky and would make a big mess. I also told him how we don't "drink" syrup, but we eat it with pancakes.

Me: Jackson, are you hungry?
Jackson: Yes
Me: Do you want pancakes for lunch?
Jackson: Yes, and I want chocolate, and peanut butter, and syrup on them.

I have no idea where he got this combination at. We have NEVER had this for breakfast, or any other meal, and then I thought, wait a minute... he's been watching the "Elf" movie a couple of times and Buddy eats TONS of syrup. Thankfully Jackson didn't want to combine it all with pop-tarts. I think I would have put a stop there. I did spread a thin layer of "Nutella" and peanut butter on it, and he put syrup on it, and ate it up. He was the happiest & funniest kid I have ever seen.

I think Morgan thought the whole thing was weird. (According to our kids we don't say "weird" in our family) I have no idea where they got this from, but whenever Brian or I say 'weird' one of the kids will say, "We don't say weird!" Anyway
Morgan did want peanut butter and syrup on hers though.
And Hallie was just amused by the whole thing. She was as happy as could be with her little pancake.

Who's the biggest kid?

Today I went with my mom and sisters shopping. Wait, let me back up. The other day it was snowing, and the next morning Brian woke up at 7:00 and went outside to make a huge hill for the kids because "it had to be done!" He was out there until 9:00 getting the hill perfect for them. The kids then went outside and they spent the afternoon playing and fixing the hill. So, now today, I came home from the store, and the kids and Brian are outside making the hill even better. It now has stairs that lead up to the top, an igloo, and if you notice in the middle picture, a nice 2nd hill for an even better ride. The kids are having the time of their lives, and I think Brian is enjoying himself just as well. ;) As for me, I like just watching from the window enjoying hot chocolate. :)

The Story of Santa Coming from Jackson the Reporter

Jackson came with me to Morgan's program, and was amused the entire time. He even got a turn at the end to sit on Santa's lap. When we got home, he started whispering something while we were eating lunch, and I asked him to say it again. He told me he was going to tell Daddy about it when he got home, so I had to record it. He is whispering, so you'll have to pause the music and turn the volume up, but it will make you smile. This is what the teacher said when the special visitor was coming. Enjoy! :)

Morgan's Preschool Program...For the Grandparents

Morgan had her Christmas PreSchool Program yesterday, so I video-taped some of the songs to show Daddy, Grandpas & Grandmas, & Family. Morgan was so excited to sing her songs, but then started acting really shy. All of the songs were pretty short, & of course cute. This is the shortest one. Enjoy & Merry Christmas!

Problem Solved...

Last year, I went to the store way too late to get snow boots. When I finally found some they were really expensive, so last year the kids didn't have snow boots. This year, I went out early... as soon as I saw snow boots I got them. We gave the to the kids and the first thing they did was get dressed in their snow clothes... just one problem... the temperature has been 50 degrees, with NO snow! So they have patiently waited until according to Jackson, "There is LOTS of snow!" So today, they went outside in the backyard and had a great time swinging on the teeter-totter. I'm sure they'll be out there lots this season. :)

Santa Claus is coming to town...

On Saturday we had a fun Christmas party with all of the Nuttalls, and Santa even came with his 2 elves! The kids had such a fun time, and even Hallie enjoyed Santa--- of course her own candycane helped too. :) Here is what the kids want for Christmas:
Hallie... blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, she just smiled. :)
Jackson: A blue ball and a candy cane. Does that surprise you? For those of you who know Jackson, all he ever wants is a blue ball... he asks for one for every Christmas, and every birthday. We have many blue balls at our house. :)
Morgan: Polly Pockets (which sadly she is not getting... Santa and I had a little conversation a while ago...with Hallie crawling & eating everything, the last thing we need right now are little tiny shoes & little bodys to eat and choke on) but don't worry, I think Santa will get something for Morgan that she will absolutley love... something she hasn't even thought of yet, but will just love I'm sure!

Merry Christmas

My friend did this with her family on their blog and Jackson and Morgan have begged me all day to "watch the Carson one," (her youngest son) so I tried finding the one I had done of them last year, but obviously it wouldn't load, so here is the new one, which the kids have watched over and over. Even Hallie enjoys it. I'm sure Brian will love it too... especially his cool moves. :) Enjoy!

A little Christmas Cheer

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Sweet & Sassy...

Sweet yet sassy... what am I going to do? This little chica is so much fun to be around, and has such a fun little sweet personality, but lately will not listen, and she feels that she can talk back to anyone, especially Brian and I. Thankfully she doesn't talk back to her teachers at school & church, & other adults, but what should I do? What do you do with your kids that has worked? Help!!!! :)
Now seriously, how old does she look in this picture? Just a little bit Sassy?! Does she look like a 4 year old who is about to turn 13? Brian saw this picture, and almost had a heart attack. Oh, and I wanted to get a picture of her looking over her shoulder... the hand on her hip was her idea. I think she had this look in mind.
Yep, there's my sweet little girl. No, she wasn't mad at me, just trying to be funny. Thankfully we were done with the photo shoot. She actually did wonderful and was very cooperative, and a huge help with Hallie. Sometimes I don't know if I just want to hug her & tickle her, or send her to her room. Little stink!

A new place for Pictures

My friend showed me some pictures that she and her family had taken, and I LOVE the background. She told me where it was, so we took the kids to take some practice pictures. I told Brian where to go and when he saw the place he didn't think I was serious. He said, "Wow, this is really rustic!" I said, " I know, I love it!" I think he was nervous because it was a burnt-out building and there were workers in the area... not really a place I'd want to be alone at night. We then had to call "Lou" to make sure it was okay to take pictures here, which he said it was fine, as long as we didn't go in the building and sue him. :) The pictures turned out so cute, and the kids were so cooperative even though it was freezing.
Isn't that a cool background!

Here's my handsome little man.
I LOVE this picture!!!! I want to make the background black & white, and them still in color. I love how Jackson is leaning in with his hands in his pockets because he was so cold, and Hallie holding Morgan's hand. They are so stinkin cute!
I have one picture of her where she looks like she is 16... she's got her hand on her hip... let's just say we're in trouble. For you mommy's out there... how do you deal with a 4 year old sassy, but cute little girl?
My cute little baby will be 10 months old next week!!!!! She was trying to eat the rocks, so we had to hurry. The shoes were Morgan's and I decided to try them on Hallie since she's starting to stand. They barely fit her, and these are shoes that Morgan wore until she was at least 15 months. I love purple on her.

My Photography Blog

It has been 4 1/2 years since I have worked at a professional photography studio, and I have now decided to go out on my own. Ever since Morgan was born I have been practicing on my 3 little models, & have finally decided to start taking professional pictures for other people again. I've spent the last couple of months preparing myself for this, and I feel that I am ready! I am so excited about starting professional photography again. I feel that one of the most important things in this life is capturing the everyday moments & expressions with pictures. So, take a look at my new photography blog melissanuttallphotography.blogspot.com and I would LOVE it if you would pass the word around. Thanks--I love you all!

Let me explain...

What am I doing? It all started a long time ago... in a land not far from here. Since I was the oldest child, I was often left alone to entertain my younger siblings. I would try desperatly to be as creative as I could with cleaning, washing the dishes, & eating, but it just would never work, and my sisters & brother would never do what I wanted to, so I decided to have fun, and invented the "Melissa Carnival Adventure Land" (my siblings never knew this was the title) :) This Carnival land included all sorts of fun rides & activities... now, fast forward 18 years and now it as known as "Mommy's Carnival Rides" (Let me explain...I walked upstairs at my parents house, and saw my sisters & my brother in law all on their hands & knees with my neices and my kids walking across their backs. I soon joined, thinking it would be nice to have little feet massage my back as they walked across. It then turned into a carnival game) :)

Here are the details of the rides:
First we have the airplane ride as seen in the 2 pictures. I lay on my back and hold the kids, or my sister Brittany on my feet... great exercise & balance practice. Brittany & I were laughing so hard! And don't forget the airplane noises that go along with the ride.

Next we have the Booster Shot:
This ride consists of me laying on my back with my feet out, the person then comes and sits on my put, and I push my legs out with force. For some reason, I have never done this with my kids... I think I might boost them too far, and accidentally throw them across the room, thus causing several body breaks. And, my sister just had a baby in October, and I think her baby probably needs his mama in one piece. :)

Then we have the rocking chair, which is ONLY for LITTLE kids! I lay on my back, and make a chair out of my legs, then the kids buckle my arms for their seat belt, and away we rock as I exercise my back muscles & again work on balancing. This KILLS my body with just little kids, and so I chose not to try this with Brittany, plus it might be a little awkward. :)

And last, but not the least favorite, the classic pony ride... again, only for little kids.

So there you have it... the Melissa/Mommy carnival. Did I mention that the kids always give me a ticket (slap my hand) when they want a ride. I should start charging them money.

We always have such a fun time with my family. I'm so glad we can all entertain each other. :)

Jackson: Full of Personality

Jackson's name really does mean "Full of personality!" Here are some fun stories I wanted to write down before I forgot.
What is that in his mouth you might ask... are those his teeth? I hope not! I would die if his teeth were that yellow, or actually orange! Nope, it's a nice piece of cheese, and he thought he was so funny. When I was helping him get dressed this morning, I asked him if he wanted to wear this shirt, and he got this excited look on his face, made his right hand in a fist, shot it up in the air, and said, "Yes, I will wear this shirt today" as though it was some victory! He is such a funny kid!!!!

Every time I have Jackson wear jeans lately he has an accident... why why why? He looks so cute in jeans, and I can't figure it out.. maybe it's the fact that he has to undo the zipper, or that he feels so stylish in them that he doesn't want to take them off even to go to the bathroom. Brian thinks he may have to wear sweats for the rest of his life.
* Now, 2 days later, he wanted some chocolate balls that my sisnlaw gave us from Switzerland. I told him he could have one, and save one for Grandpa. I forgot he had them, and looked over and saw both cheeks had grown. I said, "Jackson what are you eating" and then I remembered the chocolate...yep, both at one time.
*Today I had a mini reeses peanut butter cup on the counter for Brian, and I saw Jackson on his tippy toes trying to reach it. I told him he couldn't have it because it was for Daddy. He then said, "But I will just have a little bite!" Yeah right!

A couple of days ago I went to an activity day activity and for dessert they had the dirt pudding cups with worms in them. They had extras and the leaders told me to take some home to my kids. So, I gave them to Morgan & Jackson, then I had to leave. Brian told me later that when they were eating them after dinner this is the conversation he and Jackson had...
Brian: Eeww yuck, I don't want any of that.
Jackson: But it's good daddy.
Brian: No, it looks gross... eeww I don't want to eat dirt.
Jackson: Just take a little bite daddy, and think, mmmm this is yummy.

*This morning I just wanted to stay in bed and sleep. Morgan always comes in bright & cheery and full of energy, which isn't always good for someone like me who isn't a morning person, but great for Brian who is, anyway, Jackson always comes in and lays by me and cuddles with me for a little bit. This morning he wrapped his arms around my neck, gave me a hug, and kissed me on the forehead... What a sweet little boy! He is so much fun!

Indians & Pilgrims...and Gratitude

Morgan came home a couple of weeks ago with this cute little Indian outfit she had made at pre-school. She danced around the room and showed me how they had an Indian parade. Almost every day Morgan comes home with some craft she has made, and not always little crafts, but big & pretty crafts that we can never throw away, so our home is decorated with beautiful fall crafts.
Today when I went and picked up the kids, they all came out for a Pilgrim parade. They looked so cute with their little hats and collared shirt things... I don't know what they're called. Anyway, while Morgan was gone, my visiting teachers came over and the first thing my one visiting teacher said to me was,
"Well, what are you thankful for?" she must have been inspired, because it was exactly what I needed to hear. Yesterday afternoon, I had read something that got me kind of discouraged, and adding it to something I heard the other day, it made me even more discouraged, and my thoughts suddenly turned into, "I want...," and "why can't I have..." and "why do I have to..." and they were all thoughts about ME ME ME, and more Me's :) So, I knew that I wasn't being very grateful for the beautiful life that I have, so after thinking about it... Here is what I'm grateful for:

1. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that I can belong to His true gospel.
2. I'm grateful for Brian for how willing he is to always help me out, for how he tells me how I always look good, even when I have just woken up & how he is a great dad & friend to our kids. I could go on and on about him. I am so thankful to have him in my life.
3. I'm so grateful for my 3 little sweethearts, and for how they complete my life. I'm so grateful that they have good health & for how much joy they bring to my life.
4. I'm grateful for my Primary calling at church. I LOVE being around the little kids in Primary. I love the sweet & fun spirit they bring with them each week. I love how different each of them are, and how they are so fun to be around, and for how much I learn from them.
5. I'm grateful to have such a wonderful family, and for good parents who taught me the gospel, and raised me the way they did.
6. I'm grateful that Brian has a job, and that he is a hard worker.
7. I'm grateful for a nice home, food, and clothes.
8. I'm grateful for indoor plumbing... one of the girls in primary said this the other day
9. I'm grateful to have a prophet on the earth today who is led by our Savior.
10. I'm grateful for my neighborhood & ward... they are wonderful!
11. I'm grateful for all of my friends, and for the impact they have on my life.
12. I'm grateful for all of the examples that I am able to follow.

I am so grateful for all that I have. I am so blessed, and I know that Heavenly Father continues to bless me & my little family. I am so grateful for my life! I love my life, and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Here comes TROUBLE...

Our busy little bee has been crawling for the last 2 months, and she is moving quick. Hallie just turned 9 months old and is already crawling up the stairs!!! Morgan didn't start crawling until she was 11 months old, and Jackson didn't start until he was 9 months old, so Hallie is starting way to soon according to my schedule. She is so funny! She loves crawling after M & J in the hall. Yesterday, I was "working" on the computer and I thought, "oh, she can't crawl up the stairs yet" but then I thought I should go and check on her, and sure enough, she was 4 stairs up, and kept going. I'm sure this little chick will be walking by her birthday. I'm looking so forward to our Christmas tree falling down this year. :) But of course I wouldn't trade it for anything. She is such a sweet & fun baby, and is growing up way to fast.
The cute diaper bum...
Caught in the act with Morgan and Jackson cheering her on.

My brother got married!!!!!

Cameron & Rachelle got married this past Saturday in the Salt Lake Temple. It was such a neat experience, and they looked so happy! I love seeing how happy my brother is with her. They make such a cute couple. We had a full day. They got married at 11:40, and then we had lunch at a Brazilian grill called Tucanos. It was delicious, and we ate soooo much! Then we drove up north for a reception in Rachelle's hometown. We got home at 11:30... it was a long day, but so worth it. Cameron & Rachelle are sjo perfect for each other, and we're so excited to have her as part of the family. So, here are the rest of the pictures from the day. Enjoy!

Cameron & Rachelle's Reception

Me and my sweet girl. Morgan was so excited when Jen showed her the dress. She put it on and kept saying, "Mommy, can I go and show Daddy?" She kept twirling and dancing all night. She was so sweet and helpful. Hallie slept during the whole reception... it was so nice!
Morgan and her cousing Madeline kept twirling around.
Morgan & Jackson admiring the cake. The cake was absolutly gorgeous!!! Sadly though, on Saturday night our family found out the it had a funny licorace taste to it when it was supposed to taste like chocolate. Maybe it was just for looking at, and we weren't supposed to eat it. :)
Oh, aren't we cute! :)

The Reception

Here is the whole family at the reception. My sister Jen (with the 3 girls) made all of the little girls dresses. She is amazing! I think I can barely sew on a button. :) The reception was nice & enjoyable... other than when Jackson and Morgan ran into each other and Morgan's mouth started bleeding... but what do you expect when you have a sugar-high son because of the table full of yummy cakes and cheesecakes, and everyone is giving Jackson his own new slice, not knowing that he has already had 2 whole slices, and he kept eating off random ones too. eeeewwww someone should have been watching that kid. :) Thank goodness he fell right asleep when we got in the car. Our 2 hour drive home was very enjoyable. All 3 kids were asleep. :)
The siblings
The brother-in-laws. The tall guy next to my brother is Cameron's best man Rob.
Brian looked SOOOOOO good in his tux! I don't think "good" really even really describes how he looked... let me just tell you... He looked hot! :)

The Best Part of the Day

To me, the whole day was wonderful, magical, and amazing. It was so much fun, & such a neat day. However, when I look back at the whole day, my favorite part was the temple. I loved being in there with Brian, my parents, & siblings & other family members as we watched my brother kneel across the alter with Rachelle. They are perfect for each other, and it reminded me of my own wedding day & how excited I was to be in the temple marrying Brian. It was such a neat experience. The one thing that really stuck out to me that the sealer said something to the effect that Christ is like the chandelier, and as we look out towards the mirrors, we can see it go on forever, with the light right by us, but as soon as we turn off that light, we loose our path. My bishop shared a thought with all of us yesterday in ward council and he quoted 2 Nephi 28:30... it says that we will recieve line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, and as long as we are open to the counsel of the Lord, we will gain wisdom, but as soon as we say "I've had enough" that is when we loose that which we have. It was such a neat weekend, and I feel that I learned a lot, especially even more, about what this life is really about.
My cute little family outside the temple. Thank goodness for 3 aunts that kept ALL 7 grandchildren entertained. We might have to hire babysitters to come with us when Kaylie gets married, as I'm sure there will be 20 grandchildren by then. :)
Jackson was so excited to be outside,and this is what he did... RUN RUN RUN! He was so funny to watch. As soon as Cameron and Rachelle came out though he stopped and watched them. I hope this is something the kids always remember.
My sisters and I with our new sister.
(Kaylie, Carly, Brianna,Rachelle, Me, Jen, & Brittany)