Madi Has a Blog!

Please send me your e-mail or leave it on my blog and we'll invite ya! carrietolman@gmail.com

He's Making a List and Checking it Twice...

NICE!!!


We had a perfect Christmas. The kids woke up around 7:30. Grandma and Grandpa Tolman came over soon after. It was so fun to watch the kids and listen to then shout out what Santa brought. We could see Owen really understand what was going on. I love Christmas Day!

For breakfast Julie made a yummy egg casserole and potatoes. On the side we had purple seedless grapes. It was great! Ty made his famous Orange Julius that we all love and look forward too. After breakfast we played and took naps. At 5:00 we had dinner at Sue's. We played more with family and opened more gifts.

I love being with family! I love to carry on traditions and create new ones. I'm grateful for this time of year and only wish it could last a little longer. It really just goes by so fast. I'm grateful for the little conversation we had as a family over breakfast as we were reminded of what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.

Twas' The Night Before Christmas...

I love Christmas Eve! Ty's family came over for dinner. Thanks to Julie it was deLicIOUS! It's our families tradition to have Trifle for dessert. Ty's Aunt Sue makes it every year and it too was delicious! It has always been fun for the kids to open the present with their Christmas jammies inside. It almost makes it more real for them....Santa is on his way!
Jacob was sick with the flu on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday after he threw up, he started to feel a lot better. We kept him upstairs and had him watch movie after movie while everyone was here. Poor kid had dinner by himself. I did check on him.
Earlier that day we baked brownies for Santa. After they cooled we cut them into a Christmas Tree and a Ginger Man. Of course we left a cold glass of milk next to his plate too. I let Owen decide what to give the Reindeer. At first he wanted to give them some carrots. Clever. Then he changed his mind and said "the deers get an apple!" And so we left an apple on the porch for Rudolph!

Christmas Sunday

Today for our wards Christmas Program, Madi sang the song He Sent His Son with the children's ward choir and after that, Ty spoke on Christ as a Priesthood Leader. They did a wonderful job and I'm very proud of them.

Merry Christmas from the Tolman Family!

Gingerbread Houses

Last night we decided it would be a perfect night to make these sweet looking Gingerbread houses (see below). The kids had a great time. However, I was not as prepared as I thought I was and had nothing to prop the graham crackers up on. I remember using milk cartons as a kid. Anyway, after searching the pantry, I came across some clear plastic cups. They worked but next year....I'm collecting milk cartons or any other carton for that matter. So try not to look too close!

While the kids were at the table creating, Ty and I played a little Guitar Hero. It's just a little addicting...just a little!
This is Owen's Gingerbread house. He refused to sit next to it while I take a picture. Good Job Owie!
Good Job Madi!
Good Job Jacob!
Kenzie and Sophia stopped by to say hi and wanted to show off their beautiful dress attire. Who needs shoes and a jacket when all you have to do is layer up and then run around really FAST! Thanks for the laugh girls!

What is Madi Thinking About...

I asked Madi how she feels when she is up on stage and dancing in front of so many people. She told me that she feels fine and likes it. When she said that she kind of laughed. I asked her what was so funny and she says this. "I just pretend that everyone is only wearing their underwear and holding teddy bears."
Ok, that is funny!

Our Fun Weekend...

We decided to start the weekend out right by going to the Zoo to see the "Zoo Lights" on Friday night. Before going there, we stopped at Red Butte Cafe for dinner. Seriously delish food! Everyone must try their taco's. The Zoo was a blast! It was pretty chilly, but worth every minute of it. The kids loved every part of it. I think we started a new tradition! We did'nt have a camera at the time, so no pictures, dang it!

On Saturday morning I took Madi to her dance pratice. Her time frame was 8:30 a.m.-10:30a.m. We were (finally) home by 11:00. Urrrrr! We spent the rest of the afternoon being lazy and playing in the snow (see slide show above). I'm a complete blog dork and have no idea how to "post" a slide show. I know I'll figure it out soon enough. My favorite picture is when Ty has the snowball and Jacob is running away from him!

Ty was super sweet and did some Christmas shopping for the kids and ME on Saturday afternoon. He gave me an early Christmas/Birthday present. Usually that would bite, but because it was a new camera, that made it ok....this time! ;) With Madi's dance recital that night, he new how much I needed it. Thanks a bunch Ty and kids. I love my present! This picture was the 1st picture taken on my camera!
What a fun and full weekend. Next on our list is Temple Square!

"A Dancer's Winter Wonderland"

Madi had her Christmas Dance performance last night. Her group danced to "Santa's Doing the Mambo." She did a great job. I love to watch her dance!
Madi was feeling a little tired after all the dancing. This picture was taken after her 1st show. She had one more to go. Good Job D!
I loVe this picture of her. Such a sweet girl!

Madi with her friends, Jayde, Erika and Abbi. There were 13 girls total in her dance group.

Thanksgiving Weekend

After.....a delicious feast, scrumptious pie, cookie decorating, kids dance party, craft, gift exchange, great conversations, laughing, more conversations, more laughing, more feast, another piece of pie....I can honestly say we had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!


Miss Madi
Bubba
Dubbers...decorating his cookie

Last Saturday I took the kids to Gardener Village to have their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Clause. The picture turned out so cute. I love it! On the way there, Madi was reciting to me what she was going to ask from Santa. Jacob was so nervous, and I could tell he really did'nt want to be. He eventually warmed up and told Santa what he wanted for Christmas. Owen cried and wanted nothing to do with the event. After a bribe from Grandma, he was over it and smiled for the camera. (little fart!) It was really cute watching him tell Santa ALL the things he wants for Christmas. For only being 3, he sure has it figured out.

This picture was taken after they had their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Clause! I love my kids!