Countdown to the New Year!

Here is a photo of the boys from last year's New Year's Eve party. They both look so small. Boy have they grown in one year! We are looking forward to what the new year may bring!

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours - we really hope that you had a wonderful day. We enjoyed some Christmas Eve activities last night and had a great time this morning opening gifts with the boys. We spent the rest of the day with extended family. I took only 336 photos so a slideshow will be coming soon! My favorite part of all this Christmas has been all of the discussions with TMac, reading books and scripture stories, watching the Joy to the World DVD put out by our church, listening to him sing along with my Christmas music, making homemade ornaments and cards, doing countdown chains and advent calendars, playing with nativity sets and hearing the theories of a four year old mind about Jesus, prayer, Santa Claus, etc. He really understands what Christmas is about this year and that has been really cool. Christmas is easy task wise before having kids but it is super great when you have kids to teach and enjoy all of the simple Christmas joys with.

Merry Christmas and lots of love from the Tracy Bain family!

355 days until next Christmas... :(

A joy list.

I had such good intentions months ago of doing a weekly joy list to journal our family life and activities so at least you all would know what we've been up to when I am behind on posting photos. Also to be able to read in the future what brought us joy right now. So I'll start again and try to make a joy list every week. Wish me luck! (And don't be surprised if you see a smashed computer, printer, cameras, phones, microwave, kitchen lights, etc. in our street because I finally lost it and went pyscho running our failing electronics over with my van. Over and over again while laughing maniacally!) This computer stinks and takes forever to blog photos so I am of course behind! Okay - that stuff obviously doesn't bring joy. Here is what did bring joy last week:

• Saturday the 13th was our ward Christmas party. The boys had matching Winter train shirts. TMac played the part of a wise man in the little Nativity play. He took it so seriously and was so cute. After the party we went over to our friend's the Johansens to celebrate Dave's graduation from Cal State SB.
• Sunday the 14th Tracy spoke in Sacrament meeting and said some touching words about his topic of work and coming home to the boys so excited to see him. The boys wore their new Christmas dress up/Sunday outfits and were so gorgeous. Red sweaters with black cordouroy trains. The first chance to open presents at my grandparents annual Christmas party down in Seal Beach.
• I did the majority of my Christmas shopping way early this year from August to November when I hit great sales or clearance items so I have not been fighting crowds this year which is so nice - especially since it rained most of the week.
• Wednesday the 17th was our playgroup Christmas party and potluck and the attendance was awesome. We had our friend with us also and ended the day with a scrumptious pasta dinner with sauce made from scratch at her house. Thanks Hudgens!
• Thursday the 18th was a humongous day - Preschool in the morning. We had a Christmas crafts day and birthday celebration for one of the boys. No schoolwork or Soccer - just crafts and party time. The boys deserve it! They have worked hard the last few months. Then at night we went to see Wicked in LA and rode in a limo. So fun and major thanks to Katherine and Mark for babysitting.
• Friday the 19th we shopped for a gift for an un-named boy in our stake to help give service and I only mention it because I want to remember how into it TMac was. He was so sweet and wanted to buy everything to help kids who in his words aren't "super major lucky and spoiled" like him. He is so sweet.
• Saturday the 20th we went to Sea World with my parents, sister and kids and Hudgens girls. We had fun doing all of the Christmas things there. Everyone was bundled in layers with hats, scarves, jackets, gloves, etc. with nothing showing but the lower half of our heads but we still had a blast! The Christmas Shamu show was perfect - religious, spiritually uplifting - way to go Anheiser Busch beer people! Way to realize that Christmas is about Christ and not be afraid to have a Christ centered program in a public park! We also swung by the San Diego temple on our way to and from to see the Christmas decor and lights.
• Yesterday - Sunday the 21st was "Christmas Sunday". I really enjoyed singing in the ward choir for the sacrament program which was beautiful and letting Tracy get the kids ready and over to church. That was nice! The boys looked gorgeous again in their holiday outfits. We attempted family photos with our coordinating outfits- not so joyous but evidence of our eternal family. TMac helped me hand out treats to his teachers, Primary leaders and leadership in our ward and he came home with tons of goodie bags and presents from Primary. My men were just fine with leftovers so I didn't have to make a Sunday dinner.

What a week and those are just the big things - sprinkle some crazy boy moments, shopping, car wash crazy story, middle of the night barf in our bed surprise with full linen change and laundry in the freezing cold, sick kids, tons of rain and cold, photos at JC Penneys, a few acts of service and lot's of normal stuff in and we were officially super busy.

It's freakin' cold when my town gets snow!

Usually when the thermostat says 75 it is because I am trying to get cooled down from 105 but lately it says 75 because it is so freakin' cold outside! The above photo is Box Springs mountain - that's right - we have a mountain here in our city. Last Wednesday and Thursday the temperature dipped down to nearly 34 degrees outside which is insane for our part of the world and not the norm. We get cold but not THAT COLD and it's not unheard of for us to wear shorts and tee shirts on Christmas day but last week was cold. So add lots of rain and we had snow for a little bit on our mountain top on Thursday morning. It was beautiful on the short drive to preschool. By the time preschool was done at 12:30 pm the snow had melted away but some of my friends report wet snow landing in their hands on Wednesday evening. I missed that! I have lived here for almost 14 years and it has snowed on the ground 3 times that I know of. Just an hours drive will get us tons of snow but snow right here at our house is unusual. It's really cold today too - 48 degrees right now (yes my Utah family and friends - that is cold here!). So, my cocoa machine is working overtime and we're all wearing socks. Maybe we'll have a white Christmas?

2050 feet - elevation of the top of Box Springs mountain.

1705 feet - elevation of my home.

Stay warm everyone!

We were WICKED last night!

We went to see Wicked the musical last night at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. We had a blast! Our friend invited us into a limousine which I have never done before so I was totally excited. It was nice to relax and let the driver fight the traffic. Before leaving the driver gave the women each a red rose. We had Martinelli's and sodas, candy treat boxes and had the soundtrack going quietly in the background. We stopped really quick at a Jack in the Box on the way since we were pressed for time. (We felt like High School kids that go to prom in a limo but eat at McDonalds.) I loved the play. The men in the group tolerated it. I read the book, several internet synopses and have been listening to the soundtrack for months so I was totally into it. It was a wonderful night out!

(This post isn't finished yet because I was so relaxed and excited about being on a date night without kids, traveling in a limo etc., that I wasn't my usual paparazzi stalker with a camera. So gals, send me your photos so I can put limo and friend photos on here please. I can't believe I am the first to blog. I'm never first! :) I also need to photoshop Dana's gestures out of the really nice photos I got of Tracy.)

I copied an idea from my friend Shannon and made candy treat boxes for each of the couples in our limo. Everything inside was green - candy, chocolate mints and breath mints. Tracy on his own got a big pack of individual Martinelli bottles which went so well with my theme and it wasn't even planned since he didn't know about my treat plans. The Smiths brought big bottles of Martinelli's so we were boozin' it up sparkling cider style all night.

The lovely Kierstin and Sterling - a.k.a. Ralph the retcher.

Chillin' in the limo.

I got Tracy to wear green and I wasn't even trying to on purpose. It's just my favorite shirt on him because it matches his eyes. I laid it out and he put it on. Amazing!

I'm going to start saving little chunks of money for Phantom of the Opera. It is coming to the theater for only 4 weeks starting at the end of January. Dreams!

There were a ton of people at the theater that we knew since about 100 to 120 plus people went thanks to the great organization of some ladies in my sisters area. I sold more than 45 tickets out here so we had a bunch of friends and family there. Tracy's parents, his sister, husband and 5 kids, my sister and her hubby and lot's of extended family. I can't believe it is over. It was great. Good thing it's Christmas next week and I won't have serious excitement withdrawals!

The reason for the season.

Art by Simon Dewey.

Christmas music.

I snatched a few moments today while the boys were in the bathtub to finish changing my blog to Christmas. I made a new Christmas music playlist that I love! Give it a listen - it will get you right into the Christmas mood. Can you tell that my two most favorite Christmas songs are Oh Holy Night and Silent Night? I've got a good variety of artists on my list for those two songs. Now Christmas music isn't Christmas music without Harry baby - Harry Connick Jr., MoTab and Amy Grant. If you've never heard the songs Emmanuel, God with Us and Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) by Amy Grant then you must listen to those. Diane R. in my ward had me listen to her CD more than 10 years ago and these songs are wonderful. One month isn't long enough for all of these beautiful songs. Oh, and The Angels Cried by Alan Jackson with Allison Kraus is on the list too - it's so beatiful and peaceful. Enjoy if you can spare a moment.

Clean and sweet boys.

I love how a good, long bath can turn boys into relaxed, clean, fresh and sweet smelling boys. I love to cuddle them and smell their hair. I wish I had time to take a nap with them today because that is the best! I love when their faces are so clean and look so soft from the lotion and when their damp hair is combed into place but not dry yet.

We were trying out gel in TMac's hair. We've been trying a few different styles but I'm not a fan of this one - it makes him look too old. He's a cutie though!

Christmas goodies delivered to our door!

We had our first Christmas treats delivered to our door this evening. The boys were so excited! TMac loves this tradition now and wants to know if it will be happening every day until Christmas. My visiting teachers dropped off plates of treats which happened to be some of my very favorite things. (Although there isn't much this chubby girl doesn't like!) TMac was momentarily concerned when I told him my friend was dropping off Christmas treats. He said, "Oh man! Does that mean that we have to wait until Christmas to eat them?"

Thanks gals! We dove right in as you can tell from the photos!

Merry Christmas and farewell cowboy header.

I am sad to give up the super cute cowboy header and background. I really love it but I kept it up during Halloween and Thanksgiving so it had it's fair amount of love. Christmas is not something I can bypass even for super cute cowboys. So welcome to our new Christmas themed blog background and Merry Christmas!

I'm sure you are all surprised that I am several months behind on blog posts! I also need to design a new Christmas header, add Christmas songs to my music player, change fonts and layout colors, etc. But hey - December 1st if you know me well isn't a bad start for changing my background since I'm never an early bird. My friends are though and since I wanted to use a pre-made background instead of making my own - I had to lay claim to my background fast!

It sounds crazy I know but I want to make a separate, small blog with the cowboy background for all of our numerous cowboy photos and events because yes, I love it so much! I probably will.

Merry Christmas everyone! I can not believe that today is December 1st and that the Christmas season is officially here. Time to put the poinsettias on my porch, put the Fall colored mums away and a billion other things! Why can't I have a sweet old lady who wants to live with me for free and help get the billion things done? Can I have a Martha Stewart clone please? Wait, no -she's annoying. Amber Hansen or Rachel Ray would be much better! Rocco DiSpirito - come on over! So many cool projects and so little time...

My cousin Rachel and our kids.

My favorite cousin Rachel and her kids were down from Utah for a quick visit in October so we went and spent a Sunday afternoon/evening with them. My Aunt Jan always has cute seasonal decor around her house so of course I had to do a photo shoot with our kids. Cousin Julia was down too but I never got to hear her newest guitar songs. :( We were able to help celebrate E's birthday which was fun. The birthday cake was so pretty and had white marshmallow frosting. So delicious!

The above picture is my youngest and Rachel's youngest daughter whose birthdays are only a few months apart. Tot is handing out the loves.

The two of us. Why do I always give the camera to Tracy when he is sitting in a chair and he takes the shot looking up at us? Almost all of my photos with Rachel are like this and it is not flattering for my body!

TMac and his cousin. He always wants to go see her in Utah.

Not a great shot but it is all 4 kids together.

I wanted to bring these soft, stuffed pumpkins home. My Aunt wouldn't notice right?

I will kiss you!

It was a great party at Steve and Jan's. They always have great food, we laugh and hang out. The kids run around. My parents and my Aunt Carolee, Uncle Alton and cousin Kelsey were able to come hang out too. It was a nice night.

Christmas present wish list tag.

I was tagged via email to make a Christmas present wish list so, why not? I'm just as greedy as the next person and I always know what I want! :)

But, this Christmas will be slim and I'll be happy just to hang out with family and friends. It's always nice to exchange homemade gifts and enjoy the reason for the season. So, this truly is a wish list! This is a hard year for everyone so let's all keep it real and simple. I know we will!

The rules are:

List 10 things under $50, 5 websites or companies that you would love a gift card for and 1 ridiculous wish for something that is really extravagant.

Here goes!

1. The new "LDS Family Hymnbook - Illustrated". It looks so beautiful with large illustrations next to each hymn.

2. J'Adore - the perfume. I have always wanted it but never purchased it. Sometimes I steal some of my sister's if we are going somewhere from her house! :)

3. A Tai Pan Trading Company (awesome new store in Rancho Cucamonga) gift certificate so I can get new couch throw pillows. My plain Wal-Mart pillows just aren't doin' it!

4. Any new kitchen appliance in stainless steel starting with a huge Crockpot with a timer. I've been married almost 13 years and all of the white plastic is getting yellowed on my appliances.

5. Phantom of the Opera tickets! Coming to the Pantages theater next year!

6. A used cello. Seriously - I have always really badly wanted to play the cello and my life is at least a 1/3 over so the time is now!

7. A digital photo frame to hang and use in my living room. I should move this to the #1 spot because I have wanted one for a long time!

8. The "Little People" Nativity playset or even the Noah's Ark playset. I have always wanted those - they are so cute! My kids should be playing with them already!

9. A ticket for the Perris Wind Tunnel. It looks so fun!

10. A two day and overnight babysitting coupon so Tracy and I can go somewhere alone!

Okay, 5 gift cards - so easy!

1. Costco!

2. Disney or Disneyland- I could go crazy on the sales websites.

3. Target

4. Outback Steak House

5. Ontario Mills Mall - Gymboree is the best!

For my 1 extravagant wish - drum roll please...a cruise to Hawaii or anywhere! I'd happily go anywhere right now.

This was fun. I tag everyone! Really - everyone please post this. I'm really interested in what my sisters and Mom have to say too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone! Isn't it ridiculous how early the stores start Christmas. They were taking down Halloween stuff on October 29th and starting with the Christmas stuff. Yeesh.

My mini me and the mini pumpkin.

Sorry son - it's not an apple. He kept saying ball, ball! Because anything relatively round is a ball of course!

Mormon style synchronized swimming video.

Check this video out! In the wake of problems with No on 8 protestors hacking into religious websites -

From Meridian Magazine.com:

Editor's Note: As some of you know, Meridian was hacked into last week, apparently by Prop 8 opponents, and in the place of our content was placed a homosexual pornographic film.

Unspeakable tactics!

I thought I would post some hilarious video that is good clean fun. This video is what Mormons are about - wholesome family fun! Thanks for the heads up Mom.

A Halloween themed Bday party.

We had our first chance last month to dress up in Halloween costumes at my niece's birthday party on October 18th. Here is a picture of my parents 4 grandchildren and two more are on the way! Both of my sisters have buns in the oven! TMac chose to wear his red Power Ranger costume and I had Tot wear Thomas the Train for this picture session only! He was super grumpy that day with teething 4 teeth and being in the car almost all day long up until the party. The Ibuprofen must be working in this photo since he is smiling! For actual Halloween day my boys were a cowboy and a horse but we had so many parties to dress up at last month that we were able to use a lot of our costumes.

Can you feel the love?

Our family never made it to a pumpkin patch together this year but this photo is really cute!

Tot in the middle of all of his cousin's presents.

My niece opening the last present of the day. A shirt that says "Big Sister"! She had no idea what the deal was until someone explained it to her. My sister and husband were able to announce their pregnancy at this party with all of the parents, siblings and grandparents in attendance. So I now have two new babies to look forward to! My sister Heather is due with a boy in March and now my sister Erin is due with a baby in June/July.

The party was really fun and it was a great way to kick off all of the Halloween festivities!

Intolerant people preaching tolerance.

SWAT team officers on the grounds of the Los Angeles temple. I need to scan and post the photo of my husband and I on our wedding day on the same section of grass in front of this temple where last week police protection was needed.

I was hoping that my previous political post would be my last one for awhile (at least until another election) and I really did try to ignore the ugliness and current events. But then I saw this photo above and the other photos below. Really protesters? You really need to attack and vandalize places of worship? You are too busy being hateful and intolerant (going against your own signs at rallies) to read that the Mormon voting population in CA is less than 2% of the population?

You preach tolerance but you refuse to be tolerant of the results of a popular and legal vote? Two votes! 8 years ago and now.

You have a problem with the money we raised? Should I vandalize your offices? Should I go vandalize the offices or homes of Brad Pitt or Ellen - financial contributors for the No side? How would you like that? I never would though because I believe in "Love thy neighbor" and "Love One Another".

I can not believe that a gorgeous and sacred building - the one I was married in - was targeted. I saw photos of people standing on the stucco pediments of the fence, climbing the fence, placing signs in the fence and on the private property, etc. This temple was not built using any taxpayer money. It is private and sacred to me.

The Salt Lake temple. There were protests at all of the CA temples also. I saw photos of all of the gorgeous CA temples (well, except Redlands! I heard there was one lonely guy there with a No on 8 sign but when I was there last Friday for a session everything was fine) being used as a center for rallies. I can understand using city hall but religious buildings? I feel bad for the other churches that were targeted here in CA as well.

The protesters scream about tolerance and hate but what does this picture portray? This is a section of wall and fence on the LA temple grounds.

The temple had to be closed down for the night. How would the protesters feel if they had to suspend their operations inside their privately owned buildings which by the way, some taxpayer funds have been used to build?

Here is a photo from a Yes on 8 rally. Do you notice a difference? Does anyone have signs that have hurtful remarks on them? Is anyone waving a photo of Jesus or any type of religious flag? Is anyone scantily dressed or making out with anyone? Is anyone screaming or pointing? I dare you to show me a photo of any Yes on 8 supporter that is other than peaceful and respectful.

I am thankful for a beautiful son who knows nothing about any of this. "I Love to see the Temple" has been his favorite song since he was just over 1 year old. He sang it on stage at the Primary talent show this Spring a month before his 4th birthday - by his choice. That is what he wanted to perform. I am scared for his future and hope that I can protect him against indoctrination from adults in school settings. These last days are scary and one of the apostles spoke years ago about when the days will come in the future where we will need to protect the temples from protests and violence. Those days are here!