Football 101

I forgot I had taken these pictures a few weeks ago and meant to post them on the blog.   The other day Andy and I were talking about how big Noah is getting.  Yesterday I felt like he was my little guy, and looking at him today I realize he is turning into a little boy.  When did that happen?!?!  He is such a good boy, and if that didn't make his parents proud - the fact that he loves football is just icing on the cake (for Andy at least).  It's only fitting that since it's college football season (or has been) Andy should take some time to show Noah the basics.  Noah LOVES to play football with daddy.  He loves football so much that his cars and crayons even play football (or so Noah says).

Andy recently taught Noah how to 'take a handoff'.  Noah will do it over and over - and then they will tackle each other.  It's so funny to watch.  Here are some pics of the guys in action.

Taking the Handoff

Going in for the tackle

Hook line and sinker!

If daddy isn't around to play, Noah will just put on his 'helmet' and pretend like he's playing.  

And of course, Clare is always there to cheer him on....

I have a feeling Noah's love for football is only beginning!

Boston or Bust!

I have been waiting for this day, for like....ever.  So you can only imagine how Andy's been feeling.  We've known for a while that we would probably get out of the army after Andy's commitment was up.  Andy expressed interest in going to grad-school , but wasn't sure exactly what he wanted to do.  Sometimes it would change from day to day.  After exploring a lot of options he decided to start preparing for the GMAT.  He studied all the time, and devoted a lot of energy to it.  About a year later he finally took the GMAT, hoping to receive a score that would be good enough for him to compete at his top school choices.  Harvard, MIT and possibly Stanford.  Thankfully, with help from the Lord - his score was better than we hoped for and we moved forward with the application process.  There is a lot of time, money and energy (a lot of prayers too) involved in applying to grad school!  Once the application process was over I was relieved...and I know Andy was even more so.

Soon after his application was submitted, Andy got an invitation to interview at Harvard.  He spent a week out there, touring the campus, meeting other students and even attending some classes.  If he wasn't sure about Boston before that, then this trip definitely sealed the deal!  He loved it, and we became even more excited about the possibility of going there.  Needless to say after his interview we have had to wait 6 LONG weeks to hear back...and are happy to report that this morning Andy received an acceptance letter to Harvard Business School, class of 2014!  I couldn't be happier or more proud of him and all of his hard work.  We are so excited where our next adventure will take us (even if we will be broke! haha).   We truly have been so blessed as a family, and couldn't have done it without the Lords help!  For now we will enjoy our last months in the Army - and in the West!

Simple Things

Today is a very special day in the Stockhoff home...today is this guys 29th Birthday!

That's a handsome birthday boy, right?  So here are 29 simple things I love about Andy.

Andy is...

an amazing dad

ambitious

hard working

humble

honest

genuine

patient

and a great story teller

He always tells me he loves me

he is always the one to give Noah his bath

he loves sports

he always assumes the best about people

he is very well spoken

he is a great teacher

he honors his priesthood

he is intelligent

he loves to play with Noah and Clare

he values family

   he's well dressed

he loves to travel

he has a great sense of humor

he makes me laugh

he is slow to anger

he's always on time (or early)

he's courteous

he loves crackers and cheese

he is a gentleman

he's generous 

and he's my best friend (and always treats me like it).

Happy Birthday Andy, you are the best. 

xoxo

Simple Things

One of my favorite Christmas Traditions growing up was taking a plate of goodies (and receiving a plate)  to all our neighbors.  So this year, as in many years past...we made a plate of treats to share.  If you are looking for some tasty baked goods this Holiday season, these ones won't disappoint!

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Nutella Cream Cheese Blondies

Cheers to family traditions! 

A Day In The Life...

Noah has the life.  No cares, no responsibilities...two parents who adore him and a little sister who thinks he's the worlds funniest comedian.  He has been especially curious/adventurous/mischievous lately.  He loves to sing songs, play with his cars (surprise), pull out the DVDs-just to watch Mommy put them all back,  climb in the window sill, push Clare over and exclaim, 'Uh oh, Mommy!  Baby Clare fell down!'  He climbs on things, pulls ornaments off the tree and loves to quote Toy Story 2 (not sure if that's a good thing).  He is definitely hitting his stride, I love it...and you better believe we both sleep well at night after a full day together!  

Here is a picture journal of a day in the life of Noah...(or probably any 2, almost 3 year old, ha).

Noah loves to climb on the counter and play with the change in our 'key dish' - I guess he decided to use the Panini maker as some sort of cash register...

And naturally, one always gets hungry while counting all the money they have...why not grab some french bread from a near by bowl to gnaw on.

Here he is, climbing in the window sill...like he knows he shouldn't.  That's the fun of it I guess! 

One of Noah's favorite things to do is play schlootball (aka Football) with his daddy.  Here he is, all dressed and ready to go.  Yes, the basket doubles as a helmet.  Andy has even taught Noah how to take a hand off...which is also pretty adorable. 

If Noah doesn't decide to become a professional football player, he may just decide to become a singer.  I've tried to catch him on video several times but could only get this small little bit.  Here he is doing two of his favorite things, playing with cars and singing twinkle twinkle little star.  

And of course, there's nothing like watching a little Disney movie on the computer - headphones and all.

Lastly - Noah loves to make videos for his Uncle Mike.  Noah insisted on holding the the camera- and you can tell he loved every minute of it (don't mind the angle - it gives Noah's cheeks the chipmunk effect-ha).  



Even with the tough moments and the many tantrums, I am really enjoying this stage in Noah's life.  Through it all he still let's me call him Sweets (my silly nickname for him), still wants me to sing him songs at night, still wants to play games with me and loves to have me cheer him on.  Watching him grow up into a little boy has been one of the greatest joy's I've experienced so far as a mother.

I sure Love you Sweets.

The Simple Things

Yesterday was great.  I love Sundays - and besides the usual meetings at church, they even had us sing Christmas songs in place of the usual musical numbers.  I love this time of year.  Another thing I love about Sundays?  Having friends over for dinner.  Last night we had some friends over.  We ate well, if you ask me.  One of my favorite parts...

A little homemade guacaMOLE.  Andy's grandma recently gave me her old food processor that she no longer used...all I can say is - how did I ever survive without a food processor?!  I think I am in love!  Thanks Nanny. 

Another Simple Thing I enjoyed this week...

The Hallmark Channel's plethora of cheesy Christmas movies.  I can't get enough!  Aside from the fact it's one of the only channels we have, I can't help but curl up on the couch and enjoy a feel good Christmas story.  Even if they can be extremely awkward haha. 

Only 19 more days til Christmas! Might as well enjoy it while I can. 

Whoops!

You know those moments, as a parent, where you look at the situation and think - 'How are my kids still alive?'  Yeah.  I had one of those yesterday.

Since we have gone down to only one vehicle, it has been sort of a juggling act.  Andy will take the car to go workout in the morning, come home and get ready and then we will take him to work (some days he just takes it to work and we stay home).  Anyway,  yesterday I had a few errands to run so we took Andy to work and headed to the commissary.   After getting what I needed I helped Noah into the car, strapped Clare in and started driving home.   We only live about 4-5 miles from the commissary, so the ride was short.  As we turned the corner to our house I turned around to tell Noah to sit down - "I can't believe he got out of his seat belt!" I thought...but it only took me a second to realize that I had never even strapped him in!  Seriously?? I knew it would happen eventually - I am just glad it was on a short trip!  I think my brain is going on on me.

Oh well, happens to the best of us right?

The Simple Things

I am not sure I need to say much about my photo for this week...

I love putting up the Christmas tree.  There is something about sitting by the light of the tree that makes me feel so cozy and happy.  I love waking up and turning it on first thing in the morning.  I love the traditions and generosity that the holidays bring.  I love the music, cheesy movies and the food.  I love being with my family and creating new traditions of our own.  Most of all,  I love to celebrate the Birth of our Savior, and to instill in my children the blessings His life has brought. 

I love it all. 

Thanksgiving

Well, my desire to take a lot of photos over Thanksgiving was pretty much a bust - especially since I didn't check my camera battery before going!  Eeesh.  Thank heaven for cell phones!  Here's a little recap of our weekend.

We arrived at Andy's parent's house on Wednesday night - Noah set right to work.  He was busy...as you can tell.

I called him the master of destruction!  He would pull all of Nana's Toys out and scatter them around the floor...then he would take some upstairs and spread them around up there. I think it was just trying to be thorough, but it made for a lot of cleaning up.  He was in heaven though, and is still talking about it.

Our Thanksgiving dinner was delicious, as anticipated!  Stacie did a great job on pretty much everything! I was in charge of green salad, mashed potatoes and gravy and one pie (which I bought frozen).  We had quite the spread, and we all ate our fair share!

Here's the crew- darn good lookin' too!

Little Clare enjoyed some delicious pureed veggies and barley...oh with a side of biscuit (which I think she enjoyed the most).

And what's bound to happen over Thanksgiving weekend?   Why, hibernation of course....or you could also call it a food coma. ha.

Other fun things that happened over the weekend....
-Andy and I went to see Breaking Dawn!  Not sure of how I feel about it yet, but I had to see it and am totally ready for the next movie.  Andy, well - he was a good sport to go!

-Gary, Andy, Natalie and MacKenzie decided to brave the crowds at Walmart on Thanksgiving night at 10pm for the big sales.  Andy used the word Lawlessness to describe the scene.  People started taking items far before they were on sale and were nasty as always.  I DO NOT nor will I ever understand wanting something so bad to where I would a) go out at midnight to get it or b) run over an old lady to get it first.  Madness my friends, pure madness.

-We discovered that little Clare is getting her first two teeth!  Bottom front!

- Three visits to the Frozen Yogurt shop, yes friends - I am a glutton.

- Watching the movie Monte Cristo with Natalie and MacKenzie.  I am not ashamed to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!

- Did someone say Que Bueno?  I did not partake, but it was definitely a highlight of the weekend.

- And the best part of all...being able to spend the weekend with family.  That's what the holidays are all about.  I love to reflect on the many blessings the Lord has given me.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

The Simple Things

Ahhh, has it really been a week since I blogged?  I get so distracted these days!  I am remaining faithful to doing my simple things post each week though - so at least you can count on that!  This week Andy and I showed our spontaneous side.  I am not a spontaneous person!  I like things planned and organized...I am not anal about it - but if I would choose, that's how I would do things....in an organized fashion.  Well, this week in a spur of the moment decision we decided to sell our Honda.  Yes, we are now a one car family.  In order to eliminate a payment and save our cash money for other things (in our not so distant future) we took it into the dealer and sold it.  Needless to say, I am grateful that we got what we wanted for it AND even more grateful to still have a reliable car!  It's amazing the things you can take for granted.

Another wonderful, splendid and glorious thing that happened this week (or today to be exact)......

A Sunday nap for Andy and I.  Ahhhh.  I love these.  After church, a little bite to eat and both kids fast asleep makes for the perfect nap opportunity.  I just love Sunday's and everything about them.

Hope you've found some simple things to appreciate this week!  Oh and a HAPPY early THANKSGIVING to you!  I hope to have lots of pics to share from our weekend with family! xoxo

The Simple Things

Whoo! It has been an incredibly long week.  I couldn't be happier for the weekend!  It seems that whenever Andy is away, my week extends into months (or so it feels).  I made it through though - and am sure glad we are all in one piece!

Noah and Clare wishing Andy luck on his trip to Boston.  This was probably picture 1 of 100.  They were getting really tired of after a while, but they were good sports!  Two adorable little kids if you ask me! :)

Another simple thing from his week...me being frugal.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to get a good deal and hardly ever purchase anything at full price, but this is probably the most resourceful I've ever been when it's come to my wardrobe.  I wish I had a before picture - but I found a simple tutorial on how to make your baggy jeans into skinny jeans.  I had a pair in mind and gave it a shot!

Aside from the dirty mirror, I am very happy with how they turned out.  Anyone can do this!  You can find the tutorial here.

Lastly, this is the best part of the week...like I mentioned before, Andy has been gone all week.  We sure missed him and I am SO happy he is home...but I think Noah is the happiest.  He sure missed his play time with Daddy!  Mom just can't take his place.

Hope you've all had a wonderful week!

The Simple Things

Ahh, another week gone.  Really?  The closer it gets to Christmas, the more frightened I become.  I LOVE Christmas - but I am very unprepared this year.  Thankfully Amazon is my BFF and I will be sure to make good use of it this year (especially since we will be spending the holiday in Idaho, YEAH for family)!

But before I get too ahead of myself, on to the simple things!   This week it included a trip to Costco and a certain cardboard box...

The kids and I took a modest trip to Costco and I brought this box home with us.  Noah took a liking to it and would sit in it all the time, so I thought I would use my amazing art skills of cutting out construction paper and make it into a car for him.  It's a masterpiece, right?  Anyway, he is obsessed with it.  I am pretty sure he even slept part of the night with the 'car' in his bed.  Then the next morning I was getting him breakfast and I found him like this...

It's amazing how you can buy them a million toys and they still want the cardboard box! Talk about the simple things!   (PS.  See that white spot in the bottom left hand corner of this pic?  yeah that's Clare's back.  She was hunched over eating her toes. For some reason she likes doing that, babies! haha) 

I also had to include this little note.  Yesterday in church we sang the hymn Because I Have Been Given Much.  I couldn't help but think about how grateful I am for all the blessings the Lord has given to me...the words rang true and I wanted to share them on my simple things post.  Being grateful is one of the simplest things there is - and yet I find that when we are grateful for what we have - we are happier!  There is always something to be thankful for, always! 

Because I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live;
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
My roof’s safe shelter overhead,
That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord,
I’ll share thy love again, according to thy word. 
I shall give love to those in need;
I’ll show that love by word and deed: 
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

-- Grace Nowell Crowell

For the Love of Food

It's been a little while since I have shared some of the recipes I've been trying lately!  Although I have really developed a love for cooking I would still consider myself a novice.    I do love to try new things though, and here are some recipes that we have tried (and have loved) in the Stockhoff Home.

1. Worlds Best Dinner Rolls from Our Best Bites (make them even smaller and they are great for slider sandwiches)! 2. Southwestern Burritos from Creation Corner  3. GUILTLESS Alfredo (a staple in our house) from Our Best Bites  4. Nutella Sandwich Cookies from  Kathleen's Gonna Want Seconds  5. Raspberry Sherbert and 7up Punch from Busy Budgeting Mama (Had this at a gathering recently and really enjoyed it -scroll down a ways to see recipe)

We have been well fed at our house, which is certainly something to be grateful for!  So what are some other things on our menu this week? 

White Pizza with Chicken and Spinach and Jana Salad

Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry from Our Best Bites

And a little Corn and Cheese Chowder for one of our rainy Washington days... from the Pioneer Woman

Click below to see a couple more recipes we are going to try! 

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas from The Cook Next Door

Baked Doughnuts from Mels Kitchen Cafe

Pumpkin Pie Coffee Cake from HowSweetEats on Tasty Kitchen

Check out my Pinterest for even more delicious looking recipes. Happy Cooking! 

Simple Things Sunday

One word...or maybe two...

Yes I made those, and yes I ate one (maybe one and a half).  Today is one of those days where it just needed to happen.  It was a good day, but still - a cinnamon roll day.  This is what we mean by the simple things!

We had a great week this week.  For some reason it seemed crazier than usual, but we made it out alive!  Just in time too, Halloween is here!  To be honest, neither Andy or I are really into Halloween.  If you remember last year I didn't even dress Noah up!  We tried a little harder this year and even put Clare in a costume....this was last night at our Church Trunk or Treat - can you tell what they are??



Cutest fireman and dalmatian around (if I do say so myself)!  I am pretty sure Noah doesn't realize or understand just what Halloween is all about, but he definitely wasn't complaining as people handed him free candy!  We had a great time, and look forward to taking them out again tomorrow night.  BTW, no Clare didn't trick or treat.  That's the last thing I need!

Having kids definitely makes these sorts of things a lot more enjoyable, but I still don't think you'll see Andy and I wearing costumes any time soon.

Happy Halloween to all of you out there, I'll try to get my act together and blog a little more this week!  Until then, don't get sick from eating all your kids candy! ha.

Simple Things Sunday

This has been a fairly busy week.  I was thinking the other day about back when I use to work outside of the home (before I had kids).  I had a lot of really great work experiences before Andy and I were married, and there are a lot of things I miss about them (dressing up for one).  I will say though that being a mom, for me, is the most difficult (physically, emotionally, mentally) job that I have ever had.  It is also the most rewarding job. I am not going to to pretend that there aren't days I want a break (just ask Andy) or maybe even a breakdown - but the blessings outweigh those moments a million to one.

Here are some of those rewards (and the simple things) I noticed this week...

I have been taking Noah with me to craft stores since he was born.  Especially while Andy was deployed.  I'd tell Andy that Noah was chilling with my mom and I at the craft store.  He would always joke that when he got home from his deployment he would take Noah out for some 'red meat and football'.  ha.  Well, Noah still loves the craft store...and even in a store where there is only one 'toy' isle - he still manages to sniff it out.  We found these awesome caps (if you can even call them that) and Noah wore this shark one around JoAnn's the whole time we were there.  I kept asking him if he wanted to take it off and he would simply reply - No.  I love this age. 

I also love the stage Clare is in.  I wish I could freeze her like this (just for a little while longer).  Every time she has a bath we put her onesie on her head and call her the puppy dog.  Silly, I know...but I can't get over how adorable she looks...would you beg to differ? 

Lastly, Noah - my little helper.  Anytime I am doing something at the kitchen counter (especially if it involves baking something) he comes up and says, "Help me Mommy, Help me,"  which means he wants to help me with whatever I am doing.  He will often (at random moments) ask if he can have cake, usually when we haven't had it in months.  So when I asked him to help me make cupcakes this week he was, of course, right on board.    His favorite part?  Why, licking the bowl.  I did it as a kid, so I figured I had to give Noah the same perks I had.  He licked it clean, and even licked a little off his sleeve too. 

6 Months, Already?!

Clare actually hit the 6 month mark at the beginning of the month, but we didn't have her baby well check until today.  She is growing so fast, and yet I feel like she is so much younger than Noah was at this age.

Clare's Six (and a half) Month Stats:
17lbs 3oz
27 1/2 inches tall

Here are some things Clare loves: 

Mommy
Being held (by anyone really, but especially Mommy or Daddy)
Long Naps
Eating
Playing with her feet
Being Sung to (especially this song, seriously)
Watching Noah Dance
Putting things in her Mouth
Rolling around (but hates being on her belly for more than 10 seconds)
Bath Time
Toys

I also like to refer to Clare as a 'closet thumb sucker' - she loves her thumb and although I find it completely adorable, I try my hardest to keep the bink in and the thumb out.   She has the cutest personality and is also known to the family as Baby Clare.  We are so lucky to have her as a part of our family and can't wait to see her continue to grow and learn.  

Just for fun, you can go here to see what Noah's stats were at 6 months.  There's quite a difference between the two.  He sure is a cute little guy!  

The Simple Things

I was reading this blog post, and felt like it would be the perfect addition to our blog.  Looking for the simple things in life...and trying to capture them - and enjoy them.  Sometimes I get so wrapped up in doing the laundry, cleaning my house, feeding my family and all the other responsibilities I have, that I miss the most important moments of the day.  Moments like these...

My sweet Clare has been sitting up lately.  I can't believe how big she is getting (much too quickly if you ask me).  One of my favorite things is how excited she gets when you go get her from her nap.  She has the sweetest little personality and smile.  She brings so much happiness to our home.

I don't think it would be much of a stretch for me to say that Noah's cars are some of his most prized possessions (at his old age of two and a half).   Whenever we talk to Grandma and Grandpa or any family on the phone, his cars are the first thing he mentions....followed by fire truck, big big trucks and so on.  He could spend countless hours playing with cars.  He talks about cars at friends house that he once played with, he talks about cars he saw on the road weeks ago.  Yes, Noah loves his cars....but as long as he loves his mom just a wee bit more, I don't mind.  

I hope to post the Simple Things on Sundays...but since I failed to get this up yesterday - here it is today.  If you decide to participate yourself, please leave a comment - I'd love to see.  

Opportunities To do Good

Remember when Andy was in Afghanistan, I was asked to speak in church about service...I posted here and asked for you help.  You shared so many wonderful experiences with me that brought a strong spirit to my talk.  Well, I am seeking you help (and stories) once again.  This month I have the opportunity to teach in Relief Society on a talk given by President Henry B. Eyring on seeking out Opportunities to do good.   Watch the video below and if you feel so inspired I would love to hear your experiences of serving others in need, or being the recipient of service.  It doesn't have to be a life changing experience...just one that blessed your life.  It can be anything.  I know I can always use a reminder to take more opportunities to good.

Paradise

Check out the new Coldplay song (if you haven't already).  Plus, I moved my music playlist.  Just click on the 'My Music Playlist' tab above.

Whole Lotta Hodgepodge

I feel like my blogging record has taken a hit. I haven't been as motivated as usual to update the blog...but I am making a comeback. I'm pretty sure, I think. Yes, yes. We have actually been fairly busy doing fun things in the Washington rain. I am beginning to realize what people around here say when they tell you that you'll learn to appreciate the different types of rain.  Drizzle, sprinkle, downpour, steady rain.  I am sure there are many others...I will be learned before our time here is through.

So enough with my ramblings, here's what you really want - Pictures!

I forgot to share these in my previous post, so I thought I would include them here.  The Boise airport is the only airport I have been in thus far (or at least seen) that has had a little play area for children.  Noah was in heaven, and so was I!  I didn't have to worry about keeping him corralled because he didn't want to leave!  It was genius.  Props to Idaho, once again.

And just for your entertainment, and mine for that matter, here is a little preview of what Halloween has in store for Noah.

I don't know, I think Noah may have found his calling in life - what do you think?!  My mom made this adorable costume for my nephew Aleks and we were fortunate enough to get it.  My Halloween woes just got 50% easier.

The day after we got home Andy had a four day weekend.  We hardly ever go out to eat breakfast, but since we had absolutely NO food in our entire house, we decided to seize the moment and treat ourselves.  Downtown Olympia didn't disappoint (jam packed with your fair share of homeless folks too).  This little hole in the wall was pretty darned good, we would go back for sure.

Yes it's called the New Moon Cafe, and No I don't believe it is in any way referencing the book.  In case you wondered.   We also walked around the little city and caught this lovely view.  Pretty ain't it?

Now that we are semi caught up, lets talk about the first weekend of October (yes, friends, it's October).  Sheesh.   We had a really fun opportunity to go out and support some of our friends in the annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk.  It was a great event!  Fabulous food (Costco muffins, you know what I'm sayin), magic show, face painting, give aways and the company was especially great.  We didn't win any thing, but you better believe we made up for it with the free muffins.

Here is Noah, getting all cozy before the walk!

And here are the Stockton Superstars! We are a might fine bunch if you ask me!!
 (PS. I stole this picture from my friend Rachel's facebook page)  Thanks Rachel! 

I can't go without showing Noah's pride and joy from the event, the SNAKE that we had painted on his face.  At least that's what it was supposed to be, he kept moving.

Whoo!  We are getting there!!
So many of you know that I am addicted to Pinterest.  Openly, admittedly addicted.  I often say that the beautiful thing about Pinterest is that it makes me feel crafty without me actually having to be crafty.  If that's possible.  I recently attempted to make something that I first saw on Pinterest and I am pretty happy with the end result.

You can find a walk through on how to make your own here.
Noah insisted on painting as well, since I was painting of course.  Here is his masterpiece, painted while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Thankfully his paints were washable (this was after he had poured out almost 3 bottles of my acrylic paint, but that's another story).  

Lastly, I have been preparing all week for a little party I had on Friday night.  A Favorite Things party.  If you aren't sure of the details that's ok, just know that it's a party where you bring and share some of your favorite things.  It was especially nice to get to know these ladies better, I had a great time.

Well friends, that concludes all the hodgepodge.  Sad.  I am mostly sad because I don't have another excuse to use the word hodgepodge...but I'll get over it.

If you didn't have a chance to hear it (or even if you know nothing about it), our church and their semiannual General Conference this past weekend as well.  Soooo, if you need a little uplifting you can click here, here, here or here to read/listen to a some of my favorites.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed!!!