Bread

One of my greatest pleasures, as of late, is making homemade bread for my family. I took a few classes a while back and when Chris got me my Bosch for my birthday I couldn't not use it!! I love the smell of bread baking in the oven. And, I love even more, slicing a warm loaf, spreading on a little butter that melts immediately and enjoying a taste that you can only get with homemade bread! We are on about month 3 without buying bread from the store and I honestly think we are all healthier for it!!

This particular batch is 16 grain. I get my grain mix and take my classes at Food Wise (who are currently moving their store to Arizona and Warner, I believe). Best store ever!

Christmas!!!!

I really do love this time of year. I love how warm my house seems with all the decor and smells of Christmas. I love being surrounded with friends and family. I love the feeling that giving to others brings. And I love knowing and reflecting upon that I have a Savior who came to this world in the flesh, born as man, to pave the way for eternal life. I don't, however, love that time seems to shift into warp speed around "The Holidays" and that the days have just come and gone in the blink of an eye. And, although I do LOVE this time, I am ready to get back into the normal routine, especially going to the gym and eating real meals instead of cookies and treats ;)

The festivities, for us, started with our anual white elephant exchange with our amazing group of friends. I seriously love this group like family and they sure know how to laugh! Love and laughter; it doesn't get much better than that!

Of course, we went to temple lights....(don't my kids look thrilled??)

My mom gave my kids this cute mug and plate set especially for Santa's cookies and milk. Meegan was so excited to make and set out cookies for Santa! (no, those aren't charred cookies, they are made with "onyx cocoa" and are deeeelish')

On Christmas morning, we had a hard time getting Trey excited for anything. He was grumpy from being woken up and all he wanted was to hold the football from Santa and watch a Thomas movie. It was about an hour before we got him to open anything else!! Here he's saying, "Cheeee'".

He got this Power Rangers dress-up costume and wanted to wear it right away. So cute!
Trey also got a Spiderman scooter, 2 trains, a special train blanket that Mommy made and new shoes.

Meegan got a few Barbies...

and the most interesting thing on her list; a leaf collection book (?)

She also got an Easy Bake Oven with lots of mixes, 2 My Little Ponies, pajamas, shoes and lots of goodies in her stocking.

It was so fun to see Meegan really "get it" this year with the whole idea of Santa and the excitment that comes with it. Trey, not so much, but maybe next year.

I too, was spoiled by Santa. I won't brag and tell you all I got, but let it suffice to say that I have the best "Santa" anyone could ever ask for. I am so grateful for him and for all his hard work for our family. And especially for making me feel special and loved each and every day.

Photos, photos, photos

That's all this blog is about; great photos! I wanted to wait to post these until they were all sent in the mail...For starters, I thought it would be fun to do a photo card for Trey's bday. My friend, Lorri was gracious enough to shoot the pics of him (he was a stinker!!) But I think they turned out fabulous!!

Then, for our fam pics, another friend (I have a lot of talented friends!) Karen Pearce took these gems for us!

Thanksgiving 2009

This year we spent Thanksgiving with Chris's family up in the White Mtns. For starters, it was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G. Give an AZ girl a break! I need to acclimate and down in "the valley" it's been a comfy 70 something.

Anyways, on T-day we (and by "we" I mean all the boys and ME) went shooting. Now, I've been shooting before but it's been a lllong time. Chris thought it would be really funny to initiate me with his Glock and I about peed my pants. Not only was it ridiculously powerful, but out from behind a big bush walk some cows from the very direction I was shooting in! Great, I just shot at some poor cows! (none were hurt, PETA!) He got a horrific video of me shooting that gun, but I will spare myself the embarrassment. Thankfully, there were many more less intimidating guns for me to test out.

Boys and their guns....they crack me up!

And, of course I had to take some "artistic" shots for you. Speaking of, I enjoyed "shooting" photos much more...

After shooting, we had some gooooood eats at Kim and Ryan's place (Chris's sister). She did an amazing job with the turkey and other fixin's. It was all deeeelish!

Welcome, Maximus!

This is the newest member of our family! Maximus Owen Giatroudakis. Born Wednesday, November 18th, weighing in at 5lb 13oz. Son to my sister, Jenni and her husband Nick. Little brother to Jace. Congrat's, guys!

Anniversary!

The last 3 months of the year are crazy for us, can you tell??

Chris and I just celebrated 7 years of wedded bliss. Ok, let's be honest, it hasn't all been bliss. But I wouldn't change it for the world! Anything that doesn't require work doesn't come with a reward, right? Bring on 7 more! And then 7 more! And then 7 more.....

To celebrate, Chris surprised me with Phantom of the Opera tix. Before the show we grabbed good ol' Olive Garden and it was delish' as usual. We had awesome orchestra seats and the show was amazing! It's always fun to get all gussied up to go out too :)

Here's a walk down memory lane...

Year 1: Romeo joined our family. We bought and built our first house in Maricopa. Sherri graduates massage school. Chris is working for Joseph's Appraisal Group.

Year 2: We traveled to Cancun with good friends, got in a nasty car accident, and found out we were expecting. Chris is still at JAG, Sherri worked at Applebees and Preferred Chiropractic.

Year 3: Sherri is working at Brodeur Chiro until Meegan joined our family, Chris went solo and started Castle Appraising Firm, we built our house and moved to Gilbert

Year 4: Meegan turns 1. Took Meegan to Disneyland, visited family in Utah

Year 5: Meegan turns 2. Found out we were expecting, Chris does his first triathlon, Trey joined our family (1 week shy of Year 6, or our 5th anniversary)

Year 6: Had a family reunion in Utah, Went to Las Vegas for our anniversary (first time away

without any kids) Chris does his first half Ironman. Meegan turns 3. Trey turns 1.

Year 7: Went to Polar Express, Had a family reunion in Utah, Chris does his 2nd half Ironman, Chris and I turned 30. Meegan turns 4, Trey turns 2.

The things they say

Says Meegan in prayer..."Thank you that Trey got good toys for his birthday so he doesn't have to dress up like a fairy anymore..."