Warning....lots of Christmas Pictures!!!

Morgan in her new sweater from G&G Tanner

Landon in his new shirt and tie from Maddy

Maddy all dressed up for her first area stake dance!

Landon gave Maddy the game of Sorry for X-mas

Maddy also in her new PJ's from Gabi and Landon in

his Hulk PJ's fro Kenzie.

Morgan in her new PJ's from Konnor and her first American Girl Doll "MIA"

The awesome Storm Trooper helmet!!

Maddy and her new pink I-Home!

Christmas Eve camp out while watching Polar Express!

Maddy's Gingerbread Cookie

Morgan's Gingerbread Cookie

The Family Gingerbread House

Morgan's Gingerbread house from School!!

What a Christmas we had! We hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's!!!

Haircuts and home made Christmas presents!

Landon made mommy a VERY PRETTY Christmas present at preschool this morning. He was so proud of the glitter and stuff he put on "all" by himself. I just love this age. When what they give you truly comes from their hearts and minds. He also got a handsome haircut this afternoon and was once again glad that it was not "too" short. I reminded him, once again, that it wasn't "too" short cause he did not cut it before hand by himself! :) He is our handsome little bubba!

Maddy School Christmas Concert - Solo

Maddy had a solo this morning in her Choir's Christmas Concert. She did extremely well and we are so very PROUD of her. Go Maddy!!!

Christmas Devotional

We were lucky enough to be selected for tickets to the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional Sunday night. Maddison went with us while Morgan and Landon, not eight and old enough to go, stayed home to play. (with babysitter's of course) The messages by each member of the Presidency was very encouraging and brought the sprirt of chirstmas in full perspective. We were very glad for the opportunity to go and enjoyed a little stroll through Temple Square afterwords, in which we saw Shawn Bradley and his wife. He is soooo..crazy tall! We also ran into our good friends Megan and Ryan! Go Gold's! All in all, we had a very spiritually uplifting evening and was able to enjoy it with Maddison.

Finally, Christmas Tree!

Yeah! We have final results in the quest for getting the christmas tree up and decorated! It has been a week long process, but it turned out better than I had hoped. Travis really did the hard part. We decided to switch the lights this year from colored to white. Well, especially hard if your wife is allergic to the fake tree and can not help. Which I, Nicki, am terribly allergic. Of all things to get scratchy skin and hives from! So, Travis kindly and pain stakingly put the whites lights on for us! The easy part is putting the decorations on and when you have lots of little hands helping, it goes quickly! I have become my mother as I realized that I was teaching Maddy and Morgan to "fill in the holes" and "not to put decorations of the same kind to close together". They each caught on quickly and we had a great time! Landon was more worried out watching The Incredibles on TV, than decorating the tree. What a great way to end our wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Happy Holiday's to all!

Recent Family Happenings

Aunt Trisha did hair and make-up for The Sound of Music play. From what I hear she did a great job and apparently Jamison thinks so too.....Ahhh, how sweet!

Grandma Ziegler and Maddie after The Sound of Music play. I hear the kids did not even recognize Grandma with out any hair!!!

Uncle Jamison and Maddie after the play....Landon is for some reason a little blurred!

Maddie turned 14 years old...She looks way excited! Time goes by so fast when you are having fun! We can not believe she is 14!

A Treat from the Islands

I received many wonderful birthday presents and cards. However, hopefully with out offending anyone, I did have a favorite! My awesome friend Irene Janado sent me a birthday package direct from Hilo, Hawaii! Oh my gosh! It was filled with Calendars, Cookies, Luggage Tags (so when I get to go to Hawaii :), Notepads, Post cards, Chocolate covered Macadamia nuts (2 boxes), a chocolate candy bar with macadamia nuts (already eaten by Landon and I), roasted Macadamia Nuts (already eaten by Travis and I) and Caramel Popcorn with Macadamia nuts (already eaten by me and a friend)!!!
I know that when I step on the scale at my doctor's appointment today, I will see the results of scarfing down such wonderful, amazing treats but I really could not help myself. It was such fun to receive a little of Hawaii from my dear friend! Now if I could pakcage a yard full of snow for her, that would make the best return gift, I think! I am wishing for a trip to Hawaii sometime in my life, but for now this awesom package of goodies will make me happy!!! (not pictured, all the things already eaten) :)

Election Day 2008

This is a old picture from last year at Grandma and Grandpa Ziegler's home, but I thought it was cute. Today as I read blog posts in KSL and ABC4 news about Prop 8, I have really had a lot of emotions run through me. But one emotion runs true no matter what, I love my children and my husband. What a blessing it is to be a family forever, of course if I live right :) I have often been so upset over blogger's comments and what not on the LDS Church's fight for Prop 8, but then Travis and I were lucky enough to hear Elder Russell M. Nelson last saturday night speak to our stake. What a wonderful man! He did encourage us to speak kind words and to be careful how we respond to others who oppose our beliefs. What a comfort to hear his words! I read the comments now and think how lucky I am to have the testimony that I do. I am greatful for my parents who taught me gospel principals and showed me how to respect others. I am greatful for my husband and his willingness to strive for eternal happiness. I am greatful for my siblings and the examples they have been and still are to me! I am especially greatful for my children and their simple but amazing testimonies of our Savior and his love. I love my Heavenly Father and the gospel in which I believe. I love our Prophet and his Counselors and I know with out a doubt they are sent here to guide us by our loving Father in Heaven. I know this is pretty much a testimony to you all, but I felt impressed to write these things. Anyone who reads this blog should know how much you are loved by the Tanner family!!!!!!

Happy Halloween

We had a great night Trick or Treating! By the end of the night, Hulk crashed on the floor of the Yukon while we visited with our good friend's the Lewis's! Good kids and good fun!

A case of the stomach flu and good friends

There are those rare occasions when I realize how greatful, how truly greatful, I am for the people in my life. There are many. Family, longtime friends, newly acquired friends, co-workers, neighbors, and I believe the list goes on. I also realize how willing those people are to help when I need them to. Whether I have asked for it or not! Yesterday and today were those times. I could not really go much longer without thanking those family and friends! As the day started out on Tuesday around 9:00 am, I realized that the bathroom was going to be my friend. Then, around 1:00 pm it became the place I turned to for pretty much most of my needs! ( I assume you all get what I am talking about. I had the stomach flu! ) Nothing, I mean nothing, was going to make a long stay in my body. What went in came out in a real hurry. ( I have no desire for any kind of green salad, for a very long time!!! ) Of course as the day went on I got a little worried about being dehydrated while being pregnant. Travis came home around 3:00 pm and took Landon with him to do some errands. That relieved a little of my stress. Then around 7:00 pm I started having some pretty bad pains in my left leg and I was starting to get short of breath. Now, on top of all this, Sunday I started a yucky cold. The usual, sore throat, cough, low fever, and sinus pressure. All symptoms I still had, when the stomach flu hit. So, I did what I normally do, I called my younger brother Kiley to ask his medical advise on the situation. I was tired, weak, short of breath and in pain. Nothing was making this better and at that point I was worried. For myself and for the baby! Kiley instructed me to go to the ER. Off we went! ( Once I woke Travis up from his very deep sleep. ) As we were leaving, we realized that someone ought to watch the kids while we were gone. So a quick call to our good friends Bryce and Marlana made a babystitter possible. Thanks Marlana!!! At the hospital, I received IV fluids, naseua medication, a chest xray, and a ultra sound on my left leg. ( Where I was having the sharp shooting pains. ) Around, 3:00 am I received the discharge papers and a prescription for anit-naseau medication ( suppositories, :( ) All was well and nothing to wrong with me except a pretty bad case of the stomach flu, dehydration and a little breathing trouble due to my cold. We came home around 4:00 am, relieved Marlana of her duties and went to bed. But first, my anti-nasuea medication....that was real fun! We were able to get some sleep before the girls had to go to school. Once off to school, Travis headed to work and Landon and I were home alone for the day. Then a newly acquired friend, Alicia Hallman, offered to take Landon for the day! Ahhhh...what a great piece of news, I could truly get some rest! Alicia, thank you! That was some great sleep and I am positive I feel better for it! As I speak now, the bathroom is still my friend, but I feel and look a whole lot better than I did 24 hours ago! My dear husband, is asleep right now, but he also has to have a lot of credit for being by my side and taking care of me. Thank you Trav!!! I hope everyone knows how greatful I am for ALL of your help and support. Kiley, thanks for calling your sister back late at night. I had not been a whimp until I started to tell you what was wrong. Thanks for letting me whine and cry! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH to everyone!!!! Now with that, I need to take a potty break :)

Fire Department Open House

Every year our wonderful Fire Department has a Open House where the community is invited for Yummy Scones and Icecream! There are fire safety lessons, jr fire fighter challenges, opportunities to sit in the Police Helicopter, and new this year a ride in a Fire Truck. We had a great time. Unfortunately, Maddy had Young Women's and was not able to come with us. Thanks Farmington Fire Department for all you do for our community!!!

Landon and Morgan

Morgan and Landon sitting in the Police Helicopter

Mom and Landon riding in the Fire Truck

(picture by Morgan)

Morgan taking a ride on the Fire Truck

Bed time stories

This was quiet a funny story, apparently! Actually, it was a story about the letter G and Grover! But what was so funny was daddy's accent he used to tell the story! The kids were laughing so hard. They asked Travis to read it about 5 or 6 times. Amidst my desire's to puke, I did remember we have a camera and snapped a few good ones! Good times at the Tanner home!

School Carnival Night

What a fun Friday night we had! Farmington Elementary School had their annual Carnival Night. We had hot dogs, soda's, chips and loads of fun. They of course had the usual prize walk's, which Morgan found to be more fun, so she joined her friend McKalee for about an hour. Landon on the other hand was completely happy staying outside on the bouncey slide and obstacle course. We stayed for three hours! Three hours of people everywhere and children pushing you out of their way. However much it bugged me to have to say "Uh... please no cutting in line" the kids really did have a GREAT time and I was very glad to have taken them! I had completely left the camera at home, so thankfully Travis made it for the last half hour and was willing to bring the camera with him! We hope to be able to go every year now!

A Police Standoff, A Elementary School in Lockdown, and A Teenager scared to walk home!

This was the scene literally across the street from our home today. A man had an argument with his wife, shots were fired and he locked himself in his truck, with two guns, in his driveway. It started at 9:30am today and as far as we know, they are still trying to get him to come out of his truck. (it is 7:34pm) They tried all sorts of tactics to get him to come out, but nothing has forced him from the confines of his truck. This is all happening just ONE street north of us! I received a call from the Elementary school telling me that they were in lockdown and I had to come pick up Morgan from school personally. Then the Junior High students were in somewhat of a lockdown. Children who lived in the area of the gunmen, were to be picked up personally as well. However, as close as we are I never received a phone call to come pick up Maddy. Her friend who lives 3 blocks away from all of this had to be picked up by her mother, but we live 1 block away and no phone call. I called the Junior High after I had received the call from the Elementary and they were shocked that I had not received a call from someone. They advised me to go pick Maddy up along the route she takes to get home. Of course Landon and I headed quickly and found her shortly after. Once all was home safe, I walked across the street to just take a look. These picture are what I saw. Notice the sniper's on the roof (top picture) We have helicoptor's still circling our area and who knows how long it will last. Big time news in small town Farmington!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

With fall approaching, I thought it would be fun to share one of my favorites. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread! One of our Relief Society Councelor's found it for an Enrichment Night we did last year! We had a assortment of breads (pumkin bread, zuccuini bread, banana bread)and bagels to go with the spread. It also goes nicely on toast or rolls. (especially Sam's Club Dinner Yeast Cluster Rolls...yummy)
Then for drinks we had Egg Nog (non alcoholic of course) with Sprite or 7-up. We used regular Egg Nog and Pumpkin Egg Nog. (found at Wal-mart but probably anywhere else too) It was a wonderful treat and fun to share! Enjoy your Autum months ahead. Unless you are Trisha, then you only have a few days of autum to enjoy! ha ha ha Or Lori, who gets No Autum, I think? Anyways, enjoy!


Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

1-8oz. Cream Cheese - softened
1/2 cup Canned Pumpkin
1/4 cup Sugar
3/4 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
Beat all ingredients until smooth. Cover and refridgerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
(you can double this with no problem and I found it is better when it is refridgerated for over night)

The Holiday's are Coming

Okay, we know it is only September, but the Tanner Family is ready for Halloween! Yesterday, I ventured to the storage unit with Morgan and Landon to grab the Halloween boxes. We then came home and got straight to work decorating. I love this time of year. The decorations start to come out and doesn't stop until December 25th! The younger kids were SO excited to start decorating. However, I did find out that they like it only cause it means Christmas is that much closer. When Travis and I were at Costco saturday, I saw the these really pretty red and gold tree decorations and some wrapping paper that I liked, I bought them both...in September!!! I must admit it though, I truly like decorating for the Holiday's. It brings a fun warmth to our home and plus when Thanksgiving/Christmas comes I love buying the cinnamon smelling pine cones and putting them in a basket in front of our air vents! Oh I can smell it now! We hope all will enjoy the coming months! Happy Holidays! (already, yes I know)

Pre-School and Big Boys

Landon's first day of pre-school! He did so great. I thought maybe he would have a bit of a hard time when I left his classroom, but apparently not so. He did not even notice that I had left. He is not quite the mamma's boy I assumed he was! I was extremely proud of him for being so brave. As I came to pick him up he was so cute sitting there waiting his turn to get his backpack. As soon as he got his backpack, he came running to me for a hug. I hugged him then pulled him back to see Black Marker all over his face and lips. His teacher said they asked the kids to draw a picture and Landon decided to draw his picture, on his Face! ( I think I have been reading Jamie and Kiley's Blog infront of Landon to much ha ha ha ) Needless to say, it came right off with a washcloth and he is excited to go back. Job accomplished!

Fun filled weekend with Grandpa Ziegler

Go Blue! We had a great time with Grandpa Ziegler last weekend. He also suprised us and stayed over to go to church with us the next day. A day at Cougar Stadium, Hot Dogs, Popcorn and Frozen Lemonades. What a blast! By the time Grandpa was ready to go home, Morgan and Landon were ready to go with him. Thanks Grandpa for a great weekend! and of course GO BYU!

First Day of School!

Two very beautiful girls, one first day of school! Maddison is now a veteran Junior High Schooler and Morgan entered 1st grade. (all day school, finally) She has been ready for all day something, for some time now. Maddy is growing up way to fast, especially for Travis's likes. Travis took her to school the first day to pay the ,FREE PUBLIC SCHOOL, registration fee and Maddy walked 20 feet behind Travis. When she got in the school, she did not want anything to do with her dad, and was completely embarassed when he walked up to give her the year book we bought from last year! She was totally embarassed like oh my gosh!!!! ha ha ha Morgan seems to be a little the same. When she got settled into her classroom, she did not want to hug me good bye and acted like I wasn't even there! Girls! Landon on the other hand is my mamma's boy. However, I am thinking he will enjoy his time at Pre-school as much as I will enjoy my few hours a week, ALONE! Goals for that time alone, excercise! I would like to shed a few pounds before Christmas. I would also like to start going to the Gym I have a free membership to! Goals! Goals! Goals! All in all, the girls are loving school and Landon can't wait for his to start. On a side note Grandpa Ziegler is coming to Utah this weekend to treat us to the BYU football game. Oh the kids are soooooo excited. SO GO BYU!!!!!!!!

New word in the dictionary ....Honeybud!

Funny story.........Tonight for dinner I made crepes. All the kids were sitting around the table getting their own crepes loaded with what they wanted. Maddy decided to have honey on hers. Since I am not a honey fan, I rarely get it out and I don't think Landon has ever seen the honey bottle that we have in the cupboard, ever. So curious, he asked Maddy what she was putting on her crepe. Maddy Replied " It's honey......bud!" Landon then turned to Travis and asked "Dad what is Honeybud?" We have decided that Landon is our honeybud! So cute!