Christmas 2007

We just returned last night from our Christmas in California. Luckily the roads were good and we made it back in one piece. We traveled with David's brother Jeff and his family as well as his Mom. We enjoyed time in Reno with David's brother, Ed and his family. And then we continued on to California where we stayed in Windsor in a nice condo. We enjoyed the heated pool, hot tub, the beach (although a little cold), a day at marine world (VERY cold), and of course seeing family and good friends. We appreciate all the hospitality shown to us. We are greatful to be home safe and really enjoyed our own beds last night!

Dance Recital time

the girls had their Christmas Dance Recital tonight. they did reasonably well, but of course looked beautiful. I video taped the dances, but can't figure out how to put them on the blog. we'll see. I have a new camera and I haven't worked out the kinks yet.

Ice Skating

I went on a field trip with the 5th grade students today. They went ice skating. Unfortunately, I had to take Elizabeth and Mia with me. Elizabeth only went around with me once, and Mia wouldn't even let me put on her skates.. . she was afraid of them. Luke seemed to have a good time with the other kids. I just sat around with the girls for about 2 hours. Pretty fun. Doesn't Elizabeth look like she is having a blast? Yeah, right. . .

Christmas Dresses

You can tell I am not a very great photographer. .. I don't even have a good picture with eyes open on everyone! Oh, well, you get the idea.

Ward Party

No Holiday Season is complete without the Ward Christmas Party! We had ours tonight. Yummy food, program, and of course the classic "Santa" to pose for pictures. Mia was scared (no surprise there, she is scared of just about everything), so I just had Luke hold her for the wonderful picture.

• Can you see Elizabeth's boots? We bought those the other day and she loooves them. They have a little dog face on them.
• We also decorated the house for Christmas this week. I gave Mia (but all the kids are enjoying it) a little people nativity as an early gift. It is soooo cute.

Musing.

Yesturday, I spent the day switching the girls rooms. Kennedy took Mia's room, and Elizabeth and Mia now share. As I was taking the crib down, I got to thinking. All four of my children have slept in this crib as babies, and I am now taking it down for good. It was a strange thought. I didn't get teary eyed or anything, in fact I am glad to have it gone and give a little more space for the other things in their rooms. But it is just one stage of my life that is now gone. No more little babies sleeping in the crib. Time does fly sometimes, doesn't it? Next thing I know I will be looking at empty bedrooms and wondering where the years have gone. Now I'm a little teary eyed. .. .

WINTER IS HERE!

We had our first real snow storm today. It has been snowing all day long. Kennedy built a snow man in the yard (you can see it in the picture). Luke went sledding at the park with some friends, and had a blast. I knew it was coming, but not sure if I am ready. It is nice for the season, though.

Elf Dancing

The kids just had to do this after seeing Julias. . . http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9620959230

Thanksgiving Weekend

I was going to wait until I got some pictures up, but decided to give a quick update on our Thanksgiving weekend without them, and add them later. We had a great, but busy weekend. David's brother, Ed, and his family came out from Reno, and it was great spending time with them. Eliza hosted Thanksgiving, and is always a great hostess. We ate too much, of course, and played some games. I got up early Friday morning, and just went to Shop Ko for a couple items. I stopped at the gym when I was done, to burn a few extra Thanksgiving calories, and it was pretty empty! Every one was out with the crowds. I went to the mall a little later in the morning, and even though it was crazy busy, and I was alone, I actually enjoyed myself. I didn't have any screaming children with me! While I was out shopping, David had the kids over at Jeff's house, and they all organized a flag football game. All the kids played (except Mia and Windsor), and I think everyone seemed to have a great time. We had everyone over to our house on Saturday to watch the BYU-UTAH football game, and BYU squeeked out a win, so all is right in the world of football right now! Mainly we spent a lot of time "hanging out", and enjoying each others company. The kids really enjoyed spending time with their cousins. It was a nice weekend. Now it is time to get out the Christmas decorations! I can't believe the kids haven't asked about it yet. I will do it this weekend. Here's to hoping that everyone had a great holiday. We have a lot to be greatful for.

Raking up Leaves

Million Dollar Smile

MIA

Tagged!

So here goes, I write 5 random facts about myself.. . .I've actually struggled to think of 5.

1. I really like the LOOK of snow. .. there is nothing like a snow storm that covers everything in a blanket of white. If you have no where to go, have a warm place to cuddle, and some yummy hot chocolate, it is wonderful. But, I HATE driving in it, and I do not like the cold. .. so maybe I don't really like it after all!
2. I prefer Warm, being in the sun, at the beach or by the pool. I still think Shareen lives in one of the best places. .. although I wouldn't enjoy the scare of the fires recently.
3. I really like laughter. .. and smiles. .. I need to do both more often. I love hearing my children laugh, and it is even better if I am laughing with them.
4. I really enjoy reading. There is nothing like a great book. I have to be careful though, because I can get so wrapped up in a book that I neglect everything else. Moderation, right?
5. I love any chance I get to go out with David. I don't care if we only go grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. .. it is a date to me. I love my children with all my heart, but these rare "get-away" moments are very special.

There you have it. .. not too interesting, but that is what popped in my head at the moment. I have no one to tag. . .Not much of a friends list yet. But I do enjoy reading others. When you wrote about your love of shoes Julia, it made me look in my closet and I think you would be appaled at my sorry collection. Maybe I need to get a love of shoes as well!

Those Pesky 5

OK, I have a few thoughts I have to get off my chest. I have tried to always be good and take care of myself, but I have these 5 pounds that just won't go away! A part of me is, it's only five pounds, don't worry about it, but I do . . . .. afraid that if I let it slide 5 will turn to 10, etc. I decided to start with adding a couple more early morning workouts into my schedule. It was painful (5 am is really early), but I made it to the gym everyday this week. I just don't want these extra pounds to make them selves at home for too long! I cannot "go on a diet". I refuse to starve myself for a few weeks, just to gain the weight back. I have to make "lifestyle changes". So I will let you know if these extra gym visits do the trick. I suppose I should try to adjust my diet as well. First of all, I am really in need of some good recipes. I go to the store, and don't even know what to buy. So meal planning is almost obsolete. Dinner time comes around and everyone asks , "What's for dinner?" . .. I hate that question.. . . and I scrounge around until I throw something together. Suggestions or ideas anyone?

Halloween Day Fun

Elizabeth had a little party at her preschool today. This is her and her teacher. I just have to make note that I actually made her red cape fore her costume ( with a little help). There is a parade every year at the elementary school and the kids get to march around the school showing their costumes. Kennedy is Alice in Wonderland. We scrambled a little to throw something together for Luke. We found David's reffing shirt, so Luke is a Soccer Refferee.

Mia was wearing her dog costume, but I didn't get any new pictures of her today. She was cute, as usual. The kids went out and got way too much candy tonight. It was a pleasant Halloween. Warm and Sunny for the time of year. I wasn't even cold as we went Trick-or-Treating.

We're all done. ...

We had our primary program today ( children's program at church), and the kids did great! I snapped a couple pictures of the kids before we left for church. David thought I should be in a picture. . . So here I am with my kids this morning. You can see how I cut my hair a couple weeks ago.

Jeff and Eliza and their kids came over this evening for dinner and to hang out for a while. Mia and Windsor really love playing together. It is fun watching them run and play around the house. I was going to snap a photo of the boys, but they were just sitting around playing video games, typical.

Hay Ride and Comics. . .

I thought these comics inspired by Twilight were so cute! Luke had pack meeting tonight and the kids got to wear their costumes and go for a hay ride around the neighborhood. I have borrowed a dog costume from a friend for Mia. As we got out of the car she started to bark. .. it was quite cute. Elizabeth, Kennedy, and their friend Juliette had a great time. Luke received a couple of awards, but I was too slow with the camera. I guess I am not used to trying to take pictures.

Not many pictures. . .

We had an early snow fall a couple weeks ago, and Kennedy went outside and built a snow man. Mia, Elizabeth, Kennedy, cousins Loraya and Isaac, and Luke. This was taken on Jacob and Julia's stop on their way to West Virginia. Kennedy is driving with cousin, Loraya in shotgun and Elizabeth taking the back seat. They drove this little car all over Whidbey Island this summer.

Maybe I will be inspired to take a few more pictures now! I have a pretty sorry collection from the past several months.