My sweet husband

So I wake up this morning to find these notes- one in my purse and the other on the kitchen island... he's so sweet to me. I'm glad he's mine.

Love you Josh.

Fun Center

Christmas Break

So we had to cancel our plans to go to Vernal because of the slippery road conditions, we'll try again in the spring. In the meantime the kids bought some more Christmas gifts with money and giftcards they received ... and spent what money they had on the classic fun center.



Kaeley bought some baby dolls that cry

We dyed Bre's hair pink streaks



Dance Dance Revolution



We also saw Beverly Hills Chihuahua at the Kaysville theater, the movies that play there are on the tail end of being in limbo stage for DVD release. Just it's a great price, really close... and less people than the big theater's. Plus the movie was actually pretty cute and funny.

Kaeley (sitting next to me): Says, "It was really really awesome." Dallen seconds that.

Christmas Afternoon

Well we got the kids Christmas afternoon, opened presents, then cooked a nice Christmas day dinner. We bought 3 family games, Guess Who, operation and Apples to Apples jr., Apples to Apples is great fun...

Well we have the kids for a little bit during their winter school break. Have some fun plans including the fun center from the money they receive from my Grandma, Vernal and sledding down huge hills..

Josh made this for me- I've been wanting a place to store shoes and sit and put them on. He's handy :) Thanks love.


This was probably one of the coolest gifts we got Kaeley, it's a Polly Pocket Jet, even comes with a helicopter


Bre's new roxy sweater
Got Dallen a survival hunting knife- comes with a compass, storage for matches, fishing line etc. on the end
All the kids got new bikes, Bre upgraded to a 24', Kaeley and Dallen are both at 20'. Dallen has to put his bike together- we thought it was a good opportunity to work with Josh on learning how to assemble things
Santa didn't come to our house this year, the kids were cool with that

Salon Tantrum

I got my hair cut and colored yesterday. I went to a new salon in Layton called Salon Tantrum, I would definitely recommend this place. The ambiance, the customer service and the staff all surpassed my high expectations. I especially enjoyed the frozen grapes, cup of mixed nuts and cucumber water offered to me. They also served citrus water, hot chocolate, apple cider and coke products. There was beautiful artwork to enjoy at every turn, also during the weekdays there is a pianist that will play for a few hours in the afternoon. Don't waste time with crappy salons like dollar cuts or super cuts... this place definitely has my business.

A Soldier's Christmas

I think most of us have heard this poem before, but it's a nice one to share every year

*******

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,and to see just who in this little house lived.
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No Stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,A sobering thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary, The home of a soldier, I could now see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,Not how I picture a United States Soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wondering how many lay alone,on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,I dropped to one knee and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice".
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,My life is my God, my country, my corps."
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,as we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark night,this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,whispered, "Carry on Santa...., It's Christmas Day...., All is secure.
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,Merry Christmas my friend.... and to all a Good Night.

I found it interesting to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

Dancing to Christmas tunes

Christmas Fun

Today was a busy today. Kids played in the snow for a while, we made christmas cookies and put up our Christmas tree.... phew... and still had time for a nap! Even my pregnant self took one..




They were caught a little off guard

Bre finished making 26 snowflake perler beads for her entire class. She also made a big one for our tree.

Josh and Dallen went out Friday night and found us a really nice tree.

Kaeley got the privileged of putting the star on this year

We made sugar cookies, used christmas cookie cutters then the kids painted them with a mix of egg and food coloring..we baked them and tada!


I was hoping for a snowman but this snow is too soft for a snowman

Look at all this snow! There has to be at least 6 inches!!

Family Christmas Party

Bre started reading her new book immediately!


We got Oli a soft bat and ball... lol he started hitting everyone with it.. have fun Luke and Nancy

Thanks everyone who bought the kids gifts! They love them


This was completely candid and funny!

Tressa and Anna
You know these silly folks!



Kaeley held him for 3 seconds then was like he's too heavy ... and gave him back


Philip is such a good baby

Josh absolutely loves Oli... he misses him when he doesn't see him much


Kaeley with Lexi's baby doll

Dallen really liked the brimmed beanie! (Thanks mom)