Christmas Vacation

Happy New Year everyone.

This year we surprised the kids with a ski/water park vacation. The condo we stayed in was right at the base of a gondola which took you up to some amazing skiing and tubing hills. Also, a few steps from the condo was an indoor water park. It was the perfect getaway, something for everyone.

Personally, I preferred the 85 degrees in the water park than the 18 degree tubing hill.

Britton in the perfect little kiddie pool.

Emma LOVED the water slide.

We played in the snow during the day and in the water park in the evenings.



The tubing hill was so long. There was a moving sidewalk to bring you back up.


Silver Mountain, Idaho

Christmas 2010.
We had so much fun together.
It was perfect.

Walking for a cause

Turkey Trot- Thanksgiving Day 2010
We abandoned all fashion sense and went for warmth over style at this years Turkey Trot, a community event to raise money for a local organization. We braved the temperatures in the mid-teens and walked. I'm still baffled by the old guy with nothing on but a hat and a skimpy pair of shorts. (Sorry no picture) What was he thinking?

Wedding Day

It was such an honor to host Heather (Brent's sister) and Marvell's wedding at our home last month.

Everything was beautiful.

Cousin Madelyn and Emma.

I think that these pictures are ADORABLE!

Britton and Emma

September 25th, 2010

Thank you for the fantastic

pictures Amy C. and Allison M.

Black and White

We had a blast at our Halloween Party,

thanks for coming everyone!

The Girls.

Adult Halloween Party

I tried my Halloween costume on for my family.

Dallin said, "Are you REALLY going to wear that?"

Britton said, "That's weird"

and

Elizabeth said, "Can I borrow that?"

I got mixed reviews.

This is your official invitation to all who would like to come to our

Adult Halloween Party

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

8:00 p.m.

My house

Theme: Black and/or White Costumes or clothing, whatever you would like.

Minute-to-Win-It Games and Prizes.

Everyone's welcome so bring a spouse, husband, date or friend!

If you would like to bring finger foods to share, that would be great.

Hope you can ALL come!

Worth waiting for.

Keely, a wonderful and dedicated woman in my ward, planned an adult prom.

I raided my parents closets and found my sister's prom dress and my dad's tuxedo.

Brent planned a lovely dinner in the park.

He asked his mom to make a corsage and boutineer (wasn't that my job, Oops!)

He even arranged dinner.

I gave the people at my table a "I didn't get to go to my own prom" sob story and

someone (not sure who, but I bet it was YOU) nominated Brent and I Prom King and Queen.

Whoever it was, thanks for my moment. Everyone needs a moment now and again.

We had a blast.
The first time Cameron saw Brent in his tux he said with a wink and a nod,

"Oh, you're going on THAT kind of date."

I'm Doing It

I just had to take two Advil because the thought of it makes my head spin. It scares me to death, but at the same time I know it's the right time and I'm looking forward to it.

I have more self-confidence in myself and my abilities than ever before.

I know I can do it.

Many people encouraged me to GO FOR IT.

Brent thinks it's the greatest thing ever.

I have my bishop's interview tonight to start the application process.

With only about 4 classes to complete, (I have to officially apply before I find out for sure) I'm working on a Bachelor of General Studies degree with a Family Life emphasis from Brigham Young University.

I can totally complete it on-line at home, with a few tests that will be elsewhere.

My Inspiration is the vision of me walking across the stage in the

BYU Marriot Center with a very large cheering section.

A MOMENT to remember...

Sunday May 9th, 2010 at approximately 8:40 a.m I turned around in the car and saw this:

Dallin was memorizing the 9th Article of Faith by repeating it over and over,

Cameron was teaching Britton the difference between pennies, nickles and dimes,

Emma was starting to feel the effects of a 2 hour crying session in the night due to a tummy ache,

Elizabeth was giving Kenley some pointers on the fine art of eyelash curling and mascara application,

Brent was driving,

and I was blissfully Happy.

Acting

Windy

The trampoline flipped once, then took off.

The Tri-Cities is known for several things, including strong winds.

Our trampoline is now at the neighbors.

Something a little fishy.

Elizabeth's teacher told her she deserved something BIG!!!

I was intrigued to think what BIG would be.

In High School BIG is a handwritten note from the Principal,

along with a stuffed fish!

Ever heard of the "Fish Philosophy?"

Apparently, a fish is somehow related to success.

In some way, somehow,

a stuffed fish is a big deal!

I appreciate when others give my children encouragement and praise.

"We are wiser than we know." -Emerson

Cameron and Dallin are BROTHERS

I kissed them both goodbye with the reminder to be fast, "but don't run." I always say that because our street is bumpy and uneven and gravely. I get weak in the knees at the thought of anyone falling on it. They were a little later leaving than usual, but still had plenty of time to get to school. I watched them walk away until they got to the street and then closed the door. Five minutes later I heard crying and looked out of the front window. I saw Dallin coming back across the lawn with Cameron on his back, blood streaming down his leg. My first instinct was to check out the leg. I saw it wasn't too bad, just a lot of blood. Then I looked at Dallin. He was running on pure adrenaline. He had the most determined, yet compassionate look I have ever seen. EVER. Dallin gets a little squeamish when it comes to injuries and trauma, so I knew this was a very big deal for him. Dallin had left his backpack and trombone up the street and carried a very traumatized brother on his back all the way home.

Dallin went on to school. Cameron stayed home today (for a little extra lovin') and made this poster for Dallin. We taped it to the front door so it would be the first thing Dallin saw when he got home.

I know it's just the way it should be and that's just what you do for your brother, but we couldn't help making him feel extra special today.

Family Home Evening Snuggy Style

You can even roast a marshmellow in one!!

Favorite song

In years to come I'll look back at this picture and think Britton was praying. So, I'd better document that he was actually singing the last line of Book of Mormon Stories.

RI * GHTEOUS *LY

Who would have thought that we would actually have to consider banning a primary song from our home. Everyone finds is so adorable to see him doing the actions that they laugh uncontrollably. Their favorite line is when he has to
put up two fingers at the back of his head to symbolize an Indian's feathers. He works hard at putting up two fingers, and only two. But the third finger pops up without warning, so he has to use his other hand to stick the third finger back. Then he puts the two, almost three, fingers above his head while all the time checking with the other hand that only two stay up. That darn third finger.

When your kids are all young you have to thing they are adorable all by yourself, but my older kids join in the giggles too.

cut

It took a movie,

some Cadbury's Mini eggs,

and me telling him every 5 seconds

that it will be OK and "I'm almost done."

We took enough off to make another head of hair.

Handsome Boy.

Please be aware for future reference that

the realization that your twelve year old daughter has less

than half an inch before she catches up to you

AND

a almost 15 year old that announced she can sign up for

Driver's Ed. anytime now,

IS TOO MUCH TO HANDLE

ALL IN THE SAME WEEK.

39

You're looking at my 39th birthday present. Brent bought and installed a in house speaker system and I'm finally with it and got an I-Pod too. It feels so luxurious walking from room to room with music playing above your head. My kids think it feels like we are at a store.

Problem is our C.D collection includes such titles as "Hits of the 80's, "Fabulous 80's," and "Totally 80's." Still love them, but I need to expand my playlist a little.

HELP!!

I've got an itunes card in hand and no idea what to purchase.

What are your favorite songs??

Multi-tasking.

I'm naming this picture,

"Mom asked me to push Britton,

but I need my hands to text,

so I'll tie our swings together with a bungee cord

and we'll all be happy."

Happy Day

Every day at the same time you can find Emma

waiting at the window for her brothers and sisters to

come home from school. The process lasts for about an hour

as they all arrive at different times. They know to come to the window

to wave. Then they come in and give her a big hug and a smooch.

It's safe to say that

SHE LOVES IT!!!!!!!!!

Emma turned one last week.
Her birthday treat was a Banana Split. She loves bananas.
She got a red wagon for taking walks around the neighborhood.

The wagon has seat belt, a drink holder and snack compartment.

In this picture Britton is saying something like,

"Get Emma out!"

It's her gift, she gets to ride.

Be Mine Valentine

Good, Solid and Practical is the rule for

Valentine Gift giving at our house.

This year, a 2 GALLON sprayer for killing weeds.

Oh, how I enjoy killing weeds.

In all fairness I have to tell you that there was a book I have had

my eye on tucked inside the box.

Sweethearts Dance

Feb. 13th 2010 Pasco Stake

photo courtesy of D.Warnick

Combining Holidays

I LOVE day trips.

Especially the ones where we decide to go and

are in the car and on our way in 19 minutes.
On Saturday we hopped in the car and drove

about an hour and a half to see the Elk. They feed

them every day at 1:30.

I just showed Britton this picture. He got excited and said,

"There's me with the reindeer

at the pumpkin patch."

Job Opening

***WANTED***

One funloving,

kind,

patient gamer

to play

Candyland with Britton

ALL

DAY

LONG!!

Essay

This afternoon Dallin was honored for his winning essay he wrote on how to get parents more involved in school. He, along with eleven other elementary and middle school students, were chosen from more than 500 entries.

He was mentioned in the Local Newspaper.

Here he is receiving his award from Superintendent Hill.

Fantastic work Dallin!

11 months

At 11 months Emma loves

Her brothers and sisters

her sippy cup

the "kitties" (her first word)

ALL food

falling asleep to the sound of rain

her "nukie" (pacifier)

her big sisters necklaces, cell phones and I.D badges

You're the sweetest Emma.

I can't believe you're almost 1.

First Grade Math

6+1+4 is 11, it just is.

But in a elementary math world,

you have to "tell how you know."

Probably not what the teacher was looking for,

but how can you argue with that!!

GUILTY!!!

The face,

plus the evidence.
Did you come to the same conclusion as me?