Is it really over?

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone..

After our Christmas Eve party we opened up Christmas p.j.'s. and then it was off to dream of sugar plum fairies...

Christmas morning. We didn't wake up until 9:00. I love that my kids are sleepers too.

This picture is my favorite. I admire the "love" they truly have for each other. (this was after Rylee opened up the gift that Tayler picked out for her). It was so cute and I'm so glad that my awesome photographer captured it. So sweet!

Jayson just chillin'

Rylee with her new Salon from Santa.

Jayson LOVES our vacuum so I found one more his size. He stinkin' loves it. After he opened it he didn't care about opening anything else until later. He vacuums all day long. It made me smile. Tayler got a new MP3 player. She listened to music all day. She told me that she doesn't care about watching TV anymore and just wants to listen to music from now on.

We had SUCH a relaxing day. It was glorious. We played with toys, we ate, we took a LONG nap and watched movies. I really needed a day like that. I never even got dressed. Merry Christmas to me!

It was so fun to talk to my whole family too. Thank heavens for Skype. I love you all SOOO much!

I hope that everyone else had a fantastic Christmas too!

Christmas Eve

First off..

Our Christmas Eve, EVE tradition was a hit. The girls were so excited all day. We made up all the beds down in the basement that afternoon and I finished all my chores so that I wasn't tempted to leave and do something else. We went to Target and picked out LOTS of candy for the festivities. After my YW's activity the pizza arrived so we headed downstairs and popped in the first video. First up was, Horton Hears a Who. Second, Madagascar. Third, Prince Caspian.. oh yes, my kids could have stayed up longer, but at midnight we called it a night. At 2 a.m. Jayson woke up so he ended up back in his crib upstairs (apparently he isn't so fond of the pack-n-play these days). It was great. I can't wait to do it again next year, except next time I will take a nap with my kids that day so that I'm not the WEAK link again.

Wednesday we woke up and cleaned to get ready for the Christmas Eve party at our house. All of Sean's siblings came, except for his sister in Malaysia-- We miss you Shani!

We had a wonderful time. We ate, opened presents, and Sean rec'd his Christmas present early so he busted it out.

A little Rock Band anyone? The kids (both young and old) had a blast. We could hear them singing all the way upstairs. Love it!

Here are all the cute cousins eating. They played so great together! They love to hang out together.

Here is Jayson loving the cookies while I was doing the dishes!

Grandma Shayla gave him his 1st suit. It was darling, but a tad bit too small so I unbuttoned his shirt. My little male dancer!

All in all it was a great night. Thank you everyone for coming.

p.s. (thanks to Shelly for the pictures.. I hope you don't mind that I stole them :)

New Tradition

We are going to start a new tradition in our family. Christmas Eve, EVE.. we are going to have A:
stay up as late as you want
watching movies,
eating pizza and treats

party!

Then, we will have a big sleep-over together in the family room. My kids are so excited. I have to admit, I'm pretty excited too. I am sure they will out last me tonight. Of course it is pj's only!

Wish us luck!!

Parties

Saturday night we went over to the Carlson's for a little BYU game. (really I didn't go for the game). Thanks guys for inviting us! They are such wonderful people! Jayson loved playing with all the controls and kept muting the sound so I took all the kids home and put them in bed and then I started organizing and wrapping presents.

Tayler has been into treasure hunts lately and did the CUTEST one for Sean and I a while back. She had 3 clues and totally put it together correctly. She is so fun! Our treasure was a heart that said "I love you". So cute!

Well, I bought the girls Christmas dresses but instead of just giving them their new dresses we sent them on a treasure hunt. We told them if they ate all their breakfast that they would get a present- which was their first clue. They were so funny running all over the house.

here is the end result

Sunday morning we went out to see Jared, Katie and Cayden who came into town late Friday night. We left about 10:30 a.m. and then stayed and went to Church out at my Mom's. It was awesome to see them. I wish that we all didn't live so far away. Cayden is such a cutie! It was so fun to see him and Jayson play together. I can't wait until Eli can join them too! We had a great time.

Jasyon was not about to sit there and smile-- little turkey!

When we left we remembered that we had left our camera so Jared met us at Saltair with it. Thanks Jar, you are the best!

After that, we rushed home, changed, picked up the presents and salads and headed over to Mike and Shelly's for another party. It was with Sean's dads side of the family and was amazing too. Shelly and Mike always do such a great job on everything. The food was great and it was fun to see everyone. I didn't have my camera though! Drats. (i'll have to get some pictures from Shel!)

Every day we get more and more snow. Last week we took the kids sledding and they had a blast. Jasyon wasn't too sure, but loved a few runs down the hill.

Christmas is just around the corner now! Loves to you all.

Long week

Last Thursday we left the house at 9:30 a.m. and didn't get home again until 5:30 a.m. Tayler had a Dr.'s appt. way down south and then it just turned into one thing after another. Anyway, at the end of the day I was still wrapping some presents for different things and was tired! So my amazing husband told me to get ready because I had an appt. at 7:30 at the SPA. He is the best! It felt so amazing and was just what I needed. Thanks babe! You are seriously the greatest.
It was perfect timing too since I worked all day Friday, Saturday and Monday! He is the best!

Christmas sing-A-long

Wow, I am so behind! Let's play a little catch up. We have been running non-stop over the last few days. Man, you would think it was Christmas or something!!

Last Monday we headed down to the Energy Solutions Arena for a little Christmas cheer. Larry H. Miller is awesome to open it up to everyone. We had a blast. I love singing all the Christmas songs. It is a great activity for FHE and I love being with my family.

I guess it was great EXCEPT for the red and blue lights that pulled us over right as we were leaving. I think the STOP sign really does mean something.. seriously honey!

just an FYI

We went to this last year and it was so much fun!! The best part is that it is free for everything and such a great family activity! You can't beat that.

another birthday and major catch up

Happy, Happy Birthday Ashley (friday).

Have a great time at Disneyland and enjoy no work & Brent for a few days!

We love you. (p.s. thank you so much for the postcards, my kids loved them.)

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Well Monday we had a little bit of snowfall so I hurried and bundled up the kids and out they went to play. Tayler and Jayson were trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues. They had a good time (well at least 10 minutes), but since it was such wet snow they were soaked and freezing so I transported them all to the bath.

Afterwards, I went to work and then that night... WE closed on our new house! It's official! More details of that to come. I am excited, but sad to leave our friends and neighbors.

Tuesday we had Young Womens! I love the leaders and the girls so much. It is such a fun calling to be in. They are all fabulous. That afternoon, I also went to visit my Grandma who is in a nursing home. It was so sad to see her. I hate that we have to grow old and be alone. She completely lite up when we came and then was so sad when we had to go. It was nice to visit with her. She loved Jayson. He kept giving her five and lots of kisses. I need to take my camera next time!

Wednesday we had Enrichment. I made it for the dinner portion (which was excellent), but then missed the program which I heard was fabulous. I really do enjoy the people in my ward so much. They are amazing women.

...and last but not least, Sean finished the last class in his Masters Program tonight! HOORAY. I am so proud of him. He had a lot on his plate the last couple of years, but he is all done. He and his partner turned in their paper and did their big presentation tonight. Way to go honey! I am so proud of you. This week we have had sick, sick kids too. They seem to be coming out of it though, thanks heavens.

Happy Brithday and Christmas happenings

First off, happy birthday to the newest 1 year old! I remember being so excited to meet this guy when my mom and I flew to Denver for his blessing. He is such a fun little dude! It is so much fun to watch him grow up.

Happy Birthday Baby boy!(i love this picture! Sorry Katie I stole it from your blog :)

Last week we went and saw some lights with our friends the Nevilles. The kids had a great time looking at all the different animals.

I do love Christmas

I love the music. I love the decorations. I love the time of year as a whole. I love the excitement in my kids eyes. I love the memories that are made. I love the sweets! (a little too much). I love all the smells. I am grateful for so many things.

Feasting and Fun

I love Thanksgiving. I love the feeling in the air and most of all I love to be surrounded by people I love. This year my sister and her husband came down with their 4 kiddos from

Idaho and my mom came up. We had such a blast. I love to just relax and eat good

food. It was wonderful. I was sick a bit, but thankfully Sean, Jen and my mom took

care of me. I am so grateful that they were here. I really missed the rest of my family as well.

Jen and Steve arrived Tues. afternoon for the festivities. I love when I get to see them!

Wednesday my mom arrivedWe taught Sean to play Golf (the card game). I am totally addicted to that game. Maybe because it doesn't take a whole lot of brain power to play it! All of the kids played so

well together too. I really think I only saw my kids at meal times.

Thursday we fixed the feast. We ate around 3 and then we laid around the rest of the time. That night my mom, Sean and Steve went to see the new Bond movie.

I looked through ads to prepare myself for Black Friday. I have always wanted to get up

and go, but since I have never had anyone to go with I talk the talk, but don't get

up when push comes to shove ( and Sean always gives me Crap)... UNTIL, this year! Oh yeah, baby, we did it. I woke up at 3:35 A.M.

It was pure craziness, but so much fun. It was my mom, Jen, myself and cute

little Em who braved the insanity with us. It was people watching at its finest. Wow, quite the experience and one I will not forget next year while I am nestled in my warm bed!

Friday night, we headed out to my mom's house to spend a night out there. The next

morning we went bowling. We love bowling. My kids would go bowling every day if they could.

Then Sunday came and it was time to say good-bye. I hate to say good-bye. It was a Fabulous week. Thanks to everyone for joining us! We love you.

A date with the Dentist

So, I have had a tooth that has been bugging me for quite some time now, and
since I work at a dental office I had one of the assistants take an x-ray a week ago, and
then heard those dreaded words..

"yup, it looks like you'll need a Root Canal" -- drats!

It was my goal to try and escape life without ever hearing that, but
no such luck, so I scheduled myself for 7 a.m. today. It really wasn't bad.
Here is the list of what was done:
2 fillings, 1 Root Canal, 1 crown & crown buildup, a cleaning, and he fixed 2 of my chipped teeth.
Not too shabby!
The only real pain is my jaw from holding my mouth open for 2 1/2 hours straight. Glad it is over. Tayler told me that she will never miss a time to brush again because she doesn't want to do that. Good idea T!
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Afterwards, we celebrated a special birthday for my friend Maria! Hope you had a wonderful day. We had a great time!!

are you kidding me??

I think that Sean has gone a little NUTS with the whole BYU vs. UTAH game.

Seriously!

He said that today for breakfast with the kids they are eating blue pancakes w/ blueberries, blue eggs, and of course to wash it all down some yummy blue milk. Doesn't that sound appetizing?

Fun days

I know I say this a lot, but I really enjoy being with Sean and my kids. It seems that sometimes life gets so crazy you are just going through the motions to get here or there, but then come the times that you get to sit down and just enjoy life. I am learning to value those times more and more. A few weeks ago, Tayler taught our family how to leaf print for FHE. She was so excited and it was fun to do. Thanks Tayler for being so creative.

Last Saturday when I came home from work Sean had made dough to make homemade pizza's. I was excited because I love his pizza! The girls love to make their own too, so that is what we did. I am so grateful that Sean is such an amazing cook. ( I totally lucked out!)

diggin' in

Rylee doing what Rylee does best-- we have to grate an extra lb. of cheese just so there is enough after she is done

the finished product

This week I am trying to focus on the things I am most grateful for. There is a lot on my list because I truly am blessed.

Back in Action

Our modem died on us Wednesday night and so we have been waiting to get the new one and hook it up. It finally came Saturday. We were going crazy without it! I don't know how people survive without it.

Now, I need to check in on everyone else and get on track!

Time with Jayson

On Tuesday and Thursday Rylee is at pre-school so I have 3 hours with just Jayson. Usually we come home and cuddle for a while and then get ready for the day. Jace's favorite thing to do is sit on my bathroom counter and play with his "double" in the mirror. He is such a funny little dude. I love my little guy so much.

He is wired so differently than my girls. He is rough, he loves to wrestle with Rylee (and pull her hair), he doesn't cry very often when he gets hurt, he loves to kick or throw balls, he loves to bite your toes (seriously if you come and visit watch out). He always gets out the little broom and helps me sweep. He is fascinated with the vacuum. He flips it up so that he can see where the roller brush is, I'm not quite sure what his deal is with that. He has to have his milk the minute you go into his room to get him when he wakes up-- I think he's addicted! :) and it has to be chocolate. He drinks white milk, but he CHUGS chocolate milk. He carries his blue blanket around with him everywhere. He gives great hugs and kisses when you ask. I am so happy that he is part of our family.

We are trying to teach him how to be soft, but it really isn't clicking. Hopefully, it will sometime soon! I really enjoy him so much.

(I love this picture of his little face in the mirror)

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Wednesday night the youth had tickets to the Conference Center for the taping of A Brand New Year. It was a blast to be with them. I had a car full of Beehives and loved every minute of it. They seriously are the cutest girls ever. We left at 4:00 from the Church and didn't get home until 10:45. It was a long night, and a migraine didn't help much, but it was fun. I really do enjoy my calling in the Young Womens.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday. I sure do miss him. I thought about him a lot today which is nothing new because I think about him a lot most days. I love to know that he is around me at times.

One of the greatest things my mom did for us was to type up his journal and put it into a book for each one of us. I love to pick it up and read it. I love to read what he was feeling at different times throughout his life.

In the front of his journal my mom put a quote that says:

"... Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you..

I loved you so- t'was heaven here with you"

--- Isla Paschal Richardson

Sometimes it is hard to not speak of him with tears, he was a fantastic dad and I love him.

This last week was a blur..

Last Monday seems like an eternity ago! This week was packed with
comings and goings and all the in-betweens! It truly was crazy.

Monday night we ate hot dogs and carved pumpkins. What a way to spend your

anniversary huh?

Tayler and Rylee looked forward to carving pumpkins since they started growing.

Sean grew 5 beautiful pumpkins in our little garden. It worked out perfectly, one for each of us.

For the carving,

Tayler picked Snow White,

Rylee picked Scooby-Doo, and

Jayson picked Batman *well, he didn't really have a say :)*

We had fun gutting and carving the pumpkins.

here are the gutters at work, and Jayson just enjoying being on the table

loved Rylee's crazed eyes in this picturehard at work

the carvers- yes I helped this year, I just had to document that!

Tayler's pick

Thursday and Friday I was able to help in the girls classes with their
Halloween parties. I am so sad that I didn't have my camera with me
for either one.


After Tayler's party on Friday we met Sean out at his work. The people
he works with are so nice and gave the kids tons of candy. Then we
came home and Sean took them out while I passed out the candy. I love
seeing all the kids in their costumes. I sat out on my porch and talked to
everyone! It was amazing weather. You could actually see the costumes
because they weren't bundled up like Eskimos. It was a fun day!



Here are some pictures from Halloween night of my giraffe, singer, and tiger.
They sure were cuties!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Tayler with her friend from her Kindergarten class last year

T & R passing out some candy before they left

Are we at the zoo?