Off to Sunny Cali

Sean and I get to spend a few days in Sunny California-- all expenses paid-- thank you SelectHealth!

It is a broker retreat and they invite spouses to go. I am so excited. I do hate to leave my kids though, but they are in great hands with Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you so much for watching them for us!! We are very VERY appreciative.

Quality Time

I have some major catch up to do! Last week Tayler and Rylee had their Dance Recital. It was so much fun and both girls did fantastic. I was a bit worried that Rylee would bow out at the last minute, but she did great. She was so serious the whole time up on stage, watching her teacher so intently, we laughed so hard. Tayler is a natural. She really does well at dance. It was fun to see how excited they were to do it. At the end their Daddy gave them flowers and then we went out for ice cream with our friends.

Here are some pictures from the night (my camera couldn't capture any great ones during the performance. We need to figure out how to get a video clip on here.)

Ready to go out..

We have been so busy lately. It always seems like there is something to be doing that needs to be done right then. I have decided that I am going to simplify this week and focus on spending quality time with my kids. I want to talk to them and then listen to what they have to say instead of the "how was school Tay- good" conversation. I want to really cherish this time I have with them. I want them to know that they are the only thing I really have going on and not the 101 other things. To know that I have time to listen to what they have to say instead of cutting them off because I have to answer the phone or because I am too caught up in something else going on. Everything else can wait, at least a few minutes, right?

Happy Birthday Jen

Today is my sister's birthday and I wanted to send her many birthday wishes.

She will never fully realize how much I appreciate ALL that she has done for me (and believe me it is A LOT). She has always gone out of her way to help me in any way she can. I love that I can call her whenever I just need to talk and she will listen. She is a great sounding board, a wonderful example and one of my best friends. She is a beautiful person inside and out. I am so blessed to have someone like her in my life, especially as a sister. I love you Jen!

p.s. I really think she is aging backwards too. Each year she looks a little bit younger. Seriously!

Lots of love from our family to Y-O-U!

HOLY MOLY

She's four!

She brings SO much joy into our lives! I remember being so excited for Christmas to be over because it meant I would have my baby girl in my arms shortly. I was instructed by Sean that I HAD to wait until after January 1st to have her, so we waited until the 3rd, and when it was "go" time she came quickly!

It is hard to believe that she has been in our lives for 4 years, although at times it seems like it really has been much longer than that.

She can be so sweet and so stubborn all at the same time. She loves her sister and her brother so much. She loves to hug. She loves to cuddle. She loves to play dress up. She loves to watch movies. She loves to eat chips. She is my first to wake up every morning. She loves to sing. And right now her favorite thing is Chronicles of Narnia: Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, so if you could address her as "Queen Susan" that would be much appreciated.

Happy birthday my little Rylee Pot Pie. We sure LOVE you!

Friends

I love my friends from High School. I love that I haven't seen them in years, but we can pick up and talk about the "then" and "now" It is so fun to see and hear about all the life events that everyone has experienced.

My mom was SO kind to let us all meet at her house to have our little get together. Thank you so much mom. She was a fabulous hostess and everything was perfect.

Lisa came later so we had to take another picture.

Thank you so much for coming everyone! It was wonderful to see you all!

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.