Christmas Break 2008

Happy Holidays everyone! We hope you and your families had a wonderful Christmas season. Having Steven home for an entire week with no hospital responsibilities was definitely the best present I received. We are also loving the two week break that the public school system offers each year and have enjoyed that extra time with Ryley.

The weather outside this year was definitely frightful up until Christmas Day. We therefore enjoyed many indoor activities together which included numerous games, "Bolt" in 3D, and The Children's Museum, (the last activity of course being their favorite). Since that time we have been given the gift of 70 degree weather and have taken every opportunity available to enjoy the sun and fresh air. Our favorite game lately has been "hide n seek with walkie talkies", and while checking out various parks in the area we were also lucky enough to stumbled across a yummy surprise.












Each with their favorite gift this Christmas





Steven and I hung these Christmas Eve and looked at one another shaking our heads laughing. Laughing that we have enough children to fill a mantel, but mostly in complete awe of the many gifts we have been given throughout our lives. Four of which are hanging right here beside us.

Recital #1

Ryley had her first piano recital last night. She did a wonderful job and had a great experience. For her first piece she played "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and finished off with "Up on the Housetop" and "Jingle Bells".

Steven is the Primary pianist and has a great time watching the girls sing in opening exercises, but this was their first opportunity to do something musical together. They've had a great time practicing over the past few weeks and it was really fun to watch them perform.

I charged the video camera all day in preparation for the recital and when my moment came to record I realized it was dead. I have thus learned a valuable lesson that you cannot charge a video camera and leave it turned on- it defeats the purpose. I am SO disappointed to have no video to post, but please stay tuned for spring when her next recital takes place.

On a personal note, I'm sorry to say that while in my youth I gave up piano lessons after only a year. I loved doing theatre and have since picked up the guitar, but to this day I regret that decision. I have been taking lessons myself over the past six months and hope to advance past "Chopsticks" sometime soon. I opted to skip this recital due to the fact that I would be the only adult student, however, come spring I may just set my pride aside and go for it!

What's the worst that could happen? Don't answer that.

Holiday Festivities (Thus Far)

For some reason Haley J wasn't really into decorating this year.

Sorry

I have to apologize to our family. I have been terrible with posting pictures of Haley's growth. I promise to be better. Here she is. She sure is a wonderful, happy baby. She has blessed our lives immeasurably.

Thanksgiving 2008

We had a great Thanksgiving this year in Kentucky with two of Steven's sisters and their families! The kids had the best time with their cousins. It was so great to see everyone and spend this special time together.

Thank you for having us Kathryn and James.

Weekend Whereabouts

It was a busy but fun weekend. Steven and I attended a residency gathering on Thursday evening. While the three eldest kids had fun with a sitter,Haley accompanied us downtown to a nice dinner.

I had a great time with girls from our church on Friday. Like most other girls around the United States, we too, went out to dinner and then hurried, with excitement, to the movie theatre. Like most other girls around the United States, we too, were SO very excited to finally be able to see the nation wide release of......... "Bolt"! J.K. Of course. We went to see Twilight and had a wonderful evening doing so. Thanks ladies.

Saturday was fun and relaxing. That evening the kids played at a friends house while we stopped by a home filled with BYU alumni who were eagerly anticipating the upcoming game. Steven loves watching his "Cougs", but if they are falling behind he also loves turning the game off and focusing his energies on something else. Therefore, we happily left at half time, picked up the kiddos, and returned home for a night of board games and treats.

Sunday was wonderful as usual. This past Sunday I endured something never tried before. Steven got called out to the hospital and I survived church all by myself with four children. I had been nervous for this experience but as I think back now realize how silly that was. The kids did a great job.

Monday morning Steven got exciting news that all surgeries and appointments were being held off until the following day. Something about a gas leak. While a gas leak of course is not exciting news, it happened to be the morning of Ryley's Thanksgiving play at school. With all the planets now properly aligned Steven was able to attend with me.

We hope you all have a fantastic holiday. What a wonderful opportunity to come together as family and friends in celebration of those who came before us and all of the wonderful blessings our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us.

Happy Thanksgiving!






What appears to be a random picture is actually "Trevor Turkey". He has become quite a tradition in our home.

Tagged

I'm sorry to say until now I had never responded to "tags" before. I must admit though, I have a great time reading the answers to other "tags", so I'll do my best at joining the fun when called upon to do so. One of my cute roommates from Rick's tagged me for this one so here goes!

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Preparing to graduate and leave Ricks.
2. Began my one (and only) semester at Utah State.
3. Had a great summer doing EFY.
4. Searching for my adorable husband. (Wish I had known then that he was still 2 years in my future. Wouldn't have stressed so much!)
5. Decided to major in Psychology/Sociology.

5 Things On My To-Do list today:
1. Fold clothes. (my least favorite chore by the way)
2. Play with kiddos.
3. Work out.
4. Pack (we decided last minute to go visit family for Thanksgiving - VERY excited)
5. Run to store. (I'm going to try making a Chocolate Pecan pie this year - I'll let you know how it goes.)

5 Snacks I Enjoy:
1. Hot Chocolate.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Wheat Thins.
3. E.L. Fudge Cookies.
4. Pretzels and Pickles. (my old roommates will get a kick out of that one - I still love it.)
5. Chocolate Cake Donuts. (these are NOT allowed in the house while I'm getting baby weight off!)

5 Places I've lived:
1. Albuquerque, NM (born and raised)
2. Augusta, Georgia
3. Germantown, Maryland
4. Colorado Springs, Colorado
5. Utah/Idaho (college years).

5 Jobs I've had:
1. Mom (best ever)
2. Secretary/Receptionist
3. Dairy Queen (Believe it or not I had my degree when I held this job - long story)
4. Golden Swirl (a "thanks" to my sister for giving me hours whenever I wanted them)
5. Professional Dancer (O.K. So I dressed up in a large hamster costume and danced around a stage for children. It was still pretty fun)

5 People I Tag:
1. Melissa
2. Joy
3. Breeana
4. Rachelle
5. Jana