Friday, December 31, 2010

An end to 2010

2010 is drawing to an end, so long old friend. 2011 is looking fresh and new, what a Heavenly view.

Wow! As I look back on the year, I remember all of the wonderful and not so wonderful experiences that we as a family have experienced. Adventure and fun as we explored Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons, San Francisco Oceanside cliffs, Donner, and Lake Tahoe, just to name a few. Moments full of fear and loads of tears as we watched our kiddos grow and make choices that we hoped they wouldn't have. Relaxing and laughter filled times; passing the time with several hours of Monopoly, Sorry Sliders, card games, funny movies, and just being funny. 2010 has brought exciting changes too! Jesse all 6'1" of him has completed his first year of High School and is well into his second. Toby all 5'1" of him has endured and just about conquered all of Junior High. Brittney in all her sweetness is ruling the 5th grade and loving drama club. Marcika in her sweet loving ways has brought light and love to those who need it. Jason has tackled challenges head on, has taken up Jui-Jitsu, tackled the snow covered slopes, and is just so amazing! Me, well lets just say that I have taken some time to reevaluate myself and have taken some steps to improve myself. Yep 2010 has been quiet a year, full of challenges and changes, memories made and some left to fade, love and laughter, tears and pain. I'm happy to say that here we are as a family ready to enter into a new year full of the unknown, knowing that with God nothing is impossible.

This past year I have been a tad better on getting in front of the camera, instead of always being behind it. Here are a couple of pics of me....2 kinda, well lets just say to me, not the way one would want themselves seen. But what the heck! I'm sure I have posted a few of the kiddos that they would rather have hidden in the bottom of a well.

The me taking care of me....Marce took this of me when I was exercising. I do have to say that watching what you eat and moving really does help! I'm down about 50 (have some to go, but I'm pretty happy so far). I have more energy and feel much better!

Come to Mom's night spa! Haha...the girls and I pampering ourselves with mud masks! It's so fun having girls! I am one lucky Mom!

Trying not to move my lips.
HAPPY 2011!
We hope that it brings you lots of laughter, love, peace and friendship, loads of memories and experiences. We hope that your heart is full, and that your faith is strong.
Love ya!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

December

Merry Christmas!

I absolutely love this time of year! The wonderful smells, all of the beautiful colors and sights to be had, the love and kindness that people share so openly and freely. It is such a magical time of year! A time to remember our Savior, His birth, His life, His teachings, His example, His love! I wish that the magic of Christmas, the love, peace, kindness, thoughtfulness, and attention to Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ would be around all year. What an amazing world we would live in. We hope that you and your family have a truly heart touching Christmas, filled with love, laughter, and family.




Haha! I love it! The tables have turned and now Mom and Dad wake up the kiddos on Christmas morning!






























Everyone had a great morning, with a yummy breakfast. Later in the day everyone played Sorry Sliders and Monopoly, followed by a delicious "feast" as the kids call it. It was an amazing day filled with family and peace.



Christmas Eve!

What a wonderful way to start the day. My friend Audrey and I went to the Temple.

It was such an amazing experience. I am so happy that we went. :o)



Sunbeams rock!


My co-teacher and I threw a Christmas Party for our Sunbeam class. Everyone got to build their own pizzas and decorate cookies. It was a lot of fun! I am so thankful to have these little ones in my life!



Debbie, Emily, Nathan, Alyssa, Juliet, and Noah watching a Christmas movie.


Brittney, Marcika, and Melody decorating their cookies!
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Decorating the Christmas Tree is a wonderful tradition that I look forward to! Each of my wonderful kids do their share in the decorating and Jason puts the angel on the top. After they are finished I add a few ornaments here and there to fill in the holes, leaving their placements alone.



Fun making Gingerbread houses and trains!


Ah, fun times with cousins and of course Uncle Beau!


Marce and Sophia; Sophia, Britt, and Kaityln


Nikolas; Toby and Uncle Beau




Check out these masterpieces! Great job guys and dolls! Thanks Aunt Berta for all of your hard work, it was a lot of FUN!


Britt, Marce, Toby, Landen, Jesse; Chris and Landen