Christmas

Christmas Eve w/cousins
Christmas morning

Jeremy's Nana visiting for Christmas

The holidays are full of fun traditions. Each year Christmas Eve has a new spin. My brother's family hosted an open house, with lots of yummy food, and a special visit from Santa. I love being surrounded by kids. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Jeremy's brother, Tony and his wife Elisa, and their 3 kids spent the night at our house. It was fun for the kids to be with their cousins. Christmas morning was great, even better because of the fresh snow. Christmas Day begins with gifts at our house, then off to Jeremy's moms for breakfast around 9:30am. Following a few hour visit, we go to Jeremy's dads house for a visit, then off to my parent's for dinner and a visit. We usually get home around 6pm. It is a long day, but great to be with everyone!

Are YOU smarter than a 5th grader?

I know that I am not. We just purchased a fan for our fireplace. We asked the place that we purchased it from if it was something that we could install ourselves. He stated that 75% of the population can not, and they end up calling to have a professional do it. They charge $95 to come and do the install for you. We thought we would roll the dice to see if we fall into the 25% that can do it. We don't, but our 11 year old boys do!

The boys are always anxious for a project. They saw us walk in the door with a box and asked us what it was, they then asked if they could install it. It was worth a try, right??? They spent about an hour on it, hit a few snags, did some research on the internet, had to leave for a party, asked their dad a few questions (which he couldn't answer) came home looked at it some more. Still stumped, they went to bed. Zach laid in bed thinking about it, woke up, went back to the project and within 15 minutes the project was complete. They saved us $95. Needless to say, they are for hire :)

Earlier this week they took apart the snowblower (trimmed a cracked fuel line). They also attached the plow to the four-wheeler. Whether good or bad, if something is broken, they are going to try and fix it!

First Day on the Slopes!

We finally made it! We have had the kids in snowboarding classes and practicing on the 'bunny hill' for the last few years. Today we ventured onto the "Mountain". The kids did fabulous. It was so fun for me to be able to ski with them. In the past I have stood on the edge of the ski run, or hung out in the lodge, watching them learn. Now we have a winter activity that we can do together.

The weather was beautiful, although the temperature lingered around 12 degrees (BRRRRRR). As we finished for the day, loading all the gear into the car, shedding the snow clothes, etc. I literally felt like my hands were going to fall off, it was bitter cold! I was so thankful that I could jump in the car and turn on the heat full blast. It made me think of our ancestors. I CAN NOT imagine having to trek across the plains, getting stranded in the bad weather. I would not have made it. I have much to be grateful for, especially this time of year!!!

Off-track adventures

The kids are off track for the month of December, thus we decided to venture down to California. We had a great trip. We rented a home in Huntington Beach that included bikes. We were able to ride the bikes to the beach. The weather was fabulous. It hovered between 65-75 degrees. Our adventure included Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and Disney/California Adventure. We also spent a day at the beach. The kids actually swam in the ocean (crazy). Jeremy spent most of his trip on the telephone, as interest rates are going crazy (up, down, up, down, etc).

The infamous Christmas Letter

Let me start by saying we have not sent out Christmas cards for at least three years! We are so proud that we actually pulled it off this year.

We decided to take a different approach with our cards. We posted our blog address, rather than attaching a family letter. We figured those who REALLY wanted to know about our family would go to our blog, others would just enjoy a few photos. (To each their own). I personally love to read family letters, but I know there is much joking about them, as well. SOOOO... below you will find our Christmas letter.

It has been a great year for us! We moved into our new home around Dec. 20 of last year. It made for a real exciting Christmas. We are thankful to be settled in and enjoying our new neighborhood. We have been blessed to meet new friends and neighbors, in addition to maintaining existing friendships.

Our kids continue to thrive:

Zach wants to be an adult. He much prefers to hang out with Mom, Dad, and other adults, as opposed to hanging out with friends. He is a very easy going, loving, and giving young man. His preferred activities include creating, building, taking apart anything he can get his hands on. In fact, for his birthday he asked for pvc pipe, glue, valves, and other components to build a rocket launcher. His brain never stops churning! He is learning how to play the electric guitar.

Seth has become very social this last year. He know exactly what he wants, he is very decisive. He loves to skateboard, rollerblade, wakeboard, and snowboard. He thinks he wants to venture into tackle football this fall, we will see???? He enjoys teasing his brother and sister. Seth LOVES listening to music and learning how to play the guitar.

Abby loves to cook and create. She enjoys sewing, babysitting, and hanging out with 'one' friend at a time. She enjoys playing the big sister roll to many of our friends younger children. She is very nurturing. (Or as her brothers would say, bossy). She continues to take piano. She loves to spend time on the computer :)

Jeremy and I have had a great year. We enjoy a lot of time together. We don't have to get babysitters anymore, thus we can go out whenever we want. We love to spend time with our friends. We are always looking for a social outing. Our children are our greatest joy! We love watching them grow. We have come to realize that time is going to fast for us. We are trying to savour every moment we have with our kids! We love traveling as a family. Boating has brought us a lot of joy.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought much stability and comfort to our family. We are thankful for this holiday season, when we can reflect on the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are thankful for his teachings and ultimately his sacrifice. We are thankful to be members of HIS church.

We are thankful for everyone within our sphere of influence, we love you all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY, ZACH, AND SETH

WOW! They are eleven years old. It has been an amazing journey. Digging through pictures (just to find a few to post), brought back a ton of memories. In the coming months I intend to scan all of our photos, and create a true journey of the past 11 years of our lives. We have been so blessed. Jeremy and I are really struggling with the thought that we are on a downhill journey, at this point, in raising our family. We only have another 8 years, before they make major decisions in their lives! They are amazing kids! I don't know who has taught them all that they know, it certainly has not been their parents. It truly takes a village to raise a family. So many people have had a major influence in their lives. They are surrounded by so many people who love them! THANK YOU

I pray that the upcoming years will be full of stability, love, and commitment to the things that they have been taught. I would not want to be a teenager, in this day and age. The hurdles are huge! I am grateful that they have each other to lean on, and each other to tattle on.

So far, we have been able to have coed parties. We have attempted to do the "boy thing" and the "girl thing", but every time they decide they want to do the party together. This year we have rented an ice skating rink, and we will be having a big party combined with all family and friends! I will post the details later.

BYU or Utah

Never before have I felt so torn over the upcoming football game. I am a BYU fan, I attended the Y for 3 1/2 years. My dilema is two fold, my husband is a huge Utah fan, and I have enjoyed watching most of the games with him this season. Deep down, I think Utah is the better team this year. Second, if the Utes make it to a BCS bowl game, it could mean a mini-vacation for our family (I love to find any excuse to travel), depending on where?? I am looking forward to a good game!

Pinching Pennies

In an effort to save a buck, I am attempting to do family pictures on my own. We had these pictures taken out our cabin a few weeks ago. I took the ones of the kids, and a friend took the ones of the family. I am in the process of editing and developing, and framing them. If you can figure all of this out, you can save quite a bit of money. I am actually taking a photoshop class next week. I am very excited!

Halloween has come and gone, and I neglected to take any pictures?? What a loser! I guess it is because the kids get older and they aren't totally into dressing up (they do it only because they want to go trick or treating to get candy!). Another thing that I have learned this year is that candy is to readily available to my kids. I remember at this age, that I wanted to go trick or treating for hours to fill up my pillowcase. I think my kids went out for a total of about 45 minutes, returning with barely any candy. I guess it is time to buckle down, and throw out the junk food. (this will be harder on me than the kids!) Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! We host an open house for family and friends. We have soup and other munchies available for people to eat through out the night! It is fun to have friends and family gather, it is the memories we make that will last forever!

It has been an amazing fall! I can't remember the last time we had such great weather this late in the year! It was awesome. I must say that I am grateful for the recent snow fall, it has allowed me to shift gears and focus on the upcoming holiday season.

Are we ready for the real deal?

Zach and Seth played flag football this season. They are trying to decide if they have enough interest to play tackle football next season? Flag football was tough on Jeremy. He wanted to get out there and have some involvement with the coaching, they had enough coaches this time. They had a lousy season (due to coaching, says Jeremy). They didn't win any games. Zach and Seth are not ultra competative, so they didn't seem to mind.

As a result of Jeremy's observations, he has committed to coaching the spring flag football league, we will see how that goes?

My observations tell me that Seth will try tackle football next year. I think that Zach prefers being home, taking something apart, and finding a new use for it? I don't think sports are creative enough for him. Zach is asking for pvc pipe, glue, and valves for his birthday (he will use this to make some sort of rocket launcher??) Not every kid has to love sports, right??

Webelos Scouts

Zach and Seth received their Webelos badge this week in Scouts. They are working towards their Arrow of
Light. They love the scouting program and have been blessed with great leaders since the beginning. We are proud of their accomplishment and commitment. Way to go Zach and Seth!!

Fall is in the Air

I must have had a memory block, or the brain cells died when I had kids. I used to spend a lot of time in American Fork Canyon. I haven't been there for years. The kids, Grandma Leslie, Grandpa Mike, and I decided to go camping. We picked the closest campground to home that allowed ATV riding in the area, which happened to be AF canyon. It was breathtakingly beautiful! I had forgotten about such beauty, and it is right in our back yard. We had a great time! We roasted hot dogs, built campfires, went hiking, made smores, got rained on, went on an ATV ride, and built memories. I actually forgot that I really do enjoy camping. The only camping I have done in recent years has been girls camp, and that is a lot of work!

Luxurious Lake Powell

Families that play together, stay together!












I love year around school! We were fortunate enough to receive an invitaion to go to Lake Powell in mid-September! Words can't adequately describe what a great experience this was for our family. It was a perfect trip, nothing could have gone better. The company was awesome! The food was fabulous! The weather was wonderful! The scenery was sensational! We enjoyed getting to know families that we didn't know very well prior to the trip. The houseboat was out-of-this-world. It had a basement, main floor with that was decorated nicer then our home, two ice makers, two kitchens, a screened level, and an upper sleeping level (yes it had 4 levels total). Shawn found the perfect, yes I mean perfect, place to park the houseboat. We had our own private cove. The setting was inspiring, it is amazing to be able to enjoy the beauties of this world! There is no place like Lake Powell!

Abby enjoyed playing on the beach, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and finding sea shells. Abby didn't not spend one minute on our boat the entire trip. Zach took care of all of the audio needs during our vacation, as well as proving to be quite the outdoorsmen. Zach enjoyed some "tube wars"and socializing with the adults. Seth continues to improve his wakeboarding skills, he loves "tube wars", and helping others when needed! Jeremy and I enjoyed taking groups out on our boat to enjoy skiing, surfing, wakeboarding and tubing.

It was a trip of a life-time!! Thanks Packards, Nethercotts, Watsons and Witts!

Fathers and Sons Overnight Camp

Every boys dream come true. A night in the mountains, a bunch of junk food, a pocket knife, fire, dirt, and no girls! This is the highlight of my boys summer. They look forward to this every year. (Abby and I do to!) I think we begin the countdown about six months before the event.

They love spending time with their dad. I am pretty sure that there aren't any rules or restrictions at these type of events. I am not sure what they do, they don't have tv, video games, computers, or any other electronic device, let alone any toys. Some how they find a way to make their own fun (I wish they could do that more often at home).

They have enjoyed the tradition of always having their buddy Spencer and his dad and brothers go every year!

Mother/Daughter Outing

Abby and I had the opportunity to attend the musical production of High School Musical. We went with some of our good friends, Shonni and Kaylie. We went out to lunch and then headed downtown. We arrived well ahead of schedule, thus you see that Kaylie and Abby had fun walking around town, using the orange flags to cross the street.

Truth be told, I have never watched High School Musical. It was fun to see the production. I truly wish that high schools could become what is portrayed in this play, all groups working together to support each other. I dread the day that I have to send my kids to high school. I had such a great experience, but I fear that if the kids don't have a good group of friends, that they will struggle.

It was very entertaining to watch no only the production, but enthusiatic High School Musical fans. There were several people who were totally enthralled, singing and dancing along with the cast. It was funny!

It is great to be able to spend time alone doing fun activities with each of my kids. I cherish these moments!