One more post...

Katie this on is just for you.
Do these look familiar?



We had a party with all my cousins and had to bring white elephants. Devin ended up with mine and was more than willing to model for all of us.

WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

They kept saying we were getting a huge storm for Christmas. First they said it should start Christmas Eve then Christmas morning...It finally arrived that night and it was a good one!

While Mike was outside playing/shoveling we were all inside doing this:

I love the WII. I love that all the kids can play. I love that you have to stand up and move to play. I love that it's something we can all do together. I LOVE IT!!!

Christmas Day with Mike's Family

We spent the majority of the afternoon and evening with Mike's family: eating, opening gifts, more eating (traditional prime rib), hanging out, playing games, etc. It was not quite the same this year with Bob not there. I guess we will get to have another Christmas when he gets home.

Jenna loved her new sweater from Ashley

Cole with his LEGO candy from Grandma & Grandpa.

The kiddos playing BINGO, another Christmas tradition at Grandma Carol's. She always gets fun prizes from the dollar store.

Like this prize (bling teeth) that Mike stole from someone.

Jenna helping Uncle Mike's back feel better.

A Stop at the Hospital

To visit Bob on Christmas morning. The kids hate that they can't go see Grandpa and are looking forward to him moving into a regular room from the ICU.

Christmas Morning at Home (the best place to be)

Each year the kids draw names and give to each other. It is the tradition they look forward to the most. I love that they get soooo excited about shopping for their sibling and are so excited to see what they think when they open the gift. This year Jenna gave to Noah and Noah to her & Rylee and Cole gave to each other. They were all very pleased with what their siblings picked out for them.

Noah & Jenna

Cole & Rylee

The boys opening their Lego's which they were more excited about than what Santa brought...
Which was this:
We had a nice morning and feel very blessed. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too!

Christmas Eve with my Family

My siblings, their spouses, and kids. The only ones missing are Sara & Nate, their 2 kids, B, and Ann & Kaienta

My Dad playing UNO with the boys.

My incredible parents! Aren't they cute?

My "little" brother Grif showing my girls how to play some game on his phone.

My nephew Taylor playing with Jenna.

THANKS!!!! Mom & Dad for a fun evening with good food (pizza, our family tradition for Christmas Eve), lots of fun (never boring when the whole fam damily get together), and the gifts (we love them all)!

Our Christmas Miracle

So I know it has been awhile since a blogged but I haven't really felt up to it. I was having a hard time getting in the Christmas "spirit" this year. Just as I was finally feeling it and all excited for the big day I got an unusual phone call. A manager was calling from Smith's Marketplace to tell me that my father-in-law was there having severe chest pains and they had called paramedics. Long story somewhat short: they took him to the small local ER could not determine the cause, admitted him, ran more tests, next day moved him to new, better hospital, ran more tests, determined he had an aortic dissection (small "tear" in par of aorta), had to do risky open heart surgery to save his life, 4-6 hour surgery turned into over 12... At one point they said he was not going to make it. They said they would unhook all the machines they were using during surgery and clean him up so we could say goodbye. WHAT!?!?!?! As we waited and waited wondering what was taking so long my in-laws bishop said I bet Bob will surprise us all and fight his way. I wanted to have faith in what he said but couldn't. Then one of the nurses let us know that he was doing better and they were going to continue to work on him. WHAT!?!?! A another couple hours and the surgeon informed us he was still alive and fighting. The surgeon said he was 3 minutes away from giving up when something they tried got his heart working again. They had to leave his chest open and he was kept completely sedated for a week. He seemed to take 2 steps forward, 1 back, 1 forward, 2 back, 1 forward, 2 forward, 1 back and it has been very scary, sad, happy, spiritual, so many different emotions. They closed him back up on Friday and we have been waiting for him to really wake up. Today has been the best so far. He seems to be responding to questions and moving a little more. I think it will still be a long road, but Bob is alive and here with us, he is our Christmas miracle this year. We love you Bob, keep fighting!

The First "Real" Snow

They have been predicting a big storm all week long. We woke up this morning to low a blizzard, I guess they were right. It snowed for a few hours and the kids could not wait to go outside and play. They had a ball! I had to practically drag them in after awhile...they were getting too wet and cold. It started snowing again on my way to work tonight and has been going on and off all night. I think the winter storm watch is in effect until 5 p.m. this evening. I wonder how much we will really get. At least it feels more like Christmas now. Everything outside looks so beautiful!

Christmas Tree #2

Our Christmas Tree

I love our tree each year not because it is all fancy and spectacular but because it is full of ornaments from Mike & I growing up, ornaments our grandma's have made, ornaments the kids have made, and ornaments that we pick out each year that mean something to each of us.

They make me excited for Christmas!

Happy Birthday Bob!

Mike's dad recently had a birthday and we were able to all go to dinner at Texas Roadhouse to celebrate. They have yummy food, especially the rolls. Just ask Cole, he ate 5 of them. They had the birthday boy sit on this saddle while we all gave him a big "YeeHa".

Our New Reader...

Jenna is learning so much in kindergarten. For her homework one day she had to read this little book to me. She was so excited when I told her she had just read her first book all by herself, she didn't even realize it. I just hope she develops a love for reading like Rylee has. Even the boys are starting to enjoy books more, now if we could just get Mike to learn to read, I mean to enjoy reading. She was so excited she wanted to read it to everyone.

Our V.I.P.

Last week Jenna was the V.I.P. for her class for the whole week. We made this poster with lots of pics and she got to be the teachers helper all week long. On Friday I got to go and tell her class about her and we played Bingo. I think its a great way to build self confidence in the kiddos, not like Jenna needs any help in that department...

Christmas Tree #1

Each year the last few years Mike's mom has set up a tree downstairs and let the kids decorate it. They have come to look forward to decorating Grandma's tree. I think they did a great job!

Laughing Eyes

Jenna's kindergarten class got Indian names to use for a few weeks during class. They made these cute head pieces and "animal skin" vests. (I love the little papoose on the back) Then they had a feast to celebrate the first Thanksgiving. Jenna's Indian name was Laughing Eyes, it fit her perfectly!

Cousins

Making smores in the fireplace, yummy


Aren't they so sweet and peaceful!?!?

Over Thanksgiving my sister Sara and her cute family came up from Las Vegas. Her daughter is just 7 weeks younger than Jenna and they were able to spend lots of time together. And amazingly enough I don't think they argued or fought once. One night Mara stayed over at our house and Mike helped them roast marshmellows and we made smores. They loved it! The next day they wanted to wear "matching" outfits and have there hair done the same way. They looked adorable and could almost pass for twins.

The End of an Era

Saturday was Ry's state gymnastics meet and it did not go too well. She did pretty good but not as good as she wanted. It was heartbreaking to see my girl crying...I am not sure if it was the fact that she didn't do as well as she would have liked and was frustrated, or maybe because she didn't medal an any events, or because she knew it was her last meet. Maybe it was all of the above because she is usually so strong, then again she is my daughter and I can be very emotional...

She has been debating for a few months about quiting gymnastics. I told her it was up to her. I encouraged her to work hard during this season and then she could decide when it was over. A few days ago as I was driving her to gym she told me she had decided. She wanted to quit. She is not enjoying it as much as she use to and I think she is a little burned out. I told her that was fine if that is what she really wanted. I am glad she decided before Saturday so that it was based on other things not just that she had a bad meet.

She wants to do a tumbling class a couple times a week which is probably a good idea. That way she is still working out (her body may go into shock if she jsut stopped altogether) and doing something she enjoys. A part of me is going to miss watching her compete, it has been a fun experience. Ry we want you to know that we are so proud of you and your accomplishments in gym and school and everything else you do.

Twilight

I was lucky enough to go see the Twilight movie 2 times this weekend. First on Thursday night at midnight (thanks, Leah) and on Friday evening (thanks, Katie). I like it both nights but more so the second night. I wouldn't say it was the best movie ever and I don't think movies are ever as good as the book, but I really enjoyed it. It was actually better than I thought it might be. I wasn't too sure about the actors they had cast, but liked all of them. Now I cannot imagine anyone else playing any of the parts. I would love to hear what you all thought...

My Dilemma...

Right now we have no car payments. I love it! My van is old (96) but still looks pretty good and usually runs good. A couple weeks ago it died on me and I had to have it towed to my mechanics. It was the alternator, which was replaced just 14 months ago. So that was under warranty, jsut had to pay labor and he gave me a deal on that. I picked it up and later that day realized I had a fuel leak, there was a puddle of gas under my car. So I called the mechanic back and he said bring it back in they can look at it. Well, I called for a tow again since I was a little concerned about driving a vehicle that was leaking gas (isnt' gas flamable?). This time it was a little bigger, more expensive problem. So had that fixed and finally picked it up on Thursday. Well, Saturday we were driving to my parents and the car died. Ended up having it towed AGAIN. Thank goodness we have AAA plus! I don't think we hav used it at all the last couple years but 3 tows the last couple weeks.... Anyway, they called today and said come pick it up it's all done. I said what was it....the alternator. What? Didn't you just replace it? He said it must have been faulty, they replaced a few other things while trying to figure out the problem. Luckily there was no charge. I keep wondering is it worth no car payment or do we break down and by something new... For now we are sticking with the old. I just hope I don't see my mechanic for a long time!

Awesome Pictures of My Champion

I have this friend and she is an incredible photographer among many other things (mom, wife, friend, chef, etc., etc., etc.)! She was gracious enough to come to one of Ry's meets and take some pics for me and there are AWESOME!!!! See for yourself...

Rylee doing her floor routine.

Ry on bars!

The Beam

I think this is my favorite picture.

Or maybe this one. This one just captures the true Rylee, I look at this and think that is my girl!

My Champion

Rylee had another gymnastics meet this past Saturday and overall it was way better than the last one. It was in Park City and Ry has been working hard all week, looking forward to improving over last week. First event:bars (she has been working extra hard on bars), Score:8.6; highest so far this season. Next event:beam (not her favorite), Score:8.5; highest so far this season. Next:floor (Ry's favorite and usually strongest event), Score:8.25; unfortunately she fell which is an automatic 8/10 deduction. She was very upset after floor, I think she was expecting to do a lot better and was frustrated with herself. I tried to encourage her and tell her she was still haveing her best meet this season, I don't think I helped much at the moment. Last event:vault (Ry's least favorite and usually weakest event), Score:8.4; again her highest so far this season. She was very dissapointed in herself, but she had her highest overall (33.75) this season and really did well. She was surprised and ecstatic during awards ceremony to find she had placed first on Bars. That helped cheer her up a little, that and the fact that she was done for a few days and was having a sleepover that night with her cousin. Anyway, I am so proud of my daughter. She works hard each day, even when she would rather be somewhere else sometimes. She smiles through it all and (usually) keeps her optimistic attitude. She cheers on her teammates and the competition. It's not about winning or losing, it's how you play that matters. And Rylee knows how to play. I am so proud of her! I love watching her compete. I love watching her work hard. I love watching the hard work pay off. She is my CHAMPION!!!

Change...

I am looking forward to lots of changes, not only for our country's future but for my own personal future. I am excited to see how our new President changes things and what will happen to our great nation! I am also excited to start my nursing program and experience changes in my little part of the world. The election yesterday and my nursing orientation today really have me pondering...

Halloween 2008

Here are a couple pics from Halloween, I realize I am a little slow. The kids kept changing their minds about what they were going to be for this year except Jenna. She has been planning on being Hannah Montana for months. The rest of them finally made up their minds and all was well. Rylee was Sharpye from High School Musical, Noah was the Grip Reaper, and Cole just had a scary mask and bloody sword. I think they all looked pretty good. The weather was awesome!!! It was nice and warm. It rained but it didn't deter the kids one bit. They got tons of candy and enjoyed trick or treating with their cousin. Well, everyone but Ry. She enjoyed going with her friends this year. This was the first time she has gone just with friends and no adults. The 4 of them met at one house and 3 hours later ended up at another friends. Then they decided they needed to do a sleepover and had a blast! I am glad she has good friends! I was a little anxious letting her go "by herself", she is growing up WAY to fast. She will be 12 in less than 3 months. Crazy!!!

Ahhhhh...

All spring and summer Mike has been going fishing at the Bountiful pond with his friend, his brother, the kids, or just by himself. I am usually still sleeping or at work. He has invited me a couple times but it never quite worked out that I could go until last week. It was nice to just sit and watch the sunset and enjoy some peaceful quiet time with Mike. It was so beautiful. Now it's a week later and snowy and cold. I am glad we made it before the weather turned and I look forward to many trips out next year. Thanks babe!

Our Sport Filled Saturday...

started about 9 a.m. at my nephew, Taylor's football game. We headed hom for a few a little but and then back to the football field for my other nephew, McKay's game. After his game my cousins son had a game at the same football field so we were able to watch him too. It was fun to hang out with family and enjoy a beautiful fall Saturday outside. That afternoon we headed to Rylee's next gymnastics competition. She did better on most of her events, but had some toughter competition so didn't place as high, but still came home with 4 medals and a trophy. We tried a new hairstyle and it turned out cute, but started to fall out during her meet, even after all the gel and hairspray...Any good suggestions?!?! Her and a friend made the sign and her cousins and siblings signed it and held it up during her meet. Thanks for all the support! and the fun day!