Get Together at IHOP

We had lots of fun getting together with old friends. Some times it is nice when parents stay put. A few friends were going to be in West Valley during the holiday, so Paul took it upon himself to plan a little together. We had a wonderful breakfast and great conversation. It is always nice to hear that friends are doing well.

How nicely things work out!

So we had this great idea to try to get some gymnastics equipment for our kids for Christmas, and then this crazy thought came to me how nice it would be to have carpet on the stairs. Well, it just so happened that Paul's parents put in new carpet in their basement and offered the used stuff to us. So, eleven days before Christmas I mentioned to Paul my great idea. With the help of getting tools from a coworker and using a some tools from a neighbor Paul was able to get it done!

Yes, at times I have crazy expectations. However, I am very blessed to have a hard working husband who like to see me happy!

Getting into the Christmas spirit

Hannah and I had a great time being involved in the lehi production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Hannah was such a cute baby angle, and I enjoyed trying to look like I lived during the 50's.

My very favorite thing about being involved in this production is that it really helped Hannah begin to understand what Christmas is all about. One evening we were talking about how many presents they would be getting this year. "Like maybe One." and Hannah's comment was, "well it doesn't really matter. It's not all about presents. Christmas is suppose to be about Jesus." It is wonderful to be able to do fun things with my kids, and see that they are learning from these experiences too.

Happy Birthday Paul!

The kids were So excited for Dad to open his presents! Bonnie kept saying, "Dad do you want your chocolates?" Which at that point Connor started crying, "You are NOT suppose to tell him." I sighed and Paul smiled. I guess if you really want to keep a secret from your husband DON'T tell your kids.

Jan 3rd Paul turned 30!

My top ten Favorite things about Paul!

10. He lets me do crazy things.

9. He doesn't complain about my cooking. Sometimes he even says he likes it!

8. He is really good at playing with the kids. For Christmas he thought it might be nice to get Connor a laser tag thing to play together.

7. He is still skinny at thirty.

6. He is a strong member of the church.

5. He was willing to accept our new calling as nursery leaders.

4. He is very very smart!

3. He works hard for our family.

2. He is really good to help me with keeping the house clean.

1. He LOVES ME!!!

The kids were super excited for Dad to have a birthday. That means that they are closer to having their own Birthday. We keep telling them that Bonnie's birthday is after Dad's and then it will be Connors. It wonderful to have a special day to show an individual how special they are to you!

Sledding

As a mother it is not uncommon it in vision these super fun family activities. This was my idea of our sledding activity on January 1st. We were invited by my Uncle to go to Solider Hallow. A fun setting were they have special sleds that are pulled up the hill, and then all you have to do is slide down. Well, you might notice that I do not have a single picture of my kids on their sleds. We did make them go, and I was too busy trying to get them to stop crying that I didn't think about the fact that there is probably NO way we will be getting these kids back on. Hannah did have a good time with some of her Aunts and Uncles and went down a few times, and I'm lucky enough to have enough siblings that those that went into the lodge were willing to keep an eye on Connor and Bonnie so that Paul and myself go take a few trips down the slope together. For the most part we stayed warm, and Paul and I had fun together. I have started to wonder if my kids are going to be big enough in a year to really enjoy a trip to Disney Land they are a bit on the scaredy cat side. I guess I should give them a little slack they were not a loud to sit on laps, so they had to be dragged up the hill all by them selves. I guess for a little kid that might be a little scary.

Once we were all done sledding we all headed in the lodge for some hot chocolate. The outing did NOT go as I had hoped, but it was fun and memories were made.

2008 is Going to be Great!

At the startof this year I told Paul my theme for this year, "2008 is going to be great!" I thought it might be fun for me to look through the calender and really take note of just how Great this year was.

January: I got to go back to Idaho to visit my Wonderful friends! I went to a get together for Kami Kerby before she moved away! Survived Paul being out of town for four days.

February: I had one of the very best valentines. Paul was out of town, but he his special notes for me to find all around the house. I got to go to a fun dance with my Husband put on by the elder quarm. Celebrated Leap day with My family. (We eat all kinds of things that Hop for dinner ex. frog legs (chicken), frog eye salad, grasshopper cookies, you get the idea.)

March: Had the Relief Society Retreat. I all ready new that we had really fun ladies in our ward. It's fun to see how crazy a bunch of LDS women can get with a little candy and a lack of sleep. My family started the "Total Money Make Over".

April: Attended Adhis Baby shower. Auditioned for the Oklahoma Play

May: Started going to the yoga class taught by Sarah. Attended a Prom at my sister's ward.

June: WENT to HAWAII

July: I got to be in the Lehi roundup parade. Went camping. Started rehearsals for the Oklahoma play. Paul was gone for a total of five day.

August: I got to perform at the Barn at Thanksgiving point. I made it on tv. Ok it was just the morning news, but I was still on it!

September: Hannah started 1st Grade. I got to teach a dance class. Paul was only gone for one night.

October: I was so excited to decorate for fall. I loved my time with my family. We went to Halloween parties, and just had lots of fun together

November: I had my birthday. I got to be involved with giving the thanksgiving meals to members in my ward.

December: I have had so many fun projects to make for Christmas presents. It's funny when Paul calls me from work and asks are you working on a project. He says that I sound happier, and even though my house gets messy and things get a little crazy I am happier. I love to create, and I enjoy doing thing for others.

As I look back on the year I realize a few things. Paul was gone a lot this year. This isn't all bad. I can tell you one thing I am NOT a H0ney do list kind of girl. If there is something I really want done I will figure out how to do it. Paul is busy and I home so I better learn how. I didn't right it on the calender, but during one of Paul's business trips I decided to participate in the pine ward dubry. I asked if the car comes with directions and was told yes. However the directions go something like this. Carve the car into the desired shape, and then weigh it. That was it. I called my Mom and talked to my brother. Looked on line how much coins weigh and when all was said and done my car came in fifth place. When I called Paul and told him what I was up to he was really proud of me.

I am happy to look back at the year and see the growth that I have had this year. I have learned a lot, and this is mostly because of the people in my life. So a special thanks to all of you. We don't know how we might impact someone else' life. 2008 it really was GREAT!

2009 it will be just FINE, BRING IT ON!

Christmas!

Christmas Christmas Christmas !
I love this time of year. Hannah and myself have had the wonderful opportunity to be involved in another play "The best Christmas pageant ever" it runs this week Mon.- Sat if you are interested in a fun Christmas activity to remind you what Christmas is all about this is a great one. You can get tickets at http://www.lehicityarts.org/. It has been a lot of fun to see Hannah start to understand that Christmas is not just about getting presents, and I credit some of her understanding from being involved in this play.

I also had a great opportunity to take my little ones to a wonderful church activity.
These are my cute little children on there way to Bethlehem. My family invited us to their ward Christmas program, and we had a really good time. We dressed as shepherds, angle, and a wise women. The kids enjoyed watching the story of Jesus' birth. I love the wonderful spirit of Christmas!