Family parties are fun...right?

This time of year is always really crazy. We went to 2 family parties in a row yesterday, we have one today and one more Wednesday. Every year we try to cut out something, to simplify. It never works. That is why my kids save the day. The joy on Loreli's face when she got "the Lion I always ever wanted my whole life" makes it worth all the insanity! Thanks Keith for capturing this candid moment!

Glad to know they listen...Sometimes.

Hello All! Happy December!!! Tonight we went as a family to see some Christmas lights. There is a great place near our house that you can drive through in your car. Did I mention that it is a frigid 20 degrees out? Anyways, you drive through in your car and see all the fun of Santa mixed with the true spirit of Christmas. They have music playing and so many fun seasonal light displays! We had a blast!

On the way home I asked Carter to tell me the story of when Jesus was born. I was so proud that he knew most of the story (only a few made up details which were quickly put right). James also told us about when Jesus was separated from his family and they found him teaching the scholars. It truly makes a mother proud to know that some of the things we try to teach our children really do get through. It's good to know that even when I am sure they aren't listening, they are...sometimes.

James is in trouble....again!

James was doing something not so nice the other day. Not unusual lately for him to be disobedient. The what doesn't matter so much as my reaction. I was so very mad...I took his head in both my hand forcing him to look at me and said "James, please use your brain. God gave you a good one and it would be a shame to see it wasted." I went upstairs to cool down before I did anything more stupid. Loreli barreled into me and hugged me and said "I use my brain mom, I love you." Guess if I am going to yell, I should do it quieter. They have such an awesome way of making me feel like such a bad mom. Oh well, live, love and learn, right?

Stupify...now pay attention ;-)

Are you paying attention yet? If not, Carter knows a couple of unforgivable curses! He also knows how to banish a Dementor. Expecto Patromum! We tried Silencio! on James and Loreli but it didn't work (go figure).

We did manage to conjure up a dragon and a shark. Pretty terrifying aren't they!

Loreli Goes to High School!

I was told about a preschool program at the High School a couple of weeks ago. Loreli was sad that she was going to be the only one not in school. Well, now that is solved! She goes to preschool with 4 other 3 year old kids from our neighborhood. She is loving it! She is the big girl now! It is weird not having anyone but me in the house for 2 hours a day, 4 days a week, but I'm managing ;-)


Loreli coming out of her preschool class on the first day. She had so much fun! And, of course, she knows everything now!

Loreli goes to school with the big kids! They actually teach the class. Loreli has learned about how to make hand and foot prints with paint. She also is learning how to do "show and tell", which she is loving. What 3 year old wouldn't love being in the spot light for a few minutes every day?

Loreli walking home with her buddies Mia and Teagan. Aren't they adorable! I love that their backpacks compete with the size of their little bodies!

Labor Day Weekend With Grandpa Roly and Sherri

A Day of Boating at Willard Bay

Loreli watching the action

James and Carter bracing for the wave
James showing off big time!

Me and Loreli. She was laughing histarically and yelling "I love you Daddy! Thanks!" and "Go faster Daddy!Faster!"


Beatiful end to a fun day!!!

Watch out Mr. Van Halen!!!

James had his first guitar lesson on Monday. He is so excited!!!
Expect a video concert sometime in the future ;-)

Bear Lake is Awesome!!!

Scott and I got to go to Bear Lake yesterday for the whole day! It was so awesome and such a needed break! Thank you to my mother-in-law who made it possible! We took the boat up for a youth group to water ski and ride on the tube. It was a blast! Kids are hilarious (especially when they are flying five feet up in the air and the boys are screaming like little girls)!!! I am so toasted today though. I even wore sunscreen this time, but I am still totally lobster-like :-). Sorry for the boring pic though. I forgot my camera. I am so bummed. I could have had some awesome pictures. Next time I guess.

I couldn't take it anymore!

I couldn't take it anymore! I needed a furry thing again. We found Remi on the Internet. Isn't he cute! He is a dachshund/chihuahua mix. He is 3 months old and a perfect size for our family! Yeah!!!

Yeah!!! The Dirty Old Tree is Gone!!!

BeforeAfter

After 10 years of living with this awful tree, it's finally gone. It would drop these terrible, sharp, long bean pods two times a year and flower in the middle of the summer. No more mess! Yeah!!!Amazing the little things that can make me so happy!

Our Fearless Loreli

Loreli loves to be on the boat. But riding is not enough for her. She wants to drive too.

Loreli wanted to touch all the animals at James' pet show and tell at school. She especially liked the bearded dragon. I have the weirdest kid. My mom's love of animals must be hereditary.

2009 Birthdays

Carter's birthday was so much fun! We went out to eat (pizza of course) and then had cake and ice cream. James doesn't like cake, so every year we get to be creative. This year we sang Happy Birthday with his stack of birthday pancakes. Later that day we went bowling and miniture golfing.

Loreli is the queen of bling! We took her to breakfast for her birthday and she actually wore all of this stuff to IHOP. We got some interesting looks from people!

We Are the Dinosaurs!!! What do you think of that?

My favorite song from Carter's preschool graduation. Those kids are so darn cute!

Graduates of 2009 (preschool)

Listen closely to what each kid wants to be when they grow up. They are awesome occupations!!!

Funny Telemarketers!!!

I got the most hilarious sales call last night. It was late, so I was not in the mood to be nice to the telemarketing stalkers. But I decided to be civil. The guy proceeds to tell me how if I could listen to a 90 minute presentation I would be entitled to an all inclusive trip to beautiful MEXICO. I literally laughed at him. I actually said "With all the news lately, you think you could entice me with a trip to Mexico? No thank you!" That company, whoever they might be (I didn't stay on the phone long enough to find out) must live under a rock! :-)

Spring is HERE!

As Carter put it, "I think, this is a great day for a walk!" Man was he right! Everything is starting to bloom and it is beautiful here! I hope that we are lucky enough to have the weather last for a while!I know, two slide shows in a row is a bit much, but there were too many photos to post any other way. Enjoy with us our walk along the river.

Happy Easter! Our's was so fun!!!

The Llama Farm :-)

My Uncle Kent was nice enough to let Carter's preschool class come to his home. He has a whole family of alpacas and one llama. The teachers were trying to prepare the kids for what kind of animals they were going to see. It was really funny trying to explain to a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds what a llama and an emu are.

The kids were a little scared at first but that soon changed to fascination. They got to feed them and pet them and, as soon as they learned to be quiet, you couldn't keep the animals away from the kids either. The animals were as fascinated with kids as the kids were boggled by the animals.


My Uncle also has a couple of Emus. That was fun explaining to the kids what that was! All the new words were a little confusing. I am just trying to imagine the kids trying to tell the parents what they saw! I bet that was a hilarious conversation!