NEW YEAR'S EVE 2011

This year we had Jeff's sister Pam and her family over for New Year's Eve. We had lots of food, lots of laughing, and managed to stay up way past midnight. I even managed to convince Logan to stay home as long as some "friends" came over. So fun to bring in the New Year with all my family. Here's to an awesome New Year!!!!

Finally Christmas

I thought I would finally post some of my favorite pictures of Christmas with my family. This very well may be our last Christmas with our oldest son before he goes out into the real world.....sniff sniff. We really enjoyed some great simple quiet time together. It was nice to have a very relaxing Christmas morning. As the kids get older, the mood changes, and I have to adapt myself to change with them. We still read "The Gift of the Magi" before bed on Christmas Eve. We still set out cookies. We still went to my family Christmas party where Garrett sat on Santa's lap. We all still took turns Christmas morning opening presents. We all still enjoyed the traditional breakfast of Tea Ring, Sausage Casserole, Homemade Hot Chocolate, and Waffles and Strawberries......yummy. I cherish each and every memory we spent together, and know that the future Christmases will be just as enjoyable but different.

Jeff and I

I just love this picture.

Some Favorite Things

I love my Christmas tree....I just do. I got a new smaller skinnier tree a couple of years ago to fit in my front room better and I LOVE IT. Every year I put it up I love it more. I also had to post the latest thing my husband built for me.....He made me a large picture frame that I saw at a store that was very expensive. I asked him if he could make me one......he did and I love it more than the one at the store.

New Family Pictures

It was time for our yearly family pics to be taken. Let's just say I'm so glad they actually turned out. It started pretty rough. An 18 year old who "refused" to take pictures,running late, fighting the sun going down, and my youngest getting hurt while his older brother mocked him.....needless to say, lots of prayers were said and in the end they turned out quite nice if I do say so myself. Logan is so much cuter than the pictures. Why don't they want to smile? I mean really? This time next year my oldest hopefully will be on a mission.......sniff sniff. I am grateful that we are able to capture the growing of each new year..

Halloween Time

Well, another Halloween has come and gone. I got adventurous this year and decided to make spud nuts which are a potato based doughnut. They are very southern and very traditional to my childhood. My mother is an expert and I......not so much, but I tried making them this year. They weren't pretty, but THEY WERE SO GOOD. I believe my family would like this to be a new tradition every Halloween....we'll see. It was quite stressful but yummy at the same time. We also carved some of the most beautiful pumpkins we have ever had. We found a guy that grew them and was selling them right off his property in Orem and it was a FIND for cheap. I love to help the locals. :) Hayden had a party of 8 friends over Halloween night, Garrett was a penguin, Sadie was a cow, and Logan went to his own party dressed as Mario. It was a fun day and a fun evening. I always love Halloween because it begins the onset of the holidays which are MY FAVORITE..

Logan turns 18

My oldest has hit the "18" mark. Is it humanly possible? I really don't think so. I remember being pregnant with him.....it was frankly not funny. I was HUGE and had no clue. I am so happy he joined our family so long ago and the positive example he has set in stone in our family. He will be greatly missed around here next year at this time.....sniff sniff. I have watched him evolve into a grown man and it has been so much fun being a part of his life. With growing up brings many wonderful events and changes. I feel so thankful every day for my children and the great young men they have become. Happy Birthday son. I sure love and appreciate you in my life.