Christmas 2011

A quarter to 5 and we were ready to go!

Well, at least the kids were ready to head out to see the treasures Santa left for them.
Peyton got Strawberry Shortcake figures and shop.

She said, "Mom, I told you this is what I want!" She never had but I am glad she thought so.

Gabe got a Nintendo DS.

About 2 months before he had woke up and told me that he knew what Santa was bring him - a DS. He has been very confident about that. I sure am glad Santa pulled through.
Parker got the Imaginext Bat Cave!

He has wanted it for a long time. I loved to see him so excited.

MaKyra got An American Girl doll - Rebecca.

She has really, really wanted one. Her reaction was priceless. She just said, "I just didn't think I would really get her. I just didn't think I really would."

We had such a great Christmas!

The Holiday treated us really well. We were able to relax and just enjoy one another. I really loved it!

Christmas Eve PJs

Christmas Eve pajamas!

The kids get so excited to open them up. Love the tradition!

Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve was spent at Grandma and Grandpa Reeves' house.

We made Christmas Trees. Simple and so fun.

Peyton worked long and hard on hers.

The other kids stopped early to try out the Xbox Kinect.

What a blast!

Check out the great moves!

It kept every one captivated.

I'm just glad no one caught a picture of me in the action!

Dear Santa,

We went to the mall to see Santa. It was so fun. Our mall Santa is the real deal. He said he would bring the kids the things they asked for. They have all been really good this year so I think he will definitely try to deliver.

MaKyra asked for an American Girl doll.
Gabe asked for a Nintendo 3DS. - Black. Parker asked for a Batman castle.

Peyton asked for a Tinkerbell game. - What? Hadn't mentioned that to me. I don't even know what it is. Hope she forgets by the time Christmas is here. Isn't her face the cutest though?

Grandma Donna's Funeral

My Grandma Donna passed away on November 30, 2011. Her health had been failing her for the last few months. She slipped into a coma a couple days prior to her passing. I was able to go and spend some time with her and talk to her. While we were visiting with her, the feeling of love and peace was so strong in the room. I knew that not only was she surrounded by the love we had for her but also the love of those who passed before her and were waiting for her to return home to her Father in Heaven. Although it is sad to say good-bye, I know Grandma is in such a wonderful place. I am happy for her. Grandma's funeral was on Monday, Dec. 5. It was a beautiful service. Mom gave the life sketch. It was really nice. Then, my kids sang the song "Jesus is My Savior." It is a beautiful song. They did such a great job. Following that Shilo and I shared memories of Grandma. Dad spoke of some memories and of the atonement. The closing song was Uncle Rick singing. The funeral was just wonderful. I think Grandma would love it. The day of Grandma's funeral was a beautiful day. It was very cold and crisp. It really was just a special day. It was so great to be with family and honor Grandma.

Gabe's Birthday & Baptism!!

Gabe is 8!! And getting Baptized!!!

His birthday happened to land on the day of Stake baptisms.

So he got baptized on his 8th birthday.

He was soooo excited! I asked him if he was nervous at all. He said, with the biggest grin I've ever seen, "No, I am just so excited."

We are so proud of him. He is such a great kid. He has set such a great example for Parker and Peyton and for all of us in getting baptized.
He was so cute. I couldn't believe how happy he was. When he entered the water with his big smile he just started to giggle. He was just giddy. I loved it!

What do you do in the Autum time?

What can you do with all those leaves once you've raked them up?Lay in them . . . Bury yourself in them . . .

Bury lots of people in them . . .And of course, gather them up and . . .THROW THEM!!

Thanksgiving Cookies

It is Sugar Cookie time! My kids ask to make sugar cookies every holiday. Our tradition started while Matt was in nursing school and had to work clinicals every Saturday. Since the kids were all home and would get bored I had to have exciting - organized - activities for us to do. A favorite was making sugar cookies. Make the dough in the morning - let it chill. Roll it out later, cut and bake - let them cool. Finally, decorate. The kids would run and play in between each step and when they started to get unfocused or rowdy I could pull them back in with cookie time. Ever since, they have wanted to do cookies for every holiday. This year I was informed that we missed Halloween and so it was a must that we NOT forget Thanksgiving.

Oh the joy the cookie brings. We had acorns, maple leaves, apples, footballs and football helmets. Add lots of frosting. And of course, lots and lots of sprinkles!

And then you have the perfect Holiday Sugar Cookie!

Zumba!

My cousin Hettie, who teaches Zumba, came to town for the weekend to lead us in a Zumba class. It was so much fun! I came to realize that I can definitely move - I can't necessarily move on beat or do the moves everyone else was doing but I was moving!

Halloween!

We had a lot of fun this Halloween. We had a Halloween "Carnival" with friends. We have enough kids between all of us we really can have quite a party! It was fun. We attended to Trunk-or-Treats and then took the kids Trick-or-Treating. Let's just say we had a lot of candy! Yum! Yum!

Winter Wonderland

I don't know if I am quite ready for this winter scene. I love the snow in Novemember and December not October. I must admitt I do love the entertainment it provided for my kids this morning while they are out on their "Fall" Break.

Grandma's Birthday!

We went to Grandma Donna's for her birthday party yesterday. It was lots of fun. My kids loved that Grandma Marilyn got them presents for Grandma's birthday. My kids provided entertainment by showing us the tricks they have learned at gymnastics. So much fun! Happy Birthday Grandma!

Heritage Day!

We went to Heritage Day in my home town. It was so much fun. The day started out with us in a parade. You could dress up in heritage clothes but since we didn't know we could actually be in the parade, we just wore our regular clothes. One person from each family wore a name tag bearing the family name and when they settled in Menan. I saw some that said 1921, 1889, etc. Ours said 1977. All the kids were given kazoos to use in the parade. Off we went around the block to the city park. When we got to the city park, there was plenty to do. We made boats out of zucchini. Then headed to the canal to race them. Ours didn't win but at least they didn't sink.
They had other activities too. We made candles, dug for treasures, participated in bobbing for apples, went on a horse and buggy ride, and Gabe even chased a chicken. Well he stood in the pen while other kids chased the chicken. We made dolls out of cloth, a bit of batting and yarn. MaKyra made a necklace out of yarn and buttons and the kids even roped "cows."

What would a heritage day be without foot races? It is always so fun to watch the kids race. They all won a medal and some candy.

Parker and MaKyra tried out the gunny-sack race. That was entertaining. MaKyra made it to the finish. Parker did too but he finally just ran with it. There were so many other activities that I just couldn't get pictures of all of them. MaKyra and Gabe tried out walking on stilts. They had displays for trapping, different rocks from the area, old-time photographs, making tools out of rocks, sticks, and corn husks. Oh, they even had panning for gold. What a great day! I think we found a new tradition. I don't want to miss it ever.