New Years Eve Party

Olivia had a daytime New Years Eve party today. She invited a few girls from school, and her cousin Hannah. They all brought their American Girl dolls, had a fashion show, decorated cookies, and had a great time. Olivia is already planning her next party!

Our First Real Snow

We got our first real snowfall today. It has been snowing non-stop since we woke up. Elijah and Ethan immediately wanted to go out and play in it. They spent hours outside sliding down the driveway, throwing snowballs, and playing in the snow.

James and I were just talking the other day how warm it's been here and how last year we had way more snow. Before I could even finish my thought, James stopped me and told me not to jinx the weather....too late! It's suppose to be worse tomorrow. The kids are sad that the snow didn't wait till next week when they go back to school. They are already looking forward to a few snow days!

Christmas 2010

They all look so excited, but they each got the gifts they had requested. Olivia got her American Girl Doll, "Molly". Ethan got his DSI XL in blue, and Elijah got the paintball gun he wanted.

We had a wonderful Christmas! We are thankful for the true gift, Our Savior's life, and it was wonderful to celebrate his birth.

Christmas Eve Dinner

We had an interesting Christmas Eve. The family has been battling the flu for the last week or so, and James came down with it on Christmas Eve. He came home from work early, sicker than a dog. He immediately went to bed. The kids and I went up to Aunt Tammy's house to join the rest of my family for Christmas Eve dinner. The food was great, and it was great to be all together (it's been a long time since we all got together last).

After dinner, we went home to check up on Dad, who was feeling a little better. The kids were so excited to open up two presents each. Their Christmas PJ's and their "something they need" present which were electric blankets for their beds! SO EXCITING, at least they thought so.

They immediately went to bed, but got up every hour to see if Santa had come. Olivia woke up exactly at Midnight, only to throw up (it was her turn to get sick). I woke up around 3, because I heard Santa delivering his gifts. Olivia woke up at 4:18, and I just gave up. I got the whole family up to open presents so we could go back to bed!

Channeling Our Inner "Heather"

The kids and I spent most of today channeling our inner "Heather". We made chocolate covered pretzels to give to friends and neighbors. It was fun to make them while we watched Christmas Movies. For Family Home Evening we went out to deliver them, and we did it pretty fast too!

This beauty is a family joke. My mom and I bought her at Walmart last year. We tried to find the least attractive Christmas decoration we could find. We took it to Tammy's house and displayed it among her decorations. It took her a whole one second to notice it and immediately take it down. From what I understand it has been passed around the family. Yesterday someone ding dong ditched us and when we went to the door, guess who was waiting for me....yep....The Angel! We knew we had to get rid of her and fast so Olivia wrote a note on her that said "Finally, Home Sweet Home" and left it on Aunt Tammy's doorstep. Let's see how long it takes before she is back at our house!

We Have A Teenager!

Today we official are the parents of a teenager!
It is Elijah's 13th birthday and we are stunned.
We are shocked that the years have passed so quickly,
We are proud to have such an awesome son,
We are so lucky to call him ours!

Elijah had a great birthday. It started at midnight with James taking him and Ethan to see a private viewing of Tron 3D that isn't even released until tomorrow. What a special surprise. Then as soon as he got home from the movie, roughly at 2:30, he opened his present, a PlayStation with all the works (another surprise from his dad). He played until his eyes couldn't stay open any longer. I gave him my present, by letting him stay home from school with Ethan. They played all day, and I mean all day. Elijah and Dad spent the evening at a baptism, while I stayed home and prepared a special party for him. I invited a few of his friends, got lots of pizza, and two cold stone mint ice cream cakes. Elijah was so surprised to see how many people came to celebrate his birthday.

We love you Lij and are so proud of the young man you are!

Luminaries

These pictures aren't the best!

Every year, at the cemetery, they put luminaries on each grave. I know it sounds a little creepy, but it really is beautiful.
Well last night was the luminary night and Mom, Dad, Tammy, Morgan and I went out to put new flowers on Samantha's grave, and see the luminaries. It was beautiful. I know that she would have loved it.

Back to Bethleham

Life has gotten so busy, that it's been hard to keep up.

Friday night we had our ward Christmas party. It was awesome!

We had a back to Bethleham night and we all felt the Spirit so strong.

The decorations were great, we ate "authentic" food from the time,

the music was wonderful! It was a great night!

We are grateful for our Savior's birth.