Christmas Came!!

Well, finally it came! I was kind of glad to see it over this year. I was not very organized, didn't feel like we had the money, and couldn't quite get everything done the way I wanted it! I was shopping, wrapping, delivering,cleaning and still making things right up until Christmas eve. NEXT YEAR....I am sure I will be much more organized about things! (HaHa) Really, I am typically more together. I really didn't catch the Christmas spirit like I usually do.

The funny thing is that I enjoyed the day as much as ever. It doesn't seem to matter if everything is clean or how many presents the kids have. It went off without a hitch and was very lovely! I did spend part of the day dozing on the couch, recovering (pretending to be awake, watching the kid's video games).

We went to Tracy's house on Christmas Eve and had our usual dinner of Steak Cordon Bleu and Chicken Cordon Bleu. We (of course) over ate! Melissa and Ryker spent the night which made Christmas morning lots of fun! Ryker loved all of his presents and was very excited! Later in the evening, we went down to Bonnie's and enjoyed more food and presents!

Now I just have to stop eating everything in sight and clean up my house!!



Matt and Jordan doing a James Bond pose!


Tracy, Cheryl, Brett and I on Christmas Eve!

I couldn't find my camera, so I guess I will add more pictures later. Melissa has better ones than I do, because my batteries were low so I will have to look at hers!

Annual Cousin Party!

For many years, we have been getting all the cousins together before Christmas for a Christmas party. As the kids get older and get married, it is easier to catch as many as possible this way! We all gathered at Annalee's house and had food (of course) and the kids exchanged gifts. Grandma always brings presents and they are always pajamas and the kids always run and change and then pose for pictures! I am not sure about everyone else, but I love the ALWAYS factor! We missed you Brittany, Ashley and Emilee!


All the grown ups! We are the old people now!


Here are almost all the kids in the family (and their kids!)

Basketball

Well, Christmas is over so I need to do a little bit of catch up on my blog. It seems this year was not my best organizational effort of all time. I was running around like crazy and not getting anything done!

Andrew's basketball team went 15 and 1 this season. They won the Layton City league and just missed winning the Weber county league. They will start again in January and play another couple of seasons. It is pretty fun for the kids and I enjoy it too.


Andrew going up for two (he says he made it!)


Brett (the coach) and the boys pose with their trophies

BAH HUMBUG!!

I took Andrew, Ryker, and his buddies Cade and Daxten down to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights. It was a lovely night, not too cold. We ate dinner (at McDonald's - their choice not mine) and drove down. When we got there I found an awesome parking spot on the side of the road. We all got out and then I looked and noticed it was a handicapped spot so we got back in and started to search for another spot. That is when the trouble started. All the places I have always parked were gone, closed, under construction, etc... The underground parking was full. All the road side parking was full. Believe me I drove all around to see!! I was starting to lose my Christmas spirit. Luckily, I had to be nice because I had kids with me!! (I didn't use any swear words) Finally the underground parking opened up and we drove in. We couldn't find how to get out of there and so we (and a bunch of other people) walked up a ramp. It was crowded looking at the lights, but still nice. Ryker got tired of walking though, so I had to carry him. When we went back to get in the car, we couldn't get in the conference center to get back down to the parking area. After trying several doors, we went down the ramp again!! When we were leaving, the guy in front of us crashed into another car. At least that didn't happen to us! Then we pulled out and the parking cost me $10.00!! I was a bit irritated at this point so as I drove away I told Andrew to take one last look because that is the last time we were ever going to see those lights!!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Dancing around the Christmas Tree (I am scared)

Matt & Andrew around the tree

A few years ago, I finally broke down and bought an artificial Christmas tree with lights. It greatly simplified the decorating process. I can now get people to help decorate it again! The boys like to put all their own ornaments (THANKS CONNIE) on the tree. I always play my "Kenny and Dolly" Christmas CD. This year we really got into the music and did some fancy dancing around the tree!

Thanksgiving Day!

We had Thanksgiving Dinner at Bonnie's this year. We are getting to be a big family. We had 40 something people and everyone it getting bigger and having more kids all the time. Me, Brett, Melissa, Ryker, Matt, Jordan, Andrew, Karilee, Kevin, Jaymie, Mark, Sam, Aubrey, Angie, Scott, Patsy, her mom Marilyn, Jeniece, Leif, his brother Derek, Mike, Katie, Thomas, his girlfriend (I forget her name right now), Ron, ThomaLee, Ben, Kira, Reese, Whitney, Jayden, Grace, Emilee, her friend Joe, Pam, Paul, Sean, Spencer, Amanda, Brooklyn and of course Grandma!


I love having big family gatherings! Brett thinks it is getting to crowded, but I will be sad when everyone splits off into their own smaller families! It just seems like so much more of a holiday when everyone comes together.

I tried to get a picture of my family for a Christmas Card! We took a bunch, but at least one person was looking silly in each one. Maybe we will have to try again!

Colonial Day!

Andrew and his buddies!
Luckily Andrew grew enough hair for a ponytail!
Eating out colonial style!

The fifth graders at the school had colonial day. They spent the whole day learning about and doing activities done by the people in colonial America. I took the day off work and went and helped. I taught the colonial games of cat's cradle and hopscotch. The kids also made candles, butter, hats, and many other activities. It was followed by a lunch of beef stew, rolls, and pies.

More Projects!

I found this awesome pattern for a fabric flower. I made a scripture bag for my mom's friend and for my sister-in-law. They turned out so cute I had to post another picture! I haven't been up too much else so....

I suppose it would be helpful if I would spend more time cleaning my house and less time reading and crafting, but then how fun would that be?

We went down to Sandy for my sister-in-law's 50th birthday party this weekend. It was pretty fun to see everyone. It seems like that is happening less and less these days. Everyone is getting older and the kids are getting their own families.

I look forward to the holidays for the same reasons. I also love the kids' blogs! It helps keep caught up. So keep writing guys!

Poor Matt!

Yesterday, Matt got his wisdom teeth out! He is doing okay and managed to play his computer game (World of Warcraft-he is addicted). He was looking so GREAT, I decided to post a picture. He wanted one posted of his teeth. I am not so sure about that one, but it is here anyway! I haven't talked to him this morning, hopefully he is feeling a little better.

New Project!

My Aunt Barbara had the cutest purse she had made so.....I decided I needed to make some as well. I love a new project! Anyway, my first attempt was pretty good, but with a few directions from Barbara and the addition of some lining, the second one was fabulous! I am going to make a bunch more for presents and so that I can have so new ones myself.

Nothing New to Write About!

I haven't really been up to much the last few days. I have been trying to get a little more organized so the house doesn't feel as messy! We just have too much stuff. I never imagined that we would be able to fill up the house we have now! Somehow, we have managed! It would probably be much easier and more relaxing not to have as many things to make life easier and more relaxing.

Andrew and I cleaned and organized his room. We got rid of or relocated a lot of his things. He now has much more room and hopefully will keep things a little cleaner. I didn't get much else done on the weekend. I cleaned out and added to the toy room/library (big family room closet with a fancy name). Ryker should have plenty of things to play with at granny's house now!

We tended Ryker on Friday and Saturday while Melissa went to Las Vegas for "Michelle's Big Birthday Las Vegas Weekend Extravaganza". The girls had a good time. Andrew had a game on Saturday (won that one) and a game last night (lost - bummer). He wasn't feeling to well, but felt better after playing.

Just When I Think I Have it All Together!

Yesterday, I got so much done at work! I left feeling quite satisfied with myself. We stopped on the way home to get a few things at the store. I bought just what I needed to make a slow cooker dinner for tonight. I then went home and cleaned a little. I remembered my sister's birthday is Saturday and I want to make her a purse like mine so I went and got material, feeling quite good about planning ahead! I came home and made dinner which involved making over leftovers into something new. This made me feel quite organized and thrifty. I put together the slow cooker dinner for today and at this point I was feeling very smug! Then at about 7:05, I remembered that not more than 2 hours earlier, I had talked to Donna and planned to do some Relief Society visiting at 7:00. I even said I would drive! I blew out of the house pretty fast and pretended like I was just running a little late. So much for being on top of things!

How old are you before you can claim to have senior moments? I don't really want to claim to be a senior, but I am not sure I want to go with stupid.......

Halloween!

Ryker & Andrew




Ryker, Pa and DC (D*** Cat)


Cool Costume Huh?




Andrew, Daxten and Jaime


Cool Costume!


Well, Halloween has come and gone again. This is the first year I didn't get to go trick or treating with at least one of the kids in a long time. Andrew is growing up and can't go with his mother! Time is rushing by faster and faster all the time. Ryker (sporting the fabulous costume I made) went around to a few neighbor's houses with me! Yea for grandkids!

More Basketball!

Andrew's team won a close game on Satuday night! 25 to 24. It was not the best of days to play as Andrew and several of the other boys were a little under the weather. Something is going around! They played pretty well though and explained to us that sweating helps get rid of germs (they learned this at school). We did make him spend Sunday at home relaxing.

Earlier this week, we had a fun football banquet for the boys. Ron McBride (the Weber State Football Coach) came and spoke to the boys about sports, exercise, and making commitments. I think they all thought it was pretty cool to have him there. Then the usual trophies, highlight film and wild maniac boys!

The Human Body

I went to visit The Body World exhibit down town. It displays real human bodies and parts. It was very interesting. I was amazed at how intricate each body system is. I especially enjoyed the part about the heart given my past problems. It is amazing how everything works together and runs very well for the most part. It you get a chance to see it, you should go!

It is a real testimony of divine creation to me. I am amazed that most pregnancies go as planned, most bodies run the way they are supposed too and how much progress medical science has made. It was motivating to me to try and have healthy habits. I am grateful, I haven't smoked! I do wish I was skinnier though (check out the obesity section at the end).

I went with my friends Susan and Maria. We also had a great time sipping hot cocoa and eating pastries. Then we went shopping and out to lunch! Can't beat that for a good time!

Long Weekends are so Short!

Well, UEA weekend is over! I can't believe how fast those extra days off go! I watched Ryker while Melissa went to New York. Melissa had a blast! I was a little jealous, but we had a nice relaxing time at home.

On Thursday, Ryker and I went to lunch with Mom, Connie, Barbara, Cheryl, Tracy, and Emily. It was fun and Ryker was a pretty good shopper. He did get lots of treats from everyone. He just knows everyone wants to buy things for him. I don't like to shop much anymore, but social shopping is good fun and a way to visit with everyone. Friday, we just hung out, cleaned a little, did a few errands and picked up Brett. He was in California all week.

Saturday, I sewed a really cool costume for Ryker. He is going to be a space man. I will post a picture when he gets all dressed up! We need to finish a few details. He was quite pleased with the whole thing and tried it on whenever I needed him to. He would look in the mirror and model for anyone he could get interested. Don't tell Melissa, but he spent a lot of time cutting up fabric scraps with scissors! I guess that is better than cutting his hair.

Saturday night, Andrew had a basketball game. Ryker enjoys going to his games and talks the whole time about how he has a game too. He wanted to know if we could drop him off at his basketball game on our way. He loves playing with all the other little kids. He also is good at cheering for Andrew. The final score was 39 to 14 in favor of the Knights!

Anyway, then Sunday came and Monday before I even knew what happened!

Relief Society Lessons!

I had to teach the relief society lesson Sunday. I get this "pleasure" every three months. I have been in this calling for three years and I still hate the lesson part! I work like crazy to prepare the lesson (although the internet is amazing and really helps with preparation!). I am a nervous wreck when I get there and feel pretty stressed the whole time. My feet don't really know what to do. My hands go crazy (like when I talk normally) and I tend to blurt out weird comments like I would make in normal conversation. At least, I have gotten over having a shaky voice (I think)! One thing that amazes me is it always seems to help me get over something that is bothering me! I get to choose the topic and I suppose I let it go the way I want it to go!

The Fun Bus!

Saturday, we had a parent rent a bus to drive the kids up to Skyview High School for their play-off game. The kids had a great time! It snowed like crazy all the way up through the canyon. Anyway, we all called it the fun bus. Not too many parents accepted the invitation to ride along! As the "lucky" wife of the coach, I got to ride with all the kids. I am pretty tolerant of high levels of noise so I got along just fine. They really were pretty good and enjoyed the novelty of the ride.

Skyview won the football game, but we ended a great season with a fun day! We didn't totally freeze to death. Andrew took a pretty hard hit which was even mentioned on the forum (discussion area for the league) but was okay after a minute! We stopped at Wendy's on the way home and the kids ate like pigs which cheered them right up! Andrew then attended a party, but came home at 8:00 because he was too tired! That never happens! Anyway, we will soon have a banquet to end the football season! Until next year......

Going Crazy.....

It seems like no matter how hard I try to BE NOT BUSY, my days and weeks seem to fill up and speed by. I can't seem to watch a T.V. show when I want to or cook a good meal. I have to keep rearranging things because I have something else. Sometimes, it seems like I don't even get to talk to my family, with everyone going every which way! Slow down....

**Monday - Work, Errands, Basketball practice, game, drop in bed!
**Tuesday - Work, Last few errands, cook a pathetic meal,homework, reading, fall asleep
**Wednesday - Work, Out of town for work until tomorrow (probably never sleep)
**Thursday - Out of town for work, weight watchers, Relief Society
**Friday - Work, work at football game that night
**Saturday - Football Game, probably most of the day, will I have time to clean? My mom's birthday - more errands!!
**Sunday - Relief Society meeting, church (I have to prepare a lesson), cook big dinner, drive to airport - Then perhaps a nice bubble bath, a dark chocolate, and a good book....

Needless to say, my house is not exactly clean, in fact.....

All Sports Mom

I spent all day Saturday working on Andrew's sports! Andrew's football team, the Jets, had their first play-off game. Brett is the head coach for their team. Anyway, it rained the whole time so being a fan was hard work! Andrew had an awesome game and scored a touchdown on a 55 yard run. He had some help with some great blocks, plus stiff armed a few guys on his way. We were all very excited as this turned out to be the winning touchdown! The jets won 14 to 12.

Then we came home and dried off and went out shopping for basketball shoes. It is very hard to find shoes in size 7. The kids size's stop at 6 and most stores then jump to 8.5 or 9 in men's. Weird because there are a lot of boys with size 7 feet! The Knights had their first game of the season Monday night. Also a victory!! Go knights!

New Goal (Becoming more Intellectual)

This is a new skill I wanted to learn....BLOGGING! I am setting up this blog, sort of on my own (with Melissa's help). The first step is done!! I am sure that I will become very good at navigating around this stupid computer and will become much smarter every second! So that is it my first post!! I am sure we are all impressed.