OH CHRISTMAS TREE OH CHRISTMAS TREE...

We were a little late getting our Christmas Tree this year.  I like to get one Thanksgiving weekend so that I can have it up and enjoy it thru December.  Well, this year, we went "hunting" (cuz that's what we do) our Christmas tree the first weekend in December.

On our way.  Doesn't Brody look excited? 

Haylie sang Chrismas songs to us the whole way out and back!

It's always fun to have her around.

I spy the "perfect" Christmas tree across the road on top of the hill."  Brody found his as well.

It was too cold for us "ladies" to hike up the mountain in the snow so we opted to stay in the pickup.  Haylie wanted to do a snow angel but by the look on her face you can tell it wasn't an extremely enjoyable event.  It was just 21 degrees outside....Brrrr!

Look at that beautiful snow angel made by my beautiful angel.

Paul Bunyan followed by his shadow...and the hike begins.

Sometimes it requires getting down on all fours to get up the hill.

Keep climbing...almost there.

This one???  Looks pretty good right?

T I M B E R!

Brody working on his little tree.

Shane keeping a watchful eye but making him do the work.

Finishing off the last little bit.

Yee-haw...It's much funner sliding down than climbing up!

He even had to drag it by himself.  He's a determined little feller that's for sure.

I'd dare say....he's pooped!

That's a fine tree little B.

Shane assured me that this tree would be nice with just a few branches added.

Beautiful scene we were fortunate enough to experience on our way home.

We definitely live in a beautiful area!

SO PROUD.

Brody wanted me to take a picture of Shane's "new" Diesel.  I don't know who likes it more.  Brody has a permanent grin from ear to ear every time he rides in it.  He said it makes him feel big.

Brody's and Haylie's tree all decorated.

Hand painted ornaments they made while attending their Grandma party. 

 Brody's Gingerbread Man.

Brody told us he spent a lot of time on this ornament and was wondering if it could go on top of the tree in place of the star.  I told him I thought that would be the perfect place for it!

Haylie's Christmas Wreath she painted all by herself.  I was quite impressed.  She had it sitting on the floor ready to go on the tree when I walked by and accidentally stepped on it and broke it in several pieces.  I felt horrible.  She was a good sport about it and we did a pretty good job with the glue gun.

Haylie's Reindeer.

Sleds they painted at Grandma's as well.  Haylie's in front and you can just see Brody's "Red Bullet" off to the left.

The kids went downstairs without my knowledge as soon as we got home to decorate their tree.  I was cleaning up and getting ready to get the family tree decorated.  I saw this poor homely looking tree that would put Charlie Brown's to shame sitting outside our sliding door.  I think I mad the comment to Shane something to the affect of "Is that Brody's tree (giggle giggle giggle) Oh well at least he cut it down by himself and seems tickled with it".  That made Shane start to giggle.  He told me the kids were downstairs decorating THEIR tree...this tree was MINE!  Oh my goodness...I just about fainted.  Which in turn made Shane laugh even harder.  My response..."that tree is not going in my house.  That is the ugliest tree I have ever seen"!  Mind you...it looked really good sitting on top of the mountain from across the road.  Unfortunately...this tree IS in our house.  I had to go to Las Vegas for a week for a convention so we didn't have time to go harvest a different one.  When we got back from Las Vegas I told Shane he had better have the kids help him decorate the ugly thing so that we could at least pretend we were getting ready for Christmas.  The kids and Shane did a good job for what they had to work with.  Not the most beautiful tree we've had but it will have to do.

I'm Thankful For...

This year as Thanksgiving rolled around, I took some time to reflect on the many blessings I have had this year.  First of all I am thankful for the great family I have.  For two parents who taught me right from wrong and to be honest and true in all my dealings.  I am thankful my family members are also my best friends.  It is nice to be part of a family that cherishes one another and can depend on each other if needs be.  I am grateful for the gospel in our lives and the blessings and happiness we enjoy because of the things we believe.  I am grateful to have two beautiful children in good health.  Children who are the center of my world and show me what it's like to love unconditionally.  I am thankful for a kind and loving husband whom I love more and more each and every day.  He is the rock of our family and I don't know what I would ever do without him.  I am thankful for the jobs we have and the home we have to live in.  We are blessed indeed. 

On this particular Thanksgiving we decided to let our worries and frustrations be put on hold so that we could enjoy ourselves as a family. And that is just what we did.  Dad pulled out the thrower and we decide to shoot skeet.  What an amazing way to forget about the underlying issues and relieve our frustrations at the same time.  Everyone had an excellent time and enjoyed each others company.

Thank you mom and dad for always knowing just what we all need and taking care of us even though we are fully grown.  I couldn't ask for better examples.  Your positive attitudes and closeness to our Heavenly Father is a true testament of the type of person I want to become.  You are such great examples not only to me and my family, but to everyone you come in contact with.  Thank you for your unconditional love and for guidance through your actions.  I appreciate the sacrifices you have made and continue to make for your family.  You are two truly amazing people and I love you very much!

Okay...line up and get ready. 

Ready...Aim...Fire!

This picture doesn't look very safe but it was.

Brody patiently waiting his turn. 

Loading the guns.

It was Brody's "pull".  If you notice, nobody had their guns up.  He is a pretty dang good little shot and didn't miss very many all day long.

Brody waiting for the chance to knock his dad out of the round...Again!  Not only did Brody eliminate Shane, he got me out, and beat out all of the men to become the winner in several different rounds.  He was also the only kid who hit a set of doubles.  I don't know who was more proud...Brody or Shane!

That's a good looking line!

Carter and J.T. decided they would help Grandma pick up the limbs the wind had blown out of the trees and put them in the fire pit.  Maybe then they could start a fire and roast marshmallows.  Good job with the sticks boys but there wasn't enough time for a fire before dinner.

Corbin was perfectly content to sit and watch everyone shoot as long as he had his ear plugs in.

Brody showing his battle wounds.  He shot several boxes of shells and had a bruise for well over a week.

Poor little thing.  Even though it hurt, he just wouldn't stop.

Later that night, Shane decided to invite the guys over to try out the new poker table he made.

Down to the final two.  Can you guess who won?  Nope, it wasn't Shane!  Good job Cory, you'll have to defend your title over Christmas.

It was so much fun having the family here for Thanksgiving.  We don't all get together very often.  Angie, Jared, and Isabelle were not able to come for Thanksgiving and they were greatly missed.  However, they are coming for Christmas and we cannot wait to see them!

Not another tooth!!!

Poor Haylie had a Nanny McPhee tooth that was so loose it was just about to fall out.  She didn't want to pull it because "if you lose a tooth at school, Mrs. Taft gives you a tooth box to put it in."  Brody told her  he had a tooth box that she could have and I told her I would pull it for her if she wanted me to.  She assured me she would pull it herself like she had all of her other teeth!  I couldn't understand why she made such a fuss over this tooth but, it was so wiggly, when she tried to eat it hurt.  After she pulled it out everything was better.

"I can't, I can't do it!"

"It hurts."

Look at those poor little eyes.  She was scared to pull her tooth because it was hurting her but that only lasted for just a minute.  She got up, went to the bathroom, and pulled it.   Everything was "perfect" again after that.

Coyotes Beware!

Like father like son.  Brody has moved on from birds to Coyotes.  He LOVES to go hunting with his Daddy!  He told Shane that when the coyote came running across the flat his chest was going boom boom boom.  Unfortunately, he didn't shoot this dog but was there when his dad did and was just as happy as if he had done it himself.  I am so very grateful for a husband that is willing to take his children with him and treat them like they are the only thing in the whole world that matters.

  I love you Shane!



Happy 7th Birthday Haylie

Oh my goodness...where did the time go?  I can't believe my baby is already 7 years old.  What an amazingly fun little girl Haylie is.  We are so blessed to have her in our family.  She brings joy and happiness in to our lives each and every day. 

This year for her birthday, Haylie decided that since Brody went to Lagoon for his birthday, she would like to invite a couple of friends to go to Richfield and go bowling.  This was very easy for me.  We sent out invitations and the countdown began.  She almost drove us all nuts asking everyday how many more days.



Our beautiful little birthday girl! I told her that instead of getting older every year she needed to get little again.  She thought that would be okay for a year or two.

So happy to have loot bags to give to her friends.

The birthday posse...Brinlee, Laine, Chyanne, Haylie.  Such fun girls.  They laughed and giggled, talked and squeeled all the way to Richfield.  Excitement and anticipation filled the car.  You couldn't help but smile.  I absolutely love times like this spent with my children.

Getting their shoes on.

Cute and "special" little friends.

All laced up and ready to go.

Hey girls...strike a pose!

Haylie was the first one to bowl.

Good form.

Laine choosing her ball.

She had never bowled before so Shane was giving her a little bowling 101.

Good release!

Little Brinlee would walk up to the line and then throw the ball.  We talked and talked but were only able to persuade her to ROLL the ball once or twice.  Every other time...she threw it.

Chyanne had been bowling before and did a really good job.

They were all professionals by the time we were finished.

Brinlee had to leave early to go to gymnastics but the girls continued to have a great time.

We went to Ideal Dairy to open presents and have a slushie.

Mmmm....Good stuff!

Big girls sitting all by themselves.

What color is MY tongue?

Getting ready to leave.  Still smiling and laughing.  I LOVE IT!

Birthday morning.  A new Barbie from the best friend and brother anyone could ever have...Brody!

All of her presents.  She made off like a bandit and was so excited about the paper flower I made and stuck on her gift.  It's the little things in life that are so precious.

She was so excited for a new coat.  She had been wearing her old one for over 2 years.  Well deserved and muchly appreciated.

A Barbie computer from Shane and I.  We were a little hesitant about getting it for her but it has good learning programs on it and she really likes it.

My funny little Midge.  When I asked her what kind of cake she wanted she chose rainbow chip.  She didn't want anything fancy but decided that she would let me put frosting on part of it so her candles would stand up.

Take a deep breath and blow!

Haylie absolutely LOVES flowers.  Shane had this little bunch delivered to her at school.  It totally made her day.  What a great Daddy!