New Year’s Eve

This year for New Year’s Eve we invited ourselves over to the Peterson’s Fun Party. Well, we did get invited but we sorta asked when they were doing, so felt like I invited myself. Either way, thanks for inviting us so we weren’t so lame. We had a blast. This picture makes me laugh because we were laughing so hard when they took it. We felt like movie stars or something - we had people taking our picture from every angle. We had so much fun. We really know how to party!!

Jeffrey popped open his grape juice from years past. Like 2005 and 2007. Both good years. Apparently the juice was still really good and not even a hint of fermentation ;)

Not to self: really start wearing a little bit more makeup ;)

New Shoes ~ Cheater Too :)

Okay so these last few posts are so so lame, I know and it makes me feel even worse that I cheated. But I had to cheat to finish out the year.  I’m admitting it - I didn’t take a single picture after Christmas. I just ran out of steam. So I had to cheat and add some stuff that I got for Christmas to finish the year off. Sorry all, hoping to continue this blog for next year.  (Even though today is actually Jan 15 and I don’t know if I have enough pictures for this year so far either - aaaahhhh bleh!)

I have loved looking back through this blog and maybe no one else even cares - but I do.  It brings back happy memories and helps me remember little things that happened through out the year. I’ve loved it and want to continue on, so I might have to cheat to catch up.

It has brought me a great deal of happiness and I hope it will this next year too.

New Hat

Here’s a little funny fact about me. I <3 hats!! Love them. Lately, I’m starting some sort of a collection.  I got one for Christmas too. They’re just fun. 

I’ve not worn them much before for two reasons. First reason, I have a huge head. Serious. I really do. When it says one size fits all, they mean everyone but Cindy :)  Second reason, is my ears. I hate my ears. A long, long time ago my sister called me dumbo ears and it just sunk in too much. I was (still sorta am) such a worry wart. I couldn’t get over the worry that I had big ears and people would make fun of me.

Fast forward about 15 years in the future and look at me now LoL ;)

New Pans

I got new pans for Christmas this year and I'm loving them :) Thanks hon.

Was a little nervous about the stainless steel I have to say. Cause I’m really lazy when it comes to washing out a pan. After taking all the time to make dinner I hate having to take all the time to clean up too - it often sits until the next morning. Why do I do that?!!!

Regardless, so far so good. They’ve been super easy to clean up - even when I’ve waited and easier still when I don’t.

Don’t Fit in My Pants ~ Wahoo!!

Okay so I went to put on my new pants and go back to work today and lookee-lookee. I don’t fit in them anymore. You’d think that might make me sad and it does a little bit because they’re new and I can’t wear them. But I’m excited cause that means I’ve lost weight.

Am I bragging - you bet ya I am!!  Feels good!!  I can’t believe I didn’t post about it before. Started this sugar detox on November 13. Which basically means no sweets, no cookies, no cakes, no treats. No sweets. I’ve tried this before and didn’t make it past the first two weeks before I “fell off the wagon” so to speak. But this time I did it. Even through Thanksgiving - no pie. At first I didn’t realize or see that it was helping. I lost three pounds for that first month. But then, I decided to continue on. I did have a few pieces of candy and goodies for Christmas but since then I’ve been back to no sweets or treats.

Three things I’ve noticed, I feel better. I really do. I have been able to fast (two whole complete meals) I’ve only been able to do that like once before. Serious. And the best thing of all, I’m losing weight.

Okay I’m done bragging now, but just so proud of myself.

Cool Crepe Maker

Berneen and her family came over for dinner tonight. For dessert she brought over her crepe maker. It was fascinating to me. This little cooking machine is so cool. You turn it upside down and swirl it in the batter then flip it right side up and let it cook. You peel up the edges and wah~lah crepes!

Yes, I had two they were delicious!! Thanks Berneen - that was so fun!

Christmas 2011

It’s hard to pick just one picture from today but this seemed to be the favorite one. There was one with Josh really enjoying his lava lamp (thank goodness for simple pleasures). There was one with Zac surprised that Santa got him Sky Rim too. But I couldn't resist this one where Hayden is realizing that he's a spoiled boy - must have been good this year. I love that excited face moment. You can tell that Josh is excited to get it open.  Wish I had a picture with all three of them together, but in the hustle and bustle, I guess I never made them stand together. Didn't have a single one.

I'm always nervous it's not going to be special enough and I'm always pleasantly surprise how thankful and excited they are. Thank goodness, Christmas is finally here and it was happy.

Ice Skating

Today we went ice skating. Well, some of us did and some of us didn’t. Funny how something that’s supposed to be so fun can end up being a lot of work. ;) The kids gave it a good try but overall I think they had fun. I even tried it and forgot how hard it really is. I love to watch other people though. It was a beautiful day to do it too.  This has become a new tradition. We've done it twice in a row now. See how long this one lasts. For now, I love it - makes me smile. :D

Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

Helped Jeffrey make all these cinnamon rolls today. Got his hands in the picture - wouldn't let me take his picture. Usually this event would be entitled Cooking with Jeff ~ Cable Style.  But this time it could have been on PBS. It was actually fun. Reminded me of Christmas cooking with my family. Made this year feel more Christmasy. (Apparently that's not really a word - it's underlining it in red ~ LoL)

We made 5 batches for some lucky ones in the family. Let's see there was pistachio cranberry, cinnamon pecan and cranberry pecan. Really truly, Jeff's cinnamon rolls are the BEST!! (member Ratatouille - seriously)

Silent Night ~ Smiley Night

Had to upload a video today instead of just a picture. Tonight I took Zac to see Abby (cute friend girl of his) sing at her Christmas concert. It was fun for me. I’m such a choir nerd at heart still and I had fun watching her choir group sing. When we came home Zac had his guitar out and to my surprise was practicing Silent Night.  I l<3ved it! He made me smile from ear to ear! Couldn't wipe that smile off my face. Couldn’t let it slip by - had to record him.  <3 it :)

Sleepy Baby

Okay, iPhone picture alert!!  Sorry they just don't turn out as good, but I just couldn't resist. Look at this cute little kitty.

Okay, have I ever told you that I love, Love, LOVE the feeling of a baby falling asleep in my arms?  Well I do, that's one of the things I miss the most about little ones. Miss that so much sometimes. Well tonight when I was playing sudoku on the couch downstairs, Simba proceeded to jump up on me, climb as high as he could and curl up right there on my shoulder and fall asleep.

It was so unexpected and so cute. I loved it! It made me smile and knew this was the happy moment today. (I know, I know - I'm becoming a cat lady) I love it :)

Hoar Frost . . . Happy Frost

I think they should call this Happy Frost not Hoar Frost.  I think Hoar Frost sounds so not magical. But I think hoar frost IS Absolutely Magical.  When I saw it this morning as we went to church to meet with the Bishop, it brightened my morning. I am fascinated by this phenomenon. It turns a cold sorta dead world into a beautiful sparkling place. :D

Gingerbread Houses

We made our gingerbread houses today. I love this family tradition. It's so fun to see what designs the kids come up with. Note to self:  Next year make two extra houses. One for me and Berneen. We had just as much fun helping with the designs as the kids did.

Another funny little thing about this year that you can't see in the picture and I want to remember is that each one of them pried the roof back and threw candy inside for later. That just cracked me right up. I think it started with Annie (Annie!! you make me smile :) so smart - really so smart!!)

Surprise Gift

Okay. . .so you probably know by now, but have I told you lately that I love big rings?!!  I do...and today Jenn brought me this!!

So sweet of her to get me a fun big ring! She knows I love purple and she knows I love big rings. She did so great. It warmed my heart and made me feel so happy.

So nice Jenn, thanks so much for this special surprise gift. Love you.

Whoooo Whooo

Tonight on my way out to the car I heard a whooo ~ whooo!  Almost like someone was hiding in the parking lot making that noise. For a few seconds, I gripped my keys a little tighter and re positioned them in my hand. I looked around prepared for someone to jump out at me.

But. . . . . .then. . . . . . . I heard it again!  This time I could tell it was up high. If you look really close at this grainy picture, you will see it. Right at the top of the church.

Okay, maybe you can't but it's an owl!!  I real live owl. I was like a little kid - I thought that was the coolest thing. You should've seen me trying to take this picture with my phone. It was pretty humorous. This made me smile :D I LOVE LOVE LOVE OWLS - so cool!!

Girls Lunch

Kristi invited me to be part of her girls lunch today and it made me feel happy. We had a lot of fun talking and laughing and eating and laughing some more. Love these girls - they make working worth it!

Thanks Kristi!!

Work Schedule

Okay this is a lame picture I know - but it's the only one I took. It's not the only thing that made me happy either. But this will do for today.  I was just looking at my schedule for the rest of this month and it made me feel happy :D  I have all short weeks left. Wahoo!! :D

Basket Play

This Silly Kitty keeps getting in the gift baskets. Maybe I should get him a basket to sleep in. AND Yes, I am becoming a cat lady!! This cat brings me many smiles. Yay for simple pleasures :)

Eclipse of the Moon

Jeff had been watching the patterns of the moon lately and noticed that we would have a full eclipse of the moon today.  So, when Hayden's alarm went off this morning even though it shouldn't have (cause it was Saturday) we all woke up and stared at the moon. I thought it was amazing and so, so cool.

This picture honestly doesn't do it justice but it's the best one I got. Keep in mind this is a full moon, you can see how it's almost completely covered at this point. We didn't get to see the whole thing get back out but almost. Those beautiful mountains blocked the rest of our view, but we saw most of it and it was amazing!!

Happy Birthday Annie

Annie's birthday was actually yesterday but we got to celebrate it with her today. Happy Birthday Sweet Annie - you are such a Happy girl :)  I love that about you. You always have a smile to give and your smile always makes me smile. You've been a great friend to Josh and to me. I think you are turning into a beautiful young woman it's so fun to be a part of it.

Joshy Loves the cat too

Josh loves this cat. Something I've seen from Josh over and over again is how cute he is with little kids and babies in particular. Well, this cat seems to fall into that "little" category. He is so cute with this cat. He just loves him. It's amazing how very tolerant he is of us teasing him and it just makes us smile :)  Josh was playing with him like a stuffed animal. Folding his arms, making him dance making funny faces with him and giggling and giggling. The even funnier thing is, Simba fell asleep while he was getting this sort of treatment. LoL too funny.

Nativity in the Glen

Emalee invited us to come to the live nativity in her neighborhood. It's called Nativity in the Glen. They really do a great job with it. I think there is a special spirit there. What a fun tradition. I'm glad we got to go. Thanks Emalee :)

New Advent Blocks

Another early Christmas present from Paula (Gma Quick) for our family. She made us these cute advent calendar blocks. I think people are so clever. Paula is so creative and I love this idea. Mandy gave us a darling sock advent calendar garland that I was planning on filling up but never got around to it and these will work just great for this year. Maybe we'll do both next year. Thank you so much we all love them lots!!

Christmas Purse Party Exchange

So tonight was the purse party for the girls in the office.  It was a fun new idea that they had to instead of exchanging presents with each other we'd have a purse exchange. We were supposed to find a purse for $20 or under. Found out that was quite a challenge. Apparently I am a cheap skate and had no idea how much purses really are. But none the less, I found one and got this one in exchange. It turned out to be a really fun idea that made for a really fun party.  Thanks girls

Whipped Cream in a Can

Josh had a science experiment that he had to get done and so we did it today - of course at the last minute. Josh makes everything fun!! This time the science experiment was SUPER EASY and SILLY.

He decided to see which whipped cream held it's shape the longest. Never imagined it would be the cheapest one - Western Family received that prestigious honor.  Go figure.

Cute Christmas Toes

Cute Little Christmas Toes

Candy Cane Colors

Cute

Still Getting Use to Him

Look at this cute little cat!  Oh, I know you are probably all sick of me talking about our new little addition but I love him so much. He brings such happiness into our home. We named him Simba. He's a silly cat - he chases his tail and seems to chase after imaginary things. He hates, hates, hates, a collar! He loves to eat. He is very social for a cat (as I understand it). If you leave the room - he comes and finds you. He loves to be right up in your face especially if you're laying down. He loves my hair (so scary). He loves to lay on my bed.

He’s so cute and brings so many smiles and lots of happiness to our family. I'm glad he found us and I'm glad for the willingness of friends sharing little inspirations to tug at my heart and make me listen.

Smile

Oh no, I’m a cheater again this week!!  But I have to say aren’t you glad I did. Don’t you love this picture? I love my little Hayden. I wish he could stay small forever. But despite my pleading he said he can’t, he has to grow up.

I guess I have to let him too. But I want to remember this smile. He has the best smile and gives it away freely. I hear it over and over again. He has the best smile!! and I agree!!

Rigging Up the Lights

The second thing at Christmas that’s such a pain to me. . . . . .

Isn't that a funny Christmas song. Okay. . . .so today's happy moment was brought to me by Paula. I am so excited that this year. Momma Quick called and told me that she wanted to give me an early Christmas present. She thought it might be fun to give me a gift of  Christmas lights for our house!! She said she’d even  have Carey come over and put them up for me too!! Wow! I love this idea!! (Since Jeffrey feels like that it is definitely one of those "pains of Christmas" in the song above ;) hee-hee. Well, today was the day!! Carey came by during my lunch break and got to work!  Eeee-heeee!!  I'm so excited!!  Thanks Mom & Dad Quick!!  AND. . . . . .

Thank you Jeffrey! I know it wasn't what you wanted to do today - especially because you're not all the way feeling better (he's been so sick :( boo) but you just came out and helped no complaining either ~ thanks hon!

What a fun early Christmas present. It also has given me a boost of Christmas spirit!!

Try, Try Again!

This picture is sorta cheating - although it's a new picture, it wasn't taken today. I didn't even take one today. It's pretty obvious that it's from Sunday. But, this is my 365 and I make the rules. Right?!!

I love this picture of Josh because it shows a bit about his personality. In this picture I told him to make a serious face. How cute it was to me that he had a really hard time doing that. You can see the smile all over his face. I can also see how much he's growing up. Ahhhh!! He's almost a teenager!!!  I love Josh so much!! He makes me laugh. He teaches me how to make things fun. He loves, loves, loves to smile and be silly and sometimes I need to do that more often instead of trying hard to make it serious.

This 12 thing is a tough year. Being a deacon is a little scary and Middle School is a bit overwhelming. Something I'm noticing about Josh is that he initially gets overwhelmed but as soon as he talks it through, freaks it out and stomps his feet a little, he does it. He still does it!!  That's not always easy to do. Often when I get that way, I just give up and don't always want to try, try again. But Josh doesn't give up, he just gets it done. That's impressive to me. He teaches me that even if it's tough, try, try again.

Responsibility With a Smile

This young man takes his responsibilities with a smile. Have I ever told you how impressed I am with how responsible he is. He impresses me so much. I can hardly believe how much he's growing up right before my eyes.  He is a great example to his younger brothers and to me and dad too. I am very impressed with him!! Each and every Sunday since he turned 12. He’s been getting ready without my prodding. Sometimes I don't stop and tell him how great that really is. He's had to be to church early for Fast Offerings, and now to set up for the sacrament. I can’t remember him complaining about it either. I’m grateful for his attitude and his willingness to obey. You teach me obedience and responsibility. You make me smile. Love you.

Best Buds

These two have been best buds all day long. Really. . . . . all day! Something that I want to remember from this day is not only did they play together all day long. They played with play doh, they played outside, they drew pictures together, they played video games together, but I want to remember especially the way they also played video games “live.” Imagine playing like you're in the video game. That's what they do. They make up levels and challenges. They advance from level to level. There are “bosses” to fight and overcome. They have weapons that get progressively stronger and more powerful. I love it. It brings a big ol' smile to my face. I miss it already (even though they aren’t done with it yet, they soon will be). For now I am enjoying moments like these that make me smile. Brothers are the Best!

Time for the Lights

We went to see the lights tonight with Jeff’s family. It was cold, but it was fun. So pretty there. So peaceful even with the hustle and bustle all around. It’s beautiful. It's official winter is here.

Sorry for the grainy picture - I forgot my camera this was taken on my cell phone.

Dutch Oven Turkey

I was so proud of myself today I made a turkey all by myself ~ in the Dutch Oven. I usually need Jeff’s help, but today I did it all by myself.  He’s taught me well, I guess. I think I did good. This picture looks a little over done, but believe me it was juicy and moist. Yes. . . . . .I said moist. :)  LoL :)

Soda Cracker Pie

Have you ever tried soda cracker pie? Everyone I know that has ever tried it, loves it. You really should try it. I'd never had it until I married Jeff. Thought it was a family secret recipe. It's really  not, it's all over the internet. It's simple to make, the only trick is it has to be made the night before you wanna eat it. That way the whipped cream has had enough time to soak in and make it all gooey. Some people say it's a mock pecan pie, but I think it has it's own flavor. Very yummy though, you gotta try it if you ever get the chance.

Shopping Begins

I had about 3 things for Christmas bought so far. Today after shopping around with Jeff we have at least 10, so pretty good start I have to say. I have to say that I wish my shopping was already done, but alas it's not. I've been telling myself that for a while now that I need to go back to having it done by the end of October. I hope I listen soon.

Money for Good Grades

I started with Zachary. Wanted to reward him for his hard work. My kids don't get an allowance so I thought that would be a good compromise. Jeff and I decided that we would pay Zachary $5 for every A. So when Josh started middle school this year, he gets the same deal. Well, Hayden couldn't be left out when he heard what was going on so he asked if he could get money for his 4's. I couldn't resist. Everyone seemed really happy. Hopefully it's a great incentive and a feel great reward.

Lucky Boys!!

Snow Fort Sunday

Oh dear before I even knew it the boys were up, in their winter clothes and outside playing in the snow again. They were up before I was and out before I was. Their plan, to build these snow forts today (I think they were more like walls) and come back here tomorrow, after school, for a huge snow ball fight.

I thought it was a GREAT plan. Didn't want to burst their bubble, but the snow will probably be gone tomorrow.

Snow Family

Josh and Hayden couldn't wait to get out in the snow today. When the sun came up the put on their snow pants, gloves and coats and went to town. They told me they didn't want to just make a snowman, they wanted to make a snow family. <3 it :)

Big Ring

Have I told you that I HEART BIG RINGS?  Well, I do. I think they are fun. They make me smile.

This is my newest. Whadu think?

Black Flats

These black flats make me smile. They are cute, comfy and bring a smile to my face when I put them on. I need some new brown flats that make me smile too.

Traffic Jams in Herriman?

It’s hard to believe that in our little town there would be a traffic jam, but look at it!  There it is. For the past week now I’ve been seeing this on my way home. Crazy ~ huh!!  Who would've thunk it? Instead of my typical 4-7 min. drive home, it’s been taking me 10-15 min to get home!! TEN to FIFTEEN people!!

That's funny - feeling the rush hour!!  :)

Pretty Trees

I see these trees everyday on my way to work. This is the parking lot I pull through to park. I love the shape of and I love the way the leaves change colors. I'm thinking if I ever plant a new tree at a new house someday I will plant a few of these trees. They make me smile. Especially in the fall.

Keepin’ the Kitty

Okay, so I know I've been making a lot of posts about this kitty, but it's official, I’m keepin’ him! I'm a little bit nervous how it's all going to turn out. My biggest worry is when we go on vacation, but for now. . . . . 

. . . . . I'm Lovin’ It!

Insulated Garage

Jeffrey insulated the garage - he said it’s for the lemon tree. But I think it was for the cat ;) He really, really likes the cat. He won't really tell you that, but he does. Proof positive - he's insulating the garage for the cat ;)

Eleven, 11, Eleven

Tonight Emalee planned a party to celebrate 11-11-11.  Fun! So we started with Hawaiian Haystacks and had 11 toppings. We planned to play 11 games. That didn’t pan out as well, but we did play some games. The kids played a lot too - hmm maybe we did play 11 games (combined). Then we thought it would be fun to play bingo - which IS a game of numbers. That was fun!! We also realized that Grandma has 11 grandchildren and the 11th one was born in 2011!!  That's cool - eh?!

In this picture we had drinks to make a toast at 11:11 pm.  It was such a Fun Night ~ thanks for thinkin' of it Emalee!!

Sleepin’ in the Trees

Okay so more about the cat. Tonight I couldn't leave the cat outside again. It was so cold. He’s so cute and I’m getting attached to him. We went to visit with my uncle and left him in the garage while we were gone. When we got home we found him sleeping in the base of the lemon tree.

Such a cute cat. I think I’m keeping him. Can’t believe I’m saying that. Shhhh!! Don't tell the boys yet :D

Begging Me Something Fierce

My boys are begging me something fierce to keep this cat. Last night he followed them home. Oh, I think he's so cute. Last night I let him in. He was so hungry. We gave him some tuna fish. He really really like it. We played with him for a little while, but then I made the boys put him back outside in hopes that he'd find his owner. You can tell this cat has been loved. Tonight, however, I told them he could stay in our garage, just cause it's so cold outside. Oh boy, he’s a cutie. It’s sorta hard to resist him.

He’s so cute.

Anything You Put Your Mind To

The boys had a blast playing all sorts of relay races at Pack Meeting tonight. They played games that I’d never played before and it seemed like they had never played them either.

Hayden practiced and practiced this game before it was his turn. Okay, so the object of the game was to put your hands behind your back, bend at the waist. You could not let your knees touch the ground and you had to pick up paper sacks. The first one was the whole bag, then the next bag had about one inch cut off and the next one had two inches cut off etc. You get the idea.

Poor Hayden was struggling.  He couldn't seem to get his body to cooperate. In fact he kept falling when he'd try. So. . . when it was his turn, he was so nervous.

But, a funny thing happened. Somehow when he was "really doing it" he just did it. He just went to town and did it like a pro. And guess what?  He ended up winning!!  He was the fastest one.

It just goes to show that anything you put your mind to, you can do it!  I need to remind him regularly that anything he puts his mind to he does it and he does it well. :D  Way to go buddy :)

This was also the night the cat followed them home.  Oh boy!!

iPhone Fun

Hayden loves my iPhone. He asks me if he can play with it. All the time. Because he asks me I found myself finding fun little Apps for him to play with. This picture is from a little App that is obviously an App that lets him make a face on a pumpkin. AND, it was the ONLY picture I had for Nov 6. So, here ya go. Woot ~ Woot for the iPhone Apps!!