Happy 3rd Birthday Benjamin!

January 13 was Benjamin's 3rd birthday.  I can't believe our baby is 3!  He's such a loveable kid.  He loves hugs, cars, Rocket (Little Einsteins), going to grandma and grandpa's house and playing with his brother and sister.  Here's a few pics from his party.  Happy Birthday Benjamin, we love you!

A New Year

For New Year's Eve we went up to Cascade to celebrate with family.  There was plenty of snow to enjoy and lots of good company.  We watched movies, built snowmen, sled down the hills and had some good food.  It was fun to just relax and get away.  It's hard to believe that another year has already gone by!  I look forward to a good year in 2009.  Here's a few pictures from our adventures for New Years.

The Best Gifts

As I thought about the year and Christmas I couldn't help but think about the many wonderful things that I have been blessed with over the year.  While reflecting on some of what I would consider 'the best gifts' a few came to mind.  First and foremost...the gift of family.  I am so grateful to be near my family again and be able to spend time with them.  Best of all, my own family.  While each of my children are unique and at times drive me crazy I love them so much.  I enjoy watching them grow and learn and especially the peaceful happy moments when they are happily playing together.  I'm thankful for Woody and all that he does for me and our children.  Another gift is the gift of good health.  We've all been pretty healthy this year and as for myself I was given the gift of a personal trainer for my birthday from my dear husband.  I found a great gal from church, who is also a personal trainer.  I've been working with her since October and am excited to say that as of the end of year I have lost 22lbs.  I have a ways to go to reach my goal, but I'm grateful to have made it this far.  I'm doing it the old fashioned way, eating healthy and exercising, but it's worth it.  Last, but not least...I'm grateful for my friends.  I miss my friends in Texas and wish I could just pop in and say hello.  I think of you often.  I'm also thankful for those that I have met thus far in Idaho.  Also, I could not finish this post without saying how thankful I am for the gospel and knowing that I am a child of God.  I hope that you all have had a wonderful year and have received many wonderful gifts.

Merry Christmas!

Well, as we snuggled into bed by the skin of our teeth before Santa came; he did visit our house!  The kids were so excited and fortunately weren't up at the crack of dawn.  I'm sure as they get a little older they will.  Even little Ben came back upstairs and started removing my bed covers and said, "Come on, Mom."  It was so fun to see how excited they were and we just enjoyed a fairly quiet Christmas with the kids enjoying their gifts.  What a wonderful time of year to just enjoy family!  Here are a few photos from the day and holiday season.  

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

...and off we did go, down the slippery street and through the white snow.  It's off to a party this Christmas Eve night, with lots of good food, oh what a delight.

"Around the World" was the theme for that night, so we got our utensils and held on tight!  Our first stop on the map was 'ole Mexico, with hot chimichangas and guacamole to go.

Then off on our way and over the seas, a short trip to China where 'qing' means please.  With chopsticks in hand to scoop up the rice, add some orange chicken, it's really quite nice.

Now I know what you're thinking...there's no more room in these pants,  so just loosen your belt and stand up and dance!

Step left, then right and a one, two three, let's all start Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.

So you're waiting to find out; what's the next line?  I'm so glad you've asked, but I've run out of rhymes.

As we traveled the world we shouted with glee, and decided we'd stop in Rome, Italy.  Mmmmm, yummy lasagna with bread on the side; wait, take some pizza along for the ride.

To cross the ocean, we could take a boat, but really at this point; I'm not sure it would float.  So you'd better call Noah to bring in the ark, we need something big; we're off to Denmark.

With great frickadellers and aebleskivers, "Do you know what that is?" I don't either!

To the top of the mountains, to ride our new sled; not just yet, can't you smell it...it's Portuguese sweet bread.  

Oooo la la, that was tasty, what more can I say; but we'd better head back to the U.S. A.

Have some chocolate or candies or fudge that's just right, I think after that I'm done for the night.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a harsh cold wind and snow up to my ears.

It's off to our sleigh, but try it we must, just floor it, we'll make it; it's homeward or bust!

Thank you, Lord; what a beautiful night; Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Okay, now that you've read through my ridiculous poem, I'll make the short version on the evening.  It was a wonderful time to spend with family on Christmas Eve.  We had lots of good food and good company.  The kids acted out the nativity as we read the story of Jesus' birth from Luke.  Then we all sang some Christmas carols together.  It was quite a surprise when we got ready to go.  I opened the door to start loading up the car and it had been snowing pretty good for the last three to four hours.  We had some fun getting out of my brother's driveway and actually got a little stuck!  We had to resort to the Idaho 4x4s to get us out.  It was a little humorous to watch us all try to get out.  The wind was blowing pretty good, it's snowing and probably almost 11pm on Christmas Eve.  We did make it however and fortunately the roads were not as bad as we thought they might be.  We even made it home before Santa arrived!

The Christmas List

This year, when Woody wanted to get everyone's Christmas list going the kids' list for Santa started out as what appeared to be a simple list.  Ethan wanted some crashing cars, socks, maybe a game.  Alys had listed a Barbie and Barbie clothes. Benjamin, well he's content with pretty much anything at this age still.  I thought Santa would probably fair pretty well this year.  Needless to say, it's amazing what a few weeks of school and conversations of wish lists will do.  A week or so before Christmas it was made known that we wanted scooters and motorbikes, cell phones, etc.  Mind you...our kids our 2, 4, & 6 years old.  I'm glad I don't have Santa's job! :)

Church Christmas Party

It was a busy weekend!  The day after Alys' dance recital we had our church Christmas party.  It was a dinner and program.  We had a nice potluck dinner and the primary kids acted out the nativity.  Ethan was an ox and Alys was a sheep.  Benjamin is still in nursery so he joined us in the audience.  After the program, Santa came for a visit and the kids were able to sit on his lap and tell them what they wanted for Christmas.

Dancing with the Reindeer

December came quickly and we hit the ground running!  Alys has been going to a dance class for about 6 months and had her first recital.  She did two cute little dances...one was ballet to Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and the other was tap, to the song Gonna' eat for Christmas.  She did a great job after I finally convinced/bribed her to get out there.  Alys tends to get scared when it comes to doing things in front of people.  Once she got her costume on and got on stage though she had fun.  I was so proud of her, because I knew it was hard for her.  It's always great to watch your kids do something that they enjoy.

Thanksgiving

What a great day and so much to be thankful for.  This year we were able to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with most of my family.  We went up to Cascade, ID and spent it by the lake. (Not swimming!)  It was an enjoyable time by all.  Plenty of food and lots of good company.  Of course the kids always enjoy spending time with their cousins too.  Unfortunately I don't have any pictures because my camera battery was dead by the time I remembered to take pictures.  I guess maybe that's a good thing.  Heaven knows after eating turkey and so much pie you can't remember all the different kinds you ate, who would want to see those plump bellies!  I hope everyone else was able to eat, drink (eggnog) and be merry!

Finally, A New Family Picture

Well, in the course of taking family pictures for everyone, we managed a few shots of our family as well.  It was much needed as well...it has been almost 3 years since we've had one.  I'm not sure why, but as a photographer it always seems harder to get your own family together to sit still and smile.  Anyway, here are a few shots.

Curt's Wedding

On November, 14, 2008, my older brother got remarried to Ralynne.  It was a nice little ceremony with family and friends.  I have not known Ralynne long but she seems like a wonderful person.  They appear to be very happy and I wish them all the best.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Well, I know I'm way behind.  I guess I've been too busy or we've been having too much fun for me to keep up with the blog.  Anyway, just before Thanksgiving I was real busy taking family/individual pictures for everyone.  That's always fun, but it also keeps me real busy afterwards.  In addition, my older brother got married around there so that added to the busy time.   So we'll see if we can recap and remember all the festivities.