Scooter Fun

Our kids just love to ride their scooters.  Ethan and Alys got one for Christmas and Benjamin got one for his birthday.  It was hard at the time because we had snow on the ground.  Now that we currently don't have any they try to take every opportunity they can to ride them.  It doesn't even matter that it's only 32 degrees outside, they'll still ride them.

Bust a Move!

Sometimes kids are just so entertaining.  I love watching and listening to them as they play.  The other day I turned on some music in the house and found some kids music that they enjoy.  The group is called Imagination Movers, so if you'll just imagine...I caught my children trying to bust a move.  It was great for me, but maybe not so much for them in about 10-15 years!

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!