Monday, January 23, 2012

Happy Birthday to Me

This month I turned 36! Man, I'm starting to get old. My sweet family took great care of me. Jarom made a yummy dinner of tri-tip roast, rosemary rolls, glazed carrots, and twice baked potatoes. He even made a cake and let the girls decorate it. They made sure to put all 36 candles on top.

I got some fun gifts including this new kindle case for my fire. Also on the gift list: new candles, medicine spoons (since all of mine have been chewed up in the garbage disposal), a new Vera scripture bag, some new clothes, and a new Vera wallet. Yes, I was very spoiled.

Some of the party guests. My son has turned into the naughty little boy who must goof off in every picture. But I don't mind. He melts my heart still the same.

Two of my pretty little ladies. These two are so funny. They very much are like oil and water when together (except for the fact that they are very much alike) so a picture of them hugging and smiling is a treasure.

I love my beautiful little family. Thank you to them for making me feel special and oh so loved!

2012! Happy New Year!

We kept it low key this year for New Years. Our church started at 9am the next morning, so we didn't want to be out late. Instead we took the kids to dinner at Olive Garden, then to laser tag (which truly was a riot!), and then home for a game of Monopoly and watching the ball drop in New York at 10 pm, then off the bed early. And yes, Kate is frowning in this picture b/c she had just been sent to jail in the game. Dad and Carter creamed us all, no surprises there.

We got out the blowers, poppers, and sparkling cider in anticipation on the New York count down. And then.......NOTHING! The STUPID t.v. channels did NOT show the count down or ball drop at 10. They got right up to it, with 1 minute left, and then.....credits. Apparently they delayed the drop for midnight Idaho time, which was SUPER annoying to me. I still mean to complain. Show it twice for heavens sake if you really want to wait until Idaho's midnight, don't just cut out and show credits. Such a let down.

So we did our own little count down and let the poppers fly and clinked our glasses together.

Here's to a GREAT 2012. We will celebrate 15 years together this year! Hopefully this will be the best year yet.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Bye Bye Baby

In mid-December we learned that my brother-in-law Bryon got a new job offer in Washington and that they would be moving in just a few short weeks. That meant that we would no longer be babysitting my cute niece Josie. It was a sad sad day when we had to say goodbye. We (me in particular) had grown quite attached to little miss Josie Pants.

She had finally stopped frowning at me when I babysat, and was talking and smiling at me.

We had figured out some likes and dislikes. He biggest like, sitting up in the saucer and watching t.v. I've only known one other baby that liked t.v. as much, and that was my Alyssa.

I miss kissing on that little bald head. I wish my sister and her family the very best of luck in their new endeavor and can't wait to squeeze this little cutie again soon.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Christmas 2011

I don't know what it was this year, but the magic of Christmas with it's glitter and gold, never did hit me. Decorations were more of an obligation this year than a joy, but I did find one little corner in my house that made my heart happy every time I glanced at it. All those sweet little homemade crafts and school projects were so cute clumped together. I know I won't have "corners" like this for too much longer, so I just had to capture a picture to keep forever.

On Christmas Eve, my dad loaded us up on the bus, aka "the Roller Express", and we went around town light looking. It was an adventure and a memory for sure.

The Roller Express Conductor and his trusty side kick Cameron.

Grandma Ruby, Cameron, and me on the bus. It was fun to have my nephew Cameron with us this year. He's getting so big and talkative. We loved hearing him say, "Hanna Caus bring me juice!"

My girls on the bus.

When the bus ride was over, we came home and opened our Christmas Eve gifts. New jammies and ornaments.

The scene Santa left on Christmas morning!

New bikes for Christmas! Then time to open the rest of the gifts.

Halle got a triple barrel and she has loved doing her hair with it.

Alyssa excited about her Monopoly game. She has wanted this one for a while.

This kid is Trouble with a capital T. :)


New lipsticks for Kate!

Santa was super tricky and left another present hidden under the Christmas Tree. Kindle Fires for all!

This was pretty much the scene for the rest of the morning.

Love this picture.
I have to say this was the quietest Christmas we've ever experienced.

Not to worry, we did take advantage of this no snow year and took an exercise break on our new bikes.
Seriously, this is the most snow we've had this winter. I'm glad we got it for Christmas day. And I'm also glad that the sidewalks were still clear so the kids could play on their bikes.

The little trickster.

In the evening, after church, we went out to my mom's for a nice dinner and the annual Christmas Nativity. My friend Katie and her kids joined us and we made them dress up and participate too. I'm sure this was a Christmas she'll never forget.