Better Together

2-3-12

2012-02-03T15:24:00.003-07:00

"I've been in 2nd grade for 93 years!"

It's the 100th day of school! So Harvest Elementary will have a bunch of 7- and 8-year-old "100-year-olds" running around...

2-2-12

2012-02-02T15:20:00.002-07:00

{Preschool Field Trip to Smith's grocery store}

Their favorite part was the big green machine in the back that crushes boxes. Oh, and the sugar cookies from the bakery.

2-1-12

2012-02-01T08:54:00.002-07:00

{Hello, February... We're so happy you're here}

...with three birthdays and our favorite love holiday, this is going to be great! And what a beautiful sunrise to start it all.

1-31-12

2012-01-31T15:21:00.003-07:00

{Preschoolers also love popcorn}

...and this preschool teachers loves this little corner reading spot. It just makes me happy...

1-30-12

2012-01-30T14:30:00.001-07:00

{A little Valentine's decor in the dining room}

1-29-12

2012-01-29T20:07:00.002-07:00

{Brant's first photo shoot and a new calling}

Brant's birthday is next week and the only thing he wants is his own camera. He is excited about taking pictures so he took Gavin out into the yard today and photographed him with my big camera. This is his favorite picture. I'm excited to have another person interested in taking pictures. It will be fun to have him contribute to our POTDs.

In other news... I was called and set-apart today as a member of the Stake Girl's Camp Committee again. This is my third year on the committee and excited doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. I'll still keep my Ward callings - I just get to work on Girl's Camp, too. I can't wait to get to work planning and I'm super-excited to find out who else is on the committee. We'll become besties as we work to plan and then spend the week together at Heber Valley at the end of July. Less than six months to go!!!

1-28-12

2012-01-28T14:45:00.005-07:00

{Trent and Ricky hit the slopes at Alta}

Trent shows off his brand new equipment, a gift from my dad...

...and Ricky adjusts the settings on the bindings and fits them to the boots...

1-27-12

2012-01-27T14:39:00.002-07:00

{Brant's turn to choose... chocolate milkshakes for Friday Fun}

1-26-12

2012-01-26T22:32:00.002-07:00

{She's the real deal}

A true friend is someone who you can chat with in her driveway so long that you run out of gas. (Even though the computer in the car said I had 14 miles til empty. Liar!) A true friend is someone who just laughs when your child yells out the window, "You're as fat as my mom!". And a true friend is someone who doesn't hesitate to give you some of her gas so you can get home. Karen is a true friend.

1-25-12

2012-01-25T23:14:00.003-07:00

{A variation of our normal pizza night}

I make pizza every couple of weeks. This is my old faithful recipe for the dough. Tonight I tried making a white pizza for the first time. I started with this sauce...

...then topped it with grilled chicken, chopped fresh spinach, and chopped artichokes. I would definitely recommend this one - it got a thumbs-up from all six of my critics.

1-24-12

2012-01-24T21:35:00.002-07:00

{Preschoolers love play-do.}

1-23-12

2012-01-23T22:25:00.004-07:00

Don't tell anyone but I think my kids are actually enjoying the snow...

1-22-12

2012-01-22T21:39:00.005-07:00

Ok, so Lance doesn't love Church. Especially this year when we have to get up early enough to be there at 9am. Today during Sacrament Meeting he tried his best to convince me to take him home. It started with this note...

When that didn't work, he tried something else... Almost like a commandment...

Later, we visited Salt Lake. The boys stayed with my Mom and Dad while we took Riley and Trent to the Conference Center for a fireside commemorating the 100th anniversary of seminary. It was very cool to be there to see the Prophet and hear the talks. It was also really special that we were able to sit among all the other students from the Westlake seminary so we were surrounded by students that Riley and Trent go to school with every day.

1-21-12

2012-01-21T23:48:00.003-07:00

{Best night ever...sigh}

...and not just because we got to see Zac Brown in person. I got to take my favorite (boy) teenager to see OUR favorite band. Seriously, how many almost 16 year-old boys do you know that love the same music as their mamas? I'm just glad Trent has such great taste. Seriously, the show was amazing. Bands like this are the reason we love country music. Smooth sounds, meaningful lyrics, and the melodies... really good stuff. They played all of our favorites... "Quiet Your Mind", "Knee Deep", "Free", "Highway 20 Ride", and I may or may not have cried during "Colder Weather". But when the band played the opening bars to "Devil Went Down To Georgia"... wow - we got to hear ZBB cover "DWDTG"! Awesome.

1-20-12

2012-01-20T23:43:00.002-07:00

{A tiny bit crowded}

Who needs a pillow when you have a gigantic stuffed elephant in your bed?

1-19-12

2012-01-19T21:51:00.002-07:00

Brant joined Riley and Gavin for a little "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" story time in her new bed. Comfy!

1-18-12

2012-01-18T21:50:00.005-07:00

Tonight I wanted to make something different for dinner using the ingredients I had on hand. I remembered a recipe that Annie makes using ground beef and tater tots so I called to ask her how to make it. The only problem is that my kids haven't loved it when they've eaten it in the past and I knew that we would have a serious revolt on our hands if they knew what I was cooking up. The only reason I thought I should try it on them again is that it's kindof a comfort food thing, it's cold outside, and I had some ideas about how I could make it more appetizing. When Lance came in to ask what I was making I told him that it was a new recipe I had gotten from Annie but I wouldn't tell him it was "tater tot casserole". So he asked to use my phone and this is the text conversation that resulted...

With a green salad and a fruit salad on the side, I'd say from the looks of it the kids didn't think it was half-bad...

1-17-12

2012-01-17T23:06:00.002-07:00

So last night after the car show we went to visit my mom and dad. We picked up pizza for dinner and the guy at Papa John's was in my mom's ward and he gave her 4 tickets to the Jazz game tonight. Trent didn't want to go because he goes to driver's ed at 6:00 am. So Ricky grabbed Brant, Zack, and Lance and they watched the Jazz defeat the Clippers.

1-16-12

2012-01-16T15:09:00.007-07:00

{Yay! Time to get the cast off... or so we thought}

Gavin was so excited to go see Dr. Mackey today. It has been almost 6 weeks since his accident and he was ready to say goodbye to the cast.

When the nurse removed it, he moved his arm around, itched a little bit, and happily jumped off the table and ran to the x-ray room. A few minutes later, the doc came in with the bad news... not enough new bone growth, fractures still visible, proceed back to the cast room. At least this one will only go to the elbow and will be waterproof. This is the way his bones look after nearly 6 weeks...
Afterwards, we brightened his mood by taking him and the rest of the family to the Auto Show in Sandy. Gavin got to drive the Jeep...Then dream about driving a real Jeep someday...Lance did his best "Mater" impersonation...And the big boys did a little dreaming of their own in the new Modern Warfare 3 Jeep...

1-15-12

2012-01-15T20:14:00.002-07:00

{Looking down on Utah Valley from the top of Lake Mountain on a Sunday afternoon}

This Sunday afternoon found some of us feeling a little restless so Ricky decided to take Trent, Brant, and Gavin on a little drive. Or so that was the intention when they left. Three hours later, they had driven the back way (the longer, safer route) up Lake Mountain, tried to drive down the shorter, more treacherous, north-facing, icy side, and turned around, making their descent they same way they went up...

1-14-12

2012-01-14T22:05:00.005-07:00

{A new room for Riley}

This has been "the boy's room" ever since we moved into this house 5 1/2 years ago. It is the second biggest bedroom upstairs(after the master bedroom), has a walk-in closet with a window, and a nice big window with a beautiful view of the lake. It only makes sense to put the two boys who share a room in here, but we recently decided that it was time for Riley to get a "big girl bed" and move into the big room. We unbunked Lance and Gavin's bunk beds and moved them side by side into Riley's old room. ALL of their toys found a new home in the basement preschool, so they have their beds and bookcase in their room and that is all. The armoir with their clothes fits snugly in their walk in closet. Their room is so cozy and stays very clean now - and they love it.

Once we got the little boys all set up in their new room, we set to work preparing Riley's new room for her. We cleaned every square inch so it would be like brand new. When we get everything set up just right, I'll post pictures...

1-13-12

2012-01-13T22:06:00.003-07:00

{Taylor's Wish}

Tonight our family attended a really special event. We were invited by Taylor Davis and his family to the Make-a-Wish headquarters in SLC for his star raising ceremony. We toured the facility and watched a sweet video presentation about their trip to San Fransisco.

Each of these one-of-a-kind stained glass stars represents a child who has had their wish granted at this Make-a-Wish center. It was a special evening and we were so honored to be able to be a part of it.

1-12-12

2012-01-12T22:12:00.001-07:00

{Neptune Park}

Check out the new park in Saratoga Springs. Gavin and I discovered it today on our way to the High School. It's not open for play yet, the workers said it will open in a couple of weeks. The pyramid is four stories high...

1-11-12

2012-01-11T22:03:00.001-07:00

{Can't we just eat?}

Riley showed her brothers tonight that if you let the pasta hang out of your mouth, then flip your head back, it will stick to your face...cooool!

1-10-12

2012-01-10T11:35:00.001-07:00

{from the neighbor's porch}

We're still pretty giddy after last night...

1-9-12

2012-01-09T23:16:00.003-07:00

{...and the Tide keeps rollin'...}

The party started early when everyone decked themselves out in Alabama gear before school...

The boys couldn't understand why they had to go to school. Wasn't it like a holiday or something? Gavin and I spent the day getting ready for the PARTAY. I had promised them a red velvet cake, and at the last minute decided that I would make the cake into cupcakes. Same yummy homemade recipe, in more festive cupcake form. Made the toppers myself, yes ma'am...

Riley and I snuggled up to watch the game while the boys jumped around...

By the end of the night, National Championship #14 was won. The game ended late. The party ended later. Here's my favorite celebration photo. Marquis Maze... gotta love him.

1-8-12

2012-01-08T10:20:00.001-07:00

{Lookin' fine in his new suit}

Ricky lucked out this week when Riley and I made a late-night trip to Kohl's. I had some Kohl's cash that expired that day and Riley needed some new church boots. They didn't have the boots she wanted, I needed to use my Kohl's cash, and the Men's suits were on sale...

1-7-12

2012-01-07T15:03:00.001-07:00

I pulled up, ran in the house to grab something, came back out, and he was striking a pose... "Take my picture, Mom!"

1-6-12

2012-01-06T21:34:00.001-07:00

{Phase 10 party}

1-5-12

2012-01-05T22:02:00.002-07:00

{Working on his new year's resolution}

1-4-12

2012-01-04T14:12:00.001-07:00

{Apology Hug}

"Brant, sorry I called you Stupid."

1-3-12

2012-01-03T15:04:00.001-07:00

{sorting pictures from 2001 - 2002}

1-2-12

2012-01-02T13:36:00.003-07:00

{Flying High}

Today found us on a "neighborhood park marathon". Brant and Lance wanted to ride their riding toys at all five or six??? parks in Harvest Hills. At the Cherry Circle Park Trent and Ricky had a friendly competition to see who could jump out of the swing the furthest. Trent won by a few feet. We also stopped off at the Stake Center parking lot so Brant could ride his Green Machine in a wide-open space...

His turn was a little too sharp...
Lance didn't notice the "no skateboarding" signs, but quickly put it away when we pointed it out...Trent tried a little street luge on the skateboard... (hey, there's our house)We've decided to leave the training wheels on Gavin's new bike until the cast comes off. He doesn't need anymore broken bones...
And the rest of us stood around and watched, thankful for this unusually beautiful January day...

1-1-12

2012-01-01T15:09:00.001-07:00

{A not-so-happy New Year}

These boys are tired. They were still going strong at 1am after the party died down and it was time to go to bed. Add to that our new 9 o'clock church time and we have a serious case of the grumps. Neither one wanted to eat anything for breakfast, so what's a mom to do? Pour them each a little cup of Dr. Pepper, of course! It perked them up enough to get through church, then then we all lazed around for the rest of the day.

Well, I did it. I took and blogged a (or a few) picture(s) a day for every day in 2011. And I am really happy about it. 90% of the pictures were taken with mine, Ricky, or Trent's phones. They won't win any awards for photography but they are important to us and they tell a story of a year that left us incredibly thankful for the life that is ours. This is why I will continue to take a picture every day for as long as it works for me. Time is moving quickly. I can see amazing changes in our family over the past year just by scrolling through the blog. This year more changes will take place. In three short years we will be preparing to send our firstborn into the mission field. The others will experience equally significant changes as time moves on. We want to savor and appreciate every second of time that we have been given on this Earth. As I document our every day experiences through pictures, it is my hope that this history will serve as a reminder to us that we have been abundantly blessed in the comforts of life, our relationships with each other and others, and opportunities for growth...

12-31-11

2011-12-31T23:59:00.001-07:00

{New Year's Eve}

On New Year's Eve we partied it up with the Schmalz Family. We love the Schmalzes... Trent and (the big) Gavin are buddies at school, Sophie and Riley are locker partners (by choice), Lance and Delanie were in the same class last year, Ricky and Alex were on the High Council together until the Schmalz's ward was assigned to the new Stake, and I just love Stacy. Brant and Grayson don't really know eachother and neither do (the little)Gavin and Gentry, but they all became fast friends as we rang in the New Year together. We sat around and talked, danced (Stacy kicked my butt at Dance Central), ate, dipped things in chocolate, watched the kids do gymnastics and break dance, and were surprised when it was almost midnight. And, apparently the big Gavin took a little nap.

I set my camera on the table and videoed the countdown and celebrating, then clipped this picture. That's why the tall people's heads are cut off...

Happy New Year!!!

12-30-11

2011-12-30T23:35:00.004-07:00

{A windy afternoon at the Draper Temple}

Jack, Hank, Trent, Riley, Dana...

Laurie and I took the teenagers to the Draper Temple this afternoon to do baptisms. All three boys did family names while Riley and Dana did Temple names. It was great to spend the afternoon with some of my favorite people and what a pleasant way to say goodbye to 2011!

12-29-11

2011-12-29T11:19:00.002-07:00

The roller coaster is running...

...Riley(#13) scored a goal...

...and can you spot Gavin?

12-28-11

2011-12-28T09:03:00.003-07:00

{The Christmas flag comes down and the Alabama flag goes up}

The countdown is on... The Crimson Tide plays for National Championship #14 on January 9 against LSU in the New Orleans Superdome. The excitement is at fever pitch around here...

ROLL TIDE!!!

12-27-11

2011-12-27T19:53:00.002-07:00

{Back on the field - I mean turf}

Riley's indoor soccer season started today and her team won!!! Yay!!! Go Arsenal!!!

12-26-11

2011-12-26T19:51:00.002-07:00

{Hanging out in Brookstone}

Trent's iphone stopped working this morning so we took a little family trip to Fashion Place mall where the Apple store is. While Ricky and Trent waited in line at the Genius Bar, we walked around and tried out the massage chairs in Brookstone. A fun way to spend the day after Christmas.

12-25-11

2011-12-25T19:39:00.009-07:00

{Merry Christmas!}

Christmas day was joyous and wonderful and spirit-filled and everything we could ask for. We enjoyed a laid-back morning discovering what Santa left... Trent's Ruger 1022 rifle, Riley's new bed, Brant's Green Machine, Lance's skateboard and giant stuffed elephant, and Gavin's bike. And the Kinect for everyone. There were a few other exciting things, too. Like Trent's tickets to see Zac Brown Band in Salt Lake on Jan. 21st... woot! OK, that was a gift for both of us! We are just a little excited!!

Before our 1:00 church we Facetimed with the Emmertsons in AL while we opened gifts from each other. Later, we had a visit from Dave which was so pleasant and nice. For dinner, we had a traditional Christmas ham in the dining room and the kids were excited to FINALLY use the Christmas China...

And here is a little video that just makes me happy. A little background - Trent's room is in the basement so Ricky went down to get him while I brought everyone else down from upstairs. They had actually been awake for a while when I opened their door and I have no idea why all the boys were piled on the bottom bunk. They all decided to sleep in Lance and Gavin's room on Christmas Eve. Riley slept on an air mattress and Brant slept with Gavin because Riley's and Brant's room are on the other side of the bridge and they didn't want to spoil anything when they came out of their rooms. So here you go...

12-24-11

2011-12-24T23:21:00.006-07:00

{Anticipation}

The little ones finished wrapping the presents they picked out for their siblings this morning. Lance was so excited and careful about it. He used about 1/2 a roll of paper on Riley's gift but he was happy with the results...

There has been a freakishly small amount of snow this year and today was unseasonably warm, so we took a family walk to the park to let the kids burn off some energy. There was a family there that was shooting off rockets and one got stuck in a tree. Ricky and Trent lifted Brant up to retrieve it...

When the time had finally come to open a Christmas Eve gift, the little guys were super-excited. They all chose gifts that were from each other...

Then Riley read out of Luke chapter 2. Everyone was quiet and reverent until she got to the end of verse 4. She read, "...because he was of the house and lineage of David...smiley face." And she was totally serious...

Lance set out this nice spread for Santa...
...which included this note...

"Dear Santa, How do you deliver all those presents in one night? Who are you going for in the championship? Alabama or LSU? Roll Tide. Write right here... Love, Lance"

12-23-11

2011-12-23T21:27:00.002-07:00

{Special Day for the Moore family}

Today we were so excited to witness the adoption of Gavin's friend, Christian, by the Moore family. Christian is in our preschool class and Lorri and I have become good friends through PTA. Christian, who is now named Kaden, has been with Lorri since April and we are thrilled that he is finally theirs for good.

This next picture was taken by Gavin who grabbed my phone and walked to the front of the courtroom when the judge said it was OK to come up there and take pictures.

...and we are finished with and ready to deliver some Christmas cheer...

12-22-11

2011-12-22T23:19:00.003-07:00

{Gifts for friends and cousins}

Riley is finishing up the gifts she is making for her friends. On a tip from Gavin's primary teacher, we found these Young Women Value crayons at a local scrapbook sale. She also made them these cute magnets with the 2012 Mutual theme "Arise and shine forth". We also finished and mailed these necklaces for Taylor, Payton, and Hayden...

And later, a little after dinner conversation with the Harrells and Jaspersons...

12-21-11

2011-12-21T22:09:00.001-07:00

{Careful with the cast}

Gavin can't do much swimming here on our mini-vacay, but he's pretty happy to prop up his arm and kick back in the hot tub.

12-20-11

2011-12-20T22:07:00.003-07:00

{Tickled and a little scared}

Gavin got a new, smaller cast today. We are excited about it because now he'll be able to wear most of his long sleeved shirts.

Tonight we are on a little vacation with Ricky's Mom. She wanted to do something fun with the kids while she was here so she used some of her Hilton Honors points and checked us into the Hampton Inn at Thanksgiving Point. One room for her and Riley, one for the boys, and one for Ricky and me. We aren't very far from home, but the kids are having a great time swimming in the pool and drinking all the hot chocolate they want. Later, right before bedtime, we'll go drive through the light show at Thanksgiving Point.

12-19-11

2011-12-19T23:42:00.001-07:00

{Licked by a cow}

We took an outing to Sam's Club today to pick up some groceries. Trent found a cow tongue in the meat section. Yes, a cow tongue. He thought it would be funny to "lick" Riley with it. Aren't big brothers the best? And here they are sitting patiently while I checked out...

12-18-11

2011-12-18T23:51:00.003-07:00

{Building the Gingerbread House}

Lance puts some finishing touches on it while Gavin flies around the living room...

12-17-11

2011-12-17T19:30:00.002-07:00

Ricky, Irene, and I attended a morning session at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple before doing a little Christmas shopping today.

Meanwhile, in Alabama, my sister Annie graduated from the University of South Alabama. I wish more than I can say that I could've been there and I have probably annoyed her by telling her over and over how awesome I think she is and how proud I am of her. But just so everyone knows... I think she rocks.

And here is her biggest fan, her husband Bryan, decorating a cake for her. Yes. Seriously. He can do that...

12-16-11

2011-12-16T08:02:00.002-07:00

{Kickin' back by the fire pit in the driveway}

12-15-11

2011-12-15T20:00:00.002-07:00

{A visit from Grandma}

Ricky's Mom flew in today to visit us for a week. We love having her here and she is a great sport, especially when the crazy four-year-old jumps on her when she is sitting on the couch minding her own business.

12-14-11

2011-12-14T21:43:00.004-07:00

{Hard covering for the big cast}

Gavin has to stay in this big cast for one more week so Dr. Mackey put a hard covering over it today. Next week, he'll get a smaller cast that he will wear for six weeks.

12-13-11

2011-12-13T21:40:00.004-07:00

{Christmas Gifts for the preschoolers}

I finished up these chalkboards for my preschoolers today. I wanted to give them something that would help them practice writing their names in the correct upper- and lower-case form. So, I covered some acrylic boards in chalkboard vinyl and cut their names out of vinyl using the "avantgarde" font. I hope they like them!

Later, the Spanish Immersion students in our ward performed their Spanish Christmas songs at our Relief Society "Christmas Around the World" Activity. Thanks to Deena Peterson for clipping this picture from the video she took...

12-12-11

2011-12-12T19:57:00.004-07:00

{Safety Hazard}

12-11-11

2011-12-11T23:48:00.005-07:00

{Cutting out Gingerbread while under the influence of Baby Lortab}

Gavin became pretty uncomfortable early this morning when the IV meds finally wore off. So we gave him 1/2 a dose of the Lortab the ER doc prescribed him. When I gave it to him I told him that after a few minutes, he would get a little sleepy and then he could just take a nap until his arm stopped hurting. Ummm.... not so much. The Lortab made him super-goofy and we had great fun laughing at all the strange things he did.

After church we made some Gingerbread Men...

This plate is for the Davis family who are Utah fans, but will be leaving this week for San Fransisco to see the 49ers game for Taylor's WISH!!

And here is Lance's gingerbread pirate...

12-10-11

2011-12-10T23:50:00.003-07:00

{Partyin' Christmas-style and a double fracture forearm-style}

Tonight while we were down the street at the Hite's Christmas Party, the Benham and Glauser kids were having their own Christmas party at our house. The party at the Hite's was winding down when Ricky got a call from Trent telling him that Gavin had broken his arm after falling off the handlebars of my exercise bike. We grabbed our friendly neighborhood Physician's Assistant, Lex and his wife, Jilyn and went home to survey the damage. Lex took one look at it and said, "Yep, it's broken" and we rushed to the ER.

The x-ray revealed a break in both the ulna and radius. Gavin was a brave champ the whole time. Thanks to some powerful meds through the IV, he didn't feel much and they set his arm and had him all fixed up in just a few hours.

Here he is being super-brave while "Patrick" removed his IV. Gavin loved Patrick so much that he named his Lion stuffed animal after him.

12-9-11

2011-12-09T21:59:00.005-07:00

{Wrapping presents for the Alabama cousins}

Mimi and Opa are leaving tomorrow to drive to Alabama for Christmas. Lance and I wrapped all the presents for our Cowart Alabama family so they could deliver them for us. The presents for the Benhams will go home with Grandma after she visits us next week.

Earlier this evening, Ricky and I went out to shop for the last gifts we needed to send to Alabama. While we were out, Trent texted me to ask how to make Rice Krispie Treats. I responded with the instructions and a few minutes later, he texted me this picture...

12-8-11

2011-12-08T21:57:00.002-07:00

{La Posada}

Lance and Brant performed in La Posada tonight with their Spanish Immersion classes. In the top picture, Lance is standing in the middle next to the girl in the dark red dress. Below, Brant is also in the very middle of the picture. These pictures were taken by Gavin on my phone. Even though we arrived 1/2 hour early, our seats were way in the back of the gym. Gavin sat in the very front with all the other small children and was the photographer for the night.

12-7-11

2011-12-07T21:48:00.002-07:00

{Lance's list}

Lance left this list on the bar last night so I would know what to pack in his lunch: Pastrami sandwich with only pastrami and Grandma Sycamore bread, Capri Sun, shrimp, corn chips.

12-6-11

2011-12-06T21:39:00.003-07:00

{Happy St. Nicklaus Day!}

12-5-11

2011-12-05T20:08:00.003-07:00

{Taylor's Wish}

Our friend Taylor Davis is an awesome cancer survivor and today he was awarded a WISH from the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The entire Westlake student body joined in to honor him. They had what they call "Thunder Alley" where all of the students gather in the lobby and on the balcony. The band played, cheerleaders cheered, and Taylor was awarded his wish. Taylor is a huge fan of the San Fransisco 49ers and he was given tickets to the upcoming 49ers-Steelers game. Trent texted me this picture during the ceremony, but I will link to my friend Jennifer's (Taylor's Mom) blog when she writes about the occasion. We are so HAPPY for Taylor! Not only because he got his wish, but most of all that he is WELL!

12-4-11

2011-12-04T22:39:00.003-07:00

How is this the only picture I took of our sugar cookie-making party tonight? We made sugar cookies after church, then sat by the Christmas tree with the Jaspersons to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

During which, we were treated to this beautiful video...

12-3-11

2011-12-03T12:20:00.003-07:00

{A "day-in-the-life" picture}

Six loads of laundry washed, folded, hung, and put away today by noon. That includes socks. Yes.

In other news, Trent and Riley went to McKenna Floyd's 16th Birthday Party tonight. When I dropped them off, I went in to say HI to Steph and Jennifer. I knew Trent wouldn't want me to take any pictures, but I knew I could steal some from Stephanie's blog. :) I was excited to find this little gem of the two of them dancing...

12-2-11

2011-12-02T20:23:00.002-07:00

Riley sang with her school choir tonight at Eagle Mountain's Christmas Tree lighting. Then Santa arrived on a fire truck to light the tree, which delighted a little 4 year-old I was holding....

12-1-11

2011-12-01T22:16:00.004-07:00

{A little Thursday Night trip to Temple Square}

We strolled around Temple Square admiring the Temple and the lights. Then we got a bird's eye view from the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building...

On the way home we stopped in to see my Mom and Dad and my Dad showed us his new Family History Chart he hung in the office...

He showed the kids some new family members he had found...

Then he gave Riley and Trent some baptism cards he had prepared for them to do. They found their ancestors on the chart and are extra-excited to take these names to the Temple...

I think that's pretty special stuff.

11-30-11

2011-11-30T17:16:00.003-07:00

{Sunrise from the bus on the way to Westlake}

Trent thought the sunrise on the way to school was nice, so he took a picture. Then he went outside to photograph it again after 1st period...

Later, he texted me this picture he drew in art class...

11-29-11

2011-11-29T17:15:00.002-07:00

{Stuck!}

Trent took this picture of Lance stuck between his bed and the wall. Brant is rushing up the slide to help him.

11-28-11

2011-11-28T16:54:00.003-07:00

{A little money-saving strategy}

Right now Smith's is offering double points toward fuel rewards on gift card purchases. So when I go Christmas shopping, I stop at Smith's, buy a gift card for the store I'm going to in the amount I am going to spend, then spend the gift card at that store. This morning when I stopped in to get a Target gift card, I found out that they are offering a "beer rebate" on gift cards. In Utah you don't have to buy the beer, you just have to send in the form with the register receipt and you get a $10 rebate. So I got the item I needed at Target, a $10 rebate, and 200 more points on my Smith's card which gives me 20 cents off per gallon of gasoline. :)

11-27-11

2011-11-27T22:50:00.002-07:00

{Scripture Study}

11-26-11

2011-11-26T19:53:00.002-07:00

{It's a tree-tastrophe!}

Tonight while we were gone to the movies, the tree fell. Decorations and all. Ricky and Trent then tied it to the curtain rod with fishing line. Hopefully it will stay up this time. :)

11-25-11

2011-11-25T17:56:00.002-07:00

{Enjoying the Christmas Tree}

11-24-11

2011-11-24T23:02:00.001-07:00

{Happy Thanksgiving!}

I think the sign says it all: Grateful. I am grateful today for so many things. We had a lovely Thanksgiving Day. I am grateful for such a pleasant day with my loved ones' feet under my table. The highlight of the morning was "facetiming" with the Emmertsons in Alabama. Annie and I showed each other everything we were cooking. I told her that the Paula Deen Mac-n-cheese she was making for the first time looked perfect. She reminded me how to make my first-time corn casserole. The kids excitedly compared turkey and pies. When it was time to set the table, we said "goodbye" and continued our live conversation after the meal, when Taylor played her flute for everyone. Her in Alabama and us gathered around Dave's ipad on our kitchen table in Utah. We are definitely grateful for the technology that makes 2000 miles seem not quite so far.

Riley and Trent set the table while I put the finishing touches on each dish and handed it to them to bring to the Dining Room. With the help of the little boys, I think they did a beautiful job. Trent took this picture before I even saw the table...

After we ate, we drove into the mountains in Heber to cut down our Christmas Tree. We got a permit this year to cut down our own live tree and we were super-excited. This is the snow-covered trail we took...

After parking the car, we took off down the trail on foot and sled...

The smaller tree in the middle was the first one we chose, then we decided to look a little further...

We found several good ones up this little hill and finally settled on a 14 footer a little ways up...

Dave, Ricky, and Trent climbed up to cut it down while the rest of us waited...

Trent took this picture of Ricky cutting down the tree, and the tree falling on him...

That's Ricky under the tree. Luckily, he wasn't hurt.

We wrapped it in the tarp to bring it down the trail...

...and tied it to the top of the car.

11-23-11

2011-11-23T18:22:00.001-07:00

{The pies are ready!}

...and so is the menu for tomorrow. I bought all of the groceries for our Thanksgiving Dinner last week. Yesterday, Annie and I compared our menus over the phone and mine grew by a few items and so did hers. So, after a quick trip to Smith's to get the rest of what I need, the menu is ready!

Happy Cooking, everyone!

11-22-11

2011-11-22T18:28:00.002-07:00

{From DI to our Thanksgiving serving table}

During a recent trip to DI, Riley and I picked up several candlesticks and plates that with the help of a tube of E6000, we planned to make into serving plates. We spent exactly 10 dollars on four candlesticks and seven plates. Today we put them together and...

...we are ready to serve up Thanksgiving Dinner!

11-21-11

2011-11-21T18:32:00.001-07:00

{Riley, Rae, Rylee, and Ivy}

Rae moved to Oklahoma last Summer and we are so excited to have her back for a couple of days! Her Mom dropped her off at our house last night and after a super-fun sleepover, she went to school with Riley today!

11-20-11

2011-11-20T20:24:00.004-07:00

{The sun sets on a melancholy day}

Today we attended a special stake conference for our Stake (Saratoga Springs North) and the Saratoga Springs Stake. Before today, our Stake, which is our neighborhood, had 12 large wards and the SS Stake had 13. A new Stake, the Saratoga Springs Crossroads Stake, was created with four wards being taken from each of the two Stakes. We lost the Harvest Hills 1st, 8th, and 10th wards and the SS 9th ward. When the conference was announced a couple of weeks ago, the question on everyone's mind was "Which wards will go?". We speculated probably more than we should have, but I don't think many people expected to see the wards go that did. We have many dear friends in the new Crossroads Stake and we are thankful for our associations with them. We will cherish the times we spent with them, especially as we planned and attended Girl's Camp and Trek together. We wish them the best as they build their own Stake together. We know it will be amazing!

11-19-11

2011-11-19T18:34:00.004-07:00

{Champions}

Brant's team won 1st place in their division at the tournament! What a fun experience for those boys...

They'll be home this afternoon and we're so excited. It's been so quiet and CLEAN around here with them gone. We woke up to this pretty and cold scene this morning. It was crazy windy last night! Maybe the boys will bring some warm weather home with them.

11-18-11

2011-11-18T22:07:00.003-07:00

{Football, Football, Football}

Today was all about football for the boys. Brant's Thunder team played and won their game on this field, and while they waited they practiced. That is Brant holding the ball with his back to the camera...

Gavin and Lance spent their time climbing the red rocks at the park next to the field. Ricky told me that Gavin actually carried his scooter up this trail with the intent of riding it down...

After the game, the boys headed over to Vegas to visit the Francis family. This was the highlight of the trip for Lance. Kliss was definitely outnumbered with all five of my boys and her four(including dads). She was a gracious host as usual and made them feel welcomed.

They even invited Lance to spend the night...

Meanwhile, back at home Fall Carnival was a huge success. Even though the weather was frightful, so many families in our neighborhood came to enjoy the carnival. Here are Allison, Kim, and I at the ticket table...

Riley delighted many little girls and boys with her face painting skills...

Not so delightful, however, was the snow that covered the car when we left to go home...

11-17-11

2011-11-17T22:10:00.002-07:00

The boys left this morning for Brant's football tournament in Mesquite. Riley and I stayed home so we can do Fall Carnival at Harvest tomorrow night. We met up with Mimi tonight at Gardner Village for dinner and a little shopping. Mimi surprised Riley with this sweet bird charm for her necklace...Meanwhile, Gavin told me that they stopped in Helaman to eat lunch. Ricky corrected him and said it was Nephi. Then, they took a hike and did some temple visiting in St. George before heading into Nevada...When they checked in for the tournament, Brant got some sweet swag...
And then the Benham boys had a little football game of their own on the turf field before heading to the hotel...

11-16-11

2011-11-16T20:23:00.002-07:00

{Helicopters in formation}

These helicopters flew right over us this afternoon after school. Pretty cool to live so close to Camp Williams.

11-15-11

2011-11-15T20:20:00.002-07:00

Brant is putting the finishing touches on his State Project tonight. Everyone in his class picked a state. Of course, Alabama was his first pick and his classmates were nice enough not to ask for it, too. He is very excited to make his oral presentation.

11-14-11

2011-11-14T20:16:00.003-07:00

{Early-out Monday at Farm Country}

We decided to take advantage of our Thanksgiving Point pass and spend our extra hour at Farm Country. Three jailbirds and two wardens...

Shadowy faces on the hayride...

11-13-11

2011-11-13T20:15:00.001-07:00

{"ROLE" TIDE}

Someone wrote this on the Jeep today during church. We think whoever did it was really nice to show support. :)

11-12-11

2011-11-12T20:07:00.001-07:00

Riley and I took in the crafty goodness at "Oh, Sweet Sadie" this afternoon. These are just a couple of our favorite things...

11-11-11

2011-11-11T23:45:00.001-07:00

{11/11/11 at 11:11:11}

Riley had some friends over to celebrate 11/11/11. They played games and ate from our many-flavored popcorn buffet until 11 o'clock. At 11:11:11, they posed for a picture.

11-10-11

2011-11-10T19:58:00.003-07:00

Brant's football team has a tournament in Mesquite next week. Since Daylight Savings was last week, it has been getting dark at 5 o'clock. So Coach brought in some highway construction lights for them to practice by. Now that's dedication.

11-9-11

2011-11-09T20:02:00.001-07:00

{Afternoon at the Park}

We found ourselves with everyone home and nowhere to be this afternoon so we headed over to the park. We realize that pretty days like this are numbered, so we will enjoy them now.

11-8-11

2011-11-08T20:00:00.002-07:00

Braeden puts a leaf on his Thankful Tree.

11-7-11

2011-11-07T20:33:00.003-07:00

{Lance's natural position}

Lance can't stand for very long with out doing flips. He also turns cartwheels while he walks. I asked him today if he flips on the way to the lunchroom or when he walks to his teacher's desk. He says he doesn't. He is proud that he has taught himself to do a backflip on the ground. (Without the help of the trampoline.)

11-6-11

2011-11-06T22:05:00.002-07:00

{Grateful}

We kicked off the "grateful season" by making a sign for all of us to list what we are thankful for. Lance kindof took it over and filled it with his thankfulness. Can you spot these? nature, marriage, Joseph Smith, peace, gratitude, Saturday, elephants, primary, the prophet, and Jesus...

11-5-11

2011-11-05T19:43:00.008-06:00

{Pumpkin Shootin'}

But, let's back up a little bit. I guess Corso got it right this morning when he put on the LSU mascot head, predicting an LSU win tonight in the much-anticipated Alabama/LSU matchup. LSU won 9-6 in overtime. That is 60 minutes plus overtime with a total of 5 field goals scored. No touchdowns. Someone on Facebook said it was like two pit bulls fighting over a football.

We were so excited to watch this game, we (the children) could hardly stand it. So Ricky took the boys to see "Puss in Boots" while Riley and I went to a local craft fair. We need some great ideas for cute stuff to make for baby girl Grimley and baby girl Osthed who will be arriving in the Spring. :) I think we have some...

Later, we lined up our 30 pumpkins and...

Riley's gun kicked a little harder than she thought it would. Ouch...

11-4-11

2011-11-04T21:24:00.001-06:00

{When you're four, you can climb up and put your shoes on anywhere}

11-3-11

2011-11-03T19:37:00.001-06:00

{Free Pumpkins!}

There is a pumpkin patch behind The District that gives away free pumpkins after Halloween. Trent and Jack wanted to get as many as they could for their pumpkin shoot on Saturday so we loaded up. That's 30 pumpkins...

11-2-11

2011-11-02T21:25:00.002-06:00

{Roll, Bear Bryant, Roll}

11-1-11

2011-11-01T19:33:00.002-06:00

{Here comes the snow...}

As we drove into the neighborhood tonight, the sky grew dark and snow flurries began to fall. I'm not super-excited for snow, but I am thankful that it has waited this long. The last few weeks have given us a gorgeous fall, even up until last night for halloween. So, we'll take what we can get, and then run inside to our nice, warm house. Another thing to be thankful for...

10-31-11

2011-10-31T23:13:00.003-06:00

{This just might be our favorite holiday}

So, if you missed the theme... Trent is Bear Bryant, Brant - the referee, Lance - Big Al, the mascot, and Gavin - Trent Richardson, of course! The boys tried their hardest to convince Riley to dress as an Alabama cheerleader, but she had already agreed to match her friends as the fairies from Sleeping Beauty.

Here they are outside of Ivy's house before trick-or-treating...

Trent stayed home to pass out candy while Ricky and I took the 3 boys around. At this house, the lady who lives here asked in a really loud voice where these boys' parents were and told them she would not give them any candy. Then she came out of her house and we saw why... she cheers for the wrong team. How funny! We knew there were some Auburn fans in the 11th ward, and now we know where they live...
And Lance's favorite part of the night...

10-30-11

2011-10-30T20:23:00.002-06:00

{A day in the life of my awesome sister, Annie}

Annie texted me this picture this afternoon while we were talking on the phone. She will graduate from South Alabama in 6 weeks and she is right in the middle of Student Teaching and lots of schoolwork and evaluations. She is doing all of this while being super-mom, super-wife, and super-everything else. And THAT is why I think she is awesome. Calling her my hero wouldn't even come close.

Meanwhile, Trent is all ready for Halloween. I betcha can't guess who he is dressing up as...

10-29-11

2011-10-29T22:21:00.003-06:00

{Need. More. Tulle!}

Riley, Ivy, and Katie spent the entire afternoon tying tulle to their halloween costumes and eating apples dipped in caramel and chocolate. When we ran out of tulle, we went to not one, but two Wal-Marts to find more. Eighth grade girls are so awesome!!!

Later, Ricky and I met up with some of our favorite people for a little adults-only halloween party hosted by the ever-gracious Shattucks. Costumes were mandatory, so I borrowed Brant's ref shirt and Ricky wore Trent's Westlake football jersey. Pretty original, huh? :)

10-28-11

2011-10-28T15:55:00.001-06:00

{Student of the Week and a delightful 2nd Grade Halloween Program}

Riley came home very proud to have been named student of the week at Vista Heights. She was nominated by her science teacher for being cooperative, a good friend, and a leader. The best part for her is her name flashing in lights on the sign outside the school and the free meal at Cafe Rio!

And, Lance rocked the Halloween songs in the 2nd grade program. He was proud that he learned all the songs and the poem his class recited...

And a funny story about Gavin. We saw the program last night when they performed it in their costumes for the parents. I was at the school today when they sang for the students, so we stopped in to watch it again. We walked in the back of the gym, and while I chatted with the librarian, Gavin made his way all the way to the front and sat down to watch the show with the Kindergarteners. He never looked back to see where I was. I think he will be just fine next year when he goes to school.

10-27-11

2011-10-27T15:57:00.002-06:00

{Special Delivery for Halloween}

We ordered Lance an elephant costume and Brant a referee shirt off of Ebay for Halloween. Prayers were answered and the costumes arrived in time. Happy Boys.