Christmas

I can't believe how fast the Christmas season seemed to pass. I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Christmas!
Our Christmas was nice and mostly relaxing. We decided this year to scale back, mainly because the kids really don't need much and we wanted to express the true meaning of Christmas. Also, I had been going through some health issues that caused John to really pick up the slack (which believe me there was a lot) while I lazily watched and felt guilty for not feeling good enough to do much. I am on the mend and finally done with antibiotics and pain killers, though at times I still don't feel 100% at least I can do more than what I could a few weeks back.
I really think the kids enjoyed their Christmas. We had our annual family Christmas party at my parents. It was SO nice to get together and even nicer that everyone showed up (it has been about 4-5 years since everyone has came). Everyone put their differences aside and got along really well. It was wonderful and hope it will continue.
For Christmas Ethan got a DSi that he had been itching for for along time. Katie got a new bike that is better fit for her as well as a new mp3 player. Taylor got a doll house, though not the the one she wanted (the barbie dream house) but one that we had to keep telling her it was a better quality (try to explain that to a 7 yr old who wants the other doll house because it is all pink). Ben finally got his Spike the Dinosaur (he has been wanting one since the previous year and was very disappointed when he didn't get it last year). Of course they got other little things as well like books, DVD's, music CD's and some games too. Santa also always fills their stockings with little treats and goodies. This year was no different but instead of toys he gave them personal care items like mini bubble bath, shower gel, lotion and chap stick, etc.
John and I also kept it simple with us. We mainly kept it as needs like socks, jammies etc. I did get him a music cd as well as wasabi flavored nuts and I am always on the hunt for good hot sauce for him. The man loves HOT and I found a gift pack with different levels of hot for him.
The day after Christmas we had our other annual Christmas party, this time with Johns family. We always do breakfast and this year was no different, other than we did breakfast for dinner. It was really yummy and very nice. My favorite part,besides the food, is that we have a ornament exchange every year. It is always so fun to see what ornaments everyone has chosen to share.
That was our Christmas in a nut shell. I really wanted to post pictures too, but for some reason my card reader isn't working and won't let me download my pictures, so if I/ when I get that fixed I will try and get them on.
For New Years, we stayed at home and watched movies, ate lots of junk, and stayed up late. Taylor was the only kid who made it to midnight, everyone else was out cold by 11. It was really nice spending a laid back evening at home with each other!
Now we are back to the grindstone, kids back in school (yip yip hooray!) and we start working on our New Years resolutions (though it make take all year for them to become habit, we will try to accomplish what we have set out to do). Happy New Year all, and hope this year will be all that we want it to be!

December

So, it has been a while since I have sat down and blogged. Is it because I have been so busy? Partly. Is it because not much has been going on? Well, there was Halloween, Taylors 7th birthday, and Thanksgiving....to name a few, so no that isn't it. Is it because I have been a bit on the lazy side? Partly, that too. Is it because every time I sit down to write the kids have some new trauma that requires my attention? Yeah that sounds more like it. Speaking of which here they come....Okay seriously? Fighting over snow? Ummmm...I think we have more than enough snow to go around. So, once again I guess blogging will have to wait...

Spokane, Washington

Just over a week ago, we had the opportunity to go to Spokane, Washington to see my cousin Emily marry. I hadn't seen her in seven years, and before that even longer. So, this was a great opportunity to reconnect with family members.

We made a road trip out it, and even though at times it felt LONG it was well worth it. We left on Oct. 2 and drove to Idaho Falls and spent the night at my uncle Richards house. It was really nice for them to put all of us up for the night (we hadn't visited their house in many years either).

On Saturday we continued our trek to Spokane. We arrived mid-afternoon/early evening. My Uncle Howard put us all up in a hotel, which we were SO surprised and grateful for. That evening we were able to go have dinner (at the Sawtooth Grill, a must to visit if you are ever in the area)with the happy couple and other family members. It was really nice. Of course I left my camera back at the hotel.

On Sunday, was the big day. Emily and Jack tied the knot. It was a beautiful wedding, although it was very windy and a bit chilly. They provided a yummy luncheon and dancing after. My kids had such a ball.

For more pictures check out my photo album on my Facebook account.

My only regret is that we couldn't have stayed longer. We were hoping to make it our family vacation and go into Seattle then into Oregon and then into the Redwood Forest. Alas, that was not to be. We had van problems before we left and decided it would be better to take the car and didn't think the kids could handle such close quarters for longer than Spokane. So, on Monday we drove straight home, with of course some potty breaks and to eat.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for another attempt at a vacation in November. John still has three vacation days to "burn". We are thinking some place warmer than what it will be here. Maybe San Diego or even just St. George. Will will have to see.

Preschool

On Monday, Ben had his first day of preschool. I was surprised to find it a little hard to leave him, there at school, I have done this with each of my kids but I am finding it harder to leave my littlest

Back up to a few months ago, when I first mentioned to Ben that he would be going to preschool. He flat out and told me that he didn't need preschool because he already knew his ABC's and colors. It was the funniest thing. So to say he didn't want to go is an understatement. A few days after his statement, I took him to meet his teacher. He wouldn't look at her, hid behind me and John, refused to say anything to her and in fact would even talk to us (John and I) while we were there. I knew I had my work cut out for me.

Now after at least a month later and a daily talk about how big boys go to preschool and that he won't just be doing his ABC's bit playing with other kids his age, it was time to take him.

I am PROUD to say that he did great and in fact loved it, and keeps asking what day he goes back.



A nice perk to preschool? I got my kitchen all nice and almost all cleaned. Would have been all done but then I got a call from the elementary school to say that Katie got thorns all in her hair at P.E and wanted permission to cut them out. I told them not to touch her hair and I would be over to see what I could do (apparently the office and her teacher had tried for 20 minutes and couldn't get them out). To say these were thorns is a joke! These were more like burrs that broke up as you literally had to yank them out. After a hour I had them all out, without having to cut her hair. I have pictures on my cell phone to prove how horrible it was, now of course they don't do it justice. I told Katie I had to take pictures because NO one would believe us. When I have a chance I will try and post them.