Tree Trimming

One of my kids favorite traditions is decorating the tree. Every year we order in some food (this year pizza) and turn on Christmas music. Greg hands out the ornaments and the kids decorate. There is always a spot that has way too many ornaments, but hey, it's the way they like it. We are truly blessed to have this holiday to remember the birth of our Savior. I hope everyone enjoys it and counts their many blessings.

Horses are Awesome

Today we went with my friend Brenda from school who graciously offered to share her horse Maggie today with Sierra.

Sierra could not stop smiling and fell in love.

I really liked that Brenda showed her the importance of taking care of your horse. Sierra brushed her and cleaned out her feet and smiled the whole time.

Sierra showed no hesitation about getting up on that horse. She looked so awesome. She was even able to ride her as she cantered. Stopped my heart a bit, but it was awesome to see.

Pride Winner of the Month

We are so proud of Sierra!! She was the Pride Winner of the month for February for her class. She is such a sweet girl. Mrs. Smith enjoys having Sierra in her class and knows she can rely on her to help. She is very loving and caring and always tries to make sure everyone is happy. You're awesome Sierra!!

Music

Gabe had his music program the other day and it was about life on the islands. They did all the props and set up. We were so proud!!

Our Last, First Tooth

What an exciting day Sunday was. After wiggling and wiggling Sammy's tooth finally came out. (Of course daddy had to trick him to pull it out). It was quite humorous that while we were eating lunch Greg asked Sam how much he thought his tooth was worth to the tooth fairy. Sammy said he thought 6 bucks. Wow, talk about inflation :)

Two Hands

Well Sammy is 6 today!! He has to use both hands to show how old he is. It makes me happy because he is such a great kid, but sad that he is getting so big. Last night his big accomplishment was that he could make himself burp, right in my face. Greg thought it was pretty funny. Sam definitely makes our life entertaining. He has such great energy and zest for life. Happy Birthday Sam!!

Delightful

So exciting!! We got to Mexico. Tori and I have been planning this trip since March of last year. We thought about throwing a party for our husbands because they were both graduating with their Master's Degree in business. Then we thought to ourselves, no way let's go on a trip. So we booked it in March and never quit talking about it. Yes, Shawn and Greg were sick of hearing about it!! What a great time we had. Above is a picture of us snorkeling in the natural pond right on the resort. At one point Tori said she wasn't going to do it and I called her by her full name and told her to get her bum in the water. When she got all hooked up and stood on the platform she said again that she didn't think she wanted to do it and the man in charge said, " Victoria Elizabeth get in that water!" Only he said it with a Mexican accent. Hilarious!! You might of had to be there :)

We went to Tulum, which are Mayan Ruins. They were absolutely gorgeous!! This is the view from the top. Holy Cow!! I could have stood there all day.

Before we went to dinner one night on the resort!!

After a long flight we finally got there. We went to our rooms, changed and headed out to explore the resort. The water was gorgeous and the view was incredible. What a life!!

Graduation

Greg graduated with his Masters in Business Administration on December 17th. We are so proud of him and all his hard work.

Temple

I have to admit I was not mentally ready for Gabe to turn 12. When I tell people that they think that I just don't want to get old. I can tell you that is very far from the truth. I have always had a hard time with my kids growing up. No matter how many time Greg tells me that is what is supposed to happen, I just want to dig in my heels and stop time. Yesterday I was holding him in my arms thinking I had all the time in the world and then all of a sudden he is being ordained a deacon and I am standing in front of the temple with him. I can honestly admit that I didn't want to go in. I am so glad I did. I was able to stand and watch while he entered those baptism waters with his dad and my heart was so full. I am so grateful to have been able to be there to watch that sacred ordinance take place. I am so proud of the young man Gabe is turning out to be and the decisions he has made. Don't get me wrong, I still want to dig in my heals and keep those hands from turning on the clock, but I am grateful my Heavenly Father knows me and is there to comfort me as my kids grow, like they are supposed to.

12

Here are a couple of pictures of Gabe on his birthday. They were off school on the Friday he turned 12, September 24. He wanted to go see Legends of the Guardians with a few friends and then eat at Cici's Pizza. So of course, that is what we did. It was a fun day!!

A new way to carry things

Sam wanted to bring all of his guys downstairs to play with. Instead of just finding a bag to put them in he came up with a different way. When he got down the stairs I just had to laugh. Maybe I will start trying this way too?

Tenderfoot

Gabe got his tenderfoot a couple of weeks ago for scouts. He loves scouts and looks forward to going every week. I just don't get why we moms have to get up there?? :) Way to go Gabe!!

Forts

Sierra has always been a night owl. Greg and I have to be careful because we will put the kids to bed and then go to sleep a little while later, but Sierra will just be fiddling in her room. Well this is what I came into at about 12:30 a.m. Sierra had taken about 10 blankets from the linen closet and made a canopy for her bed. Very creative but I still had to undo all the knots she had tied the blankets in. She was very proud of herself even though she did not have a good time waking up in the morning.

Too Big

Tonight at dinner we were talking about the fact that it is already September. Sierra and Sam got all excited that Halloween is just around the corner. As they were talking about what they wanted to dress up like Gabe says, "mom, I don't think I want to dress up anymore." Wow, I can't believe we are already there. I told him maybe he can just be something ugly and gross and he just shook his head and said he would pass out candy and that I needed to deal with the fact that he is growing up. What is that???? Holy Cow!!!! I know I don't deal really well with the kids getting bigger, but man I thought I had at least one more year. Apparently not, his birthday is just around the corner and he will be ordained a deacon at church. Stop the madness!!

Did you know it is only Tuesday????

As I was driving home from school today I was feeling a little rundown and tired. Then the thought popped into my head, "Holy Cow, it is only Tuesday!" I feel like it should be Thursday, but unfortunately IT IS NOT!! I guess I need to buck up and start taking vitamins or something. My mom was a little shocked when I called her while driving and when she answered I immediately said, "mom, did you know it is only Tuesday?" She then told me I needed to go home and take a nap, but who has time for that :) Anyway enough complaining. Hope the week is going by fast for someone else.

UNO

This post is just more for me to remember. I started at UNO today. Metro Community College is now in the past. My first class started at 9 so I thought I would leave right when the kids left for school so I would have plenty of time. Little did I know that parking was going to be such a nightmare!! And I stress the word nightmare. I paid for a parking pass and couldn't even find a parking space on campus. I ended up having to park over at a park. So as I am walking the mile to school and sweating profusely, I am cursing the administration of the college and the fact that I had to pay for the stinking parking pass in the first place. By the time I made it to my class I had five minutes to spare (mind you I parked the car at 8:25. So while I sat there I was hoping I didn't smell to bad seeming as seating in the classroom was very close quarters. Just as I had cooled off the class ended and I realized I had ten minutes to get all the way to the other side of the campus for my next class. Holy Moly!! Bring on more sweat!! Anyway, that is what I will always remember about my first day at UNO. Good times!!

Mischevious Brynna

This should be the last picture. She finally fell asleep after all her mischief.

Brynna was just out to get into places she knew she wasn't supposed to be. I followed the trail of scooby snacks and found her in the shower.

Not quite sure what this is about. I was folding laundry and looked over and this is what I saw.

Laundry Palooza

So this is what happens when you neglect your laundry for a couple of days (okay like 5). I usually try to do it right out of the dryer but things have been so hectic lately I have let it go.

There are no words. This took me and hour and a half!!

First Day of School 2010-2011

The day has arrived. I can't believe it. This morning I sent ALL THREE of my kids to school. As I am blogging this it is quiet in my house and I have already gotten some cleaning and laundry done. I can't wait to see what the school year brings!

Gabe is all ready for 6th grade. I can't believe it. Gabe is always so helpful. When we got to the school he told me, "don't worry mom, I will walk Sam to his classroom before I go to mine." What a great kid.

Sam I am is in kindergarten. This morning he was very proud of himself for getting up on time (even though I had to wake him up). He just kept saying, "mom I woked up on time so that is good right?" Way too funny, you had to be here. I really don't think the school is ready for Sam, but we will see. He got Mrs. White who is Gabe's tutor so at least I know her and gave her fair warning.

Miss Sierra is all ready for 3rd grade. She is such a sweet girl. She explained to Sam over breakfast all about having to change your card at school if you are bad. She told him if you have to turn it to yellow it's okay because it means you just made a mistake. But, if you have to turn it to orange that means trouble :)

Kids Weekend

I have not blogged in a while. This summer has been crazy for Greg and I. I am very grateful that he will be done with his master's after this next semester and maybe I won't be so crabby. We have both spent a lot of time on school and our kids have been so supportive. We decided to take this last weekend before school and just hang out and do whatever they wanted. Greg took a couple of days off work and we let them plan.
So sorry about being a bit of a loser when it comes to blogging. With all my kids starting school on Tuesday (oh yes, all three) I will try to make more time for it.