Last Post of the Year

Well, the year is almost over. It is time to start a new year. When I was younger, a year seemed to go on forever. Now, the years seem to come and go quickly. I sometimes wonder what changed. The last few years of my life seem to really have gone quickly. It seemed like just yesterday, I was living in Las Vegas, teaching preschool out of my house, and enjoying my family so close to home. I often think of those preschool kids now growing so fast. I keep up with some of them and I am always amazed how much they have changed. Since then, I have moved across the country to Northern Virginia and now to the south in Huntsville, Alabama. How much has changed in just a couple of years. Isn't it funny how we reflect on these things when starting a new year? Well I thought I would post a couple of pictures that ends our year.

For Christmas, Santa brought the kids a trampoline. The kids are loving it. Here, Grandma Bunny is jumping with them. Who knew, she would actually get on the trampoline. You go Grandma! Hunter got a tent and a sleeping bag from his aunt and uncle. He says he wants to put it up on the trampoline and sleep in it on the tramp at night. I don't know about that. We will have to try it out in the playroom instead.
The kid's Aunt Sherri went to China this last year with her daughter. She must have brought these pajamas back with her for the kids. She sent them to us for Christmas. Don't my little Chinese kids look great?

Well, I hope that all of you had a fantastic 2008. This is the time we reflect on our year and what we can do to make the next year better. I have set many goals for myself for the next year. I am going to do my best to achieve them all. I hope that you will do the same. Please have a tremendous Happy New Year. See ya in 2009.

Christmas Festivities

The day before Christmas, we always make cookies for Santa. Here is Emilee hard at work. Megan and Hunter are hard at work frosting the cookies. They want to eat them right away, but they will have to wait. We always set our favorites aside for Santa, give some out, and eat the rest.

Emilee and Megan showing the plate they have prepared for Santa. We hope he likes them.

Here is the tree after Santa came. The kids want to know so bad what is in the big present. Megan thinks she knows.

Megan got a telescope from Santa. This is just one of the things Santa gave her. She wanted a big High School Musical Doll House. We told her Santa knew we didn't have room for such a big toy.

Last year Emilee got pajama Bratz Dolls. They were dressed in fuzzy robes and fuzzy slippers so I thought they were OK. This year she wanted a house for them. She was happy Santa brought it for her. (It is a lot smaller then the one Megan wanted)

Hunter is usually easy to please. He wants everything. Must be the age.

The kids got a big present from Santa. They wanted to open it first. We told them they had to wait. When they opened it, they were very glad to see a trampoline. We spent a good part of the day putting it up. (I don't know why Santa didn't do it himself. He is suppose to me magic) The kids were so excited. Later I will post some pictures of the event.

This is the night before Christmas. The kids just received their pajamas from the pajama elves and are ready to go to bed. See ya in the morning.

We had a very good Christmas. After having 2 weeks of rain and fog here in Huntsville, AL, we were excited to have a beautiful sunny Christmas Day. What a good year it has been. It started out a little shaky, with Jeremy's dad's passing and with the move here and all the ups and downs with it. The kids have made many friends, they enjoy their teachers, and we as a family are doing well. We are all excited to start a new year. We hope you are as well.

Santa's Village

Tonight we took the kids to Santa's Village. There is a museum in downtown Huntsville called, "Constitution Village". It is kind of a hands on outdoor/indoor museum. (A little like Colonial Williamsburg, Va. but on a smaller scale) During the month of December, they dress it up like Santa's Village. They have crafts, cookie making, games, lights to look at, and many other activities to do. It is really cute. The kids enjoyed themselves a lot. Santa and Mrs. Claus are there as well, but since we already visited Santa, we decided not to wait in the long, long, long, line. The kids thought that was OK for them. It gave them more time to spend elsewhere. It was fun. Take a look at the slide show below and enjoy the visit with us.

Santa's Village

11 years. WOW!!!

Jeremy and I just celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary yesterday. Can you believe it? We have been married for 11 years now. It seems like just yesterday that we were married. I have to say that it has been a good 11 years. It is nice to know that I married my best friend.
Well, the evening on the 19th Jeremy and I were getting ready to go to dinner and before we left I was telling the kids that the playroom and their bedrooms better be cleaned when I got back that night. Little did I know that I wasn't coming back that night. After dinner, we started driving up HWY 72 and we kept going and going and going. About 45 min later we ended up at a lodge called, "Joe Wheeler State Park Resort Lodge" Above is a picture of where we stayed. He already had a bag packed in the car for us. Jeremy did this once before, about 10 years ago. It was our first anniversary. After church he said let's take a ride and we ended up at State Line (NV-CA state line). He also had a bag pack in the car then as well. I guess I can expect this every 10 years. It was very nice. Of course this time it
was really nice cause I have kids and even though I love my kids, it is nice to get a way for a bit with your husband.
The picture to the left is the view from our balcony. This place has cabins, cottages, and the lodge. We stayed in a suite in the lodge. Every room has a view of the lake. This is taken from a camera phone so it is not the best picture, but it was a nice view.
Well, I have to say that I am very lucky. I am lucky to have Jeremy as my husband. Even though we tease each other, quite a bit, he really is a wonderful husband and father. We have a great family together. People often say that marriage is hard. I disagree. I have never thought marriage was hard. It has been a great 11 years and I know the years will only get better as more time goes on.

Santa Claus is coming to Town

Today, we went and had our yearly talks with Santa. The other night I jokingly said it would be fun to go in pajamas. Well, let me tell you, don't ever give kids ideas because that is exactly what they wanted to do. As soon as they got home from school, the kids went right away to change into their pajamas, robes, and slippers. We got a few stares walking through the mall. Most saying how cute the kids were. I would have to agree. When we got in line, Hunter got scared. I told the photographer not to worry about him. It just wouldn't be a Christmas picture with Santa if Hunter didn't cry. He does it every year. That would be our Hunter though. We love him.
Megan of course is so not afraid of Santa and has never been. She has a very big Christmas Wish List that she has printed from the Wal-Mart web site. (Boy is she going to be surprised when that list gets lost) I believe today she asked Santa for two things. A High School Musical Doll House and a remote control D-Rex. Crazy, I know. Santa may have other plans.

Emilee has never been afraid of Santa either. She also has a big list from the Wal-Mart web site. (She also will be surprised when the list is lost) She asked Santa for a Brat Doll House. (the smaller one) I normally do not like the Brat dolls, but last year Santa gave her a few Brat dolls that were not so bad. They were in covered robes and furry slippers so I thought they were appropriate. She would like the house for them to sleep in now.

That brings us to Hunter again. Silly silly boy. Still crying. Like I said, it wouldn't be a Christmas picture if Hunter was smiling in it. Santa did finally get him calmed down a bit to find out what he wanted. He is my only child with out the big list. Just when we go to the store together, he points to about everything and says," I want that for Christmas". Here, he told Santa he wanted Transformer toys. He just watched that movie with Jeremy and now wants the toys. He is all boy.

Well, here is hoping that all of you have a very Merry Christmas. As Santa would say,

"A happy Christmas to all, and to all, a good night"

Saturday, at the Museum

Saturday morning, Jeremy woke me up and said he wanted to go for a drive and we had to leave soon. (He does this to me often, must be a guy thing) We decided to go to Florence and the Shoals area here in Alabama. It is about an hour away. (This is the birthplace of Helen Keller. You can tour her house. We did not do this at this time, but maybe another time) If you know Jeremy, you know that he loves Flea Markets. (Me, not so much) He wanted to go to one there, which actually wasn't operating. We have a family pass to all these children's museum all over the country. They have one in Shoals, so we decided to take the kids. They were excited. They had a good time and of course they didn't want to leave. It wasn't as big as the one here or others that they have been to, but the exhibits they did have were good quality. I loved the braille exhibit. It was fun to make our names in braille. What a great idea. The day didn't go how I expected, but for once, the kids got to do what they would want. Sometimes we drag them from place to place and they grin and take it in stride. It was a good day for them. Now they are just waiting patiently ( OK maybe not that patient) for Santa to come. I hope you enjoy the slideshow below of the fun that they had.

MOM

So, I was looking through some stuff and came across this photo of my mom and dad. I think this was one of the last pictures taken of my mom. I believe it is at my niece Kirsta's wedding. She looks very happy. I have been thinking a lot about her lately. I was very lucky to have her for my mother. I don't know one person who was more sincere, more caring, and more understanding then my mother. She is the one that taught me to not judge others and to try and always be kind. I just want to say how much I miss her, love her, and feel honored to be her daughter. I love you mom.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Saturday was the day that we decorated for Christmas. Or at least started. I have some lights that I want to put outside, but have not done it yet. Perhaps Monday. The kids had fun of course. They have only been trying to do it for a week or so. I tried to explain that first Thanksgiving, then decorate for Christmas. I think the thing they love the most is that I have this Little People village that I only get out at Christmas time. They love to play with it. They couldn't wait to get it out. They have been playing it ever since. They are definitely ready for Christmas.

Thanksgiving Day

This year for Thanksgiving it was just us. Sometimes we get visitors for Thanksgiving, but not this year. I decided I did not want to make a big Thanksgiving dinner for just us. (Mostly because my children's eating habits or not to good right now) We decided to spend the day in Nashville. We ate at Golden Corral and we went to this park close by. The name of the playground was called "Tinkerbell Playground" The girls were very excited about that. Hunter is trying very hard not to let go.

We went on a little nature hike. This is coming back. I wish Hunter and Emilee always got along this well.

Megan trying not to let go. The bottom part spins and you have to try and stay on. None of the kids could stay on very long, but they had fun trying.

The kids and Jeremy at the top of our hike. It wasn't a very big hike, more of a trail, but it was just about right for the kids.

Through the years, people everywhere always asks if Megan and Emilee are twins. I never understand since I think they look so different. Here I actually think they look like twins. Aren't they the cutest girls you have ever seen.

The kids in front of the Tinkerbell playground.

Hunter likes to climb.

It was a good day. We have a lot to be thankful for. We love each other very much, we have sufficient food, shelter, and clothing. We have the desire to be the best we can be. We have fun with one another (most of the time). I really don't have any complaints. I hope that all of you had a very great Thanksgiving Day. We sure miss you all. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Gas Price

We were in Nashville, TN today. On our way back we decided to get gas. I couldn't believe it. Gas was $1.50 a gallon. Had to take a picture. I never thought that gas would go under $3.00 again, let alone $2.00. I think that is something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving Day. Hopefully it will stay down for awhile. A long, long, while.

Silent Night

We just had our final Enrichment Night for the year. It turned out so well. I had created a Power point presentation about the life of the Savior. It started with his birth and ended with his Resurrection. The presentation included various pictures of the Savior, scriptures from Luke, music, and a video clip of the end of the Savior's life. Books were made up that followed the presentation and the sisters were suppose to write down thoughts that they might of had during the presentation. The idea of the night is that everyone is suppose to be silent. When I was the Enrichment Counselor in Virgina, we did something similar to this, but I made the presentation a little different this time. I had to create from scratch, but I think I liked it better. It turned out quite nice. My Enrichment Leader is great. She planned all the decorating and helped so much to put the final touches of the night together. We were so surprised how many sisters came. It really was a great night. So many expressed their gratitude after. I thought I would post a couple of pictures of the decorations. We went crazy with the Christmas lights, but it was fun. After the program we had apple pie and ice cream. It was a great night to start the Christmas Season. How grateful I am to know my Savior.

Twilight the Movie

I went with about 30 people tonight and saw Twilight. It was OK. I liked it, but of course, the book is much better. They did keep to the story, which was good. I guess the thing I didn't like about it was the relationship build-up was a little weak. I know, how can you put a 500 page book into a 2 hour movie, especially when most of the book is in Bella's thoughts, but the relationship is what makes the book so great. They needed to spend more time on it. Lots more time. I did love the baseball scene though. It looked like they were having a lot of fun. I aslo liked the fight scene at the end. Also, there was a lot screaming and talking during the movie( from all the teenagers I suppose)I might have to go see it again as a matinee when it is not as crowded. I did have fun though and like I said, I did like it, but nothing could replace the book. If any of you saw it yet, let me know what you thought.

Time Out

I had the great opportunity to go to Nashville this last weekend and attend Time Out for Women. It was fantastic. I normally do not like to put pictures of me on the blog so this is a first and a last. They had some great speakers and some great musical performances. We heard from speakers like Emily Watts, Chris Stewart, Camille Olson, Jason Wright (which was so nice to see again), Chieko Okazaki, and Carolyn Rasmus. They all did such a good job and I left feeling great, refreshed, and learned a few new things. We were able to sit right behind all of the speakers and performers in the front rows. They were all so nice and wonderful. Great to talk to. This is me and Hilary Weeks. She has such a wonderful voice. All her music was way beautiful. I was so dumb though. Here I told her the only song I can play on the piano and sing at the same time was "He Hears Me". I did tell her I only do that when nobody is home to hear me. I also didn't realize how funny she is. She was very insightful and very funny.

Here is Kenneth Cope and me. He is another LDS singer that I have always liked. Of course he was just as nice and seemed very happy to speak with everybody. He sang some new songs that I have never heard. They were wonderful songs.

Hilary Weeks is singing. I know the picture isn't very good. My camera was having a problem.

Chieko Okazaki is speaking here. She was great. She had so many technical difficulties and she was such a good sport about it all. She is very funny as well. I enjoyed her talk and all of the others as well.

I really did enjoy the weekend. It has been a long time since I have done anything like that and well needed. I was able to meet so many others from all over the South. We all laughed, shared and enjoyed each other company. I am already to go to another one. There is a lot I will take of what they said and put it into my own life.

Rocket City

Huntsville is one of the homes of NASA. They are proud here of that. This is where they develop the science to build rockets. They have a few of these rockets around. One is off the freeway at the Space and Rocket Center. This one happens to be at a rest stop on the Alabama Tennessee Border. If you look carefully, you can see Emilee and Megan right in front of the rocket. Because NASA is here, many people have a strong emphasis on science and engineering. It is a very educated city.

Emilee

Emilee wanted to show off her new haircut. She has been asking for weeks to cut her hair. (I think she didn't like it when I brushed the tangles out of her hair. She thought it hurt) Yesterday we finally had it cut. The whole time she had the biggest smile. I have never seen someone so excited to have their hair cut. She looks way cute though. Megan was upset though. She thinks Emilee is copying her. I told her, even if she was copying, it is the biggest compliment. She doesn't seem to believe me. Sisters. I will never understand. Of course I have five brothers and I don't understand them either. Anyway, I will have to say that my kids are the cutest. I know I must be bias, but what can I say. They make me laugh, they make me crazy, they make me feel very very grateful. The age that my kids are right now is so much fun. They are independent, but at the same time they are still so young that they think I am the best. I love it. I will definitely enjoy this time of my life with them, because I know to well that it goes by so fast.

Our New Additon

Well, it finally happened. Against what I thought. I guess we will call it a guy thing. Jeremy finally got his very own baby. For the past few years he has wanted a new TV. It couldn't be just any TV. It had to be special. The HD TV(42 in) that he has always wanted. Lucky Jeremy. Him and his mom found it on major sale. His mom provided the way. An early Christmas gift. She thinks it is what her husband would have wanted to give Jeremy, since he mentioned it before his passing. She says it is for the family. Right. So, Jeremy is in heaven. For those of you who really know Jeremy, know his obsession with movies. I mean, it is like we are our very own Blockbuster. Now he has his TV with the surround sound that we have had and all his movies. Jeremy is content, for now.

Halloween Night

Halloween Night. The kids have been talking about Halloween since Halloween Night last year. It finally came. First the kids got to go to a Trunk or Treat up at the church. It was only an hour, and early enough so the kids could get a chance to go trick-or-treating. They had a great time at the Trunk-or-Treat. Though when we went out later that night Emilee and Hunter had a hard time. They were not as happy. We went about 15 min. and both were ready to turn in. I got them to go for about another 30 min after that. Megan on the other hand, could have gone all night.

WATCH OUT Gotham City, Here comes Bat Girl! Megan changes her mind daily for a year of what she is going to be for Halloween. For a while, it was suppose to be an astronaut. We were going to make her costume and everything. She started playing a game on the Internet that she learned about from school. It was about making up a super hero. She decided that is what she wanted to do. So Bat Girl was the winner. I have to admit. She makes a great looking Bat Girl.

Move over Captain Jack Sparrow, Here comes Elizabeth. About January, I was at the Disney Store and I found this costume on the clearance rack for $4.00. I had to get it. Somebody was going to wear it. Emilee was the winner. Poor Emilee had a hard time Halloween Night. The night before she was up all night with a bad cough and fever. She missed school today, but seemed to do well throughout the day. She did well at the Trunk-or-Treat as well, but while we were Trick-or-Treating it all came back. She was miserable. Probably the night air. We came home, she took some medicine, and went straight to bed. She does make a beautiful Elizabeth though.

Arggggg! Hunter was at the store with me one day and wanted this Pirate sword so bad. Tears just ran down his face when I had said no. Grandma gave in and decided to buy the sword for him, but I had told him that if he wanted the sword then he was going to be a pirate for Halloween. He agreed. His costume I pretty much made up. Shirt, old pants, and I bought a pirate hat. He looks good. He couldn't wait to go Trick-or-Treating. Everyday he would say, "I can't wait, Let's go tonight" Well tonight after about 10 min. He kept saying, "I want to go home ." I couldn't believe it. It was a struggle to finish the block.

Green Mountain Lake

This weekend we decided to enjoy the beautiful fall day. We went to walk around Green Mountain Lake. This is about 20-25 min. away from our home in Madison. It was very nice. We couldn't ask for a more perfect day. We had a short picnic of KFC and went on our way to walk around the lake. There was a little nature trail that went around the whole lake. Lots of trees. Very pretty. Hunter's face is just great. He just loves it so much when I make him stop to take a picture. As you can see, the leaves are beginning to change. I always find this so wonderful. I have never imagined such great colors to come on trees. In Virginia, the colors are even better, but I still think they are very beautiful here. You just don't see this when you grow up in the desert of Las Vegas.

Here are my three again. They are right next to the lake. The three musketeers. Actually, I think my kids are quite crazy, but I love them anyway. I must say, I have some pretty great kids. I have been blessed in this life. After eight years, I am still surprised I am a mom. It still feels just like yesterday when Megan was born. The years really go by fast.

Hunter and Jeremy, walking hand in hand. Father and son. Hunter loves his dad. He really likes to tackle Jeremy all of the time. When Jeremy is home from work on the weekend, He runs up to Jeremy and yells out "Morning Tackle" while he jumps up on his stomach.

Daddy's Girls. I think that there is always a special relationship between daughters and their dads. It seems like my girls try to always try to be on their dad's good side. They like to tackle Jeremy as well. Poor Jeremy. Everyone always wants to jump on his stomach. Oh well, it is good for him.