Christmas pictures

Christmas is always an exciting time of year. Baking, giving, shopping, more baking(because I ate the first batch), and taking pictures. I'm not sure why I think it is a good idea to take a family photo each year and send it out in the christmas cards, but I do. I am not a photographer-obviously- and my kids hate getting their pictures taken. It's like I'm pulling teeth. Brody says its too dangerous-Joe doesn't want her hair done-Stryder thinks its a game and runs away half dressed. It sure is an adventure to get them all to stay still, look at the camera and smile all at the right time. Here are a few of the most memorable pictures of this years photo shoot. Merry Christmas everyone!

Arrgh....Matey

I have to admit, my kids are pretty cool! One of them got a pirate patch in their Halloween stash (which is no longer because they ate it all gone, with a little help from me). They were so funny. They would put it on and yell "Arrgh....Matey" It was hilarious!! I guess maybe you would had to have been there. Well, I thought it was funny.

Hold onto the ones you love

Unfortunately it takes times of tragedy to remind us how precious and short life really is. A friend of mine is going through such a time in her life. I won't go into detail because it's really not my place. But I am reminded of the Year 2007 in my own family. I had 2 of my children in the hospital within months of each other. One because my body decided to go toxic on me and the pregnancy had to be terminated 6 weeks before he was due. Another was ran over by a pickup. These things aren't suppose to happen-at least not to me or my family. They happen to unknown people that live far away. This doesn't happen to regular people-right? I found out really quick that things like this do happen. They happen and there is nothing you can do about it. I know that trials are apart of this existence. I can handle my own trials. But to have my children-who are beyond precious to me-suffer, was almost unbearable. Watching them struggle was difficult to say the least. But it was a time that brought us together. Never had I prayed with such sincerity and conviction. It is hard to say "Thy will be done" and actually mean it. I now know, without a doubt, that there is a Father in Heaven who hears and answers prayers. I believe in guarding angels and miracles. My children wouldn't be here without them. I have a greater respect and appreciation for my husband who was my rock through this. I love him more then he probably realizes. I love my family even more. It's sad to say, but would I be so attached to them if these things didn't happen. There are days that I truly wonder. I also know that we were blessed in our time of need. Sometimes prayers are not answered in the way we want. I know, trust me on that! That is when faith comes in handy. The Lord knows what is best and he sees the whole big picture. We see only a portion. I guess my point is don't let it take times of tragedy to make you appreciate what you have in your own home. Don't ever take them for granted and never let them go.

The Biggest Loser

Tomorrow is actually here. What I mean is that I am finally dedicated to start working out and eating better. I am always saying tomorrow I will start and this time I actually mean it. This is actually because a group of girls I know have started their own "The biggest Loser" contest. We have 6 months to drop the weight and the person who has lost the most, gets the pot. You see everyone donates 10$ and the winner gets all. So of course the more people involved the more money. If anyone is interested in this contest let me know and I will send you the link to sign up. You need to sign up as an author in able to report your process every week. It will be a lot of fun and it should be motivating knowing you have to report how you are doing. Wish me luck!

Happily Ever After

Tonight is Halloween-The Devil's holiday! Everyone is out begging for candy and we are no exception. We did the Trunk or Treat thing this year though. Brad decorated his trailer and dressed as some wicked guy. It looked awesome!! Just imagine being a little kid and having to go up to him to get your candy. There was a lot of kids who decided it wasn't worth it. Brad looked scary. The kids had fun too. Brody was a dragon, Joe was Wendy from Peter Pan, and Stryder the devil (we really didn't need a costume for him). I dressed up in my version of "Happily Ever After". I am a princess, who now is so much more. Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Cumin vs Cinnamon

Did you know that when you make french toast, it is a good idea to use cinnamon instead of cumin? I decided this tonight. I was making french toast, of course, and it smelled like tacos. I really didn' t know why. As I was cleaning up I opened up my spice cupboard and my cinnamon was staring me in the face while I holding what I thought was the bottle. Let me explain a little. A few weeks ago, I noticed that my spice cupboard was getting a little cramped and decided to clean out a bit. I had a few repeat spices-spices that I already had and had bought more of- and decided to combine them-therefore making more room. Just because a label has a C on it doesn't necessarily mean that it is cinnamon. Just in case you are thinking of cleaning out your spice cupboard and don't read label very closely. I must have put the cumin in with the cinnamon. Moral of story- Cumin does not make great french toast. Syrup doesn't hide the taste. No- the kids will not eat it either, we already tried.

Trick or Treat

Have you ever wondered why we use the word "Boo!" to scare people? Is it really a scary word by itself? Or is it the fact that when you do use it, you are jumping out behind the bushes wearing a mask that depicts Satan's minions that causes a victim fear? Honestly, Satan's minions could use the word pickle and I would probably drop to the floor, crying. I am a wimp though. I love and hate to be scared. I love it because it's awesome-but hate it because my mind doesn't know where the line between reality and fiction is. I will sleep with the lights on while church music is playing and a baseball bat in one hand. I'm not sure what purpose the bat has. Anyways-The Halloween party was awesome. Thanks for coming!!

The girl who cries "wolf" and those who don't listen

Little Joe has a tendency to scream whenever she has the urge. We have tried to explain that she uses that scream only when blood or death is involved, but to no avail. We hear her scream all too often and don't rush to her aid as we probably should. Well today I should have. I was upstairs while she was downstair and I heard the scream. I just sat there upstairs and called to her to come up to me. By the time she arrived blood had streamed down her face and it was all over her hands and in her hair. Oops, I guess she really was hurt. I tried to get her to tell me what happened, but I couldn't understand her over her screams. The cut really wasn't that bad, but I sure do feel like a bad parent. Poor Joe! We really do love her, I promise.

Fall Day

We drove up to the south hills today. The leaves up at the top are starting to turn and it feels like fall is in the air. The kids had a blast running around looking for bears, crocodiles, and flying chickens. Though we didn't see any of them. Joe was the self declared leader. But if you are ever really lost, my suggestion is not to follow her. She likes to find the most difficult and steepest route to go up. It was entertaining to watch them run around having fun. It was wonderful getting away for a few hours and spending time with the family. I've decided a cabin would be awesome to have.

Along came a Spider...

This afternoon I went outside with Joe and she wanted to show me something "Cool" She told me look at the web and I could see a spider. Just a side note. I am terrified of spiders, but since it was Joe wanting to show me I was willing to put my fears aside and be strong. When I knelt down though and saw the spider I flipped. Not only was it a big spider, but a black widow. I don't know how long its been there. But long enough that Joe knew exactly where it was before we even went outside. Holy macarooni. I called Brad so he would come home and kill it. Until then, I am leaving and not coming back until its done. Though I had to take a picture of it. Thank heavens I have a great zoom on my camera.

Boots for walking

Brody was pretending to sleep in my closet. He ended up trying on different shoes and presenting himself to everyone. I had to take a keep this one forever. He even walked the catwalk for me as I took pictures of him.

Pink or Green

I always wanted another little girl. Maybe Stryder can play the role of both boy and girl. He really couldn't decide which pair he liked best. So what do you think--Pink?? Green??

With Extra Aloe

This is a fun activity to do with the kids. Shaving cream with the extra aloe I find leaves their skin feeling silky smooth with just a hint of masculinity. Their breath also smells fresh afterwards.

Ouchy!

Joe didn't have that much fun after she fell running down a hill made of asphalt. The poor little thing. Brad could hear her scream on the other side of the park. He turned and decided there wasn't anything he could do for her and walked back to the car with Stryder and waited for us.

Shoshone Falls

We decided to go to Shoshone Falls and see its wonders before it dried up again. The kids had a blast! Nothing is more fun than running down the steep hills only to find out that you can't stop at the end. The Falls themselves weren't half bad either. It's been awhile since we'd been there, but there is a lot more water going over than in the past years. Pretty impressive!

Petroleum Jelly

If you ever watch Stryder make sure you actually WATCH him.

Jumping on the Band Wagon!

Since everyone else is doing it, we might as well be bloggers. It's only right that we allow you the same courtesey of checking up on us as we do with all of you. Ours lives are pretty typical as lives go. Our three kids are still alive which is a bonus for them. Brody is doing so good with his therapies. He is starting to have conversations with people and the light grows brighter every day in his eyes. JoJo is so grown up. She is a great big sister, though sometimes too helpful. Stryder is running everywhere getting into everything. He is saying a few words, but mostly yells. Life is always adventure here and life is always busy.