It's cold outside

The kids love playing outside and riding around on the 4wheelers. When you put the two together-it's even better. That is if it doesn't feel like its below 0 degrees outside. It was awesome to go up to the south hills to go sledding and get pulled by the 4 wheelers. But when you stopped playing around and you realize that your toes are frozen, inside your nose is a block of ice and you are wet from head to toe, fun time is over. But it is a memory that we will remember. I just think next time we will wait when it's at least 32 degrees before we go.

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.