BOYS ON BIKES!

Here's a short clip of Sammy on his new (yet very old) motorcycle. He's so cute on it and Aaron has vowed to take very good care of him.

Here are my boys on their bikes:

Christmas Pictures!

Here are some pictures of our Christmas morning. We hope your Christmas was WONDERFUL!

Rylie's Preschool Pageant

Here's a picture of Rylie as a shepherd admiring baby Jesus. I couldn't get a shot of the front of her so this will have to do :-) Miss Lisa did a great job making the costumes and creating this little play. Kids are so cute at this age. Oh and by the way, Rylie can write her name now! We still don't know if she's right or left handed yet. I think she may be a bit ambidextrous like her daddy. Only time will tell.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We wish you a Merry Christmas! We wish you a Merry Christmas! We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Lights at Temple Square

As silly as this might sound to all you Utahns, I have ALWAYS wanted to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square. So yesterday after church we bundled up and drove the 30 minutes to SLC, sipping hot cocoa all the way. The lights were amazing! We watched Luke II and gazed at the beautiful nativities. It was just the right touch we needed on our Christmas Season.
Beautiful Temple!

Here are just some snap shots of my silly girls from this morning. Sara can't imagine why no one else wants to taste her yummy tootsies. She finds them simply delicious!

Whoa!

We saw Santa!

This morning we went to our ward Christmas breakfast. We had donuts and juice, sang songs, made graham cracker gingerbread houses, and visited with Santa. We hope you are all getting ready for Christmas and enjoying this wonderful holiday!

Sammy's story

Last month I posted Sammy's story that he wrote for the Reflection's contest and it turns out that he won at his school level for the literary section. Next he goes to counsel...I'm not sure what that means but I'm sure I'll learn more about it soon. Both Sam and Kaeli were awarded a ribbon and coupons for some cool stuff just for participating.

ANKLE UPDATE: I'm doing much better. I was on crutches for over 2 weeks! Now I just use them in the morning until I can get my brace on. My foot and toes are still purple even after 3.5 weeks! But the swelling is mostly down and I'm able to drive and get around. I can walk on the front part of my foot, but not on my heal yet. I try to walk like I'm not a gimp, but I still get looks from strangers so I still have a ways to go. Thanks for all your prayers! I'll be back to running before we know it!

MOMMIES SHOULDN'T BE ON CRUTCHES!

You won't believe my luck! Friday morning I went for a run. About a half mile into it I came to some debris and rocks that were in my way. As I was maneuvering around it all I twisted my ankle and plunged to the ground. I knew right away that I was hurt. I kinda rolled around on my back for a few seconds saying, "ow, ow, ow". I thought I might be able to walk it off so I attempted to stand up and as I did I realized I couldn't put any weight on my right foot. I hopped to the curb and sat down. I could already feel my ankle swelling in my hand. I decided that I was going to have to flag a stranger down for a ride home, but as I looked up a lady drove up and rolled down her window offering me a ride home. She said she saw me try to walk and knew I was hurt. I just hope she didn't see my wipe out :-) So I accepted a ride from this kind woman (my kids are still shocked that I got in a car with a stranger). When I got home I hollered for Aaron. For some reason I had a little panic attack (not sure why) and I could hardly breath when I tried to tell Aaron what had happened. It felt like my trachea was the size of a straw. So weird. Any way, Aaron took my shoes and socks off and my right ankle was already the size of a grapefruit and purple! My other leg and knee were scraped up too. Of course it was too early in the morning to go to a doctor's office so I laid on the bed in the worst pain with a bag of ice on my ankle. Aaron showered and got the kids off to school...he almost forgot to pack their lunches but threw them together in the last second. So a few hours after the fact, we went to go see the doctor for some x-rays (hopping all the way). Luckily, I didn't break my ankle, but it's a bad sprain. The doctor said I probably tore a few tendons, just didn't tear them in two. I am now hobbling around on crutches, but Aaron and I were still able to go to dinner with a few other couples that same night. It helped to have 800mg of ibuprofen in my system :-) I am still thinking this is very unfair. Mommies aren't supposed to be on crutches!!! I can't drive and I won't be able to run again for over a month! That kinda sucks when you think that there's going to be a lot of yummy food around the next little while and I have no way of having aerobic exercise. Bring on the holiday pounds! And Christmas shopping...how am I going to do that? Sara has taken full advantage of my inability to carry her. Yesterday I hobbled down the hall with crutches into her room trying to get her to follow me. Then I stood by her changing table saying, "come here Sari". She poked her head into the doorway and said, "no" and took off back down the hallway. This went on for quite awhile until I found something she wanted and enticed her to come to me. Once she was in my reach I quickly grabbed her and lifted her onto the changing table. What a silly girl. The kids have loved being my "big helpers". When I make dinner I sit on a stool in front of the stove and ask them to bring me things and put things away as I just sit their adding ingredients and stirring. It works out well as long as they don't get tired of being my little gophers. Aaron has been trying to be mommy and daddy all at the same time. He went grocery shopping for me today... with coupons...and he had two kids with him too! It just about killed him. Thanks Hubby :-)

SARA'S CHECK-UP

Sara had a "well-baby" appointment today. Of course we sat and waited forever, but it just wouldn't be a normal doctor's visit if we were seen right away, right? The room was super warm as Sara ran around in just her diaper and explored every corner of the room. By the time the doctor came in, Sara's cheeks were bright red from running around and being so warm. She ran up to the doctor and gave him a big grin and started talking to him in her gibberish-way assuming he knew exactly what she was saying. The check-up went well and Sara is a healthy 12 month old! The nurse came back and gave her 3 shots which wasn't so fun. She's sleeping now and I hope she'll be alright when she wakes up. The past few times she's gotten her shots she has woken up screaming and has been inconsolable for a few hours. I think it's the prevnar, and she didn't get it this time so hopefully she'll be fine. Here are Sara's stats:

Weight: 18.91 lbs. (16th percentile)
Length: 28.75" (39th percentile)

So Sara is following after her siblings... small in size, but BIG in personality! Just the way we like 'em :-)

REFLECTIONS

Sam and Kaeli have been on track break for 3 weeks. So we decided to enter the "Reflections" contest as a little something to do. The theme this year is "I can make a difference by...". Kaeli is our little artist so she decided she wanted to paint a picture to enter into the contest. She had never really painted before, but loved doing it.So here is her painting! It's a picture of her picking up her toys which makes herself happy and her mom and dad happy :-) That's a great way to make a difference!

Sammy choose to do a literary piece for the contest. Sammy loves to write stories and he's so creative! Here he is plugging away on the computer:

Here is Sam's story! I absolutely love it...and it's pretty good for a 2nd grader if you ask me :-)

Sam and the Squirrel

By Samuel Davis

Once upon a time a boy named Sam went hiking in a mountain. And Sam loved going hiking. While Sam hiked he came to a spot with lots and lots of garbage. His mom said, ”What a lot of garbage!’’ Sam said, “I noticed. It looks ugly huh?” “Ya,’’ said his mom. “You’re right on!’’ said his dad. Then all of a sudden a squirrel jumped right in front of Sam. ’’Please help me,” said the squirrel. A beer bottle is blocking my hole where my food is.’’ “OH – NO!’’ Sam said. ”But I have a plan to get it out! 1. I will tell my mom and dad to stop for a second, 2. I will come back to you, 3. you show me where the hole is, 4. I get it out and walla it is done! How is that?” said Sam. “It’s a fine plan”, answered the squirrel. “Let’s do it”, said Sam. So Sam did number 1,2,3, and 4 and it was done. “Phew” said Sam. “Phew” said the squirrel. “We’re a great team!” said Sam. “Ya” answered the squirrel. When Sam was about to leave the squirrel said, “Wait!” Sam said, “Stop for a sec Mom please.” “OK” said his mom. The squirrel said, “I also have a plan. I have other friends you know. So I think we should tidy up the garbage.” “OK” said Sam. “I’ll go ask my mom and dad for a garbage bag. OK?” “OK” said the squirrel. “I will wait for you right here.” “OK” said Sam. Sam ran to his parents. “Mom, Dad, Can I borrow a garbage bag?” “What for?” asked his mom. “Well, I met a squirrel who wanted to tidy up the garbage.” “Cool! Can I help?” asked Sam’s dad. “Sure” said Sam. So the squirrel, Sam, and his dad cleaned it all up. “DONE!” they all sang. Now Sam was happy for that day on. THE END!

THOSE DARN DEER!

I must admit, when we first moved in I thought it was so cool how many deer walked through our yard and feasted on our scrub oak. But since we've put our yard in they have become a nuisance! I snapped this picture just a few minutes ago. This deer was eating my pumpkin!!! There were three others off to the side eating our new shrubs. I am surprised that they would come this close to the house! They're lucky I didn't have a rifle in hand :-)

HALLOWEEN!

I'm so sorry about all the Halloween pictures...but I just love this holiday! Here are the kids on the big day, right before trick-or-treating. Aaron took the kids out for a little more than an hour and they scored BIG time! Rylie's bag was so heavy she could hardly carry it, but she insisted on carrying it herself. I think we're going to have candy forever! We roasted pumpkin seeds (from the giant pumpkin pictured below) and had hot apple cider :-)

BIRTHDAY GHOUL!

Sara's birthday was yesterday! I can't believe she's already a year old! Sara is so sweet and so loving. Her siblings love to play with her and love to make her laugh. She is almost always smiling and just happy to be hanging out. She really is a blessing in our lives. I asked her yesterday if she would just be my baby a little bit longer. I don't think that will happen, but I guess that's OK. I'll love her to pieces at any age :-)

JACK-O-LANTERNS!

Last night for FHE we carved our pumpkins! Our lesson was on Matthew 5:16, so we talked about how we can be lights. Then we carved our pumpkins and put "our light" into them. Aaron was impressed that I could put a spiritual touch on a normally pagan holiday :-) The kids designed their own pumpkins on paper and scooped out the pumpkin goo. They aren't quite old enough to carve them on their own yet.Rylie's pumpkin is on the far left. She wanted a happy pumpkin. If you can believe it, Kaeli's pumpkin is the next one over. She wanted a scary pumpkin. Sara's pumpkin looks just like her...big eyes and only two bottom teeth. Sammy's pumpkin is on the far right. He wanted a "cute and dorky" pumpkin. I hope you are enjoying this FUN holiday!

TRICK OR TREAT!

OK, so I am jumping the gun a little bit on Halloween! But you never know what the weather will be like on Halloween Night. The kids loved dressing up and I loved getting them ready...even if it took most of the morning :-) I hope you love Halloween as much as I do. Enjoy!

PUMPKIN PATCH

We went to a pumpkin patch this afternoon and the kids picked out their very own pumpkins! Sara seemed the most content to sit in the wagon while I pulled her around. Rylie found a tiny pumpkin that was perfectly round. She kept saying, "I LOVE this pumpkin!" Kaeli wasn't too picky and choose a pumpkin that looked like it needed a friend. Sammy looked and looked and looked and looked for just the right pumpkin and of course choose a BIG one! The kids endured a few snapshots and we headed home. We can't wait to carve our jack-o-lanterns!

IT'S AUTUMN TIME, IT'S AUTUMN TIME!

Today we drove up Butterfield Canyon in search of some Autumn scenery and crunchy leaves! Here is what we found:

Sara and I kept each other warm :-)

Kaeli, Rylie, & Sam

SNOWBIRD SKI RESORT

On Saturday we drove up to Snowbird Ski Resort and rode the tram up to the top of the mountain!Here is Sara and I waiting in line to board the tram. It was chilly.

When we got to the top it was snowing. We had white-out conditions so we weren't able to see much. But it was still FUN. The kids and Aaron threw snowballs and got their fill of snow...for NOW! The kids kept asking us if we were going skiing. We'll have to plan a ski trip this winter.

Sara and Daddy...oh so cute :-)

Sara was so cute all bundled up that we couldn't help but take a bunch of pictures.

Frenchy Foods!

Aaron was in France last week and tried some new foods! Can you guess what this first picture is?This is Beef Tartare! If you are like me you may not know what tartare is. Well, it's RAW! I'll do sushi, but raw beef? NO WAY! Needless to say, Aaron is more brave than I am when it comes to foods. And he liked it!

This is a popular drink in France. It's a lemon soda mixed with green mint syrup. It's the name of the soda that made us laugh. How would you pronounce it?

Look Who's Walkin'!

Here's a quick flick showing Sara's new moves! She's been on the verge of walking for so long, and now she's finally at the stage where she's walking more than crawling. Of course that means more bumps and owies, but she's rearin' and ready to go despite the falls. Her siblings are so amazed by her walking that they follow her around and cheer as if it's the greatest thing they've ever seen. This gets Sara even more excited and she claps, bounces up and down, and shreeks with glee! What an awesome fan club she has! Sara is 10 months old and SOOOOO AMAZING!

Our Saturday Stroll

WOW, a picture with all of us in it! That's so very RARE! Yesterday we took a little stroll in Cottowood Canyon. It's so pretty up through there. The kids love hikes where there are tons of rocks to climb on. It was just nice to get out and let the kids use up their abundance of energy.
Sara loves the outdoors...must be hereditary! She is so very close to walking. She walks across the living room and can even take turns now. She's wobbly, but oh so cute! I'll try to catch her on video and add it to the blog. Have a good weekend! ''>

Sammy's First Backpacking Trip

On Labor Day Weekend Aaron and Sam went with the scouts on a backpacking trip to Lake Blanche. It was a 2700 foot elevation climb in 2.7 miles, which isn't long, but it is pretty STEEP.

After spending the night at Lake Blanche the boys headed up to Sun Dial Peak...another 1,000 foot elevation gain. It was mostly boulder and rock climbing...which Sammy loves to do!

On the way up Sammy had to go potty and Aaron convinced him to wait a few more minutes until they were at the summit of Sun Dial Peak. Here is Sammy pee-ing at 10,000 feet! Of course Aaron had to hold on to him so he wouldn't loose his balance. Among the 7 boys, only Sam and two other scouts made it to the summit!

Here is a picture of a moose, a big bull. Just a few minutes previous they ran into the cow. They weren't very far apart so they must have been a married couple :-)

Here are some pictures of our Oregon Vacation!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Kaeli and Sam are in 1st and 2nd grades this year!
What cuties!!!

This is Rylie's first year in Preschool!
As you can see, she loved showing off her new outfit.

10 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I am scared of wasps, hornets & abnormally HUGE bumble bees!

2. My favorite color is GREEN.

3. I'd rather work in the yard than do inside chores.

4. When I was a kid I wanted to be an indian when I grew up (as in Native American).

5. I've broken 4 bones: My skull, two bones in my forearm, and my pinky toe.

6. "Bird" is a nick name that my siblings call me for two reasons: 1) I was born with a lot of hair that stood straight up and I somehow resembled a bird & 2) I always seemed to be flying through the air. Of course I never landed very gracefully - see random fact #5.

7. I love my babies and think it's so very RUDE that they keep growing up!

8. I love to be creative & artsy, but rarely find the time.

9. I have been known to start laughing uncontrollably and not beable to stop! Sometimes I even forget what's so funny...,but that just makes it all the more funny!

10. I like to have fresh baked cookies ready for the kids when they come home from school and listen to how their day went. Just like my mom did!