Happy Birthday to YOU Feef

26 never looked so good!

( well, maybe when I was 26, but that was years ago, so I guess you can take the cake this year!)

Here is the Birthday Girl

Doesn't she look so cute...her cute prego belly at 22 weeks. She is over half way done and "baby girl" will be here in her arms!
Since Feef's birthday is so close to Christmas (which she hates) we went to dinner at Goodwood and spent the evening at home. She got lots of maternity clothes which she modeled for us and by the way, looked so cute around her baby bell.
She must be pregnant, because her very own birthday cake didn't even taste good to her.
Oh well, Carson ate hers, his, and everyone else's that left any crumbs on their plates.

Here's to another year and just think at your next birthday, you will have a 7 month old on your hip! Happy Birthday to you! Hope you got what you wished for with all of the many candles on your cake!!! We love you!

Christmas Day through pictures...

Surprisingly, the kids didn't get up till almost 8 am,

(that NEVER happened at our home when my sister and I were growing up. We would wake up at like 4 or 5 am, but the RULE was no one was able to get out of our rooms till 7 and till mom and dad told us the camera(s) were ready. We would watch The Christmas Story that TBS would play 24 hours on Christmas Eve through Christmas day...but that was way back then, but we still do watch The Christmas Story...that is a classic! You'll shoot your eye out...)

When we got down stairs, we saw that the cookies were gone and that during the night it had snowed A LOT; almost 8 inches easily. I am not sure what this Winter is all about, one day it is in the 50's and we are not wearing coats to NOW in the last week, we have got over a foot of snow!

SANTA CAME! and he left lots of goodies for us all.

Mackenzie got her guitar that she asked for. Watch out Taylor Swift, Kenzie will soon be the new household name for all the tweens.

Delanie got her Nintendo DS, which she think stands for Delanie Springer, hence that is why Santa needed to bring it to her. She is one smart girl.

Carson not only got one remote control car, but 3! He broke the first one in a matter of 10 minutes when he took it down the stairs. Boys will be boys!

AND

Cassidee got her doll house and baby stroller that she asked for.

Santa was good to all of us this year! It was a fun day for all of us. We must have been all really good this year!

During the afternoon, we had visitors!
Feef and Kory came and opened their presents. It was a change for us, this was the FIRST year that we didn't have Feef and Kory with us for Christmas Eve to Christmas morning. It was hard, but we understand that we must share with other family members, we were just lucky to be able to have them when we did.
Also, Dan's parents made the venture out into the snowy weather to come down and see us. The kids love their Opa and Oma so very much and it added to the magic to have them be able to spend part of Christmas Day with us.

Christmas Day came and went so fast, it is a good thing that we were able to have these pictures to remember the happiness and magic that we shared with the ones we love.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Christmas Eve Catch up...

Every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember, we have always made our yummy Christmas Cookies for Santa.

This year, Carson and Cassie really got into the docorating...On each cookie that they frosted, the cookie had a mountain of frosting and an entire jar of sprinkles on it.

That is what makes them extra good.

With the cookies done and Santa's plate ready for him to come...it was almost time for bed, but before the kiddos can go to bed.......it was a sight for sore eyes...

MATCHING JAMMIES FOR ALL OF US!

Santa brought this to us when he came to visit us a couple days ago, and this too is another tradation that I can remember, even when I was a small kid...
Every Christmas we would get new jammies to wear on Christmas morning, (so we look good for all the Christmas pictures... is the real reason.) AND every year we all have to MATCH!

Now, with each year, this is getting harder for us, but some how "Santa" (with a little help from Target this year) seems to always pull through.

The guys are already planning on next years jammie theme...sports team!
We will see who wins...NANA or the Son-in-laws

Now good to bed, Santa will be here soon!

Meet our newest member of our Family:

"Snow Joy" as Mackenzie named our Snow Girl that the kids made today with the help of Pappy.

What do you know, the weathermen got this storm right!

They said it would come and boy, were they right!

So bring on the boots and snow gear and bundle up tight, let's go play in the SNOW!

The Storm started at 9 this morning and even as I am currently writing this...it is still snowing! Dan was out shoveling the snow and says that in that short period of time, it has snowed at least 12 inches!!!

Dan said that he was tired of these petty snow storms that we were having and said that if it was going to snow and make a mess of things, then he wanted it to just dump down...

...Well, so you have Dan to thank for this weather.

So, today includes us all staying in our cozies with the fireplace on, going nowhere and watching the snow fall.

A Perfect Winter day to start the Winter Break for the kids being out of school.

Let it Snow !

Sunday Best - Christmas Edition

Today before church, we had some extra time (which hardly ever happens, we are lucky to even get the soft seats at church) to snap a few pictures in our Christmas Green.

We all were happy with lots of smiles, hair brushed, clothes clean without milk stains from breakfast; pretty much in our Sunday Best.

The mini photo shoot went quick and was easy...the kids know that if they just smile and "ham" up for the camera, they will be done that much quicker.

Also, I think that it helps that from the day that they kids were born, there was a camera in their face and pretty much is almost everyday.

I am lucky to have healthy, darling and beautiful kids;

Yes, they do keep me on my toes and each day is a new adventure, but I LOVE them all so much.

What they give to me is priceless and there is nothing, (OK, maybe less of the whining and for the kids to sleep all night in their own beds.) I would change about any of them.

***Funny Story***

Today at Church, Cassie and Carson's nursery teacher (John Livingstone) came to me and had to fill me in on what happened today...

John was talking to the kids about the real meaning of Christmas and that during this time of year, we should focus on one person...

As John is talking to the kids, he asked them do you know who I am talking about??

(The correct answer should be CHRIST)

Cassie shouts really loud and very proudly..."It's ME, my teacher friend!!!"

Oh my, Leave it to Cassie to tell you what she thinks!

She is such a DIVA!

Everything revolves around her...(so she thinks) and there is NO stopping her.

Cassie you made your teacher laugh, who knows what you will say...You keep all of us on our toes and life interesting!

Naughty Or Nice?

Santa must have been around the neighborhood, because we were playing as a family, when all of the sudden, we heard bells ringing and a jolly Ho Ho Ho...Santa walked through our front door; bringing us all our Christmas jammies for this year and checking to see if we were being naughty or nice.

The kids were so excited to see that Santa came all the way from the North Pole to see them. Each kid sat on Santa's lap and told Santa what they would like for Christmas.

Mackenzie asked for a guitar, she wants to start taking lessons. Delanie asked for a Nintendo DS. She has figured out the DS stands for Delanie Springer. Carson wants a remote control car and Cassidee wants a baby stroller and a doll house.

Santa said that he will see what he can do, but if the kids continue to be good and listen to their teachers and their parents, keep their rooms clean and help with the pets, then the elves might be able to make the kids their special requests.

Here is our family with the big man himself...Santa!

Santa read us a story about believing in Santa and the real reason for Christmas.

Of course, Santa brought us candy canes and our jammies, (be watching for that post, we ALL have matching jammies) told us about the reindeer and told us to leave some of our yummy cookies for him.

Nana and Pappy, also Feef and Kory were also here at the house, when Santa come over...perfect timing ;)

Santa told us to be good and that he will be back in less then a week.

It was a good thing that we were home tonight, this evening was a fun and exciting night.

Seeing Santa and watching him with the kids, I got that much more excited for Christmas morning and saw a bit of that Christmas magic; Something we see only this time of year.

Hope you all can feel the magic this year and remember to be nice, Santa might just stop by.

Oh, and I did find out, that when it is not Christmas Eve, Santa travels around the city in the cutest red and white mini PT Curzer. Santa says it saves on gas and lets the reindeer have a bit more time to relax before the big night. I thought that was the cutest thing and know you know too.

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...."

Kenzie's hard works pays off.

Operation: 2nd Grade Service
The kids in Mackenzie's 2nd grade class have been working very hard the last couple of months on making and tying blankets for the elderly in the local nursing home.

(By the way, Kenzie's teacher, Mrs. Graham is the one wearing the brown cap in the group of kids. When we got there, she looked like one of the kids. She is acually on her knees, but wanted to be with the kids.)

Saturday all their hard work finally paid off.

The kids were not required to come, but if they wanted to delivery the blankets then they were to meet at the care center.

Kenzie was excited to see who got the blanket that she worked on.

When she got there you could that she was a bit nervous and a bit uncomfortable, but when she saw the warm welcomes and smile from the ones who were getting the blankets, she thought that it was a good thing to see the people love the blankets and was even more proud of all of their hard work.

It was good for those kids to see that kind of experience and that people of all ages appreciate special things.

I have to give a shout out to Kenzie's school teacher, Mrs. Graham.

She is a great teacher and Kenzie just loves her. I am grateful for all that she teaches the kids and even though she teaches them the basic skills, with this project with the kids, She taught them more; To Love and Give to one another.

How it is better to give then to receive.

I think that the kids will remember this and now have a new "appreciation" of their hard work.

Way to go Mrs. Graham's 2nd grade class!

Winter has FINALLY come!

We FINALLY got our first Storm of the season and the kids didn't wait long to go and play in it.

The weathermen have been talking/telling us to prepare for storms for the last little bit, but nothing! NO SNOW and the kids were getting upset and very impatient.

QUESTIONS: How can someone be so inaccurate and STILL keep their job??

Weathermen have it made.

If a Surgeon was to do that and cut the wrong person's arm off or even a Underwater Welder was to mess up, would they still have their job?? Just a thought!

Anyways, the kids got their wish FINALLY and spent 10-15 minutes outside (until they got too cold) Just long enough to get their boots wet and track snow on the carpets.

QUESTION: Why is it that it takes longer to bundle the kids up then they are willing to play outside???

Now that Winter has FINALLY made it here in the valley, it can now leave. I enjoyed the last little bit just wearing sweaters with no coats.

The snow can now go away, I would be totally fine with that!

A Night in Bethlehem:

On Saturday night, we attended our Ward Christmas Party.
The night was focused on the night that Christ was born.

We got an "invite" saying that we must be "taxed (bring canned food) and counted" and were to dress in the proper attire. I have to admit, I wasn't excited about the night. The kids wanted Santa and I wanted a short program where I could talk to people.

NOT TONIGHT!

All was quite and full of reverence...two things my family seems to struggle with.

This should be interesting...

When we got to the church, the lights were dimmed, we were given our "coins" to buy our food at the "market" and were ushered into the chapel.

I was a bit worried, Carson and Cassie don't know how to be still and quite, but surprisingly, they were good. A "Roman Soldier" was there and Cassie said "Look, a pirate is here!" Last time I checked there was no pirates at Christ's birth. Carson then processes to say, "Boys do not wear skirts!"

***Note to Self: Reread the birth of Christ again with my children and go over the details again so they know them better.***

So, we enter the gym and the committee (and Dan/Curtis) set up the gym to look like a market square where there was food, crafts, and games for us to play. We were even given gifts of gold, frankincense, and muir to take home to remember this evening.

Members of the ward reenacted the birth of Christ and we all sang Christmas songs.

It really added to the evening.

I have to admit again that even though I had a sour feeling about the evening and honestly not looking forward to it, it ended up turning into a fun and meaningful night for both the kids and even myself.

It was a nice change from the past 2 years, where I had to plan (and be 100% in charge of )the ward parties. Maybe it was because I didn't have a say, things were done for us; decorating/food was prepared by other people, I could relax and enjoy the evening.

Either way, the night was fun and was controlled chaos. The committee did a great job and it was a nice remember of what this season is all about.

"Snow" Much Fun Together!

(This is my Favorite one of Dan and I)

In the past years, we have always had snow on the valley floor this time of year, but this year it is for sure different...NO SNOW, in fact, the ski resorts haven't even had a good season yet.

Well, I wanted snow for our Christmas Card (and I get what I want, most of the time. :) and mother nature just wasn't working with me, thinking that I was smarter then Her, we drove up the canyon, and thinking that we had to head all the way up to Snowbird Ski Resort, we were in for a drive,but about a mile into the canyon, we found snow off the side of the road...not a lot, but enough for the picture.

We dusted off our hats and coats from our closet and bundled up to brave the cold, since we haven't needed them in the valley yet and had some fun playing in the snow (or at least looking like we played.)

The kids lasted for about 20 minutes, just long enough to get some fun pictures and that is all we were looking for.

We got back in the car, headed for Starbucks for their peppermint hot chocolate and were missing the sun in that short period of time.

We came as a family, "played" as a family, and left as a family...

AND I got what I wanted, Happy kids for my Christmas Card; which doesn't happen usually on the first try.

Hope you enjoy your Christmas Card as much as we had fun doing it!

One thing checked off...

...Our 2008 Christmas Card has been sent out!

Boy, it feels good to have another thing checked off my "LIST" and it is nice to see the list get shorter and shorter as Christmas is getting that much closer.

All I have left to do is the wrapping of the presents.

Neighbor gifts are out, Christmas cards are delivered, Teacher gifts are made and ready to give.

I don't cook, so no treats need to be made, except a secret recipe for the best sugar cookies ever and our every fun tradition of Gingerbread Houses.

The Christmas Music is playing, Our house is decorated with lights on the inside and out, one more week of school till Winter break is to begin for the kids.

Hair has been cut, Christmas outfits bought, and Nana/Pappy will be in from Oregon in 5 days.

The ground is covered in snow and there is a chill in the air.
We plan to visit Temple Square to see the lights and go to the mall to get pictures with Santa.

Dogwood work party: Check

"Springer" Party, "Noss" Christmas Party, Durham Sealing at the SLC Temple, School Christmas Party, and Dinner with Friends at the Gateway: All THIS WEEK

The Advent Calendar says just 10 more days till Christmas, and with all of the things "to do" on our long lists, let us also try to remember the REAL reason for this special time of year and enjoy what is left of it. It only comes once a year and I have to admit that it is easy to get "caught up" in the bussle of it all.

This time of year is Magic and if we "Believe" and slow down for just a moment, we all can feel it as well.

Christmas is what you make of it; you want the laughter, the memories, the fun, sharing it with the ones we love, then we need to remember to enjoy the little things.

Enjoy the Holiday Season and don't let it pass you by with all the things you must do, instead think of the things you get to do only this time of year and enjoy it.

Share my smile, give to the needy, love my family, Be Grateful for my blessings, and Remember Christ, these are the things that should be on my "list" this season.

It's a GIRL!

Not for me, silly!

How Dare you think that! Our family is complete with the four kiddos that we have already!

They keep me busy enough!

I am going to be a Auntie again!

My sister "Feef" and her husband Kory are having a baby!

Today the two of them were able to go to the doctor's office and were able to find out that they are having a HEALTHY baby GIRL!

See, Feef and Kory had a "trail" this summer, where they lost their first baby at almost 12 weeks, so it was a rough time for them, but shortly after that, they were blessed again to be pregnant.

Now at 20 weeks, the "baby" is looking good; healthy and a whopping 9 oz. so far.

Yeah! So the "Baby's" due date is May 8th, till then I have 20 weeks to convince the two of them I love the name: Miley NOT Kinnley.

Leave a comment for either Miley or Kinnley, and let your voice be heard,

Majority wins...right??

This week's Star Student is...

Our very own Miss Delanie Grace.

As the Star Student, the kids have to make a poster telling a bit about themselves, which then they have to give a mini presentation to the class about them.

The poster then is on display for the whole rest of the week and they become the "Teacher's Helper."

So here is the finished poster and it says the following:

(Delanie picked everything she felt was important for people to know about her)

Delanie Grace

Age 6

Favorite Color is Pink and Red

Favorite TV show is Sponge Bob

Her Super Powers are:

Nice

Helpful

Creative

Loving

She enjoys shopping with her Mom

Rodeos are fun

She has 2 sisters and 1 brother

When she grows up she wants to be a MOM

She enjoys swimming

She climb mountains with her Opa every year

She plays Soccer and Dances

Favorite thing in school is painting and recess

Favorite activity is reading "I-Spy" books with her Pappy

Enjoys Thanksgiving Point; where she rides horses

Favorite Candy is M&M's and Skittles

Enjoys golf with her Dad

Favorite place is the Beach in Newport California

Here is Delanie in front of her class showing off her poster. I was so proud of her!

When she was finished, the kids are allowed to ask questions about her poster and let her know what they like about it. All the kids get to say something and Lanie gets to pick them. She thought that was neat.

All of the kids were saying they liked swimming and Thanksgiving Point too, she finally gets to the last boy and she calls on him and he yells "I have to go to the Bathroom," the kids all laugh and the teacher said that is the perfect way to end.

(Kids will always be kids and are always so truthful. I love how they tell it the way it is.)

Lanie was able to bring her class doughnuts which she was able to share and pass out.

The Teacher says that they kids all look forward in being the "Star Student." It is their favorite thing in the whole class. She has never had a class get so excited for this part of the class.

So, Lanie, with you being the Star Student, Live it up girl and help out Mrs. M.

You outshine all the kids in your class in my book, but I am your mom!

Conversation with Mackenzie:

Here is the setup:

It is almost 5 am and Dan and I are sleeping in our warm cozy bed. See Dan was up past midnight doing some one's books, I went to bed before 9 with a migraine and we were both up at 2 am with Carson who was having a rough night.

Mackenzie comes into our room

Mackenzie: Dad, Dad, Wake up! I hear something.

Dan: What?!? Let's go back to bed, Hun.

Mackenzie: Dad, the "Santa Watcher" is making some kind of noise. I think Santa is needing something."

Dan and I start to giggling

(Dan gets out of bed to look.)

It was the smoke detector and it was beeping, it needed the battery changed.

Dan: OK Kenzie, you can now go back to your bed.

Mackenzie: No Way! I don't want Santa to "Call" us again during the night. It is weird enough that he "watches" us all the time.

So Kenzie's sleeps on the floor in our room.

What have I done to my kids? With the whole "Santa Watcher" now my kids are uncomfortable in their own home...BUT they at least know that Santa is watching and that is the important thing...RIGHT??!?

Just too excited!

Being that today is ONLY the 4th of December,

Why is all the days of advent calendar already opened?

Looks like Cassie and Carson just can't wait for Christmas to come!
I guess if it was up to them, Christmas would be tomorrow!
Silly Kids, I am not quite ready for Christmas to come, I still need the 20 extra days.
Nice try to making time go that much faster. Christmas will be here before you know it!

We got Spirit...

We got Spirit, Yes We Do, We got Spirit,

HOW ABOUT YOU???

Today we headed up to the Sandy Expo Center for the opening day of the Festival of Trees. Since we went last year and it made such an impact on the girls; all the process go to Primary Children's Hospital and people donate their time and talents either for loved ones who are currently in the hospital or who have died in memory.

It truly is amazing what people can do and it really puts into perspective what is important during this holiday season. Being in the building with the sights and sounds of kids singing and dancing, really gets you into the holiday spirit! Even if you're a Grinch or Scrooge, you can help feeling love and excitement for Christmas!

Here is a sign that was on display...I think that I needed to see it. Here is my "soapbox moment" and I think it's because it is more of a personal need if anything, but this sign slapped me in the face on what I really need to be doing.
Another reason why we went was for our little entertainer: Miss Delanie.
She was able to perform at the festival with her cheer/jazz/tumbling class.

She really enjoys it, one reason is because her good friend Delanie Treu (Yeah, same name with the same spelling...they think that is pretty cool.) is in the class too.

A proud mom moment: My Delanie was the only girl who could do the splits! She really does have a knack at this dance thing...Maybe some of my rhythm rubbed off on her. :)

All in all, the day was a special one; full of Fun, Music and Dance, Gratitude, Family, and we even got to see Santa for the first time this Christmas Season.

I encourage every one who is local to go get into the holiday spirit before the festival of trees is over. It goes until this weekend. I guarantee it will be well worth it.

We got Spirit! How about YOU???

In case you were wondering...

I love my high capacity washer and would recommend then to anyone.

They really do hold a lot of clothes, in fact when we went to buy them, the sales person showed us just how many towels would fit in them...12-14 to be exact,

BUT...

in case you are wondering, two 3 year old twins will fit as well!

I was on the phone when I heard giggling in the laundry room, when I walked in, to my surprise there were Carson and Cassie inside of the washer, BOTH OF THEM! There was some arms and legs that were hanging out, but they didn't seem to care.

I was in such shock that there is no picture, but I am sure you can imagine what they looked like.

So, if you are looking for a washer, maybe a plus in the LG washer is that it fits more then the sales people know. Just in case you were wondering.

Carson and Cassie have saved you in your own experimenting.