Santa stopped by..

Stockings were filled Smiles were plentiful

kids were grateful and fun was to be had (Paul won the Wii at work a few days ago, sweeet, since our old one broke)

What a blessed Christmas, they each received one main gift with some stocking stuffers, went for quality not quantity this year. They were thrilled and very thankful.

I had to show the girls stash, a little more then one main gift since theirs were less money and they didn’t get the i-pod touch they asked Santa for. They squealed when they opened our old Blackberry phones, we figured it’s everything they wanted an Ipod to do, and more- takes pictures, plays music, games, organizer... They were thrilled. Sophie carefully tidied up her pile and placed everything on her new folded fleece blanket (left or top ). Sage was too busy to worry about all that, but kept her stuff in a close proximity (right or bottom). It’s great how alike yet how different they are.

An intense game of Tennis. We could’ve stayed in our PJ’s all day relaxing and playing, but the phone started ringing, time to go to Grandma’s and see cousins. That was fun too.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Magical Christmas Eve

Ready for Dad’s work Christmas Party- luncheon.

We even got a warm shower, thanks to Paul and the boys for replacing the water heater last night, so grateful. In spite of the week, it turned out to be a great Christmas! I was beginning to wonder.

Painting pictures for Grandma and Grandpa

Made with love, thanks hon!

Sage was thrilled to be the angel, and Sophie and Trevor enjoyed being the wisemen in the Nativity at Grandma’s, although they put the gift right on baby Jesus' head. My mom asked me to put it together this year, I had to do it quick, but it turned out nice. Then listening to Grandpa read Luke II, fun traditions and night to focus on our Savior.

When it Rains it Pours

Literally. I would much rather be doing a cute Christmas post right now, but this week hasn’t been exactly that. I was looking forward to the holiday break (busy month with work) to relax and enjoy my family this week while Nick is home for Christmas and the kids are out of school.

Week in a nutshell- Monday we found out we’re a victim of Credit Card fraud, we froze everything and spent the next day going through the red tape. That day water started seeping into the girls room due to a seal on the rain gutter gone bad, Paul’s been working on that, hard to seal in the snow and rain though, the garage door was malfunctioning, plus half that day the neighborhood was out of power. That was the day Paul had off this week to “enjoy” his family. (we did escape it all and take the kids to see Tangled, a nice break, the girls loved it). Still trying to find time to organize the Primary for the new year, was going to work on that Monday & Tuesday. At least I got my Christmas Cards out and neighbor gifts delivered over the week-end or it may not have happened :). Today I got my final shopping done (I never wait this long), then came home to a flooded basement (not kidding), our water heater has given out. Really, all I could do was laugh, I’m sure to keep from crying. Our home isn’t that old, had it built 7 1/2 years ago, but everything seems to happen at once, even on the week of Christmas. So who knows what tomorrow will bring, Christmas Eve, but for now we have no running water (I can handle no power much better then no running water). Can you tell blogging is my therapy today? So, chocolate and Christmas treats that neighbor friends delivered for dinner tonight. I guess you could say this is a memorable Christmas.

In the whole spectrum of things, I know these are little things to deal with, although it may not feel that way right now. It may not be a perfect Christmas, but we are blessed with good health, a warm home, the gospel, friends & family… that’s what really matters.

To end with something pleasant, Trevor and the girls first piano recital (Sophie left, Sage right). It was fabulous, for just starting lessons the month before, they have a great teacher and they’re learning fast. Love these cuties!

Have a Merry Christmas! Hope it's dry

Christmas Greetings

It’s always an adventure getting family pictures, so we try to do it early while we're all together. The last one was the choice for cards this year, the originals are clear. Thanks “D” family for the fun photo shoot.

A Very Merry Christmas to all!

A favorite Christmas Tradition

A night I look forward to each year. It was warmer then usual, we enjoyed the Trax train ride down (ya, we could’ve cut our travel time and cost in half by driving, but the kids thought it was cool), the fabulous lights & Nativity, watching Luke II, the reflection pond in front of the Temple, then with hungry tummy’s- filling up at a tasty restaurant before hopping on Trax for the ride home. A few friendly people stopped us to chat, intrigued with our girls. The only downside of the night was, after dinner I couldn't find my phone anywhere, it must've slipped out of my pocket, dang! so we backtracked but most places were closed. Kids didn’t get home until 11:30 on a school night, they didn't seem to mind and slept on the ride home. It was a beautiful night, enjoying the city and great spirit of Temple Square, wish Nick could’ve been ith us. Miss that kid! I didn’t want to lug around my nice camera, so pictures are from my purse camera, they don’t do justice to the beauty of the night, but at least I didn't lose it :). Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

Ho, Ho, Ho- {Sunday Snapshot}

Sophie black, Sage red

Sophie and Sage were thrilled to see Santa (I remember the time they wouldn’t sit on his lap without me right there with them), they have certainly got over that. Santa spent some time talking to each one, so cute, but probably about fell off his chair when he asked what they wanted for Christmas and they both asked for an Ipod Touch. Of course, that’s what Trevor wants so I wasn’t too surprised, although he is 12, not 7 :) Santa told me how lucky I am to have these girls (for sure!), he has 5 boys. wow, blessings too.

The day before Thanksgiving, we had some sweet girltime at the mall while the boys were out hiking and shooting- boytime. We picked out a few things for Grandma, brothers, and friends, then off to see Santa. Then lunch in the food court (nothing like cheese on a stick [deep fried] w/ ice cold lemonade), I can justify eating like that every once in awhile. We checked out the toy store on the way out and the girls changed their minds with what they really want for Christmas (fingers crossed). I’ve always been slow to get my kids electronic devices too early, the Wii is good enough right now. Trust me, I've seen too many teenagers with earphones attached to their ears (mine are close), don’t want to start that at 7.

I love Macy’s this time of year, brings back memories of a display job I had years ago at the mall, all decked out for the holidays. The girls wrote another letter on the way out letting Santa know what they would rather have, feeling safe as they added that Trevor would really like an Ipod Touch, I'm sure counting on him sharing. Good choice, hope Santa’s not confused. Great girltime at the mall!

Click above for more Sunday snapshot posts

Snow Day…

The first day back to school after Thanksgiving Break and it ended up being closed due to the snow. Really?? wish they would’ve told us before getting there, I don’t remember the last time we have missed school due to snow closure, you should’ve heard the squeals of delight in the back seat. So I ditched my “"To Do” list and most of my work for the day and what else can you do but have fun in the white stuff…

Sophie all bundled up

Sage’s beautiful snow angel

Trevor rescuing Bruno from getting buried. Bruno loves the snow but it about buried him today. Then warming up with hot chocolate. Fun day, hope they’re ready for school tomorrow.

Turkey Day

So much to be thankful for!

The boys had some fun boy time yesterday hiking & shooting with their dad, while the girls enjoyed some girl time at the mall (guess who they saw?) So today, we all pitched in to make a wonderful meal. I have to say, the preparation was as enjoyable as the meal- visiting, good music in the background, having them all old enough to help, just working together, Paul said the meal was better then ever, I must agree, successfully, everything was warm at the same time. Then we met up with his family (Tom & Cyrena’s) for pie, good company, and games while the cousins played. It was a delightful Thanksgiving!Slicing fruit 101, thanks Dad!

carefully done

tissue please, dicing onions (don’t mind my fabric swatches in the background, I’m choosing some Roman Shades :)

Sweet surprise homemade cards, they know how to put a smile on my face!

Happy Thanksgiving

Every minute counts- {Sunday Snapshot}

Funny Girl, giving herself bunny ears

Josh & Sage, the girls think their big brothers are the bomb!

A glimpse of Sophie in her lovely antique"ish" dress

favorite time of night (should never post a pic of me reading, oh well)

I have to squeeze in a post- work is so busy lately. I’m thankful for the success and blessings, although sometimes I need to put a hold on new appointments to make sure I’m a mom/wife first. I’ve done a few large Park City jobs lately, one day helping choose and bid 74 window treatments in one home, phew. Good thing I enjoy my job, and I’m thankful for everyone doing there part around home to help things run smoothly, can even justify a cleaning lady again, but I’m especially thankful I can work around my family's schedule, making most appointments while they’re at school. We’re thrilled to have Nick home for Thanksgiving, and meeting his cute friend Lindsay. I’ll have to snatch some pictures next time, it was nice connecting with her mom through our blogs.

It’s also a busy time of year with my church calling, helping get the Primary (the children) organized for a new year. I was over the “Priesthood Preview” tonight, it turned out well with a great spirit. I love the children in our community, I’m thankful for the wonderful ladies I serve with, the Priesthood leaders that care so much about the youth and children, and the great speakers tonight, Josh was one of them, Trevor was helpful too. I received many compliments on Josh’s talk, he’s really growing up and staying strong, a good leader. Below are the clever invitations, you unfold the shirt for the invite, thanks to Martha Stewart- directions here. The boys thought they were great.

“Happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” ~Frederick Keonig

Happy Thanksgiving!

Check out Stephanies neat blog & other posts

Mystery Boxes- {Sunday Snapshot}

Sage

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Sophie

Having fun reading a good book and making a mystery box for their first oral report this year. They did fabulous! So far, so good at their new school, although they really miss their old friends and teachers (Sophie misses you tons Mrs. N). It takes awhile to develop those lasting relationships, but they are adapting well and learning a lot. Their PTC last week was very positive from all of their teachers, you should see their spelling words, bright girls .

Nothing like sharing a good book with your sis!

Click below to view Sunday Snapshots from Stephanie’s great blog