Josh’s sweet sixteen- {Sunday Snapshot}

Bad mom (or busy mom), I’m finally getting to Josh’s 16th B-day post, but better late then never... What a fun party it was. He realized a blurb on facebook isn’t the best way to spread the word for invites, some of his friends didn’t know about it, but still a good turnout and great times as my Josh turned 16…

Never too old for a good old fashioned balloon toss

The girls styled his hair, it doesn’t grow long, just bigger- love his curls although time for a cut

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Football Throw, Slide, Diving and a few belly flops

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Spencer getting Sophie drenched, after she got him wet :).

the boys having fun with “Just Dance”

Happy Birthday Josh!

I-pod touch, just what he hoped for but didn’t expect ;) Thanks Mom & Dad!

Josh, you’ve always been a delightful child, and now you’re a joy as a teenager. I’ve had many parents & teachers comment on what a good kid you are, well behaved, respectful. You like to have fun but know when to be serious, and truly care and love those around you. You’re not afraid to stand up for what’s right but you’re respectful to others. You’re an optimistic person with great friends. Your life hasn’t always been a breeze- like the time in 7th grade (when your body was still growing) when all of your good friends made the school basketball team but you. You didn’t let that stop you from supporting them and getting yourself in shape, practicing for next time. You’ve transitioned so well into a large 5A high school after being at a small Charter School for Jr. High, where you were involved in sports, drama, music (guitar), science fair, and student council in 6th grade, maintaining great grades with honors courses. Josh, you’ve been a joy to raise!

Click below for other Sunday Snapshots…

Klondike Derby

I never sleep well on these nights each year, when my boys and their dad are sleeping in the mountains in frigid temperatures. Ya, no cabin, no car, no heater if they need it. The group hiked 5 miles with snow shoes to set up camp for the night. Luckily they had a fire, then made snow caves and some had tents to sleep in. Well, everyone survived and my boys came home for thawing and a nice warm shower. They had a good time and I slept much better the next night.

Sophie in red, Sage in pink

Since all my babysitters were out roughing it, the girls went with me Saturday morning to finish up a shutter deal, to finalize and sign papers. They were excited to go to work with mom, I knew it wouldn’t take long and my client really enjoyed them, making sure they left with cookies. I should take them to work with me more often, I’d get every job :) We headed to IHOP after for a warm breakfast but the wait was too long so we made our own yummy breakfast.

Then a good time playing Trivial Pursuit- kids version, their choice. Cute to see their excitement as they answered most questions correctly, some by process of elimination. Thrilled to get questions on what they have just learned about Paul Revere and the Boston Tea Party... and learned some new things… like it only takes 1 minute to shear a sheep :).

A relaxing morning with some one-on-two girl time.

Someone got asked to Sweethearts Ball…

We found this on our porch last Sunday... Josh had to find the five lettered fish and put it together to see who it was from, clever. After awhile, he grabbed his phone to text her to say “sure, I’ll go”. Well, his first formal dance, he needs a few tips. I suggested he be creative back. So he got some goldfish crackers and put them in a nice dish, tying in with hers, with the answer Y E S on three of the fish, and a note- “Out of all the fish in the sea, I’m really glad you chose me”. Around here, you can’t just ask someone to the dance, the more creative the better, fun memories. Very cute idea K, they’ll have fun!

Temple Square photo shoot

Went with friends, fun times photographing each others families

Of course I love this place, where my sweetie and I were married.

Families are Forever!

A little R & R...

after the holidays.Sage (taken from my Droid, not bad!)

I’ve had a gift card from my sweetie for a message sitting in my purse for over a year now. I’ve been excited to use it but haven’t taken the time. Well, it’s still there and I’m still looking forward to it, but this came close-- some pampering at the spa for the girls while the boys played basketball in the gym. Just what a girl needs.

Homemade Wontons

Gave Nick his choice of dinner before heading back to school, he didn't hesitate and requested homemade Wontons...I pulled out my favorite Wonton recipe and gathered the guys . It’s a group effort, and a great time to catch up on the latest “what movie is this from” quiz. The girls and Trevor can quote lines from about any movie they've seen :).

Sophie made her signature Rocket Wonton, so she’d know which ones are hers

Paul’s were as neat as a pin

and they were as tasty as can be, with a little Kokomo’s sweet and sour sauce

Good choice for dinner Nick, he was thankful to have a homemade meal. Have a great second semester! It's been great having you home for the holidays.

Christmas Day snapshots

at Grandma’s & Grandpa’s

Enjoyable times on Christmas day, it’s always fun catching up and seeing the cousins together. Thanks to our parents for help making it special for everyone! It was a nice Christmas, although my busiest Christmas break ever, I had a couple of large deadlines I had to meet (church & work) that took up most of my break. I’m relieved and happy to say they’re done, but wish I could've spent that time with my family while they were out of school. When I tucked Sophie in tonight, she told me she’s really going to miss me tomorrow and thanked me for being the best mom ever :), even though I feel spread out too thin, and not the best mom, she made my day. Nick goes back to school on Tuesday, it’s been great having him home! He’s preparing for his mission- filling out paperwork, Dr's and Dentists appointments, and had his wisdom teeth pulled last Thursday. He bounced right back. We're so happy for him and his decision to serve the Lord, his example to his brothers, friends & cousins. He'll be missed!

Happy 2011