Ice Castle

We took the girls to the Ice Castle in Midway.  They LOVED it, especially since we had just taken them to see Frozen.  We bought the soundtrack and they listened to it and sang the whole way.  We decided to make a weekend out of it.  They of course loved swimming at the hotel.  Getting away as a family is our absolute most favorite thing to do.  We love being home too, but when we are gone there is nothing to worry about, no house to clean or work to do, just quality time with the ones we love most. 

Christmas Party

Troy and Sabra were able to be here for Christmas.  Most everyone sported their ugly sweaters (everyone except for Dustin and I, I was lucky to get my Christmas shopping done).  We had fun spending Christmas Eve with my family then we went to Dustin's Grandma's to carry on our traditions there.  Brinley played Jolly Old St. Nicholas for us on the violin.

Our Family Pictures 2013

Winter in a nutshell

 

Sledding... once

 

skiing... once



 

Went to the Live Nativity

 

The Relief Society Hot Chocolate bar

 

We spent a weekend in Salt lake, met Lora and Kemish at Temple Square to see the lights.  They were beautiful!

 

 

It's been a while

I haven't "really" blogged for a while.  I miss it sometimes.  So here's a few things that have been on my mind:

1. I'm addicted to pretty things.  Seriously, I am!  Call it lame, materialistic, unnecessary, fluff... whatever, but I like things that look good.  There is something about the way pretty things make you feel.
2. I love reliable people.  It's safe to say flaky people are my biggest pet peeve
3. Along with people who share their opinion about EVERYTHING even when you don't ask for it.  Hello, they are called boundaries!  Have you ever read the book Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud?  (Laughing silently)
4. God is real
5. Still hate cancer, I've tried to pretend it doesn't exist, but it doesn't go away.  I know I'm wrong in the way I have ignored it, it's something I intend to work on, but for now I'm happier without it.  Someday I'll run a race for cancer, someday I'll donate more money for a cure, someday I'll do my part, but for now I'm not.
6. I'm a lucky girl to have the husband I do.  He works dang hard to make our dreams come true and right now we're rocking at it. Don't get me wrong, we've had more than our share of mountains to climb, but we're both tough as nails so we're gonna make it.
7.  The sunshine is glorious!  I'm thankful everyday for it's presence in my life.
8.  I want a baby boy, there I said it.  Not today, not nine months from now, but someday.  I'm scared.  I don't know why, well I do know why,  I can talk (and teach) boobs, babies, boys, girl parts and periods no problem, but boy stuff... well that scares the crap out of me.  Plus, I'll always be close to my girls, it's pretty much a guarantee, but boys, I just don't know.  I've convinced myself I'm up for a challenge.  Not today!  Not nine months from now, but someday. 
9.  I think I'm starting to like Yoga, who would have thought?  It's still hard for me to sit still.  I don't relax...ever, but this stretching things is cool.  I even got both of my hands flat on the floor the other day.  No, it wasn't an inverted back bend or anything cool like that, but it's progress
10.  I need to shorten the list of "stuff" I want, after all, it is just stuff (But I WANT it)
11. Sometimes I wonder how I ended up in my family.  I'm such a black sheep.  Actually, I think we all are, not sure how we ended up together.
12.  Looking forward to a glorious trip to Hawaii in approximately 5 years.  I probably won't last that long, but it's a good goal.  5 years!  Yeah, we may need to reconsider.

You Know What They Say...

You know what they say about families that eat dinner together?  Well, I don't know exactly what they say, but it's something about being close and your kids having less of a chance at getting into trouble... staying away from drugs etc.

We always eat dinner as a family.  Whenever possible (practically always) we wait for Dustin to get home from work, bless the food and eat a home cooked meal while sitting together as a family. Always have, always will.  I don't know any different, it's how I grew up. It opens up an opportunity for some good conversations, last night it went like this,

London: (glances over at me and randomly poses the question) "Do you have boobs?"
Me: (a bit puzzled) "Yeah, I have boobs."
London: (pulling her leotard away from her chest and looking down) "Oh, I don't.  We'll have to buy me some."  (now looking at Dustin) "not for you, just for me okay Dad."
Brinley: (hardly able to get the words out through her laughter) "You don't buy boobs London, you grow them."

Yep, we are definitely a close family.  Should I be worried about these girls?

Thought For the Day

I’m at peace with my life.  It’s a good feeling.  I feel content with where we are.  I’m happy that we decided to put off moving for a few years.  I’m happy with my decision to work.  We are happy with Dustin’s decision to stay where he’s at.  All of those decisions that seemed to weigh us down a while ago have settled and it’s good to feel peace.  I’m at peace with the things in my life that are hard.  I’m at peace with the fact that I can’t change people or their circumstances.  It stings, but I’m at peace with that.  I’m at peace with the circle of life.  Knowing that there is a God who has a plan so much greater than anything I could come up with on my own allows that peace to sit with me every day.  I’m at peace with the things I cannot change.   I’m at peace with walking away or stepping back from things I loved dearly, but were not right for me.  I’m at peace with the boundaries I have set.   I’m at peace with my past.  I’m at peace with those who have wronged me and trying to make peace with those I have wronged.  I’m at peace with the direction my life is taking me.  I’m so very grateful to feel so much peace in such a trying time in my life. 

Scarecrow Fest

We took the girls to the farm to see the Scarecrow fest.  The Statue of Liberty was our favorite!  But then again I do have a little love for the Statue of Liberty.  I just think it's amazing!

 

Halloween '13

All of our nieces and nephews came trick-or-treating with us this year.  Except for Kaden, he's apparently too old for that now.  Cute Kars came late so we didn't get a picture of him.  The kids had a blast tick-or-treating together then we went to Steve and Jill's for their traditional Halloween dinner.  Yum!

Beautiful People

"I think happiness is what makes you pretty. Period.  Happy people are beautiful.  They become like a mirror and they reflect that happiness."

-Drew Barrymore