Little America

Christmas Tradition

Every year since I was little as a Christmas Tradition my family always goes to Little America (hotel) for Sunday brunch. Of course all of us love the Crepes and that is the line that we head to first. Mike always heads to the omelet line (trying to figure out how to do them himself for Christmas morning) Grandpa Gary (my dad) hits the shrimp and crab table first. Puts his plate on the table and heads out for more. Well our little Rachael loves shrimp, so of course she starts to eat the shrimp that Grandpa brought for himself, starting a little competition as to how long her mother will let her eat these. Oh and the cookies we cant forget those. Grandpa love to take a few home for later, so this year we made him a "Grandpa's Cookie bag I lost track after 5 cookies. Grandpa kept feeding Rachael goodies and she had already told me that she had a tummy ache. I told her no more food but when I wasn't looking Grandpa would sneak her a bite, this went "on for a few minutes. Boy her and Grandpa thought this was the funnest game. I finally told her that she was grounded from her Grandpa and they both laughed so hard they were crying (had to be there) and yes she did get a tummy ache. Erica I had a couple of Crepes for you, they were good but not quite as good as dads. This has been a fun tradition for our family and something that we look forward to every year.

Family and Friends at a Flash basketball game

The kids all earned free tickets to a "FLASH" game. This is an almost pro team that we have here in Orem at Utah Valley University. The kids loving going because they are always giving out free stuff. I think we walked away with 4 T-shirts. We had a great time with the Gillman family.

SNOW

This is what I woke up to this morning. As much as I love the snow (Mike says only because it adds more water to the lakes) I just wish we had it for Christmas day only. I hate to drive in it. The kids always track it through the house. The dog thinks it is the funnest thing to play in. Not to mention all of the accidents and the claims that we get.
It is sure the most peaceful beautiful part of nature to watch. I love it during the evening when it is snowing and everything is bright and fresh outside. I guess that is why I live in Utah. I love all the different seasons. Some better than others of course. As long as I dont have to go anywhere, snow isnt all that bad.
Christmas is just around the corner, and I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the next year bring you much Joy, Love and Happiness. We need to take the time out of our busy days and remember the true meaning of Christmas. We are all so busy these days, me included. Our Christmas cards are on their way, I have been under the weather and I am just now trying to play catch up. Please forgive me, they may be a little late. Happy Holidays

Christmas around the world

Once again Addie had to give a report on a county and their Christmas traditions. She chose Guatemala, that is where Mike served his mission. Their biggest thing that they do for Christmas is Fireworks. There are no laws about fireworks so for a couple of days that is all they do, along with party. They spend more money on fireworks than on Christmas presents themselves. We had to make food from the country. Who really wants to make fried plantain's or tamales? Well not me, so we make Pecan Tarts and a really yummy hot drink. It was all a huge hit and of course Addie got an "A" way to go Addie you are awesome. I must say that I am looking forward to a nice break no homework for 2 weeks. What are we going to do.

Many things to be Thankful for

*A wonderful Husband who love me
*3 beautiful girls will good health
*A home to live in
*Ginger (the family dog)
*Wonderful parents
*Wonderful In-Laws
*The Gospel
*My Testimony
*Good Friends and Neighbors
*Mikes job
*My Freedom
There are many more things that I am thankful for. But most of all for Jesus Christ and the many sacrifices that he made for all of us. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect on the things that we are thankful for. Remember the true meaning of Christmas.We love all of you

THANKSGIVING

We had the opportunity to go and visit Mike's family in St. George for the holiday. We had such a great time. The food was amazing, and the company was great as well. Michelle and I decided we would brave the crowds on Friday morning. Yes we might be a little crazy be we had a blast. We only went to Target and we both got everything we were looking for. The lines we unreal, we standing in line to check out for over an hour. Then off to breakfast we went. The rest of the day was very relaxing. We took the kids and went to Zion National Park. I have never been there before, WOW what a beautiful place. We went to Weeping Rock, a small hike, here you can see water coming right out of the rocks, no one knows why. Brianna had more fun running through the rain drops than anything else. One night we tried to go bowling and the wait was over 2 hours so we went home and "Pulled Taffy" The kids (and some adults) had a blast with this. We spent lots of time with family eating and laughing, what an enjoyable holiday. Thanks Mom Lamb for all your hard work with dinner, it was wonderful. We love you

"WOW"

This years Reflections theme is "WOW" the kids needed to come up with something that "WOW's" them. Addie painted a picture with her Grandma Nancy and decided that she would enter the painting. Well she won an award. Way to go Addie.

Science Fair is over

Addie and her friend Eden have been working on a Science Fair project "Tongues with Attitude" they tested about 30 people in different age groups to see if their taste buds change with age. They tested, sugar cubes, pickles, lemon juice etc. It was really fun to see the different facial expressions on the people they tested. They were blind folded so they had no idea what was coming. The girls did an amazing job on their poster, and research. Unfortunately they didn't win and make it to district level, but that is OK. This project is finally over. Way to go girls

radKIDS

As many of you know I am a radKIDS instructor. This is a self empowerment program for children, it teaching kids how to stand up for themselves in the event that someone is bullying them. We teach the kids different techniques they can use to get away from bad situations, if someone is trying to take them or when to identify when someone is trying to trick them. But the most important thing they learn is that if someone is doing something to them that shouldn't be happening, "Its not their fault" and that they have the right to tell a trusted adult. This is an amazing course. It is about 3 weeks long with a simulation on the last day where the children get to show off their stuff to their parents. We have Dean Larsen the regional director for radKIDS come in to help with our simulations. He dresses is a big red (padded) suit and lets the children use their techniques on him. This is their favorite part of the whole course. One of the other things they get to do is hammer fist or pepper "BOB" in the eyes or face. The picture is Dani and myself kissing "BOB" eat your heart out. Dani and I teach together and we love it. This has been a very rewarding opportunity for us. We had a parent tell us just the other day that this has been a huge impact on their family. One of our students told us that she use to be afraid and because of us she isn't afraid anymore. Right there this is worth it. For more information please go to www.radkids.org

Life!!

I first want to apologize for having not updated our blog for a while. We have been very busy at our house with the everyday normal things that there just isn't anything real exciting going on. Here are just a few things.
*Addie is working on her Science Fair project with her really good friend Eden. They have been doing research to see if your taste buds change the older you get. This has been real fun to blindfold people and test different foods on their tongues. The facial expressions are priceless. They have done a phenomenal job on their project. Good Luck girls.
*Next, Mike was just called to be the Elders Quorum President. I know can you believe it. Mike is going to do an amazing job. He is perfect for this. He is quite the people person, very spiritual, and very loving towards others. He is very excited, and so are we.
*I was just asked to be the Vice President of the BNI Marketing Chapter that I attend. For those of you who don't know what this is. I belong to a group that meets once a week to market our businesses. We train each other to be our sales team. We help each others business grow. The position is for 1 year and I am very flattered to have been chosen.
*Another bit of exciting news is that my sister Kim is having another baby and it is finally a "BOY" My parents have 8 granddaughters as of now, and we are finally getting a little boy. We are all very excited but a little nervous, non of us know how to raise boys. But I am sure that we can dress him and I promise it wont be in a dress or anything pink. Congrats Kim
*We are headed to St. George next week for Thanksgiving, so I promise that I will take pictures of everything and have a little bit more exciting entry.

Happy Halloween

As many of you already know I do not like Halloween. I think it is an expensive not needed holiday. I hate spending money on costumes and I don't ever have anything just lying around the house to make things our of. My kids really don't need the candy etc. So this year I told the girls that Mike and I would take them to dinner and out bowling or mini golf, and I would get them their own treat. Well two of the three girls were totally fine with it. Yes you guessed it Rachael was the only one who really wanted to go trick or treating. Trust me I tried everything. The kids needed to dress up for their school parade and class parties. So I bit the bullet and went and purchased costumes. We actually found some pretty good deals at Partyland. Buy 1 get 1 1/2 off. I ended up going to the school for the parade and then I helped out in Brianna's class for the party. I don't think there were any kids that didn't have a costume so I am glad that I let them participate. That evening we had a party with the ward. It was a "Trunk or Treat" it was the first time that the ward tried it and it was wonderful. The kids had a great time and there is a big turnout. The best thing is that we were done by 6:30. Dave and Jessica came over to give the girls a little treat. All in all it wasn't all that bad. I just need to change my attitude. Maybe next year. The really frustrating thing is that we went to dinner with some friends and when we got home they called to tell us that someone had egged their house. They used her Halloween decorations as target practice. Then Saturday money I got up to start cleaning and looked outside to find all of our pumpkins smashed all over the sidewalk and the road. They even smashed one over the fire hydrant on the side of our yard. Rachael was so sad, we were going to carve them that say. A good friend brought us some of theirs so Rachael wouldn't be so sad.

Another home project

Many of you know me and you know that I always have to have a project going. So after the carnival was over it didn't take long for me to tell Mike that I wanted to paint the living room. The color that I originally chose worked great with our other couches. But it wasn't working with the new ones that we purchased. So I decided I wanted a drastic change. So I did it. Mike found a company through a marketing group that he attends and they were doing the first room for 50% off the original price. Mike and I both decided that it would be OK to pay someone to do a project for us. It was great they started at about 9:30 and they were done and cleaned up by 2:00. The company is 5 Star Painting, they are fantastic. (the best part is that Mike didn't have to do it)

Cotton Candy

So here is the picture that I promised. Don't we just look so dang cute. Dani, I really think the pink cotton candy in the hair is the new look for you. Megan as for you, you were smarter than the rest of us to actually put a hat on. And as for Julie, she skipped out early and looked better than the rest of us. Thanks to all of you for your help. It was a great success!!! Get ready for next year.

Last trip for the season

Mike and I along with our good friends Tim and Holly Shanto (and baby)went to St. George for the weekend for one last boating trip. Tim and I have decided that Mike is a fish our of water. He just cant get enough. Although the weather was about
82, the water wasn't anywhere close. I think maybe 63 to 65, yeah it was cold. That didn't stop Mike from getting in. OK it didn't stop any of us. We had a great time and Mike has finally realized that we are done for 7 months, although he doesn't like it he finally admits it.

Hee Haws

I went with Rachael's kindergarten class to Hee Haws. It was actually a fun place. There was a big that weighed 1200 LBS all the kids got a kick out of that. The kids went through a corn maze, on a hay ride, down a big slide and then they got to choose their own pumpkin to take home. They all had a great time.

Fishing

Addie has been bugging Mike all summer to take her fishing. We just had a very busy summer that the opportunity for the two of them only just never happened. Finally because Addie has such good grades and she received the highest score in the class on a test Mike told her that they could go on Saturday before Conference. I don't think she has ever been more excited. They headed up the the lake at 6:00 am and unfortunately they didn't catch anything. At least they didn't bring anything home. I told them they could go on one condition, they couldn't bring home any fish. We have enough from Alaska. They had some great daddy daughter time. And yes Addie loves to fish. She couldn't help but take pictures of everything please enjoy her pictures.

SKATING

We had the opportunity to go skating twice this week, one as a ward activity and the second with some friends for a fun Friday night activity. The night with the ward I figured I would just help the kids since Mike wasn't able to make it. Well after about five minutes and trying to keep up with the kids I gave in and put on a pair of skates. OK before you all worry or start to laugh I did pretty good. I ha vent been on a pair of skates for over 20 years. When I was younger I would go to this same skating rink all of the time. Well it is just like riding a bike. It only took a few minutes and I was back into the grove of things. (so I thought). When we went on Friday Mike said to me that he was just going to ride the scooter. I told him no way you are getting on a pair of skates. Well he opted for the roller blades and he did well. Rachael hung out on the scooter, the time before she got several blisters and wasn't about to put skates on again. Addie and Bri did great, the first night they put roller skates on and then the second time we went they got roller blades, the blades seem to be a little easier. If you haven't skated or bladed in a while what a workout. You have to try it.

It's Autumn Time

This is one of my most favorite times of the year. I just couldn't help but take lots of pictures of all the beautiful leaves. I did this for those of you who don't live in Utah anymore (Erica and Kim) and don't get the chance to see the beautiful mountains and leaves. Enjoy!!!

Family Photo

We ventured out today to get a family photo. It has been four years since we had our last family picture taken (that wasnt at a wedding). We have a good friend in the ward that is a photographer and she took them for us. We went up to Vivian Park up Provo Canyon. Here is how Mike felt about doing family picutres.

Mike was a good sport. He delt with a couple of girls (Addie and Brianna) who dont like bugs and cant stand to get dirty.
In this picture, you can see all of us looking down. We just found ourselves in the middle of an aunt pile. OUCH!!! Thanks Mike for being such a good sport.

Rachael turns 6

I cant believe that my baby is now 6 years old. Rachael wanted to know the exact time that she would be 6 so I told her that it was at 10:29 in the morning. So she kept watching the clock and ever few minutes she would say OK is it time yet, I would tell her that she had 5 more minutes and this went on until it was time. Well once the clock turned to 10:29 she started to scream "Yea I am finally 6" she then came into the bathroom and said "look now I am taller" if only it worked out that way. She had her special day at school and that was fun for her.

We had a little family party, Dave and Jessica came over for a minute. Rachael had her special day at school I was able to go with her and share some "FAVORITES of Rachael's".

Then on Friday we had a small little friends party for her.

They had a fun time making door hangers, we wrote their names on them and then they glued buttons and bows on them. What a fun time she had. Happy Birthday Rach we love you.

CARNIVAL

Many of you know that I have been up to my eyes in Carnival stuff. I have been in charge of our Elementary carnival this year. Well it is finally over, kind of a bitter sweet. I am glad to have this project behind me but I also enjoyed every minute of it. This year we hired a company Fun Services. They brought all of the games and the rides all I had to do was the food and volunteers (pretty easy). Well it was a huge success. Everyone had a great time. As I was walking around checking on everyone I would hear the kids say "this is the best carnival we have every had". What a compliment to me and the group of women who put it on. This wasn't all my doing, I did have help from several wonderful women. I do have a very funny picture of myself and my friend Dani, we were making cotton candy but I have yet to bribe her enough to send it to me. I will post it later when I get it.