New Year, Less Mess...

Okay, I officially started cleaning out the leftovers from the last year. I am starting with my bedroom. (Hello, things I haven't wore in over 2 years!) It seems like all I have been doing this morning is sneeze. Who knew things laying around collected so much dust? ;) I am waiting until the kids go back to school on Monday before I tackle their rooms. Then I can secretly throw things away. I think I will save the kitchen for last, because I really want to organize my cookbooks and magazines, and the last time I did that, it took me almost 3 days. So Happy New Year to everyone, and let's make it a good one!

Gifts

My dad made these for the kids-they are so cool. He is a big Lewis & Clark and Sacagawea collector, and has got the kids hooked, too. He got the coins, stamps, and pictures, then made the mat and frames and put them all together. He is so talented!

Four Generations at Christmas

I am so thankful all of my family lives near and we can be together on the holidays. Here is a picture of us girls-4 generations! We had dinner Christmas Eve at our house, then everyone came back for breakfast in the morning. We played Wii games, put puzzles together, and hung out. I think it was one of the best Christmases I've ever had. Especially since I got three new books to read! Thanks Jen, Mom, and David.

Bunko at my house

I just hosted bunko for December. Can I just say that I love to host parties? I love the whole thing-what's on the menu, how do I decorate, is everything clean enough? I could totally do this all the time. What more could you ask for than 15 of your coolest friends hanging out, having a meal, playing a game, and then getting to take something home for your efforts?

Tagged

Cyndee tagged me, so here is my picture. This is the fourth file, fourth picture. It is of Chase at 2 asleep in his crib at our old house. Looks just like Ryan, huh.

Halloween Decorations

As you all know, Halloween is my favorite holiday. Here is my house all decked out-during the day. At night I have lights around the door. In front is my graveyard, (pretty easy to make when you have an unfinished flower bed!) and the ghosts playing ring around the rosie.

Happy Birthday

Sunday was David's birthday . I think he still looks as young as the day we met (he was only 23). He is still so handsome! Artie took this picture of us at the wedding last weekend, and I love it. David is a generally happy person, but this is the look I see and love the most. It means he's content, even if he isn't smiling. So happy birthday David, and here's to many more.

My new sister-in-law

David's brother Rob got married on Saturday. It was so beautiful in the park, but COLD! Jennifer is an only child like me, so it is so fun for us to have so many brothers and sisters now. I am glad she is part of the family-we like her a lot! Hannah and Chase got to be part of the wedding, and so did their cousin Angelina. Don't they all look adorable?

Lynnette did my hair before we left, I LOVE IT! It is a huge change, but looks so much better than it did. Having that last kid made my hair look like dirty dishwater. I feel young and saucy now. :)

Halloween Bunko

We all dressed up for Bunko last night, and here is the result. In case you can't figure out what I dressed up as, let's just say you don't remember much about the 80's! Hannah watched me crimp my hair, and asked did you really do that to your hair? Then she saw me peg my pants, and she asked why would you do that to your pants? She was totally mystified. I, on the other hand was awash in memories. How could looking so dorky still feel so right? Anyway, it was totally rad, and like, fer sure, one fun night. ;)

Sand Dunes

My parents took us to the sand dunes. Way fun! We climbed up this huge one so many times I actually lost a pound. Ryan kept saying, Mama, wanna go up! Finally dad helped me because I couldn't take any more. Hannah and Chase just literally ran up. How do they do that?

Friends

One of the things I am thankful for is the great friends my kids have had so far. We are still really depressed that Megan moved... But hopefully Brady and Russ will stick around for a while. I think that my kids have been good for their friends, too, which is one thing I have always hoped they would be. I myself have had a lot of good friends in my lifetime, and still do. Thanks to all of you for putting up with me all these years! Love ya!

I must say...

I must say that the wii fit is worth every (expensive) penny. Not only is it a good workout, it is also fun! Hannah and I have a little competition going. She gets so mad when I beat her at one of the exercises or games. But even though I am older, she can still kick my butt on some of them. I am down 18 lbs since June, but people still think I'm pregnant because I carry all my weight in my stomach. Just the other day we went to walmart and there was a guy handing out stickers at the entrance. He gave one to Hannah, Chase and Ryan, and as we were walking off, he said, "Don't think I'm fresh, but every kid gets a sticker." and he then put one on my stomach. Boy that sure made my night!:(

Bye David

David flew out to Knoxville on Sunday to do some work on the new facility out there. I sure wish I could have went-I've always wanted to go there. We have so much going on during the week. Gymnastics, piano, karate, clogging, scouts-and I only have 3 kids! I can't believe how much I can get done during the day now, though, with Hannah and Chase gone all day. Ryan seems to like being all alone with Mama too. The minute I sit down, he heads for the books. "Ryan read!" he always says. So I sneak in a couple of pages of my own book while he's hunting down his next one.

Fun at Bunko

Last night we travelled to the country for Bunko. Jessica's house was so cool. Yay to me for winning a prize! Everyone was nice enough to agree to move it to Thursdays. I love having this night out to have fun with friends. I love my family, but darnit-I need a break from them once in a while! It definitely makes me a better (and happier) mom. I got such a kick out of Sam and Mandy. You can't hardly tell them apart!

Labor day weekend we went to Boise and had a big barbeque at Artie and Heather's. Chase ended up puking one night, Ryan puked one morning, and we were all sick by the time we came home. Sorry to everyone if they got sick too. We did have a lot of fun, though. And to clarify, it wasn't the cooking! I think we brought a bug with us.

Here is Hannah, Angelina, David, Rob, Jeff and Debbie. Ryan is climbing out of the pool in the background.

On our way home, we came upon a horrible accident. A lady went the wrong way down an on ramp and ran head on into a semi. It was awful, and had just happened when we drove by. Luckily the kids were watching their movie and didn't see it.

Here we go...

I have always wanted to do this, and all my friends started, so I am too. We'll see if I'm any good at it.