Aunt Jolene

Doug's sister, Jolene was in town for a friends wedding, and we were able to spend some quality time with her for the first time really ever. Like the fun aunt she is, she brought squeaking lizards for the boys, dress up shoes for Soph, and a darling outfit from Gymboree for Jennie. We fondued, marble towered, cuddled and chatted about our families and the fun futures ahead of all of us, memorable all around. If you look closely, well actually you don't have to look too close to see that my Sophia looks quite a bit like her aunt Jolene, I would love my daughter to grow into an amazing and beautiful woman like her aunt. I hope she gets some sleep now that she's finally home.

Snowboarding

We were invited to our good friend Simon's birthday party this weekend. On the agenda was sledding, and we came properly equipped, but when Joe noticed that Simon had brought his old and new snowboard along, he just had to try it. The sled sat idle while Joseph attempted to master his new extreme sport. I thought he did pretty good for his first try, and only 5 years old. Not caught on video was my feeble attempt at the sport, a lame fall never has to be documented.

Reunion

President Hinkley, our dear Prophet since 1995, died last night. I only had a few moments of sadness before I realized what a great moment this must be for him. He has lived every moment of his life for his family, his faith, all the people of this earth, and his sweet wife. The news reported that he attended all of his scheduled meetings and appointments till just this past Friday, WOW! He died like I would love to, at 97, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. I've prayed for him often over the years, and for the last couple of years many of my prayers for him have been to ask for his comfort in the obvious loneliness since his wife's passing. I'm so happy that they are together again, and that he also is able to embrace his friend Jesus Christ. What an amazing man, what an amazing life, what an amazing legacy for the people of this earth.

Speedy, Mohawk, Spot, Silver and White

Dalton and Joseph received $5 gift cards from Grandma and Grandpa "C" this Christmas. They haven't really had the chance to spend them till now. I explained that spending them entirely on candy was inadvisable, and that they will appreciate them more if they buy something longer lasting. While I was perusing the 75% off Christmas stuff they noticed the fish aisle across the way and begged to head down it, I couldn't say no. We have the tank, gravel, filter, and food left over from Fish Todd (may he rest in peace). The 3 goldfish were only 12 cents each, the 2 ghost shrimp were only 26 cents each, one already died :(, and Dalton splurged on a Tiger Barb for $1.38. They had enough left over to buy themselves a Cadbury egg, and a pack of green gum (who cares what the flavor is, the wrapper is green!). They actually have some money left over and they plan to combine it, to decorate the tank further, (they both think the fish would like a cave), but that will have to wait for another day.

Picky

Doug has always loved Aunt Jemimas Butter lite syrup, and I've always liked real maple syrup. So, I've made a point to keep them both in the pantry. We ran out, and I made the mistake of taking all 4 kids to the store with me while syrup was on the list. What am I supposed to do when their parents are picky too?

Someday Over the Rainbow?

I'm pretty sure I'll never get this good, but it's worth a try. Check out Tommy Emmanuel playing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on YouTube.

Sledding

Jace, Jake, Addie, Joseph, Dalton, Lisa, myself and then later Kimbur, Adelle, and Lilly enjoyed the fresh blanket of winter with a sledding excursion. At the beginning of this season, my boys could last 45 minutes tops. Today we were out there for over 2 hours, and I don't think all of them were finished. Dalton caught the most air. Joseph helped Adelle carry her sled up the hill. Jake had the best attitude after a crash. Jace was always looking for the newest and best slope. Addie helped in every situation (pulling sleds up, building jumps, sharing sleds). It was a great afternoon, made only greater with hot cocoa at the end.

Seven

Jennie has been consistently going down between 10pm and 11pm, and waking up around 4am. We've gotten used to the sparse four, five or six hours of continuous sleep. Well last night she went down at 9:30pm, and didn't wake till 4:30am... add it up... that's SEVEN hours of sleep! Wish I was smart enough to sleep with her :(.

Jennie's tummy time

Jennie really did roll over several times before I shot the video... just not when I shot the video. She's super cute anyway. Enjoy!

My 31st Birthday

I had a wonderful, perfect normal day. I enjoyed my girls, my book, my guitar, my cake, my roses, my institute class, my endless phone calls, e-mails, cards, and texts. All I wanted for my birthday was to feel special, and that's what I got. Just a perfect normal day.