Another Congrats to Abbi

Abbi won her division on the district level for the Reflections contest. She entered the photography category and did an amazing job. Funny story: We went up to Donut falls and there was construction on the way up so we got tight on time. Pretty much the whole way up I was telling the kids to hurry up we don't have time etc.. On the way down we were practically running (we needed to get to a soccer game- of course!) and I told the girls "No more pictures unless it is absolutely amazing- I mean it" To little kids everything is absolutely amazing. Abbi actually found the tree stump on our way out. I guess it is amazing because the judges keep putting it through. This is my testimony that I didn't help her at all. If I had had my way, her pictures never would have been shot and we would have been early to the game!

The BIG Easy

Yeah- I finally have time to post some pics of out much anticipated (Merry Christmas Blaine) trip to New Orleans.

Well, they did it. Utah went out 13 and 0, and we were lucky enough to be there! It was awesome. The atmosphere there was awesome. At least seventy thousand people (which literally looked like a sea of red) lined the streets of New Orleans for the big game days before it started. That meant we didn't get to use the car we rented s0 we had to park it for $30 a day-ouch! The food was incredible as expected and the people were very nice. We did a little sight seeing and had fun at the Ute's luncheon. It felt so much like home because we saw so many people that we knew there :)

I'm not going to lie. I did miss the kids, but it was very nice and enjoyable to have a little get-a-way with just Blaine and I! I feel that every parent should schedule a little time off. What a refreshing way to start the year. I am so excited for 2009. It is going to be the best year for our Fam. I have learned (finally) that life is what you make it. It's a lot of work, but we are going to "make it" and create the fun enjoyable life that we want. You should too! We wish you all a very happy new year!

Returned with Honor

We are so excited to have Uncle Ron home from serving in Atlanta. What a refreshing smile he has! We really missed him. He has adjusted very well. Ron and two of my other brothers have already planned their trip to Hawaii in two weeks from now. Oh, to be single again and just get up a leave!! Hey, boys enjoy it while you can.

Anyway, Ron served a faithful mission and all who came in contact with this guy was truly blessed. We hear leaders talk about missionary work and just being kind and serving those who we come in contact with because we don't know what lasting effect it will have on their future conversion. Well, Ron makes a lasting impression on any who he comes in contact with so the faithful Bible Belt region of our country, that is very difficult to convert, was the perfect place to send this Elder. It'll be amazing to someday see all the people that were eventually brought to the truth because of this Elder.

'Tis the Season. . .

I am so excited to tell you all about our Christmas Season we had this year! It was busy, crazy, cold, and busy. . .

My family has a great tradition to play Sub-for-Santa each year in lieu of gifts. We had a very deserving family and I know we were blessed much more than they. I'm so thankful to my family for giving every year. I know this hasn't been the best year financially for a lot of people. But the blessings we receive far out way the cost.

The kids (Blaine included-those who know us well know I have four kids) decided that with all this snow they would build an igloo. We live in a circle so we need to give our thanks to the snow removal person for plowing beautiful mounds of snow (perfect for digging out igloos) in front of our house. This is an on going project as they are actually "icing" the igloo for safety! Our poor neighbors are going to see a mound of ice/snow out their window when everyone else will be looking at daffodils this spring, LOL!

Karli performed in the Annual First Grade performance of the Nutcracker. She was a "Snowflake" dancer and "Glow stick" dancer (just like her older sister last year!). I gotta tell ya, not much beats seeing your daughter up on stage, enjoying every moment.

Abbi and Karli are privileged to be in the same dance class yet another year. I don't think they like being in the same class as much as their busy mom likes it! Hey, one less drop-off and pick-up a week does wonders! They did so awesome. They are both naturals. Too bad they both pick soccer as their on going extra curricular activity. But for now they enjoy doing both and as long as everyone stays sane I'm up for it too!
I've got to give Ty-Man credit. He sits through two recitals back to back every year just to see his sisters dance for a minute and a half. Ya, I'll admit he doesn't have much choice right now but I know if he could choose he would support his sisters. That's my Ty-Guy


This is becoming one of my favorite moments of the season each year. The Christmas studio recital has been great both years we've been apart of it. This year Abbi played "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and didn't miss a note. Her teacher has them focus so much on tone and it really showed in Abbi's performance. Karli played "Away in a Manger" she didn't miss a note either. It's so fun to watch her because she adds so much of her own emotion to the songs she plays. She's our little Drama Queen. . . in this case it worked for her!

How many little kids can say they get to play for a full studio audience a few times a year on a beautifully perfect grand piano? What an awesome start to the season.

TWILIGHT

I hope you enjoy this awesome piano arrangement River Flows in you by Yiruma, AKA Edward's Lullaby; I know I can't get enough. It is now just after ten o'clock p.m. on Thursday night and the first showing of Twilight will be starting shortly. All I can think about right now is poor Marie (one of my YW) and hoping she can stay up through the whole showing, she's really been worried about that. I know she's been prepping for this for awhile now :). I can't see it until Abbi has finished the book. I'm kinda wishing I didn't make that promise now, I may have to wait another week :( Hopefully Hollywood hasn't embellished the romantic scenes too much so she can see it. Marie, you better stay awake so I can find out! LOL.

Congrats Abbi!

Abbi completed level one in her Suzuki training. It took her just over a year, which is pretty good. We held a concert for her in our home so she could show off what she has learned to her family. She played thirty pages of memorized songs! She did great!

We want to thank the whole Fam for supporting her.

It really means a lot.

I apologize, the sound is a little scratchy :(

BACK IN BLACK

view of the "blackout" crowd

This was taken before the game started. Ty was in his usual "game home"
underneath the bleachers.

Karli and Abbi down on the field after the game.

Game Highlights:

The kids looked forward to this one.
We wore black.

It was an exciting game.

The girls rushed the field (safely) with Dad and got some Utah garb.

UTAH WON!