DECK THE HALLS

This is my favorite time of year !! I had One of my trees up before Thanksgiving and the other up the day after. My lights are strung, the pine bows are hung along with the holly and mistletoe!



The Halls are Decked the Party's Started the Lists are made and the Christmas Cards will be out this week!!!! Hope I have all of your current addresses friends and family!!!!






Here's a little preview..............





LIFE IS GOOD !!




I hope everyone has a Safe and Happy Holiday and that we all remember that Christmas come in 3 levels. (Taken from an article out of I believe the Washington Post several years ago.)

THREE LEVEL OF CHRISTMAS

...... Let's call the first one the Santa Claus level.....It's the level at which we eat too much and spend too much and do too much and enjoy every minute of it. We love the Santa Claus level of Christmas.

But there is a higher more beautiful level. Let's call it the Silent Night level...... It's the level of the crowded Inn and the silent holy moment in a dark stable when the Son of Man came to earth.... How beautiful and meaningful it is, how infinitely poorer we would be without this sacred second level of Christmas.

These two levels don't last. They can't.

The trees dry out and the needles fall. The feast is over and the dieting begins.

The second level of the Baby Jesus can't last.The angels the star and the shepherd, that holy night itself, can't long satisfy humanity's basic need. The man who keeps Christ in the manger will, in the end, be disappointed and empty.

For Christmas to last all year long, for it to grow in beauty and meaning and purpose, for it t have the power to change lives, we must celebrate it at the third level, that of the adult Christ. It is at this level- not as an infant- that our Savior brings His gifts of lasting joy, peace, and hope.

It was the adult Christ who reached out and touched the untouchable, who loved the unlovable, who so loved us ALL that even in His agony on the cross He prayed forgiveness for His enemies.

This is the Christ, the adult Christ, who gave us the perfect example, and asked us to follow Him.

Merry Christmas All !!!

I am ThAnKkfUl FoR.....

Thanksgiving was spent at home with just our little family this year. I had to work in the afternoon so we stayed home and had a cozy little turkey dinner. I got up early and made Pumpkin Pies and got everything ready to cook so all Rob had to do was put it in the oven. We pulled out the fine China and and the Crystal glasses- the kids thought that was cool. Carson had a hard time drinking from the stemmed glasses. He spilled on his shirt a few times. It was a good time for a lesson on table etiquette.

We made Hand Turkey Place Cards! The emitting excitement from Carson is overwhelming isn't it? This activity intended for the kids ended up entertaining Rob for hours as the kids were done in 15 minutes. I think it was just an excuses to NOT help peel potatoes!!!

I had my ActiVitY DaYs with the girls and we did Gratitude Journals. We are supposed to write in them the things we are thankful for each day for the upcoming year. I thought I better update and list a few. I have been slacking a bit on the Blog Thing. Or, it could be that I worked 5 out of 6 nights/days over Thanksgiving and I truly have not recovered from it and my sleep (or should I say NO SLEEP) pattern is totally out of WaCK!

" You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: The more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you." - Sarah Ban Breathnack-

I aM ThAnkFul FOr...... (In no particular order)

My Family -(of course)

My Savior Jesus Christ and his Atoning Sacrifice

My Health & the Health of my Children- (1 more year without a visit to PCMC!)

The Chance to meet Aaron this year!

My Job -(sounds weird but it's true some people don't have one)

LaUGhTer! I love to hear my kids laugh!!!

Del Taco's - 3 for $ .99 taco night!!! One less night I have to cook!

Magic Erasers - Love These things!!!

Pictures of Great Memories

My soap from AfRiCa -gets even red dirt out of whites

OnliNe ShoPpIng

GooD FrIeNDs

When Loralee cleans out her CLoSeTs

When I sleep for more than 4 HoUrs

SuNny DayS

WatChIng the LiGhtNing and RaIn wiTh the KidS.

a Black sky full of Shinning Stars

Sunsets and Sun Rises.

I will continue this list throughout the year as I enter things in my Gratitude Journal.

ON TO BASKETBALL !!!!

"How a man plays the game shows something of his character, how he loses shows all of it." - Author Unknown

Carsons team played for the 2008 CHAMPIONSHIP on Saturday and came in second. They have gone undefeated all year long and lost to the Bulldogs 12-20. This is the Bulldogs second year with the Championship title. The boys played well and had a great season just came up short in the end.

I was totally IMPRESSED with Carson and a few of his friends as they ran off the field with tears in their eyes but with their heads held high. They even made an extra effort to congratulate a few of the Bulldogs players on the way out of the stadium. What a great example of LEADERSHIP and SPORTSMANSHIP. I was more proud of that than how he actually played. (However, I was impressed with how he played also!) He had three complete passes and ran one in for a touchdown.

Thanks to all that came to support him. They are already planning for next years season and how they will knock the Bulldogs off of their championship streak. As for now it's on to BASKETBALL!!

I have to include a few Cambria-izms for the week.

#1 As I stated previously they call Carson Ocho Uno because his number is 81....

So Cambria is in the stands leading the cheers saying "Go Nacho Uno! Go Nacho Uno!" (I guess we need to work on the Spanish.)

#2 Where do kids come up with this?....... (Parents - watch what you say)

Since the recent elections we have had some interesting conversations at our house. The first one was about John McCain. Cambria was worried about who I was voting for because she heard at school that McCain was going to make the kids go to and extra day of school. "Mom, do you realize that we will have to go to school on SATURDAY!"

The other was about Obama - Cambria heard at school that... "If Obama was elected he was going to make all the white people slaves." Needless to say we had to have a chat about slavery, tolerance, and most of all about not listening to the other kids at school!

NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN

Aaron totally disapproved :( of the latest photos that I posted and so he gave me some specific instructions for my blog.

First:

He said he looks "gross" like he forgot how to smile and he wanted the other pictures off, but no can do my friend! They are the only ones in 17 years that I have of us together, so until we see each other again for "retakes", then they stay. However, here are some of his Senior pictures that he just got back so I will post these in hopes he can redeem himself. (I like the others too but I'm a bit bias)

Second:

I could only post these pictures if I put the song "Hearts burst into Fire" by Bullet for my Valentine on my play list. I was going to Negotiate this but I listened to it and it's better that I thought it was going to be so I will be compliant with this one. It does get a little heavy at the end fair warning to those like my mom.

This is Aarons "BABY" his Lexus is 300 with body kit he put on himself. (He is very good that that kind of stuff) Just another talent of his.

Aaron and his dog Porsha

Aaron is a Senior at Lone Peak High School this year. His favorite class is Aquaculture. (I had to add that, it kills me it's really a class.) He is and intern for a psychiatrist in the area and receives school credit for working there. He is thinking about pursuing psychiatry as a career.

ALMOST 18 YEARS of WAITING

......... I'm at a loss for words which doesn't happen too often......

I finally met Aaron on Tuesday the 4th of November and he is AWESOME! He and his dad were on their way to Vegas to a car show and they stopped in St. George over night. I met them for dinner and then he and his friend Jon came out to the house so he could meet Rob and the kids.

He played with the kids and showed us all pictures. We just talked and hung out until 1:00am (Sorry Jeff). He is extremely talented. He races motocross. He's in a band and plays the piano, guitar, and the drums.

He tuned Cambria's Hannah Montana guitar and played that for a little bit. The kids think he is super cool. Carson especially likes his car.

I am so grateful to his parents for sharing him with me and also for the many opportunities they have provided him so far. It is everything I had hoped and prayed for.

I consider myself very fortunate to have met him and I hope that we can see more of each other and spend more time together in the future.

Thank You Jeff and Ronalee! and Thanks Aaron your the BEST we all love you!

TRICKY TREAT

Halloween was so much fun this year. It always is, but this year it was especially fun to watch Cyrie and Boston "TRICKY TREAT".

They would walk house to house holding hands and gibber gabbing with each other. Cyrie would yell "TRICKY TREAT, WHERE ARE YOU TRICKY TREAT!" as they were walking down the street. They thought it was so cool that they could just knock on the door of the houses with lights and they would get a treat. They would say "Thank You" and wave bye bye. It was super cute.

Carson and Cambria went with a whole group of kids their age through the neighborhood. They had a blast.

OUR HALLOWEEN FAMILY TRADITION

After the Trick or Treating was done we prepared for our annual Halloween Tradition of TOILET PAPERING with the older kids. We gathered as many pumpkins as we could and then started on our houses. We did 3 houses, went to breakfast and then did our Target House last.

The Target House got ALL the pumpkins over the front lawn and down the driveway, and 32 Rolls of Toilet Paper!

Due to the possibility of REVENGE, there are no pictures to be posted here!!!!

Happy Birthday X 5

Cyrie turned two along with 4 of her cousins so we had a big family party for all the 5 babies. It was combined with our annual Pumpkin Party. We had Scary Slow-Cooked Chili, Halloweenies, Skeleton Bone Breadsticks, Carmel Apples, Kitty Litter Cake and Witches Brew. The kids dressed up in their Costumes and had a parade and danced to the Halloween Mix consisting of the Monster Mash, Ghostbusters, Super Freak, and more. Each baby had their own pumpkin cake and we sang Happy Birthday and then we decorated our Pumpkins.

TOP: Cambria, Brilee, Brianna, Carson

BOTTOM: Kenya, Shauna, Cyrie, Keegan, Boston, Darley, Riggun

Lot's of sweet treats!

MOmmY I'M sO ConFuSEd!!

After the kids got started on the pumpkins we realized that Cyrie might be a little confused........ She has been disciplined for the last few months for drawing on walls, furniture, and herself, but now she was able to paint on pumpkins and all over her, and now it's so cute.

There was a lot of Black going on this year for some reason.

CaMBriA lOOkiNg SiLlY

THEY CALL HIM OCHO UNO

Cedar vs Hurricane 6-36
Pine View vs Hurricane 8-38
Snow Canyon Green vs Hurricane 6-19
Desert Hills vs Hurricane 0-12
Hurricane vs Virgin Valley 13-6



Virgin Valley won the playoff last year and have been undefeated for the last 14 games. We beat them in overtime! What a game I was so nervous for the boys I wanted to throw up. Especially during the playoff part. For those who don't know they flip to see who has the ball first and then they start at the 5 yard line and they have 4 downs to score. We scored on the second down and then scored the extra point. Virgin Valley was up next at the 5 yard line. We held them from scoring and won the game. The Hurricane Tiger 4th Grade remains undefeated! Carson almost had an interception and missed 2 passes that would have resulted in touchdowns. Next game!





They have 3 more games to go .......
Snow Canyon white, Dixie, and Cedar 1 more time.


RED BLACK LETS GO ATTACK

Cambria is doing a cheer camp this weekend and will preform at Hurricane High Schools football game at half time this Friday.

Cambria always has a lot to say and most the time it doesn't make sence. Thus, the Cambri-isms.

Just some examples:
Flowered Surgar (Interpretation Powdered Sugar)
When playing cards she will "Shovel" them.
Pom Pom Trees - (Interpretation Palm Trees)
"This pool has a lot of calories in it" - ( Interpretation, a lot of Chlorine)

I was working one night and Carson couldn't sleep because they had been watching Chis Angel Mindfreak. Cambria told me that Carson came into her room and told her that he couldn't sleep. Her advice was "You can do one of three things, you can either count sheep, say a prayer, or tell Rob. But I can't help you cuz I'm tired!" It's great to hear that they take care of each other when I'm not around.








Grandma was here for a few days and Cambria wanted her to put make-up on her. We all know that Cyrie loves make-up (see the last post) so she got right into the action.

CYRIE BROOKE CUTE

Cyrie is talking a mile a minute and there isn't a whole lot that she can't communicate at this point. When she talks to you she calls herself Cyrie Brooke. Example: "Cyrie Book ah chocolate milk" - "Cyrie Book go work it ew"- "Cyrie Book go bye bye" - "Cyrie Book go nite nite" - You get the point. So we were going to Carson football game it was pooring rain and she thought she looked cute with her hat on. Thus the followig pictures. "CYRIE BOOK CUTE MAMA"

(Had SoMe TeChniCal DifFicUltY- SliDe ShOw iS aT tHe tOp)




PURGATORY CUP GOLF

The golf tournament is over! I have been working with our committee on our annual tournament for the past 4 months. It was last Friday at Sandhallow Resort. It turned out great! We had about $6,000. worth of prizes the most we have ever had and it was a lot of fun. We ended up with 28 teams, which was less that we thought it was going to be, but it was still a success. We play 18 holes and then the top 10 teams go on to play a single elimination derby. The derby is the funnest part. We so appreciate all the teams and sponsors that participated as well as Sandhallow Resort. If you haven't been out there yet you have to go. It is the prettiest course in Washington County. I hear the golf is great too.

RealAge My Plan: Fitness

RealAge My Plan: Fitness: "Calendar Age
37.6Difference
-4.1RealAge
33.5"

He's at the 30.... the 20.... the 10....... TOUCHDOWN

Carson had his first game against Cedar City and he got his first touchdown of the season. Jake threw a great pass just over his shoulder as he ran into the end zone. Carson also caught a pass for an extra point. They won 35 - 6. They played Pineview last week and easily defeated them. They stand 2-0 so far and are having lots of fun.

Carson had his birthday party and invited some of his friends over for dinner, games, and a movie. They all came after practice so they were good and smelly. They all had a great time and he had a great birthday. His dad even came down for his party and to watch his football game.

Stay tuned for more highlights of the football season.

HELP ME, HELP YOU!!!!!

Cambria is doing a little better at remembering. We have limited TV time and she has a check list of things to do each day. Mind you they are simple things like do your homework and put it in your backpack, make your bed, brush you teeth, and take your medicine. (Her medicine is put on the table for her each day, she has to move it to put her cereal bowl down and still forgets to take it. Thus the above title .... Help me, Help you) She loves school and was picked to do show and teach (a step up from show and tell) this week. She took her rock collection. She informed me today that she would like me to help her be smarter. Anyone who has some suggestions, I am all ears.

We love Cambria she makes us laugh daily. As Uncle Brian said "I bet being in Cambria's world is really fun, it's probably like being on a good drug!"

WHO IS THAT MASKED BABY?

So I was making lunch for Cyrie one day and there was silence.........

I started calling her and she didn't reply. My search began- her bedroom, Carson's bedroom, then my bedroom. As I entered my bedroom I heard my bathroom drawer shut. I knew instantly what was up since this is not the first time. Apparently I need a harsher discipline for this child since she doesn't care what I say or do at this point in her two year old life! I entered the bathroom and found this! She loves make up and that's all I'm going to say about that.

Although she is busy, busy, busy and always into something, here is a picture that's a bit sweeter.

We went up north for a weekend and while we were up there us girls went with Grandma Scott and Grandma Susan on the Frontrunner train. We went to the Clark Planetarium and the Gateway. The girls played in the water and had a great time. Cyrie loved riding the train because she didn't have to be buckled in a car seat.

BUMP, SET, SPIKE

Helena made the volleyball team at her middle school we are hoping that motivates her to turn her homework in. I know it is hard to remember homework when you go to school. At least it is for Helena and Cambria.

GOING DOWN TO CHINA TOWN

Aaron has been in China with his parents and had a great time. They went to Shanghai and Beijing. Now he has a lot of make up work at school and work. He is interning with a Psychiatrist and is enjoying that. That's what he wants to be when he grows up although he did think that the business market in China was cool. He hasn't sent me pictures to post yet but I know he's been busy.

As for Rob and I we are still doing the same old thing. Managing the kids, work, and trying to stay sane. (I'll take any suggestions for that too!)

So it's time for the OLYMPICS !!!!
I love to watch the olympics and how about the opening ceremonies! That was awsome!

It's also time for back to school. I think that I have washed every ounce of clothing in this house. Backpacks are packed, first day clothes are laid out, monday the lunch money will be paid and then it's off you go. I am kind of sad to see this day, I have really enjoyed having my kids home. Back to school means that I have to find a babysitter on thursdays so I can work my back to back nights.

So the Washington County Fair was the same old germ infested freak show that it always hase been. We went on Saturday night and it was ok until about 7pm and then the freak show started. Teenage boys that wore more makeup that me and the girls that participated in the unspoken contest of who can wear the least amount of clothing. I can't forget the white trach parents that are lucky to have more that 3 teeth, and use a combonation of Jack Daniels and Kentucky Wiskey for mouthwash. Anyone who has ever been to the county fair in any part of the country know what I am talking about.

They older kids still loved going on the old rickety, brokedown, rides that twist you upside down and spin you around until your brain is scrambled. Can you say HAND SANITIZER !!!

Cyrie tried the Carosel and the Oriental Express. She was hanging on me for dear life but she said that she had fun.

The newest addition to her vocabulary is "Thank you very much", "Boat", "Jimmy's funny" (Uncle Jimmy) and anything she hears anyone say. She is the echo that we all hear. She says full sentences if you listen close.

DOWN, SET .........
Carson is starting Football on monday it's the first official practice. Look for news and photo's to come.

TEEN PREP:

It has been fun to have Helena with us for the last few weeks. She is such a teenager. I am getting a taste of the teenage years to come. She is a 13 year old who likes to sleep until 12 noon and eat non-stop. Yet, she remains a tall stick figure! Dang that metabolism thing!

BOATING:

We went boating with Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Leslie when we were up on Ogden last weekend. Everyone tried wakeboarding and we all rode the tube, including the shortest one. Thanks Jim and Leslie! All the kids think Uncle Jimmy is cool. You'll see why when you see the pictures. He is the one that is upside down.

INTRODUCING:

AARON!!! (those who know me well will know who he is!)

Aaron is now 17 years old and it has been fun getting to know him the past few months through e-mails. He's a great guy. This is the latest photo with his girlfriend. (Sorry for those who have teenage daughters, he's taken. I know he's a hotty.)

What Time is it? Summer Time

So Schools out yeah I think I am as excited as the kids are.



Carson ended the year with stellar grades and competed in the hershey track meet and made it to county in the 200, the 400 and the long jump. He was asked to do the relay and took 1st place. He attended a football camp and learned a lot. He is looking forward to the upcoming football season. He is staying up late playing with friends and taking it easy.



Cambria is bored already and has watched every episode of Hannah Montana, That's so Raven, Suite Life of Zack and Cody that has ever been made. I bought her some books to read this summer she is going to start on those.



Cyrie is excited to have her siblings home with her. I think that Nemo is burned out and she has started in on Monsters Inc. and the Increadibles. She is learning every day and is so stinking smart. Her new thing is trying to wink. It is hillarious! She loves to bounce on the trampoline or on the bed. She moved into Cambria's room this week they are both excited about that. We'll see how much sleep the two of them get.



Rob is getting excited to go to the US Open with his brother and for Helena to visit. What a great fathers day present. Fun Fun Fun.



As for me I am still trying to keep up with all the above. This is why I only blog every quarter. We will be planning weekly summer field trips I'll let you know how it goes. Anyway, happy reading and I hope that you all have a great summer also.