Happy Birthday, Mom!

"All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother"

- Abraham Lincoln

"Grandmother- a wonderful mother with lots of practice!"

- Author Unknown

Happy Birthday to the world's most amazing mom, mother-in-law and grandma!

We love you!

Actress

Rian didn't get a whole lot of touches during this game but she really wanted me to get video of her. At half time I told her she needed to get and keep the ball for a little while so I could capture it. As soon as she lost the ball at the end of this clip she immediately looked over at me and asked "did you get that?" Maybe we should have her in acting instead of soccer.

Thanksgiving

Day 1~ We were so fortunate to wake up to a snow storm despite the mere 10% chance of it. It was so fun to look out the window and see beautiful fluffly snowflakes falling. We quickly threw on our warmest attire and headed out to play! Later that day, we took a trip to the mall and then to the ice skating rink.

Day 2~ We pretty much wore the kids out on Monday, so Tuesday was more of a lounge-around-the-house day. You know Jack is tired when he lays still for longer than 10 seconds! That night we went to watch Max play in his hockey game (Go Max!!), and the day came to a close with me dominating in a game of Texas Hold 'Em.

Day 3~ We spent much of day three at Brett and Kim's community center. Playing volleyball, cards, Wii, and of course, in the snow. The moms and daughters all went to see New Moon as well. That night the girls helped Teri make "Pluckin Bread", a tradition in her family.

Day 4~ Thanksgiving. More fun in the snow. Jack built, and subsequently destroyed, a mini snowman, we finally got him on the sled (which he did end up loving!), and the kids had more sledding fun. Dinner was fabulous! Thanks to Teri, Kim and Jacy.

Day 5~ We spent most of the day at Fox Run park. It was the perfect place for our huge family to hang out. There was volleyball, a playground, and a massive field of snow for building a snowman and having a snow ball fight (from which most of the kids ended up in tears!). That night was the adults night out. We went to a yummy hamburger joint, and after stopping by two theaters, only to find out the movie we wanted to see was sold out, ended up sipping hot chocolate and playing games at Pikes Perk coffee shop.

We had such a fabulous time, and are so grateful to have this amazing family. Several times a day, someone would mention the noticeable absence of our parents. We missed them tremendously, and it certainly wasn't the same without them there. But we know that they are doing the Lords work, and while they are gone we will continue to stay the close, strong, loving family that they raised us to be.

GNO's

Two very special nights out with some of my favorite girls!

Megan, Jacy and I had the amazing opportunity to go the SYTYCD tour stop here in Glendale. We made a day out of it; first shopping, then hanging at Jacy's and watching our favorite author on Oprah, then out to dinner before the show. An ENORMOUS thank you to my wonderful brother-in-law, Chris, for the tickets. And another HUGE thank you to my amazing husband for taking Jack to work with him, making it an entirely kid-free day!

Just 6 short days later, I went with 2 of my best gal-pals to see the midnight showing of New Moon! We had such a great time. Who would have thought sitting in a theater for 3 hours, waiting for a movie to start, would go by so fast??? We chatted away, ate LOTS of goodies and laughed endlessly at our juvenile obsession with this Twilight phenomenon!

Colorado Trip 09 Part I

Halloween Video

Halloween

Ward "Trunk or Treat"

Primary Presidency as Rodeo Clowns

Halloween Night

Of course our Halloween would not be complete without a visit to the Monkey House! Once again, Jack was the poor, unsuspecting child to completely freak out!