Finally!

Finally the kids are out for Christmas break! I thought it would never happen. It seems like every other school got out on Friday, but our poor kids had to go through Tuesday! They didn't mind as they were just playing the last 2 days, but I'd rather they were playing with me! I'm selfish that way. I've had a terrible head cold since Saturday, the first one I have had in several years. I have simply GOT to get better by this Saturday since we are staying with Jackson and his ANC is getting pretty low from his chemo. I am downing the vitamin C like nobody's business! Keep your fingers crossed for me! So today we slept in, and it was glorious. Kylie and Brian are on their way to the temple, and I think some baking for the rest of us is in order!
I haven't posted in a while because I still don't have a camera. A post without pictures just isn't the same. I'll tell you, Santa had better bring me a camera in a few days or he will be sleeping outside in the snow! I have felt completely lost without a camera the last couple of months. You might as well take my right arm too! I feel like I have missed so much. Thank heavens I have had my Mother in Law's camera for major events. Don't disappoint me Santa! I really hope to be posting again in a few days, with lots of pictures to share!
It is snowing right now and it makes Christmas break seem more exciting. The kids are loving every minute of it! It is supposed to clear out by the time we leave to Washington, so that's all I care about! Clear roads! We finally got around to watching the First Presidency Christmas devotional Monday night, and we all loved when President Monson instructed us to not only think about what we are going to spend our money on this Christmas, but how are we going to spend our time? I have spent the last day calling all the homeless shelters and other places trying to find a place for us to volunteer. EVERYTHING is full through the holidays! Crazy! I finally found a place for us to serve, after a million phone calls and 2 million transfers all over the place.(At least it felt that way!) Bright and early tomorrow morning we are headed down to Welfare Square for some good old service to be rendered. We can't wait. I have no idea what we will be doing, but I am sure it will be great for the kids. (Brian and I too!) Hope you are all enjoying your break so far! This is such a great season to reflect on our blessings, and they sure are many. Merry Christmas!

WHAT!! My baby is 9!

Man it is really time for a catch up post! I am on a little leave of absence from work right now, but have never felt busier! How does that happen? Although there are about 10 things I need to post about...only one thing matters right now. Yesterday Tyson turned 9! I can't believe my baby is 9 years old! I hate that he is growing up, although he gets more and more fun each year. Tyson is such a character in our family. The boy NEVER holds still. He is jumping, flipping, doing handstands, and moving ALL day long. He is exhausting to watch! It is no wonder I can't get any weight on this boy. He must burn 5,000 calories an hour! Tyson loves basketball, gymnastics, scouts, playing the wii, playing with his friends, singing all the time, and fishing/camping with his Dad. He has decided he likes school this year, although still isn't loving reading like the girls do. He loves math and is quite a whiz at it too. I am so grateful for this little boy in our family. He is almost always happy and is a great helper to me. He is a mamas boy all the way, and I get the privilege of "snuggling" him every night at bed time. That is when he likes to talk my ear off. He is good at stalling bed time! Brian and Tyson spend many hours watching "monster jam", and all kinds of hunting shows, and just talking boy talk. Tyson is so lucky to have a Dad that LOVES being with him every minute that he can. He gets pretty sick of us girls! We had a small party with a few friends and cousins yesterday after school. They started out sledding for an hour or so, then came home for hot chocolate and pizza. Our first big snow storm came just at the right time. Tyson loves sledding! Next they opened presents and then had cake and ice cream. Tyson has such great friends and cousins, and they were so much fun to have all together! After the party was over, we watched Night at the Museum 2, and had popcorn, Tyson's favorite snack.

Tyson REFUSED to wear a hat. Whatever dude!


They were totally bugged I made them stop and pose for a picture!


An awesome nerf sword from Carter! Thank heavens it is nerf!


A sweet pocket knife from Davin! YIKES!


A super fun remote control truck from Wes, Brax, and Dex! He LOVES it!


A Wii accessory kit from G& G Wade. FUN!



His Favorite gift from Mom and Dad. A RIPSTICK with light up wheels! Suhwheet!


As you can tell, Tyson scored once again! It was a great day! Now that sledding is over, the snow needs to melt so he can ride his ripstick! I think waiting until April is going to be torture! Happy Birthday Buddy! We love you to pieces!