Christmas 2010

Christmas is always so HECTIC!  Why...why do I let it get so out of control each year.  There is so much to do and buy and go to!  I love it!  My kids are starting to get older and I am pretty sure Eli (and Mike) is the only one who still believes there is a Santa.  It makes me slightly sad...
When the kids were little, we use to track back and forth to both grandparent's home.  It was stressful and taxing.  Mike and I usually ended up arguing Christmas Eve because we had ALWAYS offended one or anothers mother.  It's just how it is at Christmas when you are trying to spend time with everyone!  After Jane passed away, we started having Christmas at home, just our family.  I like it this way so much better.  I think the kids love to stay home and enjoy their goodies.  Everything is low-key and much less stressful.  I hope I can remember this as a grandma.  I'm trying to do this as a mom!  Cutting back this year and enjoying the moment.  Taking things slow when I can.  Taking days off to do nothing.


Baking neighbor gifts!





Pat and Ardy stopped by to join in!





Kelly and Natalie from Kentucky.





I can't wait to put all 860 pieces of that together!





the Nativity




The Shepard




A Wise-woman




Mary



Joseph





Yes, our dog Leo played baby Jesus, sacrilegious I know...don't judge!





Tired parents!




My favorite part of the day when everything is quiet, lights are low, kids are asleep waiting for Santa to come!





Anxious kids waiting Christmas morning!





Grandpa Dick is thinking of starting up a Band...



Thanksgiving Family Cruise

I know..I KNOW!  I do this every year!  I re-commit to blogging more... I am a LAME blogger.  So I am starting over, AGAIN.

We took a trip to California with my parents over Thanksgiving.  We went on a cruise for 3 days to Ensenada Mexico, then spent 3 days in Disneyland.  This was Eli's first cruise and trip to visit Mickey and he was pretty excited!  It was also my parent's first cruise, I am not sure my mom was too excited....
We had a great time on the cruise and Disneyland is always fun.



Ellie had braces put on a couple days before we left!





What's Mexico without the popular hair braiding!





Don't be fooled, it was about 40 degrees, we missed the SUN!





Mike and Gabe mastering the Art of Animal Towel folding



We decided to stay an extra day, which was Thanksgiving.  We spent the day at the beach.  Eli went crazy!  By the end of the day he completely had his pants off and was drenched!  Later that evening we tried to find a place to eat a Thanksgiving dinner in Long Beach.  We ended up eating the WORST food of our lives at Hometown Buffet!  The place was filled with homeless people which I did not mind but it freaked the kids out.  This older lady kept talking to Gabe and bringing him desserts.  She was fond of him because he reminded her of her brother.  Gabe handled it so well!  Mike and I were laughing at the whole episode and I know the kids will never forget this Thanksgiving!

Gabzilla, Alta little league football

We ended Alta little league football this weekend. It lasted a little over 3 months of driving, driving, and driving! Plus, we pretty much spent each Saturday at Gabe's games. I love it! I have mixed emotions each year when it is over. I'll be glad to drive less miles on the car. I look forward to having Gabe eat dinner with us. I will not miss the water jug on the counter top 24/7. Oh, and the stinky, sweaty boy smell in my car and laundry room!   I will miss watching Gabe play! He is awesome and truly loves the sport. He is so incredibly focused at 9 years old! He even scored 6 touchdowns! It is time though, the weather is cold, my house needs some attention, and the holidays are upon me. Until next year buddy!

GAME ON!



Gabe drew this for me one day so I would "understand" football



What to Wear for Family Photos

What to Wear for Family Photos

Here is our family debut, minus 1 husband, on Good Things Utah! Everyone had fun participating even though I look like a single mom! I threatened Eli to just stand there and smile.  He was trying so hard but ended up making hilarious faces!

Just click on the title here and you can see our stardom moment!