Bah-hum-bug! and Changing My Attitude...

The post for this should say Sunday Dec. 23. But I can't figure out how to fix it. Sorry it's driving me crazy!

"All the Whos down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did not. The Grinch hated Christmas - the whole Christmas season. Oh, please don't ask why, no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. Or maybe his head wasn't screwed on just right. But I think that the best reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. "

I have had a really hard time this year getting into the Christmas spirit. I usually am crazy about all the Christmas festivities, and all their is to do. But this year I haven't wanted to do anything. I keep thinking about what I need to do different for next year. What was my problem this year? And I really think I've had too much on my plate to enjoy anything. I've brought on too many projects that need to be finished before Christmas and it's now the 23rd at 10:30 and I'm still trying to wrap them up. I guess that's what Dallin H. Oaks was talking about in his Conference talk:

Recognize the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.(Dallin H. Oaks)

The past couple of days have been good for me. My friend Brandi held a Gratitude luncheon at her home on Thursday. It was a good afternoon without kids and yummy food. She had everybody bring an item that represented something they were grateful for in 2007. It was great to hear the many different things that my friends and neighbors are appreciative of. Some of the things we sometimes take for granted everyday. It was a great time to stop and reflect.

Then today we had a great sacrament meeting program we lots of pretty songs. But in Primary is were I really was touched today (And when that happens I am REALLY grateful for it!) A class in senior primary had sharing time, and towards the end all the kids shared something that they had learned throughout the year. It was so touching to hear their thoughts and testimonies. Sundays are SO hard sometimes and hearing them bear testimony just makes it all worth it.

Then after church we went with Mikes family to the cemetery to visit his dad and take a wreath to his grave. It was nice to be their with his whole family. The kids like to go their a lot and sing Christmas carols to him and talk with him. But it was nice being there with everybody. In fact we had gone their earlier that morning and the kids sat and sang songs to him and then they each talked to him for a little while. Brayden said, "All I want for Christmas if for you to come home." And Kaylee said, "Mom, when is Jesus gonna let him come back? I don't know why he would take him away from us right before Christmas" It's so hard explaining and comforting them. But a fond memory Brayden has with his Grandpa was going to Temple square. We were able to go tonight with Brooks and Lindsay. It was a lot of fun, really cold though. Another great way to get me into the Christmas spirit. I still have a few things to do tomorrow, other then that. I think I'm ready. I truly am greatful for this Christmas season. But I am SO looking forward to the week after Christmas (Mike will be home!)

Merry Christmas!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Last night we planned a fun night and invited Grandma Sonia over for Sunday dinner and Christmas decorating. We didn't get much done but it was fun enjoying each other's company we sang Christmas carols and had a good time. The kids enjoyed cuddling with Grandma more then putting up the tree. But in the end, the tree got up.
Brayden got to put the top of the tree on, he was so proud of himself. This morning Mike woke up and made us all breakfast and he put the kids breakfast on the "special" plate and Brayden said "Oh yeah, I'm special cause I put the top of the tree on huh?" I didn't know it would mean so much to him.

Afterwards Kade and Kaylee wanted to be lifted up just like Brayden had.
Kaylee had to do a full on cheerleader pose though....
After getting all my Christmas stuff out and listening to Christmas music it's made me start thinking about some of my favorite Christmas things. Here are a few....

Favorite Christmas CD: Josh Groban NOEL SO, SO, SO Good If you like Christmas music

Favorite Christmas Movie: Polar Express. My Grandma used to read the book to us every year. So I have great memories of that story. I was so excited when they came out with the movie. It's now my kids favorite too!

Favorite Christmas Activity: Looking at Christmas Lights, Going to Winder Dairy and getting scones, and decorating Gingerbread houses

Favorite Christmas Smell: Hobble Creek Cinnamon Vanilla Candle & Bath & Body Plug Ins in Pumpkin

Favorite Christmas Appetizer:

Cheese Ball

8 oz cream cheese

flat can crushed pineapple (drain)

mix with a hand mixer

Green Pepper 2 Tbsp Grated

1/2 tsp accent

sliced almonds-crushed

Mix together

Lay nuts on Seran wrap put cream cheese ball on nuts and roll up in wrap. make sure the nuts are covering the outer edge of the cream cheese. Chill and then serve with crackers.

We have had this at every Christmas party I can ever remember. Yummy.

Favorite Christmas Dessert: Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake

1yellow cake mix *reserve 1 cup cake mix to be used later*

To the rest of the cake mix add:

1 egg

1/2 butter or margarine softened

Mix and press in the bottom of 9x13 pan and set aside.

Mix together

1 can pumpkin (29 oz size)

4 eggs

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 1/3 cup evaporated milk

1 tsp salt

2 tsp pumpkin spice

(or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves)

Pour mixture over cake mixture in cake pan

Combine :

1 cup reserved cake mix

1 tsp cinnamon

3 Tbsp butter or margarine

Crumble over pumpkin mixture

Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes

Hope you enjoy some of my favorites!

So TOTALLY cool

I'm posting this a couple days late cause our house has been attacked by the stomach flu. If anybody has any secret home remedies for cleaning up throw up out of carpet, Getting your child to sleep through the night, Making the smell go away, Or any secrets for sanity please post:) Once it hit Mike and I, My sanity flew out the window. But here are some fun pics from us at Highschool Musical On Ice. We took Brayden and Kaylee on Friday night and they had a ball. They danced and sang they whole time! The moment they pulled Troy's shirt off and Kaylee started screaming I knew I was in trouble, since she is only 4! I heard her say many times throughout the night, "Oh, I wish I was Gabriella!" It was fun seeing them so excited.



These are the snowcones Mike bought them. When he got back from buying them I asked how much he spent, he just said...."Don't ask. I feel like I just got taken advantaged of." I think we spent more on the snowcones then on the actual tickets...oh well. They will always have a memory of High school musical.

Memories

In Remembrance

William (Bill) Frank Davis
1947-2007

The end has finally come after his short battle with cancer. Thanks to all who have been there for our family. Bill was a great example to me in the way he lived his life. He was a quiet giant, a hard worker, easy to please, eager to lend a hand and enjoyed the simple things in life. Even as his illness progressed, he kept a positive attitude and upbeat spirit and left us an example to follow as we face our personal adversities. Even in the end he was thinking of others, he wanted to make sure he didn't go on Mike's birthday...and he made sure of that. He went out of this world as he wanted to. Bill you are always in our hearts and will be sorely missed. You are now in a better place where you can continue to lead our family from above. I'm sure your already running free playing soccer.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 14th, from 6-8PM at the Broomhead Funeral Home, 12590 S. 2200 W., Riverton and one hour prior to funeral services. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 15th, from 11-Noon at the LDS Chapel on 10227 S. 4000 W. Burial: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley, Riverton.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

I just want to wish a quick Happy Birthday to my sweetheart. I hope we can make today a good day for him, he deserves it. The last couple days have been really rough for him and I'm sure the next couple will be even worse. But if we can make today good, then my mission will be accomplished. Mike is the best husband one could ask for. Mike and I have so much fun together. He definately is my best friend! We look forward to our tv nights when we get to cuddle on the couch with our treats and watch our shows. We giggle and laugh, he definately knows how to lighten my mood. He knows how to keep me going when I get down, wether it's bringing me Cafe Rio in the middle of the day, or booking a massage for me, or just stopping on his way home from work and buying me flowers and a Dr Pepper. He always has my best interest in mind. He is my best supporter, and the best father to my kids. He is always so happy, upbeat and friendly to everybody. Mike is always giving me hugs and kisses and complimenting me. He is definately an example to me everyday, and a constant reminder of the spouse I need to be. I love you honey, and I hope this day ends up being a happy one.

Brayden...how do I love thee

Brayden had the chance to go over to my sister-in-law's house the other day. She shot some awsome pics of them playing in the leaves. They just recently moved back to Utah from Boise (if anybody is looking for an orthodontist I know a great one I can refer them too :) It has been so fun having some cousins around to play with.

These boys are crazy! But I am going to have some awesome shots to blow up for his new room.

Josh, Avery, and Brayden

Hope you Had a Happy Halloween!

Yes, Yes, I'm posting more pictures of my kids. I'm sorry I feel like that is all I am posting lately, that and sappy sad news. I'm sorry I will try and come up with something uplifting and happy to post in the near future. We had a great Halloween. On Tuesday we carved pumpkins with the kids and then took them to a haunted house that a family in Mike's parent's ward puts on. They water it down a bit for the little ones, but they LOVED it. So for anybody interested next year, it was AWESOME! On Wednesday we were all woken up bright and early by our little Kaylee telling us all "Happy Halloween!" They had a good time trick-or-treating and especially seeing all their friends in costume. This was Kade's first real experience with Halloween. He was mesmerized that people were freely handing out candy to him. He would just stand at their door and dance, so excited!

Our Little Tinkerbell
Brayden was a Death Rider, he just wanted to be scary this year.
Kade totally got into character as a pirate.
Happy Halloween!

Ending the Season....Undeafeated!

The Midas Creek Fireballs did it this season, they went undefeated. Although technically they aren't supposed to keep score, all the kids are on the sidelines taking note. And then there is Brayden taking his own personal stats for the game. I finally brought the video camera to the game and missed it every time he scored. Get this, the other team showed up in their Halloween costumes, so I was to busy zooming in on Optimus Prime and Captain Jack Sparrow. I think I am fired from video duty. OOPS.
Three Generations of Great Soccer Players Here is the Cheerleading Section. Kaylee has voiced that she would like to play soccer next year. But for the sake of humiliating herself I think she should stay sitting down cheering for her brother. We need to get her involved in dance again, maybe that will get her mind off soccer.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAL!!!
Good job Brayden, you had a great season. You are a natural soccer player like your dad and your Grandpa. Keep up the hard work your practice is paying off. Grandpa was really excited that the weather was nice today and he got to come watch you play. You've grown alot as a soccer player since last year. Good job bud!

Happy Birthday Papa Kenny!

Last night we got to go over to my mom's and celebrate Kenny's (my step dad) birthday. I just wanted to wish him a quick Happy Birthday. We are so grateful he is in our lives. He is such a great grandpa to the kids. They always look forward to the time they get to go play with Papa Kenny. He is always engaged with the kids, even during those hard years of his life. He never made them feel like he was sick and he wasn't able to play. Even if he had to grab his crutches to kick the soccer ball with . He is either busy playing soccer, football, wrestling, playing golf, Xbox or letting Kaylee paint his fingernails. And he isn't afraid to go to work at Home Depot the next day and show off his manicure. We are greatful that Kenny came into my mom's life, and our life! Happy Birthday!

Hopefully we get to benefit from the ice cream maker. No pressure.....
Why is it that brother's need to endlessly torment and tease their sisters? I should destroy him with this blog and bring out old baby photo's and embaressing high school pictures. Maybe I will one day...stay tuned.
Kade just enjoying life, and his pizza. Thanks for the fun night of pizza and dessert!

Children are like snowflakes. No two are alike

MOM! I'M READY TO PLAY IN THE SNOW!

Sunday was a great day around our house. The day started bright and early for Mike and I. This is usually never a good thing in my eyes, but it ended up being a lot of fun. The kids were mesmerized my the snow that was covering the ground and they instantly wanted to go outside and play. So we got everybody all bundled up and we all went outside and built a snowman. This was Kade's first real experience with snow and he loved it! He just kept throwing himself face down in the snow! Mike's

Grandparents from Idaho Falls and aunt from Oregon came into town this weekend to visit Grandpa Bill. So since it was Regional Conference this weekend we decided to stay home

and spend sometime visiting with them. It was hard saying goodbye to them and watching them leave, they knew it would probably be the last time they would see him again. It was good they had the chance to come and visit. Overall it was a great day spending time with the family. Life is so crazy all the time...especially Sundays. We don't get many opportunities to just hang out and relax. Sunday was a great day of family fun.

The Kid's snowman they named him "Frosty"
aren't they original

Happy Halloween

I took the kids to Gardner Village to see the Witches,
and take some fun Halloween pictures. The problem was
Kade was so intrigued with the witches that he didn't
want to sit still for the pictures....what was I thinking?
He didn't have a problem sitting still for the cookie I
bought him afterward though.

Father's

The greatest gift I ever had came from God,

and I call him Father.

We are greatful for the Father's we have in our lives.