christmas highlights

Christmas Day at the Plumley's

Kelly and I cooking good comfort food!

Cousins!

Sarah and Bailey and David Archuletta!

Christmas Eve with my sisters!

Grandma was a trooper to go out into the icy, windy tundra to build the first, official, snowman!
Awe....Christmas Morn!!!!!

Noah's favorite stocking stuffer!

And they gave him a binkie, and laid him in a manger...

Jenna's favorite present from Santa was her new 3 pack of Minnie Mouse underwear!

Bailey's favorite present from Santa was her Webkins!

Brighton

Shreddin!

Bowling!

Turned off the Wii!

Dinner at Cucina Toscana with one of my best friends in the whole world! What could be better?

Sledding with the Plumley's and Archie's-one of the funnest winter time activities!

My girls and their dress up fetishes!!!! The ensembles are endless!

Kelly and I before leaving to the Access Developement party!


We have some Christmas traditions that we enjoy every year and then there is just the spontaneous that we love too. I'm lucky that my mom provided a few of these traditions for us as she does every year. We enjoyed our favorite holiday treat which she has made since I guess her marriage to my dad?? She makes a German sweet bread called "Stolen." Have you heard of it? It is a round loaf of light, chewy white bread, with candied fruit, nuts and raisins, then topped with an icing and a candied fruit decoration which looks like holly. We slice it thin, toast it in the oven and spread lots of butter on the top! It is one of my very favorite Christmas indulgences. My mom is German so it is a way for us to remember our heritage. Speaking of German, another tradition is that we all sing Silent Night in English and then German and now we have added Spanish for my bro-in-law who is from Mexico and the 2 bro-in-laws who served missions in South America! We always act out the Nativity and now it is fun to have plenty of young, anxious children to play the parts! This year we had the perfect baby Jesus! Holly's little baby, Owen got the part because he is the BEST baby in the world! He just layed there and looked around. I don't know too many 9 month olds that will do that while laying in hay! Some other fun things that we do: We visit at least one elderly widow and bring her gifts. This is so fun for the kids and we all leave feeling a warmth in our hearts. We always go sledding, skiing and just play in the snow! This year I went snow shoeing! It was more work than I thought but very exhilarating! We always buy new games and books for the kids. We sit around after all the electronics have been played and challenge each other with a nice board game! This year we got Bailey and Noah The Darling Book for Girls and the Dangerous Book for Boys. They are so fun to read and to do activities from! Oh! I read a story to the kids which my mom read to me every year for Christmas. It's called A Candle in the Forest and it's my favorite Christmas story of all time! So, there is another borrowed tradition from my parents. Bailey and Noah listened but Sam and Jenna didn't have the attention span. It is long with no pictures. We did open one present on Christmas eve night-new PJ's! Everyone was very happy with their cozy new pajamas. This year I made Wassail for the first time and we all became addicted! I love it! I also got some great new recipes from a cookie exchange I went to at a neighbor's house. My favorite cookie this year was a chocolate pepper cookie (Martha Stewart). Absolutely wonderful! Kelly's favorite was my sister Erin's Gingersnap cookie with lemon glaze. Seriously the BEST Gingerbread cookie EVER! My mom made homemade marshmallow caramels that were a definite favorite. I don't know how many I ate but tread mill, here I come! I had a few dinner parties at our house and we enjoyed visiting at our friend's homes. We went to an annual ornament exchange at my friend Chaton's house and it was a blast as usual! Also, we had Kelly's Co Christmas party in Salt Lake at the first of the month-very nice! Our church had a Christmas breakfast that we enjoyed and the kids got to participate in the Nativity that they performed with songs, costumes and sweet angelic faces! We had a great gathering with Kelly's family where we exchanged gifts and ate wonderful food. We enjoyed amazing music heard at church and played by our sweet nieces and nephews, including Bailey! I love Christmas for all these reasons! And one more! I love hearing from our dear friends and family who live far and near, to see how their children have grown and to get caught up on their lives! It is always a treat! I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday! Happy New Year!

milestones

As you know, Noah is now eight years old and with that comes some big events, changes or milestones! First, Noah started Cub Scouts! He was very excited to join because he has spent a lot of time with Kelly and the older scouts on trips and at many weekly scout nights! He thinks it's really cool and Kelly is in heaven! Kelly is a huge advocate of Boy Scouts and he will be the perfect helper with Noah's projects. Noah has great leaders who really care about scouting which makes all the difference! Second, Noah was baptized on Dec. 6th! What a big day for him! He was so shy and nervous but once he got in the water he thought it was pretty cool. So it was a memorable, tender, spiritual event and we will look back on it as being one of our best times. We are proud of Noah for all the great things he is doing and for overcoming his fears, challenges and working hard!

at last...twilight, the movie

CAUTION! Don't read this unless you've seen the movie or don't care if there are spoilers! I have to give my two cents on Twilight, which I saw on opening night. I went with Kelly and our good friends, the Bentley's and my sis, Em. We went to the 10:15 show. It was packed, of course! There were giggling girls, giddy adults and uncomfortable guys. When the movie began, there were claps, hoots and howls, and shouting "Summit Entertainment!" Ok, weird, never happened before in any of my theater experiences! I think everyone was wound up and just dying for things to start...and to see Edward. I love the way the movie began, love the narrative by Bella (just like the book). I thought the music choices were perfect! I loved the song played when Bella was leaving! I loved when the Cullen's made their appearance into the cafeteria-very cool, loved the white outfits, the couples walking arm in arm...then EDWARD! He is in black, alone and seems awkward and annoyed. Bella can't take her eyes off of him! Love it! BUT, then the Biology lab scene was a little too humorous/goofy for me. I wanted to see some nails grinding under the table! La Push was well done. I really liked the way Edward saved Bella in the alley and just gave a look to those guys and they backed off. He also peeled out in his hot car and that was pretty cool. I wanted more from the meadow scene, although it was really good, I wanted a kiss or two. My favorite scenes were the baseball game, the fight at the end, basically the second half of the movie! I thought Charlie was perfect, all the Cullen's-Jasper was a little too odd for me though. I loved Mike and Angela. I thought Bella was PERFECT! I really enjoyed the movie just thought it should of had more seriousness and intense kissing from Bella and Edward. I loved the scene were Bella gets bit by James and Edward has to such out the venom. It was very intense, I could feel the desire that Edward had to keep going...I could feel Bella's pain from the venom. It was well done. James did a great job making you believe he was very serious about his job as a tracker and you could see the absolute determination of Edward to kill James and save Bella. I'm going to see it again on Tuesday night with the Passey women so I will probably have more to add then. I wasn't disappointed and thought about the movie for the entire day afterward, I just wanted things slightly different-not so teeny bopper and light but more like the book. Loved the song "Flightless Bird" at the prom, also, "Super Massive Black Hole"-Muse, during the baseball scene! And the Edward's Lulluby- Absolutly beautiful!!!!Perfect! I'd give it maybe 3 1/2 - 4 stars.

I am thankful for...

1. KELLY, without him, nothing would be very fun or worthwhile. Man, I could go on and on but I won't.

2. My children, they really motivate me to be good. I am always watched. My life is all about them right now and will be for many more years. They make things interesting, challenging, exciting and inspiring. I love to see their enthusiasm for the little things in life. They are good kids!

3. I am thankful for my sisters. They are my best friends! Life has never been dull because I always have a sister to talk to, email, and go out with!

4. My home. It is such a wonderful, comfort and it holds our most precious things-our memories and love. It is our sanctuary.

5. My car. It has started snowing and my car handles really well up in these mountains! It has been with us for a long time and has never let us down. I think of the people who have to take public transportation and I see them waiting out in the rain, and I am grateful it's not me!

6. I am thankful that we are all healthy...right now. That is BIG!

7. Kelly's great job-I can stay home with my kids!

8. The gifts that I have been given from my ancestors. I am most grateful for my Grandma who, as a young girl, came to America by herself from Germany. She raised 10 children in the LDS faith. This faith has directed my life and given me purpose.

9. Lessons learned.

10. This country! I know that is generic but really, I love being an American and I am proud of our country, for where we have been and where we are today. I have always been obsessed with other countries and cultures, thinking they are so much more exciting, but not so. This country is amazing and full of rich history! That doesn't mean I will ever stop fantasizing about Europe.

11. Hot showers, hot chocolate, warm coats and hats, my snow boots, Ron, our snow plower, heat, fleece blankets, down anything, comfort food! Can you tell that today is a cold, grey, snowy day? Well, there is something to be said about the little things, right?

12. Feeling happy-laughing, joking, sarcasm. I love to be around people, good friends, family, and I love to see them smile. We have a tremendous ability to make others happy or sad. I love to make a positive impact on other's day. Today is a great day!

13. Talented people who give me joy. I love music, books, plays, movies, dancing, art etc. I am grateful that I can enjoy other's accomplishments and talents in these ways.

14. Last, but surly not least, my beloved parents! I can't say enough good things about them! I love all that they have taught me and all of our fun times together! They are amazing in soooo many ways! They make my life full and happy. They are hard working, resourceful, talented, and loving. They give so much to me and my little family. I am amazed at their energy! I love each and every tradition that they made for us and I still continue many today with my own family.

Nicky is 8!

Look at those rolls!

First Halloween. He hated his costume! But he sure looked cute!

One year old! He loved soccer then and he still loves it now!

Get me out of here already!

Noah with his first best friend in Monterey, CA.

What do I say about my Noah on his birthday? He is my "first and honored son, heir to all I possess!" (Tikki Tikki Tembo) Noah was my biggest baby weighing in at 9 lb. 3 ou. He was my easiest delivery for some odd reason! He was my hardest recovery! I wondered why I couldn't walk the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy! He was born on election day 2000 so I didn't get to vote! Well, he was a healthy child, beautiful and as good as can be! I remember telling a friend of mine when he was two that I couldn't imagine Noah ever doing anything wrong or making me mad because he was literally perfect! He was well behaved, content, sweet, and charming. Well, when 3 hit, it was all over! And we have been struggling since! BUT, he is still the sweetest, most loving and sensitive boy ever! He is a deep thinker and very in tune with other's feelings. I love to have late night conversations about the purpose of life with Noah. He isn't afraid to ask questions! One night, he and Sam found a tampon in the hall closet and Noah wanted to know what it was for! So , I told him! He was fascinated and kept asking questions. Later he told me that he was glad he wasn't a girl! I found dissected tampons in the garbage in the kids bathroom the next day. He had to "see how they looked" and functioned I guess! Noah is a soccer and baseball player. He is good at these two sports and enjoys his games. He loves Pokemon cards (unfortunately) and Lego's. He had a really hard time learning to read but is now doing awesome! He loves to read the scriptures with Bailey and I. It has made a big difference in his attitude and his school work! I'm proud of him for trying and not giving up. Self confidence is vital to a child's happiness and he feels empowered now that reading comes easy to him! Noah loves computer games and loves going to his cousin's houses to play their game cube or whatever games they own! Santa has been asked to bring him his own PS2 or whatever Santa can afford or find! Sam is Noah's buddy and Bailey and Noah get alone really well but the 3 don't mix. Noah's very best friend at school is Matthew who is a "brother from another mother." They met in Kindergarten and have been inseparable ever since! For his birthday, he is taking Matthew, and a couple other friends to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point and then the weekend after he is having a cousin sleepover. I love Noah with all my heart! He is a good boy and he will do great things in life, I can feel it! Yes, he can be a SPAZ and is definitely the class clown and silliest child in the family, but, everyone loves him for it (except his school and Primary teachers!) Happy Birthday Noah! We couldn't imagine life without your wonderful personality and love!

I Voted!

Today Jenna and I went and voted. On our way Jenna asked where we were going. I told her that we were going voting. Jenna thought I said "boating" which she got very excited about. I kept telling her no, V-O-T-I-N-G! She said, "Mom, will you hold me the whole time!" and, "Will it be a little scary?" I said, "no Jenna, voting for the new president of the USA." But still, she thought we were going boating. "Why can't we go boating?" she persisted. "Because it is snowing outside Jen!" She is so cute! Don't you just love kids?!

A Spooky, Wooky Night!

We had a great Halloween this year! The kids had a blast at their school parties, friend parties, trunk or treat, and trick or treating with their cousins!

Fall, In love

One of my very favorite fall splurges is the deliciously tart/sweet, chewy, gooey, mouth watering, crunchy, munchy, caramel apple! Last year my sis, Em, made these delectable wonders for our Halloween bash and I literally fell in love! I told myself that I would make them but never got around to it! This year could not pass by without a good tribute to the caramel apple. So, I spontaneously decided at 9:00 at night to just do it! I made 5 glorious apples that are each different. The last one was a new creation inspired by Bailey, a caramel, peanut butter, Reese's apple! My favorite is the caramel, white chocolate, cinnamon sugar, pecan apple. YUM! So, if you haven't made these babies before, I suggest you go out and buy some apples and get started! Your family will praise you!

There's more!

We thought we had seen all the snow, but in the quiet of the night, it snowed another 5 inches at least! The kids were in heaven! They got out their bibs and boots and tromped threw the deep, powder in our yard! Kel and I sat inside and watched!

"It's Christmas Time!!"

Today, on October 11th, we got our first snow of the season!!!! I was vacuuming in the family room when I saw the snow flakes coming down outside the window. I called the kids in to see and Noah said in a hysteric voice, "It's Christmas time!!" Then Sam came in and said the same thing! So cute! They were so excited that Noah and Jenna immediately went digging for their long forgotten hats and boots! Then later, Bailey couldn't resist the opportunity to scoop some snow from our back deck and eat it! We have a nice coat of snow up here! I was in the grocery store earlier and a couple people were talking about how it was "supposed" to snow today. I didn't want to feel like an ease dropper so I kept my comments to myself, but I wanted to say, "It's been snowing in the mountains for an hour now!" I love the snow, especially like this (not sticking to road). After our errands, we spent the afternoon just being cozy in our warm house, lazily watching the snow fall.

here comes the bride!

Don't you just love weddings?? Sigh...Well, tonight we witnessed a beautiful wedding! Andrea and Killian got married! Andrea is Kelly's sister Wendy's only daughter so this was BIG! Seeing Andrea walk down the aisle was very touching. She is a beautiful girl and has always made good decisions in life, this being the best one! I love the part of the ceremony when the father hands his daughter to her husband! And Killian was moved to tears holding her hand and looking at her for the first time as his wife. I loved it! They are a perfect pair and clearly "soul mates." The kids were a little restless so we had to leave earlier than we wanted to so we wouldn't crash the party! Noah experienced his first taste of champagne when he accidentally drank out of someones glass sitting at our table. He felt really bad about it and wouldn't tell us what was wrong but later confessed to Kelly. He is so cute to worry about that because we have taught him over and over about drugs and alcohol, smoking etc. Later he said he had a stomach ache! Bailey played a beautiful song on the piano while people ate dinner. Jenna ran around eating eclairs and about 6 favors full of Jordan almonds. Sam was "sick" but running around with Chris and Sean all night. He almost took a few pictures with the photographers camera! He loved the coy out in the pond and was very fascinated. Well, it was a great night/party. So good to be with family! Congrats Adrea and Killian! Have fun in Italy!