Another old lang syne...

I did it!  I made it another year blogging.  Woot woot.  Now what?  Do I commit to next year?  UGH~ I don't know...

We had a banner year!

Found a house in January
Moved in March
New house almost floated away in April
Car accident in May and
Darrin turned 40 (in style)
Aubrey was baptized in July and
I was in Carly's wedding and
A super fun beach camping trip
Laney came in August and
Kids started a new school and
We added Lupe to our family
In Liz's wedding in September
Went to Mexico in October and
Saw Justin Bieber in Concert
Got to see Barbara in concert in November and
Went to Texas for Thanksgiving

What am I forgetting?

I am so thankful that my family is happy and healthy.  I am so happy I have this journal to remind me just how wonderful my life is.

It is 10:30, my night owl (Dalin) is having no problem waiting up for midnight.  My girl (Aubrey) begged me to stay up and I knew full well she wouldn't make it... she is out!  Correction, she is awake, just quiet.  
Nana and Papa are on their way here and car is loaded and ready to go early to the parade :)

Happy New Year to those who read my blog.  All five of you :)  Just kidding.  I think there might be ten of you.

LOVE you all!!

Had to do it...

Had to take this photo at church.  During Sacrament that we stayed in the foyer for... how handsome is my man?  And how cute is he with Laney?

Great grandma and Gordy...

I took the kids up to Lancaster for the day to spend it with grams.  We had a nice visit.  Got to see Gordy.  He looks older.  He made my kids laugh unknowingly of course.  It is so strange how when you get old and are nearing the end you become just like a little child.  He was sticking his tongue out at grams and pretending to punch her and making funny noises  all of which my kids thought were so funny!!  I am so grateful my kids know their great grandparents.  I was Aubrey's age when my great grandma died and I remember her and was very close to her.  

Alzheimer's disease.  VERY sad.  

Love you grams and Gordy! 

Flashback Friday...

For the new year, I am gonna start a new thing... every Friday, I will put an old picture up.  This one is just for laughs!

My favorite sound!

Les Miserables

It was GENIUS just as I hoped it would be!!  I am a happy girl because I got to see it!!  Darrin loved it too!  And I love that he loved it!  I love that he is a softy and we cried together!  Wouldn't have it any other way!!  

A perfect day~

Hey, look at that... Santa showed up

The stair line up...

Laney gets put into position...

Excitement!

"Hey, what you got?"

The aftermath...

The eve of Christmas...

We went to Debs as has been tradition since we have been home.  My kids made out like bandits as has been tradition.  :)

I get to play Santa now...

So happy to have grandmas and grandpas!

Thank you for coming to visit!  We miss you...

Cuties...

Jingle bells...

Practicing our carols!

Poor babies!

Half of us are sick :(

Petite one...

Could it be I have a "little" girl?  Well, her four month check up says so.  She is 11 lbs. 14 oz.  Putting her in the 10-25th percentile in weight.  Keep in mind my babies were all 75th and higher... she is 24 1/2 long putting her in 50th to 75th in height.  She could be my super model!  She is doing great!  I hate that she is four months old already!  UGH~ Stop!

Proud moment!!!!

When you receive the letter that says your child will get an award, you are inevitably proud.  When that award turns out to be the academic excellence award, you are profoundly proud!  When the teacher tells you he could have gotten two awards that day because he has the kindest heart and is so good to other classmates.  Words can't describe the pride running through me!  I love you Dalin.  You are so so sweet.  Stay that way!  Evidently you are really smart too :)

You are all your father!!  

Conversion...

22 years ago I was baptized... more than half of my life!  Wow~  I can see me and the sexy six singing in our white dresses.  I can see Nonnie's dad baptizing me.  I can see my family all there supporting me.    I can remember the feeling!  I am certain that one decision shaped my whole life!

Singing angel!

Aubrey was asked to be in the youth choir for the stake at church.  They had three Christmas performances this weekend.  She was a pro!  The show was amazing!  I was beaming with pride~

4 months old!

Fort time...

Giggles...

Christmas shopping...

We power shopped today!  Left at 10:30 and got home at 5:30, only to get kids to bed and go out to mall and Target and get home again at 11:30!  YAY~

Meggy baby...

My baby!

Oh LOCO~

We got you this time last year!  A little sweet kitty.  You were the highlight of our Christmas!  You and your sister.  So happy you guys joined the family!

So happy!

I have coveted this village for years!  When mom and dad asked if anyone wanted it, I jumped at the chance, and I didn't expect to get it.  But guess what showed up at my house today?!  I was so excited.  Thank you!!!!

A night out...D

We look old and tired!  Oh wait we are old and tired!

D's work party

Christmas party...

Aubrey was asked by her piano teacher to play at the ward Christmas party.  I didn't catch all of it, but I am glad I got some... she is doing so great on the piano!!!

Big sister!

Santa has toys!

And candy!  She was down for that!

Basketball...

was a success.  He enjoyed it and learned a lot!  We shall see if he follows in dad's footsteps!

Visitors...

It is rare that I am in bed by myself... or just D and I for that matter.  Someone is always happy to cuddle!  Tonight it was my little monkey who said I am not tired!!!  MMM Hmmm...

My friend the star...

Jennie is such a hard worker.  She was in a play, well musical, and we went to support her.  She was the best in the show... so proud!

Happy Birthday Princess!

She is three.  My baby is three~ 

Where did November go??

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

here we go!!

Dallas...

Took 12 hours to get there, but it was worth it!  We had a blast!

I got to D's work at 5:15 a.m. on Thanksgiving day.  He was to come out at 5:30.  6:00 rolls around and no Darrin.  6:30 comes and now I am sick.  I know we are not gonna make our flight at 7:30.  What can we do?  I get Julie online looking for other flights.  Mostly for the boys so they can make their game.  Darrin comes out at 6:46.  I FLY to the airport and push them out of the door at 7:15.  They run to their gate only to have them shut the doors in front of them.  :(  They are now on the stand by list for the next two flights... no luck.  It has set in that D won't make the start of the game.  He is devastated!  11:15 flight and he and Dalin make it on.  The girls and I are transfered to the next flights stand by list that leaves at 12:10.  We got on.  Luckily the girls were all angels.  And it was pleasant flight!  Darrin and Dalin made it to the beginning of the second quarter of the game!  Yay~ Jules picks us up at 5:20 and we go to Applebee's for dinner and to watch the game.  It was non traditional to say the least, but it was so fun!

Julz and I did a little black friday shopping that night.  :)

Friday morning was lazy and wonderful.  We got Thanksgiving dinner ready while the boys took kids to a movie.  Dinner was perfect!

Saturday was another lazy day followed by a yummy bbq dinner.

Sunday was church and dinner and then headed back home.

The kids all sobbed leaving their cousins.  They all got along great!  I am so happy we decided to go.  We love you Sivley's.  Miss you tons!  Thank you for a great weekend!

Aunt Chrissy is the best!

We travel to Hollywood to get the boys' haircuts cuz she ROCKS!

Aunt Megs~ you are not to be outdone!  But you live a little too far!  :)

Random cuteness...

She is admiring the blanket that Carrie made!  I can't get enough of it either!!!!

My princess and I like to play headbanz!

She looks so small in this thing!

Bucket list...

I sure need to check tonight's adventure off that list.  I got to see Barbara Streisand in concert!  The best thank you gift, quite possibly the best GIFT ever... Lizzie got them for me as a thank you for having her wedding here.  Darrin was suppose to go and it was to be a fun date night.  Low and behold, he couldn't get off work so Liz got to go.  We had a great night.  Babs looks and sounds amazing for 70 years old!!  She didn't sing enough of her goodies.  But it was still so wonderful to just hear that voice in person.  At the bowl no less.

Thank you Liz for helping make a dream a reality.  Truly a thoughtful perfect gift!

It was cold!  But armed with a blanket and many layers, it wasn't bad!

Best pic I could get...

My perfect souvenir!  

 

My crazy, lazy animals...

12 weeks...

Is it over yet?!

Obama again..................................................................................................................

Beautiful day!

As wonderful as this day was, it was over shadowed by feeling guilty for enjoying it knowing what those on the East coast are going through.  

How cool is this picture?!!!