Christmas Program

The kids had their Christmas Singing Program yesterday...and they all did sooooo FANTASTIC! I got better pictures of the boys...but I LOVE this one of Rachel just BELTING out the words to "Jolly Ole' St Nicholas"

Oh my humble Kory...LOVE that kid!

Mr. Photogenic Brock :)

Family Night in December

Okay...so we ALL already KNOW that my Mom is great! Well...she came up with the PERFECT family night for all of us to enjoy! We went down to the Riverwoods Mall, saw Santa and took a Hayride...FABULOUS fun!!! Here are some pictures:

The kids all ANXIOUSLY waiting for their turn on Santa's lap

Rachel had her turn first: "I want LOTS of Barbies"

Then, Brock's turn: "I want an R/C Truck"

Now Kory: "I want a PSP"

After seeing Santa, the kids made an ornament for the tree and wrote letters to Santa to put in the BIG Santa Mailbox.

Next was the Wagon/Hay Ride! We were able to fit 20 of us in ONE Wagon, wow! We got the VIP ride and sang Jingle Bells in our best voices.

Me & my Sweetie on the Wagon Ride :)

The kiddos standing by the LARGE horses

We couldn't have asked for a better night...the weather was beautiful, the kids were great and we were with FAMILY!!! Afterwards we all went to Kneaders for some Hot Chocolate and Cookies, what a FANTASTIC way to end a night!!!

The true SPIRIT of Christmas

In the years past I feel as if I have taken the SPIRIT of Christmas for granted. I have had money to spend, but have never felt a TRUE excitement about everything that is going on around me during such a special season. It is amazing how much spirit you can find in your heart when you are forced to do so. This year has been very trying for our family (financially) as I know it has been for many others as well. I have no money for Christmas, yet I am THRILLED for Christmas! I have taken the time to enjoy the lights, the tree, the decorations with a little more admiration. I have been able to notice how NOT disappointed my kids have been because of our lack of money flow. Actually...they have been more understanding, loving and sharing than I ever imagined. Christmas is NOT about all the BIG things, it is actually about all the little things. It is about LOVE, SHARING, KINDNESS, SERVICE, FORGIVING, SELFLESSNESS...basically all the things that Christ is and has been teaching us that we should be all along.

Christmas is no longer about GIFT(S), but rather...THE Gift. Whatever that gift may be to you. For me, my gift is my FAMILY. I have so much to be grateful for when it comes to family. My parents are such amazing people and have worked so hard to teach and instill true values into me and my siblings, we have learned the true meaning of LOVE and FORGIVENESS because of them. My siblings have also been an important part of my life. I am so grateful for the unconditional love that we share with one another. We can laugh and cry together and give each other warmth whenever needed. I am EXTREMELY grateful for my husband, Clint. Yesterday we celebrated our 13 year Anniversary. We have shared so much together and I am grateful that HE is the one that chose me. I am grateful for my kids. They mean the world to me. I struggle with the thought that they are getting older and I won't be able to be there to protect them at all times. I do pray for them always for protection however and I know they are watched over. They are kids...and do kid things, however, over all...they are GREAT kids! They are compassionate and in tune with me and Clint's needs. It is so nice to be able to go on a date and come home to safe kids and a clean home. I know that is a pretty rare thing for kids to want to do that for their parents. It is little things like that, that make a HUGE difference in our lives and relationship.

I feel that even if the gifts aren't many under the tree this year, for me...I have gained more by recognizing so many (more important) things. I am grateful that Sky challenged me to update my blog and that I could share my true feelings here. For all of you...I hope the true spirit finds you and that you can recognize that one "gift" in your life!

Kory's Baptism

Today was a SPECIAL day! Kory was baptized!!! I am so proud of the young man he is becoming and I know he will work hard to listen to the spirit. :) Here he is with his Dad...who is the one that baptized him. What a special experience and opportunity to have Clint do this for him. Although Clint was a bit nervous, he really did do a great job.

Kory was confirmed by his Grandpa Cox. I felt it was very fitting since my dad has been such a special part of Kory's life (Kory even took on his middle name, Rich). He did a great job and the spirit was so strong, the blessing he gave was so sweet and very touching.

And...here is our little family, just before the baptism began. I can't believe how my kids are growing so fast. I am so grateful for the closeness we have and am so grateful for the friendships that are exsistent in just the five of us. Clint made my day by telling me that I am the rock of our family and it is because of me that our family is close and works well together. How sweet :)

I have to say that the baptism went really well, I so much appreciated all that came and participated. Skyler (my little sis) gave the opening prayer, it was very fitting and beautifully put. Then we had the opening song "When I am baptized", LOVE that song! Miriam (Clint's Mom) gave the first talk on baptism, it went really well. She brought a book that had the ABC's of baptism and Kory really enjoyed listening to everything she had to say. After Clint baptized Kory (with my BIL's Sterling and Scott as witnesses), my Mom gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. It was PERFECT! She brought differents things to symbolize important things in his life...it was GENIUS and truly kept the attention of all the kids...especially since there was CANDY involved. Rachel even told Miriam (after seeing the chocolate kisses) that she can't wait until she gets baptized, ha ha. So...Mom, guess what you have to bring when she gets baptized??? After the talk, my Dad confirmed Kory...it was such a sweet confirmation...talking about Kory standing his tallest when he prays, going on a mission, being an example and getting married in the temple. Oh how I hope for ALL of those things to come to pass! We then closed the meeting with singing "I'm trying to be like Jesus" and Brayden (my bro) gave the closing prayer. It amazes me the maturity he can pull out in order to give such a special prayer.

I am so grateful for my family and Clint's family...and for their willingness in helping to make such a SPECIAL day GREAT!

How can it be???

How is it possible that this little CUTIE can be such a little stinker sometimes? Her room is CONSTANTLY a mess, making us wonder so often if there really is carpet in her room...it seems to ALWAYS be hidden by clothes, clothes, clothes...and more clothes! (possibly from all the changing she does throughout the day...hmmmm)

And...while we are talking about changing. Last night I went to see the movie "Eclipse" with my Mom and sisters. Clint was in charge of the kids and two baseball games. At Kory's game, Rachel snuck off somewhere (not suprising) and so Clint needed to go searching for her. Much to his SUPRISE, when he found her...on the top of a very large mound of dirt, she wasn't wearing ANYTHING but her little panties...ummmm, can you say oops? The only thing she could say was "Daddy, I was just changing". I can only imagine the embarrasment and look on Clint's face, ha ha.

Rachel made her mark again this morning. Clint had hidden some cash (A LOT of cash) inside of a bandaid box...apparantely not such a great hiding place. I was very worried when I looked in the bandaid box this morning and found it EMPTY. First, we asked the boys..."have you seen a large amount of dollars anywhere?" They both said "no". Then, fortunately Clint had remembered that Rachel had hurt her finger yesterday and I guess it hadn't dawned on him that she would go looking for a bandaid. So...after some time of searching, Clint found ALL of the money in Rachel's room...under a very large pile of clothes. Phew!!! Can you say panic?? It was cute however, Clint didn't get mad...just told her to leave things alone that aren't hers. She looked up at him and said "I just wanted to buy something for my birthday". Awwww :)

Anyways...we LOVE her to pieces, but just wish that she didn't choose to be so mischievious so often. :)

Really?

Do you ever just stop right in the middle of your life and think...is this REALLY what I thought I would be doing at this very moment? Well...YEP, I guess lately I have been thinking along these lines! I can think of MANY things to complain about...but I can also think of many things to be grateful for! So...lets just get the negative out of the way:

• Is it really necessary for me to be a provider for my family?? Ummm...yes, it sure is!
• Are my kids CONSTANTLY whining and ungrateful for EVERYTHING? Yes (again)
• Why am I working EVERY day of my life?
• Why am I ALWAYS tired?
• Where do all the CRAZY customers that I deal with daily come from?
• Will I ever learn the word "no"?
• Why can't there be more than 3 hours of FUN in a week?
• When did the baseball field become our second home?
• Why is my house ALWAYS a mess...and the laundry ALWAYS behind?
• Why do my kids get more than I do?
• How do utility companies decide to raise rates and then expect everyone to be able to pay on time?
• Why is it so hard to lose weight...and KEEP IT OFF???

Okay...I'm sure the list can be longer...but I know I am boring everyone. So...we will skip over to the positives, the things I am grateful for :) :

• I have a HARD working husband that worries so much about his families well being.
• My kids have the best of friends right in our little family.
• My business has been a blessing for our family and really...was just really good timing.
• My kids are active, they enjoy the outdoors and LOVE exploring and exercising their talents.
• Tex is my little buddie...I know that no matter what, at least he LOVES me :)
• I have an AMAZING employee that helps my life out more than she may even know!
• I may not be RICH, but somehow there is always enough money to pay the bills and put food on the table.
• I have a great family...that supports and backs me up when I really need them.

And yes...that list is longer too, but at least listing that much down did in fact make me feel better!

I am just really taking each day as a new day. I never know how it will turn out...but I try to begin it with a positive attitude.

Wow...how did I miss that???

I was checking my blog and noticed that I forgot to wish Brock a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY here on his AWESOME day! 10 years ago on Father's Day, we said hello to this little guy! Oh wait...I guess not so little anymore, I can't believe how much he has grown! Here he is with his cool NEW helmet he got from Dad & Mom!

Brock had such a great day! Since him and Kory have birthdays so close to each other...we had a BIG party for the both of them on this day. We invited LOTS of friends, ate pizza, played water games and opened some really great gifts. I am so glad that Brock & Kory are such good friends...they don't mind sharing things with each other, even their own birthday party.

Now, I'm not really sure if Tex enjoyed it...but Clint got the idea to send him down the slide and the kids sure got a kick out of it :)

Happy Birthday Kory

Happy Birthday to my Handsome Kory! I love this little guy SO much! He has been such a considerate little man...thinking of others and sharing all his love. I am so excited for him to be eight. I know he will do great at making good choices throughout his life! I can't wait for the day when we baptize him! Here are some pictures of him playing his FAVORITE sport:

Life is insane!

So..since I don't update this very often, I thought maybe I would today :). I feel like somehow I found the fast forward button on my life and now I am living in it!

Things are going REALLY well with my business, almost TOO good. I have been so busy and am so grateful for all the work that has come in. I am also grateful to have my best friend working by my side. We have our days of yelling at each other, but for the most part it has been great and I can see a change in Clint's mood each day he gets to work with me (for the better, that is). I am learning so many new things with my business, but I know I still have much growing to do. I feel so blessed. My family has been so awesome to help out when we have been in need...I don't know if they even realize how much I appreciate them! My Mom & Clint's Mom have helped me with Rachel when I just feel like we need some time apart, Sterling has helped Clint in applying some stickers, which really helped a BUNCH! Skyler has been an awesome employee and I love her so much and appreciate all she does for me! Most of all...I must say that my Dad has helped us the MOST! I think it will be tough for me when he goes back to work because he really has helped me in SO MANY ways with my business. I love him and I am grateful for all of his time and WILLINGNESS to be there for me when and wherever.

Now for an update on my kiddos. They are all doing great! They are loving school, but are also THRILLED that they will be finished in a month...YIKES! Brock is back into playing Little League and does such a great job at it. Both Brock & Kory are playing Soccer for the city and can't wait for their first game! They were supposed to have one last Saturday...but due to weather, they were cancelled..bummer! Rachel will begin her first year of baseball in a month. I can't wait to see her out playing T-ball. The kids are growing like CRAZY. Brock has grown over an inch in only a month and Kory's feet have grown to be almost the same size as Brock's...so I am sure we will see him get taller soon also. I love watching my kids play together..they truly do have the best of friends right inside of our little family.

I am anxious for summer to begin. Our weather has been so up and down lately that I get dissapointed so often when I wake up and see snow out the window. I know we need the moisture, so I am trying to keep a positive outlook...and hey, with the way that time has been flying, it will be time to go boating before I know it!

So...here's to another month, I will try to update more often. Life gets in the way...but at least I am enjoying it, well sort of :).

Mesquite

Since the weather has been so up and down..and SO SO cold (brrrr) we decided it was time to get away and head South to Mesquite! We went once in February for Presidents Day and then again just last week. We had such a great time visiting with Clint's grandparents and had the bonus of some beautiful weather and time to play in the SUN!!! Here are some random photos...

Yep...I can't believe that Brock is now riding a dirtbike!!! Him and Kory have actually become quite good on them too!

I PROMISE, Kory is not flipping off the camera :)

Tex was pretty scared for the entire car trip to grandmas...this is where he decided that he felt SAFE.

This puppy was SO cute...we ended up babysitting it for Richard's Mom and Brock became REALLY attached to him. This is where Rachel and Ethan were planted for the majority of the weekend. It is good to know that my little Princess has no problem getting dirty still!

I LOVE that cute little face!

Monster Truck Show

In January, me and Clint decided to take the kids to the Monster Truck Show. They LOVED it, definitely a great way to spend a night with the family!

There were a few highlights of the night...the first being when one of the trucks burned up his transmission and the second when Big Foot jumped the large bus. Definitely an amazing thing to watch, and I must say..a little hairy, YIKES!

Even though Rachel LOVED the show...she had her ears covered the ENTIRE time, even with the earplugs in! :)

Christmas 2009

We had such a great Christmas at our home. The kids were excited as always...and even more enthused when they woke to find they had been given what they had asked for...R/C trucks for the boys and a Powerwheels for Rachel. I got clothes...which is REALLY awesome for me!! :)Even Clint got an R/C truck...of course. We couldn't leave out the BIGGEST kid of them all, right?

Rachel's visit with Santa

After Rachel's Preschool Program, she was able to visit with Santa. She told him that she wanted a Powerwheels Barbie Car. She must have been REALLY good because that is exactly what he brought her! :)