Baptism day

Ty was baptized this last Saturday, the 10th. He was very nervous on Thursday, but by Friday and Saturday he was really excited. Grandma and Grandpa Simmons, Grandma Barbs and Grandpa Hars, Cindy and Kevin, The Poulsen Family, The Stanford Family and Aunt Sharon were all there. Tyler was baptized last out of 8 kids. Shane and Ty both did great, even though the water was freezing.

Happy Birthday Ty!

Can you believe that this guy is already 8! ***as of Dec 29th*** I can't. Where has the time gone?


He's so into:

the Wii
Legos
Star Wars
Drawing and writing stories
playing football with his friends
eating ribs
eating crab
eating
eating
eating. . . especially dinner!

He says things like:

BOO-YAH . . .can you believe it. . .he used to say "I'n dippin a chip!"
So long, SUCKERS! - he's the epitomy of videogame sportsmanship, as you can see.

He is a great big brother
He is an excellent student
He's so excited to be baptized

Happy Birthday buddy! We love you!

Christmas Day

After we read the Christmas Story on Christmas Eve, Shane quizzed the kids on what we read.

Shane: Tyler, who appeared to the shepherds?

Tyler: An angel. . . and I even know his name!

Me and Shane: you do?

Tyler: yeah, his name was Lo

Shane and I laughing hysterically: LO!

Tyler: What, it's spelled LO! Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them.

I love Christmas with kids. . . pure entertainment!

We had such a nice, relaxing day on Christmas. The kids slept until 7, or as we found out later, Ty and Morgan slept until 7. Paige was up throughout the night, asking Tyler if it was time to open presents yet. Hee hee

They ripped through the wrapping around 7:15. . . thanks for the idea FL Theobalds! Santa delivered the goods as promised.

Morgan's new talent is spitting. I'm so glad my kids taught her this, it's very attractive, as you can see.

On Friday, we headed up to Strawberry to sled. Who said you can't have the best of both worlds here in AZ, huh!

This FAMILY picture, courtesy of my hubby, who gave me a camera remote for xmas. hooray! You may be seeing more of me in the future!

There was over a foot of snow, and it sure was cold! My pants were frozen and clicking together at the bottom where the snow was caked on. Tyler sledded long and hard until he couldn't feel his face anymore.

AWWW, aren't these two "special!"

Merry Christmas Eve!

I have actually had 1 hour here at the house when all is calm, all is bright, a Christmas miracle right here in our home. Paige and Morgan have settled down for their long winter naps and Tyler and Shane are at the driving range. The pumpkin pies are baking and the turkey is begging to be stuffed. The Christmas songs are playing in the background and I am feeling very grateful for this season (and not just because the house is quiet, although that doesn't hurt!)

I LOVE Christmas. Christmas Day is not necessarily my favorite, but all of the days that lead up to it. The kids' anticipation, the music and knowing that we will come together to deliver treats and read the Christmas story. I love that people are more kind to each other in general. We spend time thinking of how we will be able to surprise and bring joy to others through gifts and service.

Tonight we will gather together to read of the birth of Christ, and it makes me feel warm inside to know that people everywhere will be doing the same thing before they tuck their little ones in to bed or kiss each other good night. So, Merry Christmas Eve! Enjoy your families, your blessings, and enjoy honoring Christ, who gave us everything!

sunset

The sunsets in AZ are amazing, especially when there is a little weather involved. I know, it rarely happens, (the weather, I mean) but when it does, it comes in full glory. Right before Thanksgiving we had a little rain shower and a full double rainbow clear across the sky. . you could see both ends of it! Unfortunately, we were on our way out of town and my camera was in the trunk. Just Friday night, though I got a shot of this gorgeous sunset. It came straight out of my camera. . no editing here! enjoy!

Hey! That last post was my 100th post. To top that off, I'm done editing pictures for the holidays! Let the playing begin!