Music and the Spoken Word followed by family

Chris and I headed up to Salt Lake this morning to attend Music and the Spoken Word. I had seen it 2 times before and Chris once, but I loved it even more today.

It really started snowing on us as we arrived and the flakes were so big and beautiful.

Following Music and the Spoken Word, we had lunch and then headed back up to Bountiful to visit with David Wade, Heather and their two boys.

Chris and I had a wonderful time visiting with them.

We had so much fun, that we barely got to the airport in time. We dropped off the car, checked in, stood in a super long security line, went to our gate, and walked on the plane. We never even sat down.

However, we got back into Orlando around 11:15 and headed home.

The trip was wonderful and we had such a great time celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary.

Now, back to reality for a few days before we cruise on Thursday!

Do what you want day

Chris and I slept as late as we wanted to this morning and then headed upstairs to have a wonderful breakfast made by Gail. I saw yesterday where she lived literally not even 5 minutes from a Nordstrom, so I asked if she would go there with me this morning. I was on a mission for some jeans, and I accomplished my mission. I was a happy girl.

After our quick trip to Nordstrom, we picked up the boys and stopped at In N Out Burger so Chris could experience something that I had been talking about for a few years. I think he enjoyed the burger and then we were off to Salt Lake City for a tour of the Conference Center and some gazing at the Salt Lake Temple.

Isn't it beautiful?

After our time there, we headed north to Bountiful where we drove around David Wade's neighborhood. David Wade is Gail's son that is only 3 months younger than me. We were going to visit him and his family, but he wasn't feeling well, so we had to wait until dinner time, when he was luckily feeling well enough to come to Salt Lake to eat with us.

Anyway, while driving around David Wade's neighborhood, we saw President Uchtdorf and his wife walking on the sidewalk. Chris and I felt like we were seeing a celebrity of sorts, but we just looked as we could, but it was really neat to see him.

We saw some serious crazy fancy houses and enjoyed the view too.

Dinner was at a TexMex restaurant in downtown Salt Lake with David Wade, Heather, David, Gail, Chris and I. The food was good, but the company was outstanding!

We hurried home to try to miss some serious snow and we managed to only have to drive in some light snow, which to Chris and I, was really neat to see.

A Salt Lake City Anniversary!

Chris and I arrived in Salt Lake City airport around 10:15 this morning. We rented our car and headed down to Orem, where Gail and David, my cousins live. Gail had to teach school today, but David was anxiously awaiting our arrival.

I was quite hungry when we got there, since I hadn't eaten and it was around 1 before we got to their house and unpacked, so we headed to Chef's Table to eat lunch. The view was wonderful, from our table, we could see the Provo temple, which is neat to us since seeing a temple isn't quite the 'everyday' thing for us.

After lunch, I asked David to take some pictures of Chris and I but, the only one I got was the one that I took below of the ice in the fountain because, of course, my battery died...

It's cold there.

I put in a new battery and snapped some pictures outside David and Gail's house. As you can see, there was quite a bit of that 'white stuff' around.

The picture above was taken outside their home also. I think that the view is just beautiful. It is so different for us to look around and see mountains. I also like this picture because it is taken on our 16th wedding anniversary. Wow, we've changed! But, we're still taking this life on together, so that is good.

Below, of course, is the Provo temple which Chris was glad to see since he fondly remembers his trips there while in the M.T.C.

After driving around the Provo and Orem area, Gail arrived home and we headed up to Sundance for dinner. It was really cold up there, about 23 degrees and I was glad to get inside as quickly as possible.

To me, all these pictures say is COLD!

I took a picture of the icicles for the kids because they really think they are cool.

Dinner at Sundance was really nice. It was great to celebrate our anniversary dinner there and to be able to be together and have David and Gail along too.

Happy 16 years to us, Utah style!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Chris and I get on an airplane leaving the airport at 7 a.m.

Tomorrow, The high at our destination is 35.

Tomorrow, We'll be in "The Happy Valley".

Tomorrow, We celebrate 16 years as a married couple.

Tomorrow, we spend the day together. Celebrating where we've been and where we're going.

Tomorrow, we remember why we started this 16 years ago.

I look forward to 'tomorrow'.

Serious Stuff!

This is what working hard looks like.

Just wanted you to know...

:)

Suckers!

Yoo-Ma and Papa are suckers when it comes to the kids! They baby and love on them until no end! I love it! That is what grandparents are supposed to do, isn't it?

Mom and I headed off this morning to her nail appointment. I begged and pleaded with Wendy, her nail person and got my nails filed and painted. I know you're thinking that I could do that easily myself, and you're probably right, but the fact is, I don't! So, it was nice to have it done.

Daddy took the kids to wash the truck and eat ice cream while Mom and I were off playing. I'm not really sure if his truck will ever be the same, but he did survive the trip!

The rest of the day we spent at the house helping distract Mom from the work being done in the formal dining room. They were having the wallpaper removed and they are going to paint where the wallpaper was. The room is going to be trimmed in cedar and all spiffied up! I think it will look great. The kids even helped remove the wallpaper and but things in the trash.

They ordered Pizza Hut for dinner and around 7:30, I headed home with 5 tired, but happy children.

Church then Yoo-Ma and Papa's

Chris woke up early this morning and left for the Belleview Ward.

The kids and I got up, did our normal Sunday morning routine, then headed to church. Believe it or not, they were pretty good for me. I sure hope that they continue to improve each week.

After church, we headed home to change and load up the car to head to Mom and Dad's.

Chris called as he was leaving Belleview and said that he thought he'd go over too and just head back late tonight. I thought that was great and told him to turn around and get on the interstate because he was closer than I was to them. So he did and he got to Mom and Dad's about 45 minutes before the kids and I did. Logan, one of my nephews, was already there too which was an added bonus!

Daddy arrived about 30 minutes later and it was a party from there!

Here and there

Kerstyn had 2 birthday parties to attend today. Chris took her to the first, while I cycled and then I picked her up.

During the afternoon, we played, cleaned and organized.

Chris and I ran over to Sanford with the three youngest kids and ate at Cracker Barrell. I LOVE that place!

Following our late lunch with only 3 kids, I dropped him and the kids at Books-A-Million and I ran over to Seminole Town Center in pursuit of some 7 jeans.

I didn't find them. Apparently, the Macy's and Dillard's there don't carry them. I can order them online but I wanted to try them on before I purchased them. Maybe I should go to Millennia?

Anyway, after we got back, I went over to pick up Kerstyn and Kirstie from the second birthday party of the day. Kerstyn proceeds to tell me that her throat is hurting and she has a headace that she has had all day. Great, that is all I need!

Carrabba's

Chris and I went out tonight and ate at Carrabba's. We, of course had a wonderful time together and the food was tasty, as usual.

I love date night!

Change

Having our own business means that things can get quite stressful.

We have to worry about staffing and payroll. Taxes, benefits, turn-over and that is just the beginning of the list.

I don't want to come across as that is a complaining however, because I know that we are greatly blessed to be able to have our own firm. For Chris to be able to support our family during these hard economic times is amazing. Sometimes though, I like to escape. I like to think that I don't have all those worries. Maybe that is part of the reason I escape to the gym.?

So, Chris and I are going to 'escape'. Our 16th wedding anniversary is January 29 and we fly out that morning to Salt Lake City. We are both very excited. We will be staying with Gail, visiting family, going to the temple, touring BYU, temple square and the conference center to name a few things that we have on our itinerary.

We need to get away. I'm glad that it is soon. Even if it is just for 3 days, it is a great little break for us. Thank goodness for Grandma, who is coming to take care of the kids. We of course, couldn't do it without someone there to take care of the kids.

On top of that, we leave on our Disney Cruise, the whole family, even Grandma, on February 4. Exciting things are about to happen!

Did I mention?

Did I mention how much I like to cycle and exercise?

I missed any exercise yesterday, because of my visit with Michelle, which I was glad to do.

But, I like my exercise.

I like that I have some 'me' time.

I like that I feel like I did something for myself.

I like that I've lost weight and feel better about myself physically.

I like that I come out of the cycle room looking like I took a shower in my clothes, because I've worked really hard.

I like that when I work with my trainer that he always pushes me farther than I think I can go.

I like when I have my legs or arms shaking because I know that I am making progress.

I just like it.

BFF

I finally made it over to visit with Michelle. She is one of a kind and her friendship is one that I always treasure. Friends like her are few and FAR between!

I took Greyson with me and left Chris here with everyone else. Greyson and CJ are only 3 1/2 months apart, so they were glad to have each other to play with.

Upon arriving, we started visiting, which entails MUCH laughter!

Following a quick lunch, we took the boys to the park in her neighborhood where they played for quite a while and Michelle and I continued to visit. However, we determined while we were there that we could hear the outlet mall calling our names.

So, we took the boys back to the house. Left them in Will's care and headed to shop.

Success is all I can say about our shopping experience. However, I think we might get in to a little trouble for it with the money that we spent... Just kidding.

We had dinner at a neat little restaurant in St. Augustine and I didn't get home until about 10:15 tonight. However, it was wonderful and I can't wait to see her again.

While I was gone, Chris too the other kids to EPCOT and they had their own wonderful time which I will blog about later.

Choir

I love choir director today! I have such a roller coaster relationship with that calling! But today, I LOVE it!

The choir sang the intermediate number today. I chose, and we prepared, Did You Think To Pray? and then right into Joseph Smith's First Prayer.

I felt the spirit, I sure hope others did too.

Shopping with Kerstyn and storming

Kerstyn and I headed to the Nordstrom Rack this afternoon and after not finding anything that I couldn't live without, we entered the Mall at Millennia. We walked all around and finally found me a warm coat at Abercrombie and Fitch. I hope that it will keep me warm on our anniversary trip to Salt Lake City. Remember, I'm a Florida girl, so I'm certainly not used to this cold weather.

Kerstyn picked The Cheesecake Factory for dinner and it was, of course, delicious!

After dinner, we stopped at The Men's Warehouse to pick up Chris' suits and then headed home. Kerstyn and I had a lot of fun together, just the two of us.

However, like I feared, it started storming late tonight. My son, remember is in a tent. In a field. I'm not going to sleep very well tonight.

Date night and Shakedown

Chris and I finally left for our date around 7 tonight. I had to take Brennan out to Camp La No Che around 6 to drop him off for his first Shakedown Campout. I don't pick him up until Sunday after church. It is really exciting for Chris and I that Brennan has the opportunity to participate in the National Jamboree this summer. It is the hundredth anniversary of Scouting on top of all the other great stuff that will happen this summer! We keep telling Brennan how it will be an experience of a lifetime. I hope that he really takes advantage of all it has to offer.

I am kind of scared though because it is supposed to rain and/or storm on Saturday night. That puts me into 'mom mode' and I find myself worried about my son being out in a tent in the middle of a field while it is raining sideways with high winds, lightning and thunder. Hmmm, not good.

So, after I dropped Brennan off, I headed to the office to get Chris. It was too late to get to a seven o'clock movie, so we decided just to do dinner. When we got to Chili's, apparently everyone in Mount Dora was there, so after visiting with Linda and Cindy, that I used to teach with at Round Lake, Chris and I headed to Outback in Leesburg.

We waited about 30 minutes at Outack, but had a lovely dinner with good food and great company.

Happy Golden Birthday Brennan!

Brennan is 13 today! It is hard for me to believe that I have a teenager. It is hard for me to believe that 13 years ago today I became a mother. Brennan came to this Earth 6 weeks early. He weighed in at 4 pounds 15 ounces and was really healthy despite weighing such a small amount. He didn't want to eat at first, I guess he's making up for that now... Anyway, he is truly a blessing to our family. I know that it is hard for him being the oldest child of 5. He has a lot of responsiblity, but he does well with it. He has an amazing testimony of the gospel and he sets a great example to all of us. Most of the time, he even enjoys being around us. ;)

Happy Birthday Brennan!

Oldest and youngest...

He didn't want his picture taken at all, so I'm just glad to see him smiling.

Kerstyn took this shot today. I have on 2 inch heels, so you can see that Brennan is as tall or taller than me already! Posing...Brennan with the traditional showing of the age with the fingers.

Who rules this roost?

Yes, that is MY bed with a dog on it!

I don't even know what to think about that!

Better

I must have an up and down relationship with my calling as choir director. This week was much better than last!

1. We had much better attendance this week.

2. I am pleased with how we sounded as a choir.

3. The hymns we are singing next week are going to be powerful in spirit.

I feel better.

Much better.

Whew, I was worried...

Ice and sleet

We have been experiencing very cold weather lately. It is winter, I am aware, but I do live in Florida and that usually means that we have a few days of freezing weather and then we are done. At least for a few weeks. We do that typically a few times a year. But, not right now! We have had temperatures in the 20's at night and only in the low 40's during the day. It has been this way for over a week. Cold, cold, cold! I took this picture this afternoon and it can certainly speak for itself.

Chris spoke at a baptism this morning while I went to cycle class in the sleet. It was really neat for the kids to experience the weather.

This afternoon, we decided that we would try and stay warm so we went to the movie theater to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. The heat was broken in the theater and we practically froze in there. I think I would have, but I kept my body heat up by shoving popcorn into my mouth as quickly as possible!

The kids really enjoyed the movie so that was fun to see.

I had to take Aislinn to After Hour Pediatrics tonight because she started complaining of her ear hurting and it hurting to swallow. Since Aislinn has quite a pain tolerance, I figured I needed to be concerned. The doctor diagnosed her with strep throat. Poor thing! She is on amoxicllin and I hope she improves quickly.

Busy Saturday, as you can see.

Date night

We went out tonight with the Shaw's. On the agenda was laughing and dinner at Outback Steakhouse.

We all had a great time.

I believe it was exactly what was needed, for me at least.

Get me back!

I am glad that school has resumed because it gives me back the routine that I am comfortable with. HOWEVER, the kids are not into it yet. They are having a hard time getting up, getting dressed and eating in enough time to be out the door on time.

That really bugs me.

But, we'll get better, I'm sure.

Baby, It's cold outside!

Here's a picture of my snack, before the gym. I'm being 'good' today...

It is really chilly outside and has been for several days. Highs in the lower 50's some days, but most highs in the 40's. That is cold for us here in Florida. Anyway, the kids still want to ride their scooters and stuff, so we all just have to bundle up. Here's Aislinn...

and me, ready for the gym, of course,
(picture taken by Aislinn, she's quite the photographer)
and Greyson wanting me to repair his new Spark Scooter.

I really enjoy the cold weather, for the most part, because I know that it doesn't last for long. When the sky is blue and it is sunny, it is just beautiful and I enjoy our blast of artic air.

Book Club Breakfast

I'm not sure why these pictures are small, but oh well. Debbie invited us to her house this morning for a breakfast pot luck. We showed up ready to enjoy each other's company. Yes, this is the book club that I attend faithfully but rarely ever read the books they read. Isn't it interesting that they let me come anyway?

Mary

Gail and me

Debbie, Gail and Cathy

Debbie and Danette

Debbie

The above picture of Debbie is really cute because she was so excited to be planning for the book club. We set topics and dates for the next 6 months. Impressive, I know.

A reason to ponder

We're all getting older, and we're reminded every day. I have been pondering lately my health and what is truly important here on Earth.

This is some of the stuff I came up with, in no particular order:

1. Life is short, no matter how long I get here. I only get one chance and I need to take full advantage of it.

2. I need not sweat the small stuff. Sounds easy, but sometimes not so much for me. I'm going to work on that.

3. The gospel is true. Period. I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, no matter what. Jesus Christ atoned for my sins. The priesthood has been restored, it can and will bless lives. We have a living prophet, He receives inspiration on how to help me and anyone who will listen and apply it to their lives. We are called to positions in the church to grow and learn. We will be blessed for our faithfulness. I can make it. I can do this. It is all worth it, and I will be blessed in the eternities.

4. When push comes to shove, you really find out who cares, even if they sometimes don't act like it.

With all that in mind, it is a new year, I'm going to press on.

Why?

We went to church today, minus Chris, who attended his assigned ward in Belleview. It was fast and testimony meeting and I really enjoyed hearing the members testimonies. I have to say, that I always enjoy hearing and feeling pure testimonies, they strengthen me and for that, I am extremely grateful!

Primary was crazy, with class changes and all, but I did survive playing the piano, so that is good... I am certainly being uplifted in that area.

This afternoon was our first choir practice after the Christmas program. We had much fewer people there, which was sad. I guess many things are still going on, so I hope that we get a bunch more next Sunday. I left a little discouraged again, but I will press on.

Kerstyn requested Baked Spaghetti for dinner and I delivered, which scored me major brownie points with Kerstyn. It was tasty. But even better, is that all seven of us sat at the table and talked and laughed.

That, is what it is all about!

Busy Day

Chris went off this morning to a shooting range with Lauklan to meet a friend from law school. While he was there, I went to my cycle class. We both got done around noon and met back up at the house.

We went as a family to a birthday party for a friend's son. The kids had a really good time, as did Chris and I. Here we are before leaving with the birthday boy!

Following the party, we stopped at Blockbuster and rented G-Force, bought candy and buckets of popcorn. We came home, all the kids got showers, and it was family movie night!

The kids had a blast watching the movie and eating outside of the kitchen. Yes, eating outside of the kitchen is a big deal, it must have been a special night.

Overall, it was a great 'family' day.

Magic Kingdom on New Year's Day

We waited until it stopped raining today and then headed to the Magic Kingdom. We ate at Cracker Barrel on the way and arrived there around 4. We stayed until after the fireworks and I was really glad because they were great! We did a lot of rides, watched the parade and saw the fireworks. We were busy the whole time, but the kids were really good and we had a blast. It was getting quite cold, but we were all bundled up. We didn't get home until around midnight, but it was really worth it. Needless to say, everyone but Chris and I was asleep before we got home. We got everyone in their beds and headed there ourselves. Here are some shots from Chris' phone with us on the carousel.

Did you see all those smiles? Yippee!

Happy New Year!