REALLY!!??!!

Every year we love to have a Christmas party with all of Jeff's high school buddies. Luckily I have come to love their wives as much as he likes his friends. We have had the party different places and here a few times, its always so much fun to get ready and have so much fun with everyone and good food. Well this year we were having it here so the other night Jeff and I were just finishing dinner with the kids and talking about putting the leaf in the table to sit more people, the only problem was that we have this huge sheet of tempered glass on top and it would look funny to have it covered in glass except for a foot on each end where it had been expanded. I suggested taking it off but Jeff said he didn't want to because he didn't want to risk breaking it. Understandable its expensive and where are we going to store a 6'x4' sheet of glass. While this conversation is going on; Hunter is on my lap tired of listening to the conversation, Jake is sitting in the high chair that connects directing to the table, and Jaxon is hanging on the high chair wanting a turn. In between sentences to Jeff, I am telling Jake to get out of the chair because he is too heavy and could break it and telling Jaxon over again to stop hanging on the chair because it will break. Not 20 seconds after Jeff utters the words, I don't want to move it so it won't break. With the pressure of Jax hanging and Jake's weight that's a total of 80ish pounds. Our glass shatters into a million pieces!!! This is no joke! Jake starts screaming, "I'm DEAD!!" Jax runs into the pantry guilty, and Hunter screams. Jeff sits there dumbfounded and I am in shock, then a start to cry for 10 seconds, and then I can't stop laughing!!! Did this really happen not 20 seconds before we said we didn't want it to break???!!! Yes. Needless to say, Jake isn't dead or even hurt, just scared and finally after five years the Spirit actually helped my react the right way. If you would have told me that my kids would have broken the glass and asked how I would have reacted, without any guilt I would have told you I would have raised my voice to the highest and sentenced them to years of imprisonment in their room! But magically Jeff and I just laughed, I told Jax it was an accident and don't worry about all the while holding back more laughter. We cleaned it up an hour later, moving all sorts of furniture. The dilemma of moving the glass for the party was fixed and on we went. Now if only I could react the right way all the other times trauma hits! Here are some pictures of the damage...

Christmas Cheer

Only FIVE days till Christmas!!! Decorations are up, wrapping is done, Christamas stories every night before bed, Christmas movie everyday! The countdown begins and I am excited. The first part of the month seemed to go so slowly, plus there was so much to still do! Christmas cards out, decorate, make goodies, buy gifts, wrap gifts, Christmas parties and now its so close. We weren't very faithful on our advent calendar until the boys asked me what day it was and I said the 15th! Then shocked I said, only ten more days till Christmas!!! Now its flying by and I will miss it when its gone. 

 These three are getting so big! Look at Hunter up on a stool helping cook like the big boys do. I love having these three in the kitchen. Mind you the youngest helps me trip as I cook with all the stuff he pulls out of every drawer and cupboard. The newest trick has been to teach Hunter how to bang on the metal pots. Creating havoc and distress in their mother as she tries to get dinner ready. I love it though. They get older and then no more banging, emptying, and helping mom because its cool to be able to cut the carrots and brown the meat. 

 This is by far our favorite Christmas tradition and love. Whenever the California Organge guy shows up in his truck in front of Peterson Plumbing we know Christmas is right around the corner. We love to have fresh squeezed oj in the morning and we eat these all day long.

 Here are some pictures of the house all decorated. My mom and dad don't usually get to see it all put together and this year we are going to spend Christmas in Ogden with my family and I am so excited. It brings back all the memories from my childhood and how exciting Christmas was. It also makes me realize how important those traditions are for our kids so they will have the same warm Christmas memories.

 This is my favorite room at Christmas time. We don't have enough space for the tree in the front room area so its in here and now that we have some furniture to sit on, thanks to Bev! What would I do without her?! We love you!

 They boys did a lot of their own decorating too. They made these at school and a party. Jax is getting to be a wizz at making snowflakes. This is sad, but I forgot until he taught me. I need some practice more often!

This is our Christmas card, just for all of those we couldn't get addresses for. We love you and miss you! We are thankful for our Savior especially at this time of year as we remember his birth, life, and sacrifice for us. May we give our gift of love to others and be an example of Him.

Bronco Heaven

Jeff and Jace and friends went to the Broncos game in San Diego. It was going to be a couple thing, but we had just returned from Hawaii and I was all traveled out and ready to stay home for a bit before the holidays hit. It was pure heaven for Jeff, I do wish I could have seen him that excited. He has been a Broncos fan since he was born. Through good times and bad. Its been a long time since he has been to a game so he was so excited and so was Jace (especially for Tebow). They drove straight there, watched the game and drove straight back. Quick trip to say the least but always worth it to watch the Broncos play.

A New Love and Challenge

In our family its we are always up for some sort of new challenge. Proof of that was Jeff's Ironman race this past spring and my marathon this fall (that was nothing compared to the ironman though). So in August we had been hearing for a while about a new gym called Crossfit. We researched it, looking at the pros and cons, asked people who knew about it and went there. So we decided Jeff would sign up first, he was super sore but felt a lot stronger. So I decided to sign up in October till December and see if I liked it or not. It is really different and I love it! It combines Olympic weightlifting techniques, with quick body weight exercises. Sometimes the workout is "for time" which means you do it as fast as humanly possible. Which usually makes me want to throw up and lie there not moving after its over. After I recover though I am pumped with what I just accomplished and want to get better and stronger and faster. For example, one workout we were climbing a 20' rope and trying to see how many times we could do it in 2 minutes. I could only make it to 10' but I did it 4 times. Never in my life did I think I could climb a rope let alone four times over! I used to leave that to the gymnasts and Cirque people in Vegas! It is challenging and I don't know if I can do it through the summer because I love being outside, but for this winter, this is our challenge. Its all in the thrill of accomplishing something you never thought possible. Its energizing, motivating, and hard! Check it out here...www.crossfitcedarcity.com

Maui 2010

Maui 2010 at the Grand Wailea was spectacular, beautiful, relaxing, fun, what more can I say! We stayed at this beautiful resort called the Grand Wailea and it had everything you can imagine, even a mini mall! I wish I would have taken more pics of the entrance but we got too busy playing to go back. The flight there was good, the plane wasn't packed so Hunter got to take a nap on the two empty seats, the boys were great. It got tricky when Hunter woke up with 2 hours left but we survived and there wasn't any screaming, what can you expect from a one year old on a plane. We got there, hit Costco for some food and started swimming. The pool was amazing, lazy river, mini beach and shallow water for kids, rope swing(more on that later), slides, water elevator, volleyball. It had it all and the real beach was 10 steps away! 

The next two days we went to Big Beach (a favorite) and La Perouse Bay (too rocky for the kids). The waves were starting to get big and would break on the shore so the kids wore their jackets and the guys kept them safe and boogie boarding and sand castling! There is nothing better than the ocean. Hunter and I mostly dumped sand everywhere, mostly on his face and head. He wasn't much for the ocean probably because I had to keep dunking him to get all the sand off so he could open his eyes. We saw some spinner dolphins which was the highlight of the day for me. Just amazing!

That night we went to Lahaina, were the food and fun shops are and on the way these ones fell asleep. We rolled them right into Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. pushed them up to the table asleep and ate in peace that night. Well worth the late night! 

This is the rope swing and saying the kids loved it doesn't do it justice. Jaxon wanted to do this more than anything! The last couple of days we decided it was better for the kids to stay at the hotel beach. The waves weren't so big and we could switch from beach to pool and have shade for naps. Can't forget the pina coladas and oreo shakes too. We went snorkeling and saw a white eel and a bunch of fish. Jayme and Logan saw 6 turtles right off the beach by the rocks. We tried to catch some crabs too. Jax was so mad at Jeff that he couldn't get one and kept chasing them back into their holes. We went to Kihei to dinner a couple of times, the sunsets were amazing right over the ocean and pink.

Jaxon was following me, though I didn't know it, and got himself lost. He wasn't really lost because he made it all the way to our room 7113. Some girls found him in the hall and brought him to security. We were searching everywhere for him. A little nerve wracking but he didn't feel lost he knew right where he was. I knew he didn't drown, I can't describe the sense he has at just 5 its amazing. Glading he was back in a jiffy. 

In Lahaina they have this Banyan Tree that is amazing covers a whole block! We had to go there and while we did we took the kids on a submarine ride to actually get to see some underwater things. My kids got sea sick so they didn't see a lot, but I was so glad Jayme suggested it. Its good for them to see things like that I think it makes them less nervous because they've seen what's under the water.

This was our last day on the beach we arrived at 8am to catch crabs and didn't get off till 4:30pm. No joke. Hunter even enjoyed the ocean this last day.

This is our quick trip to La Perouse Bay. Someday when the kids are older it would be awesome to go snorkel or dive. Or even just walk around the lava coast.

The plane ride home was great, they all slept the whole way. Sunday we went to church and drove around up past Lahaina to the Ritz Carlton. It is amazing the difference on opposite ends of the island, one side usually gets a lot more water and you can tell. It was amazing, so thankful we were able to all be there together all 20 of us. Thankful for our beautiful it is and how much were were able to see and do. I can't wait to go again. 

Halloween

Happy Halloween!!!!

 The night before Halloween we carved our giant pumpkin. Mari's dad gave us some seeds to plant and we weren't really into it. Planted the poor thing in the weeds in case it did grow huge and then transplanted it up by the tramp so it would get watered regularly. One day the boys and their friends are outside playing and I was on the deck and they said "Look at this giant pumpkin!" I just figured it was regular size, but you can't tell because of the giant squash leaves, so the next day I went down and checked on it and it was GIANT! Who knew. Jeff used his manly muscles to carve the thing which was at least 4 inches thick.

 Jax was helping the watching Charlie Brown and the Giant Pumpkin.

 Our little trick or treaters wore their costumes the entire day on Halloween and they were so excited! We had Wolverine, a ninja, and a little bear. They were so much fun this year, they knew just what to do and when Jake and Hunter were done Jaxon just kept on going with me. Funny thing on candy this year compared to last though, is they never ask to eat any of it. Maybe all my healthy talk is starting to pay off?

 Thanks Jayme for having the party at your house. It was fun, always nice to have hot chili on Halloween!

Florida Hampton Conference

 Lots of crazy costumes! 

 This is two girls bent and squished in this 3 foot box!

Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to the Hampton Inn Conferences in Orlando, FL this year. Our first hotel conference and we were really excited, not just to go to Florida but no kids! I love them to death but its been a while since its just been us. Bev, my sisters, and my parents were so wonderful to watch the boys. I was really nervous to leave Hunter but he was actually really good. We took some really late and really early flights to get there and they kicked our bums. Once we were there it was so much fun. They gave everyone at the conference so many awesome things. Jeff had meetings he went to most of the day. Then we had speakers and entertainment at night. We stayed in a beautiful hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, and just stepping in the place with my flip flops and jean shorts I wanted to run away. Posh to say the least. Some of the speakers were Richard Branson (Virgin Records) and Michael Eisner (Disney) I wish I could have listened to them, but shopping and the pool were calling my name. I went to Downtown Disney one day and got some gifts for the boys. The food was so amazing I am still drooling just talking about it. Every night was a feast from every country you can imagine! This conference hosted owners from around the world! The last night they took us to Epcot and we had some crazy performers and then watched the fireworks. It was wonderful to just lay by the pool and read and sleep. Can't wait till we can do it again!

St. George Marathon

 I don't know what the deal was, I've done a lot of races and I've always had butterflies but the week before and the whole day before I was a nervous wreck. Family would call on Friday and say good luck, and I would want to break down in tears and say I quit. Friday night I slept ok until I had a dream that Jeff and I took the Pinto road out to the start (it's a bumpy dirt road, but a shortcut) and we got a flat tire and I couldn't run the race. That morning I woke up around 5am and started getting ready still super nervous and wanting to not race. Jeff and I hopped in the truck and I told him about the dream and he said, "Well I was planning on taking the Pinto road?? Do you want to?" I said, "Its just a dream." We had a little scare when the truck said low tire pressure but Jeff said it was saying the same thing all yesterday. On we go to the race, we are almost to the main road when we hear this grinding sound and then we knew...flat tire! Of all the things, I just start laughing and am somewhat relieved because now I really have an excuse not to run. He called his friend Nick though that was staying at his cabin nearby and luckily they were just leaving and came to pick me up. Nervousness sets in again! I was alone, so I lined up next to the 4:30 pace group hoping I would finish at 4:15 or 4:30. The pacer was a nutritionist and was saying how hot it was going to get today and if your a sweater, and I am, no water, just gatorade to replace your sodium. Unless taking your GU. In the end this advice could have saved me looking back. I had brought a GU knowing I need one every 5-6 miles to make it. There were so many people and it was absolutely gorgeous and amazing to see the snake of runners as far as you could see in front and in back of you! Felt great, warmed up the first 2 miles at a 10:15-10:30 pace. Then felt great until at seven I realized they were not providing any GU. I knew I was in trouble. I ran the whole mile up the Cone Hill and was right on the money at 2:15 for my first 13 miles, hoping for a 2:05 last half. I felt my lack of energy and GU at 14 and contemplated asking others if they had a spare when I found an unopened one on the ground. I picked it up and guzzled that thick stuff down. It carried me till mile 21 when all I wanted to do was walk and knowing the rest was downhill. I kept it slow till 23 and died from 23 to 26. I walked slow and ran slow those last three miles, not even pumped up with all those fans. I turned the corner and saw the finish and thought, I really can't run that far!!! But I made it those last .2 miles running and crossed the finish line in 4 hours 45 min. I was a little bummed to have missed my time, but couldn't have physically pushed it any further. I finished and was in a daze and drooling over my popsicle and Dr. Pepper. I had no desire to eat but knew I had to. My family was all there and they are my forever fans and I love them for the support and motivation they have given me. I did it and I will do it again! It was probably the hardest physical thing I have done yet, but so motivating to have accomplished it.

Hunters Happy Birthday

Hunter my baby turned one. Its always been said that with each kid time goes by faster and I realized how true this statement was when we realized he was almost one. I honestly feel like I just had him and I still long for those sweet newborn days, though I cherish these funny toddler stages as well. This past year has been one event to the next. From basketball season, to HIT training, to Ironman training, to vacations, to hospital visits, to marathon training and more. I always thought my babies were wonderful and relatively easy through each stage but man o man you put them shame. I can honestly say you never stressed me out for half a second, you sleep through crazy boy antics and rowdy wrestling fights, you were a great eater, slept all night, just chilled as we dragged you to every athletic event you can imagine. My most favorite thing to see every night and each morning was and will always be your SMILE! Those dimples melt my heart as does the way you smile and lay your head on my shoulder when I pick you up out of your crib. Your brothers and dad adore you and you feel the same about them always ready to follow them wherever they go. Happy birthday my little sweet Hunty!

 How can a birthday party not be crazy when you have nine grandkids running around like maniacs. This year I toned down the birthday craziness with one balloon for Hunter and no crazy hour long cakes, and a few presents. Another reason I love having family close is for birthdays, the kids are the best and have so much fun together.

 He wasn't so sure about the cake, grabbing for the fire was fun though, good thing Jayme warned me first.

 We ate cake and then outside we went to enjoy ourselves. Jadyn was so good to take him on a ride. She wrote this cute birthday card for him all by herself. It was pink paper stuck together with a button glued in the middle and it said, " To Hunter You Are 1! From Jadyn. Too cute. How lucky we are to have such good family!