Where Were You....

January 20, 2009 is a day that is one that we will all remember where we were when the 1st black president of the United States was inaugurated into office. I cannot imagine the pride and historic relevance this has on the African American population in the United States. I felt very happy for our little Jackson today. What a momentous day in history that he will be able to look back on one day with such pride. Our country has come such a long way and for the most part has been able to look past the color of ones skin to the content of their character as Martin Luther King Jr. once said. I have a lot of hope for our country and I hope that President Obama is the answer we are looking for. I felt very proud looking at Jackson yesterday and explaining to him what a neat day it was. Even though he did not fully grasp what I was saying, I know it will have an impact on his life.

I am officially old!!!

Avery turned 8 on December 13th and was baptized by her Dad, Josh, on December 27th. It was such a special day, but I couldn't help but look at the day and wonder where the time has gone. I have an 8 year old? It is a crazy thought for me. I know the day was very special for Avery, even though the water was very cold. It was a very spiritual experience for me, one that I will remember just as I do my own baptism. Josh put together a video of photos of Avery from birth until present. It was quite a project and turned out AMAZING! Thanks Josh! Avery looked so pure. We had a lot of friends and family there to support her. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful family and support group. Avery we are very proud of you and the beautiful woman you are becoming! Always remember that special day! I attached a picture of Avery as a baby as well because I cannot believe this little lady was once so small.

Attempt #1 - Building a Snowman

Since we have had a run of snow this winter, the kids could not wait to get their hands in the snow and build a snowman. So... After bundling them all up, we sent them outside to build. They tried, but just didn't quite get it. We will try again. I just have to laugh when I look at this picture because all I can think of is Randy and Ralphie from the Christmas Story. In fact, I tried calling Sage "Ralphie" and she wanted nothing to do with that name. "I'm not Ralphie, I'm Sagey".

Christmas 2009

Christmas is always such an exciting time of year. We had a great Christmas this year and always enjoy the look on the kids face on Christmas morning as they open their gifts to see what Santa brought. This year Avery and Sage got iPods and docking stations and sleeping bags. They have not slept a night out of their sleeping bags since Christmas. Sage got dress-up clothes (of course) and she also got a sleeping bag and a little mp3 player so that she can listen to music like her big brother and sister. We love Christmas time at our house.

"Yib- Bips"

If you have followed my blog at all you know that our little Sagey is as Girly as they come. The first thing Sage does every morning is find her 3 items she cannot function without. What are these items you say? A purse, high heels and "Yib-Bips". I know, I know, "What is Yib-Bips?" you say? This is the name that Sage gave lipstick. She has MAAASTERED the art of putting on lipstick and staying on the lips, don't you think? We can't get enough of her and her "Yib-Bips".

Happy Birthday Dear Avery!

Avery celebrated her 8 year Birthday at The Lion House courtesy of my mom. My mom booked this party a year in advance sine the parties here book up quickly. Needless to say, Avery has been anticipating this day for a year. It was so fun to be with her and her close friends and cousins. They got to pull taffy the way the pioneers did, play pioneer games, dress up like pioneers, have lunch and eat her Lion Cake. There is a story that goes along with each birthday cake baked at The Lion House. The chef throws a gumball in the batter and bakes it with the cake. If you get the piece of cake with the gumball in it, you will have good luck for a year! No one got the gumball at the party, but Avery found it the next day while having left over cake! At the end of the party, the birthday girl gets to choose a porcelain doll from the mantle. Avery chose a darling doll and all the girls were jealous and sad they want to have their birthdays there too. It was a lot of fun. Happy Birthday Aves!

GO FIGHT WIN!!!

Avery has been taking Cheerleading for the past 6 months and loves it! Since she started, our household vocabulary has included words such as: Pike, Toe Touch, Cartwheel etc. She wishes she had practice every day (I on the other hand can barely keep up with once a week). Avery had her first recital on December 12th. She did awesome! I found myself choked up during her performance because she really surprised me. She was the best one up there, and even did a stunt at the end of the performance. We were very proud of her. She looked like an official cheerleader! Way to go Avery!

Jackson's Birthday Party

We celebrated Jackson's 6th birthday at my sister's house with his cousin Izzy, who turned 2 one day before Jackson. The kids had fun hitting the Nemo piniata with a bat. Jackson was really enthusiastic about his clothes ( ha ha - as you can see from the pictures). We try to get those necessities out of the way first.

Jackson Ryan Turns 6!

Jackson turned 6 on November 23! We can't believe how time has flown. I know it sounds so cliche, but we feel so blessed to have Jackie in our family. Jackson has been asking if it is his birthday for approximately 364 days. For once, it was nice to say YES! It's your Birthday!

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a gift. That's why they call it "The Present" - You did it MOM!!

I haven't posted forever, but life has been hectic with Holidays etc. Now that the holidays are over I am excited to post everything that has been going on in our family in the last 2 months.
My mom completed her chemotherapy treatments and radiation treatments for Breast Cancer in the middle of November. Little did she know that her family and very closest friends had been planning a surprise party for months to celebrate this huge accomplishment. We had it on Friday, November 21st at my sister's ward house. We decked it out in pink. I have to say, for a ward house, it looked pretty good. We had a band, a clown (my uncle), a toast by my Grandpa, Nile, and my Step Dad Ty. Needless to say it was an extremely emotional evening. My mom was 100% surprised. I have never seen a reaction to a surprise party than the look on my mom's face. She looked like she was either mad or going to pass out. It was a lot for her to take in and to grasp. There were 100 people in attendance that evening. All of my mom's family from Boise, ID drove in town for the event, including my grandparents, which was the most meaningful of all to my mom. Also, my mom's dearest friend in thew whole world flew in from Seattle to be there. It was a very special night. One I will never forget. Here are a few pictures from that night - everyone wore pink in celebration.