My In-Laws

I needed to give a shout out to my in-laws as well. I don't think anyone has as great of in-laws as I do. They are just...my family. I will admit it took me a bit to warm up to them. But after 3 1/2 years of marriage you just start to gel. Jeanette is so awesome, always taking my calls to ask what medicine to give my kids and giving all sorts of medical advice. She makes time for everyone. And Jeff, he's always along for the ride. He cracks me up. They're the perfect pair and I couldn't have asked for better in-laws.

A Resolution

We were out with Jace's parents and my parent's last night when I just looked over at Aliyah. I can't believe she is 16 months already! I was just thinking of when she was a baby. Now she is a grown up toddler. Her features have changed into a little girl instead of baby-like. I can't believe that has happened already.

Then I looked at Xander. The same thing is happening. He is 5 months now and a tank! He's changed so much too and I just wonder "Where has the time gone?" "Did I enjoy it like I should have?" I think I take it too much for granted that I see these beautiful children every day. So, one of my resolutions for next year is to take it all in and relax more. It's ok if the house is a mess at the end of the day, as long as the kids are happy and taken care of the rest just doesn't matter.

4-Wheelin'!

Jace's parents decided to get away from the horrible weather in Coalville for a few days and visit us. And they brought toys! Around our house is a bunch of land to go 4-wheelin' in and 20 minutes away are some sand dunes. So we went out riding.
Out riding with daddy
Me and Natalie

My Little Readers

Lately whenever someone is sitting down Aliyah will back her thang up and sit right on their lap. Xander and I were in her room watching her play and she decided it was time to read. So she sat right in my lap and we learned all about colors. Way to go Aliyah!

Twins!

For Christmas Aliyah got her first baby doll. In fact she got twins! She's always been more of a tomboy type. She wanted to play with balls and cars more than anything else (probably because her dad wrestles with her so much), but lately she's taken a liking to babies. So for Christmas my parents got her dolls...
...and Jace and I got her accessories. After all, you can't go anywhere with 2 babies without a stroller or a carseat.
Do you think she's been watching her mom? She knows all the right ways to hold the babies. She loves to cuddle them and give them kisses. What a good little mommy.

HOLLA!

I just wanted to send a shout out to my sisters. I am so glad that Natalie and her husband live here in St. George. They have been such a help to me. And Amy, even though she lives by my parents is the greatest aunt! She spoils my kids so much. I appreciate everything they do.

And while I'm at it I'll sent one to my parents as well. They are so great. They are always willing to help me with anything...especially the kids. I don't know of a time my mom has turned down the chance of changing a dirty diaper, or my dad hasn't wanted to hold his grand-kids. As I've grown up and gotten married and now having kids of my own it's true what they say, you truely grow to appreciate your family more. I mean who else would buy 11 different flavors of ice cream just to keep the family happy!?! (And yes, my dad set them all out just like this.)

Thanks for everything!

Christmas!

Another year has come and gone so quickly. I can't believe we're almost to 2008! That's crazy. Christmas was filled with family, fun, and lots of driving. I had a family party we went up to on the 16th and then we came back home so Jace could work. Then we went back up for another party on the 22nd and stayed until the 26th. Busy, busy, busy.

We were at the Vernon's for Christmas Eve and the first part of Christmas morning. While we were waiting for Jace's brother and sister to come over with their families Aliyah and her Grandpa Jeff played together. They always have a good laugh.

Once all the cousins got there it was chaos as wrapping paper went flying and everyone was trying to hand out presents. In the end everyone got way more than was asked for, or needed. But that's why we have grand-parents.

After presents we went to Jace's grandma's for the morning breakfast. I like to call it the typical "Grandma Breakfast" because it was GOOD! Everything grandma cooks is good, isn't it? We had to cut the good times a little short in order to go to my family shin-dig. This year it took place at my aunt and uncle's in Draper. All the cousins had already started on their gifts. But that's ok. You can't expect kids to wait all day. I love to see my mom's family because my great-grandma is still alive. She's 97 - almost 98 - and still living alone. Aliyah doesn't get to see her very often so she reacts like this...

My poor grandma. I am so happy that she is still alive to see her great-great-grandchildren. Not a lot of people can say that. What a blessing. Her mind is still there and she can go on for hours chatting, but it's a little rough because her hearing is going. You must yell if you want her to hear you. But she's so cute! I just love her. I'm glad Xander acted a little better for her. She just loves babies.

Well, I've only scratched the surface of this Christmas. After that gathering we went back to my parents and had another Christmas. I think the reason Christmas is my favorite time of year is because of all the time spent with family and friends. I'm sad it's over, but so ready to start a new year.

That's Mine!

Whenever we go to Inta Juice (Like Zuka, or Jamba) Aliyah thinks our drinks are hers and boy does she throw a fit if you don't give it to her. She practically drank that whole thing by herself! That's our little girl. She used to eat anything that you put in front of her, but lately she's gotten a little more picky. So it's good to find something she likes. And these are healthy...right?

CELINE DION!!!

Well, the story actually begins in June when Jace and I wanted to go see Celine. But, tickets were over $500 for crappy seats. We just thought we were out of luck because she would be done with her show in December. But my friend Brittnee was playing on the internet at the beginning of December and happened on Celine's tickets for $180, and they were awesome seats! So, on December 12 we were lucky enough to see Celine. Her show was awesome and I'm glad we saw it.

Brittnee, me, Kayla, Josh, Jace, and Jeff eating at the

Cheesecake Factory before the show.

Humanitarian Effort

As I was saying in the last blog, Jace and I had the opportunity to check out the humanitarian work the church does. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.) We also toured the Bishops storehouse. It was so awesome to see how prepared the church is in case of emergency and also how organized. We are SO extremely blessed.
At the humanitarian center there are people from 30 different countries working there. Most of them are from refugee camps. :( We got a chance to meet an 18 year old boy named Aaron from an African refugee camp. He was able to come to Utah with his aunt and some cousins. He's been here for 8 months and his English is amazing. (One of the requirements for working for the church is you take an English class. That is so smart!) We started the tour in a huge room where clothes that weren't sold at the DI are taken after a week of being on the floor. (There is too much coming in to keep everything on the floor til it sells.) Women sort it by size, gender, quality, and time of year and then men put them in bailers so they can be shipped easier. Clothes are shipped all over the world to places where they have nothing. It broke my heart to hear some of the stories.
Anyway, we also went to the Bishop's Storehouse. Probably the only grocery store with no cash register. It was really awesome the way they have it set up. If you're in need your Bishop and someone from the Relief Society will sit down with you and figure out your needs and fill out some paper work for your food. BUT you don't get something for nothing. It is not good to give to the idle. So in turn they have to do service, or work, or something so they can have the satisfaction of providing for their family. It's the same if people come in off the street. They have to work for it.
Well, it was an eye opening experience for me to see all the people in need and how our tithing and fast offerings help so many. It truely is an inspired thing.
After all that we got a private tour of the conference center and the tabernacle. We got to go behind the scenes and places nobody but workers go. It was fantastic!

Salt Lake and No Kids

Kayla and me. We got in trouble after for taking a picture in this store. How lame!

Jace and Me at Dinner in the Marriott


"The Girls!" Britnee, Kayla, and Me. All our Husbands work together.

Wednesday, Jace and I and 2 of his partners and their wives came up here to Salt Lake. It was a lot of fun. We stayed in the Marriott Hotel and it was so nice. Christmas was in the air and there were lights everywhere. Our hotel looked over Temple Square and the lights were beautiful.

Thursday, all the girls went shopping together at The Gateway. Holy cow, Kayla and I were there for over 5 hours and I loved every second. (Brit joined a little later.) We didn't have any kids cuz we left them home and it was a freeing experience to do something without hauling a huge bus of a stroller and having to bring bottles and kids. I do miss them, but I know Aunt Natalie and Uncle Ryan are so happy to be staying with them. After shopping we had dinner and then saw Enchanted. It is the cutest movie. I would recommend it to all.

And tomorrow comes the reason for the trip. We are taking a tour of the Humanitarian Center for the church. I am looking forward to see how it all works and I will let y'all know too. :) (I've been with my southern friend too much.)

I Love My Kids!

Recently Aliyah has discovered the glider in Xander's room. She wanted to sit in it, so I put them both in it and started rocking. They loved it...as you can see. Xander was having the best time, he is the happiest baby! And Aliyah is always good for a laugh.

Christmas Time Is Here!

I am SO excited for this Christmas season! Every surface of my home is covered in Christmas stuff and I love every second of it. Because it doesn't snow down here I feel like I have to compensate by covering my house in decor. :) I am excited to see Aliyah with everyone on Christmas morning. Last year she was only 3 months old, so she was just there, much like Xander will be this year. But Aliyah will be more interactive.

I love this time of year when neighbor is more friendly to neighbor, we all help the less fortunate, and there is just more of a comradery between everyone. I love it when Christmas is in the air.