Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope that Santa was as good to you as he was to us this year!!!

Our Very Own... Taylor Swift

Here is Katie who is majorly obsessed with Taylor Swift and her new song called Hey Stephen. We listen to it at least two times every time we get in the car. The other night when we were making gingerbread houses at Grandmas we put it on and caught the girl in the moment. It is a pretty crude video(made by Sarah Digital Camera), It cuts off her head a couple of times but who who doesn't enjoy a homemade video once in awhile. We love our little singer and dancer!
(Sarahs disclaimer, It wasn't my video skills it was the program on the computer). Myabe next time I post a video I will actually figure out how to post the video and not just the link.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsxVTDf6RK8

Bradleys Baptism

Bradley got baptized today! I am so proud of him and his decision. He decided to have Brent do the Baptism and Grandpa confirm him. The best part was that Sarah flew in to suprise him, she couldn't miss the big day. We had so much support from family and loved and appreciated your support for Bradley.

Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving getting close I cant help but think of all the blessings in my life and If I didn't say I was Thankful I would feel really ungrateful. I am just going to list a few of the blessings in my life right now. I am so grateful to have a husband who is selfless enough to go back to work for someone even though I know that is the last thing he wanted to do but he knew it would benefit our family. I am so thankful for two wonderfully happy and most of all healthy children in my life. We love to have fun together and not a day goes by that I dont get a hug or a kiss. Our little secret is cleaning day. Every saturday morning we get up turn the radio up loud then have a dance( well cleaning) party. There are some saturdays that they are waking me up so we can turn on the music and clean. Who could ask for anything more? I am also thankful that I have a job that I enjoy not just enjoy but LOVE, I hate to hear how everyone complains about what they do mostly because I am so lucky that I get to do what I enjoy. Last but not least I am thankful for two of the most wonderful parents in the world, And I truly mean that. They are so supportive and willing to help out in any way that they can. I am so glad that my children have grandparents close that love to spend time with them. I can honestly say that sometimes I think that my kids would rather be with them than me. They are so lucky to have such great role models in their lifes.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving wherever you are!

My little Utah Fans

Ever since Brent got Bradley a Uof U shirt for Christmas last year Bradley has become a fan. He has loved watching all the hype on the news about the game today and even reminded me that at 4:00 today we need to turn on the tv. This morning I found this on my wall.




Katie thought it looked fun and then made a sign of her own. I have to say for 4 years old she did a pretty good job!

Date Night

We actually had a date night last night, Thanks to several people. Abbie babysat so we could enjoy a night out with my family without kids. We went with my mom and dad, Brent and Cindy and Kellie to Body Worlds.(Kane had a meeting) It was so very fascinating to actually see the human body with everything attached in several different poses so you could see how everything works together. You just cant get those kind of views in a cadaver lab. It was amazing to see all the different organs and read interesting facts about each one. I dont know why but the most interesting part to me was when they would show the vessels and arteries all by themselves on a skull or hand. It is such an intricate pattern and amazing to see that all that is actually in there. Then we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and converstion at California Pizza Kitchen. It was so nice to not have the kids for once and to get to enjoy dinner and actually the conversation without your kids climbing all over you. We had a fabulous night so Thanks Abbie and Mom and Dad for the invitation!

I am so excited!

Yesterday morning Bradley came and got me out of bed and wanted to know if they do this every year. I had no idea what he was talking about, He said give us a new garbage can. I was so confused so I went outside to look. This is what I found.


This is our new recycleables garbage can. I am so excited to be able to recycle right at my own house. We have been recycling at work for a while now and when I found out that Bountiful city was going to start a recycling program I couldn't wait. I thought that we wouldnt get it until January so it was a bit of a suprise to find it outside already. Pick up only comes every other week and I am sure with all the paper we go through at this house that it will be overflowing. I am also excited to get to teach Bradley and Katie what can be reused and what cant. Now I can feel as if I am doing my little part to help mother nature.

What a week

It was a crazy week at our house with a lot of big changes. Kaylan went back to work for his old boss on Monday. He will still help with the company but more as a side job. The day after the election one of the biggest contractors that they do work for put a hold on every job they are doing and laid off 30% of its own employees. The other stuff that they had lined up is all on hold because of the money being tied up by the banks, Kind of forcing us to look elsewhere. His old boss welcomed him back with open arms and even told him that he wanted to jump for joy but wouldn't because he knew that Kaylan really wanted to do his own thing. It was a big relief to know that he had a job somehere.

Bradley had SEP conferences and for the first time we were told that he is on track. YEAAA! It was the also the first conference where his behavior was not the main focus either so that was a big relief. He use to be the class clown and always disturbing the class.

Bradley also decided to get baptized. He decided that Brent would baptize him. This was seriously his own decision and for that I am very proud of him. He will be baptized on Dec 6th with his good friend Dallin that lives next door to my parents.

Here are just a couple of fun pictures of the kids playing in the leaves last saturday at Grandmas house. They were very excited because we have no trees with leaves.

Halloween Fun

Bradley and Katie had a great halloween. First they were invited to the party at daycare, since it is the day that we usually stay home. They trick or treated to the kitchen, reading room, office and all the other classrooms. they had a blast seeing all their friends from daycare in their costumes. These are a couple of Katies favorite teachers.


Katie and Miss Tamera



Katie and Miss Meagan

That night we went trick or treating in Grandmas neighborhood. Katie told grandma that she could be a princess with her. So of course Grandma found a costume for Princess Fiona( from shrek) and dressed as a princess with Katie. I dont ever remember my mom dressing up for halloween when I was a kid. People did not even recognize her. It was so funny.

The second we pulled up to my moms house Bradleys friend was at the door inviting Bradley to go trick or treating with him and his mom. Bradley left and for two hours they ran Dallins mom around the neighborhood. The only pictures I got of Bradley were when he got back to Grandmas and crashed on the couch. He told us he was so tired his legs couldn't move anymore. The next picture is Bradley sorting out all of the candy he got. I have never seen so much candy in one place. I never really cared about halloween so I never lasted trick or treating that long to get that much candy. Usually I can get some of the candy away and hide it. But Bradley has been carrying the darn pillowcase with all the candy in it where ever he goes. I've got to come up with a plan. After being still wound up at 10:00 we forced them to go to bed and are just waiting to see what happens today. Im sure bradley will eat to much and then end up throwing up.

Happy Birthday Bradley!

Today is Bradleys 8th birthday. It is pretty low key since yesterday we took him and his best friend Hunter to Boondocks. They had a blast riding the go-carts, playing miniature golf,going in the batting cages and playing the arcade games and who knows what else. I can not believe how much Bradley has changed in 8 years and how much he is still the same little Bradley. He still enjoys doing things with his hands, but it has just changed from playing with tools to building things with legos. The things he can build with legos is pretty amazing. He loves being outside doing anything. Riding his bike, his scooter or just playing with friends. All he wanted for his birthday was a longboard. I am officially now freaked out about having a couple broken bones. Thank goodness we don't live by any hills.

Happy Birthday Bradley! We are so proud of the person you are becoming.

Best Boss Ever

I just have to say that I have a truly fantastic boss. Every year he sends us on a retreat or little vacation somewhere. Last year we went on an overnight river rafting trip. This year he sent us to park city for the night. The day started at Aura Spa and Boutique in Park city. This wonderful spa is owned by Camie Findlay who was a most gracious host. It was such a relaxing afternoon enjoying a massage and wonderful facial( I had never had a facial before, truly wonderful). We then went to Butchers Chop House also on Historic Main Street. It was a fabulous steakhouse, where we enjoyed a wonderful 3 hour steak dinner laughing and chatting. I think that they were ready to throw us out and one couple asked to be moved. It was a good thing they weren't really that busy. Saturday we slept in( which is a rare event in my life) and then headed off to the outlet stores for some shopping. Dr smith even gave us all $50 for the shopping so I ended up with a pair of shoes and a couple of sweaters. I forgot my camera so the only picture of the weekend was the one taken by Allies phone of Halley by the HOT as she called it Ferrari. It was so much fun and so nice to be able to get away for even just one night.

Roller Skates

So last night she would not take the roller skates off so I guess it wasn't a waste of money. She wore them all over the house. I even got this great picture of her all dressed up giving her babies a ride on the roller skates. It was quite a site.

Happy Birthday Katie!!

Today was Katies 4th birthday. I cant believe she is already 4. We just had a little "party" as Katie calls it with just our family tonight. She wanted Pizza Hut(which is really Little Ceasars) for dinner. Then she opened her presents, she had been wanting roller skates so I found a nicer pair that you can adjust the size so they will last a little longer. Then when I was at the grocery store I found this little princess activity set with paint and crayons and scissors. I think it seriously cost $8 and what has she played with all night? The paint set. Im sure she will get excited about the rollerskates but it always seems the stupid cheap presents turn into their favorites.

A couple of weeks ago while the boys were hunting we took Katie and cousins to kangaroo Zoo to play for the day for hers and her cousin Andys birthday. They had a great time. The place is great because the have all these blow up toys for the kids to play on and a great sitting area for the parents to just relax and talk. It is really hard to relax and talk when you are following them around trying to get some good pictures. They had a really great time.

Another Haircut

So I chopped my hair again. I swear I said I would never have short hair but it has been fun to have a change and I love the way the girl that cuts my hair has done it. I pretty much tell her to do whatever she wants and with a whole lot of thinning it ends up looking ok. Katie thought that picture taking looked fun so I just stuck a couple pictures on here.

Saturday get together

Today we got together with all of Kays family at his brothers house. We played pool and darts, guitar hero and most of all ate until we were sick. Hunter and Eldon were the champions at pool followed closely by me and Kay. I even made a couple shots to contribute to the 2nd place finish.

Friday Fun

My friend Abbie teaches Head Start at Washington elementary School here in Bountiful, They were having a carnival tonight and she invited us to go and play. The kids had so much fun. We got there and they started running in all directions not knowing where to start first. We spent several hours there and Katie crashed as soon as we got home. We even ran into Bradleys friend Daxon and his little sisters. We haven't seen them in a long time.

Fashion Show

Grandma Julie took Katie winter clothes shopping today. The first thing she did when she got home was to try them on to see how pretty she looked. I think we should have tried on at the stores because she is at this awkward size in between toddlers and girls. We bought stuff out of both departments. She tried them all on and ended up in the pretty princess nightgown that she just had to have. She is such a girl. Thanks Grandma!!!

Kays Company

I thought everyone knew but for those who don't, Kay started his own company. Last year in February Kay quit his job and started his own company, Absolut Drywall( yes it is missing the e on the end, he thought it would set him apart a little but now he looks at it and thinks everyone thinks he doesn't know how to spell.) Little did we know that a couple months later the economy would crash and building permits would decline by 55%. It hasn't been an easy road, he has had to work tons of hours and spend the little savings we had to survive( and live off a credit card for a while). There has been several times that he has wanted to go back to work for someone else and leave the headache of owning your own business but with the freedom he has to work whatever hours he wants and being able to take off if he needs to I don't think he will ever go back. I guess I should never say never because who knows what the future will bring. He is very good at what he does and gets most of his work now through referrals. If you need any drywall services give him a call!

Not Much

We haven't been up to much this last week. The cabinets finally all got back on the wall. I can't wait for the red but I think it is going to have to wait until Kay gets back from hunting because he is way to busy with work right now. His company is going great and they have had so much work the last couple weeks that his dad came down to help. He has been staying with us for the last two weeks. Im not so sure I like this self employment thing, It is feast of famine. I think it is finally getting to the point were hopefully we arent worrying whats going to happen next. He is starting to get calls from people on a weekly basis instead of making 100 calls to find the next job. I think there will always be some uncertainty and that is a bit worrysome. I love my job, though it would be nice to be a bit closer to home. I HATE the commute home, we will see if legacy helps. The kids are great. Bradley seems to be adjusting to being back in school except for whining every night when it is time to do homework. Katie is excited because she got to move to the big kids class at daycare and that means she gets to go to preschool from 9-1 everyday and she loves learning. She has me help her write her name every night. Before I know it she will be in Kindergarten.

Almost...

We are getting soooooo close with the cabinets, There were three doors and one drawer that needed yet one more coat of paint. But I am loving the end result. The kitchen just looks so fresh and clean(even with all the pots in the sink). I bought all new hinges and handles and spent three hours yesterday putting them on. The only thing Kay has helped me with was putting the doors back on the wall. I am afraid I am not talented enough yet to actually hold the door where it needs to be and use the drill at the same time :)

Kitchen Update

As you can see we have made some progress. The cabinets on the walls are painted and dry so the stuff could at least go back in them. But where are the doors?

Oh yeah, they are still in the basement! It is nice that at least we could do it in the basement and not the garage now that it is cold and wet. Hopefully by Friday when I have the day off again they will be hanging back in place. They take twice as long as the cabinets on the wall because you can only paint them one side at a time. I dont think I will ever attempt this again in my life but we have learned alot about what not to do, and it was a quick change without a lot of money spent. The walls are going to have to wait a couple weeks. I will update when they are done. I have picked out the red, It is called real red and Kay even approved of it.

Grandpa Arlyns Birthday Party

This post has been long coming because Brent had the picture and finally emailed it to me. Grandpa Arlyns party was so enjoyable. He stayed awake and alert almost the whole time. He did fall asleep right as we were leaving. We enjoyed dinner prepared by Joyce and even enjoyed some good conversations with Grandpa(although at one point he did insist that Brent had chosen the right time to get married?) He looked better than he did in a long time and was even walking without the cane(he probably should have used it for safety sake). The best part was after dinner when he wanted to read Katie a story, he read her the entire Cinderella story only stuttering a couple of times. He started to cry in the middle of the story, I still dont know why but it was the sweetest thing I have ever seen.

What Was I Thinking?

I have been off all week because Dr Smith took a vacation. So on Tuesdsay night I decided that we were going to paint the kitchen and the cabinets. I wanted to do something fun and kay is too boring. I told him that it is not going to be like this forever but it would be fun for awhile. Finally it was decided that we would paint the cabinets white and the walls red. After three hours of taking the cabinet doors off of the wall and removing the 500 little screws that are in each one of them I already am thinking what did I start. My mom tried to warn me that I was crazy for attempting it but I did not listen. So I guess I get to go and sand all the cabinets and mask everything off before Kay gets home from work. Wish me luck.

Our Weekend

Friday Bradleys daycare had an art show and they displayed all the art projects that they had done over the summer at summer camp. We were glad that Grammy and Grandpa came with us to see all the stuff bradley has done. At daycare they have bible class so they also got up and sang some songs they had learned and recited some scripture verses they had memorized. Bradley was to shy to get up and sing so Katie took his place even though she is not even in his class, she loves the spotlight. Also on Friday my dad took Bradley on the front runner train downtown to Temple Square and to have lunch and get icecream. By the end of the day Bradley was exhausted.

Saturday we went to the zoo with all of Kays family. We had a great time and the kids loved getting together with their cousins. Katie and Bradley enjoyed the new carousel. We also had lunch and then went shoe shopping for back to school shoes. Thanks Grandma Mary and Grandpa John for such a fun day.