Hot Times

I am happy to report that we have heat. And the children are happy to not need their hats, coats, and gloves to be inside anymore.

And Katie? Well, she's just a good sport.

Baby, It's Cold in HERE!!!!

29/365 Baby, It's Cold in HERE!!!



So, the furnace is still out...and we woke up to a nicely chilled house.

The kids are walking around in their hats and coats...and we are anxiously awaiting the part that will put us back in heat. In the meanwhile, Josh is warming his coat in front of the space heater, so it will be nice and toasty when he has to go to school. That kid's a thinker!


And I just had to show off this sweet photo of Becky.



Doesn't she look so grown up? eek!

No Words Necessary

This little girl is so funny.



She came into the office today carrying a diaper, wipes, and a plastic grocery sack to put her stinky diaper in.

She still isn't talking much...but really, what words do you need with supplies like that?

In addition, she has taken to coming up and asking to say prayers. Man, it's cute. But, I have to admit that after the 15th prayer over the same meal...well...let's just say the prayers get a little shorter each time.

And, wouldn't you know it, but today our furnace went out!!!!

It's cold! (And of course, no one can come until tomorrow to look at it.)

Anyway, when Troy went down to check the furnace out, he found two spoons at the bottom of the air shaft from the kitchen. Apparently, Katie has found another hiding place (you know, other than the trash can).

If nothing else, she is keeping us on our toes!

Don't Need No Stinkin' Gym

So, normally, after the kids head out to school, Katie (and sometimes Becky) and I head to the gym.

Well, when school is cancelled, it just doesn't happen.

But today. I did not need the gym. Today, I had the total body workout that is know as snow shoveling.

28/365



And as much fun as snow is on the first day, it's a little less fun when it turns to ice on the second day.

While I was out this morning, I watched as my neighbor slid down the length of his driveway that had become a sheet of ice. It was terrifying and hysterical at the same time. (I know. I'm bad.)

So while I do not need the gym today, I do, however, need a massage!

Snow Much Fun!!!

Oh my word. We have been waiting for this day for two years! Holy cow. A snow day.



I wasn't much...but of course, it doesn't take much out here for EVERYTHING to completely shut down.

The kids were so excited to watch it snow, and they could not wait to get outside.

They had a lot of fun...and I did too. I really enjoy these snowy days where we don't have anywhere to go, and can just play all day.

Of course, reality is going to hit soon enough, since Troy is out of town and I did not shovel out a thing today. Our driveway is going to be one giant slab of ice come the morning. Oh well. At least we had fun today.

27/365






I think Josh looks a little tired here. LOL!

Woo hoo!!!!

It's snowing. yay!!!!! The kids are getting ready to head out into the snow, so hopefully I will have some fun photos in a little bit.

You know it takes a good hour to get everyone into their snow clothes so they can come running back inside after 10 minutes. big sigh. At least they love it.

Here's a few 365 photos.

24/365 Sacrilege



Well, I don't know if you knew, but I gave up caffeine in December. It actually hasn't been too bad, and I haven't had a ton of cravings. But I was not feeling well today, and more than anything, I just wanted really wanted a coke zero. oh, heavenly coke zero. So, I asked Troy to get me one, and he brought this home instead. ack. THIS is NOT the REAL THING!

25/365 ow!



This is my son. I have no doubt. I mean, I gave birth to him, so I KNOW he's my son. But he is my son in so many other ways. While he was playing outside today, his hat slid down over his eyes, and rather than fix it, he ran into a pole. ow. That's my boy.

26/365 A Storm Is Coming!



It's supposed to snow tomorrow, so everyone knows, you ALWAYS have to go to Wal-Mart the day before a storm to stock up on bread and milk. I think it might even be a law here. Luckily, we went early enough in the day that there was still some left. (Let me just add here, that I actually did need to go to Wal-Mart, it was just my poor timing that it happened at the same time as EVERYONE else needing to go to too!)

Ancient of Days

Why do we have to get old?

And really, why do we have to feel old?

EVERY, SINGLE time the kids hit a milestone, big or small, I start to feel, well, ANCIENT.

Mikayla attended her first youth fireside tonight, and since parents were invited, we went together.

It was a really great fireside, and I especially enjoyed the video taped presentation by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. His message was basically, be who you are and stand up for what you believe in, because it's better that you live your life for something that matters, than to waste it on something that doesn't.

And, even with the great message, periodically, I couldn't help but glance over at Mikayla and wonder where the years went!

They also a youth choir tonight that did a really lovely job. And again, as I looked upon these kids, I cannot help but think that they have some major trials ahead of them...that my own children will face these major trials, and I hope and pray that they are prepared.

Frankly, life is going to require these kids' "A" game, and for me, that means that I need to bring my "A" game in helping them to prepare for the future.

They truly are the youth of the noble birthright...but it doesn't seem like it takes much for them to get off the wrong track. I guess, for me, it was the realization that I CAN and SHOULD do more for my kids. We could be a lot better about prayers and scriptures, and family home evening. If they are going to have a firm foundation, it all starts at home.

In unrelated blogging news, I have felt like my 365 project is taking over my blog, so, while I am going to keep on posting, I am also going to work a little harder at remembering to tell the other stories too.

Because, believe me, there are other stories! lol!

Sweet!

Joe had Blue and Gold Banquet and the Pinewood Derby last night...it was a really nice event, and Joe's derby car turned out so nicely.

He poured over cars on the Internet, trying to decide what he wanted to do. And when he came across this "sweet" design, he couldn't resist.


He drew out the car, including the bite mark, and he and his dad cut it out.

Then Joe painted the car, and we found a real Hershey bar wrapper and glued it to the car.


Then, he and his dad attached the weights.


This was his second derby, and it was much more successful than last year...but, I just have to say, this is a tough group of boys...every one of their cars was phenomenal. We were just glad that Joe had such a good time and he even got a few first place finishes with his car!



And, finally a little 365 catch up.

21/365 Speed Scrap



So tonight was a speed scrap, and I have to say that I look forward to this all week. Once a week ScrapMatters, a scrap site I love, hosts a scrap night. It is online, and you get a new instruction every 10 minutes for an hour. At the end of the hour you post your layout online and everyone gets to see what you have done. It is so much fun. A little girl's night out, right in my own home.

22/365 The Dread Book Report



The kids really love school, and for the most part, they even enjoy all the projects and assignments that come with it. But the one assignment that I really dread is the book report. It is just a glorified art project, and one more thing that doesn't seem essential to learning. But, no matter how I feel about it, the kids all work really hard and always turn out something really great.

23/365 Brother Bear



In addition to the pinewood derby, Joe earned his bear badge tonight. He also earned three arrow points (that's 10 achievements per arrow point). Let me just tell you, that's a dang lot of work! I am proud of him and his success!

Joe-ism

Joe-ism:

Joe says to Troy, "Dad, looking, I am forcing."

"Forcing?"

"Yes, you know, using the force."

Um. Okay.

That boy cracks me up.

Ordinary Days

Well, it's catch up time for me again.

Why is it that I can't seem to get anything done with Troy and the kids around? Oh well. We're having fun, right?

17/365 Too big, too small



I have always wanted a dining room table, but it just hasn't been in the cards for us. But the time is finally at hand. We are going to buy our first dining room set. I am SUPER excited. Now, only if we could find one we like! Josh and Becky were troopers and went shopping with us. Too bad sitting in this ginormous chair was the most fun they had all day.

18/365 Too Tired



Poor Troy. He is always exhausted by the end of the week, and he has gotten to the point where he can fall asleep anywhere. Even with the kids running around like crazy, the TV on, and me snapping photos, he never did wake up. I think this is just one more sign that he is getting old.

19/365 What's one more?



So, the kids had sleepovers today. It's so funny. One person asks for one, and pretty soon I am inundated with requests for friends to come over and play and spend the night. At a certain point, does one more kid make any difference? No, not really.

20/365 Self Portrait



I know. You were beginning to wonder if I was going to be in any of these photos. When I was trying to figure out what today's photo might be, I was thinking of all the things I do, and really, one of my most enjoyable pastimes is scrapping. And, often, while I am scrapping, I end up on the phone with Erica. So, this is me scrapping, talking to Erica. I tried to get her to take a photo of herself so I would have a set. But, no such luck.

Hail to the Chief

I couldn't let the day pass and not say that today is an historic day in our country.

An important day.

I love that we live in a country where the transition of power is seemless. Where there are no riots, or power struggles, or violence.

We have made a choice as a nation, and even those who did not support that choice, support the idea that we live in a nation of laws, and it is up to each of us as citizens to support that choice.

There is much to be thankful for today. Not the least of which is that we do not have to go to D.C. today. phew.

If I Could Save Time in a Bottle?

It has been crazy busy here...and I have to say, I like things a little slower. But, I guess if I don't get to pick and choose, I may as well enjoy it while I can.

I did a little bit of babysitting this week. And, aside from naked babies and spilt milk, it wasn't all too bad. At least I got to be of service to someone.

Now, for a little photo catch up. Still doing great taking my photos every day, but posting...if only there were a few more hours in the day!

13/365 On The Road Again



As we have become more and more busy, and there are so many things that fill our day, my kids spend more and more time in the car. Where Mikayla used to hate to ride in car, because she really didn't do it very often, these younger kids have all spent a considerable amount of time strapped into car seats running errands with me. Sigh. I miss being at home more.

14/365 Young Women Spa Night



I was worried about being in Young Women's, since it is a calling I have never had before. And I am grateful that my primary responsibility is the lesson on Sunday. But I am really enjoying the activities, and I am really enjoying the girls. They are the best. I am so lucky.

15/365 Burn, Baby, Burn



We read Farenheit 451 for book group and it was so great to be able to reread this book that I really loved when I was young. I still really enjoyed the book, and while I still felt I gained new insight in this reading, I remember worlds opening as concepts were learned for the very FIRST time. I don't have that same wide-eyed wonder, but I remember it fondly.

16/365 Baby, It's Cold Outside



Holy crap it's cold! I know that my friends in Minnesota and New Hampshire would tell me I have nothing to complain about...but I don't live there!!! I live here. And it should not be NEGATIVE 5 degrees (with wind chill) here. It's just wrong.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

12/365 It Was Miss Scarlet in the Kitchen



I usually keep a pot holder on the hook under my sink. But when I went into the kitchen today, I found that someone had made off with my pot holder. Luckily, they left me a clue.

And, in case it wasn't clear who took the pot holder. Here we have the culprit fleeing the scene. She has obviously been taking lessons on posing for photos from Troy.

Be Still

I cannot believe how quickly this week went by. It has been non-stop.

But I have my last three photos of the week.

9/365 "Sick" Day



Joe got sick at school today. Poor guy. So, I went to get him and brought him home so he could lay down. Well, after a couple of hours rest, he wondered if it would be okay if he played video games, because it didn't require too much effort. LOL! Notice the blanket...his one concession to being "sick."

10/365 Fun and Games



We love getting together with our friends and playing games. Friday night we had the Taylors and the Kunz over and played Rock Band. Saturday night was the Hobbs and it was Dance Dance Revolution (that's DDR to you), and a rousing game of Puerto Rico. I don't what we would do without our friends. They are the best!

11/365 Sunday Dinner



We don't get to eat dinner together very often. Most nights Troy is still at work when we eat, so we really look forward to Sunday dinner. We are all together, we have a nice meal, and we get to visit with each other about our day and the week to come. And, it never hurts when dinner is a family favorite, like scones.

Sunday Musings

On a side note, today was church by the Beatty's. I spoke during sacrament meeting, Troy played the organ, then he went on teach primary music for the next two hours, and I taught third hour in Young Women's.

Ironically, my assigned topic was reverence, and it was an incredibly difficult topic to speak on. But it was a very rewarding course of study.

It really reminded me that I need to do I can to give my children opportunities to feel the spirit, so that they will learn to recognize when they are seeing the Lord's hand in their lives.

I think I would do well to provide a little more stillness, and a few more quiet moments, so that we all can learn to recognize the Holy Ghost. I know that as we have these quiet experiences, we will gain wisdom and understanding and be able to have these experiences even when it isn't so still.

Today was an especially spititual day for all us because we came to church fasting for our sweet nephew Lucas. He is one sick little boy, and we continue to pray for his speedy recovery.

Better Than I Was

8/365 Enrichment



I love enrichment. I always have. Ulitmately, no matter what the evening is like, I go because I love these women...and knowing them makes me better.

Got a Bucket?

7/365 Rain, Rain, Go Away



I hate rain. What more can I say? I love the sun, I love snow, I even love wind and cloudy days. But I hate the rain. I know we need it, and there are plenty of people who don't have it, but it just ruins my day. And when it rains for three days straight? grrr.

Good, Inside and Out

Now, I know you are asking youself, "Why does Denise have a photo of an egg carton on her blog? Has it come to this?"

No, this is NOT my photo of the day. But, this is not what it looks like either.

I know it looks like eggs, but in reality, it is a message from above (you can click on the photo to make it bigger).



I feel fortunate, knowing my eggs are not just good on the inside, but on the outside as well.

4/365 Back to the Grind



Well, today was our first full day back to the regular schedule. The kids were back at school (even Becky), Troy went back to work, and Katie and I went to the gym. Christmas break was wonderful, but I am so happy to get back to "real" life. I'll probably feel differently next week, but for now, I am enjoying the routine.

It's A GOOD Thing

So, I am doing okay taking the photos for Project 365, but finding the time to post them has been the problem. So, here's two.

4/365 9 a.m. church



Does this happy little face need any explanation? It was tough to get up early and get ready for 9 am church, but everyone was so happy to go, come home, and still have the entire day ahead of us. And having church come BEFORE nap time, rather than DURING nap time is a GOOD thing.

5/365 "Rest" Day Off



The one thing I really love about Troy's job is that he gets every other Monday off, as a "rest" day. But, rarely does he get to rest. He invariably has to check his e-mail, answer phones calls, and of course, travel. But, it's still really nice to have him home every now again.

Master and Slave

3/365 All Play, No Work



This Christmas break has been party city. We have all been living it up! And, all play, and no work means I get to be a slave to the laundry machine this coming week. Oh well, it was worth it!

Project 365

So, I am jumping on the Project 365 band wagon.

Basically, it's a photo-a-day, and a little journaling to document a year in the life. (It is NOT a giant, one layout a day scrapbook. I will be organizing my photos and journaling in a weekly format...and some of the photos could also be memorabilia...ticket stubs, receipts, etc.)

I am hoping to be able to keep this up, and I figure, if nothing else, it will be a regular reason to blog. In addition, I hope to work on my photography skills, and really capture something of the everyday of our lives.

I have been taking the photos (you know, both of them), but I haven't been able to post yet.

So, here are the first two days, and I will come back with Day 3 later.

1/365 Goodbye Christmas.



I love Christmas so much, and putting the decorations away is always bittersweet. Especially, this year, because I just didn't feel like it was long enough. But the years pass so quickly now, that Christmas will be here again before we know it.

2/365 Bowling, Beatty Style



We don't do nearly as many family outings as I would like. Life seems to keep us pretty busy. But when we do manage a day out, we always have a blast. Teaching the kids new things is Troy's forte, and I love watching everyone have such a good time.

[On a side note, Mikayla got three strikes and bowled a 125 - her best game ever!]

Party Like It's 1989

I have been trying to find a few mintues to blog and post some photos...but this Christmas vacation has been one non-stop party.

The kids have all had multiple sleepovers, a couple of parties, play dates, and LOTS of wii time.

We rang in the new year with a party at the Kunz house. It was TOTALLY fun, like, Oh, my, gosh.

Okay, if you couldn't tell, it was 80's themed.

Andrea and Rob got Rock Band for Christmas, so we had a battle of the bands, 80's style. Everyone dressed up and rocked out.

I went with the side pony tail, poofy skirt, leg warmer's, and a denim jacket with buttons on it.



Troy went 80's nerd, with pegged pants, tucked in shirt, and braided belt, looped over itself. (That's him and Leslie.)



Troy is convinced that Andrea has an inner rocker.



I think he's right.

Happy, Happy

Happy New Year to all of you.

May we all follow our bliss this coming year...wherever it may lead.