I can't believe it has been a month since I have even posted anything.   We survived the holidays and are back into our routine.  Christmas was great.  We really scaled down Christmas, I even decided to not give the kids some gifts on Christmas Eve and they were still so happy with all that they did receive!

I tell Shawn constantly that we should move out of state again (only warm coastal locations), especially this time of year because I suffer from S.A.D.  Seasonal Affective (?) Disorder.  We are currently under a blanket of fog/smog/haze and I can't stand it!  The kids seem to be surviving but have found creative outlets for fun.  The other day and today I was doing something and heard Sophie and her friend laughing and having a great time.  I found them in the office on my computer.  They have discovered photo booth (Sophie and I sometimes play with it and she can't get enough!) and were taking some rather hilarious pictures.  Unfortunately, the window was in the background so some of them are bad but enjoy them anyway!

Elf Yourself!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Snow Days!

What are snow days for??  Playing and tearing up the house.  Some of Sophie's friends came over to play and wanted to dance to Christmas music and wear twirly skirts (of course, not Jackson!).  Here are some photos of some very silly kids!

Plugs for friends and Family!

I haven't written in over a month.  I have been busy with the holiday hustle and bustle.  I just wanted to put a plug in for my friend Jamie's cute website.  She does Christmas cards (maybe next year) and announcements, DVDS, websites, etc.  Check her out: www.myprincesspie.com or myprincesspie.blogspot.com

My brother has also  started a website for all you bicycle enthusiasts so check that out too.  Some really cool apparel.  You can find it at www.singlespeedrevolution.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a great Thanksgiving week.  The Sunday before Thanksgiving my family came over to our house for a pre-Thanksgiving meal.  The food was great and we had a great time crammed around our kitchen table.  The cousins had a blast running all around  the house with each other. The only one not happy was Lucky (our dog)  he got to stay in the basement penned up so no one would be bothered by him.  I am sure he was thankful to get out at the end of the evening to clean up the scraps.  Thursday we went to Shawn's parents where all the family was there.  The food was great and the kids had a blast.  Grandma and Grandpa had them sleep over so we came home to quiet and peace and Lucky.  I got up (for the first time in my life) and joined the rest of the world of Black Friday Shoppers!  We met at 4 AM and headed to Walmart to claim our items. It was insane!  I can't believe the frenzy and the craziness when it was  5 AM.  We next headed to Target which had a line wrapping all around to the back.  We got in and were able to get everything we needed.  We hit several stores and McDonald's for breakfast and then to the mall.  I finally got home around 11:30 AM.  I had so much fun.  We were laughing at ourselves trying to figure out how to fit all of our purchases and our bodies in Stacey's car.   I had so much fun and the deals!  I am planning for next year already and saving my money!  Thanks Stacey for inviting me to join the party!

I had better let you all know what I am thankful for.  I could not let this great holiday get swallowed up in the food and the shopping.   I know it sounds so cliche to say that I am thankful for Shawn and the kids but it is sooo true.  I am so glad to have Shawn in my life to put up with my crazies and be my friend and think I am hot with braces on my face, a little 'junk in my trunk'  -so thanks!

I love Connor who is so sweet and obedient and helpful.  He so often gets pushed to the side because of the needs and attention his brother and sister have.  He is so creative with his legos and hot wheels. There is nothing he can't build with that stuff.  

Jake-is my trial and my joy.  He is the giver of great hugs and kisses.  He loves to be silly and make you laugh.  He is passionate!

Sophie-what a cheeseball!  She knows that she has us wrapped around her fingers.  She is our princess.  Life without each of these kids would be very lonely!

I love you all!

St. George

Shawn, finally enjoying some leisure time.  He has a book in his hand but he may be sleeping!
Connor has become such a fish.  He loves the water and is a great swimmer.
Jake, all personality, what a cheeser!
As always, here is miss attitude!

Here are some more photos of our trip.  I can't move on from our trip because I am so cold and these pictures are what we have left of the not so distant warmer days!  These photos were taken an hour before we had to leave for home and the cold weather.  Brrrr

More Disneyland

   Here are Jake, Connor and Sophie in Mickey's house.
Mickey stopped to pose with us before retiring for the night!
Sophie in Minnie Mouse's chair.
I get Shawn and Sophie to pose in Minnie's kitchen and wouldn't you know it Jake decides to walk right into the picture.  He does have a cute head.

Here are some more photos of my cute kids in Disneyland.