Chop Shop

After growing out my hair for over two years, I decided to chop it off. Here's the before and after:

When Hunter saw me he said, "Mom you look different." And I said, "Good different?" He said, "You look like you should be on a TV show." I'm taking that as a compliment.

Christmas and Birthday Update

Christmas was quiet, but really fun this year. Between being snowed in and the boys being sick, we were cozy at home for the whole week. For Christmas Eve, we made sour cream sugar cookies (so soft and yummy), did our dollar store christmas present exchange and a brief reinactment of the nativity scene. The boys were so hyper by then that it was hard for them not to be too silly. We had a late start on Christmas day because we were up all night with a sick Aiden. But the boys were very patient and thrilled with their gifts.
Juliet and Marty came over for dinner which, except for a few mishaps (I kept burning myself), turned out to be very fun and yummy.

Since we haven't been able to drive up our street for a couple of weeks, Matt's birthday was an at-home affair. I made him a Peanut-butter Chocolate cake. The boys made him cards and wrapped their toys up for him to open. Hopefully we can get him some real gifts now that we can finally get the car out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!

Click here to view and enlarge photos

Today is Matt's Birthday. I thought I would pick a few pictures from his 36th Year. Looking at the pictures has reminded me of how blessed we are to have him in our lives each and every moment. He is so involved with the kids, he is always playing with them. I'm so spoiled because he helps me so much. He puts the kids to bed and gets up with them in the night more than I do. His sense of humor makes us laugh all the time. Honey, you are simply amazing and we love you very much.

Merry Christmas

I've been in hibernation mode for a couple weeks now. Snow does that to me. Here's our Christmas card for this year:

We hope this finds you and yours happy and well.

Here is what has been going on with us this year:
Matt has transferred to a new position at the main Providence Office as an Insurance Specialist. It has been a welcome change as he is appreciated for his work ethic, working a regular day shift and has more advancement opportunities.

Kari is still working part-time from home and loving being a full-time mom. Nothing compares to being the resident dance partner when music is played, referee when the wrestling gets too rough, and audience member when bunk bed theater shows commence.

Hunter is doing very well in second grade. He loves to draw and create art pieces of his latest obsession (currently Pokemon).

Devan started in a preschool co-op this year. He has developed a great love for singing songs, especially the “Wiseman built his house upon the ‘wok’ ”.

Aiden is walking, talking, and very busy. He started the year with a solid food aversion, but has switched tracks and some days he eats more than his two brothers combined.

NOT on my Christmas List

Please do not give me one of these this year:
Every time I see the commercial for Snuggies I laugh so hard. It really seems like one of those fake commercials from SNL.

My favorite part is the family at the football game. Really, anyone wearing these in public is going to be severely mocked.

Someone made a funny spoof on the commercial:

"Come What May and Love it!"

I have just heard the news of Elder Wirthlin's passing. How wonderful that he has been reunited with his wife. I have been so grateful for his talk in the last General Conference, "Come What May and Love It". It was so very encouraging to me. Here's a small quote:

"How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. I don’t think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."

Thank you so much Elder Wirthlin for your counsel, your life and your service to all of us.