"2009"

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a fabulous "2009"!

New Year's Resolutions and thoughts

to come. Start thinking on your

resolutions and goals for the

new year.

I am anxious to meet as a family and

discuss our family and individual goals/resolutions

for the new year. I love goal setting.

So, put on your thinking caps and think hard.

What do you want to achieve in "2009"?

Perhaps its personal, physical, spiritual, financial,

a new hobby or nurturing a talent.

Remember, "If you dream it, you can achieve it".

Trying something New!

Scott had a Tee Time with a friend, so I decided to take the kids to try a new activity. Now keep in mind that my kids do not like to try new things. Especially when they will not be perfect at them. I told them they were going and they went all be it "kicking and screaming."

I have great memories as a kid of Ice skating at Utah Lake. So much fun! Now that was outdoors and we were going to an indoors rink. My kids thought I was crazy for bringing an extra layer and gloves. Little did they know what was awaiting us at...

You can tell by the nervous and anxious faces. They were not sure about this new adventure. And Holy Cow, how do you get these skates on. So perplexing to these "city kids."



After a few times around the rink, everyone started moving away from the wall. Jensen had great balance from the get go. Mackenzie was a little nervous, due to a previous tail bone injury and was not wanting to fall on it again. Alec was all boy and once he got the feel of it, he was ready to go. So watch out! He does have a new habit of skating with only the left foot gliding and pushing him. Kind of like riding a scooter.



Oops! Looks like someone had an accident. Being perfectionists, we don't like being in this position. A little hard on the ego. She was not the only one in this position. I believe Alec went down 5 times. Not bad for a 1st timer! Although he is not as graceful and will take down anyone by him.

The kids did find out that even though it is indoors, it is chilly. After the Zamboni goes across the ice it is like glass and it becomes very cold inside. Brings back great memories. I am so proud of the kids for trying this and being good sports. Now if we could get their dad to join us. I am still going to try for snow skiing. Maybe some day I will get us on the slopes shushing down. Until then, I will keep dreaming.

Christmas 2008

Christmas Memories

New Church clothes for Christmas

It has always been a tradition to get new church clothes for Christmas. Here are the kids looking so thrilled to pose for yet another photo in front of the tree. They do look rather smashing

Christmas Eve Festivities

Christmas Eve game with friends

Every Christmas Eve we have a group over for Feliz Navidad. Pretty much it is Mexican food, games and a program on the Savior. This year we had some of the Smith clan and then Scott's cousin and his family. Alec was so excited to have lots of boys over.

We dined on fabulous Mexican, thanks to everyone for contributing. It was so yummy!! Mackenzie and Jensen did a great job with the program. Way to go girls!! It was a lovely evening.

Christmas PJ's

Another tradition is to open new PJ's on Christmas Eve. Are you ever to old for new, snugly PJ's? I don't think so.

We had a very relaxing and calm Christmas. Everyone loved their gifts and we had a great day bonding as a family.

Happy Birthday Scott

I am a little late in posting my husband's birthday entry. He had a birthday one week ago and now I am getting to his post. Every year I feel so lucky that we have had another year together. Even though we get older, our love gets stronger and I feel blessed to have this special man.

Happy Birthday Scott!!

1. Selfless (puts everyone else first)
2. Giving
3. Understanding
4. Problem Solver ( I have had a few problems lately)
5. Easy-going
6. Great Father
7. Peacemaker
8. Faithful
9. My Best Friend
10. Hard Working
11. Ambitious
12. Ideas (Scott can always come with some good ideas for whatever I need)
13. Generous
14. Great sense of humor
15. Loyal

Happy Birthday Scott! I love you and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays!

Family

Watching Jensen dance with my parents

We had a great time 2 weeks ago when my parents came to town. They usually come after Christmas. This year they came early and we went to see Jensen dance. I am proud of my dad. He survived the ballet (not his favorite thing).

I will miss having them here after Christmas. They always come and stay until the new year. It will be weird not having them here.

It was a relaxing visit with them. We did a little shopping, eating at all the favorite spots. My dad LOVES Oregano's! We did not do any projects this visit. The kids had fun doing an early Christmas with my parents. Who doesn't like getting early Christmas gifts?

Traditions

I love this time of year. Traditions play a big part in our house. Some are from my childhood and some are my husbands and others we have created. Here are a few:

• Driving around and looking at lights.
• Hot Cocoa from QT. YUM!!
• Christmas music; in the car, at home or on the piano. Alec loves playing Christmas songs that he can sing to.
• Writing Santa letters. Alec has mailed his off and this year his main question is...Does Santa really have a BIG snow globe that he can see everyone in (like the one in "Fred Claus"?) He can't wait to get a letter back in the mail.
• Looking at ALL the toy catalogs that come in the mail.
• Watching Jensen dance in the Nutcracker.
• Watching Christmas movies..Elf, Christmas Vacation, Fred Claus, Santa Claus. You get the picture.
• Christmas Countdowns. Alec loves to do the countdowns each morning.
• Baking treats for neighbors and friends.
• Temple Lights
• Christmas Caroling with the youth. This is such a great activity!
• Acts of service to those in need. So great to give at this time of year.
• Baking treats, goodies, etc...
• Smith Family Christmas Eve at our house

WOW!! What a fun time of year. Lots of bonding as a family. As the kids get older our traditions change somewhat, but I always look for to November and December. Now if Arizona could only get snow for Christmas!