Merry Christmas!

We hope that each of you had a very Merry Christmas. We sure did. I didn't seem to get Christmas cards out this year, so here is the picture of our family I would have sent.

The kids had a great Christmas. They got new ski clothes, Guitar Hero for the Wii, movies and clothes that were surely needed. My brother and his family brought their Rock Band over and we spent the afternoon playing it. It was fun and those kids are really good. I can't seem to play that guitar worth a darn. I'll just keep to being a beginner. We had a really yummy dinner thanks to Mom and enjoyed all the family for the day!

We also received LOTS & LOTS of snow. My Aunt from Florida has surely had her fill of the snow. It actually rained Christmas afternoon but then turned into the biggest snow storm before my Sister and Brother left. As you can see in the picture this is how much snow we received last night. Brian had shoveled and scrapped off the snow from the railing Christmas morning and it is full again. I am sure the skiing is nice today and yes, we should be going but we're not. :(

Today we are going to make a snowman that Shaylee has been anxious to make. She has already made a cute little snow angel! The rest of the day I think we are going to lounge and enjoy some good movies.

Happy New Year to all and be safe!

It's snowing, and snowing, and snowing....and snowing!

Like I said in the previous post, it is snowing and has done so A LOT this past week. It is such a beautiful sight and "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas". I truly love this time of year. I just hate driving in it. I haven't had a crash yet this year...(knock on wood). Here is a video I took this morning. Enjoy the HUGE flakes. They are so pretty.

Floyd Family Christmas Party

My Cousin Jodie...one of my BEST FRIENDS!

My Cousin Machelle...Same age as me. I adore her friendship!

Last night was the annual Floyd Family Christmas Party. Not as many came and they were truly missed, but those that came had a good time. This year we had to find a gift that would fit into a 16 oz. jar. It was a more trying gift to find, but people came up with some great ideas. One of the gifts I was most impressed with was a survival kit with fire starters, whistle, poncho, matches and much more. Tony pulled it all out to see it and couldn't get it back in. :) Others were head lights, pocket knives, aprons, movie tickets, M&M's, flashlights, Christmas ornaments, and many more fun things. It's always a good time seeing my cousins that I don't get to see near enough.

Aunt Louise came out from Florida on Dec. 16th for a two week visit and to attend the party. It was nice having her there. Only two of my Mothers siblings didn't make it. Unfortunately, Aunt Louise wished it would snow while she was here and boy has it snowed. EVERY DAY! Well, I think it has quit two of the days so far but it is falling again today. On her second day here, Louise and Mom went to town and Louise slipped on the ice. She hurt her lower back really bad. She has spent time at the Chiropractor & Emergency room during her visit. We got a good deal on a walker at the D.I. for her and borrowed a wheelchair for the Christmas party. She hasn't had as good of a time as planned. It's still fun having her here to visit with. I haven't seen here in 9 years and she hasn't changed a bit. My Mother is glad she is here. They talk everyday on the phone for at least 1-3 hours so I am sure it is saving on the phone bill.

Sisters...true FRIENDS!

Beaver Mountain opened today. Since the kids and I are on Christmas vacation we are hitting the hills to ski/snowboard. Can't wait to do so tomorrow!

Colorado Trip

About a month ago the kids and I decided to go on a trip in the SEMI truck with Brian to Colorado. It was a LONG, BOUNCY trip, but we enjoyed it. The kids really enjoy going and seeing the new country. Kayson is keeping track of how many states he has traveled in. He added two more on this trip. It was fun seeing all the WIDE OPEN SPACE in good ole' Wyoming. (yawn) Here are a few pictures from that trip.

Christmas Dance Recitle...

Last night Shaylee had her Christmas dance recital. It was so cute! She is in the older group this year and did a fantastic job. She knew the dance and all the girls her age were so together. There were some funny incidents with the preschool classes. One little girl had her shorts to her costume fall right off during the dance (but a leotard was under them) and another had her tutu fall to her ankles. Oh those classes give us some laughs. Some of those cute girls just stand up there and make up new dances. Too funny!



















Shaylee and Makiah...friend from church.











































Shaylee and Brenne...(I work with her Grandma)

It was also my Mother's birthday yesterday. Shaylee gave her the gift of going to her dance recital as her present to her. After the scare this past year we are lucky to have her here to celebrate it. She better stick around to celebrate another 20+ years. Happy Birthday Mom!

I thought I was getting close to having Christmas done...it's sneaking up on me and I am realizing I AM NOT DONE! Yikes!

Santa Claus is coming to town...

Santa Claus came to visit the city of Providence today. My brothers kids were visiting for the weekend while they had other events going on and so they were able to go with Shay to visit the Jolly Old Man! They all were excited and enjoyed telling Santa the many things they wanted.

My daughter is funny. She asks for crazy things each year. Not things you would think a six year old would ask for. Last year it was an alarm clock. This year it is a remote controlled car...but not only a car, a remote controlled fire truck! Oh my, Santa better get working on that request. :)

We are excited for the Holidays. No, we still don't have the tree up, but hopefully tomorrow we will succeed at that. I did get many other things accomplished today though.

It was a Happy December 6th. Ten days to Aunt Louise's visit. Can't wait!

Well, off to complete my gift for my brothers family. I have their name this year and I have been working on something close to my heart for them. Hope they like it.

Aunt Ruth update...

Aunt Ruth came through the surgery fine. She is very disoriented, but is getting better. Thanks for the prayers.

Prayers Please!

Our Dear Aunt Ruth is going in for surgery tomorrow morning for a knee replacement. She is 85 years old (86 in January). We hope this helps her walk better but most of all we hope she makes it out of the surgery. She is such a fun lady and we love her so much!

For those of you who don't know, I have known her most of my life. She was my first grade teacher back when she had bright red hair and then I was lucky enough to marry into her family and I am proud to call her my Aunt. Please keep her in your prayers!

Proud of my Kayson!

Kayson absolutely love Scouts. The program has been great for him. He looks forward to every event they do...especially the camp outs. The boys in his group are so much fun and get along so well.

Last night Kayson earned his Tenderfoot badge. This is the first badge he has earned since he has been in the "Boy Scouts". He had to work really hard for this. He struggled doing the fitness but for 30 days straight got out there and ran, did push-ups, sit-ups and everything else he had to do. Thanks to his sister for doing it with him most days, which gave him the encouragement to do so. I am proud of you Kayson. He has some great leaders who have the passion for scouting. Thanks to them!

Field Trip...Stokes Nature Center

Today was Shaylee's first field trip and first time riding on a SCHOOL BUS! She was so excited. I took the day off and went along with the 24 cute little Kindergartner's. Stokes Nature Center is quite the fun little place to go. This was my first time there. They learned about animals and about their different kinds of habitat they live in. They learned about the weather. And they learned about the 5 senses and why animals need them like we need them. It was a really fun time. 1st Bus Ride with Buddy Becca!

Miss Melanie, Abby A., Shaylee & Becca....CUTE little animals!

Our New President!

Obama won the election for President of the USA. Do you think he might learn some respect for the USA by learning to put his hand over his heart when the AMERICAN FLAG is presented? The next 4 years will be interesting.

I VOTED! Election Day, Nov. 4th 2008

This morning at 7:00 a.m. I went and voted in the 2008 Presidential Election between John McCain (REP) and Barack Obama (DEM). I am glad this day is finally here. I am really tired of hearing about the election. I get tired of all the bad things that are said back and forth to each other. If they could only realize how it makes them look when they are so mean to each other. It makes me not want to vote for either. We have two people that are running for President that really need to grown up.

I am, however, SCARED. Scared of what this country is coming to. Scared of what my kids will have to go through as they grow up in this country. I just don't get why things can't stay simple. When I was a kid life seemed so simple. I am sad for the trying times we are all facing.

But, I am thankful for my job. The home I have to live in. For my health. For my family & friends. For the gospel and the Prophet who guides us and we should all hear and listen to what he has to say and BE PREPARED! It's going to get harder and we need to face that fact. My goal this next couple of months is to really get a food storage together. Mine has dwindled the past couple of years. I am working on that savings account and hoping it can continue to grown.

I am proud to be an American! I am proud and thankful to those who serve this country and dedicate their time away from their families to Serve and Fight for ME and all of US! Thank you!

So, if you haven't been out to vote today, do so. Your vote really does count and I am so glad I have the right to VOTE!

Kid's believe...so watch what you say!

Last night when we got home from Trick-or-Treating we were eating some dinner and Shaylee informed me that we can breath through our ears.

Me: who in the heck told you that?
Shay: Grandma
Me: what in the world is Grandma teaching you? (as Grandma was sitting on the couch)
Grandma: laughing....

My Mom and Shaylee were playing the game..."who can hold your breath the longest" and when Shaylee won my Mother told her that she was cheating by breathing through her ears.

Oh, what kids pick up and actually believe. We sure got a laugh out of it. What a sweetheart my Shay is!

Halloween Day 2008!

Besides having to work, Halloween Day was soooo...much fun! I am a person who really hates Halloween. Having kids I usually dress up just for them. This year I got some screaming deals at Macey's. I decided instead of being a Pumpkin or a Clown I would be a witch (per Shaylee's request). I found a wig for only $1.99 and a mask for Kayson for $1.99 and a witches hat for $.99. Shaylee had decided months ago she was going to be a cowgirl. (Which cost me nothing this year since we got it last year for her pre-school cowgirls day).

I got home just after 4:00pm, got dressed and off to the school carnival. I bought the kids tickets and then let them loose for an hour while I helped with the "Trick-or-Treat Alley". It was the longest hour I have ever had and HOT! When I finally caught up to them they were in the Cake Walk which I had to pull Shaylee away from. She had fun in that. I then took the kids around the neighborhood and what fun we had. It was such a beautiful night. 64 degrees. Nice for this time of year. The kids had a blast and so did I.

Jack-O-Lantern Fun!

Today is my nephew and my step-son's birthdays. Happy birthday Haiden and Jason. Hope it was a great one! Oh, and my good friend Liz...it's her birthday too. Happy B-Day Liz! I hope the guys spoiled you.

The kids were both out of school today. Kayson with teacher prep day and Shaylee has parent teacher conference this week so the Kindergarten classes were off today due to there only being 1/2 day of school for the other grades. So the kids got to stay home and bother each other all day. (they actually played pretty well today. Due to my threat when I left this morning) They played monopoly for a good part of the afternoon.

After weeks of asking, we finally carved the pumpkins tonight. Both K & S designed the face they wanted on their pumpkins. I drew it on the pumpkins and away they went cutting. Ok...so I had to help Shay a bit, but she did have fun digging all the guts out of it. They both said it felt gooey and fun to play with. Happy Haunting Everyone!

Twiners!

Who has the bigger smile? Note: the tattoo on the cheek of the pumpkin. Who is the culprit?

Kayson's is a scary face jack-o-lantern. Really it is! :)

Goblins, Ghosts and Guts....OH YEAH!

CAR SHOW!

I put on my first car show for the good ole' city of Providence this past weekend. It was a HUGE success and so much fun. What some fun cars people brought. 49 cars came. For our first year we were expecting maybe 20. The weather was about 70 degrees and yes, I got a sunburn in October in UTAH! Following the car show was the Annual Sauerkraut Dinner which was catered this year by Iron Gate Grill and it was delicious! The sauerkraut was so good. Not tangy like last years. It was a long day, but full of fun. So many of my Dad's good friends came through the show and it was fun seeing all of them. They all sure miss my Dad. He had some great friends.

1923 Ford C-Cab - Only 3 ever made!

1926 Dodge Coupe - Won the Providence Pride Award

1929 Chev Coupe - Never been restored. Someone found this car in a barn and gave it to this guy. He was able to get everything working even the wipers. He even has the original owners manual.

1966 Chev Corvette - This was one of my favorites!

1929 Dodge Victory Six - The owner of this car is such a sweet man. His cute little wife also had a car next to his. What a fun hobby to have as an old couple. He took this car totally apart. Painted every piece and clean every piece by his own hands.

Aren't these fun cars?

45 Odd Things....

My Sister-in-Law posted this and I thought it looked like fun. Yikes....here I go...

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Yes, first dressing I ever learned to like.
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? NO...Not only no, but *#&& NO!
3. Do you own a gun? Nope, but I know where one is if I need it. So don't go breaking into my house. Hee Hee.
4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty Coffee shop? If I could afford Starbucks...French Vanilla Cappuccino. I prefer tea.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Depends what I am going for. OBGYN, yes...usually nervous.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Add some sauerkraut, yummy!
7. Favorite Christmas song? I love them all! Came home the other day to Shaylee listening to it already. Love it! Never too early.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water
9. Can you do push ups? Funny you ask, I tried to show Kayson how it should be done the other day because he is working on fitness for scouts and he does them with his butt straight in the air. I thought I would die trying but I did TWO. Woo Hoo!
10. Favorite piece of jewelry? My "mothers ring" with my kids birthstones in it!
11. Favorite hobby? I love scrap booking...just wish I had more time.
12. Do you have A.D.H.D? Maybe sometimes, but no...none that I have ever been diagnosed with.
13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I care too much for people and with that I get my feelings hurt too often.
14. Middle name? Lea
15. Name 3 thoughts right now? Is the dryer done yet. Wish I could have slept just a bit more this morning. I really should be getting ready for work and not on the computer.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Water and Water.
17. The friend you had the longest? Dayna...ever since we were able to talk!
18. Current hate right now? I better keep this one to myself.
19. Favorite place to be? anywhere calm and peaceful. Is there such a place? j/k
20. How did you bring in the New Year? Asleep I believe.
21. Do you like to travel? Yeah, I do!
22. Name three people who will complete this? I don't know...anyone wanna play?
23. Do you own slippers? Yes, two pair. They are a must for the winters here.
24. What color shirt are you wearing? Tan.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Only if you want me to die of suffocation. YUCK!
26. Can you whistle? Yes.
27. Favorite color(s)? Red and black
28. Would you be a pirate? if Orlando Bloom could come along...
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower. I just talk to myself.
30. Favorite girl's name? Shaylee
31. Favorite boy's name? Kayson
32. What's in your pocket right now? no pockets, pj bottoms
33. What is the last thing that made you laugh? My kids.
34. Best bed sheets as a child? Sesame Street.
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Fractured hip. Still gives me trouble and it's been 4 1/2 years. 36. Do you love where you live? Yes. Utah is so beautiful with many fun things to do outdoors.
37. How many TV's do you have in your house? Five...two of them are my Mother's.
38. Who is your loudest friend? like I'm gonna say.
39. How many pets do you have? ZERO
40. Does someone have a crush on you? I hope so.
41. What is your favorite book? Just finished reading "Grace" by Richard Paul Evans. GREAT BOOK! I like anything he writes.
42. What is your favorite candy? Nibbs.
43. Favorite Sports Team? The Diamondbacks.
44. What were you doing before starting this survey? Putting clothes in the dryer.
45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Wish I could have slept longer. I woke up at 4:30am and couldn't go back to sleep.

Ward Sibling Date Night!

Every year Brian's siblings get together the weekend of their Mother's birthday. We all miss her so much. She was such a wonderful lady. I know that I loved her like a Mother. We had a wonderful time at dinner listening to everyone laugh and tell the old Paris stories. I don't know anyone they are ever talking about, but they make me laugh with all the crazy things they did. Everyone was there but the youngest, Dale and Edie. It is always so much fun getting together and seeing everyone. We wished Dale and Edie could have made it. They were missed. It only happens a couple of times a year so we enjoy when it does happen.

Haircut! Short Haircut!

Ok...so I decided I needed a change. I had my Sister-in-Law (who is the best stylist in town), cut Shaylee's hair this past August. I have loved her haircut so much. It is easy to take care of and it looked so cute on her so yesterday I had mine cut like hers. It is a nice change. I was needing a new look. It is always scary when you cut 3-4 inches off. My neck feels bare. I don't have to use so much shampoo. I am still not so sure I look that great with short hair, but I was sick of dealing with my longer hair. Why didn't I do this during the summer? Thanks Kristen, I love it!

NOTE: Shaylee was my photographer. She makes me laugh when she is taking my picture!

Do we look like twins? Shaylee calls me her twin now! :)

BUUUURRRR...

It is soooo...COLD! To be exact, it was 28 degrees this morning when I took Mr. K to school. This weekend was a cold weekend. We are suppose to get back into the 70's or maybe 65 degrees by this next weekend. In two weeks I have a car show to put on. Please pray for warm, clear weather!

Saturday I was able to get out and get all the chairs put away, a bush cut down and the tomato plants pulled. I even got my Mother's pantry cleaned out and more organized than it was. Yes, finally ready for fall. But as soon as the kids and I finished that it started to SNOW. Yes, it was Oct. 11th and snowing. It snowed and rained on and off that day. We were also able to get the camping trailer winterized and took it over to Bear Lake to store for the winter. Carol had just arrived at the Chevron and it was a mess. The kids that work there don't seem to know how to clean. I offered to stay and help even though I was in my sweat pants and hadn't done my hair. At least I put on some make-up before we left. We got the store in good shape and I got home about 11 pm that night. It was a COLD busy day, but I was glad to get a lot accomplished.

Sunday it snowed off and on again. After church Mr. K baked cookies and lunch so he could complete his lab points for his cooking class at school. The cookies were yummy and so was lunch. I believe he is finally finished, but now that he knows how to cook I will keep him interested. He seems to like it. He has perfected the "Turkey Melt" sandwich. (Thanks to Katie introducing him to it this past summer on our camping trip). That is now his favorite thing to eat.

So today is Columbus Day. Yes, this is a HOLIDAY for some of us. :) Hee Hee! I have it off but the kids have school. YEAH...some time to myself. Ok... only 2 1/2 hours while Shay is in school. But I will take advantage of it and get some things done inside the house. There was actually a skid of snow on the ground this morning. I am really not ready for the snow. I will be shopping later today for Mr. K some pants. I think it is finally cold enough to buy some for him.

I guess I better get doing something for the day.

Tagged by Mary!

Mary tagged me.....I'm supposed to list 6 quirks.

Here it goes:
1. I can't stand to see a zit and not pop it. Kayson is now being tortured at his age. I tell him to get use to it. He has many years left of it!

2. I bite my nails. When I sit and think hard about how really yucky it is, I usually stop.

3. When I am in the water in the middle of the lake (or deep water anyway) and think about the fish under me, I ball my toes up really tight. This goes back to when I was young and we were at Twin Lakes and my Dad and Sister were swimming out to a raft and my Dad didn't really want me to go with them so he told me when I was out that deep that the fish would think my toes were worms and nibble on them. Yes, I swam back as fast as I could. I still have that fear when in deep water!

4. When I am nervous I dig at my cuticles. Yes, I have ugly hands!

5. I CAN'T touch foam. The soft, cushy type that is usually in furniture. It suffocates me. I really do stop breathing. I am getting short of breath just thinking about it. When I was babysitting for my neighbor they use to use foam as pillows to lay on when on the floor. The kids knew this was a phobia of mine and would actually chase me around the house just to see my reaction. My Mom and Dad wrapped a piece up one year and put it in my stocking for Christmas. It's quite the joke. I can't even stand to sit in most Microfiber Chairs. Ok...take a breath!

6. I like to be wrapped up in a blanket when watching TV. Even if it is 100 degrees outside. It actually keeps me cool. So you will usually find me with a blanket year round.

I now tag Ady, Tresa, Sherine and my three Sister-in-laws and anyone else who wants to do it!!

Grandkids!

It really is great being a Grandma. It's like having two handfuls of kids that I never got to have. They are all such good kids and I have lots of fun with them. I am lucky to have such great step kids. They are great parents. I am so proud of them and the families they are raising. These are the pictures we took this weekend.