Garrett snowboarding

Christmas Checklist

Kids have started the 24 Day countdown..............................Check
Christmas tree up and trimmed..............................................Check
Stocking hung with care............................................................Check
Halls....Decked............................................................................Check
Christmas specials on TV taped..............................................Check
Gifts purchased, wrapped or stashed.....................................Check
Christmas Cards, addressed, stamped & out the door.........Check
Gingerbread house decorated & half eaten............................Check
Bedtime Christmas stories have begun..................................Check
Kid's parties, programs and recitals scheduled......................Check
Trip to the temple lights....scheduled......................................Check
Long list of things for the kids to do for 2 weeks at home...Ekks

What's around the next bend?

I often wonder it that is the question running through Keith's head.

Don't take me wrong. Keith's HAPPY!

But as I think about the man I married 8 years ago, a very level-headed, calm, thoughtful, spiritual man, who planned out every event in his life with care and wisdom. I wonder....if now days he is asking himself, what's around the next bend?

I didn't realize when I married him how useful all those traits that Keith posses would be for me and our family in the coming years. But as I reflect on the past five or six years in particular, I'm so grateful that he is the man sitting next to me on this wild journey of building a family life.

Our life together as a couple and a developing family has been like a fast moving train winding up a mountain side. Like the one on the Polar Express. I guess that makes me one of the crazy engineers up front and Keith the calm, fun, wise conductor. Anyways, there have been times to relax, take in the view, sip hot cocoa, and sing songs. But just as we get settled in, the crazy fun begins, the train starts to wind and move faster, not knowing what's around the next bend. Fortunately for us, all good things have been waiting for us with each turn and the kids seem to be enjoying the ride.

How grateful I am to have Keith sitting beside me on this journey of life. He's calm, reassuring ways, keeps me going when things get busy around here. I know that I can trust his advice in every situation, and his support in never-ending. He takes everything in stride and can see the good in it, when I can't. I am so grateful that I can have someone good and worthy to trust and follow through life. He is the leader in our home that I can BELIEVE in.

Happy Anniversary, Keith!

Happy Day for Taryn

Taryn has been so excited to turn 3. Probable because we have all convinced her that when you turn 3 your a "Big Girl" All of a sudden, she wants to be a big girl. I can't complain with a new baby coming.
Taryn is our prissy girl. She loves dress up, and pretty dresses. In fact, it's hard to get her to wear pants unless they are pink, purple or girly fashionable to her liking. She was so excited to get a new pink dress. It has now become known at the "Birthday Dress"

Because I had just had a baby, Taryn didn't get a birthday party last year, so we decided to join her 3rd Birthday with a BYU football party and kill two birds with one stone. (Pardon the expression.) Taryn was so excited to have friends come over a play, especially her best buddy Dalin Walker. She'd like to name our new baby boy after Dalin. She was really excited about the castle cake with candles. We made it EXTRA pink for Taryn this time. I also lost feeling in my three finger for a few days, from decorating the monstrosity. I have no circulation due to the pregnancy.
I believe Taryn had a happy day. We love our Tary-taryz! She is a happy, outgoing, clever little girl. I can't believe she's been with us for three years. I can't wait to see this one at a 10 year old. She's spicy and full of fun!
Happy day Taryn! We love you!

Skittles

Skittles the class pet came to our house for the week.
We took Skittles to dance class, then came home to teach him a few moves.

We decided to make Halloween cookies with Skittles. Kendall offered to eat Skittle cookie for him. Taryn just likes the sprinkles.

We also put together puzzles with Skittles.
Taryn noted out, "Skittles isn't helping!"
Skittles the Slacker isn't carrying his weight with the puzzles.

Everyone is going their separate ways.

Kendall's first back to preschool at Grace Methodist Children's Learning Center. This year Kendall has Ms. Marie Anne and Ms. Carie. Two great teachers. I am really going to miss Kendall every morning, but I'm sure I'll need the break when the new baby comes.

This is my favorite pictures.
Sister gotta hug!
I'm going to miss Kendall, but Taryn is going to REALLY miss Taryn. They have turned into such great friends and playmates. Hopefully Alina and Taryn can start to play together.

My sweet Taryn is so excited to started dance class. The part that she is most excited about is the tutu's and slippers. She been trying they on for a week to prepare for dance class.

Eat her up!

1st Grade

The Bus Stop Gang!
So three of these kids are 3rd graders, one of these kids are 1st graders, and two of these kids are Kindergartners. Which one towers over the rest? Garrett!
I hate the first day when they hop on the bus. I worry, yet look how happy he looks.

Pretty soon Garrett is going to have to take a knew for pictures with the sisters.

My handsome Big Guy!