Lauren's Amazing Day

Lauren and I went to Walmart and then stopped at Ella's house! Well, Julz made Lauren's day when she said.... "Why don't you have Lauren stay for the day!" Lauren was THRILLED! During the day Julz emailed me the picture of them in bath and said... "They have been in there for over 2 hours!" They played all day and then Lauren even got to go their ward's babysitting night. Lauren had the best day! I was so happy to see her the next morning to hear all about her day. (Brian picked her up and brought her home at 9:45pm and she was asleep). She could not stop talking about her most AMAZING day!

Christmas Dance Recital

Lauren had her Christmas Dance Recital and she did WONDERFUL! She looked beautiful and had a great time. It was so fun for her to have Kate in her class. She has loved taking tap and ballet this year from Ms. Liz.

Dear Santa...

The kids had a great time at our ward Christmas party. Santa paid a visit and all the kids were excited to tell him what they wanted. Well, Chase just goes along with the magic of Christmas, Hayden is afraid to not believe and tell Santa what she wants, Blake believes but also does not believe (a little confusing), and Lauren just does not like Santa and still does not care if HE brings her a gift or not.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! There is so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for an amazing family that I love more than anything. Chase, Hayden, Blake and Lauren you are loved more than I could ever express. I love that I get to be your mom and that we get to do so many fun things together. I am thankful for a husband who loves me and loves our children. I am thankful I have a supportive, fun family that makes life so enjoyable. I am thankful for my testimony and my calling and my health. I am grateful for great friends that make going out so much fun. I am thankful that I am not on a reality TV show or on the nightly news. I am thankful for all my pajamas and yoga pants (that have never had yoga done in them) and I am SO grateful for Circle K, diet coke with vanilla, straws, crushed ice and styrofoam cups. So much to be thankful for!

We started out our day going to Brian's brother's house. Bob and Carol were great host/hostesses. They are so kind to our kids and made us all feel so welcome. It was great to see Brian's brothers because it had been a long time. After that we went to my parents for a Thanksgiving feast. We had both sides of the family there... some from my mom's and some from my dad's. All my siblings and their families were there too. It was a fun day and the kids had a great time... especially playing outside with all their cousins. I love Thanksgiving day and I truly have so much to be thankful for.

Hayden's Music Concert

Hayden had her 3rd grade music concert and was so excited to perform. She did a great job and we are very proud of her. They sang songs, played instruments and danced. It was so cute to watch her enjoy performing.

Sam's Mission Call

Sam opened his mission call on Nov.12, 2011. There were so many friends and family that came to watch. When we got to my parents house there was a poster board where everyone could write down their guesses for where we thought he was going. All day I had thought of a certain place in my mind of where I wanted him to go and I told Brian about it. I thought it would be fun to go with my parents to this place in 2 years to pick him up. So, on the poster board I put down my 2 guesses. I went to sit down and I sat by Billy and Lindsay. I told them that I wanted Sam to go to this place and that it would be so fun to go with my parents to pick him up in 2 years. Just a few minutes after that he opened his call...... Sam Heywood you will be serving in the New York, New York Mission- Spanish speaking.

Now, for the rest of the story! You guessed it.... I guessed right and it was where I had told multiple people I wanted him to go (and it is written on the poster board). We are so excited for Sam. My 3 youngest brothers will all speak Spanish now. So fun!

After that we thought it would be fun to celebrate at... Native New Yorker! Good luck and congrats Sam... we are so proud of you and your amazing example.

Happy 1st Birthday Brinlee!

She is so adorable and sweet and snuggly and beautiful and she is ALREADY ONE! What? Where does the time go? I can't believe that Brinlee Mae is 1! She is so darling and we were so lucky to go to her birthday party at the park. Happy Birthday!