I'm in my Element...

Check out the new car! This is my Valentine's gift from Andrew that I will be paying for. Isn't that sweet? Josh has a new job working for Jerry Seiner as a lot tech. Basically a car wash tech. But his new hours clash with mine and so the only alternative to getting Josh to work was letting him take over the payments on the Civic. So the other day, we were at Costco, and out in the patio area they had a green Element. I happen to say, "Now that's a nice car and I love the color!", and Andrew went on one of his internet research binge. The next thing I know, we have an appointment at the Honda dealership here in Bountiful. Of course, you know, every car we've test driven, we have purchased...our downfall in a couple of cases. So here we are, a three car family...I'm broke and old. I will have no free spending money for the next year. So please call me and make an appointment to get your hair done so I can go to the quilt store and feed my "material" addiction...

Sit Down, Relax, FONDUE!!

Treat Time!! Andrew received a fondue set for Christmas and we thought it was time to try it out. Mmmm.... Yummy! Pineapple, oranges, apples, bananas, cinnamon bears, gummy bears, marshmallows, and raspberry tarts. Now I need to go walk on the treadmill!! We want to try it again when strawberries are in season. And we'll also get some of the cream puffs from Costco! Makes me hungry for more. Jealous?

Emma Turns 4

Emma's birthday was January 30th and she never stopped letting me forget. Everyday she would remind me of her list of friends she wanted to invite and the games and movies she wanted to play. So last Saturday we had the infamous party. If you weren't invited, you just aren't cool enough...sorry.

Of course there were balloons, streamers, cupcakes and games. But the kids were more interested in playing with Emma's toys and in her room. The more we tried to structure the party, the more bored they looked! I had great games...pin the tail on the donkey, bingo, making bracelets, follow the leader...didn't matter. Play, play, play. That's fine. The kids had a great time. And they were sent home with some great swag (gift bags with candy and toys from All-a-Dollar). All in all, a good party. Emma wants another party. At least I don't have to do this again for another year...or 2 more weeks for Tim's birthday!

Family Update

Just thought I'd update and let you know what's new so far this New Year.

Emma started primary last week and loves her new teacher. She's planning her birthday party daily and the invite list is up to about 15 kids plus her aunt Angie.

Maren was hit by a toy in the mouth (thank you Emma) and is probably going to have a small scar above her left lip.

Tim...got a haircut...and that's about it.

Josh blessed the sacrement today with his dad for the first time. His voice was a little shaky from nerves but did just great! And he got to drive a Hummer on Saturday!! He's very happy.

Andrew has recovered from being sick and losing his voice.

Elena went to book club and voted on new books for the upcoming year. (List to be delivered soon...) First book for February is the Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri.

Slow couple of weeks. So I found a couple of funny pics. One is from 1992 and one is from 2007. Can you tell which is which?

It's nippy outside! --get it?

Last week I went into the family room and saw seven deer outside in the backyard. So I ran to get my camera and noticed my cat was out there, too. One deer had her eye on the cat...and it got closer and closer...the cat stood his ground until the deer nipped at his rear and then took off up the hill. THE DEER CHASED HIM UP THE HILL!! It was the funniest thing I've seen all day! Usually the deer just eat my plants and stand there. So to see one chasing a cat was really something.

Crowded with Cousins!

Last Saturday, we were happy to host the Lawrence Cousins at our home. Andrew decided enough time had gone by without us seeing each other. We had a pot luck dinner and it was wonderful. And I can't believe all the effort from Millysa and the rainbow jello! Good conversation and the kids really love one another! Of course, the older teens kinda bonded in the movie room...by not talking to anyone!! Oh well. Hopefully the first annual Cousin Party!! Thanks to all who came!

Brian and Stacie and kids

Dustin and Tacie and kids

Matt and Millysa

Jenny, Kristen

Austin and Becca and kids

Angie, Ashley

Alden and Emily

Ryan and Natalie

Our recent exploration...Operation Hilton Head

Hilton Head, South Carolina. Didn't wanna leave. We saw moss covered trees, Savannah, Georgia, yachts, a lighthouse, campfire singing, trick-or-treating ala Disney, bike rides and beaches. What more could you ask for in a vacation?