wrapping things up in a tired sort of way

This was our last Christmas in St. George. It was fun while it lasted but hopefully we will be able to stay home next year. Today was a pj day where we did nothing - sorely needed! So here are a few tidbits from the holidays:
All of the Cub Scout leaders (and Lily), making cookie jars for the parents. I admire and appreciate these women so much.
The boys at the Christmas Village. A few weeks later we went to Jaden's Eagle ceremony, where the Ogden Nature Center brought a live bald eagle - pretty nifty! Any parent who doesn't take advantage of the Scouting program is crazy.
Bob the Builder Snowman, although Lily didn't like his name. Jackson was totally obsessed and was always running around back or looking out his window at it. He was especially concerned when it started melting the next day and fell over.
Jack will no longer wear his boots or gloves and Lily won't try out her snowsuit so time outside has been limited as it has been between 10 and 20 degrees for so long. Adam took Lily out sledding (Jack and I stayed in the car b/c he was sleeping and I was reading) and it was so cute.
Lily had her Joyschool Christmas Party, where she was a shepherd who wouldn't wear her costume and went around sucking on her fingers. She is so funny when she knows people are watching her perform.
Joseph, Lily, Jensyn and Brayden (then Dallin) in their adorable aprons that Delena, Amy and Jenni made for them. I signed up to be a rotating teacher, and am pretty nervous but Lily is super excited so hopefully she won't turn on me when it actually happens.

What a wonderful Christmas season, when we got to see so much family and so many friends in St. George. Santa did a wonderful job and the kids were so happy. We have been so blessed this year and are so excited to see what 2011 will bring.

a little lift

We just found out that Adam passed the Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section of the CPA! On the first try! That means he is 25% done and only has 3 more to pass; also that the clock has started to tick on the 18 month time frame to pass them all. I'm sure most of you have heard from me what a strain it has been to have him studying so much so this was such good news. :D

what i'm thankful for

my beautiful children

that Lily turned 4, enjoyed her party, has good friends, and is delightful 95% of the time.
that Jackson is doing well with his speech therapy and although the 'terrible twos' show up occasionally, i'm pretty much still wrapped around his little finger.
siblings that feel comfortable taking pictures of me eating while commenting I will want to have documentation of how much I ate for junior's first trimester (nope! not pregnant), chubby nephews, two brand new nieces.
Adam's idea for family night to go downtown to the Christmas Village. The kids were so excited to see all of the little houses decorated and the lights.
this big helper.
naps that are few and far between. also tools, except when used to make dents in the wall.new chairs for the kitchen.
also re: thanksgiving. i am thankful for
being invited to the delicious homemade dinner by jesse and mindy
mindy being pregnant. more children should definitely go to moms like her
my kids (and nephew cole) were so wonderful on the 9 hr car ride from st. george to springville/ogden
not sliding off the road, not getting in an accident
dare i admit? - plastic cheese whiz that kept people happy (and me and cole busy making cheese sandwhiches) for about 45 minutes